Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: technique and outcomes

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) was first described in 1992. Its increased use in recent years is a product of overall trends in surgery to minimize operative morbidity, as well as the downward stage migration of renal tumors detected incidentally through widespread medical imaging. Today the indications for LPN have expanded to include larger and higher stage tumors. This review focuses on techniques that will be helpful to the practicing urologist and examines the most up-to-date reports regarding the oncologic and functional outcomes in LPN. Alternative approaches and emerging techniques are also discussed.