Robot-assisted pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: initial experience with the novel avatera system

Purpose: This pilot study was designed to interpret the technically specific features of the avatera robotic system and present our initial experience with this novel platform in robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP). Methods: A single-center prospective study was conducted including all patients who underwent RAP with the avatera robotic system from June 2022 to October 2022 in our Department. Transperitoneal robot-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty was performed in all cases. The trocar placement and the surgical technique were similar in all patients. The successful completion of the procedures, operation time (including draping, docking and console time), decrease in hemoglobin postoperatively, and presence of any complications were the study’s primary endpoints. Results: In total, nine patients underwent RAP using the avatera system. All procedures were successfully completed. The draping of the robotic unit was completed in a median time of 10 min (range 7–15), while the median docking time was 17 min (range 10–24). The median console time was 88 min (range 78–116) and no complications were noticed. The median hemoglobin drop was calculated to 0.7 g/dL (range 0.4–1). During the mean follow-up of 9.33 ± 2.78 months, no late postoperative complications were noticed. Conclusion: The early outcomes of the use of the novel avatera system in RAP are presented. All operations were successfully completed with safety and efficacy, without complications or significant blood loss.