title: Laser-supported partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Torsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gruschwitz
authors.forename: Renate
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schubert
authors.forename: Heiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wunderlich
mesh_terms: 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*