Selective Renal Parenchymal Clamping in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: A Multi-Institutional Experience

We describe our multi-institutional experience using a laparoscopic clamp to induce selective regional ischemia during robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) without hilar occlusion. A retrospective review of Institutional Revew Board-approved databases of patients who underwent selective regional clamping during RALPN at four institutions was performed. In 20 patients who were treated for elective indications, RALPN with parenchymal clamping was successful in 17 (85%). Mean age was 63 years (24-78 y). Median tumor diameter was 2.2 cm (1.1-7.2 cm). Mass location was polar in 13 (76%) and interpolar in 4 (24%). Median R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was 6 (4-10). Median overall operative time was 190 minutes (129-309 min), while selective clamp time was 26 minutes (19-52 min). Collecting system repair occurred in 8 (47%) patients. No patients needed a blood transfusion. There was no significant difference in preoperative (median 86 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) and immediate postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (median 78 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P=0.33) or with the most recent GFR (median 78 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P=0.54) at a mean follow-up of 6.1 months (1.2-11.9 mos). Final pathology determination revealed renal-cell carcinoma in 71% with no positive margins on frozen or final evaluation. In three additional patients who were undergoing RALPN, bleeding because of incomplete distal clamp compression necessitated subsequent central hilar clamping for the completion of the procedure. In our preliminary multi-institutional experience, regional ischemia using a laparoscopic parenchymal clamp is feasible during RALPN for hemostasis. Careful preoperative selection of patients is needed to determine ideal patient and tumor characteristics. Further comparison studies are necessary to determine the true utility of this technique.