Off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for complex renal tumors

Abstract Background and Purpose: Considering the potential impact of warm ischemia time (WIT) on renal functional outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), many techniques that reduce or eliminate WIT have been studied. We present our institutional experience and progression using one such technique-off-clamp RAPN-as well as the results of this technique in the management of complex cases. Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review of 65 patients undergoing off-clamp RAPN was performed, 15 of whom underwent off-clamp RAPN for 26 complex tumors. Complex features included hilar location, completely endophytic growth, and ipsilateral multifocality. In all cases, hilar vessels were dissected but not clamped. Results: Mean tumor size was 2.5?cm (standard deviation; [SD]=1.4), while mean nephrometry score was 8.7 (SD=1.5). One (7%) intraoperative complication occurred. Mean estimated blood loss was 403?mL (SD=381), mean operative time was 190 minutes (SD=68), and WIT was 0 minutes in all cases. Mean length of stay was 1.8 days (SD=0.9), with one patient needing a postoperative blood transfusion (Clavien II complication). Final pathology results demonstrated clear-cell carcinoma (n=16), papillary carcinoma (n=4), angiomyolipoma (n=1), oncocytoma (n=2), and cystic nephroma (n=3). Margins were negative for tumor for 96% (25/26) of resected masses. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased by an average of 3.1?mL/min/1.73m(2) (SD=9.8, P=0.24), at a mean follow-up of 177 days (SD=296). Five patients with radiographic follow-up of at least 6 months have no evidence of disease recurrence. Conclusions: Off-clamp RAPN can be safely and effectively performed even in the case of complex tumors, but occurs with higher estimated blood loss. Minimal changes in eGFR were experienced by patients undergoing off-clamp RAPN at an average follow-up of roughly 6 months. Longer follow-up and direct comparison with conventional clamped RAPN technique are needed to establish the efficacy of off-clamp RAPN in complex cases.     

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。     

Holographic reconstruction technology used for intraoperative real-time navigation in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in patients with renal tumors: a single center study

BackgroundTo explore the efficacy and advantages of real-time navigation using holographic reconstruction (HR) technology combined with da VinciTM robotic system for partial nephrectomy (PN) in patients with renal tumor.MethodsThe clinical data of 41 patients with totally intrarenal tumors receiving robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) from April 2018 to October 2020 in our department were collected and retrospectively analyzed. All operations were performed by the same surgeon. HR technology and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques were applied for real-time navigation to resect tumors using the da VinciTM robotic system. The relevant clinical parameters and surgical outcomes of the patients were recorded and analyzed.ResultsHR technology allowed accurate evaluation of tumors, renal hilus vessels, and surrounding organs during the operation. With real-time navigation HR, all cases were performed by RAPN. The mean operative time was 115.3±20.3 (range, 70–153) minutes, and the warm ischemia time (WIT) was 18.7±3.9 (range, 13–28) minutes. The estimated blood loss (EBL) was 98.8±18.7 (range, 60–141) mL. Negative surgical margins were reported in all cases. Patients with absence of grade ≤1 Clavien-Dindo complications. Compared with the clinical outcomes of standard RAPN, as reported in the literature, HR-assisted technology reduced the mean operative time, the WIT, and the EBL in patients undergoing RAPN. Therefore, combining HR with robotic abdominal surgery can enhance the efficiency of locating blood vessels and allow for more accurate resection of tumors.ConclusionsAs a novel and promising computer digital technology, HR can significantly improve the success of RAPN operations. This retrospective study demonstrated that HR-assisted operations resulted in shorter operation times and less perioperative complications and were thus safer and more effective in patients with renal tumors compared with RAPN not used HR.     

