title: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic reconstruction of the upper urinary tract: tips and tricks.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine whether simple tips and tricks provided in this manuscript and video make robotic reconstruction of the urinary tract possible from the renal calyx to the bladder. The da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) has been widely accepted by urologists for complex reconstructive maneuvers such as radical prostatectomy and pyeloplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  The manuscript and accompanying video outline tips and tricks for patient selection, patient evaluation, port placement, dissection techniques, robotic docking, ureteral repair, and stent management for complex urinary tract reconstruction of the upper urinary tract from the level of the renal calyx to the bladder.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Modifications such as port placement, robotic docking techniques, and ureter reconstruction have simplified the technique of complex robotic-assisted laparoscopic reconstruction of the urinary tract.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Numerous scenarios can be encountered during robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of the upper urinary tract. Simple tips and tricks provided in this manuscript and video make robotic reconstruction of the urinary tract possible from the renal calyx to the bladder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA.
authors.forename: David D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Thiel
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Leroy
authors.forename: Howard N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Winfield
authors.forename: Todd C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Igel
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007670:Kidney Calices / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D012371:Robotics; D014513:Ureter / Q000601:surgery*; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods