Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Challenging Cases of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in the Pediatric...

To report a multi-institutional international experience in performing robotic pyeloplasty for complicated cases of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in the pediatric population and assess feasibility and outcomes. Retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) for UPJO in challenging cases between 2013 and 2021 was included. Demographics, perioperative surgical data, complications, and results are described. Challenging cases were defined as bilateral UPJO, failure of previous open pyeloplasty (thus re-do cases), correction of UPJO in kidneys with anatomical variations, huge hydronephrosis, and low-weight infants (<6 kg). Over an 8-year period, 36 children (62% males and 38% females) met the inclusion criteria for our study. Fifteen patients underwent RALP for recurrent UPJO; among them, 2 children required simultaneous surgery for renal stones, 3 cases of lower pole UPJO in double collecting system, 3 cases of pelvic and horseshoe kidneys, 10 cases of infants weighing <6 kg, 3 cases of huge hydronephrosis, and 2 cases of bilateral UPJO. The median age and weight were 36 months (interquartile range [IQR] 14-84) and 12 kg (IQR 10-20.5), respectively. All robotic cases were completed successfully with no conversion to an open procedure. The median operative time was 120 minutes (IQR 90-135). The mean length of hospital stay was 2.6 days. Four patients (17%) had postoperative complications-1 ileus (Clavien-Dindo grade [CDG] I) and 3 urinary tract infections (CDG II). No CDG III or higher complication was encountered. At a median follow-up of 36 months, the success rate was 95% with 1 patient requiring another re-do procedure due to recurrent obstruction. Our data suggest that RALP is safe and effective even for challenging cases of UPJO in children.