Background: Minimally invasive surgical techniques have revolutionized the surgical management of kidney cancer. Current evidence suggests that the surgical developments gained by traditional laparoscopy have been advanced by the robotic platform, particularly as it has been applied to techniques for nephron preservation.
Methods: The medical literature from peer-reviewed journals was reviewed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of robotic-assisted surgery in the management of renal cell carcinoma. Particular attention was paid to studies comparing robotic-assisted surgery with more traditional surgical techniques. In this review, we have highlighted the evolution of robotic assistance for renal surgery as it pertains to renal oncology. The differing approaches to standard surgeries are discussed as well as current trends to improve perioperative outcomes.In addition, we have reviewed the application of robotic assistance to more complex cases and highlight technological advancements that have pushed the boundaries of surgical care.
Results: Robotic-assisted renal surgery is effective for appropriately selected patients. Robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy provides equivalent outcomes to traditional open and laparoscopic approaches, albeit with added financial burden. Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy - through either transperitoneal or retroperitoneal access - can provide superior outcomes to laparoscopic approaches due to several technical advantages,including improved instrument articulation.
Conclusions: Robotic assistance has transformed the delivery of surgical care to the patient with renal cell carcinoma. For renal surgery, morbidity and patient satisfaction are potentially improved when using robotic platforms compared with open and traditional laparoscopic approaches without compromising oncological control, and this is particularly true for nephron-sparing surgery.