Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

PURPOSE: The feasibility and safety of remote laparoscopic surgery using a surgical telemanipulator have been demonstrated in laboratory experience and recently in clinical practice. To our knowledge we report the first robot assisted, laparoscopic nephrectomy in a human. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 77-year-old woman was diagnosed with a nonfunctioning hydronephrotic right kidney due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Robot assisted, transperitoneal right laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed. RESULTS: Complete dissection was successfully performed with the robot. The renal pedicle was dissected without any problem, and the artery and vein were individually ligated. Operative time was 200 minutes, anesthesia time was 245 minutes and blood loss was less than 100 ml. Convalescence was uneventful. Histological examination confirmed the preoperative diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We report the technical feasibility of robot assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in humans. Current technology needs further improvement and its actual usefulness for patient treatment must be established by large clinical trials. Technological improvements and future telecommunication networks should open new avenues in surgery, namely remote telesurgery.