Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty: outcomes reported by a centre with no previous laparoscopic experience

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) has proved to be an effective minimally invasive treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). However, its application is still limited by the challenge of the laparoscopic learning curve, which seems to be overcome by the recent introduction of robot assistance. The aim of this manuscript is to show our outcomes after the first robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasties (RP) and critically evaluate the feasibility of this technique when performed by a surgical team without any previous laparoscopic experience. Between March 2005 and July 2008, 16 patients with UPJO underwent transperitoneal RPs. Before and after surgery patients were evaluated by ultrasonography, intravenous urography or retrograde pyelography, computed tomography (CT) scan, and/or diuretic renography. Mean follow-up was 16.8 months. The assessed outcomes were mean operative time (OT), mean estimated blood loss (EBL), mean length of hospital stay (LOS), success (SR), and complication rates (CR). OT, EBL, LOS, and SR were 202 min, 60 ml, 5.2 days, and 94%, respectively. Among the minor complications, two patients (12%) reported moderate abdominal pain while, concerning major complications, one patient (6%) developed ileus. Robot assistance was confirmed as a special tool for laparoscopic treatment of UPJO with excellent outcomes after a shorter learning curve. As shown by our results, the feasibility of RP may also be extended to naïve surgeons who can approach this technique even in the absence of previous laparoscopic training, rapidly attaining results similar to those reported by both laparoscopically experienced and expert robotic surgeons.