Robotic partial nephrectomy: Current technique and outcomes

Over the past decade, management of the T1 renal mass has focused on nephron‐sparing surgery. Robotic partial nephrectomy has played an increasing role in the technique of preserving renal function by decreasing warm ischemia time, as well as optimizing outcomes of hemorrhage and fistula. Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy is designed to provide a minimally‐invasive nephron‐sparing surgical option utilizing reconstructive capability, decreasing intracorporeal suturing time, technical feasibility and safety. Ultimately, its benefits are resulting in its dissemination across institutions. Articulated instrumentation and three‐dimensional vision facilitate resection, collecting system reconstruction and renorrhaphy, leading to decreased warm ischemia time while preserving oncological outcomes. The aim of the present review was to present our surgical sequence and technique, as well as review the current status of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy.     

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: A propensity score‐matched comparative analysis of surgical outcomes and preserved renal parenchymal volume

Objectives

To compare surgical outcomes, including renal function and the preserved renal parenchymal volume, between robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using propensity score‐matched analyses.

Methods

In total, 253 patients, with a normal contralateral kidney, who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 131) or robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 122) with renal arterial clamping between 2010 and 2015, were included. Patients’ background and tumor factors were adjusted by propensity score matching. Surgical outcomes, including postoperative renal function, complications, warm ischemia time and preserved renal parenchymal volume, evaluated by volumetric analysis, were compared between the surgical procedures.

Results

After matching, 64 patients were assigned to each group. The mean age was 56–57 years, and the mean tumor size was 22 mm. Approximately 50% of patients had low complexity tumors (RENAL nephrometry score 4–7). The incidence rate of acute kidney failure was significantly lower in the robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (11%) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (23%) group (P = 0.049), and warm ischemia time shorter in the robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (17 min) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (25 min) group (P < 0.0001). The preservation rate of renal function, measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate, at 6 months post‐surgery was 96% for robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and 90% for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (P < 0.0001). The preserved renal parenchymal volume was higher for robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (89%) than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (77%; P < 0.0001). The rate of perioperative complications, surgical margin status and length of hospital stay were equivalent for both techniques.

Conclusions

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy allows to achieve better preservation of renal function and parenchymal volume than laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.     

Robotic partial nephrectomy: A comparison to current techniques

The bar has been set high for nephron sparing surgery by experts in both open and laparoscopic approaches. Robotic partial nephrectomy has emerged as an option for minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery. We discuss the current literature for robotic partial nephrectomy in the context of reported outcomes for open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.     

肾段动脉阻断技术在腹腔镜肾部分切除手术中的应用与技术要点分析（附光盘）

随着小肾癌检出率的增加以及泌尿外科医生对肾脏热缺血损伤认识的提升,肾肿瘤保留。肾单位手术越来越受到业界的关注。腹腔镜下肾段动脉阻断肾部分切除术可以有效地避免正常肾单位的热缺血再灌注损伤。作者重点阐述该技术的各项注意事项和技术要点。     

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.     

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。     

Comparative analysis of laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy for renal tumors in 200 patients

