e16139 Background: To present our experience with elective, open, nephron-sparing surgery for renal masses in a contemporary, consecutive series. Methods: In this retrospective study, records of all patients who underwent elective nephron-sparing surgery (E-NSS) between March 1997 and December 2007 at our institution were reviewed. The preoperative workup included laboratory analysis, renal ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography. The histological findings, complications, and oncologic outcome were studied. Results: A total of 231 E-NSS were performed in 223 patients (82 females,141males; mean age 64 years). 62 “hot ischemia” procedures and 169 “cold ischemia”. The mean tumor size was 4.6 cm (1.1–12cm). 52 patients presented renal masses > 4cm. Renal cell carcinoma was present in 177 patients (76.6%), benign renal masses were diagnosed in in 54 pazienti (23.3%): angiomyolipoma (35%), oncocytoma (40%), complicated cyst (25%). Worthy of note among these 54 patients, pre-operative diagnosis was present in 12 patients. Moreover, 17 benign lesions (31%) were > 4 cm. Complication rate was 5.3% (12 pts): splenectomy (2.2%), nephrectomy because of postoperative bleeding (0.8%), urinary fistulas (0.8%). After a median follow-up of 84 months (range 5 to 120), no patient had developed local recurrence, 19 (8.9%) died for other causes, 2 (0.9%) died for other tumor. Conclusions: The results of this contemporary, monocenter experience underline the role of open, elective, nephron-sparing surgery for patients with renal masses, confirming good results even for renal masses > 4cm. These conclusions are particularly important considering that benign histologic findings were present in almost one forth of patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Role of intra-operative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in robotic-assisted nephron-sparing surgery