Percutaneously Assisted "Two-Ports" Transperitoneal Radical Nephrectomy: Initial Series

Looking for a virtually "scarless" surgery mini-laparoscopy (ML) could be a viable alternative to conventional laparoscopy. ML is a reproducible technique and allows for the preservation of the triangulation concept, the cornerstone of laparoscopic surgery. Drawback of ML could be the poor performance of miniaturized instruments that could affect the confidence of the surgeon and limit the indications. The recent availability of a novel mini-laparoscopic platform in our center expanded the indications of ML to radical nephrectomy even in cases of large renal tumors in kidneys with abundant perirenal fat. The platform is composed by mini-instruments with the peculiarity of a 2.9-mm shaft that is mounted on a handle and a jaw that are comparable in size and performance to those of conventional instruments, increasing the ergonomy and the confidence perceived by the surgeon. Allowing for inclusion criteria, nine consecutive patients were enrolled in our prospective study and underwent percutaneously assisted "two-ports" radical nephrectomy. Preliminary data showed that the novel platform allowed us to perform a safe and effective procedure with acceptable perioperative outcomes and apparent improvements in cosmesis. Larger sample size and comparative studies are needed to confirm these findings.