To report our laparoscopic partial nephrectomy experience and the impact of temporary arterial occlusion during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy on postoperative renal function. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is increasingly popular but remains technically challenging.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed in 27 patients, with arterial occlusion in 15 cases. Postoperative renal function was evaluated with serum creatinine in all patients and postoperative technetium-99m mercaptoacetyl triglycine renal scans in a subset of patients after arterial occlusion.

The group with arterial occlusion (n = 15) did not differ from those without arterial occlusion (n = 12) with respect to age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, lesion size, operative time, blood loss, or complications. In patients undergoing arterial occlusion, the mean warm ischemia time was 43 ± 10 minutes (range 25 to 65). The preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine levels were unchanged in patients with (1.07 ± 0.4 to 1.15 ± 0.4 ng/dL; P = 0.24) and without (0.96 ± 0.22 to 1.07 ± 0.27 ng/dL; P = 0.14) arterial occlusion. The tumor size on imaging correlated with postoperative serum creatinine (r² = 0.450, P = 0.04). Nuclear renography was performed in 9 patients (60%) after renal artery occlusion. The mean differential renal function of the operated kidney (49%) was similar to that of the contralateral kidney (51%) and was not associated with warm ischemic time or tumor size.

Temporary arterial occlusion during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy does not appear to affect short-term renal function adversely. We believe that this technique can be safely performed when significant bleeding or entry into the collecting system is anticipated. Additional study is warranted to identify the maximal time of warm ischemia and ways to reduce potential renal injury.