Jump to content

Robotic kidney surgery: Difference between revisions

From IdeaWazaWiki
wikademia>Crogers1
No edit summary
wikademia>Eme
mNo edit summary
 
(14 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
Kidney surgery is traditionally performed as an open surgery, which requires a large incision and possibly removal of a rib, which causes greater pain. Robotic kidney surgery requires is minimally invasive because it uses robotic arms to perform the surgery.  
Kidney surgery is traditionally performed as an open surgery, which requires a large incision and possibly removal of a rib, which causes greater pain. Robotic kidney surgery requires is minimally invasive because it uses robotic arms to perform the surgery.


== Background ==
Surgical resection is the gold standard for treatment of renal cell carcinoma, and partial nephrectomy (PN) is the treatment of choice for tumors smaller than 4 cm in size.<ref>Ljungberg, B., Hanbury, D. C., Kuczyk, M. A. et al.: Renal cell carcinoma guideline. Eur Urol, 51: 1502, 2007</ref> Laparoscopic PN is a viable alternative to traditional open PN as it has been shown to achieve good long-term cancer cure and renal function results.<ref>Allaf, M. E., Bhayani, S. B., Rogers, C. et al.: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: evaluation of long-term oncological outcome. J Urol, 172: 871, 2004</ref><ref>Lane, B. R., Gill, I. S.: 5-Year outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. J Urol, 177: 70, 2007</ref><ref>Gill, I. S., Kavoussi, L. R., Lane, B. R. et al.: Comparison of 1,800 laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomies for single renal tumors. J Urol, 178: 41, 2007</ref> The introduction of the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., SunnyVale, CA) with wristed instruments and magnified, 3-dimensional vision may facilitate some of the technical challenges during laparoscopy including intracoporial suturing and renal reconstruction. Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is still in its infancy compared to laparoscopy.  The technique of RPN is still evolving and a number of institutions have recently reported their results.<ref>Caruso, R. P., Phillips, C. K., Kau, E. et al.: Robot assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: initial experience. J Urol, 176: 36, 2006</ref><ref>Stifelman, M. D., Caruso, R. P., Nieder, A. M. et al.: Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Jsls, 9: 83, 2005</ref><ref>Rogers, C. G., Menon, M.,  Weise, E. S., Gettman, M. T., Frank, I.,  Shephard, D. L., Abrahams, H. M.,  Green, J. M., Savatta, D. J., Bhayani, S. B.: Robotic partial nephrectomy: a multi-institutional analysis. J Robotic Surg, 2: 141, 2008</ref><ref>Kaul, S., Laungani, R., Sarle, R. et al.: Da vinci-assisted robotic partial nephrectomy: technique and results at a mean of 15 months of follow-up. Eur Urol, 51: 186, 2007</ref><ref>Phillips, C. K., Taneja, S. S., Stifelman, M. D.: Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: the NYU technique. J Endourol, 19: 441, 2005</ref><ref>Gettman, M. T., Blute, M. L., Chow, G. K. et al.: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: technique and initial clinical experience with DaVinci robotic system. Urology, 64: 914, 2004</ref>


== How Robotic Kidney Surgery Works <ref>http://www.kidneyrobotics.com/Kidney_Robotics/About_Robotic_Kidney_Surgery.html</ref>==
== How Robotic Kidney Surgery Works <ref>http://www.kidneyrobotics.com/Kidney_Robotics/About_Robotic_Kidney_Surgery.html</ref>==
Line 27: Line 30:
• Less blood loss<br />
• Less blood loss<br />


