To evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of zero ischemia laparoscopic radio frequency ablation assisted enucleation of T1a renal cell carcinoma in comparison with the conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Warm ischemic injury is one of the most important factors affecting renal function in partial nephrectomy (PN). Zero ischemia partial nephrectomy technique using renal arterial branch microdissection could protect renal function during surgery, but it requires longer operative time and more blood loss than conventional partial nephrectomy. The technique of zero ischemia laparoscopic radio frequency ablation assisted enucleation of renal cell carcinoma appears to be an alternative that eliminates warm ischemia, preserves the maximal parenchyma and is oncologically safe. Our study was designed to evaluate this technique in comparison with the conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with sporadic, unilateral, newly diagnosed T1a presumed renal cell carcinoma
• patients with normal contralateral renal function (differential renal function of >40% as determined by radionuclide scintigraphy)
• patients agreeable to participate in this long-term follow-up study

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients' aged >80 years
• patients with other renal diseases
• patients not able to tolerate the laparoscopic procedure
• patients with previous renal surgery or history of any inflammatory conditions of the operative kidney
• patients with the renal tumor close to the calyces