Functional outcomes after robot-assisted pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: A bi-centre experience

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RALP) for patients with clinically symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is increasing and needs assessment.

Patients who underwent RALP for UPJO in two academic centres were included. Demographic and perioperative data were collected retrospectively. UPJO was evaluated by imaging pre- and post-surgery. Patients had follow-up consultations 3,6 and 12 months post-surgery. Global success was defined as a clinical response plus radiographic evidence of no further obstruction 3-months post-surgery.

Overall 214 patients (median age: 40 years [interquartile range:30.3-54.0]) were included. Fourteen patients (6.5%) had undergone previous surgery for UPJO. Thirty patients (14%) suffered complication: urinoma (n = 13; 6.1%), pyelonephritis (n = 15; 7%) and retroperitoneal haematomas (n = 2; 0.9%). Repeated early surgery was necessary in eight patients (3.6%). Seven patients had a recurrence of UPJO and six (2.9%) underwent repeated surgery. Radiological success rate was 96.7% whereas global success rate was 91%.

RALP was a reliable, effective and safe treatment for UPJO with a high global and radiologic success rate.