Outcomes following robotic radical nephrectomy: a single-center experience.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Advancement in technology has led to a decrease in invasiveness for surgical management of malignant renal neoplasms. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is an established treatment for renal tumors. Since the introduction of robotic surgery in the realm of urology, many procedures have been done robotically. We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and oncological outcomes of robotic radical nephrectomy (RRN). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent RRN for renal tumors at our institute from September 2007 to March 2011. Patients with standard indications for a radical nephrectomy were offered a robot-assisted procedure. Intraoperative parameters (operative time, blood loss, transfusion of blood products), postoperative parameters and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients who underwent RRN were included. Mean operative time was 132.7 min and mean blood loss 270 ml. The majority of patients were able to tolerate liquid diet, were free from drain, and were fit for discharge by postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 2 and POD 3, respectively. After the mean follow-up of 29.4 months, no patient had residual tumor, local recurrence or metastasis. CONCLUSION: We conclude that RRN is a feasible and safe procedure with good oncological outcome on short-term follow-up.