Robot-Assisted Ureteral Reconstruction

Abstract

This chapter describes reconstructive robotic surgical techniques for the treatment of ureteral pathology. Included are descriptions of ureterolysis with omental wrapping, ureterocalicostomy, ureteroureterostomy, and ureteral reimplantation. Robotic pyeloplasty will be discussed in a separate chapter.Robotics is particularly suited for surgery of ureteral pathology because this often entails delicate, sharp dissection in areas that are adjacent to major anatomic structures. By offering a three-dimensional, magnified view of the surgical field and allowing for seven degrees of freedom with 90° of instrument angulation, robotic surgical systems allow surgical maneuvers to be performed with extreme control and visualization. While the basic tenets of open surgical techniques are followed during robotic surgery, the drawbacks of morbid large incisions and the subsequent pronged postoperative recovery are avoided.

This chapter contains a video segment which can be found at the URL: http://www.springerimages.com/Su