LAUSR

PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility and intraoperative technical parameters of the new robot assisted surgical system Avatera by performing bilateral nephrectomy in a live porcine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six pigs underwent bilateral robot assisted radical nephrectomy using the Avatera robotic system. The operations were performed by experienced open (Group 1) and laparoscopic (Group 2) surgeons. The operating time, docking time, set-up time and console time were evaluated. Data regarding intraoperative complications (major or not), injury of adjacent organs and technical difficulties during the operation were also recorded. RESULTS Robot-assisted bilateral nephrectomy was completed successfully in all sample pigs. The docking time and set-up time were similar among the two groups, whereas the console time and operating time were significantly longer for the open surgeon group. Two intraoperative minor complications occurred in the open surgeon's group. An inadvertent damage of the renal vein occurred in two cases and the bleeding was controlled effectively. Other than the initial two cases the estimated blood loss was less than 50 ml in both groups Injury of the adjacent organs was not noticed. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated that radical nephrectomy using the Avatera robotic surgical system is technically feasible, safe and valid in pigs. Our results warrant the application of Avatera robotic system in other urological procedures, collecting data for further clinical trials.