Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation
Published on: July 19, 2021
Early Experience With Robotic Kidney Transplantation With Left-Sided Graft Implantation: Technical Considerations and
Diego F Chaparro-Zaraza1, Haaris Kadri2, Amen Kiani1
1Section of Abdominal Transplant, Department of General Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Background:
Most reported experience with robotic kidney transplant (RKT) has been limited to right-sided graft implantation, with left-sided implantation considered technically challenging.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed consecutive left-sided RKTs at two transplant centres (01/2023-02/2026). A standardized operative technique with an accompanying surgical video is presented, and perioperative and postoperative outcomes are analysed.
Results:
Seventeen patients underwent left-sided RKT. Fifteen were for retransplants, and two were for contraindications to right-sided implantation. Median warm ischaemia time was 37 min, operative time 229 min, and length of stay 4 days. No conversions to open surgery, intraoperative complications, or major postoperative complications occurred. Delayed graft function developed in five patients. At a median follow-up of 12.1 months, all patients were alive with functioning grafts.
Conclusions:
RKT with left-sided graft implantation is technically feasible and safe in experienced robotic transplant centres and was associated with favourable short-term outcomes.
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01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction