A single institution experience: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic renal calyceal diverticulectomies, heminephrectomy and bladder diverticulectomies

Abstract

Introduction: The use of a robotic surgical system has transformed modern urological surgeries. There is little reported, however, on the use of robotic surgical systems in the management of benign urological diseases. We aim to report our experience in robotic-assisted surgery in renal calyceal diverticulectomies, heminephrectomy and bladder diverticulectomies. Methodology: We retrospectively collected the data of patients who had robotic-assisted surgery in our institution from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019. Results: Over the last five years, our institution has performed over 1500 robotic-assisted urological surgeries. In this five-year period, four robotic surgeons have performed a total of 25 robotic assisted operations to treat benign urological diseases including three renal calyceal diverticulectomies, one heminephrectomy and two bladder diverticulectomies. All patients were satisfied with the outcomes of their surgery when reviewed at their follow up consultations. Conclusion: We report a very positive experience in using robotic surgical systems in managing our series of benign urological conditions in our hospital. We should not restrict the use of this tool to cancer surgery, but consider the technology in our surgical armamentarium for all aspects of our urological practice.