Robotic and open partial nephrectomy for localized renal tumors larger than 7 cm: a single-center experience

To compare perioperative outcomes between robotic partial nephrectomy and open partial nephrectomy for localized >7 cm tumors.

We identified patients in our institutional review boards approved database who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy for treatment of renal tumors >7 cm in size between January 2009 and August 2015. The operative-postoperative outcomes and complications were compared between groups.

The number of patients with >7 cm renal tumors treated at our center with robotic partial nephrectomy and open partial nephrectomy were 54 and 56, respectively. Patients' demographics and tumor characteristics were similar between groups. Likewise, there were no significant difference between the groups in duration of operation, positive surgical margin rates and incidence of malignant disease rates. Median ischemia time was lower in robotic partial nephrectomy group (31.5 vs. 35 min., p = 0.02). Patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy had significantly lower intraoperative blood transfusion rates (9.4 vs. 30.4 %, p = 0.008) and shorter length of hospital stay (3.5 vs. 5.3 days, p < 0.001). The incidence of overall complications (robotic arm, 18.5 % vs. open arm, 28.6 %, p = 0.26) and major complications (robotic arm, 3.7 % vs. open arm, 12.5 %, p = 0.16) was comparable between the two groups. The readmission rate within 30-days after discharge was higher in open partial nephrectomy group (p = 0.03). There was no difference in the median percentage estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation and chronic kidney disease upstaging between groups.

Localized renal tumors >7 cm and amenable to partial nephrectomy can be considered suitable for robotic approach.