From open to robotic partial nephrectomy

The present study does not establish comparisons of the different techniques (open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery); rather, it analyzes the how, when and why of each of them from a historical perspective. This historical analysis begins in the late XIX century and extends up to the present time. The study examines the principles, the uncertainties regarding the feasibility of the techniques, the failures, the complications, the doubts about whether the right thing is being done, and the success of a surgical treatment which is presently beyond question. The historical account is summarized, since it covers a period of over one hundred years. It is the history written by innovating and inspired men and women who changed the course of the treatment of renal neoplastic disease.