Robot-assisted Kidney Transplantation Research Articles

A comparative study on outcomes of ABO-incompatible kidney transplants between robot-assisted vs. open surgery-propensity score-matched analysis: a retrospective cohort study.

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) is increasingly being adopted worldwide. Despite this growing interest, there remains a notable gap in the literature, especially concerning its effectiveness in immunologically high-risk patients compared to conventional open kidney transplantation (OKT). This study investigates the viability and success of RAKT in comparison with OKT, particularly for recipients with ABO incompatibility (ABOi). This retrospective, single-center study included 239 living-donor transplants between October 2020 and February 2023, with 210 patients undergoing ABOi-OKT and 29 undergoing ABOi-RAKT. A composite of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft failure, and the development of de novo donor-specific antibodies was analyzed through univariate and multivariate models. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to ensure a balanced comparison between the two groups. Following PSM, a total of 131 cases in the OKT group and 26 cases in the RAKT group were analyzed. After PSM, the mean recipient age was 48.56 years for OKT and 47.96 years for RAKT. Both groups had comparable one-year (RAKT: 92.4%, OKT: 93.1%) and two-year BPAR-free survival rates (RAKT: 92.4%, OKT: 91.9%). Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate values were similar at 12 months post-transplant (RAKT: 62.15ml/min/1.73m², OKT: 64.53ml/min/1.73m²). Operative times were significantly longer for RAKT (291.42 vs. 150.81min, p < 0.001), while cold ischemic time was also longer for RAKT (119.77 vs. 47.22min, p < 0.001). Hospital stays were shorter for RAKT (median 6 vs. 8 days, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the composite outcome of BPAR, graft failure, and de novo donor-specific antibodies between the two groups (HR 0.858, 95% CI: 0.180-4.096, p = 0.848). RAKT is a safe and effective alternative to OKT in ABOi patients, demonstrating similar perioperative outcomes, graft survival rates, and renal function. The application of ropensity score matching analysis strengthens the reliability of these findings, confirming RAKT's viability for high-risk kidney transplant recipients. The clinical trial associated with this study was registered on 2024-02-24 with the Clinical Trial Number NCT06287008|| https://www. gov/ ).

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation: initial experience from a tertiary hospital in China

Abstract Background Robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) has currently become an effective alternative to open kidney transplantation (OKT), which has long been considered the gold standard for kidney transplant surgery. This study aimed to summarize our initial experience with RAKT and explore its safety and feasibility. Materials and methods Ten cases of RAKT, including 8 cases of deceased-donor kidney transplantation and 2 cases of living-donor kidney transplantation, were performed at our center from March 2023 to November 2023. Perioperative clinical data and follow-up results of patients were collected and statistically analyzed. Results All RAKT surgeries were performed successfully with no complications. The average operative time was 297.90 ± 65.59 minutes, and the median estimated blood loss was 100 mL. The average serum creatinine level decreased from 918.14 ± 166.63 μmol/L preoperatively to 109.89 ± 29.89 μmol/L at discharge. The postoperative outcomes of RAKT from both deceased and living donors were satisfactory during the follow-up period. Conclusions RAKT is an effective alternative to OKT and is suitable for both deceased- and living-donor kidney transplantations. The postoperative outcomes were satisfactory, and the postoperative complications were acceptable. RAKT appears to be a safe and feasible procedure for transplantation teams skilled in OKT and robot-assisted surgery.

Germany's first robot-assisted kidney transplantation from adeceased donor: a good option in obese recipients-with the right team

Robot-assisted kidney transplantations have been performed in Europe since 2015. In Germany, the technique is slowly spreading - most recently, 3 urological centers performed this type of procedure. We present the first case of a post-mortem, robot-assisted kidney transplantation in Germany in a 60-year-old patient. In addition to the surgical technique and the clinical course, the opportunities of this surgical technique and its challenges are discussed in particular. In summary, the experience at our center is consistent with the findings from the literature that robot-assisted post-mortem kidney transplantation is a safe method for supplementing the principles of open transplantation surgery with the advantages of minimally invasive methods.

362.8: Robotic assisted kidney transplantation: An analysis of early surgical experience.

362.8: Robotic assisted kidney transplantation: An analysis of early surgical experience.

Analyzing the Impact of CIT on the Largest Reported Cohort of Robotic Kidney Transplantation From the Deceased Donors.

Robotic-assisted kidney transplant (RAKT) has proven to be a successful approach for patients with morbid obesity and more centers are encouraged to apply robotic approach also for deceased donor kidney transplantation. Prolonged cold ischemia time (CIT) is accompanied by delayed graft function (DGF) and early graft loss after traditional open kidney transplant (OKT). This study examines the impact of CIT after robotic kidney transplantation on settings of deceased donation. We present a single-center retrospective analysis of 115 cases of RAKT and 128 cases of OKT from deceased donors performed from deceased donor from 2009 to July 2022. Cohort was divided in 3 groups based on CIT ("high" CIT > 15 h, n = 43; "medium" CIT 11-15 h, n = 38; "low" CIT< 11 h, n = 40). The subgroup analysis of DGF and CIT was performed. The median CIT in the cohort was 13.46 (7) h, and overall rate of DGF was 30.6%. The correlation between CIT and DGF was statistically significant (P = 0.008), and DGF negatively correlated with 1-y graft survival (P = 0.04). The rate of DGF was significantly different between the groups (P = 0.05). Results from our study demonstrate that the effect of CIT on DGF in settings of RAKT follows a similar pattern as in traditional OKT.

P.265: Reconsidering the impacts of morbid obesity on kidney transplantation in the age of robotic-assisted kidney transplantation.

P.265: Reconsidering the impacts of morbid obesity on kidney transplantation in the age of robotic-assisted kidney transplantation.

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation: a propensity score-matched cohort analysis of early experience.

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease. Since the introduction of robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT), several centers have applied this technique as an alternative to open kidney transplantation (OKT). The objective of this study is to analyze our early experience, focusing on surgical technique and learning curve, and postoperative outcomes of RAKT. We retrospectively reviewed 782 living donor kidney transplantation recipients between January 2018 and January 2024. A propensity score-matched cohort of 50 RAKT and 150 OKT patients was evaluated for intraoperative and postoperative variables. Shewhart control charts and CUSUM analysis were used to evaluate technical outcomes and learning curves of RAKT. Postoperative eGFR values, complications, and biopsy results were compared for overall graft function and safety. RAKT patients were associated with significantly longer overall operative, rewarming, and anastomosis times. Although overall postoperative eGFR trends showed comparable graft function between RAKT and OKT recipients (51.35±2.64 vs. 54.01±1.45; P=0.315), RAKT patients with extremely long rewarming times exhibited aggravated chronic scores at 1 year protocol biopsies (Δ Chronicity Index = 4.45±1.92, P<0.001). CUSUM analysis of rewarming time revealed that proficiency in RAKT is achieved after approximately 15 cases. Despite longer anastomosis and ischemic times, even during the early stages of RAKT adoption, the RAKT group did not differ significantly in graft function or postoperative complications from the OKT group.

Comparison of Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy Results in Patients Who Previously Underwent Open and Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous graft biopsy, specifically in patients who have undergone robotic kidney transplantation, a topic that has received limited attention in the existing literature. While percutaneous graft biopsy is well established in patients who have undergone open transplantation, its application in robotic transplantation remains relatively unexplored. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patient records spanning from 2013 to 2024, focusing on those who underwent graft biopsy due to acute graft dysfunction. The cohort was bifurcated into two distinct groups: individuals who underwent open kidney transplantation and those who underwent robotic kidney transplantation. Results: The study encompassed a total of 89 patients, with 64 having undergone open kidney transplantation and 25 having undergone robot-assisted kidney transplantation. The mean age of the patients was 40.61 (±12.26) years, with 60 (67.4%) being male and 29 (32.6%) being female. Comparative analysis revealed no significant disparities in age, gender distribution, body mass index, donor type (cadaveric versus living), or rates of graft loss between the two groups. Furthermore, examination of the total complication rates did not uncover any noteworthy differences between the cohorts. Conclusions: Ultrasound-assisted percutaneous needle biopsy is a reliable method in patients who have undergone robot-assisted kidney transplantation in cases of both indication-based and protocol biopsies. This study underscores the reliability of ultrasound-assisted percutaneous needle biopsy as a viable method for patients who have undergone robot-assisted kidney transplantation. By shedding light on the safety and efficacy of percutaneous graft biopsy in the context of robotic transplantation, this research contributes to the expanding body of knowledge in the field, providing valuable insights for clinical practice and future research endeavors.

