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Integrating Robotics into Neurosurgery: Robot-Assisted Surgery for Retroperitoneal Nerve Sheath Tumors. Case Series
Alberto Ramponi1,2, Alessandro Versace1, Alberto Marco Vimercati1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, MB, Italy.
Operative Neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.)
|December 18, 2025
Summary
Robotic surgery for retroperitoneal Nerve Sheath Tumors (NSTs) offers benefits like less blood loss and shorter hospital stays. However, high costs and the learning curve are barriers to its widespread use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Robotics
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Robotic surgery is increasingly used in oncological procedures, demonstrating benefits like reduced blood loss and shorter hospital stays.
- Its application has expanded to resecting retroperitoneal Nerve Sheath Tumors (NSTs), enabling minimally invasive removal of large tumors in complex anatomical areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present initial experience with robotic resection of retroperitoneal NSTs.
- To conduct a systematic literature review focusing on intraoperative performance and long-term outcomes of robotic resection for these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Two patients underwent robot-assisted resection of benign retroperitoneal NSTs with intraoperative neuromonitoring.
- A systematic review identified 62 additional cases of robotic retroperitoneal NST resection to assess efficacy and outcomes.
Main Results:
- A total of 64 cases of robotic retroperitoneal NST resection were analyzed.
- Mean operative time was 1.95 hours, with average blood loss of 57.03 mL. Temporary neurological impairments occurred in 12.7%, and persistent deficits in 5.4%. Average hospital stay was 3.39 days.
Conclusions:
- Robotic resection of retroperitoneal NSTs shows promise for reduced blood loss, shorter operative times, and decreased hospital stays.
- Significant barriers to widespread adoption include high initial costs and the learning curve associated with the technology.
