Novel dynamic information integration during da Vinci robotic partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy

With the increasing discovery of small renal neoplasms, minimally invasive excisional approaches have become more popular. Robotic partial nephrectomy is an emerging procedure. During robotic renal surgery, the console surgeon often has a need to view images or other data during the surgical dissection. Herein, we describe the preliminary use of integrative surgical imaging in the console surgical view during 20 cases of robotic partial and radical nephrectomy. Integration of this technology, termed Tilepro, allows the surgeon to view data within the robotic console and thus prevents disengagement. The success rate of transmission was 95% and the usefulness of the transmission was 89%. Complications included delayed transmission and cabling issues. This technology is useful in robotic renal surgery and may have benefits in telepresence or other surgical fields. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London Ltd.