Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with a microwave tissue coagulator for small renal tumor

Purpose: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a challenging procedure due to the risk of excessive bleeding. We evaluated the usefulness of a microwave tissue coagulator during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for small renal tumor. Materials and Methods: From January to July 2000, 6 patients with small ren al tumors, from 11 to 25 mm. in diameter, underwent laparoscopic partial ne phrectomy with a microwave tissue coagulator without renal pedicle clamping . There were 4 patients who underwent the transperitoneal and 2 who underwe nt the retroperitoneal approaches. Results: Mean operating time was 186 minutes (range 131 to 239), and blood loss was minimal. Complications were mild and tolerable, and there was no s ignificant deterioration of renal function. Conclusions: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with a microwave tissue coagu lator is a useful and less invasive method for treatment of select small re nal tumors. Long-term followup of patients is warranted to determine the po tential for cancer control with this method.