Learning curves for robot-assisted and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the learning curve of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) between two surgeons at a single institution. Methods: A prospectively maintained, Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved kidney surgery database was reviewed retrospectively and the first 116 consecutive LPNs performed by one surgeon (Hyung Kim) and 116 consecutive RPNs performed by a second surgeon (Thomas Schwaab) were identified. The learning curve was evaluated by examining the operative times, warm ischemia times (WITs), estimated blood loss, the postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and intra- and postoperative complications in the quartiles of 29 patients. The LPNs performed by Hyung Kim were done following completion of a minimally invasive fellowship. Thomas Schwaab had minimal experience with LPN and no fellowship training before starting RAPN. Results: The RAPN and LPN groups had similar patient and tumor characteristics. The RAPN g...