RA = Robotic-Assisted: prefix to describe a surgery
completed with the assistance of a surgical robot. Common
urological surgeries that utilize robotic technology are:
laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), partial nephrectomy
(RAPN), and radical cystectomy (RARC). Robotic
surgeries offer the advantage of three-dimensional vision
from the dual camera system.
RC = Radical Cystectomy: surgical removal of the
bladder. In men the prostate, seminal vesicles, and part of
the vas deferens are removed. In women the cervix,
uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and part of the vagina are
removed.
RCC = Renal Cell Carcinoma: adenocarcinoma
originating from the kidney. RCC is the most common renal
malignancy and the most lethal urological tumor. The most
common subtype is clear cell (75%) which originates from
the proximal tubules. Other types are papillary and
chromophobe. Risk factors include cigarette smoking,
VHL, TS, and ESRD. RCC may present with hematuria,
palpable mass, flank pain, fever and weight loss. It is
nicknamed the “internist’s tumor” because it can cause
paraneoplastic syndrome by ectopic secretion of EPO,
ACTH, or PTHrP. Contrast CT an enhancing renal mass
(benign masses can have a similar appearance).
RPLND = Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection:
surgical removal of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes
performed to stage and treat urogenital malignancies. Most
commonly indicated for testicular cancer.
RRP = Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: surgical
procedure for localized prostate cancer that removes the
prostate through a midline incision in the lower abdomen.