Beyond the narrow passage: comparative outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic pyeloplasty in infants.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) with those of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) in infants. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of anteroposterior diameter, split renal function success rate, reoperation rate, and complication rate was done. RESULTS: A total of thirty-nine patients and 42 units of kidneys underwent LP, while thirteen patients and 14 units underwent RALP. There was a significant improvement in APD and SRF in both groups. However, the percentage changes in APD and SRF were not significantly different in the LP and RALP groups. The mean operative time in RALP (182 ± 14.8 min) was significantly longer than the mean OT in the LP group (166 ± 21.5 min), with a p-value of 0.005. The success rates of infant pyeloplasty were 95.3% in the laparoscopic group and 93% in the robotic-assisted group, which are comparable with each other. CONCLUSION: The success rates, outcomes, length of stay, and complication rates were similar between the two techniques, although robot-assisted pyeloplasty was associated with a longer operative time. Thus, the minimally invasive surgery, both LP and RALP, can be safely performed in infants with comparable complication and success rates.