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posure with the use of an air retrograde pyelogram during fluor-
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ing pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Urol. 
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renal surgery, shockwave lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephroli-
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teroscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy for renal stones 2 cm or 

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19. Bozkurt OF, Resorlu B, Yildiz Y, Can CE, Unsal A. Retrograde intrare-

nal surgery versus percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the manage-

ment of lower-pole renal stones with a diameter of 15 to 20 mm. J 

Endourol. 2011;25:1131-5.

20. Mariani AJ. Combined electrohydraulic and holmium:YAG laser 

ureteroscopic nephrolithotripsy of large (greater than 4 cm) renal 

calculi. J Urol. 2007;177:168-73.

Hand-Assisted, Conventional and Lapar-
oendoscopic Single-Site Surgery for Par-
tial Nephrectomy without Ischemia Using 
a Microwave Tissue Coagulator
Tetsuo Nozaki, Yoshihiro Asao, Tomonori Katoh, Kenji Yasuda, Hideki Fuse

Correspondence Author:

Tetsuo Nozaki, MD
Department of Urology, Graduate 
School of Medicine and Pharma-
ceutical Sciences for Research, 
University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, 
Toyama 930-0194, Japan.

Tel: +81 76434 2281 
Fax: +81 76434 5039 
E-mail: nozaki0921@yahoo.co.jp

Received May 2013
Accepted January 2014

Department of Urology, Gradu-
ate School of Medicine and 
Pharmaceutical Sciences for 
Research, University of Toyama, 
2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-
0194, Japan.

Purpose: We report our experience of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy without is-
chemia using a microwave tissue coagulator (MTC) for hand-assisted laparoscopic partial 
nephrectomy (HALPN), conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (CLPN), and lapar-
oendoscopic single-site surgery for partial nephrectomy (LESSPN). We retrospectively com-
pared the results of these techniques to better define the individual role and the benefits. 

Materials and Methods: From July 2005 to September 2012, 28 patients with small and exo-
phytic renal tumors underwent HALPN (n = 12), CLPN (n = 10) and LESSPN (n = 6). In these 
procedures, the surgeon used an MTC for circumferential coagulation around the tumor. After 
coagulation, the tumor was resected without renal pedicle clamping.

Results: The mean operative time was 259, 194 and 174 min for the HALPN, CLPN and 
LESSPN groups respectively. Two patients (one in HALPN group and one in LESSPN 
group) converted to laparotomy due to an inability to maintain hemostasis; however, there 
were no conversions to ischemic partial nephrectomy or radical nephrectomy. No differences 
between HALPN, CLPN and LESSPN were noted in terms of estimated blood loss, measured 
analgesic requirements, outcomes, or complications. 

Conclusion:  We believe that these techniques are feasible and that they minimize the risk of 
unexpected collateral thermal damage by appropriate MTC needle puncture. When deciding 
to use HALPN, CLPN or LESSPN, our findings suggest that the choice of surgical approach 
should depend on the patient’s individual circumstance.

Keywords: carcinoma, renal cell; surgery; laparoscopy; microwaves; nephrectomy; organ 
sparing treatments; surgical procedures; minimally invasive; methods. 

LAPAROSCOPIC UROLOGY



1596 | Laparoscopic Urology

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is becom-ing a popular treatment option for small renal tu-mors because it offers better cosmesis and reduces 
postoperative pain.(1,2) As LPN gains widespread accept-
ance, there is a great need for a novel surgical technique 
to be reliable and provides bloodless resection of the renal 
parenchyma without damaging the residual renal tissue.(3) 

In Japan, microwave tissue coagulators (MTCs) are widely 
used for LPN.(4,5) In LPN, the MTC is applied peripher-
ally in the healthy parenchyma surrounding the tumor, with 
circumferential punctures that produce coagulation of a 
conical-shaped portion of tissue. Subsequently, a wedge re-
section can be achieved in the bloodless field without renal 
pedicle clamping.
The aim of this study was to compare the various techniques 
of LPN such as hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for PN 
(HALPN), conventional LPN (CLPN) and laparoendoscop-
ic single-site surgery (LESS) for PN (LESSPN) as well as 
their outcome in terms of operative time, postoperative pain 
and surgical site infection.
 
