A NEW RENAL TOURNIQUET FOR OPEN AND LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY

Purpose: We describe a novel double loop renal parenchymal tourniquet for obtaining hemostasis during open and laparoscopic partial nephrect omy. Methods: One loop is positioned around the upper and 1 around the lower renal poles, thus securely entrapping the kidney. During partia l nephrectomy the corresponding loop is double looped and cinched, thu s achieving a tourniquet effect. The renal artery is not occluded. Int raoperative renal hypothermia is not required. Results: The renal tour niquet was used clinically during 6 open and 1 laparoscopic partial ne phrectomies. Furthermore, during laparoscopic nephrectomy (5 porcine a nd 1 clinical cases) the double loop apparatus allowed for improved ma neuverability of the kidney. Conclusions: The novel renal tourniquet a ffords adequate renal parenchymal hemostasis during open and laparosco pic partial nephrectomy.