Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine whether 1- versus 2-layer renorrhaphy affects renal function after partial nephrectomy. METHODS: A total of 18 patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomies for renal tumors at a single center were randomized to 1-layer or 2-layer renorrhaphy. All patients received a running base layer for hemostasis and collecting system closure. The 2-layer renorrhaphy group also underwent cortical closure with running suture, sliding clip method. Demographics and surgical outcomes were collected. Three-dimensional renal models were constructed using semiautomatic segmentation and planimetry pre- and 4 months postsurgery to determine renal volume loss. Welch's t test was used with statistical significance defined as P < .05. RESULTS: Of the 18 patients included in the study, 10 were randomized to 1-layer and 8 to 2-layer renorrhaphy. Demographic variables were matched. There was no difference in postoperative creatinine at 1 month (P = .11), 1 year (P = .28), or 3 years (P = .28) postoperatively. However, the change from pre to postoperative creatinine favored the 1-layer group at 1 month (-0.043 vs +0.11 P = .02) and 3 years (-0.0025 vs 0.244, P = .08) follow up. The 1-layer group had a smaller mean volume loss at 4 months postoperatively compared to the 2-layer group (12% vs 22%, P = .04). CONCLUSION: This small, randomized trial found increased creatinine and volume loss after 2-layer cortical renorrhaphy. Omitting cortical renorrhaphy may result in better preservation of renal volume and function.