LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR LARGE RENAL CELL CARCINOMA: RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF SAFETY AND ONCOLOGICAL...

(Objectives) To evaluate the safety and oncologic efficacy of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) >7 cm, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcome and long-term cancer control of patients who underwent LRN in comparison to open radical nephrectomy (ORN). (Patients and methods) The clinical records of 79 patients with RCC >7 cm, who underwent radical nephrectomy (37 LRN; 42 ORN) between 1993 and 2014, were reviewed. (Results) The 2 groups (LRN and ORN) were comparable regarding age, body mass index and mean tumor size (86.5 mm vs. 94.6 mm).The operative time was significantly longer in the LRN group than ORN group (204 min vs. 168 min; p<0.05) and blood loss was significantly lower in the LRN group than in the ORN group (144 ml vs. 930 ml; p<0.05).No statistically significant difference was found in complication rate (10.8% vs. 23.8%) and the 2-year recurrence-free survival rate (85.6% vs. 83.8%). (Conclusion) Despite the longer operative time, LRN for large RCC was associated with lower blood loss. This study provides evidence of the safety and efficacy of LRN for large RCC.