A Review of Methods for Hemostasis and Renorrhaphy After Laparoscopic and Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

Laparoscopic suture-free partial nephrectomy using argon-beam-coagulator: Surgical technique and outcomes of a single-center, open-label randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether argon-beam-coagulation (ABC) suture-free technique results in more favorable renal function than conventional suture technique after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

METHODS

This study was a single-center, open-label randomized controlled study. A total of 32 patients with T1a renal tumor and R.E.N.A.L score ≤7 were recruited. The primary endpoint of the study was the absolute variation of the ipsilateral split renal function (SRF) at 12 months. The following secondary endpoints were addressed: the 1, 3, 6, and 12-months variation of eGFR; the 1, 3, 6-months variation of SRF; perioperative outcomes (including operative time, warm ischemia time, time to hemostasis, blood loss).

RESULTS

The suture-free group had a significantly shorter operative time (90.4 ± 22.0 minutes vs. 117.8 ± 23.5 minutes, p = 0.003) and warm ischemia time (9.6 ± 4.7 minutes vs. 21.3 ± 8.3 minutes, p < 0.001) than the suture group. At the last follow-up, the change of ipsilateral SRF was 7.5 ± 5.1 ml/min for the suture-free group and 13.1 ± 6.7 ml/min for the suture group (p = 0.014). The change of eGFR demonstrated a similar trend (5.5 ± 4.4 ml/min vs. 12.6 ± 6.0 ml/min, p=0.001). Multivariate linear analysis confirmed that suture-free technique was associated with a less decrease of renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Suture-free partial nephrectomy is a feasible technique for T1a renal masses and benefits long-term SRF and eGFR compared to conventional procedure.

Outcomes and Techniques of Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RAPN) for Renal Hilar Masses: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is increasingly being employed in the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and it is expanding in the field of complex renal tumors. The aim of this systematic review was to consolidate and assess the results of RAPN when dealing with entirely central hilar masses and to examine the various methods used to address the surgical difficulties associated with them. Methods: A thorough literature search in September 2023 across various databases focused on RAPN for renal hilar masses, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The primary goal was to evaluate RAPN's surgical and functional outcomes, with a secondary aim of examining different surgical techniques. Out of 1250 records, 13 full-text manuscripts were reviewed. Results: Evidence is growing in favor of RAPN for renal hilar masses. Despite a predominance of retrospective studies and a lack of long-term data, RAPN shows positive surgical outcomes and preserves renal function without compromising cancer treatment effectiveness. Innovative suturing and clamping methods are emerging in surgical management. Conclusions: RAPN is a promising technique for managing renal hilar masses in RCC, offering effective surgical outcomes and renal function preservation. The study highlights the need for more long-term data and prospective studies to further validate these findings.

Neocapsular reconstruction for challenging partial nephrectomy: A feasibility study in a porcine model and recent clinical experience

OBJECTIVES

Multifocal renal masses and large central-endophytic tumors can be challenging for partial nephrectomy (PN) due to the paucity of capsule remaining after tumor removal. Our objective was to develop a neocapsule to provide tamponade and test its feasibility/safety in a porcine model.

METHODS

Eight live pigs (50-70 kg) underwent unclamped open right flank PN. Renal defects were 1 cm deep and had moderate ongoing venous bleeding. A 6 × 9 inch sheet of Nu-knit® was used for neocapsular reconstruction with Fibrillar™ packing to provide modest tamponade and preclude ongoing bleeding. Blood chemistry and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were drawn preoperatively and postoperative Days 3/5/8. On postoperative Day 8, euthanasia was performed, and both kidneys were inspected and analyzed for histologic changes.

RESULTS

PN defects ranged from 1 × 1 × 1 cm to 4 × 2 × 1 cm; four pigs had PN performed in both poles and four in one pole. Neocapsular reconstruction was successful (n = 8), with no perioperative complications. Median baseline Hb was 10.4 g/dL, and median Hb postoperative Days 3/5/8 were 10.0/10.8/10.6 g/dL, respectively. Median baseline serum creatinine (SCr) was 1.9 mg/dL, and median SCr postoperative Days 3/5/8 were 1.5/1.4/1.5 mg/dL, respectively. At sacrifice, no significant hematomas were observed. Other than adjacent to the PN site, there were no significant histologic changes in the parenchyma for operative kidneys versus controls. Based on our experience, we recently performed neocapsular reconstruction safely/effectively after extensive PN for multifocal tumors and for an allograft with difficult-to-manage subcapsular hematoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Neocapsular reconstruction after PN or capsular trauma appears feasible and safe and may be considered to reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding. However, further study will be needed to confirm the utility/efficacy of this approach.

Hemopatch® as a Hemostatic Agent is Safe in Partial Nephrectomy: A Large, Single-Surgeon Retrospective Evaluation

Introduction

Partial nephrectomy (PN) has evolved into the surgical standard of care for localized renal lesions. Hemostatic agents (HA) support the surgeon in achieving local hemostasis during PN. We previously reported initial results with the HA Hemopatch^® in PN. We now report our experiences with Hemopatch^® in a larger and more challenging single-surgeon PN cohort.

Methods

Our study included 45 patients who underwent PN due to suspicious renal lesions between December 2013 and March 2018. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using the HA Hemopatch^®. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were assessed.

Results

Preoperative median tumor diameter was 27 mm. Median PADUA and RENAL nephrometry scores were 7 and 6, respectively. In 13.3% of the cases an additional HA was applied. Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding occurred in 2.2% and 8.9%, respectively. Median total blood loss was 200 ml. Urgent pedicle clamping due to bleeding was necessary in 2 (4.4%) patients. The transfusion rate was 8.9%. There were no conversions.

Conclusion

We confirmed our initial results demonstrating feasibility and reliability of Hemopatch^® during PN. Notably, the cohort consists of selected patients. Prospective randomized studies are needed for comparison of different types of HA with regard to perioperative outcome.

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Update on Techniques

Surgical techniques for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy are driven by the aims of simplifying the most challenging surgical steps, maximizing functional and oncologic outcomes, and consistently pushing the envelope on possibilities. Over the past several years, we have seen an emergence in not only innovation in surgical technique, and robotic platforms, but integration of a variety of imaging techniques. We believe with developing robotic expertise, practicing urologists will continue to push the envelope in nephron preservation and complication-free recovery.

Vessel and Tension-Free Reconstruction During Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Hilar Tumors: "Garland" Technique and Midterm Outcomes

Purpose: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is increasingly applied to renal hilar tumors. The present study aims to introduce our vessel and tension-free reconstruction technique and discuss the perioperative, functional, and midterm oncologic outcomes of RAPN for hilar tumors in a large cohort. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 286 consecutive patients with hilar tumors who underwent RAPN from June 2013 to December 2016 in our center. Our anatomy-based "Garland" technique specialized in protecting the large hilar vessels and minimizing the tension of suturing the defect via trans/retroperitoneal approaches for anterior/posterior lip hilar tumors, respectively. Results: "Garland" technique was effectively applied in 286 patients, and the warm ischemia time was 18.2 ± 4.1 minutes. Median estimated blood loss for RAPN was 100 mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 50-200 mL). Median operative time was 120 minutes (IQR: 90-150 minutes). No patient was converted to open surgery. Postoperative stay was 4.0 days (IQR: 4.0-5.0 days). Three patients (1.1%) had positive surgical margin. Two patients (0.7%) received blood transfusion. Complications occurred in 20 patients (7.0%), in which 18 patients were Clavien 1 and 2. Three patients (1.1%) had local recurrence. All patients were alive at a 48-month median follow-up (range: 24-66 months). Conclusions: "Garland" technique is safe and feasible for hilar tumor resection and kidney reconstruction. The trans/retroperitoneal approaches are options for anterior/posterior hilar tumors. Longer follow-up involving more patients is required.

Suture techniques during laparoscopic and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a systematic review and quantitative synthesis of peri-operative outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the available evidence on renorrhaphy techniques and to assess their impact on peri-operative outcomes after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed in January 2018 without time restrictions, using MEDLINE, Cochrane and Web of Science databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement recommendations. Studies providing sufficient details on renorrhaphy techniques during laparoscopic or robot-assisted partial nephrectomy and comparative studies focused on peri-operative outcomes were included in qualitative and quantitative analyses, respectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 67 and 19 studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses, respectively. The overall quality of evidence was low. Specific tumour features (i.e. size, hilar location, anatomical complexity, nearness to renal sinus and/or urinary collecting system), surgeon's experience, robot-assisted technology, as well as the aim of reducing warm ischaemia time and the amount of devascularized renal parenchyma preserved represented the key factors driving the evolution of the renorrhaphy techniques during MIPN over the past decade. Quantitative synthesis showed that running suture was associated with shorter operating and ischaemia time, and lower postoperative complication and transfusion rates than interrupted suture. Barbed suture had lower operating and ischaemia time and less blood loss than non-barbed suture. The single-layer suture technique was associated with shorter operating and ischaemia time than the double-layer technique. No comparisons were possible concerning renal functional outcomes because of non-homogeneous data reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

Renorrhaphy techniques significantly evolved over the years, improving outcomes. Running suture, particularly using barbed wires, shortened the operating and ischaemia times. A further advantage could derive from avoiding a double-layer suture.

Functional Duration of Closure Systems Used in Partial Nephrectomy

PURPOSE

We determined the functional life of various configurations of partial nephrectomy closure systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sutures were prepared using standard techniques for sutured renorrhaphy during partial nephrectomy. Tested systems included knot/Hem-o-Lok®, Lapra-Ty®/Hem-o-Lok and Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok combinations. The saline filled tank was maintained at 37C. Vicryl®, Stratafix™ polyglycolic acid-polycaprolactone or V-Loc™ 180 sutures were suspended at 4 or 2 N. Suture material breakage or slippage was considered failure.

RESULTS

At 4 N 20% of sutures terminated with knot/Hem-o-Lok failed by 3 weeks compared to 56% and 100% terminated with Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok and Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok, respectively (p <0.0001). The 55% and 100% of failures with Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok and Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok, respectively, were generally due to slippage vs 11% with knot/Hem-o-Lok (p <0.0001). Overall failure rates with Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok for zero to 4-zero sutures were 41% with Vicryl, 82% with polyglycolic acid-polycaprolactone and 24% with V-Loc 180 (p <0.0001). The only sutures without failure at 4 N with Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok and knot/Hem-o-Lok closure systems were Vicryl zero, and V-Loc 2-zero and 3-zero. At 2 N Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok failure (17.5% vs 0%, p = 0.039) and Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok failure (39% vs 16%, p = 0.074) were more common with polyglycolic acid-polycaprolactone than with V-Loc sutures.

CONCLUSION

Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok and Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok combinations resulted in more frequent failures at 3 weeks or greater than knot/Hem-o-Lok. For all sutures tested knots were superior to Lapra-Tys to backstop Hem-o-Loks at 4 N. Preferably, Vicryl zero or V-Loc 2-zero/3-zero sutures should be used in combination with knots or Lapra-Tys at 4 N. Under these experimental conditions the Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok combination did not reliably suspend the other sutures tested for 3 weeks. If Lapra-Ty/Hem-o-Lok or Hem-o-Lok/Hem-o-Lok combinations are used, we recommend closure at lesser tension and/or the use of appropriate sutures.

Nephron-sparing surgery in renal cell carcinoma: current perspectives on technical issues

Surgical resection remains the standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma. Although historically the concept of wide excision of the affected kidney dictated surgical thinking for more than half a century, a better understanding of the biology of this tumor, standardized staging, and changing patterns of presentation permit today a refined management approach with nephron-sparing surgery, thus limiting potential long-term morbidity by maximizing the preservation of functional renal parenchyma. This paper aims to review the current status of nephron-sparing surgery for solid renal masses with an emphasis on indications, preoperative assessment, and operative technical issues, summarizing the most recent existing data on the subject.

Ring Suture Technique in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Hilar Cancer: A New Renorrhaphy Technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a ring suture technique during retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) for management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the renal hilum.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data for patients with renal hilar cancer who underwent RLPN from January 2010 to March 2015 were collected. All surgeries involved the ring suture technique, following the same procedure: the renal artery was dissected and clamped, the tumor was enucleated from the kidney, defects of the vascular and collecting system were repaired, and then the edge of the renal parenchyma was sutured continuously along the border. Finally, the renal artery clamp was removed, and any injury of the vascular system was repaired if necessary. We retrospectively analyzed renal ischemic time, blood loss, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Among the 17 patients, 11 were male (median age 61 years, range 42-71 years). Mean tumor diameter was 3.4 ± 0.9 cm and median R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was 8 (range 6-10). The mean warm ischemic time was 23.0 ± 9.2 minutes and median blood loss during surgery was 110 mL (range 70-350 mL); we had no case of uncontrollable massive bleeding. Radical nephrectomy was used in one case because of tumor embolus in a branch of the renal vein. All patients recovered well following surgery. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of RCC in all cases, with the main subtype clear-cell carcinomas (88.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The ring suture technique is safe and effective for management of renal hilar cancer during RLPN for selected patients.

