The missed crossing vessel during open pyeloplasty: a potential advantage of the robot-assisted approach in children

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the panoramic view offered by robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) reduces the likelihood of missing a crossing vessel compared to open pyeloplasty in cases where initial pyeloplasty fails. METHODS: A single institution redo-pyeloplasty database was reviewed for children treated between January 2012 to July 2023. Clinical history, imaging and operative details were reviewed to identify the etiology for the redo procedure. RESULTS: Cohort consisted of 45 patients undergoing a redo RALP during the study period. 29 of 45 patients had an initial open surgical approach, whereas 16 had an initial RALP. 10 patients were noted to have a missed crossing vessel on redo pyeloplasty - 9 had an initial open approach whereas 1 had an initial RALP (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: RALP may reduce the risk of missing a crossing vessel due to the panoramic view of the surgical field intrinsic to an intraperitoneal RALP approach.