Laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy: a matched-pair comparison of 200 patients

Laparoscopy is currently challenging the role of the open approach for nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), yet comparative studies on this issue are scant.

To compare surgical, oncologic, and functional outcomes after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN).

We undertook matched-pair (age, sex, tumour size) analysis of patients who underwent elective NSS for renal masses either by laparoscopic (Klagenfurt) or open (Vienna) access.

Surgical data, complications, histologic and oncologic data, and short- and long-term renal function of the open and laparoscopic groups were compared.

In total, 200 patients matched for age, sex, and tumour size entered the study after either LPN or OPN and were followed for a mean of 3.6 yr. Surgical, ischemia, and hospitalisation times were shorter in the LPN group (p<0.001). Blood loss and complication rates were comparable in both groups. Malignant tumours were pT1 stage renal-cell cancer only in both groups. The positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was 4% after LPN and 2% after OPN (p=0.5); positive margins were not a risk factor for disease recurrence. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-yr local recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 97% after LPN and 98% after OPN (p=0.8); the respective numbers for distant free survival were 99% and 96% (p=0.2). Five-year overall survival (OS) for patients with pT1 stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was 96% after LPN and 85% after OPN. The decline in glomerular filtration rate at the last available follow-up (LPN: 10.9%; OPN: 10.6%) was similar in both groups (p=0.8). We recognise the retrospective nature, limited follow-up, and sample size as shortcomings of this study.

In experienced hands, LPN provides similar results compared to open surgery. PSM rates were comparable after LPN and OPN. Current experience questions the indication of secondary nephrectomy in these patients.