A structured training curriculum for robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy: a Delphi consensus study.
Publication/Presentation Date
12-1-2025
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To develop an internationally validated, structured robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy (RARNU) training programme through expert consensus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A RARNU-specific questionnaire was developed/adapted from previously published, validated questionnaires for robot-assisted urological procedures. This included five key domains and 11 surgical steps. In all, 30 upper tract urothelial carcinoma experts were invited to participate. A two-stage modified Delphi approach was employed. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement. Modifications and additional statements were proposed during the second round following qualitative/quantitative feedback from the initial round.
RESULTS: Response rates for the first and second Delphi rounds were 80% (24/30) and 92% (22/24), respectively. All agreed that adoption of a standardised training curriculum can improve clinical outcomes during the RARNU learning curve. There was ≥92% agreement on all proposed RARNU steps. Five RARNU clinical modules of increasing complexity were defined using individual step difficulty and number of prior RARNU cases required, with ≥96% agreement among respondents. Respondents unanimously agreed that the final assessment should be based on a procedure-specific scale focusing on the hilar dissection, ureteric dissection, and bladder cuff excision steps. No consensus was reached for the annual minimum RARNU volume required for eligibility as a RARNU curriculum host centre.
CONCLUSION: This is the first structured training curriculum for RARNU using international expert consensus. This will help guide surgical educators and trainees toward independent completion of a full RARNU.
Volume
136
Issue
6
First Page
1114
Last Page
1120
ISSN
1464-410X
Published In/Presented At
Moghaddam, F. S., Ghoreifi, A., Sayyid, R. K., Wu, Z., Abdollah, F., Antonelli, A., Eun, D. D., Guo, S., Hung, A. J., Ma, L., Margulis, V., Matin, S. F., Mehrazin, R., Porter, J., Potretzke, A., Pradere, B., Roupret, M., Seisen, T., Shariat, S. F., Simone, G., … Djaladat, H. (2025). A structured training curriculum for robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy: a Delphi consensus study. BJU international, 136(6), 1114–1120. https://doi.org/10.1111/bju.70000
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
40960222
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article