Assessing Oncologic and Functional Outcomes of 3D Image-Guided Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (3D-IGRAPN): A Prospective Study (UroCCR-186).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Three-dimensional (3D) image-guided robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (3D-IGRAPN) integrates patient-specific anatomical models to optimize surgical planning and intraoperative guidance in the management of renal tumors. This study aimed to assess medium-term functional and oncologic outcomes of 3D-IGRAPN in a large, prospective cohort.

METHODS

All consecutive patients undergoing 3D-IGRAPN between January 2016 and March 2023 at a tertiary referral center were prospectively included in the UroCCR database (NCT03293563). Patient-specific 3D models were generated from preoperative CT scans and used intraoperatively. The primary endpoint was trifecta achievement, defined as an absence of major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3), negative surgical margins for malignant tumors, and ≥90% preservation of baseline renal function at 3 months. Secondary endpoints included functional outcomes, complication rates, local recurrence, and metastasis rates, as well as cancer-specific and overall survivals.

RESULTS

Among 568 patients (586 surgeries), the trifecta was achieved in 55.2% of evaluable malignant cases. Severe complications occurred in 33 cases (5.6%), and positive surgical margins were reported in 27 cases (5.1%) out of 528 surgeries involving malignant lesions. Renal function was preserved in 59.9% of patients at 3 months. At a mean follow-up of 31.5 months, recurrence and metastasis rates were 7.4% and 8.6%, respectively. Cancer-specific and overall survival at follow-up were 96.5% and 89%.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-IGRAPN demonstrates favorable functional and oncologic outcomes, even in complex tumors. These results support the integration of 3D modeling as a standard tool in image-guided nephron-sparing surgery.