Robot Assisted Pyeloplasty
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP):
RAP is surgery to remove a blockage or narrowing between your kidney and ureter. RAP is done with a machine that is controlled by your surgeon. The machine has mechanical arms that use small tools to remove the blockage.
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How to prepare for RAP:
- Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
- Your surgeon will tell you if you need any tests before your surgery, and when to have them.
What will happen during RAP:
- You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain free during surgery.
- Your surgeon will make 3 to 5 small incisions in your abdomen. Your abdomen will be filled with carbon dioxide to lift the muscles away from your organs. This helps your surgeon see the blockage better.
- Surgical tools are attached to arms of a robot. The robotic arms place a laparoscope and other tools inside your abdomen. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a light and camera on the end. Your surgeon will guide the robotic arms to detach the ureter from the kidney. The blocked or narrow area will be removed. Then the ureter will be reattached to the kidney. A stent may be placed in the ureter to keep it open.
- Your incisions will be closed with stitches or medical glue and covered with bandages.
What to expect after RAP:
- You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until healthcare providers say it is okay. When providers see that you are okay, you will be taken to your hospital room. You may stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days after surgery.
- Drains (thin rubber tubes) may be used to drain extra fluid.
- You may have a urinary catheter placed in your bladder. This is a thin, flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine into a bag. Your surgeon will tell you when the catheter can be removed.
- You may feel pain around the incision sites. This is expected and should improve within a few weeks. You may be given medicine to help manage the pain.
- The carbon dioxide used during surgery may cause shoulder or chest pain for 1 to 2 days.
- You will be helped to walk around after surgery. Movement will help prevent blood clots.
Risks of RAP:
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Your surgeon may need to change the surgery from laparoscopic to open. This means you will need 1 large incision. The ureters may not connect properly to the bladder or may leak urine. Your kidneys, bladder, or other nearby organs may be damaged. You may need another surgery to fix organ damage. Scarring may build up in the surgery area. Scarring may cause another obstruction that will need to be removed with surgery.
Related medications
Seek care immediately if:
- You urinate less than usual or not at all.
- The incision area is red, swollen, or draining pus.
Call your surgeon or urologist if:
- You have a fever.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Antibiotics help prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
- Medicine may be given to prevent or relieve bladder spasms. This may be needed if a stent was placed during surgery.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
Your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions. The following are general guidelines:
- Rest as needed. Your provider will tell you when you can return to work, school, or other daily activities. Do not drive until your provider says it is okay.
- Drink extra liquid. Liquid will help your urinary system work properly.
- Avoid strenuous activity. Do not play sports, do vigorous exercises, or lift anything heavier than your provider says is okay. You may need to avoid these activities for 4 to 6 weeks, or as directed by your provider.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can delay healing. Smoking also increases your risk for infection after surgery. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
Care for the incision sites as directed:
Do not let the sites get wet until the surgeon says it is okay. When it is okay to bathe, do not scrub the sites. Just let water run over them. Gently pat the sites dry. Then put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put powders or lotions over the incision sites. Check every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.
Follow up with your surgeon or urologist as directed:
You may need to return to have your wounds checked and stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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