Purpose: We determined if QuikClot, a novel hemostatic agent made of a granulated mineral substance, could be used to control renal parenchymal bleeding and collecting system leakage during open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Materials and methods: After obtaining renal hilar vascular control 2 domestic female pigs underwent bilateral open and 4 underwent unilateral laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. After excision of the lower pole without cautery the hemostatic agent was applied to the cut surface of the kidney and hilar vascular control was released. Additional QuikClot was added until complete hemostasis was achieved. One week postoperatively the animals were sacrificed and the operated kidneys were harvested for ex vivo retrograde pyelograms and histopathological analysis.
Results: All partial nephrectomies were performed without complication. Mean operative and warm ischemia times were 62 and 16 minutes, respectively. An average of 23% of renal mass by weight was resected with a mean blood loss of 73 ml per procedure. No cautery, additional hemostatic agents or techniques were used. No animal had clinical or radiographic evidence of urinoma or delayed hemorrhage. Histopathological analysis showed preservation of the renal parenchyma immediately beneath the QuikClot layer.
Conclusions: In the porcine model QuikClot allowed the resection of large renal segments, while providing reliable hemostasis and closure of the renal collecting system. No deleterious effect on underlying renal parenchyma or surrounding tissues was observed.