== Potential Risks and Complications <ref>Patel MN, Menon M, Rogers CG. Robotic partial nephrectomy: benchmarks of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to beat. Urol Oncol, in press.</ref>==
Robotic assistance offers the surgeon a number of tools to aid with the technical challenges of LPN. Articulating instruments and magnified 3-dimensional vision facilitate precise tumor excision and renal reconstruction during robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) while minimizing warm ischemia times.  Radiographic images can also be integrated onto the console screen with the TilePro feature to guide tumor localization and resection.  
Although complications are uncommon, there are risks and potential complications with any surgical procedure.<br /><br />
The literature for RPN is showing promising results. Multiple small, single-institution studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of RPN.  A larger multi-institutional study of 148 RPN procedures performed by 9 surgeons beginning their initial experience in RPN confirmed safety and feasibility of RPN, with early oncologic results and perioperative outcomes comparable to more mature reports for OPN and LPN.<ref>Rogers CG, Menon M, Weise ES, et al. Robotic partial nephrectomy: a multi-institutional analysis J Robotic Surg 2008; 2:141-3.</ref>  
'''Bleeding resulting in hematoma or blood transfusion'''<br />
Blood loss during this procedure is minimal and only rarely is a blood transfusion necessary.  One of the many benefits of the robotic approach is minimal loss of blood.  Because of this, we do not recommend donating your own blood before surgery.<br /><br />
'''Infection'''<br />
All patients are treated with antibiotics prior to starting the surgery to decrease the chance of infection.<br /><br />
'''Hernia'''<br />
Although uncommon, it is possible at the incision site.<br /><br />
'''Tissue/organ injury'''<br />
Although uncommon, possible injury to surrounding tissue and organs including bowel, vascular structures, spleen, liver, pancreas and gallbladder could require further surgery.<br /><br />
'''Conversion to open surgery'''<br />
This surgical procedure may require conversion to the standard open operation if difficulty is encountered during the robotic procedure.  This could result in a larger standard open incision and possibly a longer recuperation period.<br /><br />
'''Urine leak'''<br />
After a partial nephrectomy, you may have a drainage tube that comes out of one of the port sites on your abdomen that drains blood tinged fluid.  It is usually removed before discharge.  If persistent drainage occurs, you may go home with the drain and have it removed in your doctor’s office.
 
== Recommendations ==
Bringing a few items with you may assist with your pre-operative and post-operative care.
 
'''Pre-Operative Recommendations'''<br />
''Clear liquids and soft diet foods'': clear liquids such as the pre-packaged Jell-O, chicken/beef broth soups, or juices (no pop or carbonated beverages).  The Soft diet foods that are allowed are oatmeal or cream of wheat packets, fruits such as bananas, peaches pears, and/or sandwich items. It may be more convenient if you bring these items with you on your trip to Detroit if you do not have a vehicle and/or feel uncomfortable in an unknown area.  


'''Post-Operative Recommendations'''<br />
== Surgical Steps ==
''Loose Fitting Clothes'': such as a drawstring or elastic waist pants.


''Polysporin Ointment or Neosporin and Pain Ointment and/or Astroglide'': to apply to port sites after bandages have been removed or fallen off.
'''Step 1: Trocar Placement'''<br />
A 12 mm port for the da Vinci camera can be placed laterally using a 0o or 30o angle up scope<ref>Kaul, S., Laungani, R., Sarle, R. et al.: Da vinci-assisted robotic partial nephrectomy: technique and results at a mean of 15 months of follow-up. Eur Urol, 51: 186, 2007</ref> <ref>Badani, K. K., Muhletaler, F., Fumo, M. et al.: Optimizing robotic renal surgery: the lateral camera port placement technique and current results. J Endourol, 22: 507, 2008</ref>or medialy using a 0o or 30o down scope.<ref>Rogers, C. G., Singh, A., Blatt, A. M. et al.: Robotic partial nephrectomy for complex renal tumors: surgical technique. Eur Urol, 53: 514, 2008</ref>  With a medial camera position, two 8 mm da Vinci ports are placed under vision approximately 5-6 cm away from the camera.  These three ports are triangulated towards the renal hilum.  With a lateral camera position, the ports are more in a line that is perpendicular to the line drawn from the camera port to the hilum.  A port for the fourth robotic arm may be placed approximately 4-5 fingerbreadths medially to the most caudal robotic instrument port.  A 12mm assistant port is placed near the umbilicus or lateral to the rectus in obese patients.  An optional 5 mm assistant port can be placed below 12 mm port if necessary.  For right sided cases, a 5mm subxiphoid port can be placed for retraction.  The robot is docked posteriorly at approximately a 20o angle towards the head of the patient.


''Stool Softener'': Senokot-S or Pericolace have been good choices for patients in the past.   
'''Step 2: Medial Mobilization of the Bowel'''<br />
The colon must be mobilized medially to expose the kidney.  The Line of Toldt is incised lateral to the colon by cutting the superficial layer of peritoneum.  The colon is retracted medially by the assistant while the relatively avascular plane between the posterior mesocolon and anterior Gerota’s fascia is developed.  This dissection is continued to the upper pole of the kideny.  The perinephric fat under Gerota’s can be distinguished from mesenteric fat by its paler yellow color.  This difference in color may help orient the surgeon if the dissection leaves the desired plane.  Care is taken not to use cautery near the colon to avoid a thermal injury.   


''Milk of Magnesia (MoM)'': for constipation.
'''Step 3: Identify Anatomical Landmarks'''<br />
A plane is developed between the packet containing the ureter and gonadal vein, and the psoas muscle.  Gerota’s fascia is grasped and the kidney is lifted anteriorly to help expose the ureter and gonadal vein.  The fourth robotic arm can be used to help lift the kidney and ureter to facilitate dissection.  The ureter and gonadal vein are identified, and traced to the renal hilum.  


''Tylenol'': You may prefer an over-the-counter medication post-operatively.
'''Step 4: Hilar Dissection'''<br />
The hilum is identified by tracing the gonadal vein superiorly.  On the left, the gonadal is traced to its insertion in the renal vein.  On the right, the gonadal is traced to the vena cava, then followed to the renal vein.  Once the renal vein is identified, the renal artery is dissected.  The artery usually sits behind the vein, and visualization of arterial pulsations may aid in identifying its exact location.  The hilar vessels are dissected and small venous branches and lymphatics are divided.  Dissection may be facilitated by using the fourth robotic arm to retract the kidney laterally placing the renal hilum on stretch.
== Post-Operative Recommendations <ref>Patel MN, Kaul SA, Laungani R, Eun D, Bhandari M, Menon M, Rogers CG. Retroperitoneal robotic renal surgery: technique and early results. J Robotic Surg, 3(1), 1-5, 2009.</ref>==
'''Diet'''<br />
When under anesthesia, your digestive system is put to rest.  Once awake, your digestive system may take some time to return to normal function.  As a precaution, your diet should be modified to avoid any foods that may irritate the lining of the stomach and cause abdominal discomfort or distention (bloating).  Foods that tend to cause irritation contain high amounts of fiber and should be avoided.  A soft diet is low in fiber, lightly seasoned, and easy to digest.  This diet should be followed until your first bowel movement occurs.  After that, high-fiber foods can slowly be reintroduced as tolerated.<br />
You can expect to have an intravenous catheter (IV) in for 1-2 days. (An IV is a small tube placed into your vein so that you can receive necessary fluids and stay well hydrated until you are able to tolerate a diet; in addition it provides a way to receive medications).  Most patients are able to tolerate liquids the day after surgery and advance to regular food by the next day.  Once on a regular diet, pain medication can be given by mouth instead of by IV.<br />
When you resume a regular diet, eat small frequent meals, aiming for 5-6 small meals per day.  Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.  Bloating may continue for 2-3 weeks after surgery and gas-producing foods such as onions, broccoli and/or bean products should be avoided.  Avoid lying down immediately after eating, allowing at least 30-60 minutes for digestion to reduce the risk of reflux.<br />
Avoid carbonated beverages and excessive dairy products during this time.<br />


<br />'''Activity Level'''<br />
Step 5:  Tumor Identification
It is good for you to walk around.  You can do as much walking and stair climbing as you can tolerate.<br />
A flexible laparoscopic ultrasound is introduced through the 12 mm assistant port.  Intraoperative ultrasound images and preoperative radiographic imaging can be displayed on the console screen as a picture on picture display using the TilePro feature of the da Vinci S system.  The tumor is identified and Gerota’s fascia is opened over the tumor.  The perinephric fat over the tumor is removed and sent to pathology as a frozen section. Adequate fat is removed to expose normal parenchyma on all sides of the tumor to facilitate future capsular reconstruction. The ultrasound probe is again used to demarcate the tumor margins and depth. Cautery is used to score the renal capsule demarking the planes of resection.
Do not sit in one place for longer than 45 minutes at a time. <br />
Wait 4 weeks to resume biking, weight lifting, and resistant exercises such as abdominal crunches and leg squats. <br />
Do not lift, pull or push anything greater than 30lbs until 4 weeks after surgery.<br />
Light gym activity such as treadmill/elliptical, swimming, or golf are permitted at 3 weeks after surgery. <br />
You may take a shower 48 hours after surgery.  <br />


