Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy: Superiority over laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Nephron‐sparing surgery has been proven to positively impact the postoperative quality of life for the treatment of small renal tumors, possibly leading to functional improvements. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is still one of the most demanding procedures in urological surgery. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy sometimes results in extended warm ischemic time and severe complications, such as open conversion, postoperative hemorrhage and urine leakage. Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy exploits the advantages offered by the da Vinci Surgical System to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, equipped with 3‐D vision and a better degree in the freedom of surgical instruments. The introduction of the da Vinci Surgical System made nephron‐sparing surgery, specifically robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy, safe with promising results, leading to the shortening of warm ischemic time and a reduction in perioperative complications. Even for complex and challenging tumors, robotic assistance is expected to provide the benefit of minimally‐invasive surgery with safe and satisfactory renal function. Warm ischemic time is the modifiable factor during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy to affect postoperative kidney function. We analyzed the predictive factors for extended warm ischemic time from our robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy series. The surface area of the tumor attached to the kidney parenchyma was shown to significantly affect the extended warm ischemic time during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy. In cases with tumor‐attached surface area more than 15 cm², we should consider switching robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy to open partial nephrectomy under cold ischemia if it is imperative. In Japan, a nationwide prospective study has been carried out to show the superiority of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in improving warm ischemic time and complications. By facilitating robotic technology, robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy will be more frequently carried out as a safe, effective and minimally‐invasive nephron‐sparing surgery procedure.     

机器人辅助和普通腹腔镜肾部分切除术治疗肾血管平滑肌脂肪瘤的比较

目的对比肾血管平滑肌脂肪瘤（RAML）患者中应用机器人辅助肾部分切除术（RAPN）与普通腹腔镜下肾部分切除术（LPN）的安全性及有效性。 方法收集2016年1月至2021年8月我院收治的肾血管平滑肌脂肪瘤患者198例,其中80例为机器人辅助肾部分切除术组,118例为腹腔镜下肾部分切除术组。采用倾向性评分匹配后分析比较两术式的临床指标。 结果198例患者中有3例术中中转开放（包括2例LPN,1例RAPN）,1例LPN术中损伤输尿管,其余均顺利完成手术。RAPN组术中热缺血时间显著低于LPN组;RAPN组术后血红蛋白（Hb）差值百分比及eGFR差值百分比均显著低于LPN组（P<0.05）;手术时间、术中估计出血量、术中及术后输血率、术后并发症、术后引流量、引流管留置时间、胃肠道功能恢复时间、术后住院时间方面两组差异无统计学意义。 结论在肾血管平滑肌脂肪瘤患者中,应用机器人辅助肾部分切除术相较于普通腹腔镜下肾部分切除术具有显著优势,手术出血更少,热缺血时间更短,能更大程度保留肾功能。     

RENAL nephrometry score predicts surgical outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? For small renal tumours, partial nephrectomy provides excellent cancer control and preserves renal function. The RENAL Nephrometry Score is useful for quantifying anatomic features relevant to surgical decision‐making. In patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, this study shows a correlation between RENAL Nephrometry Score and estimated blood loss, warm ischemia time, and length of hospital stay, suggesting that the RENAL Nephrometry Score may be useful for predicting the technical challenge posed by a renal tumour.

OBJECTIVE

? To assess the use of the RENAL Nephrometry Score (RNS), which has been proposed as an anatomical classification system for renal masses, aiming to predict surgical outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

? In the present study, 159 consecutive patients who underwent LPN were reviewed and RNS was calculated for 141 patients with solitary renal masses who had complete radiographic data. ? Renal tumours were categorized by RNS as low (nephrometry sum 4–6), intermediate (sum 7–9) and high (sum 10–12).

RESULTS

? Of the 141 patients, there were 43 (30%) low, 91 (65%) intermediate and seven (5%) high score lesions. There was no statistically significant difference in the demographics of the three groups. ? There was a significant difference in warm ischaemia time (16 vs 23 vs 31 min; P < 0.001), estimated blood loss (163 vs 312 vs 317 mL; P= 0.034) and length of hospital stay (1.2 vs 1.9 vs 2.3 days; P < 0.001) between the low, intermediate and high score groups, respectively. There was no difference in overall operative time (P= 0.862), transfusion rate (P= 0.665), complication rate (P= 0.419), preoperative creatinine clearance (P= 0.888) or postoperative creatinine clearance (P= 0.473) between the groups. ? Sixty‐one lesions (43%) were anterior and 80 (57%) were posterior. No difference was found among any intra‐operative, pathological or postoperative outcomes when comparing anterior vs posterior lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

? In patients undergoing LPN, a higher RNS was significantly associated with an increased estimated blood loss, warm ischaemia time and length of hospital stay. ? The RNS may stratify tumours based on the technical difficulty of performing LPN.     

Tumour in solitary kidney: laparoscopic partial nephrectomy vs laparoscopic cryoablation

Study Type – Therapy (cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Tumour in a solitary functioning kidney represents an absolute indication for nephron‐sparing surgery whenever technically feasible. We report the longest follow‐up data comparing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic cryoablation in patients with solitary kidney with oncological follow‐up to five years.

OBJECTIVES

? We compare perioperative, functional and intermediate‐term oncological outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) vs laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) for small renal tumour in patients with a solitary kidney. ? A treatment algorithm is also proposed.

PATIENT AND METHODS

? Over a 10‐year period (02/1998‐09/2008), 78 patients with a small tumour in a functionally solitary kidney underwent LPN (n= 48) or LCA (n= 30). ? Baseline, perioperative, and follow‐up data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

? Demographic data were similar between the LPN and LCA groups. Tumours were somewhat larger (3.2 vs 2.6 cm) in the LPN group. LPN was associated with greater blood loss (391 vs 162 mL; P= 0.003), and trended towards more post‐operative complications (22.9% vs 6.7%; P= 0.07). ? By 3 months post‐operative, eGFR decreased by 14.5% and 7.3% after LPN and LCA, respectively (P= 0.02). Post‐operative temporary dialysis was required after 3 LPN (6.2% vs 0%, P= 0.16). ? Median follow‐up time for LPN and LCA was 42.7 and 60.2 months, respectively. ? Local recurrence was detected in 4 (13.3%) LCA patients only (P= 0.02). ? Overall survival was comparable between LPN and LCA at 3 and 5 years, respectively (P= 0.74). The LPN group had superior cancer‐specific and recurrence‐free survival at 3 and 5 years compared to the LCA group (P < 0.05, for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

? Given adequate technical expertise, both LPN and LCA are viable nephron‐sparing options for patients with tumour in a solitary kidney. ? Although LCA is technically easier and has superior functional outcomes, oncologic outcomes are superior after LPN.     

Role of computed tomography‐calculated intraparenchymal tumor volume in assessment of patients undergoing partial nephrectomy

Objectives

To determine the complexity of renal masses by using an objective novel imaging parameter (intraparenchymal tumor volume) based on computed tomography scans, to correlate this parameter to perioperative outcomes and to the RENAL nephrometry score.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, 87 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy between 2012 and 2016 at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative computed tomography intravenous pyelogram scans were reviewed by a single senior radiologist who calculated the intraparenchymal tumor volume. Once the intraparenchymal tumor volume scores were obtained, they were compared with perioperative renal and surgical outcomes, and nephrometry scores. Furthermore, intraparenchymal tumor volume was subdivided into two categories, low and high intraparenchymal tumor volume, both using the 89th percentile.

Results

The mean patient age was 60 years, and the mean tumor size was 2.9 cm. The mean nephrometry score was 7.8, and the mean intraparenchymal tumor volume score was 12.7 cm³. The cut‐off for high intraparenchymal tumor volume was >27.26 cm³. As a continuous variable, intraparenchymal tumor volume showed a significant relationship with the percentage of creatinine change (P = 0.009) and nephrometry scores (P < 0.001). As a categorical variable, high intraparenchymal tumor volume showed significance when compared with absolute creatinine change (P = 0.018), percentage of creatinine change (P = 0.004) and nephrometry score (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Intraparenchymal tumor volume represents a novel objective tool based on computed tomography imaging to determine the complexity of a renal mass. This tool correlates with renal functional outcomes of partial nephrectomy, and it also shows good correlation with RENAL nephrometry score.     

Validation of a novel robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy surgical training model

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? One area of particular growth for robotic surgery has been partial nephrectomy. Despite a perceived notion that robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy is more easily adaptable compared to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, there is nonetheless an associated learning curve. Validated training models with a corresponding assessment method for robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy were previously unavailable. We have designed and validated a RAPN surgical model appropriate for resident and fellow training.