A prospective comparison of the pathologic and surgical outcomes obtained after elective treatment of renal cell carcinoma by open or robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

ObjectiveTo prospectively compare surgical and pathologic outcomes obtained by elective robot-assisted (RAPN) or open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for small renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Materials and methodsBetween 2008 and 2010, after protocol design and patient consent, we prospectively collected clinical data for 100 patients who concurrently underwent either OPN (58) or RAPN (42) by an individual experienced surgeon. Clinical data included age, BMI, and past medical history. Operative data included operative time, warm ischemia time (WIT), and estimated blood loss (EBL). Postoperative outcomes included hospital stay (LOS), creatinine variation, Clavien complications, pathologic results, and survival. We stratified the complexity of the renal tumor using the R.E.N.A.L Nephrometry score.ResultsOf note, RAPN was superior to OPN in terms of EBL (median 143 mL vs. 415; P < 0.001) and LOS (median 3.8 days vs. 6.8; P < 0.0001). The median WIT for the RAPN group was 17.5 minutes (vs. 17.1 OPN; P = 0.3)) and the mean strict operative time was 134.8 minutes (vs. 128.4 OPN; P = 0.097). Regarding immediate, early, and short-term complications, variation of creatinine levels, and pathologic margins, the rates were equivalent for both groups (P > 0.05). According to the R.E.N.A.L nephrometry scores, both groups (RAPN/OPN) had similar rates (%) of low (81/72.4) and intermediate (19/20.7) complexity tumors, though there were 4 high complexity tumors in OPN group (vs. 0; P = 0.03).ConclusionWe found that RAPN is superior to the reference standard (OPN) surgical treatment of small RCCs in terms of blood loss and length of hospital stay with equivalent complications, warm ischemia time, and effect on renal function. Larger randomized trials with longer follow-up will give us further information and insight into the oncologic equivalence.     

Effect of warm ischemia on graft outcome in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of warm ischemia time (WIT) on delayed graft function (DGF), graft loss, and graft function in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 100 kidney recipients from LDN donors from 2001 to 2003. For comparison of graft outcome with different extents of WIT, recipients were divided into three groups: group A received kidneys having 4 to 6 minutes, group B kidneys having >6 to 10 minutes, and group C kidneys having >10 minutes of WIT. The median follow-up was 415 days (range 11-791) days. RESULTS: The mean kidney WIT was 8.7 minutes (range 4-17 minutes). Graft outcome (DGF, graft loss, and median serum creatinine) was not significantly different in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Different extents of WIT in LDN, within the range of our study, were not associated with an adverse outcome in kidney transplantation.     

Total robotic surgical volume influences outcomes of low-volume robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy over an extended duration

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to examine the surgeon’s experience of low-volume robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) over an extended duration, and whether a high-volume fellowship training influenced the outcomes.MethodsData on all RAPN at a tertiary center performed by a uro-oncologist were retrospectively collected. The surgeon experience was assessed by examining perioperative outcomes among three groups of consecutive patients (first=14, second=14, third=15 patients, respectively).ResultsBetween February 2014 and February 2020, 45 RAPNs were performed out of a total of 200 robotic procedures. The median tumor size was 3 cm, and 28 (65%) patients had a R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score (RNS) ≥7. The median operative time and warm ischemia time (WIT) were 190 and 16 minutes, respectively. The median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 100 mL. Two (4%) patients had a positive surgical margin (PSM). Overall, five (12%) complications were recorded. All except one were minor (Clavien I–II). The median followup was 26.2 months. Trifecta and pentafecta were achieved in 40 (93%) and 27 (81.8%) patients, respectively. Increased surgeon experience was significantly associated with a shorter operative time and less EBL. Furthermore, there was an independent association between surgeon experience and operative time and EBL, and between RNS and operative time and WIT.ConclusionsWith fellowship training and subsequent adequate total number of robotic procedures during practice, it is possible to perform RAPN with favorable perioperative outcomes in the setting of low-volume of cases over an extended duration.     

