Robot Assisted Pyeloplasty
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.
What do I 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 do I 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.
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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 should I 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.
What are the 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.
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