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective study was carried out including patients op-
erated on at Toyama University Hospital from July 2005 to 
September 2012. Of the 28 patients included in the study, 
12 were in the HALPN group, 10 were in the CLPN group 
and 6 were in the LESSPN group. We began our study us-
ing HALPN and then we gradually shifted to CLPN and 
LESSPN; indeed, from 2005-2008, 2007–2012 and 2011–
2012, we performed HALPN, CLPN and LESSPN, in that 
order. Choice of a particular surgical approach was based 
on the surgeon’s clinical judgment, taking into considera-
tion patient and clinical factors. During this study, a sin-
gle surgeon performed all preoperative counseling and 
surgery. The demographic characteristics are summarized 
in Table 1. All renal tumors were categorized according to 
the nephrometry score determined from preoperative imag-
ing as low, moderate and high complexity.(6) Each group 
was comparable with regard to age, body mass index, and 
nephrometry scoring. In the LESS group, all patients un-
derwent surgery after obtaining Institutional Review Board 
approval from the ethical committee and informed patient 

consent. Both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approach-
es were taken at the surgeon’s discretion. All lesions were 
suspected of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), as were periph-
erally located and exophytic renal tumors with at least 5 
mm of normal renal tissue between the tumor margin and 
the collecting system. Outcome was assessed in the form 
of operative time, blood loss, in-hospital frequency of an-
algesia administration and overall complication rates. All 
complications were carefully graded using the modified 
Clavien system.(7) Renal function was determined by serum 
creatinine (mg/dL) measurement and postoperative serum 
creatinine was measured at 7 postoperative days.
Statistical Analysis
Non-parametric statistical analyses (Mann-Whitney U test 
for two-way, and Kruskal-Wallis test for three-way analy-
ses) were used for statistical analyses. 
HALPN Surgical Technique 
The HALPN technique used has been described in detail 
elsewhere.(8) Briefly, HALPN was carried out as follows. 
Under general anesthesia, each patient was placed in a 
70-degree lateral decubitus position. After an approximately 
7 cm skin incision was made around the umbilicus, a hand-
assisted device, GelPort (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa 
Margarita, CA) and two or three additional ports are placed. 
The kidney was mobilized within Gerota’s fascia with the 
aid of the surgeon’s hand. The Gerota’s fascia was incised 
to expose the tumor and surrounding normal renal capsule. 
The renal pedicle was not dissected. Intra-abdominal ultra-
sound scanning was used to confirm the tumor shape, size 
and the depth of the tumor base. The incision line, which 
was 1 cm from the tumor margin, was marked circumfer-
entially on the renal capsule using electrocautery scissors. 
Next, the surgeon grasped the surgical handpiece of the 
MTC (Microtaze OT-110M, Aswell Co., Osaka, Japan), 
which was originally designed for open surgical procedure, 
and introduced it through the GelPort with the coaxial flex-
ible cable. The MTC causes the thermal coagulation of tis-
sues using microwave energy (2,459 MHz). This energy 
is transmitted from a generator through a coaxial cable to 
a probe, which consists of a handpiece and a needle-like 
electrode. The rapid oscillation of water particles caused by 
microwaves results in a high temperature and induces cone-
shaped tissue coagulation around the needle that is 7 to 10 



1597Vol. 11    |    No. 03    |     May - June2014    |U R O LO G Y   J O U R N A L