从腹腔镜到机器人辅助肾部分切除术的过渡:一个资深腹腔镜外科医生的学习曲线

背景腹腔镜肾部分切除术的高难度和挑战性使许多腹腔镜外科医生采用机器人辅助肾部分切除术治疗肾脏小肿瘤。从腹腔镜肾部分切除术到机器人辅助肾部分切除术的过渡期我们评估一个资深腹腔镜外科医生的学习曲线。方法我们比较同一外科医生施行的早期20例机器人辅助肾部分切除术和最近18例腹腔镜肾部分切除术的围术期结果。所有手术是在2005年4月～2009年7月间完成的。既往该医生成功施行100余例腹腔镜肾部分切除术和100余例机器人辅助手术。2组手术步骤相同,在镜下充分游离肾动静脉后,完整游离肿瘤表面,利用术中超声来界定肿瘤边界,哈巴狗血管阻断钳控制肾动脉,在热缺血状态下切除肿瘤,2-0可吸收线连续缝合肾实质,如果集合系统切开后也予以缝合。学习曲线的定义指能熟练地在较短的手术时间和热缺血时间内完成机器人辅助肾部分切除术的例数。利用散点图显示机器人辅助肾部分切除术的学习曲线,用以比较2种术式的手术时间和热缺血时间。结果 2组患者术前临床资料和肿瘤病理学结果的比较无统计学差异。2组均无切缘阳性病例。2组手术并发症也无统计学差异。在机器人辅助肾部分切除术的学习曲线(图1)中,手术时间和热缺血时间均呈下降趋势。经过早期5例手术后,机器人辅助肾部分切除术的平均手术时间即可接近最近18例腹腔镜肾部分切除术的平均手术时间。前5例机器人辅助肾部分切除术的平均手术时间是242.8 min,远远长于后15例机器人辅助肾部分切除术平均手术时间171.3 min(P=0.011)。结论 一个资深腹腔镜外科医生从腹腔镜到机器人辅助肾部分切除术过渡是一个非常迅速的过程。2组热缺血时间、术中估计出血量和住院时间均无统计学差异。经过前5例机器人辅助肾部分切除术后,一个资深腔镜外科医生行机器人辅助和腹腔镜肾部分切除术的手术时间大致相同。     

Autologous fibrin glue using the Vivostat system for hemostasis in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

OBJECTIVES: Haemostasis remains the greatest challenge during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Use of fibrin sealant currently is increasing. We describe first a technique for achieving effective haemostasis during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using the Vivostat system. METHODS: Ten patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Autologous fibrin sealant was prepared with the Vivostat system and applied to the resection bed. This system is an automated medical device for the preparation of an autologous fibrin sealant, generating up to 5 ml of sealant from 120 ml of the patient's blood. The concentration of fibrin and the volume of sealant are stable; the sealant may be kept at room temperature for up to 8 hours before application without a loss of properties and effectiveness. The patients were evaluated for acute and delayed bleeding. RESULTS: Mean patient's age was 54 years (range, 31-68). Haemostasis was immediate in all cases after application of the sealant for 1 to 2 minutes to the resection site; no additional haemostatic measures were required. Mean warm ischemia time was 23 minutes (range, 20-27); mean blood loss was 90 cc (range, 20-200). Pre-operative and post-operative serum haemoglobin did not differ significantly (mean, 14.9 vs 12.6g/dl) and creatinine values (mean, 0.91 vs 0.95 ng/ml). Mean operative time was 136 minutes (range, 60-180). No postoperative bleeding or other complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, immediate haemostasis was achieved and maintained after the kidney was reperfused. Our initial experience with the Vivostat system in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has been encouraging.     

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal tumors larger than 4?cm: results of a multicenter, international series

Backgrounds

Limited data are available for the use of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in tumors >4?cm. The objectives of this study were to report the perioperative outcomes of a series of patients who underwent RAPN for suspicious >4?cm renal tumors and to compare these results with those observed in a group of patients with ≤4?cm tumors.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively the clinical records of 49 patients who underwent RAPN for suspicious of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) >4?cm in size at four centers from September 2008 to September 2010. All patients underwent da Vinci RAPN. The results were compared with those observed in a group of patients undergoing RAPN for ≤4?cm renal tumors.

Results

The median warm ischemia time (WIT) was 22?min (Interquartile range [IQR] 18–28). The median console time was 145?min (median IQR 112–177). The median blood loss was 120?mL (IQR 62–237). In two cases, we observed intraoperative renal vein injury (4?%). Postoperative complications were reported in 13 (26.5?%) patients. Major complications were observed in 4 (8.2?%) cases. Patients with large tumors showed perioperative outcomes worse than those received the RAPN for ≤4?cm tumors. Conversely, no significant difference was observed in positive surgical margin (PSM) rates.

