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When urine is formed by the kidney, it pools in an area called the renal pelvis. Almost like a funnel used to pour motor oil into your car engine, the renal pelvis is wide at the top and tapers at the bottom, “funneling” the urine into the ureter.

The ureter, a long thin muscular tube, then carries the urine from the pelvis to be stored within the bladder. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJ obstruction) is a condition where a blockage occurs at the junction where the pelvis and ureter meet (i.e. the base of the “funnel”). In cases of a UPJ obstruction, urine is unable to pass from the kidney into the ureter, resulting in both urine and pressure build up inside the renal pelvis and kidney causing pain, kidney stones, and/or decline in the kidney’s function over time (Figure 1).

Figure 1. CT scan demonstrating a right UPJ obstruction with dilation of the renal pelvis which was repaired by robotic pyeloplasty.

Note that the left kidney is normal and nondilated.

The majority of patients with this condition are born with the predisposition to UPJ obstruction. For others, it develops over time, either due to trauma, body growth, scar tissue, ureteral kinks or valves, a crossing blood vessel, or (rarely) a tumor.

The traditional treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a large open surgical incision under the rib to cut out the area of scarring and re-connect the healthy ureter to the renal pelvis. Over the past several years, robotic pyeloplasty was developed to give the same high success rate obtained with open pyeloplasty (>90%) while avoiding the large incision and associated pain and morbidity.

The Surgery

Pre-operative Ureteral Stenting

Depending on how obstructed your kidney is, you may have a temporary indwelling ureteral stent placed prior to your robotic pyeloplasty surgery or during your surgery in order to bypass the UPJ obstruction and relieve the pressure and urine from your obstructed kidney. Depending on how long your stent has been in place, your stent may need to be exchanged for a new one prior to or during surgery. Your surgeon will discuss with you the timing and possible need for exchanging your stent.

The operation

Robotic pyeloplasty is a state of the art laparoscopic technique, which is performed in the same manner as the open surgery, except that 4-5 small (< 1 cm) incisions are used instead of a large flank or abdominal incision (Figure 2).

Through these keyhole incisions, portals or trocars are placed to allow for insertion of robotic wristed instruments that allow the surgeon to excise the obstruction and accomplish the repair. At the University of Florida, we routinely use the da Vinci S Surgical Robotic System to tailor the reconstruction between the renal pelvis and ureter (Figure 3).

With the operating surgeon seated a few feet away at the surgeon operating console, the robotic instrumentation is controlled by the surgeon in real time with highly precise motion scaling (Figure 4).

The surgeon controls 2-3 multi-jointed robotic instruments to accomplish the tasks of dissection, cauterization, cutting and suturing (Figure 5).

Figure 3. da Vinci robot assembled to the operating trocars (courtesy of Intuitive Surgical Inc, Sunnyvale, CA)
Figure 4. Operating room configuration for left robotic pyeloplasty (courtesy of Intuitive Surgical Inc, Sunnyvale, CA).
Figure 5. Multi-jointed robotic instruments allow the surgeon to operate within the body with the same facility as tiny human hands.

In addition, the surgeon controls a stereoscopic lens which provides a three dimensional, high definition image of the anatomy. The affected kidney is then dissected and exposed. The area of obstruction is revealed and excised. In cases of a crossing vessel, the vessel(s) are preserved and the repair is transposed from behind the blood vessel to prevent recurring pressure and obstruction. In patients who have developed kidney stones as a result of their UPJ obstruction, these stones can be removed by placing a flexible telescope into the kidney with basket extraction of the stones prior to reconnecting the ureter to the renal pelvis (Figure 6).

The ureter and renal pelvis ends are spatulated and reconnected using sutures to allow for a wide connection. A drain is placed at the end of the surgery and is generally removed within 24-48 hours. The indwelling ureteral stent is maintained for four weeks and then removed in the clinic during a postoperative visit.

Potential risks and complications

As with any major surgery, complications, although rare, may occur with laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Potential risks and complications with this operation include but are not limited to the following:

  • Bleeding: Blood loss during this procedure is typically less than 100 cc with the rare need for a blood transfusion (<2% of patients). If you are interested in autologous blood transfusion (donating your own blood) prior to your surgery, you must make your surgeon aware. This can be arranged locally in Gainesville, FL at the Civitan Regional Blood center or at your local Red Cross.
  • Infection: Although patients are given broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics immediately prior to surgery, infections of the urinary tract and skin incisions may still occur but are rare. If you develop any signs or symptoms of infection after the surgery (fever, drainage from or redness around your incisions, urinary frequency/discomfort, pain) please contact us at once.
  • Recurrence of Kidney Obstruction: Although very effective, robotic pyeloplasty is associated with a < 5-10% risk of recurrent obstruction. If the obstruction recurs, often an endoscopic procedure using a laser may be needed to “cut” the scar tissue from within the ureter. For patients with obstruction associated with chronic pain, there are some studies that suggest the pain may never relent, even when the kidney is no longer obstructed. For these rare circumstances, conservative measures such as chronic pain medications or stenting may not work, and occasionally removal of the kidney (i.e. nephrectomy) is required.
  • Persistent Pain: Some patients who undergo robotic pyeloplasty will continue to have chronic kidney pain despite resolution of the obstruction.
  • Urine Leak: Occasionally, the anastomosis may leak urine from 24 hours to several weeks after surgery. If a urine leak occurs, the drain will stay in place until it heals, and usually patients will require a ureteral stent and foley catheter (bladder catheter) to allow for complete decompression of the urinary tract to encourage spontaneous closure of the leak.
  • Adjacent Tissue / Organ Injury: Although uncommon, adjacent organs and tissues may be injured as a result of your surgery. This includes the colon, bowel, vascular structures, nerves, muscles, spleen, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. If injury to your lung cavity occurs, a small chest tube may be required to evacuate air, blood, and fluid from around your lung, thus allowing your lung to expand and work properly. On rare occasions, further surgery may be required to address unexpected injuries to adjacent organs.
  • Incisional Hernia: Because of the small laparoscopic incisions, hernias at these sites can rarely develop. In addition, larger incisions are closed carefully prior to the completion of your surgery to minimize the risk of hernias.
  • Complete Removal of Kidney: In very rare cases, circumstances may arise that may lead your surgeon to remove the entire kidney at the time of surgery. These include excessive bleeding, or a tumor that appears within the kidney that was not appreciated on preoperative imaging tests. In such cases, the kidney can generally be removed safely by robotic or laparoscopic surgery and often does not require conversion to open surgery.
  • Conversion to Open Surgery: In the rare event of complications or due to difficulty in dissecting by means of robotic surgery, conversion to open surgery is sometimes required. This could result in a larger standard open incision and possibly a longer recuperation period.

What to expect after surgery

Immediately after the surgery you will be taken to the recovery room then transferred to your hospital room once you are fully awake and alert.

  • Postoperative Pain: Although most patients in the first few days after surgery experience mild pain at their incision sites, this is generally well controlled by use of intravenous pain medication, patient-controlled anesthesia pump, or oral pain medication provided by your nurse. You may experience some minor transient shoulder pain (1-2 days) related to the carbon dioxide gas used to inflate your abdomen during the laparoscopic surgery.
  • Nausea: Nausea is common following any surgery especially related to general anesthesia. This is usually transient and controlled by medication which can be administered on an as needed basis by your nurse.
  • Urinary Catheter: A urinary catheter (also called foley catheter) is placed to drain your bladder at the time of surgery while you are asleep. This is in efforts to monitor your urine output over the first day or so following surgery. This is generally removed by your nurse once you are walking comfortably. It is not uncommon to have blood-tinged urine for a few days after your surgery while your catheter is in place.
  • Flank Drain: A small clear tube or drain will be placed during surgery exiting out of the side of your flank. The drain output will appear blood tinged but should be minimal. The drain primarily serves to identify any excessive bleeding or a urine leak from the renal pelvis-ureter anastomosis site. The drain is typically removed on the day you are discharged from the hospital if the output remains low.
  • Ureteral Stent: For all pyeloplasties, a small plastic, flexible tube called a ureteral stent will be placed. The stent serves to facilitate drainage of urine out of the kidney and down to the bladder rather than out of the anastomosis site. Approximately 4 weeks after surgery, the stent will be removed in the office by your surgeon.
  • Diet: Your diet will be advanced slowly following surgery from liquids to solids as tolerated. It is often the case that your appetite will be poor for up to a week following surgery. In addition, your intestinal function is often sluggish due to the effects of surgery and general anesthesia. It is for these two reasons that we recommend taking only small amounts of liquids by mouth at any one time until you begin to pass flatus and your appetite returns. In the meantime, your intravenous catheter will provide the necessary hydration to your body as you oral intake improves.
  • Fatigue: Fatigue is quite common following surgery and should subside in a few weeks following surgery.
  • Incentive Spirometry: You will be expected to do some very simple breathing exercises to help prevent respiratory infections through using an incentive spirometry device (these exercises will be explained to you by the nursing staff during your hospital stay). Coughing and deep breathing is an important part of your recuperation and helps prevent pneumonia and other pulmonary complications.
  • Ambulation: On the evening of surgery it is very important to get out of bed and begin walking with the supervision of your nurse or family member to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You can also expect to have SCD’s (sequential compression devices) wrapped around your lower legs and calf area to prevent blood clots called deep vein thrombosis from forming in your legs. In the days that follow surgery, patients are advised to walk at least 4-6 separate times a day in the hallways. This serves to further reduce the change of deep vein thrombosis and speed the return of bowel function.
  • Constipation/Gas Cramps: You may experience sluggish bowels for several days following surgery as a result of the anesthesia. Suppositories and stool softeners are usually given to help with this problem. Taking a teaspoon of mineral oil daily at home will also help to prevent constipation. Narcotic pain medication can also cause constipation and therefore patients are encouraged to discontinue any narcotic pain medication as soon after surgery as tolerated.
  • Hospital Stay: The length of hospital stay following robotic pyeloplasty is generally 1 day.

What to expect after discharge from the hospital

  • Pain Control: For the majority of patients, one to two days of oral narcotic pain medication may be necessary after which Extra Strength Tylenol is usually sufficient to manage their pain. Again, narcotics should be minimized to avoid constipation and over sedation.
  • Showering: Patients can shower immediately upon discharge from the hospital allowing their incisions to get wet. Once out of the shower, pad your incision sites dry and avoid any heavy creams or lotions. Tub baths or hot tubs in the first 2 weeks are discouraged as this will allow for prolonged soaking of your incisions and increase the risk of infection. You may shower after returning home from the hospital. Your wound sites can get wet, but must be patted dry immediately after showering. Your surgeon may elect to place surgical “glue” on your skin after closing. This acts as a barrier to infection and will fall off over time. Alternatively, adhesive tape, called Steri-strips, may be placed across your incisions. These can be removed one week following surgery. The sutures underneath the skin will dissolve in 4-6 weeks.
  • Activity: Walking 4-6 times a day for the first two weeks after surgery on a level surface is strongly encouraged as prolong sitting or lying can increase your risk of pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis. It is permissible to climb stairs. No heavy lifting or exertion for up to 4 weeks following surgery. Patients may begin driving once they are off of narcotic pain medication and have full range of motion at their waist. Most patients can return to full activity including work on an average 3-4 weeks after surgery.
  • Diet: Patients may resume a regular diet as tolerated. One sign that alerts a patient to when a regular diet can be attempted is when the patient begins to pass flatus.
  • Follow-up Appointment: Patients should make a follow-up appointment with their surgeon by contacting the UF Health Urology - Medical Plaza at (352) 265-8240 for an appointment to remove the ureteral stent 4 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will let you know the timing and schedule of clinic visits following surgery.
  • Pathology Results: The pathology results from your surgery are usually available in one week following surgery. Your results will be discussed with you either by phone or directly in the office during a follow-up clinic appointment.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the advantage of robotic pyeloplasty as compared to open surgery?

Robotic surgery for treating symptomatic UPJ obstruction has significant benefits to the patient, including reduced blood loss and transfusions, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, improved cosmesis, and a faster recovery as compared to open surgery. As such, it has become the standard of care for the surgical management of UPJ obstruction. Published outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty appear comparable to open pyeloplasty results in terms resolution of obstruction and symptoms.

Why use the robot for this surgery?

At the University of Florida, we routinely use the da Vinci robot to tailor the reconstruction and to perform the anastomosis. The robotic wrists of the da Vinci give the surgeon a freedom and dexterity of motion that cannot be achieved by simple laparoscopic instruments alone. This results in more efficient suturing and dissecting during the surgical repair of your UPJ obstruction.

Are there potential disadvantages of the robotic approach compared to open?

In general there are no particular disadvantages. However, some situations may dictate the need for open surgery (see below).

What patients are not good candidates for robotic pyeloplasty?

Patients with a prior history of multiple and extensive abdominal surgery esp. kidney surgery may have excessive scarring around the kidney and renal pelvis, and therefore may not be ideal candidates for a laparoscopic approach. In such cases an open approach may be required. Patients with medical conditions such as severe lung and heart disease may not be able to tolerate a laparoscopic approach due to the need for a general anesthetic.

What happens if complications arise and conversion to open surgery is required?

Although extremely rare, conversion to open surgery may be required if difficulty with dissection is encountered during the robotic approach. Our surgeons are trained in open surgical approaches as well as laparoscopy and therefore are well equipped to complete the surgery in an open fashion if needed.

What is the overall success rate of robotic pyeloplasty?

Success rate in terms of complete radiographic resolution of the obstruction is approximately 90% with symptomatic relief in approximately 95%. In comparison, endoscopic techniques such as endopyelotomy are associated with a 70-80% success rate. Balloon dilation of a UPJ obstruction is rarely a long term solution for this condition.

Will further X-ray tests be required after surgery?

Follow up imaging studies such as a nuclear renal scan, intravenous pyelogram, or CT scan are often obtained to confirm drainage of the affected kidney and to document success of the repair. Your surgeon will determine the appropriate timing and preference of imaging studies.

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