Name: robot-assisted kidney transplantation
Uploaded: 2021-07-19T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation at JoVE.com

We thank Dr. Joon Seo Lim from the Scientific Publications Team at Asan Medical Center for his editorial assistance in preparing this manuscript.

This study got approval from the Institutional Review Board of Asan Medical Center (IRB number: 2021-0101).
1. Pretransplant preparation
<ol>
	<li>Patient selection
	<ol>
		<li>Include patients with end-stage renal disease who require kidney transplantation. 
		NOTE: RAKT may not be considered if a recipient is younger than eighteen years old.</li>
		<li>Exclude those with any kind of untreated malignancy or active infection.</li>
		<li>Ensure that the recipient is suitable for surgery ...

<ol>
	<li>Wolfe, R. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+mortality+in+all+patients+on+dialysis,+patients+on+dialysis+awaiting+transplantation,+and+recipients+of+a+first+cadaveric+transplant.">Comparison of mortality in all patients on dialysis, patients on dialysis awaiting transplantation, and recipients of a first cadaveric transplant.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 341 (23), 1725-1730 (1999).</li><li>Hoznek, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+assisted+kidney+transplantation:+an+initial+experience.">Robotic assisted kidney transplantation: an initial experience.</a> Journal of Urology. 167 (4), 1604-1606 (2002).</li><li>Breda, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic-assisted+kidney+transplantation:+our+first+case.">Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation: our first case.</a> World Journal of Urology. 34 (3), 443-447 (2016).</li><li>Menon, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+kidney+transplantation+with+regional+hypothermia:+evolution+of+a+novel+procedure+utilizing+the+IDEAL+guidelines+(IDEAL+phase+0+and+1).">Robotic kidney transplantation with regional hypothermia: evolution of a novel procedure utilizing the IDEAL guidelines (IDEAL phase 0 and 1).</a> European Urology. 65 (5), 1001-1009 (2014).</li><li>Tzvetanov, I., D'Amico, G., Benedetti, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic-assisted+kidney+transplantation:+our+experience+and+literature+review.">Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation: our experience and literature review.</a> Current Transplantation Reports. 2 (2), 122-126 (2015).</li><li>Giulianotti, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+transabdominal+kidney+transplantation+in+a+morbidly+obese+patient.">Robotic transabdominal kidney transplantation in a morbidly obese patient.</a> American Journal of Transplantation. 10 (6), 1478-1482 (2010).</li><li>Oberholzer, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+robotic+kidney+transplantation+for+obese+patients+previously+denied+access+to+transplantation.">Minimally invasive robotic kidney transplantation for obese patients previously denied access to transplantation.</a> American Journal of Transplantation. 13 (3), 721-728 (2013).</li><li>Tzvetanov, I. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+kidney+transplantation+in+the+obese+patient:+10-year+experience+from+a+single+center.">Robotic kidney transplantation in the obese patient: 10-year experience from a single center.</a> American Journal of Transplantation. 20 (2), 430-440 (2020).</li><li>Garcia-Roca, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Single+center+experience+with+robotic+kidney+transplantation+for+recipients+with+BMI+of+40+kg/m2+or+greater:+a+comparison+with+the+UNOS+registry.">Single center experience with robotic kidney transplantation for recipients with BMI of 40 kg/m2 or greater: a comparison with the UNOS registry.</a> Transplantation. 101 (1), 191-196 (2017).</li><li>Gallioli, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Learning+curve+in+robot-assisted+kidney+transplantation:+results+from+the+European+Robotic+Urological+Society+Working+Group.">Learning curve in robot-assisted kidney transplantation: results from the European Robotic Urological Society Working Group.</a> European Urology. 78 (2), 239-247 (2020).</li><li>Alberts, V. P., Idu, M. M., Legemate, D. A., Laguna Pes, M. P., Minnee, R. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ureterovesical+anastomotic+techniques+for+kidney+transplantation:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Ureterovesical anastomotic techniques for kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> Transplant International. 27 (6), 593-605 (2014).</li><li>Modi, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retroperitoneoscopic+living-donor+nephrectomy+and+laparoscopic+kidney+transplantation:+experience+of+initial+72+cases.">Retroperitoneoscopic living-donor nephrectomy and laparoscopic kidney transplantation: experience of initial 72 cases.</a> Transplantation. 95 (1), 100-105 (2013).</li><li>Oberholzer, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+robotic+kidney+transplantation+for+obese+patients+previously+denied+access+to+transplantation.">Minimally invasive robotic kidney transplantation for obese patients previously denied access to transplantation.</a> American Journal of Transplantation. 13 (3), 721-728 (2013).</li><li>Menon, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+kidney+transplantation+with+regional+hypothermia:+a+step-by-step+description+of+the+Vattikuti+Urology+Institute-Medanta+technique+(IDEAL+phase+2a).">Robotic kidney transplantation with regional hypothermia: a step-by-step description of the Vattikuti Urology Institute-Medanta technique (IDEAL phase 2a).</a> European Urology. 65 (5), 991-1000 (2014).</li><li>Tsai, M. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robot-assisted+renal+transplantation+in+the+retroperitoneum.">Robot-assisted renal transplantation in the retroperitoneum.</a> Transplant International. 27 (5), 452-457 (2014).</li><li>Sood, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive+kidney+transplantation:+perioperative+considerations+and+key+6-month+outcomes.">Minimally invasive kidney transplantation: perioperative considerations and key 6-month outcomes.</a> Transplantation. 99 (2), 316-323 (2015).</li><li>Modi, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laparoscopic+transplantation+following+transvaginal+insertion+of+the+kidney:+description+of+technique+and+outcome.">Laparoscopic transplantation following transvaginal insertion of the kidney: description of technique and outcome.</a> American Journal of Transplantation. 15 (7), 1915-1922 (2015).</li><li>Wagenaar, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Minimally+invasive,+laparoscopic,+and+robotic-assisted+techniques+versus+open+techniques+for+kidney+transplant+recipients:+a+systematic+review.">Minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted techniques versus open techniques for kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review.</a> European Urology. 72 (2), 205-217 (2017).</li><li>Gastrich, M. D., Barone, J., Bachmann, G., Anderson, M., Balica, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+surgery:+review+of+the+latest+advances,+risks,+and+outcomes.">Robotic surgery: review of the latest advances, risks, and outcomes.</a> Journal of Robotic Surgery. 5 (2), 79-97 (2011).</li><li>Modi, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+assisted+kidney+transplantation.">Robotic assisted kidney transplantation.</a> Indian Journal of Urology. 30 (3), 287-292 (2014).</li><li>Vignolini, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+University+of+Florence+technique+for+robot-assisted+kidney+transplantation:+3-year+experience.">The University of Florence technique for robot-assisted kidney transplantation: 3-year experience.</a> Frontiers in Surgery. 7, 583798 (2020).</li><li>Musquera, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robot-assisted+kidney+transplantation:+update+from+the+European+Robotic+Urology+Section+(ERUS)+series.">Robot-assisted kidney transplantation: update from the European Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) series.</a> BJU International. 127 (2), 222-228 (2021).</li><li>Breda, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robot-assisted+kidney+transplantation:+the+European+experience.">Robot-assisted kidney transplantation: the European experience.</a> European Urology. 73 (2), 273-281 (2018).</li><li>Siena, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robot-assisted+kidney+transplantation+with+regional+hypothermia+using+grafts+with+multiple+vessels+after+extracorporeal+vascular+reconstruction:+results+from+the+European+Association+of+Urology+Robotic+Urology+Section+Working+Group.">Robot-assisted kidney transplantation with regional hypothermia using grafts with multiple vessels after extracorporeal vascular reconstruction: results from the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section Working Group.</a> European Urology Focus. 4 (2), 175-184 (2018).</li><li>Prudhomme, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic-assisted+kidney+transplantation+in+obese+recipients+compared+to+non-obese+recipients:+the+European+experience.">Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation in obese recipients compared to non-obese recipients: the European experience.</a> World Journal of Urology. 39 (4), 1287-1298 (2020).</li><li>Vignolini, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+a+robot-assisted+kidney+transplantation+programme+from+deceased+donors+in+a+referral+academic+centre:+technical+nuances+and+preliminary+results.">Development of a robot-assisted kidney transplantation programme from deceased donors in a referral academic centre: technical nuances and preliminary results.</a> BJU International. 123 (3), 474-484 (2019).</li><li>Ahlawat, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+kidney+transplantation+with+regional+hypothermia+versus+open+kidney+transplantation+for+patients+with+end+stage+renal+disease:+an+ideal+stage+2B+study.">Robotic kidney transplantation with regional hypothermia versus open kidney transplantation for patients with end stage renal disease: an ideal stage 2B study.</a> Journal of Urology. 205 (2), 595-602 (2021).</li></ol>

