V7-03: Robotic Partial Nephrectomy with Selective Clamping for Renal Mass in Video

INTRODUCTION

Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) provides for nephron sparing and renal preservation with a minimally invasive approach. Though commonly utilized in adults for resection of renal masses, it is less commonly applied for tumors in children. To optimize outcomes in these patients, techniques from the adult setting were translated to the pediatric realm, with the goals of fostering bi-directional transfer of expertise and knowledge and of achieving safe and effective application of this surgical approach.

METHODS

A collaborative team was formed and consisted of a pediatric urologist trained in minimally invasive and oncologic surgery as primary surgeon with an adult minimally invasive oncologic urologist as proctor. Key aspects for translation to the pediatric setting included: port placement, lower insufflation pressure, choice and size of instruments and supplies, and minimization of potential hemorrhage and ischemia with selective clamping/early unclamping technique. This approach was applied to a 14 kilogram, 3 year old female with a right lower pole lesion with cystic and solid components, concerning for malignancy.

RESULTS

The mass was resected with negative margins and demonstrated benign pathology. Clamp time was 14 minutes, and EBL was minimal. There were no intra- or post-operative complications. The patient’s creatinine was unchanged, and a follow-up ultrasound demonstrated no residual mass in a normal appearing right kidney.

CONCLUSION

Collaboration of experienced pediatric and robotic teams allows for successful adaptation of adult techniques to pediatric patients. Specific considerations must be made in order to achieve safety and feasibility of RPN with selective clamping for renal preservation in cases of pediatric renal masses.

Funding: None