Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Peripelvic Cystic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to report our experiences of laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomies on patients with peripelvic cystic renal cell carcinoma (cRCC). Methods: From July 2003 and October 2014, 18 patients with suspected peripelvic cRCCs underwent partial nephrectomies via an open or laparoscopic approach at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Patients' perioperative and oncological outcomes were analyzed and compared between the open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) groups. Results: Seven patients underwent OPNs, and 11 patients underwent LPNs for their peripelvic lesions. All procedures were performed successfully; no conversion to open surgery was encountered in the LPN group. There was no significant difference between the groups in mean operation time, blood loss, warm ischemia time or complication rates. The mean hospital stay in the LPN group was significantly shorter than in the OPN group (p = 0.004). The mean follow-up of the OPN and LPN group was 95.0 and 65.1 months, respectively. No local recurrence or metastasis has been noted during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Peripelvic cRCC represents an uncommon variant of RCCs; few cases have been reported addressing peripelvic cRCC treatment. Although technically challenging, LPN is an effective minimally invasive modality for treating peripelvic cRCC in experienced hands.