TissueLink™ device for laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery

Background and Purpose: One of the most challenging aspects of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is achieving adequate control of bleeding from the tumor bed. We report our initial experience with laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery using the TissueLink™ floating-ball radiofrequency dissector. Patients and Methods: From March 2002 to April 2003, we performed 14 purely laparoscopic nephron-sparing nephrectomies using the floating-ball device on 11 patients. Results: The mean operative time was 124 minutes (range 90-210 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss was 168 mL (range 20-600 mL). One patient had a small urine leak and was sent home with the drain in place. Conclusions: We successfully treated 14 small renal lesions using the TissueLink floating-ball device. The procedure was performed in an expeditious fashion with minimal blood loss. Long-term follow-up is required to determine the oncologic efficacy.