Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy - The European experience

This article summarizes the experience of four European centers with laparo scopic partial nephrectomy for small renal tumors. Fifty-three tumors have been treated, of which 37 histologically were renal cell carcinoma. The pro cedure is technically demanding; adequate hemostasis during the excision of the tumor still represents the major problem. However, laparoscopic partia l nephrectomy has proved to be oncologically effective, offering the advant age of minimally invasive access for the patients.