Hemostatic agents and instruments in laparoscopic renal surgery.

Control of bleeding is one of the most technically challenging steps in laparoscopic renal surgery, especially partial nephrectomy. Although there is no consensus on how best to approach hemostasis, the options continue to expand. The original method of sutured renorrhaphy is, perhaps, the most effective; however, great skill is needed to avoid prolonged warm ischemia. Tissue sealants and adhesives serve as a barrier to leakage and as a hemostat. The four classes are fibrin sealants, collagen-based adhesives, hydrogel, and glutaraldehyde-based adhesive. Additionally, oxidized cellulose can be applied to the surface of kidney or used as a bolster. Fibrin sealants are self-activating and work best on a dry field. The gelatin matrix agent consists of human-derived thrombin with a calcium chloride solution and bovine-derived gelatin matrix. The fibrinogen required to form a clot comes from autologous blood. Another product is polyethylene glycol-based hydrogel, which acts as a mechanical sealant. The tissue glue consists of bovine serum albumin and glutaraldehyde, which cross-link to each other, as well as to other tissue proteins. Excessive use or spillage around the renal pelvis and ureter may compromise urinary flow. The methylcellulose products, consisting of oxidized cellulose sheets, usually are positioned within a sutured bolster and act in part by providing direct pressure. A number of energy-based technologies also have been utilized. Monopolar cautery consists of a high-frequency electrical current delivered from a single electrode. Care must be taken to avoid injurious current transfer to surrounding structures. With bipolar cautery, hemostasis occurs only between the electrodes. In the argonbeam coagulator, argon, an inert non-flammable gas that clears from the body rapidly, is coupled with an electrosurgical generator. The gas creates a more even distribution of the energy and better sealing of the tissues. There have been a few reports of serious complications, including gas embolism and tension pneumothorax. The holmium:YAG laser simultaneously dissects and coagulates tissue. However, its use may be limited by smoke and by blood splashing onto the camera lens, and the tissue vaporization and liquid could promote tumor-cell spillage. The potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) and diode lasers have shown promise in animal studies. The saline-coupled radiofrequency tool uses a standard electrosurgical generator to deliver energy through the conductive fluid. The fluid keeps the surface temperature much lower, increases the contact area, and reduces char and eschar formation. One caveat for the use of instruments that coagulate and ablate tissue is that they can damage the collecting system. Furthermore, the char can make it difficult to assess margin status. In practice, a combination of instruments, sealants, or both generally is utilized to obtain hemostasis. These multimodality efforts may be especially useful in the patient with compromised renal function. On the other hand, the cost can rise quickly when multiple agents are employed. Combining suturing and hemostatic technology may be the best strategy.