Nd: YAG contact laser in partial nephrectomy. An experimental study in piglets.

The Nd: YAG contact laser technique with 12 W power output was used in partial nephrectomies in six piglets. Blood loss, total time and number of ligatures needed for haemostasis were compared in six partial nephrectomies performed with a steel scalpel. Mean blood loss was 53 g with the laser and 108 g with the steel scalpel (p less than 0.04). The mean time needed for haemostasis were 9.5 and 16.2 min respectively (p = 0.2) and the average number of ligatures required 1.5 and 8.8, respectively. The mean temperature rise at 5, 10 and 20 mm distance from the resection line was 5.3, 1.2 and 0.3 degrees C, respectively. The use of laser reduced blood loss and shortened the operation time. Further studies are needed concerning renal function after kidney surgery with a laser.