Minimally invasive renal autotransplantation

Abstract

Minimally invasive renal allotransplantation techniques have been recently described; reported benefits include reduced morbidity/complications. These benefits have been successfully adapted for minimally invasive renal autotransplantation, however, in a non-oncological setting. We, here, describe a novel alternative robot-assisted renal autotransplantation technique, utilizing GelPOINT, which by permitting ex vivo graft examination and surgery might allow further broadening of indications for minimally-invasive renal autotransplantation, to include complex oncological renal/ureteral lesions. Future studies are needed to evaluate the utility of these techniques.

Keywords: autotransplantation; kidney; minimally invasive; robotics; transplantation.