PURPOSE

Since its inception, robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty has rapidly become the minimally invasive surgical intervention of choice for treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction at our institution. The large initial investment in robot assisted surgery is frequently justified by its association with improved optics and instrument articulation, decreased postoperative pain, shorter length of hospitalization and improved cosmesis. However, there are no data specifically showing patient satisfaction with robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty compared to traditional open surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A previously validated satisfaction survey (Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory) with 14 additional questions specifically addressing postoperative satisfaction was mailed to all parents (as patient proxy) of children who had undergone open or robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty between January 2006 and December 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 78 parents responded (response rate 70%). All responses achieving statistical significance favored robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Parents of children who underwent robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty reported significantly higher satisfaction with "overall life," confidence, self-esteem, burden of postoperative followup and size of incision scar.

CONCLUSIONS

Parent satisfaction was greater with robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty than with open surgery regarding amount of cosmesis and recovery. Interestingly the differences in satisfaction were not as large as anticipated, suggesting the impact of confounding factors such as age and preoperative parental expectations. Future large-scale prospective studies using validated surveys specific to pediatric surgery are needed to elucidate further the true benefits of minimally invasive surgical technology such as robot assistance.