Although laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques have been widely applied for living donor nephrectomy, kidney transplantations are still mainly performed using conventional open techniques. Recently, however, a minimally invasive approach for kidney transplantation has been increasingly used. Compared with traditional open surgery, minimally invasive kidney transplantation has a lower risk of surgical site infection, incisional hernia, and wound dehiscence, as well as shorter hospitalization12</su...

Kidney transplantation contributes to prolonged survival and a better quality of life compared with peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis1. Although the open approach is the standard procedure for kidney transplantation, robotic-assisted techniques have been recently adopted2,3,4. Specifically, robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) has several advantages over open kidney transplantation: minimal postoperative pain, better cosmesis, fewer wound infections, and shorter hospital stay5.&#160;Moreover, minimally invasive access and robotic technology enable surgeons to safely perform kidney transplants in morbidly obese patients6,7,8,9. However, due to its complexity, RAKT requires a learning curve to achieve sufficient reproducibility in the operation time, functional results, and safety10.
Allografts with multiple vessels usually require vascular reconstruction, which leads to extended cold and warm ischemic times. Despite the technical challenges of RAKT, a European multicenter study reported that RAKT using allografts with multiple vessels is technically feasible and leads to favorable functional results11. Although it is more common to place the kidney allograft in the pelvis medially during vascular anastomosis, according to previous reports4,5,6,7,8,9, the allograft was placed on the peritoneal pouch lateral to the iliac vessels in this protocol. Although it may be safe to put an allograft medially during anastomosis and flip it to the peritoneal pouch, this technique may not be familiar for inexperienced surgeons. Furthermore, it is more convenient to perform vascular anastomosis with the allograft in the peritoneal pouch and renal vessels in the proper position. This paper describes the step-by-step procedures for RAKT without flipping.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>12 mm Fluorescence Endoscope, 30&#176;</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>370893</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8 mm Blunt Obturator</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420008</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8 mm Instrument Cannula</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420002</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ATRAUMATIC ROBOTIC VESSEL CLIPS</td>
			<td>RZ Medizintechnic GmbH</td>
			<td>300-100-799</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BARD INLAY OPTIMA URETERAL STENT</td>
			<td>BARD Medical</td>
			<td>78414</td>
			<td>4.7 Fr./14 cm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Black Diamond Micro Forceps</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420033</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>COATED VICRYL 4-0</td>
			<td>Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.</td>
			<td>W9437</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Da Vinci Si, X, or Xi</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fenestrated bipolar forceps</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>470205</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GELPORT LAPAROSCOPIC SYSTEM</td>
			<td>Applied Medical Resources Corporation</td>
			<td>C8XX2</td>
			<td>standard laparoscopic equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GORE-TEX SUTURE CV-6</td>
			<td>W.L. Gore and Associates Inc.</td>
			<td>6M02A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GORE-TEX SUTURE CV-7</td>
			<td>W.L. Gore and Associates Inc.</td>
			<td>7K02A</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HEMO CLIP</td>
			<td>WECK</td>
			<td>523735</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HEM-O-LOK CLIP</td>
			<td>WECK</td>
			<td>544220</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hot Shears (Monopolar Curved Scissors)</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420179</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>laparoscopic atraumatic grasping forceps</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>standard laparoscopic equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>laparoscopic irrigation suction set</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>standard laparoscopic equipment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Large Clip Applier</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420230</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Large Needle Driver</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420006</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Maryland Bipolar Forceps</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420172</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Medium-Large Clip Applier</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420327</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>OPEN END URETERAL CATHETER</td>
			<td>Cook Incorporated</td>
			<td>21305</td>
			<td>heparin flushing</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PDS II 6-0 (DOUBLE)</td>
			<td>Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.</td>
			<td>Z1712H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Potts Scissors</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420001</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ProGrasp Forceps</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420093</td>
			<td>robotic forceps</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Small Clip Applier</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical</td>
			<td>420003</td>
			<td>robotic instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>VESSEL LOOP BLUE MAXI</td>
			<td>ASPEN surgical</td>
			<td>011012pbx</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>VESSEL LOOP RED MINI</td>
			<td>ASPEN surgical</td>
			<td>011001pbx</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>XCEL BLADELESS TROCAR</td>
			<td>JOHNSON &#38; JOHNSON</td>
			<td>2B12LT</td>
			<td>standard laparoscopic equipment</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

robot-assisted kidney transplantation

This paper describes robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) from a living donor. The robot is docked between the parted legs of the patient, placed in the supine Trendelenburg position. Kidney allografts are provided by a living donor. Before vascular anastomosis, the kidney allograft is prepared by inserting a double-J stent in the ureter, and the temperature for the anastomosis is lowered by wrapping it in an ice-packed gauze. A 12 mm or 8 mm port for the robotic camera and three 8 mm ports for robotic arms are placed. A peritoneal pouch is created for the kidney allograft by raising the peritoneal flaps on both sides over the psoas muscle before dissecting the iliac vessels and bladder. A 6 cm Pfannenstiel incision is made to insert the kidney into the peritoneal pouch, lateral to the right iliac vessels. 
After clamping the external iliac vein with Bulldogs clamps, a venotomy is performed, and the graft renal vein is anastomosed to the external iliac vein in an end-to-side continuous manner with a 6/0 polytetrafluoroethylene suture. After clamping the graft renal vein, the iliac vein is declamped. This is followed by clamping of the external iliac artery, arteriotomy, arterial anastomosis with a 6/0 polytetrafluoroethylene suture, clamping of the graft renal artery, and declamping of the external iliac artery. Reperfusion is then carried out, and ureteroneocystostomy is performed using the Lich-Gregoir technique. The peritoneum is closed at a few locations with polymer locking clips, and a closed-suction drain is placed through one of the working ports. After deflating the pneumoperitoneum, all incisions are closed.

We set up a routine clinical pathway for recipients who have RAKT at our center. Renal Doppler ultrasound is performed one day post-transplant and technetium-99m diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid renal scan two days post-transplant. For venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, an intermittent pneumatic compression device is applied during the first 24 h after RAKT. Foley catheter is removed on the fourth postoperative day. On the fifth day, a closed-suction drain is removed after confirming no intra-abdominal complication ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation at JoVE.com

Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation

This paper provides technical details for robot-assisted kidney transplantation from a living donor.

This paper describes robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) from a living donor. The robot is docked between the parted legs of the patient, placed ...

In this protocol, we have suggested step-by-step procedures for robot-assisted kidney transplantation without flipping. It is more natural to perform vascular anastomosis with a allograft in the peritoneal pouch and the renal vessels in the proper position. This technique can be applied to other solid organ transplants, such as the liver and pancreas.We hope to expand the utility of minimally invasive surgical approaches using the robotic system in the field of transplantation. Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation can be studied only after getting some education about the robotic system. It is better to get help from an experienced surgeon.Before starting the procedure, prepare the robotic arms with the surgical instruments to perform intra-abdominal dissection. Place monopolar curved scissors in arm two, fenestrated bipolar forceps in arm three, and ProGrasp Forceps in arm four. Initiate the operative procedure by making an incision in the peritoneum along the right paracolic gutter to make a pouch for the kidney allograft.After the incision, dissect the right internal iliac vessels along their entire length and encircle each vessel with a vessel loop. For ureteroneocystostomy, dissect the bladder in the right corner and separate the bladder from the peritoneal incision. Open a cap of the gel port and insert slushed ice through the six-centimeter Pfannenstiel incision, followed by the kidney allograft wrapped in the ice-packed gauze.Then, place the allograft on the peritoneal pouch lateral to the iliac vessels on the right side. With the control of ProGrasp Forceps in robotic arm four, clamp the right external iliac vein by bulldog clamps. Then use Potts Scissors in a linear or oblique fashion to make a venotomy considering the diameter of the renal vein.Use a 6/0 ePTFE suture to anastomose to renal vein allograft to the right external iliac vein in an end-to-side continuous manner. Make a knot at the caudal end of veins, before intraluminally and continuously suturing the posterior wall of the external iliac vein and renal vein. Afterward, suture the anterior wall of the iliac vein in a continuous manner.And flush the lumen with the heparinized normal saline. Then, use a Silastic tube through the gel port to knot the anastomosis. Clamp the allograft renal vein with a bulldog clamp.Then, de-clamp the right external iliac vein, followed by clamping of the right external iliac artery with bulldog clamps. Make an arteriotomy in the right external iliac artery by creating a round hole with Potts Scissors without an arterial punch. And proceed to anastomose the allograft renal artery to the right external iliac artery, as demonstrated.If there is no evident bleeding at the anastomosis site, de-clamp the allograft renal vein and artery. And remove the ice-packed gauze. Then, use an irrigation tube to apply warm normal saline to the allograft through the gel port.To perform ureteroneocystostomy according to the Lich-Gregoir technique, put the distal end of the double J ureteral stent into the urinary bladder. Starting at the posterior corner of the incised bladder mucosa, perform a continuous suture using a 6/0 polydioxanone suture. And make a suture at the anterior corner.From the anterior corner to the posterior corner, perform a continuous suture. And use a 4/0 Polyglactin multi-filament absorbable suture to close the detrusor muscle anti-reflux tunnel in an interrupted manner. With the help of polymer locking clips, intermittently cover the kidney allograft with the incised peritoneum along the right paracolic gutter.Robot-assisted kidney transplantation, or RAKT, was performed on 21 recipients, including three obese patients. One patient suffered primary non-function due to renal vein thrombosis. The graftectomy was performed at three days after the kidney transplant and no delayed graft function was observed in the patient.A small number of patients had to undergo angioplasty of renal artery or renal vein on the back table before kidney transplant. The mean hospitalization days after the kidney transplant was 7.4. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, one month after RAKT was 74.9 milliliters per minute per meter squared.Unlike previous reports, we positioned the kidney allograft on the lateral side of the iliac vessels before vascular anastomosis, similar to the conventional open technique. This technique can help to prevent unexpected torsion or kinking of renal vessels. Following positioning the kidney allograft on the lateral side, venous and arterial anastomoses can be performed at the proper angle and length.It is necessary to compare the long-term clinical outcomes, including kidney allograft survival and biopsy-proven acute rejection between robotic-assisted and open kidney transplantation, especially in high-immunologic risk patients.

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

A Method for Murine Islet Isolation and Subcapsular Kidney Transplantation

Since the early pioneering work of Ballinger and Reckard demonstrating that transplantation of islets of Langerhans into diabetic rodents could normalize their blood glucose levels, islet transplantation has been proposed to be a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes 1,2. More recently, advances in human islet transplantation have further strengthened this view 1,3. However, two major limitations prevent islet transplantation from being a widespread clinical reality: (a) the requirement for large numbers of islets per patient, which severely reduces the number of potential recipients, and (b) the need for heavy immunosuppression, which significantly affects the pediatric population of patients due to their vulnerability to long-term immunosuppression. Strategies that can overcome these limitations have the potential to enhance the therapeutic utility of islet transplantation.
Islet transplantation under the mouse kidney capsule is a widely accepted model to investigate various strategies to improve islet transplantation. This experiment requires the isolation of high quality islets and implantation of islets to the diabetic recipients. Both procedures require surgical steps that can be better demonstrated by video than by text. Here, we document the detailed steps for these procedures by both video and written protocol. We also briefly discuss different transplantation models: syngeneic, allogeneic, syngeneic autoimmune, and allogeneic autoimmune.

Transplantation of isolated islets has been proposed to be a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes. Here we describe a method to isolate islets from mouse pancreata and transplant them to the subcapsular space of the kidney.

Since the early pioneering work of Ballinger and Reckard demonstrating that transplantation of islets of Langerhans into diabetic rodents could normalize ...

Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection

Rejection of the transplanted kidney in humans is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The mouse model of renal transplantation closely replicates both the technical and pathological processes that occur in human renal transplantation. Although mouse models of allogeneic rejection in organs other than the kidney exist, and are more technically feasible, there is evidence that different organs elicit disparate rejection modes and dynamics, for instance the time course of rejection in cardiac and renal allograft differs significantly in certain strain combinations. This model is an attractive tool for many reasons despite its technical challenges. As inbred mouse strain haplotypes are well characterized it is possible to choose donor and recipient combinations to model acute allograft rejection by transplanting across MHC class I and II loci. Conversely by transplanting between strains with similar haplotypes a chronic process can be elicited were the allograft kidney develops interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. We have modified the surgical technique to reduce operating time and improve ease of surgery, however a learning curve still needs to be overcome in order to faithfully replicate the model. This study will provide key points in the surgical procedure and aid the process of establishing this technique.

Here, we present a protocol to study the immunology of rejection. The surgical model presented reports a short operating time and a concise technique. Depending on the donor-recipient strain combination, the transplanted kidney may develop acute cellular rejection or chronic allograft damage, defined by interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy.

Rejection of the transplanted kidney in humans is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The mouse model of renal transplantation closely ...

Murine Kidney Transplant Technique

The first mouse kidney transplant technique was published in 19731 by the Russell laboratory. Although it took some years for other labs to become proficient in and utilize this technique, it is now widely used by many laboratories around the world. A significant refinement to the original technique using the donor aorta to form the arterial anastomosis instead of the renal artery was developed and reported in 1993 by Kalina and Mottram 2 with a further advancement coming from the same laboratory in 1999 3. While one can become proficient in this model, a search of the literature reveals that many labs still experience a high proportion of graft loss due to arterial thrombosis. We describe here a technique that was devised in our laboratory that vastly reduces the arterial thrombus reported by others 4,5. This is achieved by forming a heel-and-toe cuff of the donor infra-renal aorta that facilitates a larger anastomosis and straighter blood flow into the kidney.

The goal of this manuscript is to describe the steps required to perform a kidney transplant in a mouse, paying particular attention to the details of the arterial anastomosis.

The first mouse kidney transplant technique was published in 19731 by the Russell laboratory. Although it took some years for other labs to become ...

Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion for the Preservation of Kidney Grafts prior to Transplantation

Kidney transplantation has become a well-established treatment option for patients with end-stage renal failure. The persisting organ shortage remains a serious problem. Therefore, the acceptance criteria for organ donors have been extended leading to the usage of marginal kidney grafts. These marginal organs tolerate cold storage poorly resulting in increased preservation injury and higher rates of delayed graft function. To overcome the limitations of cold storage, extensive research is focused on alternative normothermic preservation methods.
Ex vivo normothermic organ perfusion is an innovative preservation technique. The first experimental and clinical trials for ex vivo lung, liver, and kidney perfusions demonstrated favorable outcomes.
In addition to the reduction of cold ischemic injury, the method of normothermic kidney storage offers the opportunity for organ assessment and repair. This manuscript provides information about kidney retrieval, organ preservation techniques, and isolated ex vivo normothermic kidney perfusion (NEVKP) in a porcine model. Surgical techniques, set up for the perfusion solution and the circuit, potential assessment options, and representative results are demonstrated.

Normothermic Ex Vivo Kidney Perfusion for the Preservation of Kidney Grafts prior to Transplantation

The severe organ shortage has resulted in increased use of marginal kidney grafts for transplantation. This has triggered interest in alternative storage methods, since marginal grafts especially tolerate cold storage poorly. The technique of normothermic ex vivo kidney perfusion (NEVKP) represents a novel preservation method for kidney grafts prior to &#160;transplantation.

Kidney transplantation has become a well-established treatment option for patients with end-stage renal failure. The persisting organ shortage remains a ...

Orthotopic Rat Kidney Transplantation: A Novel and Simplified Surgical Approach

Kidney transplantation offers increased survival rates and improved quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease, as compared to any type of renal replacement therapy. Over the past few decades, the rat kidney transplantation model has been used to study the immunological phenomena of rejection and tolerance. This model has become an indispensable tool to test new immunomodulatory pharmaceuticals and regimens prior to proceeding with expensive preclinical large animal studies.
This protocol provides a detailed overview of how to reliably perform orthotopic kidney transplantation in rats. This protocol includes three distinctive steps that increase the probability of success: perfusion of the donor kidney by flushing through the portal vein and the use of a cuff system to anastomose the renal veins and ureters, thereby decreasing cold and warm ischemia times. Using this technique, we have achieved survival rates beyond 6 months with normal serum creatinine in animals with syngeneic or tolerant kidney transplants. Depending on the aim of the study, this model can be modified by pre- or posttransplant treatments to study the acute, chronic, cellular, or antibody-mediated rejection. It is a reproducible, reliable, and cost-effective animal model to study different aspects of kidney transplantation.

