Investigating robot-assisted surgery for kidney transplantation complications

Open-label Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating Whether Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation Can Reduce Surgical Complications Compared to Open Kidney Transplantation; The ORAKTx Trial

Not applicable Interventional Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT05730257

This study is testing if robot-assisted kidney transplantation can lead to fewer complications and better recovery for adults compared to traditional open surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment106 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Copenhagen, N and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05730257 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine if robot-assisted kidney transplantation can reduce surgical complications within 30 days compared to traditional open surgery. Adult recipients of kidney transplants will be randomly assigned to either the robot-assisted or open surgery group, with both groups receiving care according to current guidelines. The trial will assess outcomes such as vascular complications and overall patient recovery following the procedures. Conducted at Rigshospitalet, Denmark's largest transplantation center, the study seeks to enhance surgical techniques and improve patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients undergoing kidney transplantation, whether from dialysis or pre-emptive situations.

Not a fit: Patients with complex vascular anatomy or previous surgeries that complicate access to the graft site may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to fewer surgical complications and improved recovery for kidney transplant patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that robot-assisted surgery can reduce complications in various surgical procedures, suggesting potential success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult recipients for renal transplantation
* Both patients in dialysis as well as pre-emptive
* For recipients of kidney grafts from deceased donors, inclusion depends on the availabilty of the robotic platform and dedicated surgical team

Exclusion Criteria:

* High degree of calcification of the iliac vessels on the level of external iliac artery defined as occurrence of longitudinal plaques on non-contrast CT-scan or other relevant radiological imaging in recipient prior to transplantation
* Highly complex vascular anatomy in the donor kidney requiring multiple anastomoses as evaluated by surgeon
* Previous kidney transplantation with later allograft nephrectomy as evaluated by the surgeon preoperatively
* Patients whose abdominal anatomy may prohibit access to and placement of graft in the iliac fossa as evaluated by the surgeon preoperatively (i.e. previous laparotomy, rectal surgery, herniotomy, current multiple kidney cysts)
* Simultaneous multiple organ transplant
* Severe comorbidities contraindicating robot-assisted surgery
* Patients who are unable to understand relevant medical information and the implications of treatment alternatives and to make an independent, voluntary decision

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen, N and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions End Stage Renal DiseaseKidney TransplantComplicationsKidney TransplantationRobotic Surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.