Robotic Nephron-sparing Surgery Research Articles

VE17 Robotic nephron-sparing surgery off-clamping in transplanted kidney

VE17 Robotic nephron-sparing surgery off-clamping in transplanted kidney

#2508 Urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] as the ultimate potential biomarker of subclinical Acute Kidney Injury after kidney surgery: a multicentric study

Abstract Background and Aims Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) represents the preferred technique to treat localized renal lesions and better preserve kidney function. Still it is not exempted from the risk of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) to happen, with a reported incidence ranging from 5.5% to 34%. Patients experiencing postoperative AKI, either clinical or subclinical, are more susceptible to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The latter represents a difficult-to-identify subpopulation characterized by tubular damage biomarker's rising without changes in serum creatinine (scr), that after surgery is less likely to be included among the ones deserving a closer follow-up, but actually needing one, as this subpopulation's long term outcomes slightly differ from individuals recovered from clinical postoperative AKI. This is the reason why a standardized tool for early identification of patients suffering from subclinical AKI is required, to allow a customized postoperative surveillance, promote strategies of nephroprotection and reduce the incidence of CKD and end-stage kidney disease. Recent evidences show that by exclusively following outdated consensus criteria for AKI (changes in scr, urine output), 15-20% of patients undergoing through acute tubular injury and suffering from its adverse outcomes are likely to be missed. Only recently, FDA approved NephroCheck® biomarker, which combines two urinary markers, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7). It represents the first effective test for AKI's risk assessment. In a previous monocentric study [1], our group presented NephroCheck® as a biomarker able to efficiently identify subclinical AKI and predict long-term eGFR decline after robotic NSS. In order to confirm our previous results, we recruited a larger cohort and performed a multicentric study. Method We prospectively observed all patients scheduled for robotic NSS in suspected localized renal cell carcinoma in two different Centers from 2016 to 2018. Samples were collected preoperatively and postoperatively (4 h, 10 h, 24 h, 48 h), while kidney function was re-assessed up to 24 months. A multivariate logistic analysis was performed to evaluate the association between different parameters and eGFR decline at 24 months. Results A total number of 131 patients were included; 55/131 (42%) developed clinical AKI. A significant association between NephroCheck® at 4 h and clinical AKI, as stated by KDIGO Guidelines, is confirmed (p = 0.0055). In the overall cohort, the multivariate analysis shows that only clinical AKI appears as an independent factor for predicting eGFR decline at 24 months (p < 0.0003), while postoperative NephroCheck® alone did not (p = 0.92). Based on NephroCheck® measured 4 h after surgery and clinical AKI, patients can be divided in four groups with significantly different eGFR at 24 months (p = 0.0003) (Fig. 1). Not considering patients who experienced clinical AKI, the independent role of different parameters in predicting severe eGFR decline at 24 months was evaluated by multivariate logistic analysis; in this subgroup of patients, NephroCheck® evaluated at 4 h postoperatively appears as an independent factor able to predict a severe eGFR decline at 24 months (OR 3.76, p = 0.02) (Fig. 2). Conclusion NephroCheck®, in combination with scr, represents an accurate and easy-to-use test, likely able to early identify long-term eGFR decline in patients undergoing NSS surgery that don't develop a clinically evident postoperative AKI (subclinical AKI), making it possible to identify those in need of closer-up surveillance, reducing the incidence and progression of CKD. Still, clinical postoperative AKI is confirmed as the most important prognostic parameter and predictive factor for eGFR decline in the long-term. Further studies are needed, particularly focusing on application of NephroCheck® in setting other than NSS.

Management of renal sinus angiomyolipoma: modified robotic nephron-sparing surgery in a single center

BackgroundRenal sinus angiomyolipoma (RSAML) is a rare and typically complex renal tumor. The objective is to present our single-center experience with a modified technique of robotic nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for treating RSAML.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 15 patients with RSAMLs who were treated with robotic NSS at the Department of Urology of Tongji hospital, ranging from November 2018 to September 2022. Renal vessels and ureter were dissected. The outer part of RSAML was resected. The rest of tumor was removed by bluntly grasp, curettage and suction. Absorbable gelatin sponges were filled in the renal sinus. The preoperative parameters, operative measures and postoperative outcomes were all collected. Follow-up was performed by ultrasonography and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).ResultsRobotic NSS was successfully performed in all the patients, without any conversion to open surgery or nephrectomy. The mean operation time was 134.13 ± 40.56 min. The mean warm ischemia time was 25.73 ± 3.28 min. The median estimated blood loss was 100 [50, 270] ml and 1 patient required blood transfusion. The mean drainage duration was 5.77 ± 1.98 days. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6.90 [5.80, 8.70] days. Two patients experienced postoperative urinary tract infection (Clavien-Dindo Grade II). During the median follow-up of 25.53 ± 15.28 months, patients received 91.18% renal function preservation. No local recurrence occurred in all the patients.ConclusionsRobotic NSS for RSAML is a complicated procedure that demands technical expertise and a well-designed strategy is critical in the operation. Treating RSAML with modified robotic NSS is safe, effective and feasible.

Robotic transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal approach for anterior renal mass nephron-sparing surgery.

Robotic nephron-sparing surgery is traditionally performed via a transperitoneal (TP) approach. However, the retroperitoneal (RP) approach has gained popularity, particularly for posterolateral renal masses. The RP approach is associated with shorter operative time, less blood loss, and shorter length of stay, while preserving oncologic outcomes in selected masses. Here, we aim to assess the feasibility of the RP approach in excising anterior renal masses. Patients ≥ 18years of age who underwent robotic nephron-sparing surgery for anterior renal masses were retrospectively identified (2008-2022). Baseline demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative data were collected and characterized based on TP vs RP approaches. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Pearson's Chi-squared test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Two hundred and sixteen patients were included-178 (82.4%) underwent TP approach and 38 (17.6%) underwent RP approach. Baseline demographics, preoperative tumor size, and renal nephrometry scores were similar. The RP approach was associated with shorter operative (150 vs 203min, p < 0.001) and warm ischemia time (12 vs 21min, p < 0.001), and less blood loss (20 vs 100cc, p = 0.002) (Table1). The RP approach was associated with shorter length of stay (1 vs 2days, p < 0.001) and less total complications (5.3% vs 19.1%, p = 0.038). Major complication (Clavien-Dindo Grade > 3) rates were similar. There was no difference in positive surgical margin rates or pathologic characteristics. Robotic RP approach for nephron-sparing surgery is feasible for eligible anterior tumors and is associated with favorable perioperative outcomes with preserved negative surgical margin rates. Table1 Patient baseline demographics Overall Transperitoneal Retroperitoneal p value Median/N IQR/% Median/N IQR/% Median/N IQR/% N 216 178 82.4% 38 17.6% Age (years) 60.5 (52.1-67.7) 60.4 (52.8-67.7) 61.6 (49.1-69.2) 0.393 Sex Male 126 58.3% 100 56.2% 26 68.4% Female 90 41.7% 78 43.8% 12 31.6% 0.165 Race White 162 75.0% 137 77.0% 25 65.8% Asian 4 1.9% 2 1.1% 2 5.3% Black 21 9.7% 18 10.1% 3 7.9% Hispanic 26 12.0% 18 10.1% 8 21.1% Other 2 0.9% 2 1.1% 0 0.0% 0.197 Body mass index (kg/m2) < 25 32 14.8% 25 14.0% 7 18.4% 25-30 68 31.5% 55 30.9% 13 34.2% 30-35 60 27.8% 50 28.1% 10 26.3% 35 + 56 25.9% 48 27.0% 8 21.1% 0.808 Prior abdominal surgery Yes 118 54.6% 104 58.4% 14 36.8% No 98 45.4% 74 41.6% 24 63.2% 0.015 Prior kidney surgery Yes 10 4.6% 9 5.1% 1 2.6% No 206 95.4% 169 94.9% 37 97.4% 0.518 Chronic kidney disease stage ≥ 3 Yes 45 20.8% 38 21.3% 7 18.4% No 171 79.2% 140 78.7% 31 81.6% 0.687 Charlson comorbidity index 0 138 63.9% 116 65.2% 22 57.9% 1 46 21.3% 38 21.4% 8 21.1% 2 19 8.8% 13 7.3% 6 15.8% ≥ 3 13 6.0% 11 6.2% 2 5.3% 0.412 Tumor size (cm) 2.7 (2-3.6) 2.8 (2-3.5) 2.55 (2-3.7) 0.796 Tumor laterality Left 100 46.3% 78 43.8% 22 57.9% Right 116 53.7% 100 56.2% 16 42.1% 0.114 Clinical T stage cT1a 186 86.1% 152 85.4% 34 89.5% cT1b 30 13.9% 26 14.6% 4 10.5% 0.509 RENAL Nephrometry score Low (4 to 6) 94 43.5% 76 42.7% 18 47.4% Intermediate (7 to 9) 112 51.9% 94 52.8% 18 47.4% High (≥ 10) 19 4.6% 8 4.5% 2 5.3% 0.829 TE tumor enucleation, SPN standard margin partial nephrectomy, IQR interquartile range.

