Table 3 Main advantages and disadvantages of the two different approaches

Larger operative field, familiar anatomic landmarks

Narrow space, lack obvious anatomic landmarks

Helpful during the early learning curve

Not suitable for beginners

Less affected by the nature of perinephric fat

Greatly affected by the nature of perinephric fat

Prone to retroperitoneal injury

Prone to renal fascia laceration, renal arenchyma injury

More dissection, longer operative time

Less dissection, shorter operative time