Robotic assisted kidney transplantation in grafts with multiple vessels: single center experience

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of robotic assisted kidney transplantation in graft with multiple vessels.

Eighteen patients underwent RAKT with grafts with multiple vessels (GMVs) from living donor performed by a single surgeon in single institution. The retrospective data obtained were compared to patients who underwent robotic assisted kidney transplant (RAKT) with single vessel and also open kidney transplant with GMVs.

There were no significant differences in graft function outcome and perioperative parameters in all three groups. In comparison with OKT in GMVs we found that RAKT with GMVs had less pain score on post op 4th day. There was also a significant difference in mean analgesic requirement and incision length.

With increasing experience, grafts with challenging vascular anatomy can be taken up for RAKT and GMVs should not be considered as a contraindication for RAKT.