Computer-assisted robotic renal surgery

Computer-assisted robotic renal surgery (CARRS) is a minimally invasive surgical treatment option for renal tumors. We review the literature regarding techniques and outcomes and the potential advantages of CARRS. We retrospectively reviewed the literature regarding techniques and outcomes of CARRS, with specific analysis on robotic radical nephrectomy (RRN) and robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Multiple papers on RRN and RPN were found where the techniques were performed with either a transperitoneal or a retroperitoneal approach. Preliminary outcomes with RRN and RPN were at least comparable to those of a laparoscopic approach, with some parameters of RPN improved over the laparoscopic approach (warm ischemia time, length of hospital stay and estimated blood loss). CARRS is an emerging field with preliminary outcomes at least comparable to the laparoscopic approach. Large prospective, randomized trials are needed to assess the benefit of CARRS compared with current methods.