A new study has demonstrated that using thulium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser in laparascopic partial nephrectomy is safe and effective. 15 patients with a mean tumour diameter of 2.85 cm underwent the surgical procedure, which took on average 168 min to perform. Importantly, no hilar clamping is required with this technique, so warm ischaemic time was 0 min for all patients. Minimal blood loss (mean 341 ml) was noted, tumour margins were negative for all patients and serum creatinine level did not increase, indicating preserved renal function.