OBJECTIVE

• ? To evaluate the face, content and construct validities of a novel ex vivo surgical training model for robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

METHODS

• ? We prospectively identified participants as novice (not completed any robotic console cases), intermediate (at least one robotic console case but <100 cases), and expert (≥100 robotic console cases). Each participant performed a partial nephrectomy using the da Vinci Si Surgical System on an ex vivo porcine kidney with an embedded Styrofoam ball that mimics a renal tumour. Subjects completed a post‐study questionnaire assessing training model realism and utility. Participants were anonymously judged by three expert reviewers using a validated laparoscopic assessment tool. Performance between groups was compared using the tukey–kramer test.

RESULTS

• ? The 46 participants recruited for this study included 24 novices, nine intermediates, and 13 experts. Overall, expert surgeons rated the training model as ‘very realistic’ (median visual analogue score 7/10) (face validity). Experts also rated the model as an ‘extremely useful’ training tool for residents (median 9/10) and fellows (9/10) (content validity), although less so for experienced robotic surgeons (5/10). Experts outscored novices on overall performance (P= 0.0002) as well as individual metrics, including ‘depth perception,’‘bimanual dexterity,’‘efficiency,’‘tissue handling,’‘autonomy,’‘precision,’ and ‘instrument and camera awareness’ (P < 0.05) (construct validity). Experts similarly outperformed intermediates in most metrics (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

• ? Our novel ex vivo RAPN surgical model has demonstrated face, content and construct validity. Future development of this model should include simulation of haemostasis management and renal reconstruction.

     

Prospective study of robotic partial nephrectomy for renal cancer in Japan: Comparison with a historical control undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy compared with those of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T1 renal tumors in Japanese centers.

Methods

Patients with a T1 renal tumor who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy were eligible for inclusion in the present study. The primary end‐point consisted of three components: a negative surgical margin, no conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery and a warm ischemia time ≤25 min. We compared data from these patients with the data from a retrospective study of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy carried out in Japan.

Results

A total of 108 patients were registered in the present study; 105 underwent robotic partial nephrectomy. The proportion of patients who met the primary end‐point was 91.3% (95% confidence interval 84.1–95.9%), which was significantly higher than 23.3% in the historical data. Major complications were seen in 19 patients (18.1%). The mean change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate in the operated kidney, 180 days postoperatively, was ?10.8 mL/min/1.73 m² (95% confidence interval ?12.3–9.4%).

Conclusions

Robotic partial nephrectomy for patients with a T1 renal tumor is a safe, feasible and more effective operative method compared with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. It can be anticipated that robotic partial nephrectomy will become more widely used in Japan in the future.

     

Prognostic significance of preoperative kidney volume for predicting renal function in renal cell carcinoma patients receiving a radical or partial nephrectomy

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? At present, many studies have been executed to identify predictors for chronic kidney disease or renal insufficiency after radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. We examined whether preoperative kidney volume is a predictor for renal function after radical or partial nephrectomies in RCC patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on the relationship between preoperative kidney volume and changes in renal function in RCC patients who underwent radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy performed by one surgeon.

OBJECTIVE

• ? To investigate whether preoperative kidney volume is a prognostic factor for predicting the postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? We included 133 patients who underwent radical (n= 83) or partial (n= 50) nephrectomy for RCC.
• ? Kidney parenchymal volume was measured using personal computer‐based software and GFR was estimated before and after surgery at 6 and 12 months.
• ? We evaluated the change in kidney volume after radical and partial nephrectomy and used regression analysis to identify predictors of lower post‐surgical GFR at 12 months.

RESULTS

• ? The mean volume of the normal side kidney for the radical nephrectomy group increased from 142.4 mL to 166.0 mL (17.2%) and 171.5 mL (21.2%) after surgery at 6 and 12 months, respectively.
• ? In the partial nephrectomy group, the volume of the normal side kidney increased from 127.2 mL to 138.8 mL (9.1%) and 140.6 mL (10.9%) after surgery at 6 and 12 months, respectively.
• ? The volume of the operated side kidney decreased from 128.5 mL to 102.3 mL (20.1%) and 101.8 (20.6%) after surgery at 6 and 12 months, respectively.
• ? In the radical nephrectomy group, older age (P < 0.001), preoperative volume of the normal kidney (P= 0.022) and preoperative GFR for the normal side kidney (P= 0.045) were significant predictors of lower post‐surgical GFR at 12 months.
• ? In the partial nephrectomy group, older age (P= 0.001) and preoperative volume for both kidneys (P= 0.037) were significant predictors of lower post‐surgical GFR at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

• ? Preoperative kidney volume is an independent predictor of GFR in RCC patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy.

     

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for sporadic ipsilateral multifocal renal tumours

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Although laparoscopic excision of ipsllateral multifocal renal tumours is feasible, the average warm ischemia time is prolonged. Robotic partial nephrectomy in this subset of patients using blunt dissection to enucleate the tumour is feasible and safe. This study demonstrates further that robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy with a small margin of normal tissue is feasible and safe with an acceptable range of warm ischemia time in patients with sporadic ipsilateral multifocal renal tumours. This study also suggest that robotic partial nephrectomy for this particular group of patients may better preserve renal function compared to laparoscopic approach, however this needs to be confirmed with prospective comparative studies.

OBJECTIVE

? To report our short‐term results of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for treating sporadic multiple ipsilateral renal tumours.

METHODS

? Over a 3‐year period, eight patients with two or more ipsilateral renal masses underwent nine robotic partial nephrectomies in our institution. ? We evaluated the PADUA and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores, intraoperative outcomes, histopathological characteristics, complications according to Clavien classification and renal function outcomes.

RESULTS

? In total, 19 tumours were removed from eight patients in nine procedures. Mean operative time was 199 ± 47 min (median 200; range 150–300). Mean size of the dominant lesion was 3.0 ± 1.1 cm (2.7; 1.6–4.8) and overall mean tumour size was 2.2 ± 1.2 cm (1.9; 0.4–4.8). Mean number of tumours removed per patient was 2.4. ? Median PADUA and R.E.N.A.L. scores were 7 and 6 (with the predominance of an anterior, non‐hilar position), respectively. ? Excluding the six off‐clamp resected tumours, the mean warm ischaemia time was 21 ± 9.2 min (21; 10–35). Mean estimated blood loss was 250 ± 154 mL (200; 100–500) and no patient required transfusion. There were no intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. One patient had atrial fibrillation, resolved with anti‐arrhythmic drugs. Mean length of stay was 4.2 ± 0.97 days. ? Sixteen of the nineteen tumours were malignant, most of papillary type and Fuhrman grade II. ? The mean decrease in glomerular filtration rate was 4%, with a mean follow‐up of 14 months.

CONCLUSIONS

? Robotic partial nephrectomy for sporadic ipsilateral multifocal renal tumours is feasible and safe. ? Off‐clamp resection of multiple tumours can also be safely performed in carefully selected lesions.     

Purely off‐clamp robotic partial nephrectomy: Preliminary 3‐year oncological and functional outcomes

Objectives

To describe our surgical technique and to report perioperative, 3‐year oncological and functional outcomes of a single‐center series of purely off‐clamp robotic partial nephrectomy.

Methods

A prospective renal cancer institutional database was queried, and data of consecutive patients treated with purely off‐clamp robotic partial nephrectomy between 2010 and 2015 in a high‐volume center were collected. Perioperative complications, and 3‐year oncological and functional outcomes were assessed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to identify independent predictors of renal function deterioration.

Results

Out of 308 patients treated, 41 (13.3%) experienced perioperative complications, 2.9% of which were Clavien grade ≥3. The 3‐year local recurrence‐free survival and renal cell carcinoma‐specific survival rates were 99.5% and 97.9%, respectively. No patient with preoperative chronic kidney disease stage ≤3B developed severe renal function deterioration (chronic kidney disease stage 4) at 1‐year follow up. At multivariable analysis, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.005) was the only independent predictor of a new‐onset chronic kidney disease stage ≥3 in patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease stages 1 or 2.

Conclusions

Off‐clamp robotic partial nephrectomy is a safe surgical approach in tertiary referral centers, with adequate oncological outcomes and negligible impact on renal function.

     

Self-retaining barbed suture for parenchymal repair during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy; initial clinical experience

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? This paper reports on outcomes for SRBS during conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. In addition to an improvement in warm ischaemia time, we found that SRBS use during LPN may be beneficial in reducing rates of clinically significant haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVES

• ? To evaluate the efficacy of a self‐retaining barbed suture (SRBS) in achieving a secure and haemostatic renorrhaphy during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).
• ? To compare perioperative outcomes for LPN with SRBS with those for LPN with conventional polyglactin suture, with specific attention to warm ischaemia time, blood loss and need for postoperative bleeding interventions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? Patients who underwent LPN between June 2007 and October 2010 were identified through an Institutional Review Board approved registry of oncological patients.
• ? Before July 2009, parenchymal repair after tumour excision was performed using absorbable polyglactin suture (Group 1), and subsequently, using SRBS (Group 2).
• ? Demographic, clinical, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared for each group.

