Robôs humanoides nos cuidados assistenciais: protocolo de revisão de escopo / Humanoid robots in clinical care: a scoping review protocol

OBJETIVO: Mapear as evidências científicas dos tipos de cuidados assistenciais desempenhados por robôs humanoides. MÉTODO: Revisão de escopo direcionada pelas diretrizes do Joanna Briggs Institute para responder à pergunta: quais os cuidados assistenciais desempenhados por robôs humanoides? A busca será realizada em seis bases de dados e na literatura cinzenta. As citações serão agrupadas no software Rayyan e as duplicatas removidas. A seleção dos artigos será realizada em duas etapas, leitura de títulos e resumos, seguida da avaliação do texto completo por dois revisores independentes, sendo acionado um terceiro em situações de divergência. Os dados extraídos serão sintetizados de forma descritiva. Um resumo narrativo acompanhará os resultados tabulados e mapeados e descreverá como os resultados se relacionam com o objetivo e a questão da revisão. O artigo final utilizará o Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

OBJECTIVE: To map scientific evidence on types of care provided by humanoid robots. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute's guidelines to answer the question: What type of care is performed by humanoid robots? The search will be carried out in six databases and the grey literature. The citations will be collated in Rayyan software, and duplicates will be removed. The selection of articles will be carried out in two stages, title and abstract screening, followed by full-text evaluation by two independent reviewers, and a third one will be activated in situations of divergence. The extracted data will be synthesized descriptively. A narrative summary will accompany the tabulated and mapped results and describe how the results relate to the review's purpose and question. The final article will use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Efeitos da intervenção robótica associada à terapia convencional na velocidade e resistência de marcha e controle de tronco em pacientes após acidente vascular cerebral / Effects of robotic intervention associated with conventional therapy on gait speed and resistance and trunk control in stroke patients

Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos do treino de marcha e escada robótica, com o G-EO System, associado à reabilitação convencional, na velocidade e resistência de marcha e controle de tronco de participantes acometidos pelo acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com 28 participantes na fase crônica da doença. Utilizou-se o G-EO System como intervenção de marcha e escada robótica. Protocolo de 20 sessões de 20 minutos associado à terapia multidisciplinar convencional. Utilizados as ferramentas de Teste de Caminhada de 10 metros(TC10m), Teste de Caminhada de 6 minutos(TC6min) e Escala de Deficiências de Tronco(EDT). Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos com teste de Wilcoxon pré e pós intervenção. Resultados: Encontradas diferenças significativas nos testes. EDT apresentou valor médio inicial de 14.29 (±5.30) e final de 17.04 (±4.49), com p=0.00044. TC10m apresentou velocidade inicial média de 0.498 m/s (±0,27) e final de 0,597 m/s (±0.32), p=0.00008. TC6min apresentou valor inicial médio de 155.89m (±85,96) e final de 195.39m (±109.78), p=0.00152. Conclusão: Terapia de marcha e escada robótica, associada à terapia convencional, foi eficaz para promover aumento na velocidade, resistência e aptidão para maiores distâncias de marcha e controle de tronco nos indivíduos em fase crônica após acometimento de AVC.

Objective: To verify the effects of gait and robotic stair training with G-EO System, associated with conventional rehabilitation, on gait speed and endurance and trunk control of stroke participants. Methods: Retrospective study with 28 participants in the chronic phase of the disease. G-EO System was used for gait and stair robotic intervention. 20-session protocol of 20 minutes associated with conventional multidisciplinary therapy. The 10-meter Walk Test (10mWT), 6-minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) tools were used. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant with Wilcoxon test before and after intervention. Results: Significant differences found in the tests. TIS presented initial mean value of 14.29 (± 5.30) and final value of 17.04 (± 4.49), with p = 0.00044. 10mWT presented average initial velocity of 0.498 m/s (± 0.27) and final velocity of 0.597 m/s (± 0.32), p = 0.00008. 6mWT presented mean initial value of 155.89m (± 85.96) and final value of 195.39m (± 109.78), p = 0.00152. Conclusion: Gait and stair robotic therapy, associated with conventional therapy, was effective in promoting increased speed, endurance aptitude for greater gait distances and trunk control in individuals with chronic stroke after stroke.

Efeitos combinados da fisioterapia e terapia robótica no equilíbrio e velocidade da marcha em pacientes com lesão medular incompleta / Combined effects of physiotherapy and robotic therapy on gait balance and speed in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

Restaurar a capacidade de andar é um dos objetivos da reabilitação na lesão medular incompleta (LMI). O treino orientado a tarefa abrange os princípios do aprendizado motor, envolvendo mecanismos de neuroplasticidade central e, consequentemente, reorganização cortical. O treinamento da marcha robótica G-EO System (GS) atua como um reforço da prática repetitiva e específica das fases da marcha. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos combinados da fisioterapia e da terapia robótica na funcionalidade da marcha em relação ao equilíbrio e velocidade da marcha em pacientes com LMI. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 14 pacientes na fase crônica da doença, que realizaram 20 sessões de GS associado à fisioterapia convencional (FC). Utilizamos o Teste de Caminhada de 10 Metros (TC10) e a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB). Valores de p <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos pelo teste de Wilcoxon ao início da fisioterapia convencional e pré e pós intervenção. Resultados: Observou-se que no TC10, a velocidade inicial média variou de 2,60 m/s ± 1,72 no início da FC a 1,57 m/s ± 0,80 no final das 20 sessões de GS com p = 0,0424. Para a EEB no início da FC, a média foi de 31,85 pontos ± 12,50 e 42,35 ± 14,25 ao final da intervenção, com p = 0,0096. Conclusão: A terapia robótica da marcha associada à FC mostrou-se eficaz na promoção do equilíbrio e da melhora da velocidade da marcha em indivíduos na fase crônica da LMI.

Restoring the ability to walk, especially independently, is one of the goals in the rehabilitation of patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI). The G-EO System (GS) robotic gait training acts as a reinforcer of the repetitive and specific practice of the gait phases. Objective: Investigate the combined effects of physiotherapy and robotic therapy on gait functionality in relation to balance and gait speed in patients with ISCI. Methods: Retrospective cohort study with 14 patients in the chronic phase of the disease, using the GS as a robotic intervention for gait and stairs, consisting of a 20-session protocol associated with conventional physical therapy. We used the 10-meter Walk Test (10WT) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant using the Wilcoxon test at the beginning of conventional physical therapy and before and after intervention. Results: At the 10WT, the mean initial velocity ranged from 2.60 m/s ± 1.72 at the beginning of conventional physical therapy to 1.57 m/s ± 0.80 at the end of the 20 GS sessions with p = 0.0424. For BBS at the beginning of conventional physical therapy, the average was 31.85 points ± 12.50, and 42.35 ± 14.25 at the end of the 20 GS sessions, with p = 0.0096. Conclusions: Robotic gait therapy associated with conventional physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in promoting balance and gait speed improvement in individuals in the chronic phase after involvement of incomplete spinal cord injury.

Robótica na assistência ao idoso com doença de alzheimer: as vantagens e os desafios dessa intervenção / Robotics in assistance to elderly with alzheimer's disease: the advantages and intervention of that challenges

A crescente demanda de idosos com doença de Alzheimer (DA) faz da dependência da assistência uma realidade cada vez maior. Neste sentido, a robótica surge como uma das possíveis alternativas de amparo a esses idosos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar mediante revisão de literatura a robótica na assistência para idosos com DA, no mundo e no Brasil, e discutir o impacto social e as limitações causados pela utilização dessas tecnologias. Utilizou-se o método de revisão sistemática com pesquisa em bases de dados científicos como SciELO, PubMED, LILACS, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, SAGE e Scopus, cujos descritores foram pesquisados nos portais de Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS) e nos Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). A ferramenta State of the Art through Systematic Review (StArt) foi utilizada com a finalidade de sumarizar os estudos. Selecionamos artigos de acesso livre e acesso restrito. Identificaram-se 132 artigos científicos, dos quais 19 foram selecionados pela ferramenta StArt. O período de coleta dos dados foi entre os anos de 2012 a 2014. Dentre os projetos desta revisão, observou-se que grande maioria pode ser utilizada em idosos nos estágios leves e moderada da DA, dado que, nestes estágios, as funções motoras e cognitivas ainda não estão totalmente comprometidas. Identificou-se nos resultados desta revisão que diversas tecnologias apresentadas necessitam da assistência do cuidador para programações prévias dos equipamentos. Assim, preparar os cuidadores torna-se importante para o correto funcionamento destas tecnologias. Embora a aquisição de tecnologias avançadas como, por exemplo, um robô facilite a autonomia e possibilite maior independência, o fortalecimento de vínculos afetivos e das relações interpessoais são aspectos insubstituíveis para a qualidade de vida do idoso. (AU)

The increasing demand of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) makes the dependence of the assistance an increasing reality, in this sense; robotics emerges as one of the possible alternatives of protection for these elderly. The objective of this study was to identify, through literature review, robotics in the care of elderly people with AD in the world and in Brazil, and to discuss the social impact and limitations caused by the use of these technologies. We used the systematic review method with research in scientific databases such as SciELO, PubMED, LILACS, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, SAGE, Scopus, whose descriptors were searched in the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) portals and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The State of the Art through Systematic Review tool (StArt) was used for summarizing the studies. We have selected articles of free access and restricted access. A total of 132 scientific articles were identified, of which 19 were selected by the StArt tool. The data collection period was between the years of 2012 to 2014. Among the projects of this review, it was observed that the great majority can be used in the elderly in the mild and moderate stages of AD, since, at these stages, the motor and Are not yet fully committed. It was identified in the results of this review, that several technologies presented need the assistance of the caregiver for previous schedules of the equipaments. Thus, preparing caregivers becomes important for the correct functioning of these technologies. Although the acquisition of advanced technologies, such as a robot facilitates autonomy and allows greater independence, the strengthening of affective bonds and interpersonal relationships are irreplaceable aspects for the quality of life of the elderly. (AU)

Comparison of positive surgical margin rates in high risk prostate cancer: open versus minimally invasive radical prostatectomy

Objective We compared positive surgical margin (PSM) rates for patients with high risk prostate cancer (HRCaP) who underwent open radical retropubic (RRP), robotic (RALP), and laparoscopic (LRP) prostatectomy at a single institution. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained IRB approved database identifying prostate cancer patients who underwent RRP, RALP, or LRP between January 2000 and March 2010. Patients were considered to have HRCaP if they had biopsy or final pathologic Gleason score ≥ 8, or preoperative PSA ≥ 20, or pathologic stage ≥ T3a. A positive surgical margin (PSM) was defined by the presence of tumor at the inked surface of the specimen. Patients who received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy and those who underwent a perineal prostatectomy were excluded from the study. Results Of the 445 patients in this study, surgical technique for prostatectomy included RRP (n = 153), RALP (n = 152), and LRP (n = 140). PSM rate for the three groups were not different: 52.9% RRP, 50% RALP, and 41.4% LRP, (p = 0.13). The PSM rate did not differ when comparing RRP to a combined group of RALP and LRP (p = 0.16). Among patients with a PSM, there was no statistical difference between the three groups in terms of the number of patients with a pathologic stage of T3 or higher (p = 0.83). On univariate analysis, a higher preoperative PSA value was associated with a positive margin (p = 0.04). Conclusion In this HRCaP series, the PSM rate did not differ based on the surgical approach. On univariate analysis, patients with a higher preoperative PSA value were more likely to have a PSM. .

Resección total de mesorrecto robótica por cáncer de recto / [Robotic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer].

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) has proven to be feasible and safe. However, it represents a major technical challenge, since it involves the dissection of the rectum in a confined space such as the bony pelvis using un-ergonomic surgical devices. This difficulty is accentuated in patients with distal tumors and high body mass index (BMI), in which the surgical margins and the hypogastric nerves may be affected. Therefore, robotic surgery aims to overcome these limitations that conspire against the mininvasive surgical approach of rectal cancer. We present an obese (BMI = 32 kg/m2) 82-year-old man with a history of smoking and prostate cancer that was recently diagnosed with a middle rectal adenocarcinoma at 9 cm from the anal verge. Rectal examination evidenced a mobile lesion. Computed tomography scan ruled out metastases and at the local staging by MRI, the tumor was considered as T3-N0 with free circumferential margins. Surgical treatment was decided and a hybrid technique was used combining an initial laparoscopic approach followed by the robotic TME. The patient had a full recovery and was discharged three days after surgery without complications. Pathological examination revealed a low-grade adenocarcinoma with mesorectal invasion, free circumferential and distal margins, and 24 negative lymph nodes (pT3-pN0-pM0/Stage II). Robotic TME was performed safely in an obese patient. It facilitated dissection maneuvers in a confined space with proper identification and preservation of the hypogastric nerves, allowing retrieving an intact mesorectum. Prospective randomized trials will define the role of this new technology.

Histerectomía total laparoscópica asistida por robot: experiencia de Clínica Indisa / Robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Se comunica la experiencia y los resultados obtenidos de 110 casos de histerectomía total laparoscópica asistida por robot entre junio de 2010 y abril de 2013 en Clínica Indisa. Parámetros evaluados: diagnóstico, edad, índice de masa corporal (IMC), tiempo de instalación de trócares (TT), tiempo operatorio (TO), conversión a laparotomía, sangrado, dolor postoperatorio, estadía hospitalaria y complicaciones postoperatorias. Los diagnósticos preoperatorios más frecuentes fueron: miomatosis y adenomiosis. El promedio de edad fue de 45 años y de IMC 25,8 kg/m2, 7 por ciento de las pacientes con IMC mayor de 35. TT promedio de 14 min y TO fue de 81 min. No hubo conversión a laparotomía. Sangrado promedio de 17 ml. A las 48 horas pos intervención el 100 por ciento de las pacientes presentó un test de EVA de 0-2. Promedio de estadía hospitalaria fue 1,6 días. Hubo tres complicaciones postoperatorias: una neumonía, un desgarro vulvar y una dehiscencia de la cúpula vaginal. Conclusión: La histerectomía total laparoscópica asistida por robot es una técnica segura y ofrece ventajas al paciente y cirujano...

We reports the experience and results obtained after 110 total robot assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy from June 2010 to April 2013 at Indisa Clinic. Parameters evaluated: diagnostic, age, body mass index (BMI), trocars installation time (TT), intervention time (TO), conversion to laparotomy, bleeding, post operatory pain, hospital stay, and post operatory complications. The most frequent preoperatory diagnostic were uterine fibroid and adenomyosis. The age average was 45 years and BMI 25.8 Kg/m2 and 7 percent was over 35. TT average 14 min and TO 81 min. There were no conversions to laparotomy. Bleeding average was 17 ml. At 48 hours, 100 percent of patients had an EVA test of 0-2. The average of hospital stay was 1.6 days. Only three complications occurred: one pneumonia, one vulvar tear and one vaginal cuff dehiscence. Conclusion: robot assisted laparoscopy hysterectomy appears to be a safe surgical technique that offers benefits to the patient and also to the surgeon...

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy: surgical and oncological outcomes

PURPOSE:Our first 91 consecutive cases undergoing a robotic assisted cystectomy were analyzed regarding perioperative outcomes, pathological stages and surgical complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2010 a total of 91 patients (76 male and 15 female), 86 with clinically localized bladder cancer and 5 with non-urothelial tumors underwent a radical robotic assisted cystectomy. We analyzed the perioperative factors, length of hospital stay, pathological outcomes and complication rates. RESULTS: Mean age was 65.6 years (range 28 to 82). Among the 91 patients, 68 were submitted to an ileal conduit and 23 to a neobladder procedure for urinary diversion. Mean operating time was 412 min (range: 243-618 min.) and mean blood loss was 294 mL (range: 50-2000 mL). In 29% of the cases with urothelial carcinoma the T-stage was pT1 or less, 38% were pT2; 26% and 7% were classified as pT3 and pT4, respectively. 14% of cases had lymph node positive disease. Mean number of lymph nodes removed was 15 (range 4 to 33). Positive surgical margins occurred in 2 cases (2.1%). Mean days to flatus were 2.13, bowel movement 2.88 and inpatient stay 18.8 (range: 10-33). There were 45 postoperative complications with 11% major (Clavien grade 3 or higher). At a mean follow-up of 15 months 10 patients had disease recurrence and 6 died of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrates that robotic assisted radical cystectomies for the treatment of bladder cancers seems to be very promising regarding surgical and oncological outcomes.

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty: outcomes for primary and secondary repairs, a single institution experience

INTRODUCTION: Robotic Pyeloplasty (RAP) is a technique for management of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). PURPOSE: To report outcomes of RAP for primary and secondary (after failed primary treatment) UPJO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single institution data of adult RAP performed from 2007 to 2009 was collected retrospectively following approval by our IRB. Database analysis including patient age, race, pre and post-operative imaging studies and perioperative variables including operative time, blood loss, pain and complications. RESULTS: Fifty-five adult patients underwent RAP (26 left/29 right) for UPJO including 9 secondary procedures from 2007 to 2009. Average follow-up was 16 months (1-36). Mean age was 41 years (18-71) with an average BMI of 27 (17-42), 32 were female. Majority were diagnosed with preoperative diuretic renal scintigraphy with obstructed side demonstrating mean function of 41% and t1/2 of 70 minutes. Mean operative time was 194 minutes with average blood loss less than 100 mL. Mean hospital stay was 1.7 days with an average narcotic equivalent dose of 15 mg. RAP for secondary UPJO took longer with more blood loss and had a lower success rate. Failure was defined as necessitating another procedure due to persistent pain and/or obstruction on diuretic renal imaging. One patient (2%) with primary UPJO failed and 2 patients (22%) with secondary UPJO failed. One major complication occurred. CONCLUSION: RAP is a good option for the treatment of patients with UPJO. Reported series have established that endopyelotomy has inferior success as a treatment for primary UPJO which compromises the success of subsequent treatment as demonstrated in our higher failure rate with secondary UPJO repair.

Unidirectional barbed suture versus standard monofilament for urethrovesical anastomosis during robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE: V-LocTM180 (Covidien Healthcare, Mansfield, MA) is a new unidirectional barbed suture that may reduce loss of tension during a running closure. We evaluated the use of the barbed suture for urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA) during robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Time to completion of UVA, post-operative anastomotic leak rate, and urinary incontinence were compared in patients undergoing UVA with 3-0 unidirectional-barbed suture vs. 3-0 MonocrylTM (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were prospectively collected for 70 consecutive patients undergoing RALP for prostate cancer between November 2009 and October 2010. In the first 35 patients, the UVA was performed using a modified running van Velthoven anastomosis technique using two separate 3-0 monofilament sutures. In the subsequent 35 patients, the UVA was performed using two running novel unidirectional barbed sutures. At 7-12 days postoperatively, all patients were evaluated with a cystogram to determine anastomotic integrity. Urinary incontinence was assessed at two months and five months by total daily pad usage. Clinical symptoms suggestive of bladder neck contracture were elicited. RESULTS: Age, PSA, Gleason score, prostate size, estimated blood loss, body mass index, and clinical and pathologic stage between the 2 groups were similar. Comparing the monofilament group and V-LocTM180 cohorts, average time to complete the anastomosis was similar (27.4 vs. 26.4 minutes, p = 0.73) as was the rate of urinary extravasation on cystogram (5.7 % vs. 8.6%, p = 0.65). There were no symptomatic bladder neck contractures noted at 5 months of follow-up. At 2 months, the percentage of patients using 2 or more pads per day was lower in the V-LocTM180 cohort (24% vs. 44%, p < 0.02). At 5 months, this difference was no longer evident. CONCLUSIONS: Time to complete the UVA was similar in the intervention and control groups. Rates of urine leak were also comparable. While the V-LocTM180 was associated with improved early continence, this difference was transient.

Nefrectomía simple por puerto único (LESS) asistida por robot (da Vinci) / Single-site port robotic-assisted simple nephrectomy (LESS)

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgery in urology is rapidly advancing and Laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is not the exception. Such laparoscopic procedures are technically challenging and require an experienced laparoscopic surgeon due to the lack of port placement triangulation and instrument clashing. The benefit of the da Vinci surgical system has recently introduced to LESS. We present two cases of robotic LESS nephrectomy. Matherials and Methods: Two patients, a female of 23 years old, diagnosed with right renal atrophy secondary to chronic pyelonephritis and one male patient with diagnosis of left staghorn calculi and renal atrophy. Both underwent to a total nephrectomy assisted by the da Vinci S surgical system through a single port incision using the GelPoint® access system. Results: The first surgery was performed without incidents or conversion. The second patient required the installation of an additional robotic port for triangulation. The dock time and the mean operative time was 18 and 110 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 100 cc and the hospital stay was 27 hours. There were no complications. Conclusions: LESS robotic surgery is feasible using current robotic systems. However, there are several limitations. The design of specific technology for the use of the robot through single incision can solve this problem.

Introducción: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva en urología avanza rápidamente y la cirugía laparo-endoscópica a través de puerto único (LESS) no es la excepción. Esta técnica por vía laparoscópica presenta mucha dificultad y requiere de un cirujano laparoscópico experimentado debido a la falta de triangulación y el cruce de los instrumentos. Los beneficios del sistema quirúrgico da Vinci® han sido introducidos recientemente en LESS. Presentamos dos casos de nefrectomía LESS asistida por robot. Materiales y Métodos: Dos pacientes, la primera de sexo femenino y 23 años de edad, con diagnóstico de atrofia renal secundaria a pielonefritis crónica derecha y un segundo paciente de sexo masculino con diagnóstico de litiasis coraliforme izquierda y atrofia renal. Ambos pacientes fueron sometidos a una nefrectomía total asistida por el sistema quirúrgico robótico da Vinci S a través de un puerto único utilizando el dispositivo de acceso GelPoint®. Resultados: La primera cirugía fue llevada a cabo sin incidentes, sin necesidad de conversión. En el segundo paciente fue necesaria la instalación de un puerto robótico adicional para triangulación. El tiempo de acoplamiento y operatorio promedio fue de 18 y 110 min. El sangrado promedio estimado fue de 100 cc y la estadía hospitalaria promedio de 27 horas. No hubo complicaciones. Conclusiones: La cirugía robótica LESS es posible de realizar utilizando los sistemas robóticos actuales. Sin embargo, existen diversas limitaciones. El diseño de tecnología específica para el uso del robot por puerto único podrá solucionar este problema.

Robotic-assisted partial Nephrectomy: initial experience in South America

OBJECTIVE:To report the initial outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy in a tertiary center in South America. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 11/2008 to 12/2009, a total of 16 transperitoneal robotic-assisted partial nephrectomies were performed in 15 patients to treat 18 kidney tumors. One patient with bilateral tumor had two procedures, while two patients with two synchronous unilateral tumors had a single operation to remove them. Eleven (73 percent) patients were male and the right kidney was affected in 7 (46 percent) patients. The median patient age and tumor size were 57 years old and 30 mm, respectively. Five (28 percent) tumors were hilar and/or centrally located. RESULTS: The median operative time, warm ischemia time and estimated blood loss was 140 min, 27 min and 120 mL, respectively. Blood transfusion was required in one patient with bilateral tumor, and one additional pyelolithotomy was performed due to a 15mm stone located in the renal pelvis. The histopathology analysis showed 15 (83 percent) malignant tumors, which 10 (67 percent) were clear cell carcinoma. The median hospital stay was 72 hrs and no major complication was observed. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is safe and represents a valuable option to perform minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery.

Radical nephrectomy performed by open, laparoscopy with or without hand-assistance or robotic methods by the same surgeon produces comparable perioperative results

PURPOSE: Radical nephrectomy can be performed using open or laparoscopic (with or without hand assistance) methods, and most recently using the da Vinci Surgical Robotic System. We evaluated the perioperative outcomes using a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing radical nephrectomy by one of the above 4 methods performed by the same surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant clinical information on 57 consecutive patients undergoing radical nephrectomy from September 2000 until July 2004 by a single surgeon was entered in a Microsoft Access DatabaseTM and queried. Following appropriate statistical analysis, p values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Of 57 patients, the open, robotic, laparoscopy with or without hand assistance radical nephrectomy were performed in 18, 6, 21, and 12 patients, respectively. The age, sex, body mass index (BMI), incidence of malignancy, specimen and tumor size, tumor stage, Fuhrman grade, hospital stay, change in postoperative creatinine, drop in hemoglobin, and perioperative complications were not significantly different between the methods. While the estimated median blood loss, postoperative narcotic use for pain control, and hospital stay were significantly higher in the open surgery method (p < 0.05), the median operative time was significantly shorter compared to the robotic method (p = 0.02). Operating room costs were significantly higher in the robotic and laparoscopic groups; however, there was no significant difference in total hospital costs between the 4 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that radical nephrectomy can be safely performed either by open, robotic, or laparoscopic with or without hand assistance methods without significant difference in perioperative complication rates. A larger cohort and longer follow up are needed to validate our findings and establish oncological outcomes.