A controlled study of the argon beam coagulator for partial nephrectomy.

An argon beam coagulator was evaluated in 25 canine partial nephrectomies to determine its hemostatic capabilities, safety and degree of thermal injury to renal parenchyma. Comparison was made with a control group of seven partial nephrectomies performed by standard technique. In both groups the procedure was performed without renal cooling or clamping of the renal artery. The argon beam coagulator was operated with a power output of 130 watts. Mean operative time for partial nephrectomy was 22 minutes in the control group versus 10 minutes when the argon coagulator was used (p less than 0.001). Mean blood loss was 276 cc by standard technique but only 135 cc with the argon coagulator (p less than 0.001). A regular eschar with a mean depth of tissue necrosis of 2.4 mm. was observed with the argon coagulator.