Partial nephrectomy using a monopolar radiofrequency device: an animal model.

Objectives: To compare the use of radiofrequency (RF) and electrocautery in partial nephrectomy without renal artery clamping for bleeding and tissue destruction.

Methods: Sixteen adult rabbits were randomized into two groups. Partial nephrectomy using a monopolar RF device without renal artery clamping was performed in 8 rabbits (RF group) and partial nephrectomy using electrocautery was performed in the rest (cautery group). Four rabbits in each group (rabbits 1, 3, 5, and 7) were kept for follow-up, and the operated kidneys of the rest were removed for histopathologic evaluation. The tissue samples were placed in 10% formalin solution and sent to the pathology laboratory. The groups were compared in terms of bleeding and tissue destruction.

Results: The mean blood loss was 3.6 +/- 1.2 mL in the RF group and 8.3 +/- 2.7 mL in the control group (P = 0.003). A rabbit in the control group died on postoperative day 3 because of bleeding. Others were followed up for 3 months postoperatively. The amount of thermal destruction was comparable between the two groups. Varying degrees of thermal destruction were observed at the cutting margins in both groups. No difference was found between the two groups in terms of the deepness of thermal injury (1 to 2 mm).

Conclusions: The findings of our experimental study showed that the use of the RF electrode in partial nephrectomy without renal artery clamping resulted in less intraoperative bleeding without differences in terms of tissue destruction.