The clinical application of the sliding loop technique for renorrhaphy during robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Surgical technique and outcomes

Purpose

To report the initial clinical outcomes of the newly devised sliding loop technique (SLT) used for renorrhaphy in patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) for small renal mass.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the surgical videos and medical charts of 31 patients who had undergone RALPN with the SLT renorrhaphy performed by two surgeons (CWJ and CK) between January 2014 and October 2014. SLT renorrhaphy was performed after tumor excision and renal parenchymal defect repair. Assessed outcomes included renorrhaphy time (RT), warm ischemic time, perioperative complications, and perioperative renal function change. RT was defined as interval from the end of bed suture to the renal artery declamping.

Results

In all patients, sliding loop renorrhaphy was successfully conducted without conversions to radical nephrectomy or open approaches. Mean renorrhaphy and warm ischemic time were 9.0 and 22.6 minutes, respectively. After completing renorrhaphy, there were no adverse events such as dehiscence of approximated renal parenchyma, renal parenchymal tearing, or significant bleeding. Furthermore, no postoperative complications or significant renal function decline were observed as of the last follow-up for all patients. The limitations of this study include the small volume case series, the retrospective nature of the study, and the heterogeneity of surgeons.

Conclusions

From our initial clinical experience, SLT may be an efficient and safe renorrhaphy method in real clinical practice. Further large scale, prospective, long-term follow-up, and direct comparative studies with other techniques are required to confirm the clinical applicability of SLT.

Hemostasis in laparoscopic renal surgery

Hemorrhage is a potential risk at any step of laparoscopic nephrectomies (LNs). The advances in surgical equipment and tissue sealants have increased the safety and efficiency of performing LN and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). However, hemostasis remains a major issue and there is still scope for further development to improve haemostatic techniques and devices. In this article a literature review of the current methods and techniques of hemostasis was carried out using the MEDLINE ^®/PubMed^® resources. The results of the review were categorized according to the three main operative steps: Dissection, control of renal pedicle and excision of the renal lesion.

Local tissue reaction after the application of topical hemostatic agents in a rat partial nephrectomy model

Various hemostatics are used for renal surgical procedures. We investigated the hemostatic efficacy of cellulose derivatives on the model of partial nephrectomy in rats focusing on the local reaction of renal parenchyma. A total of 50 Wistar rats were divided into five groups of 10 animals each. Partial nephrectomy of the caudal pole without hilar vascular control was performed. Oxidized cellulose (OC), sodium salt of oxycellulose (OCN), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), dialdehyde cellulose (DAC), and gelatin-based hemostatic (C) were applied to the bleeding wounds. The time to hemostasis was monitored. Half of the animals were euthanized after 3 days, the second half 30 days from the experiment start date. The left kidney was excised and subjected to histopathological examination. The biochemical data was subjected to statistical analysis. The time to hemostasis in all groups was significantly less than in the C group (in OC p = 0.0057, OCN p = 0.0039, CMC and DAC p = 0.0001). In the C group, massive hemorrhages and necrosis did occur. In the OC and OCN groups, there were regenerative changes, a receding inflammatory reaction and hemorrhage. DAC caused an immune reaction and massive interstitial hemorrhages with biochemical signs of liver damage. Parenchyma in CMC revealed a reduction of necrosis and interstitial hemorrhages with regenerative processes. The most effective hemostatics were CMC and OC, achieving the best results both in the time to hemostasis, and for histopathological evaluation.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy under warm ischemia reduces the glomerular density in a pig model

PURPOSE

To investigate the number of nephrons, using unbiased stereological method, after warm ischemia for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in a pig model.

METHODS

Fourteen pigs underwent left laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and four animals were used as controls (not operated). Renal vessels were clamped, and 25% of kidney length was resected. The animals were euthanized after 2 weeks, and the kidneys were collected. Thus, we analyzed 14 left kidneys submitted to warm ischemia, 14 right kidneys from the same animals but not submitted to ischemia and eight kidneys from control animals. Renal fragments were processed using routine histological methods. The total operative time and the time of warm ischemia were recorded. Glomerular mean volume and glomerular density were quantified by stereological methods. Creatinine serum levels were assessed preoperatively and before euthanasia.

RESULTS

Surgical time was 71 ± 17 minutes, and ischemia time was 16 ± 5 minutes. The mean glomerular volume in the left kidneys was higher when compared with controls and to right kidneys (p<0.05). In addition, the glomerular density was reduced in the left kidneys (p<0.05) when compared with controls and right kidneys. Nevertheless, creatinine serum levels after 2 weeks of surgery were not different from the preoperative levels. No difference was found for stereological measurements between controls and right kidneys.

CONCLUSION

Stereological determination of glomerular density can be used as an accurate and objective method for studies regarding renal damage from ischemia. Warm ischemia during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in pigs determined a significant reduction of glomerular density in the ipsilateral remaining parenchyma.