Robotic-assisted laparoscopic management of vesicoureteral reflux.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) has become a promising means for performing correction of vesicoureteral reflux disease in children through both intravesical and extravesical techniques. We describe the importance of patient selection, intraoperative patient positioning, employing certain helpful techniques for exposure, and recognizing the limitations and potential complications of robotic reimplant surgery. As more clinicians embrace robotic surgery and more urology residents are trained in robotics, we anticipate an expansion of the applications of robotics in children. We believe that it is necessary to develop robotic surgery curricula for novice roboticists and residents so that patients may experience improved surgical outcomes.
Lendvay
Thomas
T
Division of Pediatric Urology, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, University of Washington, 4800 Sand Point Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98102, USA. thomas.lendvay@seattlechildrens.org