Gasless laparoscopy-assisted partial nephrectomy for a complicated cystic lesion: case report

We performed laparoscopy-assisted partial nephrectomy for a calcified cystic lesion of the kidney. This new technique combines the merits of laparoscopic and conventional open surgery. Although our method leaves a slightly larger scar than laparoscopic surgery, suturing of the cut renal parenchymal margin is easy, and CO2 pneumoperitoneum is not needed. In addition, if the frozen section reveals malignancy, it is easy to change the procedure to radical nephrectomy without making another incision. This new method may be useful for various renal lesions, as well as for surgery on the abdominal organs.