Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: six degrees of haemostasis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: • To describe six steps for haemostasis and collecting system closure ('six degrees of haemostasis') that are reproducible and that minimize the two most concerning complications of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy haemorrhage and urine leakage. METHODS: • A retrospective study of 23 consecutive laparoscopic partial nephrectomy cases performed by a single surgeon between 2005 and 2008 using the 'six degrees of haemostasis' was carried out. RESULTS: • There were no cases of intraoperative, postoperative or delayed bleeding. • There were no cases of urine leakage. CONCLUSION: • The 'six degrees of haemostasis' technique for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy described in the present study provides a reliable and reproducible method to reassure the surgeon of haemostasis and provide a decreased risk of urine leakage.