Robotic retroperitoneal approach - a new technique for the upper urinary tract and adrenal gland.
BACKGROUND
The retroperitoneal approach is generally avoided because of the reduced working space, the difficulties in robot positioning and the risk of arms conflict. A new robotic retroperitoneal approach is presented that can be applied for upper urinary tract pathology and adrenal pathology.


METHODS
Between November 2009 and November 2011, 34 out of 114 robotic procedures were performed by the retroperitoneal approach using a triangle shaped trocar placement and the robotic cart positioned at the patient's head.


RESULTS
All of the 34 retroperitoneal procedures were performed using this type of approach, with no conflict between the robotic arms and no conversions. The average operating time was 50 min for simple nephrectomies and 180 min for partial nephrectomies. The blood loss was not relevant.


CONCLUSION
This approach enables excellent mobility for the robotic arms, generating no conflict and providing good maneuvering space for the bedside assistant.
['Crisan|Nicolae|N|', 'Neiculescu|Calin|C|', 'Matei|Deliu Victor|DV|', 'Coman|Ioan|I|']
D000293:Adolescent D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases D000315:Adrenalectomy D000328:Adult D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009392:Nephrectomy D012187:Retroperitoneal Space D012371:Robotics D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted D016896:Treatment Outcome D055815:Young Adult
robotic retroperitoneal approach partial nephrectomy adrenalectomy pyeloplasty