Robot-assisted laparoscopic lower pole partial nephrectomy in the pediatric patient

Introduction In pediatric urology, partial nephrectomy is used primarily to remove a non-functioning renal moiety in a duplicated system. There are few data on infants undergoing this procedure. As such, we present a robot-assisted laparoscopic lower pole partial nephrectomy in an infant. Methods Our patient was an 11-month-old (10.7 kg) male with a history of prenatal hydronephrosis, who was diagnosed postnatally with a duplicated right collecting system and severe hydroureteronephrosis of the right lower collecting system. A DMSA scan demonstrated no radiotracer uptake in the right lower pole. A robot-assisted laparoscopic lower pole partial nephrectomy was performed. Results A lower pole partial nephrectomy was accomplished. At 1 month postoperatively, an ultrasound demonstrated no hydronephrosis or perinephric fluid collection. Conclusions Robotic partial nephrectomy is safe and feasible in pediatrics including both older children and infants. It is successful for both upper and lower pole partial nephrectomies.