Outcomes and limitations of laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy

Degradation-controlled tissue extracellular sponge for rapid hemostasis and wound repair after kidney injury

Patients diagnosed with T1a cancer undergo partial nephrectomy to remove the tumors. In the process of removing the tumors, loss of kidney volume is inevitable, and current surgical methods focus solely on hemostasis and wound closure. Here, we developed an implantable form of decellularized extracellular matrix sponge to target both hemostasis and wound healing at the lesion site. A porous form of kidney decellularized matrix was achieved by fabricating a chemically cross-linked cryogel followed by lyophilization. The prepared kidney decellularized extracellular matrix sponge (kdES) was then characterized for features relevant to a hemostasis as well as a biocompatible and degradable biomaterial. Finally, histological evaluations were made after implantation in rat kidney incision model. Both gelatin sponge and kdES displayed excellent hemocompatibility and biocompatibility. However, after a 4-week observation period, kdES exhibited more favorable wound healing results at the lesion site. This suggests a promising potential for kdES as a supportive material in facilitating wound closure during partial nephrectomy surgery. KdES not only achieved rapid hemostasis for managing renal hemorrhage that is comparable to commercial hemostatic sponges, but also demonstrated superior wound healing outcomes.

Predictors of renal function deterioration at one year after off-clamp non-renorrhaphy partial nephrectomy

BACKGROUND

Preservation of renal function is an important goal in renal cell carcinoma-related surgery. Although several case-dependent techniques for renal pedicle clamping and hemostasis have been used, their effects on long-term renal function are controversial.

METHODS

The clinical records of 114 patients who underwent off-clamp non-renorrhaphy open partial nephrectomy at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preservation was calculated, and predictors of eGFR decline 12 months post-surgery and overtime deterioration of renal function were identified using a multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 65 years, and the median tumor size was 27 mm. The mean eGFR preservation at 1, 3, and 12 months post-surgery were 90.1%, 89.0%, and 86.9%, respectively. eGFR decline at 1 and 3 months were associated with poor eGFR preservation at 12 months with the odds ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 1.97 and 3.157, respectively. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that tumor size was an independent predictor of eGFR decline at 12 months. Among 65 patients with eGFR preservation over 90% at 1 month post-surgery, eGFR value of 28 patients deteriorated below 90% at 12 months post-surgery compared with preoperative eGFR. Tumor size and eGFR preservation at 1 month were independent predictors of long-term renal function deterioration.

CONCLUSION

Tumor size predicted eGFR decline 12 months post-surgery. Only a mild decline in eGFR was observed between 3 and 12 months after open partial nephrectomy. Tumor size and eGFR preservation at 1 month predicted the deterioration of renal function over time.

Outcomes and Techniques of Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RAPN) for Renal Hilar Masses: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is increasingly being employed in the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and it is expanding in the field of complex renal tumors. The aim of this systematic review was to consolidate and assess the results of RAPN when dealing with entirely central hilar masses and to examine the various methods used to address the surgical difficulties associated with them. Methods: A thorough literature search in September 2023 across various databases focused on RAPN for renal hilar masses, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The primary goal was to evaluate RAPN's surgical and functional outcomes, with a secondary aim of examining different surgical techniques. Out of 1250 records, 13 full-text manuscripts were reviewed. Results: Evidence is growing in favor of RAPN for renal hilar masses. Despite a predominance of retrospective studies and a lack of long-term data, RAPN shows positive surgical outcomes and preserves renal function without compromising cancer treatment effectiveness. Innovative suturing and clamping methods are emerging in surgical management. Conclusions: RAPN is a promising technique for managing renal hilar masses in RCC, offering effective surgical outcomes and renal function preservation. The study highlights the need for more long-term data and prospective studies to further validate these findings.

Robot-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal hilar tumors: Parenchymal preservation and functional recovery

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) can benefit patients in terms of functional recovery in the treatment of renal hilar tumors compared to conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (CLPN).

METHODS

Between January 2019 and July 2021, patients with hilar tumors who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN) were acquired at our center and were classified into RALPN and CLPN groups. Ipsilateral parenchymal volume (IPV) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were determined independently 3-5 days before and 3 months after PN using contrast-enhanced computed tomography and nuclear renal scans. Pearson correlation was used to determine the link between ipsilateral GFR preservation and IPV preserved. Concurrently, multivariable analysis was employed to determine characteristics associated with functional recovery.

RESULTS

A total of 96 patients with hilar tumors were studied, of which 41 received RALPN and 55 received CLPN. Excisional parenchymal volume was 27 and 37 cm³ (p = 0.005) in RALPN and CLPN groups, respectively, and IPV preserved was 77% and 68% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the ipsilateral GFR preserved was 77.7% and 75.3%, respectively (p = 0.003). On Pearson correlation, ipsilateral GFR preservation was linked with IPV preserved (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). According to a multivariate study, baseline GFR, IPV preserved, and surgical procedures (RALPN vs. CLPN) were significant factors influencing functional recovery.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that RALPN, rather than CLPN, can achieve better functional recovery in the treatment of hilar tumors due to its ability to win more IPV preserved. RALPN should be recommended as the first-line treatment for hilar tumors, but randomized controlled trials are required to validate our findings.

Initial learning curve for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy performed by a single experienced robotic surgeon

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to evaluate the initial learning curve for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California).

METHODS

This study included the initial 65 consecutive patients with small renal tumors who had undergone RAPN at our institution. A single trained surgeon with extensive experience in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, but not in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, performed RAPN for all patients using the da Vinci Xi. The learning curve was analyzed by examining the perioperative outcomes among five groups each consisting of 13 consecutive patients.

RESULTS

In this series, the median tumor size and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score were 23 mm and 7, respectively, and the median console time and warm ischemia time (WIT) were 116 and 15 minutes, respectively. Fifty-eight patients (89.2%) achieved trifecta outcomes, meaning that the ischemic time was ≤25 minutes, there was a negative surgical margin, and no major postoperative complications occurred. Although there were no significant changes in R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores over time, increased surgeon experience was significantly associated with a shorter console time and WIT. Drawing logarithmic approximation curves enabled the achievement of a console time ≤150 minutes and WIT ≤20 minutes at the sixth and fourth procedures, respectively. Furthermore, multivariate analysis identified an independent correlation between surgeon experience with WIT, but not with console time.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that regardless of a surgeon's prior experience in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, an experienced robotic surgeon can perform RAPN using the da Vinci Xi with acceptable perioperative outcomes after a small number of procedures.

Early Single-Center Experience with Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Using the da Vinci Xi: Comparative Assessment with Conventional Open Partial Nephrectomy

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate our experience with robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in comparison with conventional open partial nephrectomy (OPN).

Patients and Methods

This study included 37 and 50 patients undergoing OPN and RAPN for small renal masses, respectively. A single surgeon performed RAPN for all 50 cases using the da Vinci Xi. Trifecta was defined as satisfying all of the following 3 criteria: ischemic time of ≤ 25 minutes, negative surgical margin and no major postoperative complications.

Results

After adjusting patient variables by 1:1 propensity-score matching, 37 patients were included in each group, and no significant differences in major clinicopathological characteristics were noted between these 2 groups. RAPN was significantly superior to OPN with respect to operative time, estimated blood loss and postoperative length of hospital stay. The rate of trifecta achievement was significantly higher in the RAPN group than in the OPN group (91.9 vs. 62.2%). Furthermore, the operative procedure and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score were found to be independently associated with trifecta outcome by multivariate analysis of the entire cohort.

Conclusions

Although this is our early experience with 50 initial cases, RAPN using the da Vinci Xi resulted in more favorable perioperative outcomes than OPN.

Robot-assisted urological surgery in the Middle East: Where are we and how far can we go?

Objectives: To evaluate robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in Urology in the Middle East, and its status and future perspectives.

Methods: A Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) search was performed using the following keywords: ‘robotics’, ‘robot-assisted surgery’, ‘laparoscopy’, at first with each specific procedure name, such as radical cystectomy, followed by ‘Middle East’ and country names. All abstracts and articles in English that adhered to the scope of the current issue were selected, giving special consideration to relevant landmark articles and those describing trends and the future of RAS in Urology.

Results: Only a few index case reports characterised RAS in the Middle East. The Middle East possess only 1% of the da Vinci® Surgical Systems (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) installed worldwide, including 19 in Saudi Arabia; six in Qatar; two in each of Kuwait and Lebanon; three in the United Arab Emirates; and only one in Egypt. The total number of RAS performed in the Middle East is low compared to Europe and the USA. Many countries in the Middle East still lack surgical robots despite having the expertise and appropriate caseload, whilst others seem not to utilise the surgical robot at a suitable rate, as reflected by the sparse number of operated cases and outgoing publications. There are major differences in RAS availability, usage, and perception according to the geographical place of practice and acceptance of robots by surgeons and patients.

Conclusion: RAS in Urology continues to grow in the Middle East, with increasing caseloads and diversity of operated cases. Acceptance of robots by Middle East surgeons is significantly increasing.

Abbreviations: 3D: three-dimensional; KSA: Kingdom Saudi Arabia;MIS: minimally invasive surgery; RAA: robot-assisted adrenalectomy; RAP: robot-assisted pyeloplasty; (O)(RA)PN: (open) (robot-assisted) partial nephrectomy; RAS: robot-assisted surgery; (O)(RA)RC: (open) (robot-assisted) radical cystectomy; (RA)RP: (robot-assisted) radical prostatectomy; SAUC: Sabah Al-Ahmad Urology Center

Improved perioperative outcomes by early unclamping prior to renorrhaphy compared with conventional clamping during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a propensity score matching analysis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the early unclamping (EU) technique on perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). This study included 96 patients with small renal masses who underwent RAPN performed by a single surgeon using the da Vinci Xi between April 2016 and September 2018. EU and conventional clamping (CC) procedures were defined as those removing the renal artery clamp before and after renorrhaphy, respectively. In this series, contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed 3-5 days after RAPN to examine the incidence of renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP). After adjusting patient variables by 1:1 propensity score matching, 45 patients were included in both the EU and CC groups, and no significant differences in major clinical characteristics were noted between these two groups. Although there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients achieving trifecta or the margin, ischemia and complications score between the two groups, the EU group was significantly superior to the CC group regarding the operative time, console time, warm ischemia time, impairment of renal function 1 day after RAPN, incidence of RAP and postoperative length of hospital stay. Furthermore, RAP occurred in seven patients in the entire cohort (13.3%) receiving CC, including two who required trans-arterial embolization due to severe macrohematuria, whereas RAP was completely prevented by the use of EU. The introduction of the EU technique to RAPN may improve perioperative outcomes, particularly by markedly reducing the risk of RAP even with renorrhaphy.

Simplified robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: step-by-step technique and perioperative outcomes

Controversies have been raised and still exist regarding several technical aspects of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). While the "perfect RAPN" has still to be determined, we aimed to report a simplified technique of RAPN in a step-by-step fashion and the perioperative outcomes of a single-center series. A simplified technique of RAPN was developed, refined and standardized over the past 7 years in an academic department of urology to make it as safe and as reproducible as possible, the main goal being to make it an "easy to learn" technique for fellows. This technique is presented in 12 key steps. The patients' characteristics and perioperative outcomes were prospectively collected and are reported herein. Since the first case performed in our department in 2010, 406 patients have undergone RAPN with a standardized and stable simplified technique after the first 30 cases, involving several key steps including systematic use of the transperitoneal approach, minimal visceral mobilization of the colon, systematic psoas exposure and ureter identification, minimal dissection of the perinephric fat, arterial clamping with early unclamping, no use of hemostatic agents or drain. The majority of RAPN were performed by surgeons with either low experience (i.e., < 20 procedures; 46.3%) or intermediate experience (i.e., 20-50 procedures; 17.2%). The mean warm ischemia time was 15.3 min. Conversions to an open approach and to radical nephrectomy were required in 14 (3.5%) and 21 (5.2%) cases, respectively. From 132 patients who experienced post-operative complications (32.5%), 47 experienced a major complication (11.6%). The positive surgical margin rate was 5.6%. The simplified technique of RAPN was feasible and reproducible with satisfactory perioperative outcomes. Most of the key steps have been assessed through single-center and multicenter clinical studies.

Development of a Surgical Safety Training Program and Checklist for Conversion during Robotic Partial Nephrectomies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of standardized training and institutional checklists on improving teamwork during complications requiring open conversion from robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants to a surgical team safety training program were randomly divided into 2 groups. A total of 20 emergencies were simulated: group 1 performed simulations followed by a 4-hour theoretical training; group 2 underwent 4-hour training first and then performed simulations. All simulations were recorded and scored by 2 independent physicians. Time to conversion (TC) and procedural errors were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. A correlation analysis between the number of previous conversion simulations, total errors number, and TC was performed for each group.

RESULTS

Group 1 showed a higher TC than group 2 (116.5 vs 86.5 seconds, P = .0.53). As the number of simulation increased, the numbers of errors declined in both groups. The 2 groups tend to converge toward 0 errors after 9 simulations; however, the linear correlation was more pronounced in group 1 (R² = 0.75). TC shows a progressive decline for both groups as the number of simulations increases (group 1, R² = 0.7 and group 2, R² = 0.61), but it remains higher for group 1. Lack of task sequence and accidental falls or loss of sterility were higher in group 1.

CONCLUSION

OC is a rare but potentially dramatic event in the setting of RAPN, and every robotic team should be prepared to manage intraoperative emergencies. Training protocols can effectively improve teamwork and facilitate timely conversions to open surgery in the event of intraoperative emergencies during RAPN. Further studies are needed to confirm if such protocols may translate into an actual safety improvement in clinical settings.

Current Status of Nephron-Sparing Surgery (NSS) in the Management of Renal Tumours

Nephron-sparing surgery has emerged as the surgical treatment of choice for small renal masses over the past two decades, replacing the traditional teaching of radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. With time, there has been an evolution in the techniques and indications for partial nephrectomy. This review summarizes the current status of nephron-sparing surgery for renal carcinoma and also deals with the future of this procedure.

Robot-assisted renal surgery: current status and future directions

This paper examines the current role of robot-assisted renal surgery as complex and partial nephrectomies, including vena cava thrombus, combined nephroureterectomies, living donor nephrectomy, autotransplantation, and difficult anatomy as in patients with obesity or adhesions. Indications for robot-assisted renal surgery are comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic approaches. A reduction in the learning curve leads to a stabilization of the procedure and further increases the number of minimally invasive procedures performed. A Medline literature search for publications on the field of robotic kidney surgery has been performed using the MeSH terms: robotic surgical procedures and kidney. Future directions include progress in robotic technology and instrumentation with further miniaturization of robotic procedures as laparoendoscopic single-site interventions and progress in image-guided robotic surgery.

The Adoption of Nephron-Sparing Surgery in Europe - A Trend Analysis in Two Referral Centers from Austria and Germany

OBJECTIVE

To compare the trends of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) in 2 European tertiary referral centers with regards to guideline changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,573 patients who underwent RN or PN for localized (≤T2) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were included. Logistic regression analyses assessed the predictors of PN and laparoscopy over time.

RESULTS

Out of the total, 1,013 patients (65.6%) were treated with RN and 560 patients (34.4%) with PN. Also, 1,233 patients (80%) had open surgery whereas 340 patients (22%) were treated with a laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic RN and PN were performed in 216 (13.7%) and 124 (7.8%) patients, respectively. T1b tumors were 73% less likely (p < 0.001) to be treated with PN compared to T1a tumors. The odds of undergoing PN or laparoscopy in 2008-2010 relative to 2000-2001 were 6.5-fold (p < 0.001) and 36-fold higher (p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size and year of surgery are independent predictors of PN in our cohort. Our data exemplify the adoption of PN for RCC in tertiary care centers in Austria and Germany in line with implemented guideline changes. The utilization of PN has increased over time regardless of surgical approach. Further studies need to address the use of robot-assisted surgery and care in community hospitals.

Robotics in urological surgery: evolution, current status and future perspectives

CONTEXT

Robotic surgery is rapidly evolving and has become an essential part of surgical practice in several parts of the world. Robotic technology will expand globally and most of the surgeons around the world will have access to surgical robots in the future. It is essential that we are updated about the outcomes of robot assisted surgeries which will allow everyone to develop an unbiased opinion on the clinical utility of this innovation.

OBJECTIVE

In this review we aim to present the evolution, objective evaluation of clinical outcomes and future perspectives of robot assisted urologic surgeries.

ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE

A systematic literature review of clinical outcomes of robotic urological surgeries was made in the PUBMED. Randomized control trials, cohort studies and review articles were included. Moreover, a detailed search in the web based search engine was made to acquire information on evolution and evolving technologies in robotics.

SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE

The present evidence suggests that the clinical outcomes of the robot assisted urologic surgeries are comparable to the conventional open surgical and laparoscopic results and are associated with fewer complications. However, long term results are not available for all the common robotic urologic surgeries. There are plenty of novel developments in robotics to be available for clinical use in the future.

CONCLUSION

Robotic urologic surgery will continue to evolve in the future. We should continue to critically analyze whether the advances in technology and the higher cost eventually translates to improved overall surgical performance and outcomes.

Analysis of the impact of adherent perirenal fat on peri-operative outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy

INTRODUCTION

Adherent perirenal fat (APF) can be defined as inflammatory fat sticking to renal parenchyma, whose dissection is difficult and makes it troublesome to expose the tumour. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of APF on the technical difficulty of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed data of 202 patients who underwent RPN for a small renal tumour. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of APF. Peri-operative data were compared between the two groups. Predictors of APF were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. The validity of the MAP score (radiological scoring system) was also assessed.

RESULTS

APF was observed in 80 patients (39.6 %). Tumour complexity and surgeon's experience were similar between both groups. Operative time was 40 min longer in the APF group (188.5 vs. 147.9 min, p < 0.0001). Blood loss was twice higher, and transfusions were more common in the APF group (694 vs. 330 ml, p < 0.0001 and 19 vs. 5.8 %, p = 0.003, respectively). APF was associated with an increased risk of conversion to open surgery (11.2 vs. 0 %, p = 0.0002) or radical nephrectomy (6.2 vs. 0.8 %, p = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, male gender (OR 13.2, p < 0.0001), obesity (OR 1.2, p = 0.007), hypertension (OR 3.7, p = 0.02), and MAP score (OR 3.3; p < 0.0001) were significant predictors of APF.

CONCLUSION

During RPN, APF is associated with increased bleeding and a higher risk of conversion to open surgery and to radical nephrectomy. Male gender, hypertension, obesity, and MAP score are predictors of APF.