Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in the era of novel robotic platforms: the first european experience with the toumai® system

Abstract

Abstract Background To evaluate the feasibility and safety of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) performed using the Toumai® robotic system in this first European experience. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study including consecutive patients undergoing RAPN performed using the Toumai® robotic system at a tertiary referral robotic centre between May and December 2025. Perioperative, postoperative, functional, and pathological data were collected. Results A total of 21 RAPN procedures were performed using the Toumai® robotic system. Median patient age was 63 years, and 15 patients (71.4%) were male. Median tumour diameter was 3.2 cm. Median total operative time was 143 min, with a median console time of 90 min. No conversions to open surgery or radical nephrectomy occurred. Two robot-related technical events (9.5%) were recorded and managed intraoperatively without clinical consequences. One postoperative complication occurred (4.8%), graded as Clavien–Dindo I. No major complications, blood transfusions, or early readmissions (<30 days) were observed. Median length of hospital stay was three days. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) showed a minimal change at hospital discharge, with a median ΔeGFR of −2 mL/min/1.73m2 (p = 0.2). Conclusion In this first European experience, RAPN performed using the Toumai® robotic system was feasible and safe. Further studies are required to confirm long-term outcomes and comparative performance.