Renal Physiology and Robotic Urological Surgery

Abstract

The use of robotic-assisted laparoscopic techniques has transformed the face of urological surgery in the last decade, with demonstrable benefits over both unassisted laparoscopic and traditional open approaches. For example, robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is associated with lower morbidity, improved convalescence, reduced postoperative pain, shorter length of hospital stay, and a superior cosmetic result when compared to an open procedure. This review discusses the various perioperative influences on the renal physiology of patients undergoing robotic-assisted urological procedures.