title: Role of robotics for ureteral pelvic junction obstruction and ureteral pathology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the role of robotics for the management of ureteral pathology, in particular, ureteropelvic junction obstruction and ureteric stricture disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Minimally invasive surgery has an expanding role in the management of ureteric pathology. Minimally invasive surgery modalities are associated with decreased morbidity when compared with open reconstructive techniques. Robotics solves many of the technical complexities that may be prohibitive with standard laparoscopic surgery such as intracorporeal suturing. Several studies have demonstrated equivalent or superior short-term outcomes in comparison to traditional open techniques. Encouraging long-term data are now emerging for robotic pyeloplasty.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In 2008, robotic surgery appears to be a feasible and effective alternative to laparoscopy for reconstructive procedures of the ureter and may represent a potential solution to some of the drawbacks associated with ureteric reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, USA. RLeveill@med.miami.edu
authors.forename: Raymond J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Leveillee
authors.forename: Steve K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D003559:Cystostomy; D006801:Humans; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014513:Ureter / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*