Laser-supported partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
The extirpation of peripherally seated renal tumors by partial nephrectomy is an established method. To decrease the disadvantages of vascular hilar clamping, we proved the use of a laser for partial nephrectomy. To date, this laser application has only been described in the animal model.


METHODS
With an exophytic position of the renal tumor, we successfully performed nephron-sparing surgery without clamping of the renal vessels in 5 patients.


RESULTS
Regular ultrasound monitoring showed no evidence of postoperative hemorrhage. The serum creatinine, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were nearly unaltered before and after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our study have shown that laser-supported partial nephrectomy without clamping of the renal vessels, particular in carefully selected patients, is a safe alternative to classic partial nephrectomy.
Gruschwitz
Torsten
T
Department of Urology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany.
Stein
Renate
R
Schubert
Jörg
J
Wunderlich
Heiko
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*