Functional outcomes after robot‐assisted pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: A bi‐centre experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RALP) for patients with clinically symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is increasing and needs assessment. METHODS: Patients who underwent RALP for UPJO in two academic centres were included. Demographic and perioperative data were collected retrospectively. UPJO was evaluated by imaging pre- and post-surgery. Patients had follow-up consultations 3,6 and 12 months post-surgery. Global success was defined as a clinical response plus radiographic evidence of no further obstruction 3-months post-surgery. RESULTS: Overall 214 patients (median age: 40 years [interquartile range:30.3-54.0]) were included. Fourteen patients (6.5%) had undergone previous surgery for UPJO. Thirty patients (14%) suffered complication: urinoma (n = 13; 6.1%), pyelonephritis (n = 15; 7%) and retroperitoneal haematomas (n = 2; 0.9%). Repeated early surgery was necessary in eight patients (3.6%). Seven patients had a recurrence of UPJO and six (2.9%) underwent repeated surgery. Radiological success rate was 96.7% whereas global success rate was 91%. CONCLUSIONS: RALP was a reliable, effective and safe treatment for UPJO with a high global and radiologic success rate.