A NEW RENAL TOURNIQUET FOR OPEN AND LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY

Purpose: We describe a novel double loop renal parenchymal tourniquet for obtaining hemostasis during open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Methods: One loop is positioned around the upper and 1 around the lower renal poles, thus securely entrapping the kidney. During partial nephrectomy the corresponding loop is double looped and cinched, thus achieving a tourniquet effect. The renal artery is not occluded. Intraoperative renal hypothermia is not required. Results: The renal tourniquet was used clinically during 6 open and 1 laparoscopic partial nephrectomies. Furthermore, during laparoscopic nephrectomy (5 porcine and 1 clinical cases) the double loop apparatus allowed for improved maneuverability of the kidney. Conclusions: The novel renal tourniquet affords adequate renal parenchymal hemostasis during open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.