Current urological applications of the Hugo™ RAS system

Abstract

Purpose: To provide an update on the diverse, contemporary urological applications of the Hugo™ RAS system.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify studies that described the clinical applications of the Hugo™ RAS system in Urology. The Hugo™ RAS is a new multi-modular robotic platform created by Medtronic, which offered new innovations, including an open surgical console and individual modular and extendable robotic arms that come in their own movable platforms. Since obtaining regulatory approval in Europe in October 2021, the novel platform has been increasingly used in various urologic and gynecologic procedures.

Results: A total of 10 studies were included, which involved 176 patients who underwent varying urological procedures. These included radical and simple prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical and simple nephrectomy, ureterolithotomy, ureteral reimplant, pyeloplasty, and adrenalectomy. The different docking configurations, operating room set-ups, and early perioperative outcomes were described for the respective procedure.

Conclusion: Based on the existing literature, the Hugo™ RAS system can be safely and effectively utilized for various urological procedures. The novel technology provided additional value in enriching the repertoire of urological minimally invasive surgical options. Further research with larger cohort of patients will be required to better refine the operating techniques and understand the perioperative outcomes of the Hugo™ RAS, especially when compared to other robotic surgical platforms.

Keywords: Adrenalectomy; Minimally invasive surgery; Nephrectomy; Prostatectomy; Reconstructive surgery; Robotic surgery.