Single-port laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy

Partial nephrectomy (PN) for small renal masses provides effective oncologic outcomes. Single-port laparoscopic (SPL) and robotic surgeries are evolving approaches to advance minimally invasive surgery.

To determine the feasibility of laparoscopic and robotic single-port PN.

Since 2007, evaluation of patients undergoing SPL and single-port robotic (SPR) PN at a primary referral center was performed. Patients with small, solitary, exophytic-enhancing renal masses were selected. Patients with a solitary kidney, endophytic or hilar tumors, and previous abdominal and/or kidney surgery were excluded. Perioperative and pathologic data were entered prospectively into an institutional review board (IRB)-approved database.

Tumor location determined either an open Hasson transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach. A single multichannel port or Triport provided intra-abdominal access. The Harmonic Scalpel was used for tumor excision under normal renal perfusion. The da Vinci surgical robot was used for SPR cases.

Patient demographics, perioperative, hematologic, and pathologic data as well as pain assessment using the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAPS) were assessed.

A total of seven patients underwent single-port PN (SPL=5, SPR=2). One patient with a right anterior upper-pole mass required conversion from SPL to standard laparoscopy following tumor excision because of intraoperative bleeding. Pathology revealed six lesions compatible with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and one benign cyst. One negative frozen section came back focally positive on final histopathology. All other surgical margins were negative. A mean difference of 3.0+/-2.0 g/dl in hemoglobin was noted in all patients. Minimal pain was noted at discharge following both laparoscopic and robotic single-port surgery (VAPS=1.7+/-1.2 vs 1+/-0.5/10).

SPL and SPR PN is feasible for select exophytic tumors. Robotics may improve surgical capabilities during single-port surgery.