Robot-assisted Surgery in the Field of Urology: The Most Pioneering Approaches 2015-2023

Robot-assisted surgery has emerged as a transformative technology, revolutionizing surgical approaches and techniques that decades ago could barely be imagined. The field of urology has taken charge in pioneering a new era of minimally invasive surgery with the ascent of robotic systems which offer enhanced visualization, precision, dexterity, and enabling surgeons to perform intricate maneuvers with improved accuracy. This has led to improved surgical outcomes, including reduced blood loss, lower complication rates, and faster patient recovery. The aim of our review is to present an evidence-based critical analysis on the most pioneering robotic urologic approaches described over the last eight years (2015-2023).

Innovative Applications of Robotic Surgery: Renal Allograft and Autologous Transplantation

Robotic surgery has enabled surgeons to offer more patients a minimally invasive surgical option in the management of their complex diseases. While renal transplantation is associated with significant improvements in quantity and quality of life for most end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, it is also not devoid of its surgical risks and potential morbidities. Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation is a recently described, innovative application of the robotic surgery platform, and early experiences suggest that it is associated with comparable graft function and lower rates of complications.

Urinary tract obstruction, though less common than ESRD, can be a serious threat to renal function. Severe ureteric stricture disease can represent a clinically complex problem requiring major reconstructive surgery. Completely intra-corporeal robotic renal auto-transplantation is another innovative application of the robotic surgery platform and represents a significant advancement in urologic surgery. Initial reports of this procedure demonstrate safety, feasibility, and excellent renal function outcomes.