The Use of Argon Beam Coagulation During Robotic Partial Nephrectomy in an Animal Model

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Partial nephrectomy (PN) has become the standard of care for management of a small renal mass. While robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) has been widely adopted as a minimally invasive option, one concern is the long-term effects of prolonged warm ischemia time (WIT) on renal function and cardiac health. Multiple technological and procedural advancements have been proposed to limit WIT, but most are technically difficult to perform. Argon beam coagulation (ABC) can be used to coagulate the base of a tumor fossa before performing formal renorrhaphy. This may allow for improved hemostasis during deep hemostatic suturing, thus allowing for earlier hilar unclamping. We report our initial experience with ABC during RPN in a pig model, to test the feasibility of this technology for RPN. Materials and Methods: Six Yorkshire pigs underwent bilateral RPN using the Da Vinci Si Surgical System (Intuitive, Sunnyvale, CA). Because pig kidneys naturally bleed less than human kidneys, all pigs under...