Robotic-Assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty

Abstract

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) is an elegant, minimally invasive reconstructive procedure to treat UPJ obstruction. The technique is discussed here in detail. Some selected patients can be discharged within 18 hours. Some series over five years report success rates of between 95 and 100%. The benefits over laparoscopic pyeloplasty are arguable and need to carefully be measured against the increased cost. Perhaps the main advantages are the ease of ureteric spatulation and suturing due to the EndoWrist instruments. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.