Off Clamp Randomization

Evaluation of the Off-Clamp Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Technique in the Management of Renal Tumors

The purpose of this research study is to compare the effects on kidney function after performing the removal of a kidney tumor with or without clamping the blood vessels during surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients 18 and older.
• Patients willing and able to sign consent.
• Patients with an organ confined renal mass planning to undergo a robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).
• Patient with Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) equal to or greater than 40.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 18.
• Patients with Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) less than 40.
• Patients with non-organ confined renal masses (invading renal vein, inferior vena cava, peri-renal tissue, ipsilateral adrenal gland, or metastasis).
• Patients with bilateral synchronous renal masses.
• Patients who can not discontinue Plavix, Coumadin or other anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medications.
• Patients with renal lesions determined to be too complex to perform a RAPN without clamp by the surgeon. (The renal mass may be deemed too difficult based on pre-operatively radiological findings. The surgeon's decision to exclude a mass from a robotic assisted partial nephrectomy would be based on a higher risk of positive margin or complication if a RAPN was performed.)