LESS for Partial Nephrectomy  |  Nozaki et al

mm in width without carbonization. The needle applicator 
consists of a 10-, 15-, or 20 mm long electrode. The length 
of antenna needle inserted changes depending on the depth 
of coagulation. The surgical handpiece of MTC could easily 
be inserted through the GelPort, but attention was needed 
to avoid injuring other organs. Needle puncture was per-
formed every 7 to 10 mm along the demarcation line. The 
direction and angle of the needle puncture could be easily 
and precisely changed in a timely manner depending on the 
site of coagulation. Microwave coagulation was carried out 
at 75 W for 45 sec, followed by 15 sec of dissociation. After 
coagulation, the tumor rose from the kidney and the base of 
the tumor was resected using a combination of laparoscopic 
scissors and blunt finger dissection. The excised tumor was 
removed through the GelPort, and biopsies from the tumor 
bed were sent for frozen-section study to confirm complete 
tumor removal. Indigo carmine (indigotindisulfonate sodi-
um) was intravenously injected to investigate the presence 
of urine leakage. After ensuring that there was no further 
bleeding from the tumor bed, a drainage tube was placed 
around the tumor bed.
CLPN Surgical Technique 
At the beginning of the operation, four to five trocars were 
inserted transperitoneally or retroperitoneally. After tumor 
exposure and intra-abdominal ultrasound examination, a 
laparoscopic MTC probe (Microtaze OT-110M, Aswell 
Co., Osaka, Japan) that bends at its distal near-object end 
was introduced through the 5 mm port. Using the bendable 
laparoscopic MTC probe, microwave coagulation was ap-
plied peripherally to the healthy parenchyma surrounding 

the tumor, with circumferential punctures producing coagu-
lation of a conical-shaped portion of tissue (Figure). Sub-
sequently, the base of the tumor was resected using a com-
bination of conventional 5 mm laparoscopic scissors and 
blunt dissection with a laparoscopic aspirator without renal 
pedicle clamping. The specimen was placed in the laparo-
scopic bag and retrieved through the abdominal incision. 
Subsequently, the procedure was performed the same as in 
HALPN.
LESSPN Surgical Technique
The LESSPN technique used has been described in detail 
elsewhere.(9) Briefly, LESSPN was carried out as follows. 
Through the retroperitoneal approach, a 3 cm transverse 
skin incision was made just below the tip of the 12th rib, and 
the extraperitoneal space was carefully dissected with the 
index finger. The retroperitoneoscopic working space was 
dilated using a Preperitoneal Dissector Balloon (PDB1000; 
Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) under the direct vision 
of a laparoscope. Through the transperitoneal LESSPN 
approach, to enhance the cosmetic result, we developed a 
unique intraumbilical technique whereby the umbilicus was 
completely extroflexed and a skin incision of approximately 
3 cm in length was made longitudinally. After subcutaneous 
tissue dissection and fascial incision, the peritoneum was 
incised. Next, a LapProtectorTM (Hakko Medical Indus-
try, Tokyo, Japan) was set up through the small incision. 
The LapProtectorTM offers wound protection and 360° of 
atraumatic wound retraction, which was maximized in or-
der to pass surgical instruments into the abdominal cavity. 
Then, an EZ accessTM (Hakko Medical Industry, Tokyo, 

Table 1. Demographic characteristics of study group.

Variables HALPN CLPN LESSPN P

Age (years) 67.2 ± 10.2 53.3 ± 15.2 56.3 ± 18.3 .121

BMI (kg/m2) 23.9 ± 3.1 25.5 ± 3.5 23.1 ± 0.6 .581

Tumor size (cm) 1.9 ± 0.42 2.8 ± 1.5 1.8 ± 0.8 .097

Imperative case (no.) 2.0 0.0 1.0 .484

Nephrometry sum 5.08 ± 1.31 5.00 ± 1.09 5.16 ± 0.98 .584

       Low, 4-6 score (%) 10 (83.3) 9 (90) 6 (100) ---

       Medium, 7-9 score (%) 2 (17.7) 1 (10) 0 (0.0) ---

       High, 10-12 score (%) 0 (0.0) 9 (0.0) 0 (0.0) ---
Keys: BMI, body mass index; HALPN, hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy; CLPN, conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy; 
LESSPN, laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for partial nephrectomy.



