Feasibility and Safety of Robotic Excision of Ipsilateral Retroperitoneal Recurrence After Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Objective To determine feasibility and safety of robotic excision of local ipsilateral recurrences after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Surgical resection is an option for treatment of low burden locally recurrent RCC, potentially delaying the use of systemic therapy. This has historically been performed by open technique, which can impart significant morbidity. We present our experience with robotic excision. Methods We reviewed our institutional experience of patients with surgically excised RCC who underwent robotic excision of ipsilateral retroperitoneal recurrence in 2015-2018. Demographics and clinicopathological variables, including operative and postoperative outcomes, were examined. Results Twelve robotic excisions of ipsilateral local recurrences were performed in our hospital in 2015-2018. Mean age was 65.48 years (± standard deviation, SD: 9.51), 10 patients were male, and mean BMI 34.75 kg/m2 (± 6.71). Nine patients recurred after radical nephrectomy, and 3 after partial nephrectomy. Mean size of recurrence was 2.97 cm (±1.69). Mean anesthesia time, EBL, and LOS were 213 minutes (± 38.92), 152 mL (± 130.75), and 43 hours (± 12.64), respectively. All surgical margins were negative. No surgical complications were reported. Median follow-up was 19.0 months [interquartile range, IQR 12.7-30.0]. Five patients out of 12 recurred following robotic excision, these were treated with either systemic therapy, radiation, or palliative surgeries. Mean time for subsequent recurrence was 26.5 months. Conclusion In this small case series, robotic excision of ipsilateral RCC retroperitoneal recurrence appears safe, technically feasible, and oncologically sound in expert hands and carefully selected patients.