Robotic versus conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children less than 20 kg by weight: single-center experience

To compare outcomes of robotic versus conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children less than 20 kg by weight.

Nineteen patients undergoing RP and twenty-five LP under 20 kg by weight were compared retrospectively with respect to demographics and operative, postoperative, and follow-up data. For all cases, a lateral transperitoneal approach was used and all anastomoses were stented. Success was defined as the resolution of preoperative symptoms and hydronephrosis postoperatively. If either case is not fulfilled, a renogram was obtained postoperatively. Student's t test was used for statistical analysis.

Forty-four patients underwent forty-seven pyeloplasties (19 RP and 25 LP), with three patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous laparoscopic procedure with mean age of 2.7 and 2.4 years in RP and LP, respectively. The robotic procedures were superior in terms of shorter mean hospital stay by one and half day on an average. Minimum time taken for RP was 60 min, while for LP it was 90 min. Both procedures were comparable in terms of complication rate, success rate as well as operating time.

This comparative study confirms the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of robotic pyeloplasty in infants and toddlers. The obvious advantage is being shorter hospital stay. Further prospective studies will be needed to show its superiority over LP.