Robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a review of the current status.
BACKGROUND
Over the last decade minimally invasive endourologic and laparoscopic techniques have become the first line therapies for primary UPJ obstruction. Robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for the correction of ureteropelvic junction has achieved outcomes comparable to those of open and laparoscopic techniques. We present a comprehensive review of the current literature of robotic assisted pyeloplasty.


METHODS
We performed a systemic review of all the current literature examining demographic data, intra operative parameters and post-operative outcomes.


RESULTS
In most published series in the literature, the operative time ranges from 122 to 300 minutes and the operative time ranges from 27 to 77 ml. Most series considers subjective improvement in the symptoms and improved drainage on post-operative diuretic renal scan as the measures of success. The reported success rates vary from 89 to 100%.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic pyeloplasty is a feasible alternative to laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Short-term results indicate equivalent outcomes with the laparoscopic procedure. Long-term studies are still needed to compare robotic and open pyeloplasty outcomes, and to define the role of robotic pyeloplasty in a cost prohibitive health care system.
Shah
Ketul K
KK
The Ohio State University Medical Centre, Department of Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery, Division of Urology, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. shahkk74@gmail.com
Louie
Michael
M
Thaly
Rahul K
RK
Patel
Vipul R
VR
D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*