New imaging technologies for robotic kidney cancer surgery

Abstract

Objective: Kidney cancers account for approximately 2% of all newly diagnosed cancer in 2020. Among the primary treatment options for kidney cancer, urologist may choose between radical or partial nephrectomy, or ablative therapies. Nowadays, robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for the management of renal cancers has gained popularity, up to being considered the gold standard. However, RAPN is a challenging procedure with a steep learning curve.Methods: In this narrative review, different imaging technologies used to guide and aid RAPN are discussed.Results: Three-dimensional visualization technology has been extensively discussed in RAPN, showing its value in enhancing robotic-surgery training, patient counseling, surgical planning, and intraoperative guidance. Intraoperative imaging technologies such as intracorporeal ultrasound, near-infrared fluorescent imaging, and intraoperative pathological examination can also be used to improve the outcomes following RAPN. Finally, artificial intelligence may play a role in the field of RAPN soon.Conclusion: RAPN is a complex surgery; however, many imaging technologies may play an important role in facilitating it. (C) 2022 Editorial Office of Asian Journal of Urology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).