Nephron-sparing surgery for renal tumours using selective renal parenchymal clamping.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a technical modification that facilitates nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for renal tumours, without clamping the renal pedicle or promoting renal surface hypothermia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients with renal tumours had NSS using the selective renal-parenchymal clamping technique. In 11 patients the tumour was polar and in six it was central. The mean (range) size of the tumours was 3.6 (2-6) cm. The technique was performed using one or two large Satinsky vascular clamps. Time was not limited as there was no clamping of the renal pedicle, or renal hypothermia.

RESULTS

The mean (range) operative duration was 190 (120-300) min. Only one patient needed a blood transfusion. There were no complications in 13 patients after NSS. The mean (range) hospital stay was 5 (3-12) days. The pathological examination detected malignant tumours in 13 patients, and a microscopic examination showed adequate surgical margins in all. The mean (range) follow-up was 24.5 (4-60) months. No patients required haemodialysis immediately after surgery or later.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective renal parenchymal clamping is a simple and efficient technical manoeuvre that facilitates NSS without dissection or clamping of the renal pedicle. Time is not limited as the ischaemia is limited to the tissue surrounding the tumour. The operative duration and blood loss are acceptable and the complications similar to those with the conventional technique. The size and position of the tumour could be limiting factors to this technique.