A Comparison Between Laparoscopic and Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Patients with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

Background The aim of this study is to compare the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty and robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Methods Between March 2008 and May 2019, the patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Results Thirteen patients underwent laparoscopically, and 12 patients underwent robotic surgery. The significant difference was found in median operative time between laparoscopic group (296 minutes) and robotic group (199 minutes) (P = 0.001). The median time for drain removal in laparoscopic group was longer than robotic group (3 vs. 2 days, respectively, P = 0.029). Conclusion Laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty is safe and excellent success rates in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. However, our experience study suggested that robotic surgery improves a total operative time, decreases drain removal time and less intraoperative blood loss than laparoscopic approach.