Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy - The European experience

This article summarizes the experience of four European centers with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for small renal tumors. Fifty-three tumors have been treated, of which 37 histologically were renal cell carcinoma. The procedure is technically demanding; adequate hemostasis during the excision of the tumor still represents the major problem. However, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has proved to be oncologically effective, offering the advantage of minimally invasive access for the patients.