Off-clamp robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy: surgical experience from a single centre

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is a minimally invasive treatment for localized renal tumours, which can sometimes result in extended warm ischaemic time and serious complications. This study reports on surgical outcomes including feasibility, positive margins, and complications during and after surgery.

From January 2011 to November 2022, a single centre performed off-clamp sutureless RAPN on 287 patients. The study recorded preoperative patient characteristics, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and tumour features according to the preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical (PADUA) classification, and utilized the RENAL nephrometry scoring system. Intraoperative details and complications were documented. Postoperative complications within 30 days were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Follow-up appointments were scheduled at 1, 3, and 6 months in the first year, followed by subsequent appointments every 6 months, and then annually.

The study included 145 males and 142 females, with a mean age of 58.9 years and a mean body mass index of 26.7 kg/m². The mean PADUA score was 8.3, the average console time was 83 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 280 mL. The average hospital stay was 3 days, and no intraoperative complications were observed. However, 4 patients (1.4%) experienced post-operative haemorrhage that required laparotomy (Clavien-Dindo stage IIIB), and 4 patients (1.4%) had positive surgical margins.

Off-clamp selective arterial clamping during minimally invasive partial nephrectomy is a safe and feasible approach for small renal tumours. Further randomized prospective studies are required to confirm if RAPN without clamping offers any renal functional benefits and reduces perioperative bleeding complications.