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Updated: May 19, 2026
Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation
Published on: July 19, 2021
Analysis of a large single-center experience with robot-assisted pyeloplasty
Scott Tobis1, Sriram Venigalla, Kathir Balakumaran
1Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
Objectives:
To report a single-center experience with robot-assisted pyeloplasty.
Methods:
Medical records of 100 consecutive robot-assisted pyeloplasty cases carried out between May 2004 and August 2010 were retrospectively reviewed, and major perioperative parameters were recorded. Patients underwent functional (renal scan) and/or anatomical (ultrasound or computerized tomoghraphy) imaging at 6 months.
Results:
The mean patient age was 39.8 years. A total of 12 patients underwent prior attempts at repair. Ureteral stents were placed in all patients except one, and closed-suction drains were placed in 59 patients. There were two intraoperative complications and two postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention. One patient with a complex prior surgical history developed a urine leak that was managed with prolonged drainage. A total of 42 patients were discharged on postoperative day 1, and 44 were discharged on postoperative day 2. Mean length of follow up was 22.8 months. The operative success rate was 96%.
Conclusions:
The majority of patients undergoing robot-assisted pyeloplasty can expect a short hospitalization with minimal morbidity. The operative success rate is high, even in patients with prior attempts at repair. Complication rates including urine leaks are quite low, and routine placement of a closed-suction drain is likely to be unnecessary.
