Conversion to Radical Nephrectomy From Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Is Most Commonly Due to Anatomic and Oncologic Complexity.

PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy is standard-of-care treatment for small renal masses. As utilization of partial nephrectomy increases and includes larger and complex tumors, the risk of conversion to radical nephrectomy likely increases. We evaluated incidence and reason for conversion to radical nephrectomy in patients scheduled for partial nephrectomy by surgeons participating in MUSIC (the Michigan Urologic Surgery Improvement Collaborative). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients in whom robotic partial nephrectomy was planned were stratified by completed procedure (robotic partial nephrectomy vs radical nephrectomy). Preoperative and intraoperative records were reviewed for preoperative assessment of difficulty and reason for conversion. Patient, tumor, pathologic, and practice variables were compared between cohorts. RESULTS: Of 650 patients scheduled for robotic partial nephrectomy, conversion to radical nephrectomy occurred in 27 (4.2%) patients. No conversions to open were reported. Preoperative documentation indicated a plan for possible conversion in 18 (67%) patients including partial with possible radical (n = 8), partial vs radical (n = 6), or likely radical nephrectomy (n = 4). Intraoperative documentation indicated that only 5 (19%) conversions were secondary to bleeding, with the remaining conversions due to tumor complexity and/or oncologic concerns. Patients undergoing conversion had larger (4.7 vs 2.8 cm, P < .001) and higher-complexity tumors (64% vs 6%, P < .001) with R.E.N.A.L. (for radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness of tumor to collecting system, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar line) nephrometry score ≥ 10. The converted cases had a higher rate of ≥ pT3 (27% vs 8.4%, P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: There was a low rate of conversion from robotic partial to radical nephrectomy in the MUSIC-KIDNEY (Kidney mass: Identifying and Defining Necessary Evaluation and therapY) collaborative, and an even lower risk of conversion due to uncontrolled bleeding. Targeted review of each conversion identified appropriate decision-making based on oncologic risk in most cases.

Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) can be performed either by a transperitoneal (TP) or a retroperitoneal (RP) approach. However, the superiority of one approach over the other is not established. Hence, the primary aim of this review was to compare perioperative outcomes between these two surgical approaches. METHODS: Literature was systematically searched to identify studies reporting perioperative outcomes following TP RAPN and RP RAPN. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023399496). The primary outcome was comparing complication rates between the two approaches. RESULTS: This review included 22 studies, 5675 patients, 2524 in the RP group, and 3151 in the TP group. The overall complications were significantly lower in the RP group [Odds ratio (OR) 0.80 (0.67, 0.95), p = 0.01]. However, the rate of major complications was similar between the two groups. The operative time was significantly shorter with the RP group [Mean Difference (MD)-16.7 (- 22.3, - 11.0), p = < 0.0001]. Estimated blood loss (EBL) and need for blood transfusion (BT) were significantly lower in the RP group. There was no difference between the two groups for conversion to radical nephrectomy [OR 0.66 (0.33, 1.33), p = 0.25] or open surgery [OR 0.68 (0.24, 1.92, p = 0.47] and positive surgical margins [OR 0.93 (0.66, 1.31, p = 0.69]. Length of stay (LOS) was shorter in the RP group [MD - 0.27 (- 0.45, - 0.08), p = < 0.00001]. CONCLUSIONS: RP approach, compared to TP, has significantly lower complication rates, EBL, need for BT and LOS. However, due to the lack of randomized studies on the topic, further data is required.

Best predictive single nephrometry score component to correlate with achievement of trifecta outcome in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the predictive value of individual components of the R.E.N.A.L scoring system for Laparoscopic (LPN) and Robotic Partial Nephrectomy (RPN). METHODS: Patients that had undergone a Laparoscopic (LPN) or Robotic Partial Nephrectomy (RPN) between 2018 and 2023 were reviewed. Our data collection included Race, Ethnicity, Age, BMI, R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score, and complications. Cases that achieved trifecta outcomes were designated as "Group A" and cases that did not achieve trifecta were "Group B". All the data were collected using REDCap database. RESULTS: A total of 111 cases were included, Group A consisted of 82% of all cases, whereas Group B 18%. Radius score demonstrated significant distinction concerning trifecta attainment and was the most predictive component of the 5 scoring metrics of the nephrometry system. In a subgroup analysis, R-score of 3 or a renal mass measuring ≥ 7 cm, was a significant independent negative predictor for trifecta outcomes, as well as tumor size at presentation. CONCLUSION: Renal nephrometry score is predictive of trifecta outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomy. Radius of mass was the most effective predictive component of the nephrometry score for trifecta prediction.

Evaluation of oncological outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy according to the type of hilar control approach (On-clamp vs Off-clamp), a multicentric study of the French network of research on kidney cancer-UROCCR 58-NCT03293563.

PURPOSE: To compare off-clamp vs on-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in terms of oncological outcomes, and to assess the impact of surgical experience (SE). METHODS: We extracted data of a contemporary cohort of 1359 patients from the prospectively maintained database of the French national network of research on kidney cancer (UROCCR). The primary objective was to assess the positive surgical margin (PSM) rate. We also evaluated the oncological outcomes regardless of the surgical experience (SE) by dividing patients into three groups of SE as a secondary endpoints. SE was defined by the caseload of RPN per surgeon per year. For the continuous variables, we used Mann-Whitney and Student tests. We assessed survival analysis according to hilar control approach by Kaplan-Meier curves with log rank tests. A logistic regression multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the independent factors of PSM. RESULTS: Outcomes of 224 off-clamp RPN for RCC were compared to 1135 on-clamp RPN. PSM rate was not statistically different, with 5.6% in the off-clamp group, and 11% in the on-clamp group (p = 0.1). When assessing survival analysis for overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LR), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) according to hilar clamping approach, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with p value log rank = 0.2, 0.8, 0.1, respectively. In multivariate analysis assessing SE, hilar control approach, hospital volume (HV), RENAL score, gender, Age, ECOG, EBL, BMI, and indication of NSS, age at surgery was associated with PSM (odds ratio [OR] 1.03 (95% CI 1.00-1.04), 0.02), whereas SE, HV, and type of hilar control approach were not predictive factors of PSM. CONCLUSION: Hilar control approach seems to have no impact on PSM of RPN for RCC. Our findings were consistent with randomized trials.

The efficacy of modified binding technique for renorrhaphy during robotic partial nephrectomy: surgical and functional outcomes from single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: To compare the traditional single-layer and double-layer suture renorrhaphy with modified "Binding" suture renorrhaphy (whole rim of the wound was closed by the all-layer flow suture starting from the parenchyma cut edges to hilum, followed by the final defect closure) in robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) for treating localized renal cell carcinoma in our large institutional experience. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 406 consecutive patients who underwent RPN from May 2018 and December 2020 in our center. The demographic and oncologic outcome variables were compared between different renal reconstruction groups and the effect of these suture techniques on renal function outcomes was also evaluated. RESULTS: For the single-layer group, median operative time and warm ischemic time were significantly less than that of the double-layer and "Binding" groups (p < 0.001), while the significantly lower eGFR drop (p = 0.014) was also detected within postoperative 3 months from baseline, but this difference lost its statistical significance from 3th month to the last follow-up. The changes in postoperative creatinine values were clinically insignificant among the three groups. In a sub-analysis over 258 patients with moderate/high nephrometry score, those patients who underwent "Binding" suture had an undifferentiated warm ischemic time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospitalization stay with a decreased risk of Grade III complications (postoperative hemorrhage requiring intervention) and improved renal function recovery during the whole follow-up. CONCLUSION: Single-layer suture renorrhaphy may be associated with better renal functional preservation and could prove to be reliable in patients with low-complexity tumor (RENAL score ≤ 6). Patients with moderate/high-complexity tumor (RENAL score ≥ 7) might represent a subgroup of patients having a functional benefit after "Binding" suture renorrhaphy even in the long-term period.

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Bilateral Renal Masses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There are very few data on patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for bilateral renal masses. The aim of this review is to update the literature and discuss the controversial points on this topic. RECENT FINDINGS: Nine papers have been published regarding RAPN for bilateral renal masses. In particular, five papers were case reports while the remaining four reported patient series. Concerning the outcomes, all these papers highlighted the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of bilateral RAPN for bilateral renal masses. The literature confirmed RAPN as an optimal procedure for the treatment of bilateral renal masses. However, these outcomes mainly derived from selected group of patients who underwent complex surgical procedures by expert robotic surgeons at high volume centers and cannot be generalizable to all categories of patients or centers. The simultaneous bilateral approach resulted feasible showing some advantages and without higher complications than a staged procedure in particular when clampless or selective clamping techniques were performed.

Robot-assisted vs ultrasonography-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block vs local anaesthesia in urology: results of the UROTAP randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively analyse robotically administered transperitoneal transversus abdominis plane (robot-assisted transversus abdominis plane [RTAP]) compared with both ultrasonography-guided transversus abdominis plane (UTAP) and local anaesthesia (LA) with regard to pain control and narcotic use in patients undergoing robot-assisted prostatectomy (RARP) or robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). SUBJECTS/PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing RARP or RAPN were randomized in a single-blind 2:2:1 fashion to RTAP:UTAP:LA, with the study powered to evaluate superiority of UTAP to LA and non-inferiority of RTAP to UTAP. We compared time to deliver the block, operating room time, postoperative pain scores using the visual analogue scale, and intra-operative and postoperative analgesia consumption. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients were randomized and received treatment. There was no significant difference in patient baseline characteristics. UTAP did not demonstrate superiority to LA in terms of pain control. RTAP and LA were faster to administer than UTAP (time to perform block 2.5 vs 2.5 vs 6.25 min; P < 0.001). There was no difference in postoperative narcotic, acetaminophen, ketorolac or ondansetron requirements among the three groups (P > 0.05). The study was terminated early due to the unexpected efficacy of LA. CONCLUSION: This study showed that UTAP and RTAP do not provide superior pain control to LA. The efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of administration of LA make it an excellent option for first-line therapy for postoperative analgesia.

Expanding the limits of nephron-sparing surgery: Surgical technique and mid-term outcomes of purely off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy for totally endophytic renal tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To report surgical technique, perioperative, oncological, and mid-term functional outcomes in a single-center purely off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy series for totally endophytic masses. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected, institutional review board-approved renal cancer database was carried out to include patients with a totally endophytic renal tumor treated with off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy between January 2013 and December 2020 at our center. Our database was queried to identify cases that had been assigned 3 points for the "E" domain of the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score and 3 points for the "exophytic rate" domain of the PADUA (Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical) nephrometry score. Preoperative indocyanine green renal mass marking was performed in 33 patients, in whom the tumor was vascularized by a specific feeding artery. Surgical steps, perioperative, oncological and functional data were reported. RESULTS: Fifty-six consecutive patients with totally endophytic renal masses were treated. The median tumor diameter was 3 cm, and median PADUA and R.E.N.A.L. scores were both 10. The median operative time was 82 min. Low-grade Clavien complications occurred in two patients (3.6%) and high-grade Clavien complications were observed in four patients (7.1%). Positive surgical margins were detected in one patient; 2-year recurrence-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival rates were 100%, 100%, and 98.2%, respectively. At a median follow-up of 24 months, new onset of chronic kidney disease stage 3b occurred in one patient. At last follow-up, the median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 77 mL/min, with a median estimated glomerular filtration rate percent decrease of 5.5%. Trifecta was achieved in 91% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Purely off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy is a feasible and safe surgical approach, even in totally endophytic renal tumors, providing a favorable perioperative complications rate, excellent oncological outcomes, and negligible impact on renal function at mid-term follow-up. Indocyanine green preoperative marking of endophytic renal tumors represents a useful tool for rapid intraoperative identification of the mass, real-time control of resection margins, and a more precise dissection.

Posterior transperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in the treatment of renal tumors: Feasibility of a hybrid approach.

PURPOSE: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for posterior renal tumors may be performed through anterior (transperitoneal) or posterior (retroperitoneal) approach depending on surgeon's expertise. We propose herein a surgical artifice using daVinci Xi system to combine advantages of both approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2019 to November 2020, patients with posterior renal mass, candidate for RAPN were prospectively included after informed consent. After positioning patient in lateral position, daVinci Xi system was docked on tumor side, to initiate transperitoneal procedure. Posterolateral dissection of perinephric space along fascia retrorenalis was conducted until psoas major muscle was exposed. Three additional robotic ports were then inserted in lumbar space, and RAPN was resumed after rotating daVinci Xi boom. Demographics, tumor characteristics, perioperative outcomes, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten consecutive patients underwent RAPN with the modified technique. All cases were performed robotically, without modification of port placement. Median (range) tumor diameter was 37 (21-48mm) with median RENAL score of 8 (4-10) Median operative time and warm ischemia time were respectively 128min (70-180min) and 19min (14-22). One patient had a Clavien-Dindo grade II complication. At median follow-up of 13 months (6-18), all patients had eGFR comparable to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: We report the feasibility and safety of a new hybrid posterior transperitoneal approach for RAPN using daVinci Xi system. Limitations include the absence of RENAL score>10 and pT2 tumors. Greater experience is needed to assess learning curve for surgeons untrained to robotic lomboscopy.

Functional and oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted simple enucleation with and without renal arterial cold perfusion in complex renal tumors: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: To compare robot-assisted simple enucleation with renal arterial cold perfusion (RACP-RASE) and RASE alone in complex renal tumors with regard to perioperative, functional and oncologic outcomes by propensity score-matched analysis. METHODS: Data from 351 patients who underwent RACP-RASE or RASE for complex renal tumors were recorded between September 2014 and December 2017. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed on age, sex, BMI, ECOG score, tumor side and size, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), RENAL score and PADUA score. RESULTS: The study included 31 RACP-RASE and 320 RASE procedures. RENAL score and PADUA score were higher and tumor diameter was greater under RACP-RASE than RASE. After matching, the two groups were similar in estimated blood loss (208.3 vs 230.7 ml; p = 0.696) and ischemic time (34.8 vs 32.8 min; p = 0.342). The RACP-RASE group had significantly longer operative time than the RASE group (264.1 ± 55.7 vs 206.9 ± 64.0 min, p = 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (13.8% vs 24.1%; p = 0.315), as was the overall incidence of positive surgical margins (3.4 vs 0%; p = 1.000). The changes in eGFR significantly differed between the two groups at 3 months (p = 0.018) and 12 months (p = 0.038). More patients in the RASE group were CKD upstaged (p = 0.043). At multivariable analysis, preoperative eGFR and the type of procedure were significant predictive factors for a change of more than 10% in eGFR at 3 months postoperatively. There was no local recurrence or distant metastasis during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: RACP-RASE is an effective and safe technique for complex renal tumors that can provide appropriate temporary arterial occlusion and renal hypothermic perfusion. Renal arterial cold perfusion may be helpful in protecting renal function in RASE as compared with warm ischemia.

Retroperitoneal Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (rRAPN): Surgical Technique and Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aim to offer a description of the surgical technique and to review the current state retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (rRAPN). RECENT FINDINGS: Partial nephrectomy is the standard treatment for localized kidney tumours. rRAPN is especially useful for kidney tumours of posterior location. It offers advantages such as direct access to the renal artery and no need for bowel mobilization. The disadvantages are the small working space and the less familiar anatomical landmarks. It is a reproducible technique that achieves similar oncological and functional results to the more traditional transperitoneal route (tRAPN). High-quality randomized studies are needed to ascertain the role of new technologies as modern high-flow insufflation systems, intracavitary ultrasound, 3D planning, and augmented reality (AR), in the performance of this operation. rRAPN is especially useful for kidney tumours of posterior location. Robotic surgeons ideally should become familiar with both approaches, transperitoneal or retroperitoneal.

Renorrhaphy techniques and effect on renal function with robotic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: The role of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is becoming increasingly prevalent in managing small renal masses. Renal functional outcomes have been reported with relation to the amount of healthy renal parenchyma resected and ischemia time; however, there is limited data on the effect of renorrhaphy on long-term renal function. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of renorrhaphy technique on renal functional outcomes. METHODS: A nonsystematic literature review was performed to retrieve articles assessing renorrhaphy techniques and renal function outcomes, specifically focusing on single-layer vs. traditional two-layer renorrhaphy. RESULTS: Performing single-layer renorrhaphy while omitting cortical renorrhaphy appears to improve renal function postoperatively, based on very limited studies in the literature that were evaluated. CONCLUSION: Single-layer renorrhaphy may be associated with improved postoperative renal function and could prove to be useful in patients with chronic renal insufficiency or solitary kidney. The ongoing clinical trial NCT02131376 may provide further information on the impact of renorrhaphy technique on long-term renal function.

Robotic partial nephrectomy for clinical T2a renal mass is associated with improved trifecta outcome compared to open partial nephrectomy: a single surgeon comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Utilization of partial nephrectomy (PN) for T2 renal mass is controversial due to concerns regarding burden of morbidity, though most cited data are from open PN (OPN). We compared surgical quality and functional outcomes of RPN and OPN for clinical T2a renal masses (cT2aRM). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 150 consecutive patients [RPN 59/OPN 91] who underwent PN from July 2008 to June 2016. Main outcome was achievement of Trifecta [negative surgical margin, no major urologic complications, and ≥90% preservation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)]. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors of Trifecta attainment. RESULTS: Mean tumor size (RPN 7.9 vs. OPN 8.4 cm, p = 0.139) and median RENAL score (p = 0.361) were similar. No difference was noted for positive margins (RPN 3.4% vs. OPN 1.1%, p = 0.561), ΔeGFR (RPN - 6.2 vs. OPN - 7.8, p = 0.543), and ≥ 90% eGFR recovery (RPN 54.1% vs. OPN 47.2%, p = 0.504). RPN had lower blood loss (p = 0.015), hospital stay (p = 0.013), and Clavien ≥ 3 complications (RPN 5.1% vs. OPN 16.5%, p = 0.041). Trifecta rate was significantly higher in RPN (47.5% vs. 34.0%, p = 0.041). Multivariable analysis demonstrated decreasing RENAL score (OR 1.11, p < 0.001), RPN (OR 1.2, p = 0.013), and decreasing EBL (OR 1.02, p = 0.016) to be associated with Trifecta attainment. CONCLUSIONS: RPN provided similar functional and oncologic precision to OPN, while being associated with improvements in major complications, the latter of which was reflected in a higher rate of Trifecta achievement for RPN. RPN may be considered to be a first-line option for select patients with cT2aRM when feasible and safe.

Best practices in near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (NIRF/ICG)-guided robotic urologic surgery: a systematic review-based expert consensus.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of the near-infrared (NIRF) technology with indocyanine green (ICG) in robotic urologic surgery by performing a systematic literature review and to provide evidence-based expert recommendations on best practices in this field. METHODS: All English language publications on NIRF/ICG-guided robotic urologic procedures were evaluated. We followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) statement to evaluate PubMed®, Scopus® and Web of Science™ databases (up to April 2019). Experts in the field provided detailed pictures and intraoperative video-clips of different NIRF/ICG-guided robotic surgeries with recommendations for each procedure. A unique QRcode was generated and linked to each underlying video-clip. This new exclusive feature makes the present the first "dynamic paper" that merges text and figure description with their own video providing readers an innovative, immersive, high-quality and user-friendly experience. RESULTS: Our electronic search identified a total of 576 papers. Of these, 36 studies included in the present systematic review reporting the use of NIRF/ICG in robotic partial nephrectomy (n = 13), robotic radical prostatectomy and lymphadenectomy (n = 7), robotic ureteral re-implantation and reconstruction (n = 5), robotic adrenalectomy (n = 4), robotic radical cystectomy (n = 3), penectomy and robotic inguinal lymphadenectomy (n = 2), robotic simple prostatectomy (n = 1), robotic kidney transplantation (n = 1) and robotic sacrocolpopexy (n = 1). CONCLUSION: NIRF/ICG technology has now emerged as a safe, feasible and useful tool that may facilitate urologic robotic surgery. It has been shown to improve the identification of key anatomical landmarks and pathological structures for oncological and non-oncological procedures. Level of evidence is predominantly low. Larger series with longer follow-up are needed, especially in assessing the quality of the nodal dissection and the feasibility of the identification of sentinel nodes and the impact of these novel technologies on long-term oncological and functional outcomes.

