Laparoscopic versus open surgery for renal masses with infrahepatic tumor thrombus: the largest series of retroperitoneal experience from China.

Abstract Objective: To compare the treatment outcome of laparoscopic versus open surgery for renal masses with infrahepatic (levels I and II) tumor thrombus and analyze the largest series of retroperitoneal experience in such cases from China. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine patients with renal masses with infrahepatic tumor thrombus were analyzed retrospectively between January 2009 and January 2013 at our institution. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively. They were divided into two groups based on the detailed surgical approach applied. Group 1 (A, pure laparoscopic; B, laparoscopic nephrectomy with open thrombectomy) consisted of 17 patients (34.7%) and group 2 (pure open) consisted of 32 patients (65.3%). Results: The two groups were comparable with regard to all of the patients' baseline characteristics. All operations were performed successfully without severe complications. In group 1, the mean operative time was 208.5 minutes, the me...