Conclusions

These outcomes support the use of RAPN as possible alternative to open PN for the treatment for patients with suspicious renal masses >4?cm. Positive surgical margin rates demonstrated RAPN is an oncologically safe procedure for tumors >4?cm.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: comparison to pure laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery is assumed to be easier to learn than the standard approach and simplifies intact kidney removal. Herein we have presented our experience performing hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN) compared with contemporary pure laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN). We retrospectively analyzed 55 patients who underwent LDN. Among the procedures, 21 were HALDN and 34 were pure LDN. We compared the two groups with regard to operative time, warm ischemic time (WIT), estimated blood loss, conversion rate, postoperative stay, and complications. For the HALDN group, the mean operative time was 191 minutes, WIT varied from 2 to 11 minutes, and bleeding estimates varied from 100 to 4000 mL. The overall complication rate of 28.6% included: vessel injury, urinary leakage, and paralytic ileus. In the LDN group, the mean operative time was 184 minutes, WIT varied from 2 to 10 minutes, and bleeding estimated varied 100 to 3000 mL. Three patients (8.8%) had complications including ureteral obstruction (n = 1) and vessel injury (n = 2). There was no significant difference between the two groups about the procedure and the complications. Our series suggested that HALDN and LDN were similar, with a tendency toward better results in LDN group, which also shows lower costs.     

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with a diode laser: porcine results

PURPOSE: To develop a safe and effective technique for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without need for hilar occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic transperitoneal lower-pole partial nephrectomy was performed in five 45- to 50-kg female farm pigs using a 980-nm diode laser. Standard transperitoneal access was obtained, and a four-port approach was used to perform a laparoscopic right partial nephrectomy using a diode laser (23 W) without hilar occlusion. The pigs were allowed to recover and 2 weeks later underwent a left laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Postoperatively, renal function was monitored by serial serum creatinine measurements. Both kidneys and ureters were removed for ex-vivo retrograde pyelograms and histologic analysis. RESULTS: The 980-nm diode laser resulted in successful lower-pole partial nephrectomy without hilar occlusion in all 10 of the kidneys. In three cases, laser hemostasis was insufficient, and adjunctive hemostatic clips were necessary to stop bleeding. The mean operative time was 126 minutes, and the mean laser time was 84 minutes. An average of 23% (range 13%-33%) of the kidney parenchyma was resected. The mean blood loss was 150 mL (range 50-300 mL). There was no evidence of urinary extravasation on ex-vivo retrograde pyelograms at 2 weeks in any of the kidneys. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without hilar occlusion using the 980-nm diode laser is feasible in the porcine model. Because adjunctive hemostatic measures may be necessary in some cases, clinical trials in humans should be limited to small exophytic tumors.     

Hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy in comparison to open and laparoscopic procedures: a prospective study on donor morbidity and kidney function

BACKGROUND: Living donor nephrectomy (LDN) is a unique surgical challenge where surgery is performed on a healthy individual. A new hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy (HARS) technique was compared to transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (LAP) and open nephrectomy (OPEN). The aim was to examine the perioperative and postoperative morbidity, and the effects of the different surgical techniques with regard to renal function. METHODS: Donors (n=36) were divided into three groups (HARS, LAP and OPEN) according to surgical technique. During the operations, renal function, hormone output, warm ischemia time (WIT) and operating time were recorded. Renal function, complications, convalescence and allograft outcome were followed postoperatively for one year. RESULTS: OPEN and HARS groups showed similar operation times: 150 (95-218) minutes and 145 (124-225) minutes, respectively. LAP procedures took longer: 218 (163-280) minutes. OPEN had the shortest WIT at 91 (55-315) seconds; LAP had the longest WIT at 207 (100-319) seconds, with HARS at 180 (85-240) seconds. In all groups, glomerular filtration rate and urine production were decreased during surgery. Endoscopic techniques had a higher catecholamine release, and OPEN donors showed higher serum aldosterone. Endoscopic techniques showed shorter convalescence and less postoperative pain compared to OPEN. HARS had a smaller rise in creatinine than LAP, and HARS recipients a better creatinine clearance than the other groups in the early posttransplantation period. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of HARS shows that the operation is quick, the donors experience little pain, and recovery time is short. The renal function for donors and recipients is somewhat favorable to open surgery and transperitoneal laparoscopic approaches.     

