Emerging technology in kidney transplantation: the single-port robot-assisted system

Following its introduction into urologic surgery, the single-port (SP) robotic system has emerged as a promising tool also in kidney transplantation (KT). The feasibility and utility of SP for KT has been reported in a series of studies. With the aim of bringing out the currently available data on this subject, we conducted a literature review. After screening 213 reports, ten full-text articles were included in this review. Both preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the SP robotic system is an efficient tool for KT, kidney autotransplantation, donor nephrectomy, and ureteral reconstruction after KT, with low major complications rates. Current evidence suggests the potential benefits of the SP robotic system for KT and related procedures, particularly in terms of postoperative recovery and short-term functional outcomes. These benefits include reduced postoperative pain and earlier discharge, particularly with the extraperitoneal approach. However, the existing literature remains limited, comes only from specific centers and evidence on long-term outcomes is lacking. Therefore, further studies with larger sample sizes, extended follow-up, and comparative analyses of surgical approaches are needed.