Laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy.

Abstract Objectives To compare, retrospectively, the results of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) to open partial nephrectomy (OPN) using a tumor size-matched cohort of patients. Limited data are available comparing LPN to OPN in the treatment of small renal tumors. Methods Between September 2000 and September 2003, 27 LPNs and 22 OPNs were performed to treat renal masses less than 4 cm. Patient demographics and tumor location and size (2.4 ± 1.0 cm versus 2.9 ± 0.9 cm, respectively; P = not statistically significant) were similar between the LPN and OPN groups. Results Although the mean operative time was longer in the LPN than in the OPN group (210 ± 76 minutes versus 144 ± 24 minutes; P P = not statistically significant). No blood transfusions were performed in either group. The hospital stay was significantly reduced after LPN compared with after OPN (2.9 ± 1.5 days versus 6.4 ± 1.8 days; P P P Conclusions LPN confers several benefits over OPN concerning patient convalescence and costs, despite prolonged resection times at our current phase of the learning curve. Long-term results on cancer control in patients treated with LPN continue to be assessed.