Abstract:

Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease patient.Traditional open kidney transplantation has disadvantages such as large incisions, long recovery periods, and extended hospitalization. The technical difficulty and risks associated with vascular anastomosis in conventional laparoscopy have prevented its routine use in kidney transplantation surgery. The development of robotic-assisted technology, offering a three-dimensional view and a hand-stabilization system, has made the vascular anastomosis process safer and more reliable, heralding a new era for kidney transplantation surgery at the same time. Numerous transplant centers worldwide have successfully conducted robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT), which has been associated with better patient outcomes, shorter hospitalization, and higher patient satisfaction.However, RAKT is still limited by the medical resources, patient costs, and the lack of validation from large-scale clinical trials. This article reviews the technological advancements, current global application, and existing controversies of RAKT, to provide a theoretical foundation for the further development of RAKT in China.

Key words: Kidney transplantation, Minimally invasive surgery, Robotic-assisted kidney transplantation