Purpose: To report our first cases of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site (R-LESS) radical nephrectomy with the novel Da Vinci R-LESS platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA).
Methods: Six radical nephrectomies were performed with R-LESS Da Vinci single-site port and instruments. Data concerning patients characteristics, indication of surgery, operative and postoperative outcomes were collected.
Results: All procedures were completed successfully. Two patients required the placement of an additional port. Median operative, docking and console times were 179 min (range 120-318), 19 min (range 15-24) and 129 min (range 100-264), respectively. Median blood loss was 100 ml (range 50-800). No significant robotic-related problem was noticed during the procedures. There was no operative or major postoperative (Clavien >2) complication. Median length of hospital stay was 3 days.
Conclusion: Our initial experience of R-LESS radical nephrectomies with the novel Da Vinci platform shows that the procedure is feasible. Indications, safety and place of the technique will be confirmed with growing experience.