Robotic Assisted Ureteral Reimplantation: Current Status

The da Vinci robot is being used for an increasing variety of reconstructive procedures. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction is now performed routinely, and has been shown to have similar efficacy and safety profiles to open surgery in various studies. In this article, we focus on use of the robot to aid in distal ureteral reconstruction in the adult and pediatric population. Indications reviewed will include benign and malignant conditions. The appropriate preoperative evaluation, the set-up of the operating room and patient positioning, the described techniques for ureteral reimplantation, and the appropriate post-operative care and follow-up will all be discussed. Literature for the past 10 years has been reviewed, and emphasis given to most recent publications and those describing novel approaches to using the robot for distal ureteral reconstruction.