USE OF EXOGENOUS MATERIAL TO BOLSTER CLOSURE OF THE PARENCHYMAL DEFECT FOLLOWING PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY

Closure of renal parenchymal defects created by partial nephrectomy ca n be difficult. We describe a method of using exogenous material to bo lster the strength of the parenchymal closure. The horizontal mattress sutures closing the renal parenchyma are less likely to tear through the parenchyma as the result of the application of a more uniform tens ion across a broad front. This technique is particularly helpful for l arge and irregular defects. Tying the closure sutures over an exogenou s bolster material aids in a rapid, hemostatic, and watertight closure .