Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2025
Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: May 19, 2022
Robotic-assisted tumor enucleation versus standard margin partial nephrectomy: Perioperative, renal functional, and
Hiten D Patel1, Elizabeth L Koehne1, Keshava Gali1
1Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL.
Purpose:
Standard margin partial nephrectomy (SPN) with sharp incision across normal renal parenchyma carries perioperative morbidity and renal functional implications. Tumor enucleation (TE) is an alternative approach using a natural plane of dissection around the tumor pseudocapsule to maximize parenchymal preservation. We compared perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes for robotic-assisted TE to SPN.
Materials And Methods:
Patients ≥18 years of age undergoing robotic-assisted TE or SPN were included (2008-2020). Baseline demographics and tumor characteristics were compared. Perioperative, renal functional, and oncologic outcomes were assessed for comparative effectiveness.
Results:
A total of 467 patients were included with 176 (37.7%) TE and 291 (62.3%) SPN. Baseline characteristics and final histology were comparable; 18% of patients had baseline stage 3 chronic kidney disease. TE had lower median blood loss, operative time, length of stay, and fewer complications compared to SPN. Positive margin rates were higher for TE vs. SPN (8.5% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.04) with similar recurrence rates (2.3% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.48) and no difference in cancer-specific or overall survival with median 4.0 years follow-up. Baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was comparable (76.1 vs. 78.2, P = 0.63) while renal function in the first year was better preserved with TE (74.6 vs. 68.1, P < 0.001) showing an 8-point estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.001) advantage after adjustment. The rate of stage ≥3 chronic kidney disease by 12 months was lower for TE compared to SPN (21.5% vs. 34.1%, P = 0.006).
Conclusions:
TE is an alternative approach to SPN associated with favorable perioperative and renal functional outcomes. While positive margin rates are higher, longer-term recurrence rates are no different suggesting pseudocapsule disruption during TE has limited impact on oncologic outcomes.