Medial versus lateral camera port placement for robotic nephron-sparing surgery: evaluating surgical complications and outcomes.

As the growing popularity of robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures for the treatment of renal cancer increases, there exists a variation in surgical technique among institutions and surgeons alike. One variation that exists in robotics is the anatomical placement of the camera port (medial versus lateral camera port placement). The purpose of this study is to evaluate surgical complications and outcomes in comparison to site of camera port placement during nephron-sparing surgery in an academic setting. Over a three-year period, outcomes for all robotic surgeries for renal cancer were examined. A total of 229 cases were discovered. Patient demographics and comorbidities were analyzed along with perioperative surgical data including location of camera port, surgery length, warm ischemia time, blood loss, pathological tumor margins, tumor size, length of stay and laboratory data. 134 patients had surgery performed with lateral camera port placement versus 95 patients with medial camera port placement. Operative time was significantly lower with an average operative time of 165.8min for the lateral group versus 209.1min in the medial group (p < 0. 0001). Warm ischemia time was also less in the lateral group with an average of 11min versus 15.5min for the medial group (p < 0. 0001).Blood loss was less in the lateral camera port group with an average of 158.2mL (± 196.5mL) versus 248.6mL in the medial group (± 252.6) (p = 0.0040). Drain use, positive surgical margin rate, transfusion rate, conversion to radical nephrectomy, change in pre-operative versus postoperative creatinine and glomerular filtration rate and length of hospital stay did not statistically differ. Lateral camera port placement is associated with decreased operative time and warm ischemia time in this series. There may be certain laparoscopic advantages through a better visualization of surgical anatomy, thus allowing for faster extirpation of renal lesions and decrease in surgical time. These advantages may result in better long-term renal function and decreased clinical sequela from chronic kidney disease.

Trifecta and Pentafecta Outcomes in Laparoscopic and Robotic Nephron-Sparing Surgery for Highly Complex Renal Tumors: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Analysis.

Purpose: To compare the trifecta and pentafecta outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in highly complex renal tumors (RENAL nephrometry score ≥10) using a matched cohort analysis. Methods: Patients undergoing LPN or RPN for renal tumors with RENAL score ≥10 between January 2014 and December 2019 were matched using 1:2 propensity score match analysis based on age, body mass index, gender, laterality of tumor, RENAL score, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. The two groups were compared for trifecta and pentafecta outcomes. Results: Thirty patients undergoing LPN (Group A) were matched with 60 patients undergoing RPN (Group B). The mean age (standard deviation) was 53.7 (12.9) years. The median (interquartile range) RENAL score was 10 (10-11). In comparison, the mean warm ischemia time in Group A was significantly longer than that in Group B (26.2 vs 23.0 minutes, p = 0.013). The overall complication rate was 36.7% in Group A as compared with 20% in Group B (p = 0.440). The trifecta outcomes could be achieved in 11 patients (36.7%) in Group A compared with 40 patients (66.7%) in Group B (p = 0.012). Moreover, 10 patients (33.3%) in Group A and 28 patients (46.7%) in Group B achieved pentafecta outcomes (p = 0.227). Conclusions: In a matched cohort of patients undergoing nephron-sparing surgery for highly complex renal tumors (RENAL score ≥10), the robotic approach offers a superior advantage in the achievement of trifecta outcomes as compared with the laparoscopic approach. However, both LPN and RPN can achieve similar pentafecta outcomes.

