Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy versus laparoscopic cryoablation for multiple ipsilateral renal tumors

Background: Management of multiple ipsilateral renal tumors is a dilemma in clinical practice. The effects of minimally invasive nephron-sparing procedures in this group of patients have not been assessed. Objective: To evaluate the technical feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) for multiple ipsilateral renal tumors. Design, Setting, and Participants: Between September 1999 and December 2006, 27 patients were treated with minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery (LPN or LCA) for synchronous multiple ipsilateral renal tumors in a single operating session at our institution. Fourteen patients with 28 tumors underwent LPN, and 13 patients with 31 tumors underwent LCA as the sole treatment modality. Intervention: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and data were collected. Measurements: Demographic, intraoperative, postoperative, and intermediate-term follow-up data were compared between the two groups. Results and Limitations: Patients in the LPN group had fewer tumors (2 vs. 2.4, p = 0.04) and larger dominant tumor size (3.6 vs. 2.5 cm, p = 0.005) in the affected kidney and lower preoperative serum creatinine levels (1 vs. 1.4 mg/dl, p = 0.02). Compared to the LCA group, patients in the LPN group had greater estimated blood loss (200 vs. 125 ml, p = 0.02) and longer hospital stays (90 vs. 52.3 h, p = 0.02). There were no open conversions, and no kidneys were lost. Complication rate, renal functional outcomes, and intermediate-term cancer-specific survival rates were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Both LPN and LCA are viable options for patients with multiple ipsilateral renal tumors in select patients. Renal functional outcomes, complication rates, and intermediate-term survival rates are comparable between the two groups in this small series. (C) 2008 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.