Novel technique for hand assisted laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy

PURPOSE: Most surgeons divide the renal vein with a laparoscopic stapler during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The right renal vein is usually shorter than the left one and using the stapler on the right side can result in a higher incidence of vascular complications for right kidney recipients. We present our experience with a new technique for hand assisted laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a new vascular clamp to be completely inserted into the peritoneal cavity through the hand port incision in hand assisted laparoscopy. The renal vein with a cuff of the inferior vena cava was then excised. The defect in the inferior vena cava was sutured intracorporeally. RESULTS: A total of 80 kidney donors underwent hand assisted laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy using the new technique. Mean +/- SD operative time was 184 +/- 36 minutes. Operative time was decreased in the last 30 patients to 152 +/- 22 minutes. Intracorporeal suture time on the inferior vena cava was 16 +/- 3 minutes. No intraoperative complications were noted and there was no partial or total graft loss. Mean blood loss was 50 +/- 35 cc. Mean warm ischemia time was 4 +/- 2 minutes. Hospital discharge was on postoperative day 1 or 2 in 81% of patients. Graft function was normal in 78 recipients with a day 5 postoperative serum creatinine of 1.6 +/- 0.9 mg/dl. Two recipients showed delayed graft function and were treated medically. CONCLUSIONS: This technique for hand assisted laparoscopic right donor nephrectomy has proved to be safe and reproducible. We recommend practicing laparoscopic inferior vena cava suturing in the animal laboratory before performing it in humans.     

Comparison of surgical outcomes and split renal function between laparoscopic and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis

Purpose

The objective of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes and total and split renal function between laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Predictive risk factors of preservation of operated renal function were also assessed.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 173 patients who underwent LPN (n?=?84) or RAPN (n?=?89) between 2010 and 2020. After propensity score matching (1:1), perioperative outcomes and total and split renal function were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate predictive risk factors of preservation of operated renal function. Trifecta criteria were defined as negative surgical margins, warm ischemia time (WIT)?<?25 min, and no complications more than Clavien–Dindo grade II within 4 weeks after surgery. Split renal function was evaluated by mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scan.

Results

After propensity score matching, 42 patients were allocated to each group. RAPN was associated with significantly shorter WIT (RAPN vs LPN: 12 vs 22 min; p?<?0.0001) and higher trifecta achievement rate (93.3 vs 64.2%; p?<?0.0001). Other perioperative outcomes and total and split renal function were not significantly different between LPN and RAPN. The R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score (RNS) was a predictive risk factor of preservation of operated renal function in the multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.29–2.20, p?<?0.0001).

Conclusions

RAPN improved WIT and trifecta achievement rate, but it did not improve the preservation of operated renal function, for which RNS was found to be a strong predictive risk factor.

     

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: analysis of the first 100 cases from a single institution

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is an alternative to open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for small renal tumors. Our objectives were to report our experience and short-term outcomes from the first 100 cases of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) performed at a single institution, as well as to evaluate the effect of the learning curve and identify any factors associated with adverse perioperative outcomes. Patient records of the first 100 RAPN cases performed by three surgeons between October 2007 and March 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The cases were divided into two groups to analyze a possible learning curve effect. Group 1 consisted of the first half (chronologically) of the cases performed by each surgeon, and Group 2 consisted of the second half. For the entire series, the median warm ischemia time was 24 min (range 11–49), mean length of follow-up was 13.4 months, and the median postoperative change in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was −6.6 mL/min/1.73 m². Three patients had microscopically positive margins on final pathology, three intraoperative complications occurred, and 13 postoperative complications were recorded (10 Clavien grade IIIa or less). Median operative time was significantly longer in Group 1 (193 min) than in Group 2 (165 min, P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis identified male gender and cases done in Group 1 to be associated with increased operative time, while male gender and higher nephrometry scores were associated with increased blood loss. Tumor characteristics associated with greater reductions in GFR included higher nephrometry scores, endophytic tumors, and hilar tumors. In conclusion, RAPN appears to be safe and the major effect of the learning curve appears to be on operative time. Warm ischemia times are sufficiently low to prevent significant renal impairment, while male gender and higher nephrometry scores may be predictors of longer operative times and more intraoperative blood loss. Overall operative time decreased with increasing case volume, although this was not uniform among the three surgeons in the study. Further longitudinal study is necessary to establish oncologic outcomes.     

“Ride the Green Light”: Indocyanine Green–marked Off-clamp Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Totally Endophytic Renal Masses

BackgroundComplexity of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) mostly depends on tumor size and location. Totally endophytic renal masses represent a surgical challenge in terms of both intraoperative identification and anatomical dissection.ObjectiveTo detail a novel technique for marking preoperatively endophytic renal tumors with transarterial superselective intrarenal mass delivery of indocyanine green (ICG)-lipiodol mixture, in order to enhance surgical margins control during purely off-clamp (OC) RAPN with the use of near-infrared fluorescence imaging.Design, setting, and participantsBetween June and July 2017, 10 consecutive patients with totally endophytic renal masses underwent preoperative ICG tumor marking immediately followed by RAPN.Surgical procedurePreoperative superselective transarterial delivery of a lipiodol-ICG mixture (1:2 volume ratio) into tertiary-order arterial branches feeding the renal mass prior to transperitoneal OC-RAPN.MeasurementsClinical data were prospectively collected in our institutional RAPN dataset. Perioperative, pathological, and functional outcomes of RAPN were assessed.Results and limitationsMedian tumor size was 3 cm (interquartile range 2.3–3.8). The median PADUA score was 10 (9–11). Angiographic procedure was successful in all patients. Median operative time was 75 min (65–85); median estimated blood loss was 250 ml (200–350). No conversion to on-clamp PN or radical nephrectomy was needed. All patients had uneventful perioperative course; median hospital stay was 3 d (2–3). At discharge, median hemoglobin (Hgb) and percent estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) drop were 3.3 g/dl (2.1–3.3) and 11% (10–20%), respectively. Surgical margins were negative in all cases. One-year median ipsilateral renal volume and 1-yr eGFR percent decreases were 11.7% (6–20.9%) and 12.2% (5.3–13.7%), respectively.ConclusionsWe described a novel technique to simplify challenging RAPN based on ICG superselective transarterial tumor marking. Key benefits include quick intraoperative identification of the mass with improved visualization and real-time control of resection margins.Patient summaryRobot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for totally endophytic renal masses is a technically demanding surgical procedure, sometimes requiring radical nephrectomy. This novel technique significantly simplified surgical complexity in our Institution. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to confirm whether this technique provides relevant intraoperative and functional advantages.     

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: The McMaster University experience

Introduction:

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) remains one of the more challenging procedures in urology. Minimizing warm ischemia time (WIT) and bleeding requires efficient intracorporeal suturing. In addition, achieving negative surgical margins requires complete excision of the tumour. We report a large Canadian series of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with intermediate follow-up.

Methods:

Between September 2000 and August 2008, 152 consecutive laparoscopic partial nephrectomies were performed at our centre. Demographic, pathological and clinical data were collected through a retrospective review of the charts.

Results:

The average tumour size was 2.68 cm (Range: 0.5–8.8. The vast majority of tumours were malignant (80%). All margins were negative, except for 2 patients who underwent an immediate re-resection. There were no local recurrences or distant metastasis during the follow-up period of 44.3 months. Most procedures required hilar clamping (93.4%) with a mean WIT of 34 minutes, with a clear trend for declining WIT with increasing experience. Five procedures were converted to laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, 10 converted to a hand-assisted procedure, and 1 was converted to an open partial nephrectomy. The average blood loss was 162 cc. Complications related to the procedure were classified according to the Clavien grading system. The average drop in the glomerular filtration rate was calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation between preoperative and 2.5 months postoperative was 8.6 mL/min/1.73 m².

Conclusions:

LPN is a challenging procedure that requires advanced laparoscopic skills. LPN is feasible with excellent oncological outcomes, and an acceptable complication profile. The short-term impact on overall renal function is minimal. The most common postoperative complication was pseudo-aneurysm requiring embolization, which reinforces the intra-operative need for meticulous and a quick suture-ligation of blood vessels during LPN.     

