Robotic renal transplantation: Current status

Comparison of Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy Results in Patients Who Previously Underwent Open and Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous graft biopsy, specifically in patients who have undergone robotic kidney transplantation, a topic that has received limited attention in the existing literature. While percutaneous graft biopsy is well established in patients who have undergone open transplantation, its application in robotic transplantation remains relatively unexplored. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patient records spanning from 2013 to 2024, focusing on those who underwent graft biopsy due to acute graft dysfunction. The cohort was bifurcated into two distinct groups: individuals who underwent open kidney transplantation and those who underwent robotic kidney transplantation. Results: The study encompassed a total of 89 patients, with 64 having undergone open kidney transplantation and 25 having undergone robot-assisted kidney transplantation. The mean age of the patients was 40.61 (±12.26) years, with 60 (67.4%) being male and 29 (32.6%) being female. Comparative analysis revealed no significant disparities in age, gender distribution, body mass index, donor type (cadaveric versus living), or rates of graft loss between the two groups. Furthermore, examination of the total complication rates did not uncover any noteworthy differences between the cohorts. Conclusions: Ultrasound-assisted percutaneous needle biopsy is a reliable method in patients who have undergone robot-assisted kidney transplantation in cases of both indication-based and protocol biopsies. This study underscores the reliability of ultrasound-assisted percutaneous needle biopsy as a viable method for patients who have undergone robot-assisted kidney transplantation. By shedding light on the safety and efficacy of percutaneous graft biopsy in the context of robotic transplantation, this research contributes to the expanding body of knowledge in the field, providing valuable insights for clinical practice and future research endeavors.

Review of stentless, tubeless, apposed renal (STAR) transplant wound management programme

INTRODUCTION We aimed to review the necessity of conventional interventions in renal transplant for preventing complications arising out of the use of wound drains, ureteral stents and stapled skin closures. METHODS We reviewed a series of 33 patients who received stentless, tubeless/drainless and suture-apposed living donor renal transplants (STAR group) and compared the results to a control non-STAR group of 36 patients in whom all three interventions of drains, stents and skin staples were used. RESULTS No significant differences in demographics and clinical characteristics were observed between the two groups. With regard to the overall surgical complications, no significant differences in terms of wound infection, seroma, perinephric collections, urinoma, bacteriuria or vascular complications were observed between the groups. When analysed according to the interventions specific for preventing complications, although slightly more asymptomatic perinephric collections were observed and two lymphoceles required treatment in the STAR group, these differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, no significant differences in ureteric or skin-related complications were observed between the groups. Both groups had comparable good outcomes for renal function, graft survival and patient survival. CONCLUSION The routine use of ureteric stents, drains or skin staples may not be necessary for uncomplicated renal transplants. Potential complications associated with the placement of these interventions can be avoided without compromising on the safety of patients and/or the outcome of transplants.

Full Robot-Assisted Living Donor Nephrectomy and Kidney Transplantation in a Twin Dedicated Operating Room: Initial Experience From a High-Volume Robotic Center

Purpose. To describe our initial experience with a full robot-assisted approach for living donor nephrectomy (RALDN) and kidney transplantation (RAKT) in a dedicated twin operating room. Methods. From January to December 2017, 5 cases of RALDN and RAKT were performed in a single high-volume robotic center. All patients underwent a standard left RALDN. The renal hilum was controlled with Hem-O-Lok clips (WECK) and the kidney extracted through a Pfannenstiel incision. RAKT was performed according to the Vattikuti Urology Institute–Medanta technique. Results. RALDN: median estimated blood loss was 182 mL (range = 80-450 mL), no postoperative blood transfusion was required. The median (range) warm ischemia time was 175 (90-220 seconds). No conversion was registered. Median console time was 143 minutes (range = 115-220 minutes). No major surgical intraoperative and postoperative early and late complications occurred. RAKT: all 5 patients successfully underwent RAKT. Median (range) console time was 230 (190-200) minutes, vascular suture time was 58.7 (48-73) minutes, cold ischemia time was 46.2 (30-88) minutes, and rewarming time was 61.2 (55-72) minutes. No conversion was required. No major surgical intraoperative and postoperative early and late complications occurred. Mean glomerular filtration rate at days 1, 3, and 7 postoperatively was 26, 42, and 57 (range = 6-90) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. No case of delayed graft function was observed. No anastomosis revision, urological complications, lymphocele, and surgical site infection occurred. Conclusions. In our experience, RALDN and RAKT are safe and effective. The intuitiveness of the robotic approach provided substantial benefits both for the living donor and recipient from the very beginning of our series. No intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred.

Robotic kidney autotransplantation in a porcine model: a procedure-specific training platform for the simulation of robotic intracorporeal vascular anastomosis

Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RKT) with the Da Vinci (Intuitive, USA) platform has been recently developed to improve outcomes by decreasing surgical site complications and morbidity, especially in obese patients. This potential paradigm shift in the surgical technique of kidney transplantation is performed in only a few centers. For wider adoption of this high stake complex operation, we aimed to develop a procedure-specific simulation platform in a porcine model for the training of robotic intracorporeal vascular anastomosis and evaluating vascular anastomoses patency. This paper describes the requirements and steps developed for the above training purpose. Over a series of four animal ethics' approved experiments, the technique of robotic-assisted laparoscopic autotransplantation of the kidney was developed in Amsterdam live pigs (60-70 kg). The surgery was based around the vascular anastomosis technique described by Menon et al. This non-survival porcine training model is targeted at transplant surgeons with robotic surgery experience. Under general anesthesia, each pig was placed in lateral decubitus position with the placement of one robotic camera port, two robotic 8 mm ports and one assistant port. Robotic docking over the pig posteriorly was performed. The training platform involved the following procedural steps. First, ipsilateral iliac vessel dissection was performed. Second, robotic-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was performed with in situ perfusion of the kidney with cold Hartmann's solution prior to complete division of the hilar vessels, ureter and kidney mobilization. Thirdly, the kidney was either kept in situ for orthotopic autotransplantation or mobilized to the pelvis and orientated for the vascular anastomosis, which was performed end to end or end to side after vessel loop clamping of the iliac vessels, respectively, using 6/0 Gore-Tex sutures. Following autotransplantation and release of vessel loops, perfusion of the graft was assessed using intraoperative indocyanine green imaging and monitoring urine output after unclamping. This training platform demonstrates adequate face and content validity. With practice, arterial anastomotic time could be improved, showing its construct validity. This porcine training model can be useful in providing training for robotic intracorporeal vascular anastomosis and may facilitate confident translation into a transplant human recipient.

Robot-Assisted Transplant Surgery - Vision or Reality? A Comprehensive Review

Minimally invasive surgery is standard procedure for many operations. Further refinements include the introduction of robotic surgery which is still an emerging field especially in laparoscopic surgery. Since the successful introduction of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, the robotic approach in organ transplantation has become of great interest in both the live donor organ retrieval and the recipient operation. Robotic surgery for kidney, liver, and pancreas transplantation is feasible. Over 700 donor nephrectomies and 100 kidney transplantations have been performed already, and robotic surgery is standard in a small number of pioneer centers; however, larger series and most importantly randomized controlled trials for the highest evidence are needed. Longer warm ischemia time and higher costs limit these procedures at the moment.

Robotic kidney transplantation: The Bakırköy experience

OBJECTIVE

Robotic kidney transplantation, first described by Hoznek and colleagues, and has been improved by investigators like Oberholzer and Menon. We realized the first robotic kidney transplant (RKT) in our clinic in December 2015. In this study, we aimed to present the first 15 cases we performed within 3 months.

MATERİAL AND METHODS

Starting from January 2016, we performed 15 RKTs in our hospital. Before surgery, the whole robotic procedure was thoroughly explained to the patients and their informed consents were taken.

RESULTS

We performed RKT in 7 male and 8 female patients. Mean patient age was 37.4±10.8 years. Mean body mass index of the patients was 22.6±3.35 kg/m². Mean preoperative creatinine and hemoglobin levels were 6.14±2.12 mg/dL and 10.04±1.64 g/dL, respectively. Mean operative time was 300.3±104.2 minutes. Mean warm ischemia and re-warming times were 1.9±0.54 minutes and 73.3±30.7 minutes, respectively. We did not need any necessity to switch to open surgery, and any intraoperative complication did not develop in any patient. Lymphocele which is one of the most frequently encountered complications was not observed in our series.

CONCLUSION

We think that using a minimally invasive approach greater number of patients will be able to benefit from this treatment modality, and this important health issue may decrease significantly.

First Robotic-Assisted Dual Kidney Transplant: Surgical Technique and Report of a Case With 24-month Follow-up

Background

Open surgery is the gold standard procedure for kidney transplantation. There is a strong rationale for using minimally invasive surgery in patients with end-stage renal disease. A robotic-assisted dual kidney transplant was performed for the first time at our institution.

Methods

In August 2013, a 63-year-old man with end-stage renal disease and diabetes mellitus under pharmacological control received both kidneys from a 70-year-old marginal donor. Pretransplant donor biopsy demonstrated a bilateral Karpinski score greater than 5. The organs did not exhibit malformations and each had an artery and a vein. The procedure was carried out by a 7-port intraperitoneal approach using the da Vinci surgical system. The procedure was identical for the 2 kidneys except that mobilization of the sigmoid colon was required to introduce the left graft. The renal vessels were anastomosed to the left external iliac vessels. The novel aspect of the technique was the introduction of both grafts through a single, 7-cm upper midline incision.

Results

Total operative time was 400 minutes and blood loss was 120 mL. Both grafts immediately began functioning. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day with normal renal function. At 24 months, he is well and does not require hemodialysis.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive robotic-assisted technology is a promising technique that provides exceptional patient outcomes by reducing operative morbidity, immobilization, and time to recovery, while affording better esthetic results. Selected patients with multiple comorbidities benefit most. Grafts from marginal donors are an extremely valuable resource.

Minimally invasive renal autotransplantation

Minimally invasive renal allotransplantation techniques have been recently described; reported benefits include reduced morbidity/complications. These benefits have been successfully adapted for minimally invasive renal autotransplantation, however, in a non-oncological setting. We, here, describe a novel alternative robot-assisted renal autotransplantation technique, utilizing GelPOINT, which by permitting ex vivo graft examination and surgery might allow further broadening of indications for minimally-invasive renal autotransplantation, to include complex oncological renal/ureteral lesions. Future studies are needed to evaluate the utility of these techniques.