Transperitoneal robotic pyeloplasty: our initial experiences

Objective: To evaluate surgical and functional outcomes of the robotic assisted pyeloplasty cases. Materials and methods: Between August 2008 and November 2010, 12 patients underwent transperitoneal robotic (4 ports) pyeloplasty. Patients were evaluated with preoperative physical examination, intravenous urography, and diuretic renography. The presence of crossing vessels, blood loss, operative time, mean follow-up period, and perioperative complications were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 33 years (range 14-62 years). All patients underwent robotic-assisted dismembred pyeloplasty. Ureteral stent was placed in an antegrade fashion. Mean operative time was 124 min, and estimated blood loss was 80 cc. Crossing vessels were observed in 4 patients, and transposition was performed. The drain was removed after a mean of 3 days. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.6 days. One patient needed blood transfusion postoperatively. No evidence of obstruction was observed at a mean of 16-month follow-up. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted pyeloplasty with its high success rates and low morbidity is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive approach for the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction.