Robotic partial nephrectomy is associated with a significantly decreased rate of postoperative pseudoaneurysm compared to open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

While partial nephrectomy offers oncologic efficacy and preserves renal function for T1 renal tumors, renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) remains a rare but potentially life-threatening complication.

This study compared RAP incidence across robotic-assisted (RAPN), laparoscopic (LPN), and open (OPN) partial nephrectomies in a large tertiary oncological center.

This retrospective study analyzed 785 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy between 2012 and 2022 (398 RAPN, 122 LPN, 265 OPN).

Data included demographics, tumor size/location, surgical type, clinical presentation, treatment, and post-operative outcomes.

The primary outcome was RAP incidence, with secondary outcomes including presentation, treatment efficacy, and renal function.

Seventeen patients (2.1%) developed RAP, presenting with massive hematuria (100%), hemorrhagic shock (5.8%), and clot retention (23%).

The median onset was 12 days postoperatively.

RAP occurred in 4 (1%), 4 (3.3%), and 9 (3.4%) patients following RAPN, LPN, and OPN, respectively ( p  = 0.04).

Only operative length and surgical approach were independently associated with RAP.

Selective embolization achieved immediate bleeding control in 94%, with one patient requiring a second embolization.

No additional surgery or nephrectomy was needed.

Estimated GFR at one year was similar across both groups ( p  = 0.53).

RAPN demonstrated a significantly lower RAP incidence compared to LPN and OPN ( p  = 0.04).

Emergency angiographic embolization proved effective, with no long-term renal function impact.

This retrospective study lacked randomization and long-term follow-up.

Further research with larger datasets and longer follow-ups is warranted.

This study suggests that robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is associated with a significantly lower risk of RAP compared to traditional approaches.

Emergency embolization effectively treats RAP without compromising long-term renal function.