Recent Evidence in Robotics

Key Findings: A total of 240 patients undergoing robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy were randomly assigned to receive either conventional care (n = 120) or enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols (n = 120).Those receiving ERAS protocols benefited in all primary outcomes compared with those receiving conventional care.The mean (SD) operative time was 228.6 (9.5) minutes versus 252.8 (10.1) minutes for ERAS and conventional protocols, respectively.The estimated blood loss was 200.4 (18.2) mL versus 232.6 (19.3) mL.The length of hospital stay was 6.2 (2.1) days versus 10.5 (3.3) days.In addition, patients who received ERAS protocols benefited across secondary outcomes, exhibiting better complication rates (14.2% versus 39.2%), particularly with better urinary infection (3.3% versus 11.7%) and wound hematoma rates (5.0%versus 13.3%).Finally, patients who received ERAS protocols experienced more comfort, as shown in their Kolcaba General Comfort Questionnaire Scores (P < .0001).Significance: Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is growing more popular.There has been limited research on optimizing patient care during roboticassisted procedures.Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols present a model for improving patient outcomes.This was the first study to apply these protocols to robotic nephron-sparing surgery.In this study, nursing practices that included evidencesupported ERAS protocols were associated with significant improvements in postoperative recovery and patient comfort.According to the authors, these findings support the broad implementation of ERAS protocols during RAS.