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The Development of an Innovative Training Pathway for Robotic Assisted Renal Transplant Program

H. Pournik1, J. Castillo2, V. Brown2, J. Collins2, C. Haisch2, D. Leeser2

1ECU, Greenville, NC, 2Surgery, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Meeting: 2020 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: D-082

Keywords: Kidney transplantation, Laparoscopy, Obesity, Pig

Session Information

Session Name: Poster Session D: Kidney Technical

Session Type: Poster Session

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2020

Session Time: 3:15pm-4:00pm

 Presentation Time: 3:30pm-4:00pm

Location: Virtual

*Purpose: To develop and implement a surgeon and team training program for robotic renal transplants utilizing innovative technology and techniques.

*Methods: A graduated robotic educational program was developed to facilitate surgeon and team-based learning in an effort to optimize renal transplant outcomes. Surgeon robotic experience was developed through 4 steps. First, robotic certification was obtained from Intuitive Surgical using the standard curriculum. Second, a variety of general surgery robotic cases were performed including abdominal wall reconstruction and hepatobiliary surgery as well as standard nephrectomies for renal cell carcinoma and robotic donor nephrectomies (60 cases). Third, the creation of an innovative 3D printer model was developed to replicate a genitourinary system. Ureteral bladder implant suturing and two vascular anastomosis with bovine carotid artery for an end to side anastomosis were practiced using a DaVinci Si trainer. Each vascular anastomosis had to be completed in less than 20 minutes and the anastomoses have no leak. Fourth, both surgeon and team education and proficiency were refined and validated using a live porcine transplant wet lab. A donor nephrectomy and auto transplant were performed

*Results: As a result of this education and training pathway living related robotic kidney transplant was performed which the recipient was a 53-year-old male recipient with BMI of 40 and a history of DM and coronary artery disease s/p CABG. There was immediate graft function and no narcotic medications required. The patient was discharged home on post operative day 3.

*Conclusions: This innovative educational and training curriculum developed for robotic renal transplant was instrumental in facilitating the successful initiation of this novel program.

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To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Pournik H, Castillo J, Brown V, Collins J, Haisch C, Leeser D. The Development of an Innovative Training Pathway for Robotic Assisted Renal Transplant Program [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2020; 20 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/the-development-of-an-innovative-training-pathway-for-robotic-assisted-renal-transplant-program/. Accessed May 12, 2025.

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