A comparative analysis of various surgical approaches of nephron-sparing surgery and correlation of histopathological grade with RENAL nephrometry score in renal cell carcinoma.

Background: Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is the standard of care for small renal masses whenever feasible. This study aims to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of NSS performed by open (open partial nephrectomy [OPN]) or laparoscopic (laparoscopic PN [LPN]) or robotic (robotic PN [RPN]) approach over the past 6 years and to study the correlation of histopathological grade of renal cell carcinoma with the RENAL score. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients who underwent NSS was done. Results: A total of 135 patients underwent NSS. The mean tumour size was 4.4 cm. About 61 patients underwent OPN, 24 had LPN and 50 had RPN. Although tumour size was larger in OPN group (P = 0.01), tumour complexity based on the RENAL score was similar in OPN and RPN groups (P = 0.15). The OPN group had shorter operative time (P = 0.008) but more blood loss (P = 0.001) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.049) as compared to LPN or RPN group. Maximum radiological diameter of tumour (P = 0.017) appeared to be a significant predictor of operative time, while the open surgical approach (P = 0.003) and tumour stage (P = 0.044) were found to be significant predictors of blood loss. Hilar clamping time was similar in OPN and RPN groups (P = 0.054) but higher in LPN group (P = 0.01). However, post-operative decline in renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) (P = 0.08) and margin status were comparable among the three groups. The most common histopathology was clear cell carcinoma (70%), and RENAL score was identified as a significant predictor of histopathological grade of tumour (P = 0.008). Conclusion: Open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches to PN provide similar patient outcomes. OPN was usually preferred for larger tumours. The post-operative decline in renal functions and complications were comparable among the three approaches. RENAL score correlated significantly with histopathological grade and hence could help in predicting tumour behaviour pre-operatively.

Surgical Treatment of Completely Endophytic Renal Tumor: a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: An endophytic renal tumor represents a special surgical challenge in terms of location and safe removal. For this reason we wanted to review the existing literature on this subject. RECENT FINDINGS: In high-activity robotic centers, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is a safe and efficacious surgical approach for completely endophytic renal tumors. As research innovation, the application of the radio-guided occult lesion localization technique (ROLL) facilitates the location and complete excision of the tumor during surgery. There are few studies that specifically report the experience with completely endophytic renal tumors. The endophytic tumor is usually smaller than exophytic. Frequently it represents a high complexity value in the different Score systems reported in the last decade. This surgery should be performed by experienced urologists regardless of the surgical approach they prefer (open, laparoscopic, or robotic). It is necessary to develop new techniques for intraoperative easy localization and intraoperative evaluation of surgical margins.

Predictors of renal function after open and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: A propensity score-matched study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate parameters predicting short- and long-term renal function after open partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. METHODS: Medical records of 896 patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy or robot-assisted partial nephrectomy from 2004 to 2017 at a single large-volume institution were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching of open partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy group was carried out with a ratio of 1:1. Postoperative outcomes were compared, and multivariate logistic regression was carried out to identify the parameters influencing acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease progression. RESULTS: No significant differences in preoperative characteristics were observed between the two study groups after matching. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy was significantly associated with a longer warm ischemic time (P < 0.001) yet, estimated blood loss, positive surgical margin, rates of major postoperative complications and chronic kidney disease progression were significantly lower in the robot-assisted partial nephrectomy group (P < 0.001, 0.033, <0.001, <0.001, and 0.005, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed robot-assisted partial nephrectomy was more favorable than open partial nephrectomy in terms of preserving renal function. Patients with a higher baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate were significantly associated with a greater risk of acute kidney injury (odds ratio 1.036; 95% confidence interval 1.021-1.052; P < 0.001), but a decreased risk of chronic kidney disease progression (odds ratio 0.975; 95% confidence interval 0.955-0.994; P = 0.011). Other independent predictors of chronic kidney disease progression were warm ischemic time (P = 0.025), age (P = 0.035), body mass index (P = 0.041) and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, warm ischemic time and surgery type are independent predictors of both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease progression. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is more favorable than open partial nephrectomy for reducing estimated blood loss, positive surgical margin, major postoperative complications and renal function preservation.

Strategies for success: a multi-institutional study on robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for complex renal lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our technique, illustrated with images and videos, of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for challenging renal tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A study of 249 patients who underwent RAPN in multiple institutions was performed. Patients were identified using prospective RAPN databases. Complex renal lesion were defined as those with a RENAL nephrometry score ≥10. Data were analysed and differences among groups examined. RESULTS: A total of 31 (12.4%) RAPNs were performed for complex renal tumours. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) patient age was 57 (50.5-70.5) years and 21 patients (67.7%) were men. The median (IQR) American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2 (2-3). The median (IQR) operating time was 200 (50-265) min, warm ischaemia time was 23 (18.5-29) min, and estimated blood loss was 200 (50-265) mL. There were no intra-operative complications. Two patients (6.4%) had postoperative complications. One patient (3.2%) had a positive surgical margin. The median (IQR) length of stay was 3.5 (3-5) days and the median (IQR) follow-up was 12.5 (7-24) months. There were no recurrences. RAPN resulted in statistically significant changes in renal function 3 months after RAPN compared with preoperative renal function (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that RAPN was a safe approach for selected patients with complex renal tumours and may facilitate tumour resection and renorrhaphy for challenging cases, offering a minimally invasive surgical option for patients who may otherwise require open surgery.

'Trifecta' outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in solitary kidney: a Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative (VCQI) database analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in patients with a solitary kidney in a large multi-institutional database. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 2755 patients in the Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database underwent RAPN by 22 surgeons at 14 centres in nine countries. Of these patients, 74 underwent RAPN with a solitary kidney between 2007 and 2016. We retrospectively analysed the functional and oncological outcomes of these 74 patients. A 'trifecta' of outcomes was assessed, with trifecta defined as a warm ischaemia time (WIT) of <20 min, negative surgical margins, and no complications intraoperatively or within 3 months of RAPN. RESULTS: All 74 patients underwent RAPN successfully with one conversion to radical nephrectomy. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) operative time was 180 (142-230) min. Early unclamping was used in 11 (14.9%) patients and zero ischaemia was used in 12 (16.2%). Trifecta outcomes were achieved in 38 of 66 patients (57.6%). The median (IQR) WIT was 15.5 (8.75-20.0) min for the entire cohort. The overall complication rate was 24.1% and the rate of Clavien-Dindo grade ≤II complications was 16.3%. Positive surgical margins were present in four cases (5.4%). The median (IQR) follow-up was 10.5 (2.12-24.0) months. The median drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 months was 7.0 mL/min/1.72 m2 (11.01%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that RAPN is a safe and effective treatment option for select renal tumours in solitary kidneys in terms of a trifecta of negative surgical margins, WIT of <20 min, and low operative and perioperative morbidity.

Tumor complexity and the impact on MIC and trifecta in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a multi-center study of over 500 cases.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the surgical feasibility of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for complex renal masses with comparison of low/intermediate risk versus high-risk tumors according to the PADUA score. METHODS: Since 2008, 538 robot-assisted partial nephrectomies were performed at three German robotic centers. Both the MIC (margin, ischemia, complications) criteria and trifecta were applied. RESULTS: 60.1% of the tumors were of low and intermediate complexity (PADUA score 6-9, n = 326, group A), while 39.9% were highly complex (n = 212, score ≥ 10, B). Median clinical tumor size was 28 in A versus 37 mm in B (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of operative time (160 vs. 163 min, p = 0.20); ischemia time was slightly longer for B (11 vs. 12 min, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences for intra- (3.4%, A, vs. 6.6%, B, p = 0.10) or postoperative (21.5%, A, vs. 25.5%, B, p = 0.30) complication rates. There was a median eGFR decrease of - 9.4 (A) versus - 15.1 (B) ml/min (p < 0.001) on discharge. Histopathology revealed an R1 margin rate of 3.4% for the low/intermediate versus 6.1% for the high complexity group (p = 0.14). MIC criteria were fulfilled in 81.9% (A) versus 75.5% (B, p = 0.11) and trifecta criteria in 74.2% (A) versus 68.93% (B, p = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Complication rates, histopathology results as well as quality criteria as indicated by MIC and trifecta were similar for high and low complexity groups. Therefore, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is a safe and feasible option also in highly complex tumors.