Technique Description and Outcomes of Robotic Transvaginal-Assisted Living Donor Kidney Transplantation

The aim of the study was to describe the surgical technique of totally robotic kidney transplantation with transvaginal insertion and to assess its safety and feasibility.

It is a prospective analysis of the first 5 cases of robotic kidney transplantation with transvaginal insertion. Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation was performed after transvaginal insertion of a living donor kidney graft. Donor's and recipient's characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and surgical outcomes were assessed.

The median operative time was 220 min. Mean rewarming ischemia time of 53 min, with immediate diuresis. No intraoperative complications were observed. Mean hospitalization period was 9 days, with mean Cr of 1.5 mg/dL at discharge.

Robotic kidney transplantation with transvaginal insertion is feasible and safe. A greater number of procedures are required to confirm the results of this new technique.