Navigated Partial Nephrectomy

In the researchers' words

This study aims to evaluate electromagnetic (EM) tracked navigation in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), addressing kidney movement issues by attaching a tracked EM sensor close to the lesion. This assessment will be based on the navigation's ability to achieve preoperatively planned resection volumes aiming to assist in radical resection margins of the lesion. The current challenge for surgeons performing RAPN is to minimize the removal of healthy kidney tissue, as the rates of positive resections are very low. Additionally, the study aims to explore the practical application of image guidance in RAPN, evaluating aspects such as duration, surgical and technical success, and the surgeons' perceptions. Ultimately, this research seeks to determine if the addition of navigation can enhance RAPN outcomes, particularly in terms of kidney tissue preservation and radical lesion removal. The success of this technique could result in broader adoption of kidney-sparing surgeries, even in complex scenarios where radical resection is at risk.