Predicting Delayed Postoperative Length of Stay Following Robotic Kidney Transplantation: Development and Simulation of Perioperative Risk Factors.

Background and Objective: Early discharge following robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) is a cost-effective strategy for reducing healthcare expenses while maintaining favorable short- and long-term prognoses. This study aims to identify predictors of postoperative delayed discharge in RAKT patients and develop a predictive model to enhance clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 146 patients aged 18 years and older who underwent RAKT at a single tertiary medical center from August 2020 to January 2024. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, social and medical histories, preoperative labs, surgical information, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes. The primary outcome was delayed postoperative discharge (length of hospital stay > 7 days). Risk factors for delayed discharge were identified through univariate and multivariate regression analyses, leading to the development of a risk scoring system, the effectiveness of which was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: 110 patients (74.8%) were discharged within 7 days post-transplant, while 36 (24.7%) remained hospitalized for 8 days or longer. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified ABO incompatibility, BUN levels, anesthesia time, and vasodilator use as risk factors for delayed discharge. The RAKT score, incorporating these factors, demonstrated a predictive performance with a C-statistic of 0.789. Conclusions: This study identified risk factors for delayed discharge after RAKT and developed a promising risk scoring system for real-world clinical application, potentially improving postoperative outcome stratification in RAKT recipients.

Perioperative optic nerve sheath diameter variations in patients with end-stage renal failure undergoing robotic-assisted kidney transplant: a prospective observational study.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo hemodialysis are predisposed to interstitial cerebral edema. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery can increase optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and intracranial pressure. The impact of robotic-assisted kidney transplant (RAKT) on ONSD is complicated by the presence of CKD, the administration of furosemide and mannitol, and the manipulation of hemodynamics. We examined ONSD variations in patients undergoing RAKT over a 1-year period at our institution. Furthermore, we attempted to identify any perioperative hemodynamic factors influencing these changes. This prospective study included 20 patients undergoing RAKT. ONSD, heart rate, central venous pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured following intubation (T1), after assuming the steep Trendelenburg position (T2), 1 hour after docking (T3), upon reperfusion (T4), after transition to the supine position (T5), and 3 hours postextubation (T6). Repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni correction was employed to compare variables at each time point. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to assess relationships between variables. P-values ≤0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. ONSD (in mm) increased from T1 (3.60±0.44) to T3 (4.06±0.45, P=0.002) and T4 (3.99±0.62, P=0.046), before falling to its lowest value at T6 (3.42±0.64, P=0.002). Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlations (P<0.05) between changes in ONSD at T3 and both DBP (r=0.637) and MAP (r=0.522). During RAKT with open ureteric anastomosis, ONSD initially increased, then decreased following reperfusion. DBP and MAP displayed positive correlations with ONSD changes at T3.

Continuous renal surface cooling technique (CSCT) in robotic-assisted kidney transplantation: technique and outcomes from a high-volume center: a prospective cohort study.

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) surgery is an advanced minimally invasive technique, albeit with extended surgical and kidney ischemia time. To safeguard kidney function, the authors have devised a continuous surface cooling method (CSCT) for intraoperative kidney cooling. Patients receiving RAKT were divided into CSCT group and conventional group. The CSCT is a custom-designed apparatus composed of a single-layer plastic bag, featuring an inflow and an outflow that create a closed circuit for the continuous flow of cooling saline. The conventional group utilized ice slush for kidney graft cooling (Vattikuti Urology Institute-Medanta Technique, VUIMT). Patients who underwent open renal transplantation during the same period were also included in the study. All patients were subject to a minimum 2-month follow-up. And 1:3 propensity score matching was used to minimize selection bias. A total of 144 patients underwent CSCT, 47 underwent VUIMT, and 196 underwent open surgery were included in the study, while after matching, 129, 43, 129 patients were included in the three groups, respectively. The median follow-up time was 19 months. None of the patients experienced delayed graft function, patient mortality, or graft loss. After introducing the kidney into the abdominal cavity for 20 minutes, the surface temperature of the kidney in the CSCT group was notably lower compared to the VUIMT group (15.42±0.88 vs. 21.74±2.53°C, P =0.001). This temperature disparity became more pronounced at 65 min (19.74±1.61 vs. 29.82±1.63°C, P <0.001). At both 3 and 7 days post-transplantation, creatinine levels in the VUIMT group were significantly higher than those in the CSCT and open surgery groups (at 3days, 244.13±45.61 vs. 182.51±55.47 in CSCT group, P <0.001, or vs. 182.77±61.32 in the open surgery group, P <0.001; at 7days, 162.42±54.86 vs. 143.11±44.32 in the CSCT group, P <0.001, or vs. 135.23±45.27 in the open surgery group, P <0.001). No differences were observed in blood creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and perioperative complications between the CSCT and open surgery groups. The CSCT presents a significant advantage over the traditional VUIMT method in terms of kidney cooling and early postoperative kidney function preservation. Additional research is required to ascertain whether the CSCT can enhance the long-term prognosis of kidney transplant recipients.

The ERUS course on robot-assisted kidney transplantation

PurposeRobot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) is being increasingly performed at selected referral institutions worldwide. Yet, surgical training in RAKT is still unstructured and not grounded into formal credentialing courses including simulation, lab facilities, and modular training with animal models. As such, developing standardized, modular training programs is warranted to provide surgeons with the RAKT-specific skillset needed for a “safe” learning curve.MethodsThe 3-day course on RAKT developed at the EAU Skills Center in Orsi Academy was designed as a standardized, modular, step-by-step approach aiming to provide theoretical and practical skills. The course is held by expert proctors with extensive experience in RAKT. To maximize the course’s usefulness, a solid knowledge of robotics and transplantation is desirable for participants.ResultsFrom January 2016 to July 2023, 87 surgeons from 23 countries (of which 36% from extra-European countries) participated in the RAKT course performed at the EAU Skills Center in Orsi Academy. Of these, 58/87 (67%) were urologists, while 27/87 (31%) were general surgeons and 2/87 (2%) were vascular surgeons. To date, 18 participants (20.6%) are actively involved in RAKT programs at institutions included in the European Association of Urology (EAU) Robotic Urology Section (ERUS)–RAKT network.ConclusionLeveraging the potential of simulation, wet-lab training, live porcine models, and experienced proctors, the RAKT course performed at the EAU Skills Center in Orsi Academy represents the first structured teaching effort aiming to offer surgeons a full immersion in RAKT to train the core technical skills.

Retracted: Results and Lessons Learned on Robotic Assisted Kidney Transplantation.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2020/8687907.].

Robotic kidney transplantation.

Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease owing to improved survival and quality of life compared with dialysis. The surgical approach to kidney transplantation has been somewhat stagnant in the past 50 years, with the open approach being the only available option. In this scenario, evidence of reduced surgery-related morbidity after the introduction of robotics into several surgical fields has induced surgeons to consider robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) as an alternative approach to these fragile and immunocompromised patients. Since 2014, when the RAKT technique was standardized thanks to the pioneering collaboration between the Vattikuti Urology Institute and the Medanta hospital (Vattikuti Urology Institute-Medanta), several centres worldwide implemented RAKT programmes, providing interesting results regarding the safety and feasibility of this procedure. However, RAKT is still considered an alternative procedure to be offered mainly in the living donor setting, owing to various possible drawbacks such as prolonged rewarming time, demanding learning curve, and difficulties in carrying out this procedure in challenging scenarios (such as patientswith obesity, severe atherosclerosis of the iliac vessels, deceased donor setting, or paediatric recipients). Nevertheless, the refinement of robotic platforms through the implementation of novel technologies as well as the encouraging results from multicentre collaborations under the umbrella of the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section are currently expanding the boundaries of RAKT, making this surgical procedure a real alternative to the open approach.

Proposal of a standardized training curriculum for open and robot-assisted kidney transplantation.

Standardized training programs for open (OKT) and robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) remain unmet clinical needs. To fill this gap, we designed a modified Delphi Consensus aiming to propose the first structured surgical curricula for both OKT and RAKT, involving a multispecialty international panel of experts. Two web-based surveys were built drafting two separate series of statements (for OKT and RAKT, respectively). The two surveys were delivered to a panel of 63 experts (for OKT) and 21 experts (for RAKT), selected considering their experience, academic profile and involvement in international associations. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement between the responders. Overall, 25/63 (40%) and 14/21 (67%) participated in the first round of the Delphi Consensus for the development of the structured curriculum for OKT and RAKT, respectively. During the second round, the experts reached consensus on all statements, as well as on the domains composing the structure of the training pathway: 1) eligibility criteria for trainees and host centres; 2) theoretical training; 3) simulation; 4) real case observation; and 5) modular training in the operating theatre. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first proposal of a dedicated curriculum for OKT and RAKT grounded on insights from international experts of different specialties. Our proposed curriculum provides the foundation to standardize the education and training in KT across Europe and beyond.

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation-what is new?

The first robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) was conducted in 2010, and the first time in Germany in 2016. As more than 5years have passed, current evidence, technological developments and the latest (German) experience are presented. The current evidence and experience of RAKT was investigated from an international and German perspective. In asystemic search, relevant publications were analyzed and compared with the experiences at aGerman urological transplant department. From an international perspective, RAKT can now be considered astandard procedure at experienced departments, as more than 680 RAKT have been documented in Europe. The functional results are excellent with low complication rates and good mid- to long-term functional outcomes. Although RAKT was initially only performed with living organ donations, it has also been successfully conducted with cadaveric grafts. The surgical technique can be applied in challenging and complex situations, such as for arteriosclerotic recipient vessels or for kidney transplantations in children. Although RAKT is still not widely performed in Germany, the university hospital in Marburg, the third urological department in Germany, has successfully initiated arobotic transplant program. Compared to open kidney transplantation, robot-assisted kidney transplantation enables at least noninferior results. It further appears to translate the well-documented advantages of minimally invasive surgery to kidney transplantation. However, its spread throughout Germany is only slowly increasing, possibly because only ahandful of urological departments still perform kidney transplantations.

Trends in kidney transplantation and living donor nephrectomy in Germany: a total population analysis from 2006 to 2021.

To analyze recent trends of surgical access routes, length of hospital stay (LOS), and mortality in kidney transplantation (KT) and living donor nephrectomy (LDN) in Germany. We studied the nationwide German hospital billing database and the German hospital quality reports from 2006 to 2021. There were a total of 35.898 KTs. In total, 9044 (25%) were living donor transplantations, while 26.854 (75%) were transplantations after donation after brain death (DBD). The share of open LDN decreased from 82% in 2006 to 22% in 2020 (-4%/year; p < 0.001). The share of laparoscopic LDN increased from 18% in 2006 to 70% in 2020 (+ 3%/year; p < 0.001). The share of robotic LDN increased from 0% in 2006 to 8% in 2020 (+ 0.6%/year; p < 0.001). Robotic-assisted KT increased from 5 cases in 2016 to 13 procedures in 2019 (p = 0.2). LOS was shorter after living donor KT, i.e., 18 ± 12.1days versus 21 ± 19.6days for DBD renal transplantation (p < 0.001). Moreover, LOS differed for open versus laparoscopic versus robotic LDN (9 ± 3.1 vs. 8 ± 2.9 vs. 6 ± 2.6; p = 0.031). The overall in-hospital mortality was 0.16% (n = 5) after LDN, 0.47% (n = 42) after living donor KT and 1.8% (n = 475) after DBD KT. There is an increasing trend toward minimal-invasive LDN in recent years. Overall, in-hospital mortality was low after KT. However, 5 deceased healthy donors after LKD caution that the risks of this procedure should also be taken very seriously.

Robotic assisted kidney transplant from deceased donor: initial experience

Robotic assisted kidney transplant from deceased donor: initial experience

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation in immunological high-risk patients: comparative analysis robot-assisted kidney transplantation versus open kidney transplantation

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation in immunological high-risk patients: comparative analysis robot-assisted kidney transplantation versus open kidney transplantation

VE25 - The ORSI Academy structured course on robot-assisted kidney transplantation

VE25 - The ORSI Academy structured course on robot-assisted kidney transplantation