1598 |

Japan), a silicone cap designed to cover the outer ring of 
the LapProtectorTM, was set up in order to maintain the 
pneumoperitoneum. The EZ accessTM allows the insertion 
of multiple trocars (three to four) freely into the abdominal 
cavity through its large surface area (5 cm diameter). The 
trocars could be positioned anywhere within the silicone 
cap; they were separated as far as possible from each other 
on the silicone cap, which more readily facilitated the spac-
ing of instruments. The silicone cap is flexible and self-seal-
ing; it acts as a pseudoabdominal platform for the trocars. 
If the surgeon wanted to change the trocar position and/or 
trocar size, the pore on the silicone cap was resealed after-
wards. At the beginning of the operation, three 5 mm trocars 
were inserted into the silicone cap before it was mounted 
onto the LapProtectorTM. The abdominal cavity was ex-
plored using a flexible 5 mm 0° Olympus high-definition 
laparoscope (Tokyo, Japan). Except for a reusable bend-
able laparoscopic MTC probe, all other instruments were 
conventional straight laparoscopic instruments, including a 
bipolar grasper, laparoscopic scissors, and a suction device. 
After exposure of the tumor, the 5 mm trocar was replaced 
with a 12 mm trocar to enable intra-abdominal laparoscopic 
ultrasound scanning. After ultrasound examination, the 12 
mm trocar was replaced with the 5 mm trocar. There was 
no leakage of the pneumoperitoneum during multiple tro-
car exchanges using the EZ accessTM. Using the bendable 
laparoscopic MTC probe, the direction and angle of needle 
puncture could be easily and precisely changed in a timely 

manner depending on the site of coagulation, even with the 
LESS procedure. After coagulation, the base of the tumor 
was resected using a combination of conventional 5 mm 
laparoscopic scissors and blunt dissection using a laparo-
scopic aspirator under normal renal perfusion. The excised 
specimen can be removed by simply removing the silicone 
cap from the proximal ring.
 
RESULTS
The perioperative and postoperative variables are detailed 
in Table 2. No significant differences were noted in the 
operative time, estimated blood loss and complication 
rates. There were two conversions to laparotomy (one in 
the HALPN group and one in the LESSPN group) as a re-
sult of an inability to maintain hemostasis; however, there 
were no conversions to ischemic partial nephrectomy or 
radical nephrectomy. With the exception of these two pa-
tients, complete hemostasis was achieved; therefore, the 
application of bolster, sealant or parenchymal stitches/col-
lecting system closure was not necessary. The in-hospital 
frequency of analgesia administration was comparable be-
tween groups. All patients resumed oral intake and were 
ambulatory within 2 days. No postoperative complications 
such as delayed hemorrhage were observed in follow-up 
computed tomography (CT) imaging. However, one patient 
(16.7%) in the LESSPN group developed urinoma forma-
tion, which was resolved with percutaneous drainage and 
ureteral stent placement. Wound infection and dehiscence 

Table 2. Perioperative parameters, outcomes and complications.

Variables HALPN CLPN LESSPN P
(n = 12) (n = 10) (n = 6)

Mean operative time (min) 259 ± 75.2 194 ± 53.5 174 ± 13.8 .064

Mean blood loss (mL) 298 ± 69 48 ± 6 892 ± 40.0 .128

Complications* (no.) 

             Wound dehiscence 1.0 0.0 0.0

             Urine leakage** 0.0 0.0 1.0

Frequency of analgesic use (no.) 1.16 ± 1.06 1.5 ± 1.37 1.16 ± 0.57 .831

Delay in resuming normal activity (days) 1.3 ± 0.4 1.1 ± 0.4 1.0 .264

Delay in resuming normal diet (days) 2.1 ± 0.5 2.3 ± 0.8 1.5 ± 0.6 .055

Postoperative/preoperative serum creatinine (%) 106.0 ± 10.5 114.3 ± 13.8 112.4 ± 19.2 .451
Keys: HALPN, hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy; CLPN, conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy; LESSPN, laparoendoscopic 
single-site surgery for partial nephrectomy.
* Complications classified using the modified Clavien System.
** Urine leakage requiring ureteral stent.

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1599Vol. 11    |    No. 03    |     May - June2014    |U R O LO G Y   J O U R N A L

occurred in one patient (8.3%) in the HALPN group in the 
perioperative period, which was resolved with conservative 
treatment. The mean postoperative/preoperative creatinine 
(mg/dL) was 1.06, 1.14, and 1.12 for the HALPN, CLPN 
and LESSPN groups (P = .451), respectively.
In LESSPN, the EZ access, with its relatively large diam-
eter (5 cm), facilitated the triangulation and spacing of in-
struments, despite actually operating through a smaller 3 
cm skin incision. Even in LESS surgery, internal and ex-
ternal instrument collision did not prevent the completion 
of the procedures. The abdominal view after the unique in-
traumbilical technique revealed an invisible umbilical scar.
During the follow-up period, we observed one recurrence 
in the HALPN group despite a 100% negative margin 
rate. This patient had previously undergone contralateral 
nephrectomy for RCC. Two suspicious renal tumors were 
discovered in the remaining lower and middle pole kidney 
in follow-up imaging studies. Both tumors were resected 
simultaneously, and intraoperative frozen section analysis 
and final pathologic examination revealed negative mar-
gins. However, local recurrence and pulmonary metastases 
developed 8 months after HALPN. With the exception of 
this case, no local recurrence or distant metastases occurred 
during our midterm follow-up periods (mean 42.6 months 
post procedure).

