Laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy without ischemia for very small, exophytic renal masses: surgical details and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has emerged as a natural progression from standard laparoscopy aiming to further minimize the morbidity of urologic procedures. OBJECTIVE To describe our technique and report the surgical and functional outcomes of unclamped LESS partial nephrectomy (PN) in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective evaluation of pre- and postoperative variables of patients undergoing the LESS-PN without ischemia between 2009 and 2012. The indications were single exophytic SRMs. SURGICAL PROCEDURE Unclamped LESS-PN was performed through a transperitoneal approach. A pararectal Hasson access technique was preferred. Single-port access was achieved via different single-port devices. A combination of straight and articulating laparoscopic instruments was used. The tumor was excised using bipolar scissors during normal renal perfusion. Hemostasis was achieved by bipolar electrocautery, parenchymal stitches, and hemostatic agents. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Demographic, operative, postoperative, and pathologic outcomes data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS A total of 21 LESS-PN were performed (operative time: 111 ± 41 min; blood loss: 196 ± 195 ml: tumor size: 2.0 ± 0.3 cm). Neither conversion to open surgery nor transfusions occurred. Three patients required conversion to standard laparoscopy. Postoperatively, three complications (Clavien grades 2, 3a, and 4) were recorded. Pathologic examination revealed 14 clear cell carcinomas, four renal cysts, two oncocytomas, and one angiomyolipoma. Hospital stay was 4.4 ± 1.9 d. At the last follow-up (mean: 17±11.5 mo), no port-site, local, or distant recurrences were detected. No significant variation in serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed. Subjective scar evaluation indicated 66% of patients were very satisfied/enthusiastic. Study limitations include the small sample size, the lack of a control group, the short follow-up period, and the arbitrary measure of patient's scar perception. CONCLUSIONS Unclamped LESS-PN for selected SRMs is a safe and feasible procedure providing favorable postoperative outcomes and ensuring high levels of subjective, cosmetic satisfaction.