Intermediate results of laparoscopic cryoablation in 59 patients at the Medical College of Wisconsin

PURPOSE: We report our experience with LC for small renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent LC at our institution between February 2000 and September 2004 were included in the study. A retrospective chart review was done for perioperative and postoperative parameters as well as clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 65 LCs were performed in 59 patients during the period reviewed. Overall 81 renal tumors were cryoablated. Median patient age was 62 years. Median tumor size was 2.5 cm. Median operative time was 190 minutes. Median estimated blood loss was 50 ml. Median hospital stay was 2 days. Conversion to open surgery occurred in 2 patients. Nephrectomy for bleeding occurred in 1 patient. Median followup was 26.8 months. Two recurrences were identified after LC. CONCLUSIONS: LC is an alterative modality to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy for small renal tumors. Tumor recurrence rates in the studies published to date are comparable to those of partial nephrectomy, although longer followup is needed.