I was diagnosed with severe hydronephrosis of the left kidney in July. I had a stent put in on August 19th. My surgeon found a congenital stricture of the ureter. I am having an MRI in 2 weeks to role out a crossed vein/artery which could be constricting the uteter. I feel inclined to opt for pyeloplasty since the success rate is near 100%. My surgeon does open pyeloplasty. But having had laproscopic colorectal surgery last year, I would prefer to get robotics assisted laproscopic pyeloplasty. What are the major advantages and disadvantages of each type? Hypothetically, if it was you, your wife, or daughter who needed surgery, which would you choose/recommend and why? Also, I work full-time (40 hours/wk) as a graduate assistant in a university. I am also pursing my Master s degree concurrently. So, I can only do any surgery after the semester ends (after Dec. 8th and before Jan. 2nd). EeeWhich requires less healing time? Thank you for all of your help and advice.