Robotic nephropexy in case of symptomatic nephroptosis.

Abstract

We found only a recent report of robotic-assisted nephropexy, in a young female with associated dismembered pyeloplasty. Herein we present the first case of isolated robotic nephropexy. A 34-year old female was referred to our Urological Division history of right flank pain and evidence at intravenous urography of a 5-6 cm descent of right kidney moving from supine to erect position. The robotic nephropexy was performed with a transperitoneal approach and 4 trocars. The kidney was wrapped up with a Parietex Composite (PCO) mesh (Tyco Healthcare), previously precut in an hockey stick shape to obtain a "spoon effect" to push up the lower pole of kidney. Despite the laparoscopic or retroperitoneoscopic procedures, the robotic-assisted nephropexy appears easier, with the particular advantages of the intracorporeal suturing and a better intraoperative view. The use of mesh, in our opinion, is preferable respect the decapsulation of the kidney, to avoid unnecessary blood loss and possible scarring.