Robot-assisted anatrophic nephrolithotomy for complete staghorn stone.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Complete staghorn stones pose treatment challenges.
• Minimally invasive approaches are preferred for kidney stone removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of robot-assisted anatrophic nephrolithotomy (RANL) for complete staghorn stones.
• To assess stone burden reduction, kidney function, and pain scores after RANL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 10 patients undergoing RANL for complete staghorn stones.
• Procedure involved renal hilum dissection, vessel clamping, pyelotomy, stone extraction, and layered closure.
• Outcomes measured included stone-free rate, postoperative kidney function (eGFR), and pain.

Main Results:

• Mean warm ischemia time was 28.4 minutes, console time 137 minutes, with 83 mL blood loss.
• 50% of patients were completely stone-free, and 80% had >90% stone burden reduction.
• No significant decline in eGFR at 1 month and 1 year post-surgery; no severe complications.

Conclusions:

• RANL is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for complete staghorn stones.
• The procedure demonstrates good short- and long-term outcomes, including preserved renal function.