RESULTS

• ? LPN was performed in 49 patients in Group 1 and 29 in Group 2.
• ? Baseline demographic and clinical features, estimated blood loss, and transfusion and embolization rates were statistically similar for the cohorts.
• ? Mean warm ischaemia time (±SD) was significantly shorter for the SRBS group (26.4 ± 8.3 vs 32.8 ± 7.9; P= 0.0013).
• ? Bleeding requiring intervention (open conversion or transfusion ± embolization) was more common for Group 1 (9/49, 18.4% vs 1/29, 3.4%; P= 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

• ? The use of SRBS for parenchymal repair during LPN in humans is safe and is associated with a significant reduction in warm ischaemia time.
• ? SRBS use during LPN may also reduce rates of clinically significant bleeding.
• ? Prospective, larger studies to confirm the value of SRBS use in minimally invasive partial nephrectomy are warranted.

     

'Zero ischaemia', sutureless laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal tumours with a low nephrometry score

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Ischaemic injury produced by hilar clamping during partial nephrectomy is the main determinant of renal function loss. The exact measurement of ipsilateral renal function loss can be underestimated by serum creatinine levels and estimated GFR. Few reports of unclamped laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) are available in the literature, although this technique shows promising results. The present study includes a series of patients with the longest follow‐up of LPN without hilar clamping and without parenchymal reconstruction. Excellent cancer control and optimum renal functional preservation suggest that this technique could be performed in selected patients, i.e. those with small and peripheral tumours (also classified as low nephrometry score tumours).

OBJECTIVE

• ? To describe the technique and report the results of ‘zero ischaemia’, sutureless laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for renal tumours with a low nephrometry score.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? Between August 2003 and January 2010, data from 101 consecutive patients who underwent ‘zero ischaemia’, sutureless LPN were collected in a prospectively maintained database.
• ? Inclusion criteria were tumour size ≤4 cm, predominant exophytic growth and intraparenchymal depth ≤1.5 cm, with a minimum distance of 5 mm from the urinary collecting system.
• ? Hilar vessels were not isolated, tumour dissection was performed with 10‐mm LigaSure^TM (Covidien, Boulder, CO, USA) and haemostasis was performed with coagulation and biological haemostatic agents without reconstructing the renal parenchyma.
• ? Clinical, perioperative and follow‐up data were collected prospectively, and modifications of functional outcome variables were analysed using the paired Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

• ? The median (range) tumour size was 2.4 (1.5–4) cm, and the median (range) intraparenchymal depth was 0.7 (0.4–1.4) cm.
• ? Hilar clamping was not necessary in any patient, and suture was performed in four patients to ensure complete haemostasis. The median (range) operation duration was 60 (45–160) min, and median (range) intraoperative blood loss was 100 (20–240) mL.
• ? Postoperative complications included fever (n= 4), low urinary output (n= 3) and haematoma, which was treated conservatively (n= 2). The median (range) hospital stay was 3 (2–5) days. The pathologist reported 30 benign tumours and renal cell carcinoma in 71 cases (pT1a in 69 patients, and pT1b in two patients).
• ? At a median follow‐up of 57 months, one patient underwent radical nephrectomy for ipsilateral recurrence. The 1‐year median (range) decrease of split renal function at renal scintigraphy was 1 (0–5) %.

CONCLUSIONS

• ? Zero ischaemia LPN is a reasonable approach to treating small and peripheral tumours, and a sutureless procedure is feasible in most cases.
• ? This technique has a low complication rate and provides excellent functional outcome without impairing oncological results.

     

Single‐port,single‐operator‐light endoscopic robot‐assisted laparoscopic urology: pilot study in a pig model

Study Type – Therapy (case series)
Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVES

To present our initial operative experience in which single‐port‐light endoscopic robot‐assisted reconstructive and extirpative urological surgery was performed by one surgeon, using a pig model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This pilot study was conducted in male farm pigs to determine the feasibility and safety of single‐port, single‐surgeon urological surgery. All pigs had a general anaesthetic and were placed in the flank position. A 2‐cm umbilical incision was made, through which a single port was placed and pneumoperitoneum obtained. An operative laparoscope was introduced and securely held using a novel low‐profile robot under foot and/or voice control. Using articulating instruments, each pig had bilateral reconstructive and extirpative renal surgery. Salient intraoperative and postmortem data were recorded. Results were analysed statistically to determine if outcomes improved with surgeon experience.

RESULTS

Five male farm pigs underwent bilateral partial nephrectomy and bilateral pyeloplasty before a completion bilateral radical nephrectomy. There were no intraoperative complications and there was no need for additional ports to be placed. The mean (range) operative duration for partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, and nephrectomy were 120 (100–150), 110 (95–130) and 20 (15–30) min, respectively. The mean (range) estimated blood loss for all procedures was 240 (200–280) mL. The preparation time decreased with increasing number of cases (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a single‐port, a robotic endoscope holder and articulated instruments operated by one surgeon is feasible. With a single‐port access, the robot allows more room to the surgeon than an assistant.     

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for complex renal masses

To determine whether the approach for partial nephrectomy is influenced by tumor complexity and if the introduction of robotic techniques has allowed us to treat more complex tumors minimally invasively. Data from 292 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy for renal masses from November 1999 to July 2013 at a tertiary referral center were retrospectively reviewed. Nephrometry scores and perioperative outcomes were stratified based on when robotic techniques were introduced. Mean follow-up time was 2.6 years. Preoperative RENAL nephrometry scores and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. Of the 292 patients, 31.5 % underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy, 46.2 % laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and 22.9 % open partial nephrectomy. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy mean nephrometry score was significantly higher than laparoscopic and equivalent to open. Significant perioperative differences were estimated blood loss (p = 0.0001), length of stay (p = 0.0001) and Clavien score (p = 0.0069), all favoring robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Limitations include retrospective design and single center data. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is a safe and effective surgical modality that allows for complex renal tumors that were previously reserved for open partial nephrectomy in the pure laparoscopic era to be managed with a minimally invasive approach.     

Transumbilical single-port laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

OBJECTIVE

To present the initial experience with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) performed through a transumbilical single port.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between November 2007 and April 2008, five selected patients underwent single‐port LPN (SPLPN) for renal tumours. All procedures were performed through a single intraumbilical multichannel laparoscopic port. A 2‐mm grasper was inserted through a 2‐mm Veres needle‐port in the anterior axillary line to aid in tissue retraction and sutured renal reconstruction. The technique of standard multiport LPN was replicated, with the renal hilum clamped.

RESULTS

SPLPN was successfully completed in four patients, while an additional 5‐mm port was required in one patient. The median (range) tumour size was 3 (1–5.9) cm. The median (range) operating time was 270 (240–345) min and the estimated blood loss was 150 (100–600) mL. The median (range) warm ischaemia time was 20 (11–29) min. The median (range) length of the umbilical incision was 2.5 (2.5–4) cm. The median (range) hospital stay was 3(3–22) days. There were no intraoperative complications. All surgical margins were negative for tumour. There were no postoperative complications in four patients. One patient had postoperative bleeding and pulmonary embolism.

CONCLUSIONS

SPLPN is technically feasible, albeit more challenging than conventional LPN. Proper case selection is essential. Advances in single‐port specific instrumentation are needed before these procedures can become a part of mainstream urological laparoscopy.     

Yonsei nomogram: A predictive model of new‐onset chronic kidney disease after on‐clamp partial nephrectomy in patients with T1 renal tumors

Objectives

To develop a predictive nomogram for chronic kidney disease‐free survival probability in the long term after partial nephrectomy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was carried out of 698 patients with T1 renal tumors undergoing partial nephrectomy at a tertiary academic institution. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was carried out based on parameters proven to have an impact on postoperative renal function. Patients with incomplete data, <12 months follow up and preoperative chronic kidney disease stage III or greater were excluded. The study end‐points were to identify independent risk factors for new‐onset chronic kidney disease development, as well as to construct a predictive model for chronic kidney disease‐free survival probability after partial nephrectomy.

Results

The median age was 52 years, median tumor size was 2.5 cm and mean warm ischemia time was 28 min. A total of 91 patients (13.1%) developed new‐onset chronic kidney disease at a median follow up of 60 months. The chronic kidney disease‐free survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 10 year were 97.1%, 94.4%, 85.3% and 70.6%, respectively. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, age (1.041, P = 0.001), male sex (hazard ratio 1.653, P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio 1.921, P = 0.046), tumor size (hazard ratio 1.331, P < 0.001) and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (hazard ratio 0.937, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for new‐onset chronic kidney disease. The C‐index for chronic kidney disease‐free survival was 0.853 (95% confidence interval 0.815–0.895).