Incidental encounter of intraperitoneal tuberculosis during renal surgeries: A surgeon's dilemma

Tuberculosis is a major healthcare burden in India, which accounts for the maximum number of cases worldwide. Due to its non-specific features, peritoneal tuberculosis has been dubbed as the great mimicker of various other abdominal pathologies. This case series highlights the importance of incidental intra operative detection of peritoneal tuberculosis in cases being operated for renal pathologies. Diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma is bound to occur when surgeon is faced with such an unexpected finding. Incidental peritoneal tuberculosis was defined as peritoneal tubercular lesions (ascites or tubercles) detected intraoperatively in patients being operated for non-tuberculosis related indications and no prior preoperative suspicion of abdominal tuberculosis. We here review 3 cases with different renal pathologies and no prior history or exposure to tuberculosis in which intraperitoneal tuberculosis was encountered incidentally at the time of surgery. Case 1 was a suspected case of right renal cell carcinoma and underwent right robotic nephron sparing surgery. Case 2 underwent robotic assisted lap simple nephrectomy for a right nonfunctioning kidney due to obstructive ureteric calculus. Case 3 was a suspected case of left upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent robotic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision. In all 3 cases, on encountering the peritoneal lesions, an intraoperative decision to continue with the proposed surgery was made after frozen section biopsies from the multiple peritoneal and omental deposits revealed no malignant cells. Histopathology of these lesions in all 3 cases revealed caseating granulomas consistent with a diagnosis of disseminated peritoneal tuberculosis. None of the resected specimen had features suggestive of tuberculosis. ATT was started and on follow up the patients are doing well. Peritoneal tuberculosis although uncommon is not a rare presentation of active tuberculosis. Surgeons on encountering such lesions during non-related surgeries should always have a high suspicion of tuberculosis. Despite the existing literature favoring abandoning the procedure in such situations, we successfully completed the proposed surgeries.

Multi-institutional Retrospective Validation and Comparison of the Simplified PADUA REnal Nephrometry System for the Prediction of Surgical Success of Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy

BackgroundThe use of a nephron-sparing surgery for the treatment of localized renal masses is being pushed to more challenging cases. However, this procedure is not devoid of risks, and the Radius, Exophytic/Endophytic, Nearness, Anterior/Posterior, Location (RENAL) and Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) classifications are commonly employed in the prediction of complications. Recently, the Simplified PADUA REnal (SPARE) scoring system has been proposed with the aim to provide a more simple system, to improve its reproducibility to predict postoperative risks. ObjectiveWe aim to retrospectively validate and compare the proposed new SPARE system in a multi-institutional population. Design, setting, and participantsThe Transatlantic Robotic Nephron-sparing Surgery (TRoNeS) study group collected data from 737 patients subjected to robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) between 2010 and 2016 at three tertiary care referral centers. Of these patients, 536 presented complete demographic and clinical data. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisRenal masses were classified according to the SPARE, RENAL, and PADUA nephrometry scores, and surgical success was defined according to the margin, ischemia, and complication scores. Results and limitationsOf 536 patients, 340 were male; the median age was 61 (53–69) yr and preoperative tumor size was 30 (22–43) mm. The margin, ischemia, and complication score was achieved in 399 of cases (74.4%). All three nephrometry scores were significant predictors of surgical outcomes both in univariate and in adjusted multivariate logistic regression model analysis. In accuracy analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of the SPARE scoring system (0.73) was significantly higher than those of the PADUA (0.65) and RENAL (0.68) nephrometry scores in predicting surgical success. ConclusionsThe SPARE score appears to be a promising and reliable score for the prediction of surgical outcomes of RAPN, showing a higher accuracy relative to the traditional PADUA and RENAL nephrometry scores. Further, prospective studies are warranted before its introduction in clinical practice. Patient summaryThe Simplified PADUA REnal (SPARE) score is a reproducible and simple nephrometry score, offering better predictive capabilities of surgical success and complications.

The Role of Intraoperative Indocyanine Green in Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Results from a Large, Multi-institutional Series

BackgroundIn recent years, novel technologies have been implemented in order to improve the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Intraoperative administration of indocyanine green (ICG) has been proposed to assess kidney perfusion intraoperatively. ObjectiveTo confirm, on a large scale, the effectiveness of near-infrared fluorescence ICG–guided RAPN in leading the surgeon strategy and to provide hints to the use of this tool. Design, setting, and participantsThe Transatlantic Robotic Nephron-sparing Surgery (TRoNeS) study group collected data from 737 patients subjected to RAPN between 2010 and 2016 at three tertiary care referral centers. Of them, 318 had complete demographic and clinical data, and underwent ICG-guided RAPN for clinically localized kidney cancer. Surgical procedurePatients were subjected to RAPN with intraoperative intravenous ICG injection. MeasurementsOptimal surgical outcomes, defined according to both the margin, ischemia, and complication (MIC), and the trifecta score, were assessed. Results and limitationsA total of 194 (61%) patients were male and 124 (39%) were female. The median patient age was 61 yr and median preoperative tumor size was 30 mm. Median operative time, estimated blood loss, and warm ischemia time were, respectively, 162 min, 100 ml, and 17 min. In total, 228 (71.7%) and 254 (79.9%) individuals, respectively, were selected as optimal surgical patients defined according to MIC and trifecta. The univariate and multivariable logistic regression models showed that tumor complexity nephrometry scores were independent predictors of both trifecta and MIC. The main limitation of this study is the lack of a control group. ConclusionsWe report the largest population of patients who underwent ICG-guided RAPN. Intraprocedural ICG administration represents a useful tool where the vascular anatomy is challenging, and it could be implemented to maximize the adoption of RAPN. Patient summaryWe demonstrated that indocyanine green (ICG) is a reliable tool for guiding the surgeon strategy during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. ICG may help in procedure tailoring, especially in cases with challenging vascularization or impaired renal function.

A prospective, multi-institutional study of perioperative morbidities in the patients of renal cell carcinoma undergoing either open nephron sparing surgery or robotic nephron sparing surgery in fifty cases

Background: Over the time, the nephron sparing surgery (NSS) has become ‘gold standard’ for treatment of T1a stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC) which saves precious renal tissue. We assessed and compared perioperative morbidities associated with open (ONSS) and robotic nephron sparing surgery (RNSS) in patients of T1a and T1b staged renal cell carcinoma.Methods: This prospective study was carried out from April 2016 to March 2018. A total of fifty (n=50) RCC patients underwent open or robotic nephron sparing surgery. The demographic data and perioperative morbidities associated with both methods of NSS were recorded and comparison of parameters including warm-ischemia time (WIT), hospital stay, perioperative bleeding, impact of renal-pedicle clamping was made in T1a and T1b staged RCC patients.Results: The most common perioperative morbidity was blood-loss and 12% patients had ≥500 ml loss. Significantly less intraoperative blood-loss was observed in RNSS compared to ONSS with decreased blood transfusion (BT), which decreased significantly after renal-pedicle clamping prior to RCC resection. Even In perioperative period, the blood loss was significantly less in RNSS patients. However, the warm ischemia time (WIT) and hospital stay was longer in patients of RNSS compared to ONSS. The WIT was prolonged in T1b compared to T1a lesions, irrespective NSS methods.Conclusions: Although, the most common perioperative morbidity associated with NSS is blood-loss but RNSS had less perioperative morbidities compared to ONSS. The blood loss decreased significantly during intraoperative period after renal-pedicle clamping which resulted into decreased blood transfusion after NSS by either method.

