Robot-assisted retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy: technique and perioperative results

Abstract Growing evidence supports the use of nephron-sparing techniques for the management of appropriately selected renal masses up to 7 cm. Compared with the surgical standard of open partial nephrectomy, minimally invasive approaches have demonstrated equivalent cancer control with reduced patient morbidity. Robot assistance has the potential to provide patients and physicians greater access to minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery. We describe a robot-assisted retroperitoneal approach for the management of posterior renal masses. Our early results suggest reduced perioperative morbidity with the ability to manage more complex tumors.