Abstract: Objective To compare the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approach in roboticassisted （daVinci surgical system） laparoscopic partial nephrectomy（RALPN） in treating the renal carcinoma and assess its clinical efficacy.
Methods Clinical data of 82 renal carcinoma patients from December 2011 to February 2015 was retrospectively reviewed. Forty-nine patients were performed RALPN by transperitoneal approach， and 33 patients by retroperitoneal approach. The operation time， renal artery clamping time， operative blood loss， postoperative intestinal discharge time， surgical margin status and postoperative complications were observed and compared. Results Both groups were performed successfully. The operation time， renal artery clamping time， operative blood loss， surgical margin status and postoperative complications did not show any significant difference between the two approaches （P＞0.05）. In retroperitoneal approach group， the postoperative intestinal discharge time was （2.1±0.7）d， shorter than （5.7±1.4）d of transperitoneal approach group （P＜0.05）. Conclusion Retroperitoneal approach appears to be a safe， technically feasible and minimally invasive option in RALPN in treatment of renal carcinoma, which shows equivalent outcomes to those of the transperitoneal approach and advantages in recovery of intestinal function.