Robot-assisted single-port retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy with a novel purpose-built single-port robotic system with deformable surgical instruments

To investigate the safety and feasibility of using a novel purpose-built single-port robotic system (the SHURUI Robotic Surgical System) with deformable surgical instruments to perform retroperitoneal single-port partial nephrectomy. A prospective study was conducted to recruit patients with a single renal tumor no more than 4 cm. Robot-assisted single-port partial nephrectomy was performed by using the novel purpose-built single-port robotic system with deformable surgical instruments. Patients’ demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative parameters were recorded and analyzed. Sixteen patients were recruited to the study. The median tumor size was 2.0 cm (IQR: 1.2–2.4 cm). The median R.E.N.A.L score was 6 (IQR: 4–4.5). In 3 cases, pure single-port surgery was carried out, and all the assistance was through the robotic port. Median docking time was 15.5 min (IQR: 14.25–22.25 min). Median operating time was 148.5 min (IQR: 178–238.5 min). Median console time was 107 min (IQR: 92.75–149.75 min). Median warm ischemic time was 26.5 min (IQR: 24.5–30 min). Median blood loss was 17.5 ml (IQR: 10–50 ml). Retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy can be safely performed with this novel purpose-built single-port robotic system (SHURUI) with deformable surgical instruments. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the role of this new platform.