Current Status of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation and Reconstruction

We reviewed the literature on robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation and provide general considerations for indications, perioperative management, and steps of the case. Robot-associated laparoscopic procedures are becoming more common in urologic surgery. The uses of the da Vinci robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) are expanding as well. We examine the use of the robot in distal ureteral reconstruction. A PubMed search was performed using keywords “robot” and “ureter,” “distal ureter,” “ureteral reimplant,” “psoas,” and “Boari.” Papers that discussed proximal ureteral reconstruction and nephroureterectomy were excluded. A total of nine papers were relevant. Personal experience was also drawn upon. Distal ureteral reconstruction using the robotic technique is feasible, safe, and becoming more and more prevalent as surgeon comfort with the robot increases.