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is an emerging minimally invasive, nephron sparing approach for renal cell carcinoma. We compared perioperative outcomes after laparoscopic and open nephron sparing surgery (NSS) for patients with a solitary renal tumor of 7 cm or less at a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since September 1999, 100 consecutive patients have undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for a sporadic single renal tumor of 7 cm or less at our institution. A contemporary cohort of 100 consecutive patients with similar inclusion criteria have undergone open NSS since April 1998. Since our laparoscopic technique was based on our established open surgical principles, the 2 approaches were similar, including transient renal vascular control, sharp tumor excision in a bloodless field, pelvicaliceal repair when necessary, suture ligation of transected intrarenal blood vessels and suture repair of the renal parenchymal defect over a bolster. Demographic, intraoperative, postoperative and short-term followup data were retrospectively compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 2.8 cm in the laparoscopic group and 3.3 cm in the open group (p = 0.005). There were significantly more tumors greater than 4 cm in the open group (p <0.001). There were more patients with a solitary kidney in the open surgical group (p = 0.002). More patients in the open group underwent NSS for a malignant tumor (p = 002). Comparing the laparoscopic versus open groups, median surgical time was 3 vs 3.9 hours (p <0.001), blood loss was 125 vs 250 ml (p <0.001) and mean warm ischemia time was 27.8 vs 17.5 minutes (p <0.001), respectively. In the laparoscopic and open groups median analgesic requirement was 20.2 vs 252.5 mg morphine sulfate equivalents (p <0.001), hospital stay was 2 vs 5 days (p <0.001) and average convalescence was 4 vs 6 weeks (p <0.001). Median preoperative serum creatinine (1.0 vs 1.0 mg/dl, p = 0.52) and postoperative serum creatinine (1.1 vs 1.2 mg/dl, p = 0.65) were similar in the 2 groups. No kidney was lost due to warm ischemic injury. Three patients in the laparoscopic group had a positive surgical margin compared to none in the open groups (3% vs 0%, p = 0.1). Laparoscopic NSS was associated with a higher rate of major intraoperative complications (5% vs 0%, p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in overall postoperative complications, although renal/urological complications were more common in the laparoscopic group (11% vs 2%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Open surgical partial nephrectomy remains the established standard for nephron sparing treatment of renal tumors. When applied to small renal tumors, the laparoscopic approach is associated with longer warm renal ischemia time, more major intraoperative complications and more postoperative urological complications. Our data also suggest that more deliberate efforts to achieve a wider surgical margin are necessary with the laparoscopic approach. Nevertheless, our data suggest that laparoscopic NSS is emerging as an effective, minimally invasive therapeutic approach with respect to renal functional outcome with the additional advantages of decreased postoperative narcotic use, earlier hospital discharge and a more rapid convalescence. Continued efforts are required to develop laparoscopic renal hypothermia techniques and facilitate intrarenal suturing, while minimizing warm ischemia time.     

Bilateral robotic single-site partial nephrectomy

We performed bilateral robotic single-site partial nephrectomy on a 51-year-old man with bilateral renal tumors. Left partial nephrectomy without renal arterial clamping and right partial nephrectomy with a warm ischemic time of 29 minutes were performed through a single umbilical port and one additional port. The total operative time was 350 minutes including 238 minutes of robotic console time. There were no operative complications and no open conversions. Follow-up exams over a 12-month period showed no tumor recurrence. Our report shows the technical feasibility of bilateral robotic single-site partial nephrectomy.     

Robot assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: initial experience

PURPOSE: Advances in laparoscopy have made laparoscopic partial nephrectomy a technically feasible procedure but it remains challenging to even experienced laparoscopists. We hypothesized that robotic assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy may make this procedure more efficacious than the standard laparoscopic approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with a mean age of 58 years and mean tumor size of 2.0 cm underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and another 10 with a mean age of 61 years and mean tumor size of 2.18 cm underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, as performed by a team of 2 surgeons (MS and ST) between May 2002 and January 2004. Demographic data, intraoperative parameters and postoperative data were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the 2 groups. Intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes were statistically similar. In the 10 patients who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy there were 2 intraoperative complications. There was 1 conversion in the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure in patients with small exophytic masses. The robotic approach to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy does not offer any clinical advantage over conventional laparoscopic nephrectomy.     

Current status of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The use of robotic assistance for the partial nephrectomy procedure has emerged as an alternative that may help some of the technical challenges of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The main concerns in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy relates to a steeper ‘learning curve’, prolonged warm ischaemia times and the potential for postoperative haemorrhage. The article delineates the dynamics of patient preparation, the surgical team, surgical technique & post‐operative care to conclude that robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy is a viable alternative to both open and laparoscopic techniques. Partial nephrectomy has shown both improved overall patient survival and more effective preservation of renal function, when compared with radical nephrectomy. Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy has several potential advantages over the laparoscopic approach. Robotic assistance allows urologists to perform this complex reconstructive procedure more quickly, with improved precision and dexterity, tremor elimination and improved visualization. The present article aims to delineate the dynamics of patient preparation and surgical team, surgical technique and postoperative care. The oncological outcomes and disease‐free survival of partial nephrectomy have been found to be equivalent to open partial nephrectomy [1–4].     

