Retroperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic upper pole heminephrectomy in adult patients with duplex kidneys

Background: To report our experience with retroperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic upper pole heminephrectomy in adult patients with duplex kidneys. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 7 patients who underwent retroperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic upper pole heminephrectomy at our institution between September 2014 and July 2017. Of the robot-assisted laparoscopic procedures, 5 were on the left and 2 on the right side. Results: All patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery successfully in a totally retroperitoneal manner without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 175 mins (range 140–270). The mean estimated blood loss was 84 mL (range 20–200). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (range 5–9). No major intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. All patients had a resolution of their presenting symptoms after surgery at a mean follow-up of 24 months (range 14–38). Conclusion: Our initial clinical experience suggests that robot-assisted laparoscopic upper pole heminephrectomy using a retroperitoneal approach for a duplex kidney appears to be safe with acceptable perioperative outcomes.