<br />'''Skin Integrity'''<br />
'''Step 6:  Hilar Clamping'''<br />
You will have about 4-6 port sites (small incisions that we perform the surgery through) that will have steri strips (small pieces of tape) and Band-Aids and/or dry gauze dressings over them.<br />
Prior to clamping, ensure that all stitches and instruments are available for resection and renal reconstruction in order to minimize warm ischemia time. Ensure there is adequate CO2 for insufflation and that the patient has received 12.5g of manitol for osmotic diuresis.
Band-Aids and dressings at navel area may come off in 48 hours. Steri strips may also come off as early as 48 hours post-surgery or they may stay in place until you are seen in clinic.<br />
There are two commonly used methods for hilar clamping, laparoscopic bulldog clamps, and a Statinsky clamp.  Laparoscopic bulldog clamps are placed by the assistant through the 12 mm port.  The artery is test clamped to ensure the entire vessel can be occluded.  The renal artery is clamped first, followed by the renal vein.  If the tumor is small or exophytic, the renal artery alone may be clamped.
Once your dressings are off, it is not uncommon to have a very small amount of drainage from where your dressings were.  There are generally no staples or stitches to be taken out.  You may use an over the counter antibiotic ointment on the small incisions once your dressings/Band-Aids are off.<br />
If individual dissection of the renal vessels is difficult, en bloc clamping of the hilum can be performed with a Statinsky clamp.  This clamp should be placed parallel to the aorta and inferior vena cava.  Use of the Statinsky requires a dedicated port, therefore the assistant must be able to perform all tasks through a single port, or an additional port must be placed.  Care must be taken to avoid movement of the clamp or collision with any of the robotic arms as this may cause injury to the renal vessels.
One port site may have a drain coming out of it.  When this drain is removed you will have a small hole that may drain for a few days.  Keep a dry gauze dressing over this area until it stops draining.  You may change it daily and more often as necessary.<br />
It is normal to have some bruising of the skin on your abdominal wall.  This can develop anywhere from 1-5 days out from surgery.  Although it can look scary, it is rarely anything to worry about and resolves in a few weeks.<br />
'''Step 7: Tumor Excision'''<br />
Cold excision with monopolar scissors is used along the demarcated margins to remove the tumor.  As cancer cure is the primary concern, a small margin of normal parenchyma is also exicsed.  If the tumor is entered, the scissors are backed up and the plane of excision is corrected.  A ureteral catheter is not can be placed prior to surgery, however we do not routinely place them as the collecting system can be visualized sufficiently with the improved magnification of the robotic camera.  During excision, the assistant uses a suction tip to clear any blood in the surgical field as well as apply counter traction on the renal parenchyma to help delineate the plane of resection.  Once the tumor is removed, it is placed out of the way for later retrieval.


<br />'''Drain'''<br />
'''Step 8: Renal Reconstruction'''<br />
You may have a drainage tube that comes out of one of the port sites on your abdomen.  This will drain blood tinged fluid.  It is usually removed before discharge. You will be instructed on how to care for it and when it will be removed.<br />
The robotic instruments are replaced with a needle drivers.  We currently prefer a needle driver in the right hand, and Prograsp Forceps in the left.  Prograsp Forceps allow for effective grasping of needles and sutures, and can throw stitches if the right arm is occupied.
a) Inner Layer Closure
A 3-0 or 4-0 vicryl on a RB-1 or SH needle is used to repair any entry into the collecting system and achieve hemostasis.  A running baseball stitch starting at the far end of the defect and working towards the camera is performed.  The end of the suture is prepared with a preplaced Lapra-Ty to avoid knot tying, and another Lapra-Ty is placed by the assistant to secure the stitch when the suturing is completed.  If bleeding continues, additional stitches are placed as needed.
b) Capsule Reconstruction
0-vicryl sutures on a CT-1 needle, cut to a length of 5 inches are prepared with a weck clip on the outer end secured with a Lapra-Ty and knot.  Interrupted stitches are placed to help reapproximate the capsular edges starting at the far side of the defect and working toward the camera.  The stitches are secured with weck clips which are slid down the suture by the console surgeon to apply appropriate tension.<ref>Bhayani, S. B., Figenshau, R. S.: The Washington University Renorrhaphy for robotic partial nephrectomy: a detailed description of the technique displayed at the 2008 World Robotic Urologic Symposium. J Robotic Surg, 2: 139, 2008</ref>  The interrupted stitches with a weck clip spreads the force of the suture over a larger surface area allowing stitches to be cinched tighter for a closer reapproximation of the edges and better hemostasis.  Large bites of capsule are taken to ensure the suture does not rip through.  If the defect is large, Surgicel bolsters can be positioned under the sutures with a hemostatic agent such as Floseal.  After clamp removal, Lapra-Ty clips are placed by the assistant on the capsular stitches next to the weck clips to secure them.  The sutures are cut and the needles are removed.


<br />'''Urinary Catheter''' (also called a Foley Catheter)<br />
'''Step 9: Removal of Hilar Clamps'''<br />
During surgery you will have a urinary catheter placed in your bladder. A urinary catheter is a tube carrying urine from your bladder to the outside of your body into a bag. This urinary catheter is usually removed 1-2 days after surgery.  It is not uncommon to have blood-tinged urine for a few days after surgery.<br />
Following reconstruction of the renal defect, the hilar clamps are removed.  The venous clamp is removed first followed by flashing of the arterial clamp to confirm hemostasis.  Hemostasis can also be tested by reducing the pneumoperitoneum to 5 mmHg.  If oozing continues, pressure can be applied by a laparoscopic sponge.  Another 12.5g of manitol is given once the clamps are removed.
                                                                                                                                                       
<br />'''Medications'''<br />
Resume all of your preoperative medications with the exception of blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin in addition to vitamins and supplements.  These may be resumed about 1 week after surgery.<br />
You will be given a narcotic prescription for your incisional pain, which you may need for a few days after discharge.  After that, Tylenol should be sufficient to control your pain.<br />
Continue a stool softener for 2 weeks after surgery.  All narcotic pain medications are constipating and a stool softener will help to prevent this.<br />


<br />'''Clothing'''<br />
'''Step 10: Specimen Retrieval and Closure'''<br />
After surgery, your abdomen will be bloated and it may be difficult to fit into your regular button pants. It is recommended that you wear elastic or draw-string waist pants for comfort.<br />
The specimen is retrieved from the pelvis and placed into an extraction bag inserted through the 12 mm assistant port.  A Jackson-Pratt drain may be placed through the fourth robotic arm port and is secured with a nylon suture.  The 12mm assistant port incision is extended to removed to tumor specimen.  The fascia of the incision is closed with interrupted 0- braided polyester sutures.  The skin is closed with 4-0 braided polyglactin, subcuticular sutures and sterile strips.
 
<br />'''Recovery Time'''<br />
The hospital stay usually lasts about 48 hours. This can vary, however, depending on how each individual recovers.<br />
You will be seen in the clinic (K-9) about 2-3 weeks following surgery.<br />
Many patients are able to return to light work within a few weeks after robotic kidney surgery, depending on the type of work.  Long-term disability is not necessary after this procedure since complications are rare and recovery is relatively short.  Any further time off will be recommended if medically necessary.<br />
 
== Post-Operative Complications ==
'''Post-operative Pain'''<br />
Pain medication can be given in the hospital via an intravenous catheter or by medication taken by mouth or by an injection (pain shot) administered by the nursing staff.  You may experience some minor transient shoulder pain (1-2 days) related to gas used in inflate your abdomen during the laparoscopic surgery.  You will take oral pain medications as needed after discharge.<br />
<br />
'''Bruising and Blisters around the incision sites'''<br />
Not uncommon and should not alarm you.  This will resolve over time.<br />
<br />
'''Abdominal Distention, Constipation or Nausea'''<br />
You may experience sluggish bowels for several days. Make sure you are taking your stool softener as directed. If you don’t have a bowel movement or pass gas or are feeling uncomfortable 24 hours after surgery, you may try taking Milk of Magnesia (2-4 tbsp) as directed on the bottle.  If this is ineffective you may use a Dulcolax suppository as directed.  You may experience some nausea immediately after surgery related to the anesthesia.  Medication is available to treat persistent nausea.<br />
<br />
'''Weight Gain'''<br />
Do not be alarmed. This is temporary due to the gas and fluid shifts. Your weight will return to normal 2-3 weeks after surgery.<br />
<br />
'''Fatigue'''<br />
This is common and should subside in a few weeks.<br />
<br />
'''Lower leg/ankle swelling'''<br />
This is not abnormal if it occurs in both legs. Elevating your legs should help.  Call us if the swelling occurs in one leg or you experience calf pain.
 
== Symptoms to Report ==
• Fever greater than 101º F<br />
• Chills<br />
• Nausea or Vomiting<br />
• Dark red urine that does not clear with rest/fluids<br />
• Severe abdominal cramps or spasms<br />


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
Line 132: Line 77:
== References ==
== References ==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Surgery]]

Latest revision as of 07:13, 9 May 2011

Kidney surgery is traditionally performed as an open surgery, which requires a large incision and possibly removal of a rib, which causes greater pain. Robotic kidney surgery requires is minimally invasive because it uses robotic arms to perform the surgery.

Background

Surgical resection is the gold standard for treatment of renal cell carcinoma, and partial nephrectomy (PN) is the treatment of choice for tumors smaller than 4 cm in size.[1] Laparoscopic PN is a viable alternative to traditional open PN as it has been shown to achieve good long-term cancer cure and renal function results.[2][3][4] The introduction of the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., SunnyVale, CA) with wristed instruments and magnified, 3-dimensional vision may facilitate some of the technical challenges during laparoscopy including intracoporial suturing and renal reconstruction. Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is still in its infancy compared to laparoscopy. The technique of RPN is still evolving and a number of institutions have recently reported their results.[5][6][7][8][9][10]

How Robotic Kidney Surgery Works [11]

Conventional laparoscopy, robotic kidney surgery less invasive but limits the surgeon’s dexterity, visualization and control compared to open surgery. When performing a robotic kidney surgery, the surgeon sits at a console and controls the movements of miniature instruments and a tiny camera on the end of robotic arms inserted through several small incisions in the body. The robot cannot be programmed nor can it make decisions on its own; it is under the complete control of the surgeon at all times.

Precision
The precision and dexterity of the miniature robotic instruments allow the surgeon to perform complex steps of tumor resection and kidney reconstruction with greater accuracy.


3-Dimensional Optics
Standard laparoscopic surgery uses one single camera and limits a surgeon’s vision to a 2-D view similar to watching your television. Some robotic cameras consist of two high resolution fiber optic cameras which produce a 3-dimensional color picture for the surgeon. Magnification of up to twelve times can be achieved with these cameras, whose position is precisely controlled using a robotic arm.

Different Types of Robotic Kidney Surgery

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy[12]
Partial nephrectomy removes the kidney tumor while preserving the normal and unaffected portion of the kidney, thus preventing the loss of the entire kidney. The kidney tumor must be cut out precisely to ensure complete removal. The area of the kidney that has been cut out must be closed with complex surgical techniques. Robotic assistance can allow the surgeon to perform these complex steps with greater ease and precision. Robotic partial nephrectomy can provide a minimally invasive, kidney spariwng option for kidney tumors, avoiding the potential need for a total nephrectomy or open surgery An advantage of removing only the tumor from the kidney instead of removing the entire kidney is that the patient will have more normal kidney remaining, with a lower chance of long term kidney failure, dialysis, or other medical problems.


Robotic Radical Nephrectomy
Robotic surgery to remove the entire kidney for large tumors or disease involving the entire kidney.

Possible Advantages to Robotic Kidney Surgery [13]

• Less pain
• Fewer complications
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery
• Less scarring
• Less blood loss

Robotic assistance offers the surgeon a number of tools to aid with the technical challenges of LPN. Articulating instruments and magnified 3-dimensional vision facilitate precise tumor excision and renal reconstruction during robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) while minimizing warm ischemia times. Radiographic images can also be integrated onto the console screen with the TilePro feature to guide tumor localization and resection. The literature for RPN is showing promising results. Multiple small, single-institution studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of RPN. A larger multi-institutional study of 148 RPN procedures performed by 9 surgeons beginning their initial experience in RPN confirmed safety and feasibility of RPN, with early oncologic results and perioperative outcomes comparable to more mature reports for OPN and LPN.[14]

Surgical Steps

Step 1: Trocar Placement
A 12 mm port for the da Vinci camera can be placed laterally using a 0o or 30o angle up scope[15] [16]or medialy using a 0o or 30o down scope.[17] With a medial camera position, two 8 mm da Vinci ports are placed under vision approximately 5-6 cm away from the camera. These three ports are triangulated towards the renal hilum. With a lateral camera position, the ports are more in a line that is perpendicular to the line drawn from the camera port to the hilum. A port for the fourth robotic arm may be placed approximately 4-5 fingerbreadths medially to the most caudal robotic instrument port. A 12mm assistant port is placed near the umbilicus or lateral to the rectus in obese patients. An optional 5 mm assistant port can be placed below 12 mm port if necessary. For right sided cases, a 5mm subxiphoid port can be placed for retraction. The robot is docked posteriorly at approximately a 20o angle towards the head of the patient.

Step 2: Medial Mobilization of the Bowel
The colon must be mobilized medially to expose the kidney. The Line of Toldt is incised lateral to the colon by cutting the superficial layer of peritoneum. The colon is retracted medially by the assistant while the relatively avascular plane between the posterior mesocolon and anterior Gerota’s fascia is developed. This dissection is continued to the upper pole of the kideny. The perinephric fat under Gerota’s can be distinguished from mesenteric fat by its paler yellow color. This difference in color may help orient the surgeon if the dissection leaves the desired plane. Care is taken not to use cautery near the colon to avoid a thermal injury.