The variation of selective uNGAL levels after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: Early results of a prospective single center study.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to nephron-sparing surgery represents a significant problem in order to preserve renal function. Since serum creatinine alone underestimates the early detection of AKI several biomarker have been investigated. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) is considered a good biomarker for AKI. We report our experience in 28 patients affected by localized renal cell carcinoma and submitted to robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). In each patient selective urinary NGAL levels were dosed before surgery, then 2 and 48 hours after the procedure, through a ureteral catheter inserted into the excretory axis of the operated kidney. Moreover, we evaluated split renal function of the preserved renal parenchyma by a 99mTC-DTPA renal scintigraphy, performed before surgery and three months later. AKI was diagnosed, according to internationally criteria, in 3 patients (10.7%). The baseline selective urinary NGAL level was 20.02 ng/ml. This level significantly increased after surgery with a selective urinary NGAL level that reached 56.36 ng/ml (p < 0.0001). Moreover, a significant reduction in 99mTC-DTPA clearance of the operated kidneys after three months was detected (p < 0.0001). Selective urinary NGAL assay represent a sensitive biomarker of acute kidney injury after robotic nephron sparing surgery, capable of predicting the functional outcome of the operated kidney.

Evolution of Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Techniques and Outcomes from the Transatlantic Robotic Nephron-sparing Surgery Study Group

BackgroundRobot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is considered a feasible minimally invasive alternative to open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for the surgical treatment of renal tumors. ObjectiveTo provide further evidence supporting the effectiveness of RAPN in a contemporary patient population treated at one of three tertiary care centers for robotic surgery and to describe the evolution of RAPN-based technical improvements. Design, setting, and participantsThe Transatlantic Robotic Nephron-sparing Surgery (TRoNeS) study group prospectively collected data from 635 patients subjected to RAPN for clinically localized kidney cancer between 2010 and 2016 at three high-volume tertiary care centers. Surgical procedureRAPN was performed using methods outlined in the supplementary video using either the da Vinci Si or Xi surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). MeasurementsClinical data were collected within a prospectively maintained multi-institutional database. Intra- and postoperative data as well as surgical outcomes were assessed. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to determine the predictors of surgical outcomes. Results and limitationsMean patient age was 60.7yr and mean preoperative tumor size was 33mm. According to the PADUA score, 202 (31.8%) patients had a low-, 235 (37.0%) had an intermediate-, and 198 (31.2%) had a high-complexity tumor. In the majority of patients, a transperitoneal approach was used (n=447; 70.4%). Mean operative time was 156.3min and mean estimated blood loss was 171ml. Overall, 25 (3.9%) patients experienced a significant (Clavien-Dindo >2) complication after surgery. No statistically significant differences between pre- and postoperative creatinine values were observed (p≤0.823). Finally, optimal surgical outcomes defined according to the margin, ischemia, and complication score were achieved in 459 (72.3%) individuals. At a mean follow-up of 26mo, only two local and two distant recurrences of the disease were observed. Finally, in multivariable logistic regression models, tumor complexity was associated with the risk of not achieving optimal surgical outcomes. ConclusionsRAPN represents an effective minimally invasive alternative to OPN in the treatment of clinically localized renal tumors. Patient summaryWe reported contemporary experience with RAPN for the treatment of kidney cancer. RAPN appears to be a safe and effective procedure, resulting in optimal outcomes in the majority of individuals despite tumor complexity.

Nephron-sparing Surgery for Syndromic Wilms' Tumor: Robotic Approach

The current standard treatment for stage I Wilms' tumor is open radical nephrectomy. Patients with WAGR syndrome and Wilms' tumor have risk of contralateral tumor and are a group of patients benefitted by nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Whereas laparoscopic NSS has been attempted in such patients, due to the inherent technical limitations it has failed to gain popularity. Robotic approach for NSS overcomes limitations of movement and dexterity occurring with laparoscopic approach. However, the existing literature in robotic NSS in children is very limited. We present the first report of robotic approach for NSS in a child with WAGR syndrome.