DISCUSSION
Although the MTC is a useful instrument that enables sur-

geons to perform LPN without renal pedicle clamping, one 
possible drawback of the MTC may be collateral thermal 
damage to surrounding structures, such as arteries, veins 
and the collecting system as a result of inadequate coagu-
lation. This technique is better suited for polar tumors or 
small exophytic tumors located on the lateral convexity of 
the kidney. The indication for this procedure must be lim-
ited to small (< 4 cm) exophytic renal tumors with adequate 
intervening renal parenchyma as far as the renal collect-
ing system (< 5 mm). Therefore, this technique cannot be 
applied to central or hilar tumors. While limiting the indi-
cation, as a result of inappropriate needle puncture, unex-
pected postoperative complications, such as postoperative 
urinoma formation, pelvicaliceal stenosis, renal infarction 
or renal arteriovenous fistula, were reported.(5,10) Consider-
ing that these complications have rarely been documented 
in open partial nephrectomy (OPN) using the MTC, this 
should be recognized as a potential risk associated with 
the laparoscopic approach. The MTC probe, which was 
designed for purely laparoscopic surgery, is rigid and its 
movement is restricted by the fixed port site.(11) To insert the 
needle in the appropriate direction, it is mandatory to fully 
mobilize the antenna needle in the intraperitoneal space as 
in standard open surgery without stress. To allow the safe 
and widespread use of this apparatus in LPN, further in-
novative methods for precise needle puncture are needed.
In an attempt to provide more precise and accurate coagu-
lation, we propose the application of an “open” MTC for 
HALPN.(8) Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) is 
a unique surgical approach that has several unique advan-
tages (e.g., surgeons can insert a hand into the abdomen to 
achieve tactile sensation, three-dimensional orientation, 
hemorrhage control and improved organ retraction and re-
moval, analogous to laparotomy.(12,13) In HALPN using the 
MTC, needle puncture in the appropriate direction was quite 
easy and could be precisely changed in a timely manner. 
Moreover, digital dissection allows better access and quick 
isolation of the tumor. As such, this technique does not re-
quire advanced laparoscopic skill. In our series, HALPN 
was an effective procedure, and all measurable periopera-
tive outcomes are equivalent, with no obvious disadvantage 
for HALPN. Although not significant, the longer operative 
time observed for HALPN group potentially reflects under-

Figure. The microwave tissue coagulator is applied peripherally 
in the healthy parenchyma surrounding the tumor.

LESS for Partial Nephrectomy  |  Nozaki et al



1600 |

lying bias due to the fact that HALPN patients were more 
likely to be undergoing surgery during the early experience 
of using the MTC. However, in one patient, wound infec-
tion and dehiscence occurred. The primary disadvantage 
of HALPN compared to CLPN and LESSPN is the larger 
incision. A large series summarizing the specific complica-
tions of HALS has been reported.(14-16) These reports sug-
gested that postoperative HALS incision site complications, 
including wound infections and hernias, occur more often 
than with standard laparoscopy. An incisional hernia is often 
associated with significant morbidity and usually requires 
an additional procedure for its repair, which is associated 
with recurrence. Various risk factors for the development of 
postoperative complications at the HALS incision site have 
been proposed, including patient factors (smoking, diabe-
tes, renal failure and obesity), wound factors (re-incision, 
midline incisions and wound infection), external factors 
(radiation and chemotherapy) and operative variables (pro-
longed operative time and lack of antibiotics). The surgeon 
should take these into account when considering HALPN, 
and should bear these postoperative complications in mind 
during the surgery. 
To increase the cosmetic result of the surgery and to mini-
mize patient discomfort, several authors successfully uti-
lized LESSPN.(17-19) In this study, we attempted LESSPN 
without ischemia using the MTC. It is of note that the 
incidence of benign disease is high (approximately 30%) 
in small asymptomatic renal tumors.(20,21) The cosmetic 
outcome is a significant issue and a lower morbidity ap-
proach should be strongly recommended. CLPN is rou-
tinely performed using more than four ports of entry into 
the abdomen. The use of multiple puncture sites, however, 
may decrease patient cosmetic satisfaction and could in-
crease trocar-associated complications, such as trocar-site 
bleeding, herniation of viscera and wound infection. In this 
setting, LESSPN could play a principal role in increasing 
patient satisfaction because LESS avoids the psychological 
trauma associated with multiple scars. Despite recent tech-
nologic advances in LESS instrumentation and optics, there 
are concerns associated with technical difficulties, includ-
ing internal or external instrument collisions or difficulties 
in driving the instruments. In order to allow the safe use of 
this apparatus in LESSPN, further innovative methods for 

