Use of Bone Wax During Laparoscopic Renal Ablative Procedures: Optimizing Port Utilization and Reducing Tract-Site Exposure

PURPOSE: We describe the use of a hemostatic wax sealant during laparoscopic renal ablative procedures to allow airtight transabdominal access of the treatment probe through a standard 5-mm port. METHODS: Following Tru-cut biopsy of the renal mass, Bone Wax was used to occlude the external opening of an established 5-mm laparoscopic port. The cryotherapy or radiofrequency treatment probe was then passed through the waxy material and inserted appropriately into the renal lesion while pneumoperitoneal pressure was maintained. RESULTS: In all cases, the Bone Wax provided a sufficient airtight seal to allow use of the 5-mm port during ablative therapy of renal masses. CONCLUSIONS: Use of Bone Wax during laparoscopic renal ablative surgery allows the use of an established 5-mm port, thus obviating a separate skin incision and reducing the tract-site exposure to the needle probe.