Use of water jet resection in renal surgery: early clinical experiences.

OBJECTIVE

Various surgical techniques have been developed to reduce the risk of bleeding during dissection of renal tissue. Water jet technology has been designed for a gentle transection of parenchymal organs. We report about first experiences with a new water jet resection device in kidney surgery.

METHODS

7 patients underwent open surgery because of renal cell carcinoma or nephrolithiasis. In tumor patients a partial nephrectomy, in 1 stone patient a nephrolithotomy, and in the other 1 a lower pole resection were performed.

RESULTS

By means of water jet resection tissue was dissected effectively avoiding damage to the vascular structures, which were then ligated selectively. Resection time was between 14 and 30 min with a minimal intraoperative blood loss. No significant problem was seen postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that water jet technology is an applicable tool for transection of renal parenchyma. It has been shown to reduce the risk of blood loss significantly compared to other techniques.