precise needle puncture are needed. In our LESSPN group, 
we used the EZ access port and bendable MTC probe for 
PN without ischemia. Using these new types of devices for 
LESSPN, the surgeon did not encounter internal or external 
instrument collisions or difficulties in driving the instru-
ments, problems that were typical of LESS procedures. The 
analysis of our first six LESSPNs is encouraging and com-
pares favorably with other LESSPN without ischemia se-
ries. Kaouk and colleagues published their experience with 
five cases of LESSPN without ischemia using a harmonic 
scalpel.(17) The mean operating time was 160 min, with a 
mean estimated blood loss of 420 mL. They converted to 
standard laparoscopy in one patient to control parenchymal 
bleeding. Cindolo and colleagues published their experi-
ence with six cases of LESSPN without ischemia using a 
laparoscopic vessel sealing instrument (LigaSure Advance, 
Covidien, Mansfield, MA).(18) The average tumor size was 
2.1 cm (range 1.0-3.5 cm) and mean operating time was 
148 min (range 115-180 min), with a mean estimated blood 
loss of 201 mL. They added one additional 5 mm port in 
two cases to suture the renal parenchyma and for liver or 
tissue retraction. They converted to standard laparoscopy 
(adding two 5 mm ports) in one case to control parenchy-
mal bleeding. Our procedure provides optimal hemostasis, 
making LESSPN easier and possible without renal pedicle 
clamping or hemostatic sutures. This technique should only 
be attempted in select patients who have favorable tumor 
anatomic features and should be performed by an expe-
rienced laparoscopic team. The only recognized benefit 
of LESS compared with conventional laparoscopy is im-
proved cosmesis. The other potential patient benefits such 
as a decrease in postoperative pain and recovery time are 
equivalent, with no obvious advantage for LESSPN. How-
ever, in our LESSPN group, one patient (a 22-year old fe-
male) with Von Hippel-Lindau disease was included. The 
retroperitoneal LESS approach was chosen to minimize the 
intra-abdominal adhesion and limit abdominal wall trauma. 
We postulate that the younger patient subset, which was 
more likely to undergo surgery for benign indications and 
more likely to undergo repeat surgery for recurrence dis-
ease, received the greatest benefit from LESS surgery. 
This study has several limitations. First, the study is ret-
rospective and is susceptible to all limitations and biases 

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inherent in a retrospective design. Second, we used the fre-
quency of analgesia administration as a surrogate for meas-
uring postoperative pain. The optimal means of assessing 
postoperative pain would involve using a visual analog 
scale as well as measuring analgesic requirements. Third, 
the study includes a relatively small number of patients and 
a relatively short follow-up period. Further studies are nec-
essary to investigate the actual benefits of these procedures 
in performing minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery.

CONCLUSION 
In conclusion, HALPN, CLPN and LESSPN without is-
chemia by using MTC were feasible and safe. Our prelimi-
nary findings can be used to better counsel patients when 
deciding between a HALPN versus CLPN or LESSPN ap-
proach. The surgical outcomes were not significantly differ-
ent and the choice of surgical approach therefore depends 
on the patient’s individual circumstance.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None declared.

LESS for Partial Nephrectomy  |  Nozaki et al