Objectives: Long-term follow-up studies have demonstrated that effective local tumor control and long-term tumor-free progression rates can be achieved by nephron-sparing surgery. However, hemostasis is a major issue, and the lack of effective means of hemostasis has limited the wider use of the laparoscopic approach to nephron-sparing surgery.
Methods: Between January 2001 and April 2002, 25 patients with renal cell carcinoma were treated with partial nephrectomy using a two-component tissue sealant (FloSeal). The median age was 54 years (range 42 to 71). The follow-up time was 1 to 12 months (median 3.5). The tumor diameter ranged from 2 to 5 cm (median 2.8). Fifteen cases were performed by open retroperitoneal surgery, and 10 cases were performed laparoscopically. The two-component tissue sealant (consisting of a gelatin matrix granula component and a thrombin component) was applied after resection of the tumor and before perfusion of the kidney. The following parameters were recorded: time until complete hemostasis was achieved; decrease in postoperative hemoglobin level; postoperative bleeding; and presence or absence of a perirenal hematoma 24 hours and 10 days postoperatively by ultrasonography.
Results: After application of the tissue sealant for 1 to 2 minutes to the moist resection site, hemostasis was immediate in all cases. During the laparoscopically performed partial nephrectomies, a laparoscopic applicator was used to avoid wasting the tissue sealant within the dead space of the instrument. When reperfusion of the kidney was established, hemostasis was maintained. The decrease in postoperative hemoglobin level ranged from 0.3 to 1.2 points (median 0.7). None of the patients required blood transfusions. No postoperative bleeding occurred. The ultrasound examination 24 hours and 10 days postoperatively demonstrated the absence of a significant perirenal hematoma.
Conclusions: The two-component tissue sealant FloSeal provided immediate and durable hemostasis in open and laparoscopically performed partial nephrectomies. The tissue sealant may provide a tool to expand the possibilities of laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery.