Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: surgical technique and clinical outcomes at 1 year

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report our surgical technique of robotic‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) for renal tumours of TM (Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, IL, ISA) the capsule/parenchyma was closed with running suture, reinforced by haemostatic clips. RESULTS The mean (sd) operative and warm ischaemia times were 82.7 (17.0) and 21.7 (2.4) min, respectively, and the mean estimated blood loss was 189 (32) mL. There were no intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. There was also no bleeding after surgery, perinephric haematoma or urinary leakage. The mean (sd) tumour size was 30.2 (2.4) mm, while margins were negative in all cases of malignancy. At the 1‐year follow‐up there was no local recurrence, renal functional deterioration or late surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS Our RLPN technique is a safe and feasible option for small renal tumours. Reproducible technique and good team co‐ordination are pivotal for obtaining good oncological and surgical outcomes.