Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: Superiority over laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Feasibility study of a novel robotic system for transperitoneal partial nephrectomy: An in vivo experimental animal study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of partial nephrectomy with the use of the novel robotic system in an in vivo animal model.

METHODS

Right partial nephrectomy was performed in female pigs by a surgical team consisting of one surgeon and one bedside assistant. Both were experienced in laparoscopic surgery and trained in the use of the novel robotic system. The partial nephrectomies were performed using four trocars (three trocars for the robotic arms and one as an assistant trocar). The completion of the operations, set-up time, operation time, warm ischemia time (WIT) and complication events were recorded. The decrease in all variables between the first and last operation was calculated.

RESULTS

In total, eight partial nephrectomies were performed in eight female pigs. All operations were successfully completed. The median set-up time was 19.5 (range, 15-30) minutes, while the estimated median operative time was 80.5 minutes (range, 59-114). The median WIT was 23.5 minutes (range, 17-32) and intra- or postoperative complications were not observed. All variables decreased in consecutive operations. More precisely, the decrease in the set-up time was calculated to 15 minutes between the first and third attempts. The operative time was reduced by 55 minutes between the first and last operation, while the WIT was decreased by 15 minutes during the consecutive attempts. No complications were noticed in any operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the newly introduced robotic system, all the advantages of robotic surgery are optimized and incorporated, and partial nephrectomies can be performed in a safe and effective manner.

Comparing the outcomes of open, laparoscopic and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to determine the advantages and disadvantages of open (OPN), laparoscopic (LPN), and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) with particular attention to intraoperative, immediate postoperative, as well as longer-term functional and oncological outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-NMA guidelines. Binary data were compared using odds ratios (ORs). Mean differences (MDs) were used for continuous variables. ORs and MDs were extracted from the articles to compare the efficacy of the various surgical approaches. Statistical validity is guaranteed when the 95% credible interval does not include 1.

RESULTS

In total, there were 31 studies included in the NMA with a combined 7869 patients. Of these, 33.7% (2651/7869) underwent OPN, 20.8% (1636/7869) LPN, and 45.5% (3582/7689) RAPN. There was no difference for either LPN or RAPN as compared to OPN in ischaemia time, intraoperative complications, positive surgical margins, operative time or trifecta rate. The estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative complications and length of stay were all significantly reduced in RAPN when compared with OPN. The outcomes of RAPN and LPN were largely similar except the significantly reduced EBL in RAPN.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and NMA suggests that RAPN is the preferable operative approach for patients undergoing surgery for lower-staged RCC.

Perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of robotic vs. laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for complex renal tumors (RENAL score ≥7): an evidence-based analysis

Objective

To evaluate the current literature comparing outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) treating complex renal tumors (RENAL nephrometry score ≥7).

Methods

We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Scopus databases up to March 2023. Review Manager 5.4 performed a pooled analysis of the data for random effects. Besides, sensitivity and subgroup analyses to explore heterogeneity, Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and GRADE to evaluate study quality and level of evidence.

Results

Eight observational studies comprising 1346 patients (RPN: 695; LPN: 651) were included in this study. Compared to LPN, RPN had a shorter operative time (OT) (weight mean difference [WMD]: -14.73 min; p = 0.0003), shorter warm ischemia time (WIT) (WMD: -3.47 min; p = 0.002), lower transfusion rate (odds ratio [OR]: 0.66; p = 0.04), shorter length of stay (LOS) (WMD: -0.65 days; p < 0.00001), lower postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change (WMD = -2.33 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.002) and lower intraoperative complications (OR: 0.52; p = 0.04). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of estimated blood loss (EBL) (p = 0.84), conversion to radical nephrectomy (p = 0.12), postoperative complications (p = 0.11), major complications (defined Clavien-Dindo grade 3 (p = 0.43), overall complications (p = 0.15), postoperative eGFR (p = 0.28), local recurrence (p = 0.35), positive surgical margin (PSM) (p = 0.63), overall survival (OS) (p = 0.47), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.22) and 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.53).