Step 3: Identify Anatomical Landmarks
A plane is developed between the packet containing the ureter and gonadal vein, and the psoas muscle. Gerota’s fascia is grasped and the kidney is lifted anteriorly to help expose the ureter and gonadal vein. The fourth robotic arm can be used to help lift the kidney and ureter to facilitate dissection. The ureter and gonadal vein are identified, and traced to the renal hilum.

Step 4: Hilar Dissection
The hilum is identified by tracing the gonadal vein superiorly. On the left, the gonadal is traced to its insertion in the renal vein. On the right, the gonadal is traced to the vena cava, then followed to the renal vein. Once the renal vein is identified, the renal artery is dissected. The artery usually sits behind the vein, and visualization of arterial pulsations may aid in identifying its exact location. The hilar vessels are dissected and small venous branches and lymphatics are divided. Dissection may be facilitated by using the fourth robotic arm to retract the kidney laterally placing the renal hilum on stretch.

Step 5: Tumor Identification A flexible laparoscopic ultrasound is introduced through the 12 mm assistant port. Intraoperative ultrasound images and preoperative radiographic imaging can be displayed on the console screen as a picture on picture display using the TilePro feature of the da Vinci S system. The tumor is identified and Gerota’s fascia is opened over the tumor. The perinephric fat over the tumor is removed and sent to pathology as a frozen section. Adequate fat is removed to expose normal parenchyma on all sides of the tumor to facilitate future capsular reconstruction. The ultrasound probe is again used to demarcate the tumor margins and depth. Cautery is used to score the renal capsule demarking the planes of resection.

Step 6: Hilar Clamping
Prior to clamping, ensure that all stitches and instruments are available for resection and renal reconstruction in order to minimize warm ischemia time. Ensure there is adequate CO2 for insufflation and that the patient has received 12.5g of manitol for osmotic diuresis. There are two commonly used methods for hilar clamping, laparoscopic bulldog clamps, and a Statinsky clamp. Laparoscopic bulldog clamps are placed by the assistant through the 12 mm port. The artery is test clamped to ensure the entire vessel can be occluded. The renal artery is clamped first, followed by the renal vein. If the tumor is small or exophytic, the renal artery alone may be clamped. If individual dissection of the renal vessels is difficult, en bloc clamping of the hilum can be performed with a Statinsky clamp. This clamp should be placed parallel to the aorta and inferior vena cava. Use of the Statinsky requires a dedicated port, therefore the assistant must be able to perform all tasks through a single port, or an additional port must be placed. Care must be taken to avoid movement of the clamp or collision with any of the robotic arms as this may cause injury to the renal vessels.

Step 7: Tumor Excision
Cold excision with monopolar scissors is used along the demarcated margins to remove the tumor. As cancer cure is the primary concern, a small margin of normal parenchyma is also exicsed. If the tumor is entered, the scissors are backed up and the plane of excision is corrected. A ureteral catheter is not can be placed prior to surgery, however we do not routinely place them as the collecting system can be visualized sufficiently with the improved magnification of the robotic camera. During excision, the assistant uses a suction tip to clear any blood in the surgical field as well as apply counter traction on the renal parenchyma to help delineate the plane of resection. Once the tumor is removed, it is placed out of the way for later retrieval.

Step 8: Renal Reconstruction
The robotic instruments are replaced with a needle drivers. We currently prefer a needle driver in the right hand, and Prograsp Forceps in the left. Prograsp Forceps allow for effective grasping of needles and sutures, and can throw stitches if the right arm is occupied. a) Inner Layer Closure A 3-0 or 4-0 vicryl on a RB-1 or SH needle is used to repair any entry into the collecting system and achieve hemostasis. A running baseball stitch starting at the far end of the defect and working towards the camera is performed. The end of the suture is prepared with a preplaced Lapra-Ty to avoid knot tying, and another Lapra-Ty is placed by the assistant to secure the stitch when the suturing is completed. If bleeding continues, additional stitches are placed as needed. b) Capsule Reconstruction 0-vicryl sutures on a CT-1 needle, cut to a length of 5 inches are prepared with a weck clip on the outer end secured with a Lapra-Ty and knot. Interrupted stitches are placed to help reapproximate the capsular edges starting at the far side of the defect and working toward the camera. The stitches are secured with weck clips which are slid down the suture by the console surgeon to apply appropriate tension.[18] The interrupted stitches with a weck clip spreads the force of the suture over a larger surface area allowing stitches to be cinched tighter for a closer reapproximation of the edges and better hemostasis. Large bites of capsule are taken to ensure the suture does not rip through. If the defect is large, Surgicel bolsters can be positioned under the sutures with a hemostatic agent such as Floseal. After clamp removal, Lapra-Ty clips are placed by the assistant on the capsular stitches next to the weck clips to secure them. The sutures are cut and the needles are removed.