Minimally invasive management of renal artery pseudoaneurysm following robotic nephron-sparing surgery: Report of two cases and review of literature

Partial nephrectomy (PN) either done open, laparoscopic, or robotic is associated with the complication of renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP), which is rare but can have grave prognosis. Minimally invasive intervention using endovascular techniques can safely treat this problem with minimal morbidity. We present here two cases of RAP following robotic PN. The first case was a 78-year male patient who underwent robotic PN 3 months prior for a 55 mm × 53 mm clear cell carcinoma of the left lower renal pole. On his 3-month follow-up computerized tomography (CT), he was incidentally diagnosed with a 48 mm × 40 mm × 36 mm well-defined pseudoaneurysm with supply from the lower polar accessory renal artery. The second case was a 42-year male patient who had undergone a robotic PN for a 3.5 cm renal mass. On day 24 postsurgery, he developed hematuria and evaluation with renal CT angiography showed two pseudoaneurysms of approximately 8–9 mm each; associated with a hematoma extending from the mid pole of the left kidney to the tail of the pancreas. We managed to successfully embolize the RAPs endovascularly in both the patients; case one with glue and case two with coils. Both patients were discharged on the next day with no side effects, complications, or morbidity. RAP post-PN; though rare, is a dreaded complication that one should be aware of and be able to treat it timely. Knowing how to managing these situations with minimally invasive techniques should be a part of the armamentarium of all endovascular specialists.

Predicting trifecta outcomes after robot-assisted nephron-sparing surgery: Beyond the nephrometry score.

PurposeRENAL nephrometry score (RNS) was devised for deciding the approach for renal tumors. It is increasingly used in predicting perioperative outcomes with variable results. The actual difficulty encountered during surgery depends on a number of other variables. The main purpose of this prospective study was to identify these variables which are not addressed by current RNS.Materials and MethodsForty-nine patients undergoing robotic nephron sparing surgery from January 2015 onward were included. RNS was calculated from the imaging. Operating surgeon rated each surgery on a Likert scale of 0–4 after the completion of the procedure. The questionnaire was pre-validated in 5 cases before administration. The correlation between the surgeon rating and RNS with perioperative parameters and trifecta outcomes were calculated.ResultsForty-seven percent surgeries were rated easy, and 53.0% were rated as difficult. Surgeries for hilar, posterior location and presence of supernumerary vessels were found to be the a cause of difficulty. Trifecta outcomes were achieved in 37/49 patients (75.5%). The mean rating was 2.580±0.900 in trifecta negative patients while it was 1.410±0.832 in trifecta positive patient (p<0.0001). Surgeon's rating correlated positively with trifecta outcomes (likelihood ratio=15.75, p=0.006).ConclusionsThe RNS remained a useful tool for determining renal tumor complexity. The intraoperative difficulty faced by the surgeon can be rated which can better predict perioperative trifecta outcomes. A useful predicting tool can be developed using the two parameters (RNS and surgeon rated difficulty).

Initial experience of robotic nephron sparing surgery in cases of high renal nephrometry scores.

Introduction:The renal nephrometry scoring (RNS) system enables prediction the feasibility of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in renal masses. There is insufficient data regarding the outcome of robot-assisted NSS in tumors with RNS ≥10. We reviewed the trifecta outcomes of patients undergoing robotic NSS with high RNS and compare it with tumors of low and intermediate RNS.Materials and Methods:Our prospectively maintained data of all robot-assisted NSS were reviewed, and those with RNS of ≥10 were identified. Patient data, outcomes and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate were compared between high, intermediate and low RNS patients.Results:In high RNS group, the mean age of the patients was 53 years (male:female = 15:3). Mean diameter of tumors was 6.28 cm (3.0–10.5 cm). Mean operative time was 173.61 ± 52.66 min and mean warm ischemia time was 27.85 ± 5.27 min. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 363.89 ± 296.45 ml. Mean hospital length of stay was 5.39 ± 1.91 days (3–9 days). When compared with low and intermediate RNS, only EBL and need for pelvicalyceal system repair was significantly higher in high RNS group. Postoperative complications, renal function preservation and oncological outcomes at 3 months were comparable in all the three groups.Conclusion:Robot-assisted NSS is feasible with comparable outcomes in tumors with high RNS.

