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Abstract

We agree that use of the da Vinci robot can ease the delivery of urologic healthcare. However, the use of the da Vinci robot for the facilitation of complex minimally invasive procedures might be only one of a number of critical factors associated with optimal outcomes. Previous surgical experience likely plays a significant role, which has been shown for the outcomes after radical prostatectomy in comparisons of high- and low-volume centers. 1 Barocas D.A. Mitchell R. Chang S.S. et al. Impact of surgeon and hospital volume on outcomes of radical prostatectomy. Urol Oncol. 2010; 28: 243-250 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (97) Google Scholar The playing field might have been leveled in terms of access to the da Vinci robot, but surgical experience must also be considered. Editorial CommentUrologyVol. 77Issue 3PreviewThe authors must be commended for a detailed comparison of traditional laparoscopic pyeloplasty and robot-assisted pyeloplasty. As one analyzes the history of the introduction of technology into the field of urology or any other surgical subspecialty, one is always concerned whether the introduction of a given technology truly benefits the outcomes. Cost has certainly been featured significantly in such debates. One can look back as much as 25 years ago when shock wave lithotripsy was introduced at a huge cost, which, when converted to today's dollars, makes the robot seem relatively inexpensive. Full-Text PDF