The purpose of this manuscript and protocol is to explain and demonstrate in detail the surgical procedure of orthotopic kidney transplantation in rats. This method is simplified to achieve the correct perfusion of the donor kidney and shorten the reperfusion time by using the venous and ureteral cuff anastomosis technique.

Kidney transplantation offers increased survival rates and improved quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease, as compared to any type of ...

Optical Clearing and Imaging of Immunolabeled Kidney Tissue

Optical clearing techniques render tissue transparent by equilibrating the refractive index throughout a sample for subsequent three-dimensional (3-D) imaging. They have received great attention in all research areas for the potential to analyze microscopic multicellular structures that extend over macroscopic distances. Given that kidney tubules, vasculature, nerves, and glomeruli extend in many directions, which have been only partially captured by traditional two-dimensional techniques so far, tissue clearing also opened up many new areas of kidney research. The list of optical clearing methods is rapidly growing, but it remains difficult for beginners in this field to choose the best method for a given research question. Provided here is a simple method that combines antibody labeling of thick mouse kidney slices; optical clearing with cheap, non-toxic and ready-to-use chemical ethyl cinnamate; and confocal imaging. This protocol describes how to perfuse kidneys and use an antigen-retrieval step to increase antibody- binding without requiring specialized equipment. Its application is presented in imaging different multicellular structures within the kidney, and how to troubleshoot poor antibody penetration into tissue is addressed. We also discuss the potential difficulties of imaging endogenous fluorophores and acquiring very large samples and how to overcome them. This simple protocol provides an easy-to-setup and comprehensive tool to study tissue in three dimensions.

The combination of antibody labeling, optical clearing, and advanced light microscopy allows three-dimensional analysis of complete structures or organs. Described here is a simple method to combine immunolabeling of thick kidney slices, optical clearing with ethyl cinnamate, and confocal imaging that enables visualization and quantification of three-dimensional kidney structures.

Optical clearing techniques render tissue transparent by equilibrating the refractive index throughout a sample for subsequent three-dimensional (3-D) ...

Technical Detail for Robot Assisted Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Since its first report in 2003, robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) has gained popularity among pancreatic surgeons. Inherent advantages of the robotic platform, including three-dimensional vision, wristed instruments, and improved ergonomics, allow the surgeon to recapitulate the principles of open pancreatoduodenectomy allowing safe oncologic dissection, hemostasis, and meticulous reconstruction. Over the course of the past decade, significant strides have been achieved in outlining the safety, feasibility, and learning curve of the robotic Whipple. When performed by high volume pancreatic surgeons experienced in RPD, recent comparative effectiveness studies show potential advantages compared to the open technique, including reductions in hospital stay and morbidity. National data also show reductions in conversion rates compared to its laparoscopic counterpart. Although long-term oncologic data are still needed, short-term oncologic surrogates of margin resection and lymph node harvest suggest no compromise in oncologic outcomes. As pancreatic surgeons increasingly integrate robotics into their practice, proficiency-based training and credentialing will be necessary for the safe application and dissemination of RPD. Here, we provide the detailed steps of a robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.&#160;

The following manuscript details a stepwise approach to the robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Since its first report in 2003, robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) has gained popularity among pancreatic surgeons. Inherent advantages of the robotic ...

Robot-Assisted Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy Including Resection and Reconstruction of the Spleno-Mesenteric Junction

This article shows the technique of robot-assisted radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy, including resection and reconstruction of the spleno-mesenteric junction, for cancer of the body-tail of the pancreas. The patient is placed supine with the legs parted and a pneumoperitoneum is established and maintained at 10 mmHg. To use the surgical system, four 8 mm ports and one 12 mm port are required. The optic port is placed at the umbilicus. The other ports are placed, on either side, along the pararectal line and the anterior axillary line at the level of the umbilical line. The assistant port (12 mm) is placed along the right pararectal line. Dissection begins by detaching the gastrocolic ligament, thus opening the lesser sac, and by a wide mobilization of the splenic flexure of the colon. The superior mesenteric vein is identified along the inferior border of the pancreas. Lymph node number 8a is removed to permit clear visualization of the common hepatic artery. A tunnel is then created behind the neck of the pancreas. To permit safe resection and reconstruction of the spleno-mesenteric junction, further preemptive dissection is required before dividing the pancreatic neck to bring in clear view all relevant vascular pedicles. Next, the splenic artery is ligated and divided, and the pancreatic neck is divided, with selective ligature of the pancreatic duct. After vein resection and reconstruction, dissection proceeds to complete the clearance of peripancreatic arteries that are peeled off from all lympho-neural tissues. Both celiac ganglia are removed en-bloc with the specimen. The Gerota fascia covering the upper pole of the left kidney is also removed en-bloc with the specimen. Division of short gastric vessels and splenectomy complete the procedure. A drain is left near the pancreatic stump. The round ligament of the liver is mobilized to protect the vessels.

The robotic technique shown herein aims at faithfully reproducing the open procedure for radical treatment of cancer of the body-tail of the pancreas. The protocol also demonstrates the ability to master involvement of major peripancreatic vessels without conversion to open surgery.

This article shows the technique of robot-assisted radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy, including resection and reconstruction of the ...

Orthotopic Kidney Auto-Transplantation in a Porcine Model Using 24 Hours Organ Preservation And Continuous Telemetry

In the present era of organ transplantation with critical organ shortage, various strategies are employed to expand the pool of available allografts for kidney transplantation (KT). Even though, the use of allografts from extended criteria donors (ECD) could partially ease the shortage of organ donors, ECD organs carry a potentially higher risk for inferior outcomes and postoperative complications. Dynamic organ preservation techniques, modulation of ischemia-reperfusion and preservation injury, and allograft therapies are in the spotlight of scientific interest in an effort to improve allograft utilization and patient outcomes in KT.
Preclinical animal experiments are playing an essential role in translational research, especially in the medical device and drug development. The major advantage of the porcine orthotopic auto-transplantation model over ex vivo or small animal studies lies within the surgical-anatomical and physiological similarities to the clinical setting. This allows the investigation of new therapeutic methods and techniques and ensures a facilitated clinical translation of the findings. This protocol provides a comprehensive and problem-oriented description of the porcine orthotopic kidney auto-transplantation model, using a preservation time of 24 hours and telemetry monitoring. The combination of sophisticated surgical techniques with highly standardized and state-of-the-art methods of anesthesia, animal housing, perioperative follow up, and monitoring ensure the reproducibility and success of this model.

Large animal models play an essential role in preclinical transplantation research. Due to its similarities to the clinical setup, the porcine model of orthotopic kidney auto-transplantation described in this article provides an excellent in vivo setting for the testing of organ preservation techniques and therapeutic interventions.

In the present era of organ transplantation with critical organ shortage, various strategies are employed to expand the pool of available allografts for ...

Digital Home-Monitoring of Patients after Kidney Transplantation: The MACCS Platform

The MACCS (Medical Assistant for Chronic Care Service) platform enables secure sharing of key medical information between patients after kidney transplantation and physicians. Patients provide information such as vital signs, well-being, and medication intake via smartphone apps. The information is transferred directly into a database and electronic health record at the kidney transplant center, which is used for routine patient care and research. Physicians can send an updated medication plan and laboratory data directly to the patient app via this secure platform. Other features of the app are medical messages and video consultations. Consequently, the patient is better-informed, and self-management is facilitated. In addition, the transplant center and the patient's local nephrologist automatically exchange notes, medical reports, laboratory values, and medication data via the platform. A telemedicine team reviews all incoming data on a dashboard and takes action, if necessary. Tools to identify patients at risk for complications are under development. The platform exchanges data via a standardized secure interface (Health Level 7 (HL7), Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)). The standardized data exchange based on HL7 FHIR guarantees interoperability with other eHealth solutions and allows rapid scalability to other chronic diseases. The underlying data protection concept is in concordance with the latest European General Data Protection Regulation. Enrollment started in February 2020, and 131 kidney transplant recipients are actively participating as of July 2020. Two large German health insurance companies are currently funding the telemedicine services of the project. The deployment for other chronic kidney diseases and solid organ transplant recipients is planned. In conclusion, the platform is designed to enable home monitoring and automatic data exchange, empower patients, reduce hospitalizations, and improve adherence, and outcomes after kidney transplantation.

The MACCS platform&#160;is a comprehensive telemedicine concept aiming at better outcomes after kidney transplantation by sharing key medical information between patients and physicians. A telemedicine team reviews incoming data to detect potential complications and to improve adherence in kidney transplant recipients to achieve better long-term outcomes.