Ligation of the renal vein during laparoscopic nephrectomy: an effective and reliable method to replace vascular staplers.

PURPOSE

Application of the endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler has become a standard procedure to control renal vein during laparoscopic nephrectomy. However, device malfunction resulting in significant complications has been reported. We present a safe and cost-effective technique for renal vein ligation during laparoscopic nephrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 2002 to April 2003 we applied our new technique of renal vein ligation in 20 cases. After renal pedicle dissection the renal artery was secured with Hem-o-lok (Weck Closure Systems, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina) clips. The renal vein was encircled with a suture, which was knotted extracorporeally and pushed down by a knot pusher to shrivel a vein of any size. Subsequently 10 mm Hem-o-lok clips were applied to the vein to occlude it completely.

RESULTS

All procedures were successfully completed. The operative costs of vein ligation were decreased. There was no significant increase in mean operative time.

CONCLUSIONS

Our approach is a safe, reliable, rapid and inexpensive method to ligate the renal vein during laparoscopic nephrectomy. Therefore, this technique has replaced endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler use at our center.