Step 9: Removal of Hilar Clamps
Following reconstruction of the renal defect, the hilar clamps are removed. The venous clamp is removed first followed by flashing of the arterial clamp to confirm hemostasis. Hemostasis can also be tested by reducing the pneumoperitoneum to 5 mmHg. If oozing continues, pressure can be applied by a laparoscopic sponge. Another 12.5g of manitol is given once the clamps are removed.

Step 10: Specimen Retrieval and Closure
The specimen is retrieved from the pelvis and placed into an extraction bag inserted through the 12 mm assistant port. A Jackson-Pratt drain may be placed through the fourth robotic arm port and is secured with a nylon suture. The 12mm assistant port incision is extended to removed to tumor specimen. The fascia of the incision is closed with interrupted 0- braided polyester sutures. The skin is closed with 4-0 braided polyglactin, subcuticular sutures and sterile strips.

See Also

Nephrectomy
da Vinci Surgical System

References

  1. ↑ Ljungberg, B., Hanbury, D. C., Kuczyk, M. A. et al.: Renal cell carcinoma guideline. Eur Urol, 51: 1502, 2007
  2. ↑ Allaf, M. E., Bhayani, S. B., Rogers, C. et al.: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: evaluation of long-term oncological outcome. J Urol, 172: 871, 2004
  3. ↑ Lane, B. R., Gill, I. S.: 5-Year outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. J Urol, 177: 70, 2007
  4. ↑ Gill, I. S., Kavoussi, L. R., Lane, B. R. et al.: Comparison of 1,800 laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomies for single renal tumors. J Urol, 178: 41, 2007
  5. ↑ Caruso, R. P., Phillips, C. K., Kau, E. et al.: Robot assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: initial experience. J Urol, 176: 36, 2006
  6. ↑ Stifelman, M. D., Caruso, R. P., Nieder, A. M. et al.: Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Jsls, 9: 83, 2005
  7. ↑ Rogers, C. G., Menon, M., Weise, E. S., Gettman, M. T., Frank, I., Shephard, D. L., Abrahams, H. M., Green, J. M., Savatta, D. J., Bhayani, S. B.: Robotic partial nephrectomy: a multi-institutional analysis. J Robotic Surg, 2: 141, 2008
  8. ↑ Kaul, S., Laungani, R., Sarle, R. et al.: Da vinci-assisted robotic partial nephrectomy: technique and results at a mean of 15 months of follow-up. Eur Urol, 51: 186, 2007
  9. ↑ Phillips, C. K., Taneja, S. S., Stifelman, M. D.: Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: the NYU technique. J Endourol, 19: 441, 2005
  10. ↑ Gettman, M. T., Blute, M. L., Chow, G. K. et al.: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: technique and initial clinical experience with DaVinci robotic system. Urology, 64: 914, 2004
  11. ↑ http://www.kidneyrobotics.com/Kidney_Robotics/About_Robotic_Kidney_Surgery.html
  12. ↑ Patel MN, Bhandari M, Menon M, Rogers CG. Robotic assisted partial nephrectomy – Has it come of age? Indian Journal of Urology, in press.
  13. ↑ Patel MN, Bhandari M, Menon M, Rogers CG. Robotic assisted partial nephrectomy – Has it come of age? Indian Journal of Urology, in press.
  14. ↑ Rogers CG, Menon M, Weise ES, et al. Robotic partial nephrectomy: a multi-institutional analysis J Robotic Surg 2008; 2:141-3.
  15. ↑ Kaul, S., Laungani, R., Sarle, R. et al.: Da vinci-assisted robotic partial nephrectomy: technique and results at a mean of 15 months of follow-up. Eur Urol, 51: 186, 2007
  16. ↑ Badani, K. K., Muhletaler, F., Fumo, M. et al.: Optimizing robotic renal surgery: the lateral camera port placement technique and current results. J Endourol, 22: 507, 2008
  17. ↑ Rogers, C. G., Singh, A., Blatt, A. M. et al.: Robotic partial nephrectomy for complex renal tumors: surgical technique. Eur Urol, 53: 514, 2008
  18. ↑ Bhayani, S. B., Figenshau, R. S.: The Washington University Renorrhaphy for robotic partial nephrectomy: a detailed description of the technique displayed at the 2008 World Robotic Urologic Symposium. J Robotic Surg, 2: 139, 2008