J Robot Surg. 2026 Feb 16;20(1):260. doi: 10.1007/s11701-026-03161-7.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes between the traditional hospitalization care model and an ambulatory surgery model with integrated continuity of care for patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN).
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the clinical data of 120 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy at our hospital between June 2021 and June 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the perioperative care model they received: a control group (n = 55) receiving routine care within the traditional hospitalization model and an observation group (n = 65) managed under the ambulatory surgery model with integrated continuity of care. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to control for potential selection bias. The OAS CAHPS was used to investigate patient evaluations regarding medical care, preoperative preparation, postoperative education, and discharge guidance. Based on the characteristics of the statistical data, analysis was performed using statistical packages in R software. Outcome measures included wound healing status, pain scores, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), and patient satisfaction.
RESULTS: Groups were comparable at baseline and after matching. The intervention group demonstrated a significantly shorter median postoperative stay (29 vs. 94 h), time to first ambulation (8 vs. 25 h), and lower hospitalization costs (all P < 0.05). They also had superior functional recovery, lower pain scores, and higher satisfaction (all P < 0.05). An initial association with improved wound healing at 1 month was attenuated in the matched analysis.
CONCLUSION: For patients undergoing RPN, the ambulatory surgery model with integrated continuity of care was associated with accelerated recovery, improved functional outcomes, and higher patient satisfaction compared to the traditional hospitalization care model. Its association with improved wound healing requires further validation. This integrated care approach is worthy of further prospective validation and application.
PMID:41692927 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-026-03161-7