Comparison of open and robotic nephron sparing surgery: a single centre experience

Objective: To compare robotic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) with open partial nephrectomy (OPN) to assess efficacy and impact of learning curve. Methods: From 2010 to 2015 159 patients had a partial nephrectomy (82 OPN and 77 RAPN). All data were collected prospectively. We compared the demographics, peri and postoperative outcomes. Results: Mean age was 60 years in both groups; 59% of patients were men. Tumour size was larger in the open group (34 mm vs 30 mm; P&lt;0.08), but RENAL nephrometry scores greater than 6 were comparable (over 60%). Mean ischaemic time was longer in the RAPN group (18 vs 13 minutes; P&lt;0.04) but complication rates were similar. The RAPN cohort had a reduced estimated blood loss (100 ml vs 300 ml; P&lt;0.01) and shorter median hospital stay (2 vs 5 days; P&lt;0.01). Only two patients in each group were margin positive. The RAPN cohort demonstrated reduced estimated blood loss and a trend towards more complex tumours with increasing learning curve. Conclusion: RAPN is superior to OPN in terms of reduced hospital stay and estimated blood loss without compromising oncological outcomes. This service can be delivered safely and effectively in a low to medium volume cancer centre; these results are similar to published figures from high volume international centres.

Racial Disparities in Histology and Short-Term Renal Functional Outcomes Following Robotic Nephron-Sparing Surgery

PurposeTo identify variations in renal function and histology between Caucasian Americans (CA) and African Americans (AA) undergoing robotic nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent NSS. Multivariate analysis identified factors affecting postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Histology was re-reviewed by pathology to confirm papillary type. ResultsA total of 331 patients underwent NSS: CA (n = 212), AA (n = 105), Hispanic (n = 10), and other (n = 4). AA average age (60.1 years) was lower than CA (62.3 years) (P < .001), with a higher proportion of AA women (46%) than CA (37%) (P = .021). AA had a higher incidence of diabetes (58.2%) and hypertension (93.9%). Preoperative average eGFR was similar: 70.35 mL/min for AA versus 69.06 mL/min for CA. Average postoperative eGFR was 50.59 mL/min for AA and 57.85 mL/min for CA. Postoperative creatinine increased more in AA (0.44 mg/dL) versus CA (0.33 mg/dL) (P < .001) even when stratified by pathological stage. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was the most common histology with AA (45%) and CA (60%). A greater than 2-fold higher incidence of papillary RCC was observed in AA (31%) versus CA (13%). AA exhibited a greater proportion of high-grade or type 2 papillary RCC (40% and 30%) versus CA (25% and 13%). ConclusionsAA patients were treated at a younger age, with a larger proportion of women. Postoperatively, AA experienced a greater increase in serum creatinine. Final histology demonstrated greater papillary RCC incidence in AA and increased likelihood for type 2 papillary RCC, a more aggressive histology.

Robotic surgery and hemostatic agents in partial nephrectomy: a high rate of success without vascular clamping.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy has been proposed as a technique to overcome technical challenges of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. We prospectively collected and analyzed data from 31 patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy with systematic use of hemostatic agents, between February 2009 and October 2014. Thirty-three renal tumors were treated in 31 patients. There were no conversions to open surgery, intraoperative complications, or blood transfusions. The mean size of the resected tumors was 27 mm (median 20 mm, range 5-40 mm). Twenty-seven of 33 lesions (82%) did not require vascular clamping and therefore were treated in the absence of ischemia. All margins were negative. The high partial nephrectomy success rate without vascular clamping suggests that robotic nephron-sparing surgery with systematic use of hemostatic agents may be a safe, effective method to completely avoid ischemia in the treatment of selected renal masses.

PE10: Open versus robotic nephron-sparing surgery: 4 year results and determinants of decision making

PE10: Open versus robotic nephron-sparing surgery: 4 year results and determinants of decision making