Early Experience With Robotic Kidney Transplantation With Left‐Sided Graft Implantation: Technical Considerations and Short‐Term Outcomes
Diego F. Chaparro‐Zaraza, Haaris Kadri, Amen Kiani, Rossana Maffei, Paolla Hampel, Angela Hill, Neeta Vachharajani, Brendan P. Lovasik, Adeel S. Khan, Phillipe AbreuABSTRACT
Background
Most reported experience with robotic kidney transplant (RKT) has been limited to right‐sided graft implantation, with left‐sided implantation considered technically challenging.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed consecutive left‐sided RKTs at two transplant centres (01/2023‐02/2026). A standardized operative technique with an accompanying surgical video is presented, and perioperative and postoperative outcomes are analysed.
Results
Seventeen patients underwent left‐sided RKT. Fifteen were for retransplants, and two were for contraindications to right‐sided implantation. Median warm ischaemia time was 37 min, operative time 229 min, and length of stay 4 days. No conversions to open surgery, intraoperative complications, or major postoperative complications occurred. Delayed graft function developed in five patients. At a median follow‐up of 12.1 months, all patients were alive with functioning grafts.
Conclusions
RKT with left‐sided graft implantation is technically feasible and safe in experienced robotic transplant centres and was associated with favourable short‐term outcomes.