Abstract: Objective To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN).MethodsForty-nine cases who underwent RLPN were analyzed retrospectively, the patients were followed up for five years. Tumors were on the left side in 23 cases and on the right in in 26. The mean tumor size was 3.9 (1.5~6.3) cm in diameter. The tumor was resected with a margin of 5 to 10 mm of healthy renal parenchyma.Results All the operations were completed successfully, without conversion to open surgery and no organ injury occurred. Mean operating time was 82 (45~130 ) min, the mean warm ischemic time was 28 (18~40) min and mean estimated blood loss was 250 (50~500) mL. The pathological studies revealed 35 cases of clear cell carcinoma, 2 cases of papillary renal cell carcinoma,9 cases of angioleiomyolipoma and 3 cases of renal oncocytoma.The surgical margin was negative in all cases.Urine leakage was found in 1 case, perinephric hematoma in 1 case, impaired renal function in 1 case, the incisions in all the cases were healed without secondary surgical invention. The mean hospital stay was 9 (7~12) d. During 4~49 months of following up, there was no recurrence of tumor. Conclusion RLPN could be a safe and minimally invasive procedure, and it is worthy of promotion for qualified hospitals.

Key words: renal tumor, retroperitoneal laparoscopy, partial nephrectomy