The Particulars: Previous research has not addressed neuropathic injury during robotic-assisted urologic surgery.
Data Breakdown: After reviewing 334 urologic cases utilizing robotic surgical systems, investigators found 22 positioning injuries. Among these, 59% resolved within 1 month, 18% resolved in 1 to 6 months, and 23% persisted beyond 6 months despite neurology and occupational therapy consultation. Operative time, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, positioning of the upper extremity on an arm board away from the trunk, and amount of intravenous fluid infuse were factors significantly associated with injury.
Take Home Pearl: Neuropathic injuries in robotic-assisted urologic surgery, although relatively rare, appear to be under-recognized and can persist beyond 6 months.
