title: Robotic-assisted partial Nephrectomy: initial experience in South America.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the initial outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy in a tertiary center in South America.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 11/2008 to 12/2009, a total of 16 transperitoneal robotic-assisted partial nephrectomies were performed in 15 patients to treat 18 kidney tumors. One patient with bilateral tumor had two procedures, while two patients with two synchronous unilateral tumors had a single operation to remove them. Eleven (73%) patients were male and the right kidney was affected in 7 (46%) patients. The median patient age and tumor size were 57 years old and 30 mm, respectively. Five (28%) tumors were hilar and/or centrally located.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median operative time, warm ischemia time and estimated blood loss was 140 min, 27 min and 120 mL, respectively. Blood transfusion was required in one patient with bilateral tumor, and one additional pyelolithotomy was performed due to a 15 mm stone located in the renal pelvis. The histopathology analysis showed 15 (83%) malignant tumors, which 10 (67%) were clear cell carcinoma. The median hospital stay was 72 hrs and no major complication was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is safe and represents a valuable option to perform minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery.
authors: Albert Einstein Jewish Hospital, SP, Brazil.
authors: Gustavo C
authors: GC
authors: Lemos
authors: Marcelo
authors: M
authors: Apezzato
authors: Leonardo L
authors: LL
authors: Borges
authors: José R
authors: JR
authors: Colombo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012371:Robotics; D013020:South America; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome