Comparative efficacy of cryoablation versus robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in the treatment of cT1 renal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose This study utilizes a meta-analytic approach to investigate the effects of cryoablation and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy on perioperative outcomes, postoperative renal function, and oncological results in patients. Methods This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database) were systematically searched to identify relevant studies published in English up to November 2023. The primary outcomes were perioperative results, complications, postoperative renal function and oncologic outcomes. Review Manager 5.4 was used for this analysis. Results This study included a total of 10 studies comprising 2,011 patients. Compared to RAPN (Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy), the CA (Cryoablation) group had a shorter hospital stay [MD -1.76 days; 95% CI -3.12 to -0.41; p = 0.01], less blood loss [MD -104.60 ml; 95% CI -152.58 to -56.62; p