Conclusion

We developed a novel nomogram for predicting the 5‐year chronic kidney disease‐free survival probability after on‐clamp partial nephrectomy. This model might have an important role in partial nephrectomy decision‐making and follow‐up plan after surgery. External validation of our nomogram in a larger cohort of patients should be considered.

     

Predictors of health‐related quality of life recovery following laparoscopic simple,radical and donor nephrectomy

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Despite laparoscopy becoming the favoured approach for nephrectomy, there is very little research into the predictors of recovery following surgery and return of health‐related quality of life following laparoscopic nephrectomy. The current study demonstrates that patients who are younger, have lower BMI, have more active lifestyles and those who are not donating a kidney recover more quickly following surgery. Older, more obese, less active patients, and those donating a kidney take longer to recover from surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To objectively quantify the recovery of health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy. To determine which factors are predictive of a more expedited recovery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patient recovery was prospectively measured among patients undergoing laparoscopic simple (n= 12), radical (n= 42) and donor (n= 95) nephrectomy. All procedures were performed using a 3‐ or 4‐trocar, transperitoneal fully‐laparoscopic technique with intact specimen extraction using impermeable sacs for simple and radical nephrectomy, and hand extraction for donor nephrectomy. Postoperative recovery and quality of life were measured using the Postoperative Recovery Scale (PRS) administered preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and as an outpatient at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks postoperatively. ANOVA and Pearson’s χ² tests were performed on demographic data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios for factors predictive of recovery.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found at baseline for age (P= 0.02), gender (P < 0.01), body mass index (BMI; P= 0.03), surgical side (P < 0.01) and activity‐based lifestyle (P= 0.04) across the three groups. Minimal adverse events were seen. Factors predictive of expedited recovery include age < 50 years (OR: 2.1, P < 0.01), body‐mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m² (OR: 1.7, P < 0.01), active lifestyles (OR: 1.3, P < 0.01) and those patients undergoing nephrectomy for benign or malignant indications rather than for organ donation (OR: 1.4, P < 0.01). There was a significant delay in the donor group vs the non‐donor group with respect to the median number of days both groups took to recover 75% and 90% of their baseline PRS scores (11 days, P= 0.02; 20 days, P= 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Predictive factors of recovery from laparoscopic nephrectomy include age, BMI, lifestyle and surgical indication. Differences between HRQL recovery following donor vs non‐donor laparoscopic nephrectomy are significant, and suggest the possible interplay of underlying psychological factors.     

Preoperative radiographic parameters predict long-term renal impairment following partial nephrectomy

Purpose

We analyzed radiographic parameters describing anatomic features of renal tumors to identify preoperative characteristics that could help predict long-term decline in renal function following partial nephrectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 194 consecutive patients who underwent partial nephrectomy from January 2006 to March 2009 and analyzed a cohort of 53 patients for whom complete clinical, radiographic, and operative information was available. Computed tomography images were reviewed by a single radiologist. Radiographic criteria for describing renal tumor size and location included diameter, volume, endophytic properties, proximity to collecting system, anterior/posterior location, location relative to polar lines, and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. Postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the MDRD study group equation with serum creatinine at last follow-up.

Results

The median preoperative and postoperative GFR values were 75 (IQR 65–97) and 66 (IQR 55–84) mL/min/1.73 m², respectively. At a median follow-up of 38 months, the median percentage decrease in GFR was 12%. On univariate analyses, tumor diameter (P = 0.002), tumor volume (P < 0.0001), nearness of tumor to collecting system (P = 0.017), and location relative to polar lines (P = 0.017) were associated with percentage decrease in GFR. Furthermore, higher R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was also associated with poorer renal functional outcomes following partial nephrectomy (P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Anatomic features of renal tumors defined by preoperative radiographic characteristics correlate with the degree of renal functional decline after partial nephrectomy. Identification of these parameters may assist in patient counseling and clinical decision making following partial nephrectomy. Validation in larger prospective studies is necessary.

