ABSTRACT Purpose We investigated the association between preoperative proteinuria and early postoperative renal function after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1121 consecutive RPN cases at a single academic center from 2006 to 2016. Patients without pre-existing CKD (eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73m2) who had a urinalysis within 1-month prior to RPN were included. The cohort was categorized by the presence or absence of preoperative proteinuria (trace or greater (≥1+) urine dipstick), and groups were compared in terms of clinical and functional outcomes. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was assessed using RIFLE criteria. Univariate and multivariable models were used to identify factors associated with postoperative AKI. Results Of 947 patients, 97 (10.5%) had preoperative proteinuria. Characteristics associated with preoperative proteinuria included non-white race (p<0.01), preoperative diabetes (p<0.01) and hypertension (HTN) (p<0.01), higher ASA (p<0.01), higher BMI (p<0.01), and higher Charlson score (p<0.01). The incidence of AKI was higher in patients with preoperative proteinuria (10.3% vs. 4.6%, p=0.01). The median eGFR preservation measured within one month after surgery was lower (83.6% vs. 91%, p=0.04) in those with proteinuria; however, there were no significant differences by 3 months after surgery or last follow-up visit. Independent predictors of AKI were high BMI (p<0.01), longer ischemia time (p<0.01), and preoperative proteinuria (p=0.04). Conclusion Preoperative proteinuria by urine dipstick is an independent predictor of postoperative AKI after RPN. This test may be used to identify patients, especially those without overt CKD, who are at increased risk for developing AKI after RPN.

Purpose To investigate risk factors for urine leak in patients undergoing minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN) and to determine the role of intraoperative ureteral catheterization in preventing this postoperative complication. Materials and Methods MIPN procedures done from September 1999 to July 2012 at our Center were reviewed from our IRB-approved database. Patient and tumor characteristics, operative techniques and outcomes were analyzed. Patients with evidence of urine leak were identified. Outcomes were compared between patients with preoperative ureteral catheterization (C-group) and those without (NC-group). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors predicting postoperative urine leak. Results A total of 1,019 cases were included (452 robotic partial nephrectomy cases and 567 laparoscopic partial nephrectomy cases). Five hundred twenty eight patients (51.8%) were in the C-group, whereas 491 of them (48.2%) in the NC-group. Urine leak occurred in 31(3%) cases, 4.6% in the C-group and 1.4% in the NC-group (p<0.001). Tumors in NC-group had significantly higher RENAL score, shorter operative and warm ischemic times. On multivariable analysis, tumor proximity to collecting system (OR=9.2; p<0.01), surgeon’s early operative experience (OR=7.8; p<0.01) and preoperative moderate to severe CKD (OR=3.1; p<0.01) significantly increased the odds of the occurrence of a postoperative urine leak. Conclusion Clinically significant urine leak after MIPN in a high volume institution setting is uncommon. This event is more likely to occur in cases of renal masses that are close to the collecting system, in patients with preoperative CKD and when operating surgeon is still in the learning curve for the procedure. Our findings suggest that routine intraoperative ureteral catheterization during MIPN does not reduce the probability of postoperative urine leak. In addition, it adds to the overall operative time.

Introduction A duplicated renal collecting system is a relatively common congenital anomaly rarely presenting in adults. Aim In this video we demonstrate our step-by-step technique of Robotic heminephrectomy in a patient with non-functioning upper pole moiety. Materials and Methods Following cystoscopy and ureteral catheter insertion the patient was placed in 600 modified flank position with the ipsilateral arm positioned at the side of the patient. A straight-line, three arm robotic port configuration was employed. The robot was docked at a 90-degree angle, perpendicular to the patient. Following mobilization the colon and identifying both ureters of the duplicated system, the ureters were followed cephalically toward, hilar vessels where the hilar anatomy was identified. The nonfunctioning pole vasculature was ligated using hem-o-lok clips. The ureter was sharply divided and the proximal ureteral stump was passed posterior the renal hilum. Ureteral stump was used as for retraction and heminephrectomy is completed along the line demarcating the upper and lower pole moieties. Renorrhaphy was performed using 0-Vicryl suture with a CT-1 needle. The nonfunctioning pole ureter was then dissected caudally toward the bladder hiatus, ligated using clips, and transected. Results The operating time was 240 minutes and blood loss was 100 cc. There was no complication post-operatively. Conclusions Wrist articulation and degree of freedom offered by robotic platform facilitates successful performance of minimally invasive heminephrectomy in the setting of an atrophic and symptomatic renal segment.

Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is gaining acceptance and popularity among urologists all over the world. Early oncologic and functional results are encouraging. In this manuscript, we describe in detail both approaches for RARP and show the results of the robotic surgery program with over 300 RARP performed at our institution.

Objectives: The last decade has seen tremendous growth of surgical robotics. Popularized for radical prostatectomy, robotic techniques are now increasingly being applied to radical cystectomy. Herein, we review the development and current status of robotic radical cystectomy (RRC) in contemporary urological practice. Methods: Between 1995 and 2007 published literature was reviewed using the National Library of Medicine database and the following key words: robotic, robot-assisted, laparoscopic and cystectomy. Since the first report in 2003, nine published original reports were identified. These were evaluated with regards to the technique, advantages and disadvantages, perioperative and oncological outcomes. Our initial experience, as yet unpublished, is also described. Results: At this writing, all published papers on RRC are based on small number of patients with short-term follow-up. Nevertheless, they have demonstrated the technical feasibility of RRC with encouraging perioperative outcomes. Compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC), RRC appears to be associated with decreased blood loss, hospital stay and analgesic requirement. These advantages are also found with laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and are a function of the minimally invasive approach. The operating time is longer, markedly so when the bowel work is performed intracorporeally. Conclusions: RRC is in evolution. Technical feasibility has been demonstrated. Initial perioperative outcomes are encouraging. Oncological outcomes are awaited to identify the role of RRC in the management of bladder cancer. Multi-center prospective randomized trials comparing ORC with RRC and LRC are necessary.

Objetivos: En la última década hemos visto un tremendo crecimiento en la implantacion y desarrollo de los robots quirúrgicos. Popularizados por la prostatectomía radical, las técnicas robóticas están siendo, en la actualidad, muy aplicadas en la cistectomía radical. Trataremos aquí de revisar el desarrollo y estado actual de la cistectomía radical robótica (CRR) en la práctica contemporánea de la urología. Métodos: Se ha revisado toda la literatura publicada, entre 1995 y 2007, en la base de datos de la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina (MEDLINE) utilizando las palabras clave: robótica, asistido por robot, laparoscópica y cistectomía. Desde el primer trabajo en 2003, se han encontrado 9 originales publicados. Se valoraron con respecto a la técnica, ventajas y desventajas perioperatorias y resultados oncológicos. Describimos asimismo nuestra experiencia inicial, aún no publicada. Resultados: En este momento todos los artículos publicados sobre la CRR se basan en un número pequeño de pacientes con seguimientos a corto plazo. No obstante, demuestran la viabilidad de la CRR con resultados perioperatorios esperanzadores. Comparada con la cistectomía radical abierta (CRA), la CRR parece estar asociada con menor pérdida de sangre, estancia hospitalaria y necesidades analgésicas. Estas ventajas se encuentran asimismo en la cistectomía radical laparoscópica (CRL) y son una función del abordaje mínimamente invasivo. El tiempo quirúrgico es mayor, de forma considerable cuando el tiempo intestinal se realiza de manera intracorpórea. Conclusiones: La cistectomía radical robótica está en evolución. La viabilidad técnica ha sido demostrada. Los resultados perioperatorios iniciales son prometedores. Los resultados oncológicos esperan identificar el papel de la misma en el manejo del cáncer de vejiga. Se necesitan ensayos prospectivos y aleatorizados comparando la CRA con la CRR y la CRL.