Conclusion

Patients with complex renal tumors (RENAL score ≥7), RPN is superior to LPN in decreasing the OT, WIT, LOS, transfusion rate, change in eGFR and the incidence of intraoperative complications while maintaining oncological control and avoiding a decline in renal function. However, our findings need further validation in a large-sample prospective randomized study.

Identification of predictive factors for outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy based on three-dimensional reconstruction of preoperative enhanced computerized tomography

Background

Information from the RENAL score is limited. This study aimed to identify new parameters based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of preoperative enhanced computerized tomography (CT) for predicting outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN).

Materials and methods

The records of kidney cancer patients who underwent RPN at Tongji Hospital from March 2015 to July 2019 were reviewed. Demographic data, laboratory examinations, postoperative hospitalization time, and enhanced CT were retrospectively collected. Some tumor parameters were obtained from 3D reconstruction of CT data. The association between these predictive factors and outcomes after RPN was analyzed.

Results

A larger tumor bed area (TBA) was associated with a longer warm ischemia time (WIT) (P-value <0.001) and tumor resection time (P-value <0.001). Moreover, TBA was significantly associated with the elevation of postoperative creatinine (P-value = 0.005). TBA (P = 0.008), distance from the tumor to the first bifurcation of the renal artery (DTA) (P <0.034), and RENAL score (P = 0.005) were significantly associated with WIT in univariate logistic regression. In multivariate logistic regression, TBA (P = 0.026) and DTA (P = 0.048) were independent risk factors for prolonged WIT (over 25 min). The predictive effect of the combination of TBA, DTA, and RENAL score was higher than the predictive effect of RENAL score alone for WIT (area under curve: 0.786 versus 0.72).

Conclusion

TBA and DTA are independently associated with the WIT of RPN, which provides additional assessment value for the complexity of kidney cancer in RPN over the RENAL score.

Laparoscopic renal surgery using multi degree-of-freedom articulating laparoscopic instruments in a porcine model

PURPOSE

We evaluated the performance of a new multi-degree-of-freedom articulating laparoscopic instrument, ArtiSential, and compared it with that of a straight-shaped instrument and the da Vinci surgical system, in renal surgery using porcine model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine female Yorkshire pigs were equally divided into three groups. The three groups were compared at each surgical step in terms of objective and subjective parameters.

RESULTS

The median operative times for renal pedicle clamping and ureter dissection were significantly shorter in ArtiSential group than robotic group (1.3 min vs. 4.7 min, p=0.002; 8.1 min vs. 11.1 min, p=0.015). The median operative time for bladder repair was significantly longer in ArtiSential group than robotic and straight-shaped groups (17.9 min vs. 5.5 min, p=0.002; 17.9 min vs. 9.3 min, p=0.026). There were no significant differences among groups in terms of blood loss or intraoperative complications. ArtiSential device was less useable for renorrhaphy (p=0.009) and bladder repair (p=0.002) compared to the robotic system. ArtiSential group was less accurate than robotic group in terms of tumor resection, renorrhaphy, and bladder repair. During ureter dissection, bladder cuff excision, and bladder repair, the surgeon experienced greater wrist discomfort but lesser back discomfort in ArtiSential group than robotic group.

CONCLUSIONS

For most steps, ArtiSential performed as well as robotic and straight-shaped instruments. The development of specialized surgical techniques for ArtiSential will maximize the advantages of these instruments.

Green Tattoo Pre-Operative Renal Embolization for Robotic-Assisted and Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: A Practical Proof of a New Technique

(1) Background: Our aim is to describe a new mixed indocyanine-non-adhesive liquid embolic agent (Onyx-18) pre-operative renal embolization technique for assisted-robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with near-infra-red fluorescence imaging. (2) Methods: Thirteen patients with biopsy-proven renal tumors underwent pre-operative mixed indocyanine-ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) embolization (Green-embo) between June 2021 and August 2022. All pre-operative embolizations were performed with a super selective stop-flow technique using a balloon microcatheter to deliver an indocyanine-EVOH mixture into tertiary order arterial branch feeders and the intra-lesional vascular supply. Efficacy (evaluated as complete embolization, correct tumor mapping on infra-red fluorescence imaging and clamp-off surgery) and safety (evaluated as complication rate and functional outcomes) were primary goals. Clinical and pathological data were also collected. (3) Results: Two male and eleven female patients (mean age 72 years) received pre-operative Green-embo. The median tumor size was 29 mm (range 15-50 mm). Histopathology identified renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in 9 of the 13 (69%) patients, oncocytoma in 3 of the 13 (23%) patients and sarcomatoid RCC in 1 of the 13 (8%) patients. Lesions were equally distributed between polar, meso-renal, endo- and exophytic locations. Complete embolization was achieved in all the procedures. A correct green mapping was identified during all infra-red fluorescence imaging. All patients were discharged on the second day after the surgery. The median blood loss was 145 cc (10-300 cc). No significant differences were observed in serum creatinine levels before and after the embolization procedures. (4) Conclusions: The Green-tattoo technique based on a mixed indocyanine-non-adhesive liquid embolic agent (Onyx-18) is a safe and effective pre-operative embolization technique. The main advantages are the excellent lesion mapping for fluorescence imaging, reduction in surgical time, and definitive, complete and immediate tumor devascularization based on the deep Onyx-18 penetration, leading to a very low intra-operative blood loss.

The application of internal traction technique in retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal ventral tumors

Background

For patients with prior intra-abdominal surgery or multiple arteries, the retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (rRAPN) is a better choice. The renal ventral tumor poses an additional challenge due to poor tumor exposure. This study is determined to assess the feasibility of an internal traction technique (ITT) in rRAPN for the management of renal ventral tumors.

Methods

From November 2019 to March 2021, a total of 28 patients with renal ventral tumor underwent rRAPN. All patients had prior abdominal surgery or multiple arteries. The ITT group (20 patients), which improved the tumor exposure by traction of the kidney with suture, was compared with the traditional technique group (8 patients) in terms of warm ischemia time, estimated blood loss and postoperative hospital stay, retroperitoneal drainage, R.E.N.A.L. score, and serum creatinine. Differences were considered significant when P < 0.05.

Results

All rRAPN surgeries were successful without conversion to radical nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy. The warm ischemia time was lower in the ITT group (17.10 min vs. 24.63 min; P < 0.05). Estimated blood loss in the traditional technique group was 324.88 ± 79.42 mL, and in the ITT group, it was 117.45±35.25 mL (P < 0.05). No significant differences with regard to postoperative hospital stay, retroperitoneal drainage, R.E.N.A.L. score, and serum creatinine were observed between both groups. Surgical margins were negative and no intraoperative complications occurred in all the patients. After 10 months of follow-up, no recurrence or metastasis occurred in all cases.

Conclusion

ITT is a feasible, safe, and valid procedure in rRAPN for renal ventral tumors. Application of ITT improved the exposure and reduces warm ischemic time in comparison with the conventional procedure.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02684-1.

Effects of Multimodal Bundle with Remote Ischemic Preconditioning and Intrathecal Analgesia on Early Recovery of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate after Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

This study suggested that robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) may have benefits with regard to the preservation of renal function and few complications postoperatively in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, a reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate may be unavoidable. Our results suggested that the preservation of renal function may be enhanced by combining robot-assisted nephron-sparing surgery with an intraoperative bundle strategy consisting of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) and an intrathecal morphine block (ITMB), to protect against ischemia–reperfusion injury and the pain-related stress induced by renal artery clamping and surgical insults. It is important to adjust modifiable variables related to the progression of renal impairment in a timely and appropriate manner for the recovery of renal function after RALPN. Together with surgical and pharmacological methods to minimize irreversible injury, RIPC and ITMB combined bundle therapy may relieve ischemia–reperfusion- and pain-induced stress and serve as a safe and efficient method for improving renal outcomes of RALPN in patients with RCC.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of multimodal combined bundle therapy, consisting of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) and intrathecal morphine block (ITMB), on the early recovery of kidney function after robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In addition, we compared the surgical and analgesic outcomes between patients with and without bundle treatment. This prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial was performed in a cohort of 80 patients with RCC, who were divided into two groups: a bundle group (n = 40) and non-bundle group (n = 40). The primary outcome was postoperative kidney function, defined as the lowest estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on postoperative day (POD) 2. Surgical complications, pain, and length of hospital stay were assessed as secondary outcomes. The eGFR immediately after surgery was significantly lower in the bundle group compared to the preoperative baseline, but serial levels on PODs 1 and 2 and at three and six months after surgery were comparable to the preoperative baseline. The eGFR level immediately after surgery was lower in the non-bundle than bundle group, and serial levels on PODs 1 and 2 and at three months after surgery remained below the baseline. The eGFR level immediately after surgery was higher in the bundle group than in the non-bundle group. The eGFR changes immediately after surgery, and on POD 1, were smaller in the bundle than in the non-bundle group. The non-bundle group had longer hospital stays and more severe pain than the bundle group, but there were no severe surgical complications in either group. The combined RIPC and ITMB bundle may relieve ischemia–reperfusion- and pain-induced stress, as a safe and efficient means of improving renal outcomes following RALPN in patients with RCC.

Histological and radiological evaluation of thermal denaturation depth using soft coagulation during partial nephrectomy in living pigs

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate thermal denaturation depth using soft coagulation in kidneys in vivo.

METHODS

In experiment 1, nine kidneys from five pigs were cauterized using five soft-coagulation settings at 80 W with effect 7 by VIO300D and one monopolar-coagulation setting. The surface of the kidney was cauterized over a period of 2, 5 and 10 s. The temperature change was measured at depths of 5 and 10 mm. In experiment 2, three kidneys from two pigs were excised in a semicircular shape with a diameter of 5, 10 and 20 mm without clamping the renal artery. Cauterization was carried out until hemostasis was confirmed by soft coagulation at 80 W with effect 7. After completion of the experiments, pathology examinations of the kidneys were carried out.

RESULTS

Experiment 1 showed that with proper saline dripping, denaturation spread with increased cauterization time, reaching a depth of 4 mm at 10 s with or without clamps. The depth remained at 2-3 mm at 10 s in the absence or excess of saline. The temperature increased by 15.6°C at a depth of 5 mm and 8.8°C at 10 mm. In experiment 2, the depth was 4.6 mm from the incision surface regardless of the cauterization time or excision size.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that soft coagulation can be useful for preserving renal function and reducing complications in partial nephrectomy.

Current status of robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: comparison with laparoscopic gastrectomy

Robotic systems were developed to overcome limitations of laparoscopic surgery with its mechanical advantages. Along with the technical advances, robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer is increasing. However, the evidence regarding safety and efficacy for robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer is not mature yet. Although studies are limited, it is evident that robotic gastrectomy has a longer operation and less blood loss compared with laparoscopic gastrectomy. Studies revealed long-term oncological outcomes after robotic gastrectomy was comparable to those after laparoscopic gastrectomy. Taken together, robotic gastrectomy with systemic lymph node dissection is suggested as a safe procedure with equivalent short- and long-term oncologic outcomes to either laparoscopic or open gastrectomy for the surgical treatment of gastric cancer. However, high cost is the most significant barrier to justify robotic surgery as a routine and standard treatment for patients with gastric cancer. In the meanwhile, robotic surgery will be expansively used as long as technologic developments continue.

Role of laparoscopy in the era of robotic surgery in urology in developing countries

With the rapid expansion of robotic platforms in urology, there is an urgent and unmet need to review its cost and benefits in comparison to the traditional laparoscopy, especially in reference to a developing country. A nonsystematic review of the literature was conducted to compare the outcomes of pure laparoscopic and robot-assisted urologic procedures. Available literature over the past 30 years was reviewed. Robot-assisted surgery and laparoscopy were found to have similar outcomes in the areas of radical prostatectomy, partial and radical nephrectomy, radical cystectomy, retroperitoneal lymph node (LN) dissection, inguinal LN dissection, donor nephrectomy, and kidney transplantation. Robot-assisted surgery was found to be significantly costlier than pure laparoscopy. In the absence of a clear advantage of robot-assisted surgery over pure laparoscopy, lack of widespread availability and the currently prohibitive cost of robotic technology, laparoscopic urological surgery has a definite role in the developing world.

Outcomes of gasless laparoendoscopic single-port partial nephrectomy in 356 consecutive patients: Feasibility of a clampless and sutureless technique

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the outcomes and feasibilities of gasless laparoendoscopic single-port clampless sutureless partial nephrectomy.

METHODS

We reviewed 356 consecutive patients with primary unilateral non-metastatic renal masses who underwent gasless laparoendoscopic single-port partial nephrectomy (2011-2018), which was performed retroperitoneally using a three-dimensional flexible endoscope, without vascular clamping or renorrhaphy in principle.

RESULTS

The median tumor size was 2.5 cm, and 213 (60%), 105 (29%), and 38 (11%) patients had peripheral, central, and hilar tumors, respectively. Clampless and sutureless partial nephrectomy was accomplished in 337 patients (95%), while eight (2%) and 16 (4%) patients required vascular clamping and renorrhaphy, respectively. The median operative time and blood loss were 220 min and 266 mL, respectively; eight patients (2%) received blood transfusion. Clavien-Dindo grade 3a complications occurred in 27 patients (8%); all these patients had urinary leakage treated with ureteral stent placement, one of whom also developed a postoperative pseudoaneurysm. Among 324 patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, six (2%) had positive surgical margins, and one (0.3%) and seven (2%) developed metastatic and local recurrences, respectively. During a median follow-up of 54 months, no patient died from kidney cancer. The median percent decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 months after surgery was 5.7%. No patient experienced postoperative acute renal failure, while one patient with preexisting renal impairment started dialysis at 70 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Clampless and sutureless partial nephrectomy can be safely accomplished in most patients undergoing gasless laparoendoscopic single-port surgery, yielding favorable oncological and functional outcomes.

Robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer: an overview of systematic reviews with quality assessment of current evidence

Many systematic reviews have been published to evaluate the clinical benefits of robotic surgery for gastric cancer. However, these reviews have investigated various outcomes and differ considerably in quality. In this overview, we summarize the findings and quality of these reviews. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses that compared robotic surgery with laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer. We summarized the results of the meta-analyses and evaluated the quality of the reviews using the AMSTAR-2 tool. The literature search identified 14 eligible reviews. The reviews showed that estimated blood loss was significantly less and time to resumption of oral intake was significantly shorter in patients who underwent robotic surgery than in those who underwent laparoscopic surgery. However, no significant differences in other outcomes were found between the two types of surgery. The quality of the included reviews was judged to be critically low. In conclusion, the available evidence, albeit of critically low quality, suggests that robotic surgery decreases estimated blood loss and shortens the time to resumption of oral intake in patients with gastric cancer. There is currently no high-quality evidence that robotic surgery has clinical benefits for gastric cancer patients.

