Impact of robotic partial nephrectomy with and without ischemia on renal functions: experience in 34 cases

In this study we aimed to compare renal functions in patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) with on-clamp and zero- ischemia techniques.

Between 2009 and 2015, 12 off-clamp and 22 on-clamp RPN procedures were performed on a total of 34 patients in two centers. The main outcome parameters examined were serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during preoperative, immediate postoperative periods, and at postoperative 3^rd months.

There were no statistically significant differences between on-clamp and zero- ischemia groups regarding age, ASA score, BMI, PADUA and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores, operation time and tumor size (p>0.05). Significant differences were found in the duration of hospital stay (3.8±0.9 days vs. 3.0±0.9 days) and amount of blood loss (85.9±49.6 mL vs. 183.3±176.2 mL) between the on-clamp and zero-ischemia groups (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and immediate post-operative periods, in terms of eGFR and serum creatinine levels in both groups. Moreover, statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and postoperative 3^rd month periods, in the on-clamp group in terms of eGFR and serum creatinine levels. In the zero-ischemia group, the decrease in eGFR and serum creatinine levels at postoperative 3^rd month relative to the preoperative period was not statistically significant.

Off-clamp RPN technique is superior, in short-term outcomes involving renal functions, compared to on clamp approach. However, long- term data regarding the renal functions should be evaluated to arrive at a definitive decision.