Mini-flank supra-12th rib incision for open partial nephrectomy compared with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Partial nephrectomy (PN) is a standard procedure for kidney tumors.
• Traditional open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
• A novel approach, mini-incision open partial nephrectomy (MI-OPN), aims to combine the benefits of both techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the technique of partial nephrectomy (PN) using a supra-12th rib mini-flank incision (MI-OPN).
• To compare MI-OPN with traditional open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).
• To evaluate MI-OPN as a potential alternative to OPN and LPN.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective single-center study of 194 patients undergoing PN between February 2005 and December 2010.
• Patients were divided into three groups: MI-OPN, OPN, and LPN.
• Demographic, perioperative, and complication data were collected and compared.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in patient demographics or tumor characteristics (RENAL/PADUA scores) were observed.
• MI-OPN demonstrated shorter operative times and warm ischemia times compared to LPN.
• MI-OPN showed similar length of stay to LPN but less estimated blood loss than OPN and LPN, with similar overall complication rates.

Conclusions:

• MI-OPN combines advantages of minimally invasive and open surgery, featuring a smaller incision, reduced blood loss, and shorter hospital stays.
• MI-OPN may serve as an effective alternative to LPN and OPN, particularly for tumors with high complexity scores (RENAL/PADUA).
• This technique offers a promising option for kidney tumor management.