Lower pole approach in retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a new approach for the management of renal vascular pedicle

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness and safety of lower pole (LP) approach in retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN). METHODS: One hundred thirty-two renal cancer patients were scheduled for selective retroperitoneal LRN. The surgery parameters and outcomes were compared. Out of 132 patients, 78 (59.1%) patients underwent LRN via LP approach, while 54 (40.9%) patients underwent LRN via lateroposterior space (LPS) approach. RESULTS: Compared to LPS group, the LP group had a higher body mass index (27.0 ± 1.7 kg/m(2) vs. 24.5 ± 1.8 kg/m(2), P < 0.0001) and a larger tumor size (6.9 ± 3.5 cm vs. 4.1 ± 3.3 cm, P < 0.0001). The LP approach reduced the volumes of blood loss and transfusion significantly (135.3 ± 17.2 mL vs. 219.6 ± 30.9 mL, P < 0.0001; 55.6 ± 28.3 vs. 141.1 ± 50.4 mL, P < 0.0001) as compared to the LPS approach. The LP approach also decreased the risk of conversion to open procedure (1.3 vs. 7.4%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The LP approach is an effective and safe alternative to the LPS approach for retroperitoneal LRN and might be more suitable for patients with obesity, large tumors, tumors located at the medial part of the kidney, or renal pedicular adhesion.