InLine bipolar radiofrequency ablation device-assisted partial nephrectomy in a porcine model

Background: Nephron‐sparing surgery has become an acceptable alternative to radical nephrectomy in the treatment of renal tumours. Control of intraoperative blood loss can be an important challenge during partial nephrectomy. InLine radiofrequency ablation (ILRFA) device has shown promising results of significant reduction of intraoperative blood loss in liver resection. In this study, we tested ILRFA‐assisted partial nephrectomy in a porcine model. Methods: Eight landrace pigs were used in this study. Every pig underwent 2–3 partial nephrectomies. The proposed line of parenchymal incision was circumferentially scored with a diathermy. Then, ILRFA was deployed into this resection plane. After complete coagulation, the resection was then simply carried out using the scalpel. For the control resection, we used diathermy to transect the other pole, further sutures were then used to secure the residual bleeding. Results: The ILRFA deployments were set to 3 cm power algorithm. The average radiofrequency ablation coagulation time was 5 min. The mean intraoperative blood loss 35 ± 7 mL in the ILRFA and 152 ± 94 mL in the control, a 77.0% reduction (P = 0.024). The mean blood loss per centimetre of resection area was 2.09 ± 1.41 mL/cm² in the ILRFA compared with 12.79 ± 1.68 mL/cm² in controls; the reduction was 79.0% (P = 0.019). Conclusion: Our study indicates that ILRFA for partial nephrectomy in a porcine model is effective in reducing blood loss. Precoagulation before parenchymal transection appears to be a valid concept in nephron‐sparing surgery.     

Application of a standardized anatomical classification in a Chinese partial nephrectomy series

Objective: Preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification is a standardized system to assess the anatomical complexity of renal tumors and its impact on perioperative outcomes of partial nephrectomy. The objective is to apply the preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification in a series of Chinese patients undergoing open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Methods: A total of 195 consecutive renal tumors treated with open partial nephrectomy or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between June 2008 and May 2011 were included in this analysis. All the preoperative images and clinical records were retrospectively evaluated. Complication rate, warm ischemia time, operation time and degree of blood loss were compared among different risk groups (low risk: preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score 6–7; intermediate risk: preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score 8–9; high risk: preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score ≥10). The original preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score system was modified by replacing rim location with hilar vasculature involvement and tested for prediction of overall complications. Results: The median preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was 8. Overall complication rate was 17.9%. Preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was an independent predictor for perioperative complications. Intermediate and high‐risk patients had a four‐ and 37‐fold higher risk of complications respectively (P = 0.012, P < 0.001). Higher preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score predicted longer operation time (P = 0.007), warm ischemia time (P < 0.001) and higher degree of blood loss (P = 0.003) in open partial nephrectomy patients. In laparoscopic partial nephrectomy patients, preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was also a predictor for warm ischemia time (P = 0.033); however, it was not significant for operation time and degree of blood loss (P = 0.325, P = 0.302). The modified preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was an independent predictor for overall complications (P < 0.001); however, its superiority could not be verified (P = 0.847). Conclusions: The preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification predicts the risk of overall complications in Chinese patients undergoing nephron‐sparing surgery. Replacing the rim location with hilar vasculature involvement might be a promising modification of this scoring system.     

