Robotic reconstruction of the upper urinary tract.
OBJECTIVE
Reconstructive surgery of the upper urinary tract can be complicated. During the last 2 decades minimally invasive techniques have emerged as viable options for these complex procedures. We reviewed our experience with robotic surgery for upper urinary tract reconstruction.


METHODS
Between May 2002 and December 2006, a single surgeon performed certain robotic reconstructions on the upper urinary tract in 26 males and 37 females (65 renal units), including dismembered pyeloplasty, dismembered pyeloplasty with stone extraction, ureteroureterostomy, ureterolysis with omental wrap, ureterocalicostomy, ureteral reimplantation and upper pole nephroureterectomy. We compared demographic, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data on patients undergoing these various procedures.


RESULTS
Across all cases mean blood loss was 125 cc, mean operative time was 244.8 minutes and mean length of stay was 2.8 days. The rate of radiographic and symptomatic improvement was 97.3% and 100%, respectively. We observed 2 major complications during a mean followup of 18.7 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data illustrate that robotics can be successfully and safely used for virtually any type of upper urinary tract reconstruction. Robotic techniques are a viable option for upper urinary tract reconstruction.
Mufarrij
Patrick W
PW
Department of Urology, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Shah
Ojas D
OD
Berger
Aaron D
AD
Stifelman
Michael D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007670:Kidney Calices / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012092:Replantation / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012371:Robotics; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014513:Ureter / Q000601:surgery*; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*