Standardization of Surgical Outcome Across the Tumor Complexity Spectrum in Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Standardization of surgical steps or techniques can decrease error rates, increase efficiency, and ensure reproducible outcomes. In this study, we aimed to analyze the benefit of a standardized approach to robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) on the reproducibility of outcomes across different tumor complexities. A single-center study of patients who have undergone a transperitoneal robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer using the first assistant sparing technique between May 2014 and March 2022 was performed. Overall, 496 patients were included in the analysis. We compared clinical data and perioperative and postoperative outcomes for low, moderate, and high complexity score renal tumors. Tumor complexity was stratified using the Radius, Exophytic/Endophytic, Nearness to the collecting system or sinus, Anterior/Posterior, Location relative to the polar line nephrometry score. Data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test of Independence, and Fisher's exact test. Of the patients in the study, 54.64% were low tumor complexities (n = 271), 40.32% were moderate tumor complexities (n = 200), and 5.04% were high tumor complexities (n = 25). High tumor complexity patients had significantly longer operative time (149 minutes versus 137 minutes moderate complexity versus 125 minutes low complexity, P = .001), longer ischemia time (12 minutes versus 11 minutes intermediate versus 10 minutes low complexity, P = .0001), and significant reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (-12.58 mL/min/1.73 m² versus -5.51 mL/min/1.73 m² intermediate versus -3.08 mL/min/1.73 m² low complexity, P = .005). There was no significant difference in estimated blood loss (P = .074), blood transfusion rate (P = .454), postoperative complication rate (P = .527), surgical complication rate (P = .210), major complication rate (P = .098), length of hospital stay (P = .583), positive surgical margins (P = .872), and trifecta achievement (P = .740). Irrespective of tumor complexity, approaching RPN using a standardized approach will offer patients favorable perioperative outcomes. This approach has standardized our preoperative counseling, patient expectation, and postoperative surgical pathway across the tumor complexity spectrum.