Current status of robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site partial nephrectomy

Robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site partial nephrectomy is increasingly carried out in an attempt to improve the cosmetic outcome of minimally‐invasive procedures. However, the actual role of this novel technique remains to be determined. The present article reviews evidence and examines updates of robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site partial nephrectomy outcomes reported in more contemporary studies. A comprehensive online systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses criteria recommendations was carried out in January 2014, identifying data from 2008 to 2014 regarding robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site partial nephrectomy. The majority of medical evidence to date is based on case reports or retrospective studies. Current studies show that robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site partial nephrectomy is a feasible procedure carried out in an acceptable length of operative time, and resulting in a desirable cosmetic outcome and less postoperative pain. However, comparable studies show that robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site partial nephrectomy is inferior to the conventional approach, especially with regard to warm ischemia time. Furthermore, the numerous limitations that exist with the utilization of the current commercial single‐site devices make robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site PN more challenging and more complicated for surgeons compared with conventional procedures. Further significant improvements, along with more studies, are required in order to develop the ideal robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site robotic platform and overcome the current limitations. For the time being, robotic laparoendoscopic single‐site partial nephrectomy procedures could be applicable in patients with low tumor size and complexity, and should not be routinely applied in all cases.     

机器人辅助与后腹腔镜肾部分切除术治疗复杂性肾肿瘤的临床效果比较

目的:观察机器人辅助与后腹腔镜肾部分切除术治疗复杂性肾肿瘤的临床应用效果。方法:将64例复杂性肾肿瘤患者根据治疗方法分为对照组与观察组,每组32例。对照组行后腹腔镜肾部分切除术,观察组行机器人辅助肾部分切除术。比较两组手术时间、热缺血时间、术中出血量,术后并发症情况、术后病理检查结果及随访结果。结果:观察组手术时间、热缺血时间短于对照组,术中出血量少于对照组(P<0.05);两组住院时间及术后迟发性出血、急性肾衰竭、尿瘘、肾功能减退等并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组术后病理检查结果差异亦无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随访结果显示,观察组复发率低于对照组(P<0.05);术后1个月,两组肌酐水平均高于术前,观察组高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:机器人辅助肾部分切除术可能利于降低术后复发率、尽可能保留术后患肾肾单位及肾功能。     

da Vinci-assisted robotic partial nephrectomy: technique and results at a mean of 15 months of follow-up

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is gaining acceptance as an alternative to open surgery for small renal tumours, although technical difficulty of intracorporeal suturing and concerns over warm ischemia time are limitations. Previous work has demonstrated that suturing with the robotic system is easier compared with laparoscopy. We believe the robot has an application and we report our initial experience in 10 patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy. METHODS: Ten patients with small exophytic renal masses underwent intraperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy. Principles of traditional open surgery were followed and intraoperative ultrasound was used to define resection margins. The renal artery was clamped with laparoscopic bulldog clamps and indigo carmine was administered intravenously to detect entry into collecting system. Suture closure and FLOSEAL were used for hemostasis. Frozen sections were obtained in all patients. RESULTS: Seven men and three women, mean age 59 yr, underwent robotic partial nephrectomy. Mean tumour size was 2 cm. Mean console and warm ischemia time were 158 min and 21 min, respectively. The median hospital stay was 1.5 d. Pathology revealed renal cell carcinoma in eight, oncocytoma in one, and lipoma in one. All resection margins were negative. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 28 mo. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic partial nephrectomy is a viable alternative to open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in carefully selected patients with small renal tumours. The advantages of the robotic system must be weighed against its cost. Further studies will determine if reduction in procedure complexity warrants the expense of such technology.     

后腹腔镜下肾部分切除术在治疗肾脏肿瘤中的临床疗效

目的 探讨后腹腔镜下保留肾单位的肾部分切除术在治疗肾脏肿瘤的临床应用价值.方法 回顾性分析施行后腹腔镜保留肾单位的肾部分切除术的70例患者的临床资料,其中男42例,女28例,年龄平均(56±11.8)岁,肿瘤直径(3.4士1.3)cm.结果 70例患者均成功在后腹腔镜下实施手术,无1例术中中转为开放手术.手术时间100～180 min,平均(130±27)min.血管阻断时间20～40min,平均每例患者25 min.术中失血50～800mL.术后出血2例:1例发生在术后第4天,行选择性血管栓塞术后好转;另1例出现在术后第7天,经选择性血管栓塞后未见好转遂行患肾切除术.术后病检:肾透明细胞癌53例,肾乳头状癌12例,肾嫌色细胞癌2例,囊性肾癌2例,肾脏囊肿并出血1例.随访3～18个月无局部复发及远处转移.结论 后腹腔镜下保留肾单位的肾部分切除术治疗早期肾脏肿瘤安全、有效,兼有创伤小、康复快等优点,近期疗效满意,远期疗效有待进一步观察.     

Simultaneous robotic-assisted adrenalectomy and partial nephrectomy: technical aspects

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy has become a safe and feasible procedure for small renal masses (SRM). Similarly, robot-assisted adrenalectomy has also been well established. Robotic surgery has provided the possibility to manage complex cases that are considered technically challenging for traditional laparoscopy. We describe in this video the details of performing simultaneous robotic adrenalectomy with partial nephrectomy highlighting the technical aspects of the same. A 62-year-old gentleman presented to us with incidentally detected left renal complex cyst (Bosniak IIF) and a concomitant left adrenal mass. Hormonal evaluation of adrenal tumor revealed raised levels of serum estrogen and DHEAS. A robotic-assisted simultaneous procedure was planned. Patient was positioned in right lateral position. After port placement, robot was brought from the shoulder of the patient and docked. We first excised the adrenal tumor followed by the renal cyst. Total operative time was 180 min with warm ischemia time of 20 min for renal cyst excision. Drain was removed on post-operative day 2. Patient was discharged on post-operative day 3. Histopathology revealed adrenocortical adenoma and benign hemorrhagic renal cyst. We found simultaneous ipsilateral adrenalectomy with partial nephrectomy using robotic assistance is feasible and safe with minimal morbidity. Port placement in such cases should be individualized according to the location of the SRM. The robot provides the ergonomic advantage and 3D vision for better anatomic definition as compared to laparoscopy.     

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.

     

Partial nephrectomy with retroperitoneal laparoscopy

PURPOSE: Laparoscopy has gradually gained acceptance for a variety of ablative procedures of the retroperitoneal organs, and the indications are being extended to more complex reconstructive and organ preserving procedures. We report our experience with retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed for benign conditions in 6, equivocal solid masses in 4 and indeterminate cysts in 3 patients. If malignancy was suspected, laparoscopic sonography was used to assess the intrarenal anatomy and the mass. To facilitate parenchymal closure during nephron sparing surgery we used a hemostatic biological glue that consisted of gelatin, resorcinol and formaldehyde. RESULTS: Average operating time was 113 minutes and average blood loss was 72 ml. Histological examination revealed malignancy in 1 of the 3 cystic lesions and 2 of the 4 equivocal solid masses. There were 2 postoperative urinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Partial nephrectomy with retroperitoneal laparoscopy is feasible, and has a reasonable operating time and blood loss. Laparoscopic ultrasound was an important decision making aid during surgery. The use of biological glue simplified hemostasis and closure of the collecting system but good quality drainage of the collecting system is still required to decrease the risk of urinoma. The development of surgical tools that allow bloodless and nontraumatic section of the renal parenchyma is required to facilitate laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery. The ultrasonic scalpel needs further evaluation in this setting.     

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: an update on contemporary issues

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is a technically challenging procedure with up to 5-year follow-up data. In this article, incidence of renal cell carcinoma, indications, and contraindications for LPN are presented. In addition, LPN for benign diseases such as atrophic renal segments associated with duplicated collecting systems and calyceal diverticula associated with recurrent UTIs are presented. Hilar clamping, ischemic time, positive margins, and port-site metastasis, in addition to complications and survival outcomes, are discussed. The advantages of lower cost, decreased postoperative pain, and early recovery have to be balanced with prolonged warm ischemia. Its long-term outcomes in terms of renal insufficiency or hemodialysis requirements have not been defined completely. Randomized clinical trials comparing open partial nephrectomy (OPN) versus LPN are needed.