Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a single-centre experience

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is characterised by an obstruction compromising the passage of urine from the renal pelvis into the ureter, and can be corrected by Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty (RALP). We aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of RALP, and examine the rates of true pain resolution following the procedure.

We retrospectively explored the records of all patients who underwent RALP between April 2005 and January 2017. Measures of success were defined as the prevention of deterioration in split renal function and resolution of obstruction, and the resolution or improvement in subjective pain levels.

83 patients were included in this series. Mean patient age was 40.8 years. 38 patients had a left sided RALP, whilst 45 underwent RALP on the right. Crossing vessels were identified in 53.0% of patients. Mean operative time was 148.0 min. 68 patients had pain as their presenting feature. Following RALP, the pain resolved in 69.2% (n = 47), improved in 26.5% (n = 18), and remained the same in 4.4% (n = 3). 11.8% (n = 8) of patients required referral to other specialities for pain management. Success from a radiological perspective of cleared obstruction and arrest of deteriorating renal function was 97.6%.

Our individual outcomes demonstrate a high success rate regarding resolution of obstruction and preventing deterioration in renal function. We also report that a number of patients, who despite meeting the radiological criteria to undergo RALP, had alternate underlying causes for their pain symptoms. For this reason, we propose that the primary measure of success for RALP should be based on renal function and radiological outcomes, rather than the outcomes relating to pain. Both surgeons and patients should be aware that whilst RALP is a highly successful procedure, persistence of pain may be due to overlapping clinical conditions which can be managed by a multidisciplinary approach.