Feasibility of Microwave Scissors-Based Off-Clamp Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in a Porcine Model.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of off-clamp laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using microwave scissors.

Methods: We performed transperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, without hilar clamping or renorrhaphy, using only microwave scissors for renal resection in a porcine model. For each kidney, 2 types of procedures were performed: a middle pole resection excising an area of 2-cm diameter and approximately 1-cm depth and a lower pole resection at the level of the lower polar line. The renal calyces exposed during renal resection were sealed and transected using microwave scissors. After 3 days of follow-up, the pigs were reoperated to inspect for postoperative complications. Euthanasia was performed to collect the remaining kidneys for histopathological examination.

Results: Ten procedures were successfully performed, without hilar clamping or suturing of the renal calyces and parenchyma, in 5 kidneys from 3 pigs. The median resecting time, blood loss, and lateral thermal injury were 23.2 min, 47.1 mL, and 6.8 mm in the middle pole resection, and were 15.1 min, 26.5 mL, and 6.9 mm in the lower pole resection, respectively. No complications were noted during reoperation, such as postoperative hemorrhage and major urine leakage. Extravasation occurred in 2 middle pole resections and 3 lower pole resections during retrograde pyelogram. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed thermal injury characterized by tissue microwave fixation in the near zone and acute coagulative necrosis in the intermediate zone.

Conclusions: Microwave scissors-based off-clamp laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is feasible in pigs and can be used for clinical applications.