Lower Incidence of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Than in Open Partial Nephrectomy: A Propensity Score-Matched Study

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) after partial nephrectomy is attributed to parenchymal reduction and ischemia, but the extent of its effect remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the incidence of postoperative AKI among surgical modalities, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), and open partial nephrectomy (OPN), and to evaluate the validity of RAPN by comparing it with LPN and OPN in terms of postoperative AKI, perioperative complications, and long-term renal function. Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent RAPN, LPN, and OPN for renal tumors at our institutions between 2004 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. RAPN and LPN were performed under warm ischemia and OPN under cold ischemia. En bloc hilar clamping was employed for LPN and OPN and arterial clamping for RAPN. AKI was defined as % decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >25% from preoperative eGFR to postoperative nadir eGFR. Multivariate regression analysis was used to test associations of AKI with perioperative factors. Then, we compared the incidence of AKI with two propensity score-matched cohorts: RAPN vs OPN and RAPN vs LPN. Results: This study included 1762 cases (RAPN: 959, LPN: 215, and OPN: 588). After matching, 147 cases each from RAPN and LPN groups and 368 cases each from RAPN and OPN groups were selected. RAPN had shorter warm ischemia time than LPN, lower incidence of AKI, and lower % decrease in eGFR after 6 months. RAPN had a shorter ischemia time and a lower incidence of AKI than OPN, although the % decrease in eGFR after 6 months did not differ significantly. Conclusions: AKI incidence was lower in RAPN than in LPN or OPN, which may be due to the shorter ischemia time or clamping of only arteries in RAPN. Although long-term renal outcomes did not differ between RAPN and OPN, RAPN can help prevent AKI. This supports the validity of RAPN for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Feasibility and necessity of the fourth arm of the da Vinci Si surgical system for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

BACKGROUND

To investigate the feasibility of the fourth arm of the da Vinci Si system for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

METHODS

Fifty-eight consecutive patients underwent RAPN with the same port placements. After reviewing the surgical videos and records, 38 patients showing usefulness of the fourth arm were categorized into Group A and those not showing usefulness into Group B. The background data, tumor characteristics, and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Group B had a larger proportion of tumors located on the inner side of the kidney, and the console time was significantly longer. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that tumors located on the inner side of the kidney were associated with the non-use of the fourth arm of the da Vinci Si system during RAPN.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that use of fourth arm in RAPN by da Vinci Si should be considered for each tumor location.

Robot-assisted versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for anatomically complex T1b renal tumors with a RENAL nephrometry score ≥7: A propensity score-based analysis

Objectives

To present the perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) compared with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for anatomically complex T1b renal tumors with RENAL nephrometry scores ≥7.

Patients and methods

One hundred and seventy patients, during the study period, were retrospectively reviewed in our analysis according to inclusion criteria. Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1) method was applied to impose restrictions on the potential baseline confounders. The comparisons of perioperative and functional outcomes between the RPN and LPN groups were conducted and analyzed after PSM, Kaplan‐Meier analyses were performed to assess the differences about oncological outcomes between the two groups before and after PSM.

Results

One hundred and nine and 61 T1b renal tumors with RENAL scores ≥7 were identified in the LPN and RPN groups, respectively. All significant differences in baseline characteristics disappeared after PSM. Except for 3 patients missing an appropriate pair, all the patients in the RPN group were successfully matched to 58 patients in the LPN group in a 1:1 ratio. Within the matched cohort, the RPN group was related to a significantly shorter mean operating time (OT) (P = .040), shorter mean warm ischemia time (WIT) (P = .023), and shorter median postoperative hospital stay (P = .023). The possibilities of surgical conversion, postoperative complication, and positive surgical margin were similar in the LPN and RPN groups. And there was also no significant difference in the pathological, renal functional, and oncological outcomes between the two series.

Conclusions

For patients with anatomically complex T1b renal tumors with a RENAL nephrometry score ≥7, RPN had an advantage over LPN in reducing OT, WIT, and postoperative hospital stay length without increasing the risk of complications and weakening the oncological control, while the two surgical methods were similar in renal functional preservation.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery after placing a self-expanding metallic stent for malignant rectal obstruction: a case report

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20% of colorectal cancer patients show complete or incomplete bowel obstruction as an early symptom. Preoperative nonsurgical decompression such as placing a self-expanding metallic stent for malignant colorectal obstruction has been shown to be effective for reducing perioperative morbidity and mortality. However, there is a lack of published studies reporting robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) after self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement for malignant rectal obstruction (MRO). To our knowledge, this is the first report to do so.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 80-year-old man with incomplete paralysis of the lower limbs as well as bladder-rectal disorder due to a spine fracture sustained in a fall accident 26 years ago presented with lower abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal multi-detector computed tomography revealed an obstructive rectal tumor with distended bowel on the oral side. Emergency colonoscopy was performed, and an SEMS placed. The patency of SEMS and decompression of the distended bowel was confirmed, and elective RALS was performed 29 days after SEMS placement. To our knowledge, this is the first report of RALS after decompression with SEMS placement for MRO.

CONCLUSIONS

RALS after SEMS placement is a safe and feasible therapeutic strategy for MRO.

Systematic Review of Contemporary Evidence for the Management of T1 Renal Cell Carcinoma: What IRs Need to Know for Kidney Cancer Tumor Boards

Renal cell carcinoma is a relatively common malignancy, with 60 to 70 thousand cases a year in the United States alone. Increased utilization of cross-sectional imaging has led to an increase in the number of early renal cell cancers seen by the medical establishment. In addition, certain patient populations have an increased risk of developing kidney cancers which may mandate aggressive screening protocols. This article discusses the epidemiology of renal cell cancers; discusses the current management guidelines from multiple specialty societies; discusses some of the surgical and interventional techniques used in the treatment of such lesions; and provides a review of the literature regarding treatments of early-stage renal cell cancers.

[What can/should be treated in kidney tumors and when]

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE

In the treatment of localized renal cell carcinoma, the lack of randomization in controlled trials on thermal ablation is a major limitation. The latter leads to significant study bias and it ultimately remains unclear whether the improved overall survival in favor of partial nephrectomy can actually be attributed to the treatment method.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

For T1a (≤4 cm) renal cell carcinoma without lymph node and distant metastases, excellent technical and clinical results have been described after imaging-guided radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

Low major complication rates, preservation of renal function and three-dimensional confirmation of negative ablation margins (A0 ablation) are the advantages of computed tomography (CT)-guided thermal ablation.

PERFORMANCE

According to the results of controlled (non-randomized) trials on T1a renal cell cancer, the cancer-specific survival rates are comparable between ablative and surgical techniques.

ACHIEVEMENTS

It is high time for prospective randomized controlled trials to define the actual value of percutaneous thermal ablation and partial nephrectomy in the treatment of T1a renal cell carcinoma.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Apart from localized renal cell carcinoma, angiomyolipoma and oncocytoma can be treated by thermal ablation. Transarterial embolization extends the radiological spectrum for the treatment of renal tumors, either as complementary embolization (e. g. before thermal ablation of T1a and T1b renal cell carcinoma), prophylactic embolization (e. g. angiomyolipoma >6 cm), preoperative embolization (e. g. before laparoscopic partial nephrectomy) or palliative embolization (e. g. in patients with symptomatic macrohematuria due to renal cell carcinoma).

Effect of ulinastatin on postoperative renal function in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) is an emerging technique for treating small renal masses. Although RLPN has many advantages, ischemic kidney injury is inevitable during renal artery clamping. The overall incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after partial nephrectomy has been reported to be up to 39%. Moreover, effective pharmacological protection against AKI after partial nephrectomy has not yet been demonstrated. Ulinastatin has been shown to protect the kidney from ischemia/reperfusion injury via its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of ulinastatin on postoperative kidney function in patients undergoing RLPN.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, patients undergoing RLPN received either intravenous ulinastatin (100,000 units/10 kg; ulinastatin group, n = 35) or the same volume of normal saline (control group, n = 35) for 1 h starting 10 min before renal artery clamping. The primary outcome was incidence of postoperative AKI. Secondary outcomes were levels of serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), cystatin C, and inflammatory markers and were measured before operation and at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

The incidence of postoperative AKI was 18% in the ulinastatin group, whereas it was 30% in the control group (p = 0.251). No significant differences in postoperative changes of serum creatinine, eGFR, or cystatin C were observed between the two groups. Postoperative inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and neutrophil percentage were significantly increased until 72 h after operation compared to the preoperative values in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of ulinastatin (100,000 units/10 kg) during the warm ischemia and reperfusion periods did not show any beneficial effects on postoperative kidney function or inflammatory responses in patients undergoing RLPN.

Robotic partial nephrectomy performed with Airseal versus a standard CO2 pressure pneumoperitoneum insufflator: a prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

Airseal represents a new generation of valveless and barrier-free surgical trocars that enable a stable pneumoperitoneum with continuous smoke evacuation and carbon dioxide (CO₂) recirculation during surgery. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the potential advantages of the Airseal compared to a standard CO₂ insufflator in the field of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN).

METHODS

Between October 2012 and April 2015, two cohorts of 122 consecutive patients with clinically localized renal cell carcinoma underwent RPN by a single surgeon, with the use of a standard CO₂ pressure insufflator (Group A, 55 patients) or Airseal (Group B, 67 patients) and were prospectively compared.

RESULTS

The two groups were similar in baseline, preoperative characteristics. The mean dimension of the lesion, as evaluated by contrast-enhanced CT scan, was 30 (median 28; IQR 2) and 39 mm (median 40; IQR 2) for Groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.05). The complexity of the treated tumors was similar, as indicated by the mean RENAL nephrometry score. Positive surgical margins rate was similar in both groups (3.6 vs 4.5 %, p = 0.8) as well as the need for postoperative blood transfusion (9.1 vs 4.5 %, p = 0.3) and the development of postoperative acute kidney injury (16.4 vs 10.4 %, p = 0.3). Mean operative time and warm ischemia time were significantly shorter in Group B. Moreover, a significant increase in the cases performed as "zero ischemia" was observed in Group B (7.3 vs 30 %, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study comparing the Airseal with a standard CO₂ insufflator system in the field of the RPN. The preliminary outcomes in terms of overall operative time, warm ischemia time and cases performed as "zero ischemia" are better with respect to standard insufflators. The feasibility, safety and efficacy of combining laser tumor enucleation with the valve-free insufflation systems should be evaluated.

Small renal masses in the elderly: Contemporary treatment approaches and comparative oncological outcomes of nonsurgical and surgical strategies

Over the last decades, there has been a significant stage migration in renal cell carcinoma and especially older patients are getting diagnosed more frequently with low stage disease, such as small renal masses ≤4 cm of size. Considering the particular risk profile of an older population, often presenting with a nonnegligible comorbidity profile and progressive renal dysfunction, treatment approaches beyond aggressive radical surgical procedures have come to the fore. We sought to give a contemporary overview of the available different treatment strategies for incidental small renal masses in an elderly population with the focus on comparative oncological outcomes of nonsurgical and surgical modalities.

Percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of small renal masses

Renal cell carcinoma is a common malignancy with increasing incidence due to the incidental detection of non-symptomatic small renal masses on imaging. Management of these small tumors has evolved toward minimally invasive nephron-sparing techniques which include partial nephrectomy and image-guided ablation. Cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation are the most utilized ablation modalities with the former more suited for larger and central renal masses due to intra-procedural visualization of the ablation zone and reduced pelvicalyceal injury. In this article, we review the epidemiology and natural history of renal cell carcinoma, the role of biopsy, and the management options available-surgery, image-guided ablation, and active surveillance-with a focus on cryoablation. The clinical outcomes of the longer term maturing cryoablation data are discussed with reference to partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation. Image-guided ablation has often been the management choice in patients deemed unfit for surgery; however, growing evidence from published series demonstrates image-guided ablation as a sound alternative treatment with equivalent oncological outcomes and minimal patient impact.