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da Vinci Ureteral Reimplantation

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the backward flow of urine from the bladder into the kidneys and is present in 1% of healthy children. This condition is usually a congenital deformity in which there is an abnormal insertion of the ureter into the bladder causing a short, ineffective flap valve. Reflux of urine can cause infection of the kidney resulting in scarring and damage to the affected kidney.

The majority of the children with vesicoureteral reflux can be treated with antibiotics to prevent further infection of the kidney and resulting scarring of the kidney. Higher grade of reflux or reflux that does not improve over time will require surgical repair. Traditional open surgery for ureteral reimplantation is performed by making an incision (similar to a "c-section" incision) and opening the bladder. The ureter is then dissected from the bladder and tunneled through the bladder wall. It has very high success rates but requires a large incision and extended hospital stay (2-3 days) and extended recovery time.

Using the daVinci Robotic Surgical System, the same procedure can be performed through 4-8mm incisions for a shorter hospital stay (usually overnight) and faster recovery (children can return to school within 2-3 days).