Ligation of the Renal Pedicle During Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A Comparison of Staples, Clips, and Sutures

Abstract

Evaluation of the role of staples, clips, and sutures for laparoscopic ligation of the renal artery revealed that occluding the renal artery with three, 9 mm titanium clips is as secure as occluding the renal artery with standard 2-0 and 0-silk ligatures. However, a triple staggered line of 2.5 mm staples placed across the renal artery was not as secure as either clips or silk sutures. The authors also studied eight female farm pigs who underwent laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with en masse stapled occlusion of the renal hilum. In one animal, an arteriovenous fistula was documented 6 months postoperatively. Currently, when laparoscopically occluding the renal hilum, the authors recommend a thorough dissection of the renal artery and renal vein; each should then be separately occluded so that three individually placed titanium clips remain on the stump of the renal artery and on the renal vein.