Expanding utilization of robotic partial nephrectomy for clinical T1b and complex T1a renal masses

Introduction

Partial nephrectomy is the standard of care for cT1a renal masses, offering equivalent oncologic outcomes and lower renal function impairment when compared to radical nephrectomy, with excellent overall survival results. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) allows to perform a precise tumor excision, simplifying the reconstruction steps of the procedure, especially in the treatment of complex or large renal tumors. Aim of this study was to summarize the available perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of RAPN performed for complex and/or large (cT1b) renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials and methods

We performed a nonsystematic review of the literature using a free-text protocol in the Medline database, using the terms “robot-assisted partial nephrectomy” and “robotic partial nephrectomy.” Two Authors reviewed separately to select RAPN series reporting data about complex and cT1b RCC. Other significant studies cited in the reference lists of the selected papers were also evaluated.

Evidence synthesis

According to the currently available evidences, RAPN offers promising results in terms of perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes for the conservative management of complex or large renal tumors, even when compared with open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Robot-assisted procedure allows surgeons to treat large and challenging renal masses, even if with higher warm ischemia time, operating time, and estimated blood loss in comparison with those obtained for the treatment of smaller lesions.

Conclusions

In the hands of experienced surgeons, RAPN is a safe and reproducible approach for the treatment of cT1b and more challenging renal tumors, and could represent the way to expand the indications for minimally invasive conservative approach to RCC.     

Can the R.E.N.A.L Nephrometry Score Preoperatively Predict Postoperative Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Open and Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy?

Aim

We evaluate whether the preoperative R.E.N.A.L Nephrometry Score (RNS) can predict the postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing either an open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively calculated the RNS of 128 patients who underwent either an open partial nephrectomy (OPN) (n = 38) or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) (n = 90) between 2003 and 2011. Patients were categorized into low, moderate or high complexity groups based on RNSs. Intra-operative warm ischemic time (WIT), peri-operative surgical outcomes using the Clavien-Dindo classification, postoperative histology, positive surgical margin rates were correlated to the RNS.

Results

The RNS was associated with the length of the WIT in OPN (low vs. moderate vs. high: 11.4 vs. 13.1 vs. 23.4 minutes, p = 0.025) and blood loss in LPN (low vs. moderate 319 vs. 498 ml, p = 0.009). The positive surgical margins were greater in high versus moderate RNS lesions (40 vs. 7.4%, p = 0.045). No differences were seen in complications, hospital stay or transfusion rates. The RNS was significantly higher in OPN versus LPN (7.45 vs. 6.2, p = 0.0002).

Conclusion

An Increasing RNS was associated with increased WIT in OPN and blood loss in LPN, supporting RNS relationship to tumor complexity. A higher RNS in OPN indicate it may corroborate procedure choice. RNS should allow comparisons between treatment modalities for similar complexity lesions and with further research could aid stratification of individual risk preoperatively.Key Words: Partial nephrectomy, RENAL score     

Off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: initial washington university experience

Abstract Background and Purpose: Because of the impact warm ischemia time may have on renal function, various surgical techniques have been proposed to minimize or eliminate warm ischemia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our initial renal functional outcomes of off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), while assessing the safety profile of this unconventional surgical approach. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of our off-clamp RAPN experience between August 2007 and January 2012. All patients with baseline and postoperative serum creatinine determinations were included. Patient demographics, operative information, perioperative outcomes, and renal functional outcomes were evaluated for this cohort. Results: Forty-two patients with a mean age of 59.9 years (standard deviation [SD]=12) had a median follow-up of 100 days (range 1-1007 days). In all cases, warm ischemia time was 0 minutes. Mean operative time was 143 minutes (SD=59), and median estimated blood loss was 138?mL (range 50-1500?mL). No intraoperative complications were encountered, and all surgical margins were negative. Our postoperative complication rate was 14.3%. At the most recent follow-up, the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 76.2?mL/min/1.73?m(2) (SD=27.6), compared with 78.5?mL/min/1.73?m(2) (SD=28.9) preoperatively (P=0.11). Therefore, the mean eGFR decline of 2.3?mL/min/1.73?m(2) (SD=9.1) was not significant. Conclusions: Off-clamp RAPN is associated with minimal morbidity and minimal decline in renal function on short-term follow-up. Further studies and continued monitoring of renal function are needed to determine if off-clamp RAPN provides any advantage in renal function preservation relative to the traditional RAPN with vascular clamping.