The Application of R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Score In Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy With Zero Ischemia And Sutureless

Background: To evaluate the application of R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score (RNS) in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) with zero ischemia and sutureless surgery, and to explore the efficacy and safety of zero ischemia and seamless LPN in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.Methods: The clinical data of 67 patients with renal cell carcinoma treated by LPN in the affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January 2016 to July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into renal artery occlusion group (n=31) and non-occlusion group (n=36). All cases were divided according to their RNS (low, moderate, and high), and the perioperative condition, postoperative complications, postoperative recovery and changes of renal function in the two groups were analyzed.Results: According to the RNS, all cases were classified in low-complex. Both groups successfully completed the operation without operative complications. Compared with the renal artery occlusion group, the non-occlusion group had a shorter operation time (35.51±20.48 min), shorter hospital stay (6.72±4.39 d), and no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss(50.39±30.19 ml). During the 6-month follow-up, the creatinine value of the renal function in the non-occlusion group (78.47±10.98μmol/L) was lower than that in the occlusion group(98.21±8.06μmol/L).Conclusion: Zero-ischemia sutureless LPN technique can effectively reduce the time of ischemia and avoid renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. This surgical technique may be a feasible surgical method for the treatment of low RNS renal cell carcinoma.

Comparison of early experience laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy in terms of clinical, oncological and renal functional outcomes

Objective: Although laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is minimally invasive, it is also a technically challenging procedure. Currently, open partial nephrectomy (OPN) remains the only alternative in many centers for T1 kidney tumors. We reported our initial experience of LPN compared to OPN regarding clinical, oncological findings and renal functions. Material and Methods: Between 2004-2013, 81 patients who underwent OPN (n=55) or LPN (n=26) for clinically T1 renal tumors were included. Perioperative and postoperative data were compared, retrospectively. Follow-up times for OPN and LPN groups were 72.9± 41.1 and 47.6± 32.4 months, respectively (p<0.05). Results: The mean tumor size and RENAL nephrometry scores were similar for both groups. Zero-ischemia was performed in all of the LPN and 15% of the OPN procedures. Estimated blood loss and perioperative transfusion rates were higher in OPN group. Complications including grade < 3 and ≥ 3 did not differ significantly between the groups. The decrease in creatinine-clearance at 6th month was statistically significant in OPN group, while stable in LPN. Positive surgical margin rates were 6.6% for OPN and 17.6% for LPN, p=0.19. One patient in LPN developed local recurrence and underwent nephrectomy. In OPN group,one local recurrence and one distant metastasis were observed in two independent patients. Both patients recieved tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Conclusion: Although LPN is accepted as a technically challenging procedure, LPN provided comparable outcomes to OPN including clinical, oncological findings and renal functions, even in the early learning phase. Zero-ischemia technique for LPN was feasible and safe with favorable perioperative and renal functional outcomes. Keywords: laparoscopy; learning curve; partial nephrectomy; renal cancer; surgical margins; zero-ischemia.

Usefulness of Thulium-Doped Fiber Laser and Diode Laser in Zero Ischemia Kidney Surgery—Comparative Study in Pig Model

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a thulium-doped fiber laser and a diode laser in zero ischemia kidney surgery, by carrying out a comparative study in a pig model. Material and methods: Research was carried out on 12 pigs weighing 30 kg each. A thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) and a diode laser (DL) operating at wavelengths of 1940 and 1470 nm, respectively, were used. The cut sites were assessed both macroscopically and microscopically. The zone of thermal damage visible in the histopathological preparations was divided into superficial and total areas. Results: During partial nephrectomy, moderate to minimal bleeding was observed, which did not require additional hemostatic measures. All animals survived the procedure. On day 0, the total thermal damage depth was 837.8 µm for the TDFL and 1175.0 µm for the DL. On day 7, the depths were 1556.2 and 2301.7 µm, respectively. On day 14, the overall thermal damage depth for the DL was the greatest (6800 µm). The width of the superficial zone was significantly reduced on days 7 and 14 after TDFL application. Conclusion: Both lasers are suitable for partial wedge nephrectomy without ischemia in pigs. The TDFL produced similar or better hemostasis than the DL, with a smaller zone of thermal damage and, therefore, seems more suitable for application in human medicine.

Comparison of three dimensional reconstruction and conventional computer tomography angiography in patients undergoing zero-ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Background: With the development of three dimensional (3D) reconstruction and printing technology, it has been widely using in the field of urology. However, there have been few studies reporting the role of 3D reconstruction in zero-ischemia partial nephrectomy (PN). The aim of this study was to assess the role of 3D reconstruction and conventional computer tomography angiography (CTA) in zero-ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).Methods: A total of 60 consecutive patients undergoing zero-ischemia LPN between October 2017 and March 2018 who underwent CTA (CTA group including 30 patients) and 3D reconstruction (3D group including the remaining 30 patients) preoperatively were included. 3D reconstruction and CTA images were prepared which were used to demonstrate the number and spatial interrelationships of the location of renal tumors and tumor feeding arteries. These radiological findings were directly correlated with intraoperative surgical findings at laparoscopy. Baseline, perioperative variables and the rate of accurate tumor feeding artery orientation were compared between groups.Results: All LPNs were completed without conversion to renal hilar clamping or open surgery. Preoperative 3D reconstruction identified that 15 patients had only one tumor feeding artery, 12 had two, and another 3 had three, while the conventional CTA revealed that 22 patients had one tumor feeding artery, 8 had two (P>0.05). The mean operation time was shorter and estimated blood loss was less in the 3D group (P<0.05) and the rate of accurate tumor feeding artery dissection was higher in the 3D group (91.7%) in comparison with the CTA group (84.2%). The baseline characteristics and renal function outcomes had no statistical differences between groups. Conclusions: 3D reconstruction can provide comprehensive information for the preoperative evaluation and intraoperative orientation about tumor feeding arteries that may facilitate tumor resection during zero-ischemia LPN for renal tumors.