Initial experience of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy using the Senhance^® robotic system for renal cell carcinoma

The Senhance^® robotic system (TransEnterix, Morrisville, NC, USA), previously called the TELELAP Alf-X system, is a novel robotic system with a telesurgical concept. We herein describe our initial experience of Senhance^® assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with detailed figures and videos. Case 1: A left renal tumor was incidentally detected in a 52-year-old female on ultrasonography. Case 2: A right renal tumor was detected in a 67-year-old male with epigastric pain on computed tomography. They were referred for further examination and diagnosed with RCC (clinical T1bN0M0 and clinical T2aN0M0, respectively). Senhance^® assisted LRN was completed without conversion to conventional LRN or open surgery in both cases. The pneumoperitoneum time, console time and estimated blood loss in case 1 and case 2 were 173 min, 143 min and 3 mL, and 154 min, 122 min and 50 mL, respectively. The postoperative course was uneventful. Senhance^® assisted LRN for RCC was safely and precisely performed. Furthermore, the operator was comfortable during the surgery. Although further surgical experience and long-term follow-up are required to assess surgical and oncological outcomes, Senhance^® assisted LRN for RCC may be a promising procedure.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13691-021-00487-x.