     

Comparison of gelatine matrix-thrombin sealants used during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

OBJECTIVE

To compare haemostasis and other outcomes after the use of bovine‐derived or porcine‐derived gelatine matrix‐thrombin sealants (GMTS) in a continuous series of patients during and for 6 months after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between October 2006 and September 2007, a consecutive sample of 35 patients with renal tumours underwent LPN by a single surgeon at a referral centre. Group 1 (25 patients) received a bovine‐derived GMTS and Group 2 (10 patients) a porcine‐derived GMTS. All patients underwent LPN and received one of the two GMTS, applied to the resected bed before sutured renorrhaphy over oxidized nitrocellulose bolsters. Surgical and pathology variables, including ischaemia time, blood loss, tumour size, and serum creatinine values before and after LPN, were measured. Glomerular filtration rates were calculated before and after LPN. Haemostasis was ascertained by visual examination.

RESULTS

Intraoperative haemostasis was achieved in all cases. No associated complications occurred within 3 weeks of LPN. The two groups were comparable in age (median, 65 vs 69 years, P = 0.62), gender, tumour number and location, median ischaemia time (34 vs 28 min, P = 0.148), and blood loss (200 vs 150 mL, P = 0.518). One patient in Group 1 developed a urinary fistula. One patient in Group 2 experienced self‐limited gross haematuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the porcine‐ and bovine‐derived agents provided acceptable haemostasis without adverse events during LPN and in the early postoperative period. Occurrences of delayed haemorrhage and urinary fistula were not likely to be related to the choice of prothrombotic agent.     

Early comparison of nephrectomy options in children (open, transperitoneal laparoscopic, laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS), and robotic surgery)

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? For pediatric patients with nonfunctioning or poorly‐functioning kidneys, laparoscopic nephrectomy has been shown to be a safe, viable option to traditional open surgery, with potential advantages of shorter hospital stays, decreased postoperative pain medication usage, and improved cosmesis. Technological advances have expanded the surgical options for nephrectomy beyond traditional laparoscopy to robot‐assisted laparoscopy and, more recently, to laparo‐ endoscopic single‐site (LESS) surgery, which is also known as single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) or “belly‐button” surgery. This study compares the perioperative parameters of three minimally invasive modalities for pediatric nephrectomy: traditional laparoscopic nephrectomy (LAP), robotic‐assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy (RALN), and laparo‐endoscopic single‐site nephrectomy (LESS), where these parameters are compared to those of a comparable series of patients undergoing traditional open nephrectomy (OPEN) during the same time period. This study demonstrates that the minimally invasive modalities for nephrectomy in children, including LESS nephrectomy, are associated with shorter lengths of hospital stay and decreased postoperative pain medication usage when compared to open surgery, and where LESS nephrectomy is associated with similar surgical times, lengths of hospital stay, and postoperative pain medication usage as the other minimally invasive modalities (LAP and RALN).

OBJECTIVE

• ? To compare the perioperative parameters of paediatric patients who underwent nephrectomy via laparo‐endoscopic single site (LESS) surgery (also known as single incision laparoscopic surgery or SILS) with those who underwent nephrectomy via conventional laparoscopy (LAP), robotic‐assisted laparoscopy (RALN), and open surgery (OPEN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? The medical records of 69 paediatric patients at a single institution who underwent nephrectomies for non‐functioning kidneys in 72 renal units (39 OPEN, 11 LAP, 11 RALN and 11 LESS) were reviewed for patient demographics and perioperative clinical parameters.

RESULTS

• ? The minimally invasive modalities in children, including LESS nephrectomy, were associated with shorter lengths of hospital stay (P < 0.001) and decreased postoperative pain medication usage (P < 0.001) than with open surgery.
• ? Similar surgical times were noted with LESS and the other minimally invasive modalities (LAP and RALN) (P= 0.056). However, the minimally invasive modalities (LESS, LAP and RALN) were associated with slightly longer surgical times when compared with open surgery (P < 0.001), which may, in part, be secondary to learning curve factors.
• ? No differences were noted among the minimally invasive modalities for postoperative pain medication usage (P= 0.354) and length of hospital stay (P= 0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

• ? The minimally invasive modalities for nephrectomy in children, including LESS nephrectomy, are associated with shorter lengths of hospital stay and decreased postoperative pain medication use when compared with open surgery.
• ? LESS nephrectomy in children is associated with similar surgical times, lengths of hospital stay and postoperative pain medication use as the other minimally invasive modalities (LAP and RALN).
• ? Slightly longer surgical times are noted with the minimally invasive modalities, including LESS nephrectomy, when compared with open surgery, which may, in part, be secondary to learning curve factors.