Current status of nephron-sparing robotic partial nephrectomy

Purpose of review Partial nephrectomy has become the standard of treatment for renal tumors less than 4 cm in size. Recent reports have even applied this technique for T1b lesions as well. With advancement in minimally invasive techniques, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are performed with the advantage of decreased morbidity while maintaining the same oncologic principles as those of open surgery. Recent findings Feasibility studies confirmed that robot-assisted partial nephrectomy can be performed safely. Short-term outcomes are similar to those of laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy. Complex renal tumors, such as hilar and endophytic lesions, have also been performed robotically. Summary Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is feasible with short-term results comparable to those of open and laparoscopic surgery. With challenges of pure laparoscopic surgery, robotic assistance may provide more opportunities for minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery.