Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for specific renal hilar tumors (hilar tumors close to the upper pole of kidney and straddling renal pedicle, HUS renal tumors). Methods The clinical data of patients who received RAPN from Feb. 2016 to Dec. 2018 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 13 cases with typical HUS renal tumors were selected, and 13 cases with non-HUS hilar tumors with similar R.E.N.A.L. score were selected as controls. The demographic data, perioperative results, complications, renal function changes and oncologic outcomes of the two groups were analyzed and compared. Results The maximal tumor size and R.E.N.A.L. score were comparable between the two groups. RAPN of three patients with HUS renal tumors were converted to open partial nephrectomy. The operation time ([132.92±22.33] min vs [110.85±20.97] min) and warm ischemia time ([28.08±6.29] min vs [22.15±5.87] min) were significantly longer in the HUS group compared with those in the non-HUS group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, length of hospital stay, postoperative short-term renal function change, positive margin rate, complications, or trifecta rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). No recurrence, metastasis or death occurred in the two groups during the follow-up. Conclusion RAPN for HUS renal tumor requires longer operation time and warm ischemia time, and has higher conversion rate from RAPN to open surgery, so it is necessary to select surgery strategy according to tumor characteristics and operator's experience.