Robotic versus conventional laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children less than 20 kg by weight: single-center experience

Pediatric Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: Where Are We Now?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the recent advancements in robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and its evolving landscape in the context of infant pyeloplasty, complex genitourinary (GU) anatomy, recurrent ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, cost considerations, and the learning curve.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature highlights the safety and efficacy of RALP in treating the infant population, patients with complex GU anomalies, and recurrent UPJO which were all traditionally managed using the open approach. Cost considerations are evolving, with the potential for RALP to have a lesser financial burden. In addition, the learning curve for RALP is diminishing due to robust training programs and advances in research. RALP has become the gold standard in the treatment of UPJO in pediatric urology at many children's hospitals. Surgeon comfort and research in this space allow safe and successful reconstruction in the most challenging of cases.

Robot-assisted surgery versus laparoscopic surgery of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The clinical effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RP) compared with laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) have not been clearly established in ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) children and require review. We searched in the Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CNKI database on 30 June 2022. This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in RevMan 5.4 based on studies comparing RP versus LP in children with UPJO and subgroup analysis in children < 2 years of age has been performed. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the studies. We included one RCT, and eighteen cohort studies, a total involving 3370 children. Compared with LP, RP showed higher surgical success rates (OR 2.57, 95%CI (1.24, 5.32), P < 0.05), lower postoperative complication rates (OR 0.61, 95%CI (0.38, 0.99), P < 0.05), shorter hospital stay (MD - 1.04, 95% CI (- 1.6, - 0.47), P < 0.05) as well as operative time (MD - 22.11, 95%CI (- 35.91, - 8.31), P < 0.05). No significant differences were detected for intraoperative complication rates or conversion to open surgery rates. RP is an alternative to UPJO with higher success rates, and less postoperative complications. Evidence on the effectiveness and safety of RP compared with LP for UPJO children is of low certainty. More quality evidence in the form of randomized controlled trials is needed to obtain more reliable analysis results.

The efficacy of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) for treating pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction through an extensive comparison of RALP, open pyeloplasty (OP) and laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP). We conducted a comprehensive search of the following databases: PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Cochrane Library, Web of Science database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, and China Biology Medical Disc. Baseline data were compared, the sources of heterogeneity were assessed, and publication biases were detected. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023415667). 26 studies with 6074 cases performing pyeloplasty were included, and the overall data are comparable. Our analysis showed no significant difference in success rate and postoperative complications between RALP and OP, and RALP is associated with a shorter length of stay (LOS) (MD - 1.00 95%CI - 1.45 to - 0.55, p < 0.0001). In addition, compared to LP, RALP was associated with a shorter anastomosis time (MD - 18.35 95%CI - 29.88 to - 6.82, p = 0.002) and fewer postoperative analgesics (MD - 0.09 95% CI - 0.18 to - 0.01, p = 0.03); however, RALP has a longer operative time (OT) (MD 52.39, 95% CI 39.75-65.03, p < 0.00001) and higher cost. The heterogeneity of OT may be influenced by factors, such as age and region, while the heterogeneity of LOS primarily stems from regional differences. No significant publication bias was detected. Our meta-analysis shows that RALP can be an alternative to OP and LP with a high success rate, minimal postoperative complications, and shorter LOS. In addition, RALP contributes to reduce anastomosis time and postoperative analgesic drugs. However, further well-designed, large-scale, randomized controlled trials with additional parameters are needed to conduct a more comprehensive analysis of heterogeneity.

Robotic-assisted pyeloplasty in children: a systematic review of the literature

Robotic pyeloplasty has become a natural progression from the development of open, then laparoscopic procedures to treat pediatric patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Robotic-assisted pyeloplasty (RALP) is now considered a new gold standard in pediatric MIS. A systematic review of the literature retrieved from PubMed and published in the last 10 years (2012-2022) was performed. This review underlines that in all children except the smallest infants, where the open procedure has benefits in terms of duration of general anesthetic and there are limitations in the size of instruments, robotic pyeloplasty is becoming the preferred procedure to perform in patients with UPJO. Results for the robotic approach are extremely promising, with shorter operative times than laparoscopy and equal success rates, length of stay and complications. In case of redo pyeloplasty, RALP is easier to perform than other open or MIS procedures. By 2009, robotic surgery became the most used modality to treat all UPJO and continues to grow in popularity. Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children is safe and effective with excellent outcomes, even in redo pyeloplasty or challenging anatomical cases. Moreover, robotic approach shortens the learning curve for junior surgeons, who can readily achieve levels of expertise comparable to senior practitioners. However, there are still concerns regarding the cost associated with this procedure. Further high-quality prospective observational studies and clinical trials, as well as new technologies specific for the pediatric population, are advisable for RALP to reach the level of gold standard.

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty and laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: A comparison of single-port-plus-one and multiport surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effects of various trocar placements in robot-assisted and laparoscopic pyeloplasty involving children diagnosed with obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction (OUPJ).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the data on 74 patients under 14 years of age who had been diagnosed with OUPJ; these patients underwent either robot-assisted or laparoscopic pyeloplasty in our hospital between January 2015 and November 2021. There were four groups, as follows: •Laparoscopic multiport pyeloplasty (LMPY),•Laparoscopic single-port pyeloplasty (LSPY),•Robotic-assisted multiport pyeloplasty (RMPY),•Robotic-assisted single-port-plus-one pyeloplasty (RSPY).Patients' characteristics as well as their perioperative and follow-up data were collected and evaluated.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the data regarding patients' characteristics. These data included the grade of hydronephrosis according to the Society of Fetal Urology (SFU grade), anterior and posterior diameter of the renal pelvis and ureter (APDRPU), and the differential degree of renal function (DRF) at following time points: preoperative, postoperative, and comparison of preoperative and postoperative. There was no difference among these groups. During surgery, the time of trocar placement, urethroplasty time, and total operative time in the robotic groups (RMPY and RSPY) were longer than those in the laparoscopic groups (LMPY and LSPY). However, the ratio of the urethroplasty time and full operative time (UT/WT) in the robotic groups (RMPY and RSPY) was lower than that in the laparoscopic groups (LMPY and LSPY) (P = 0.0075). Also, the volume of blood loss was lower in the robotic groups (RMPY and RSPY) than that in the laparoscopic groups (LMPY and LSPY), although there was no statistical difference (P = 0.11). There were, however, significant differences in hospitalization days (P < 0.0001) and parents' cosmetic satisfaction scores (P < 0.001). There were no differences in fasting time, the length of time that a ureteral catheter remained in place, or the number of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that both robotic multiple-port and single-port-plus-one approaches are comparable, with laparoscopic multiple-port and single-port approaches equally effective in resolving OUPJ in children. Robotic and single-port-plus-one approaches may be associated with some advantages in hospitalization time and cosmetic outcomes; therefore, these approaches may be useful in urologic surgery that requires precise suturing, especially in pediatric patients.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pediatric Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty (RALP)

INTRODUCTION

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction in children.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the English-language literature on surgical techniques and perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction in children was performed without time filters using the MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane databases in July 2020 according to the PRISMA statement recommendations.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 58 studies were selected for qualitative analysis, 46 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Nearly all studies included were observational and retrospective, either cohort or case-control. The quality of evidence was assessed using Modified Newcastle Ottawa Scoring, with the majority of studies scoring medium or high quality. The mean success rate was 95.4% (CI 91.0-99.3%), over a wide age range. There was a noticeable heterogeneity in reported follow up length and definitions of success rate. The majority of studies reported length of stay of ~1 day. The mean overall complication rate was 12%. For studies that reported complication rate by grade, the mean low Clavien grade (grade 2 or less) complication rate was 9.3% and the mean high Clavien grade (grade 3 or more) complication rate was 6.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic assisted surgery is technically feasible and has been shown to achieve very favorable outcomes for pyeloplasty in children. The evidence however is mostly retrospective and from single sites, which introduces potential biases. Further research is needed to further elucidate RALP benefits compared to the open and laparoscopic approach. As a RCT may not be practical in this space, perhaps a prospective multi-institutional design with a uniform reporting system of pediatric RALP is the next step to define its benefits and limits.

Does the body weight influence the outcome in children treated with robotic pyeloplasty?

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the influence of the body weight on peri- and postoperative outcome in a series of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) at a single tertiary referral center.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, outcomes of RALP in children divided according to the weight are evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty-one consecutive patients treated with RALP from January 2016 to May 2019 were recorded retrospectively and divided according to their weight: group A < 15 kg, group B ≥ 15 kg and were included in this study. Eligible criteria for surgery were symptomatic UPJO, worsening of hydronephrosis, or obstructive pattern at renogram. Success criteria were the reduction of the hydronephrosis at imaging and the absence of flank pain. All procedures were performed by one expert robotic surgeon.

RESULTS

18 patients were included in group A (median weight 12 kg) and 43 patients in group B (median weight 33 kg). The median (IQR) operative was 95 (90-120) for group A compared to 90 (85-110) of control group. No significant difference has been found (P = 0.93). We registered one (5.6%) Clavien 3b complication (omental hernia after removal of the drainage requiring surgical correction) and two (4.7%) Clavien 2 complication in group B (urinary infections). No difference has been found in the length of hospital stay, length of catheterization, and duration of procedure between the groups (P > 0.05). At a median follow-up of 23 months (IQR 9-27 vs 9-33), the success rate was comparable between the two groups (94.4% vs 97.7%; P = 0.51). Relapse was recorded in one child per group and both required nephrostomy placement.

DISCUSSION

Our study tried to fill the gaps in the evidence on the feasibility of RALP in low-weight children reporting favorable peri-operative and long-term outcomes; however, this study shows some intrinsic limitations. The relatively small numbers of patients in the <15 kg may have underpowered the comparison with heavier patients. Moreover, only two patients were <10 kg so that no definitive conclusions on the safety and feasibility of RALP in this cohort of patients can be drawn.

CONCLUSION

RALP in children <15 kg was feasible and effective to treat UPJO with superimposable results to heavier counterparts. In our experience, the need for a different trocar placement and limited space in patients <15 kg did not affect peri-operative and functional outcomes.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in infants and children: is it superior to conventional laparoscopy?

INTRODUCTION

Open pyeloplasty (OP) has been the first-line treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) since it was first described by Anderson and Hynes. The use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to treat UPJO in the pediatric population has increased in recent years, due to decreased morbidity and shorter recovery times. Recently, robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) has seen a steady expansion. Unlike laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP), RALP comes with a more manageable learning curve aided by specialized technological advantages such as high-resolution three-dimensional view, tremor filtration with motion scaling, and highly dexterous wrist-like instruments. With this review, we aim to highlight the trend toward robotic pyeloplasty over laparoscopy and current available evidence on outcomes.

METHODS

We systematically searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases, and we critically reviewed the available literature on the use of laparoscopy and robotic technology in pediatric patients with UPJO.

RESULTS

Overall, we selected 19 original articles and 5 meta-analyses. The available literature showed that the robotic approach to the UPJO allowed for decreased operative times, shorter length of hospital stay, lower complication rates, with success rates comparable to LP. Conflicting results persist regarding robotic platform and equipment costs.

CONCLUSION

While laparoscopy requires advanced skills for complex reconstructive procedures, such as pyeloplasty, robot-assisted surgery offers the valuable potential of making MIS more accessible to these types of procedure. Robotic technology has contributed to shortening the learning curve by acting as a bridge between open and endoscopic approach. There is still a strong need for higher quality evidence in the form of prospective observational studies and clinical trials, as well as further cost-effectiveness analyses. As robotic surgical technology spreads, future systems will be developed, offering smaller and more flexible tools, allowing enhanced applications on pediatric patients.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty versus laparoscopic pyeloplasty for pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in the paediatric population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Owing to the improved vision and instrument manipulation in robot-assisted procedures, we sought to evaluate the comparative outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) in a paediatric patients with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO).

Methods

We conducted a systemic literature search of online sources, including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and respective bibliographic reference lists. Success rate, operative time, hospital length of stay, postoperative complication rate and re-intervention rate were our primary outcomes. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effects models.

Results

We identified 14 observational studies reporting a total of 2254 paediatric patients with PUJO, who underwent LP (n = 1021) or RALP (n = 1233). Our analysis demonstrated that RALP was associated with a significantly higher success rate [odds ratio (OR) 2.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-5.83, p = 0.03] and shorter length of hospital stay [mean difference (MD) -1.49; 95% CI -2.22 to -077; p < 0.0001] compared with LP. Moreover, nonsignificant reductions in postoperative complications (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.36-1.02; p = 0.06) and re-intervention (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.15-1.21; p = 0.11) were found in favour of RALP. There was no difference in procedure time between the two approaches (MD -0.15; 95% CI -30.22 to 29.93, p = 0.99).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis of observational studies demonstrated that RALP is safe and may have higher success rate compared with the more traditional laparoscopic approach in a paediatric population. Moreover, it may be associated with lower postoperative complications and re-intervention rates. Evidence from randomized trials is required.

Robotic surgery in pediatric urology: Current status

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) has been increasingly embraced in the fields of adult and pediatric urology, especially in North America and Europe. The advantages of a stable magnified 3-D view, tremor filtering, and motion scaling allow for precise intracorporeal exposure and suturing. Because most surgeries are performed as reconstructive rather than excision procedures, the robotic platform is particularly feasible for the field of pediatric urology. In this review, we summarize the recent viewpoints on RALS, such as pyeloplasty, ureteral reimplantation, bladder neck reconstruction, bladder neck sling, appendicovesicostomy, bladder diverticulectomy, and treatments for ureterocele or ectopic ureters, and we also critically summarize the current status of the literature. Based on our initial experience, RALS is technically feasible for pediatric patients and may be achieved with comparable surgical outcomes. RALS is also associated with reduced morbidity compared to open surgery to conventional laparoscopic surgery. This evolution will offer an alternative in the treatment pediatric patients, along with improved care and patient quality of life. Further large case series and randomized controlled trials that investigate the robotic platform's technological improvements will help to expand indications of RALS in the field of pediatric urology.

From Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty to Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Primary and Reoperative Repairs for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Children

PURPOSE

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) are both minimally invasive surgical options to correct ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. There are limited data reporting surgeons' experience of switching from LP to RALP and comparing the outcomes of the two procedures.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study on 63 consecutive children who underwent either LP or RALP by the same surgeon in a tertiary center from January 2008 to November 2016. LP had been the standard practice until January 2014 when it was replaced by RALP in short transition.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven LP and 26 RALP were successfully performed in children aged 2 months to 16 years. There was no difference between the two groups in age, body weight, laterality, clinical presentations, preoperative imagings, primary/reoperative repairs. The overall success rates were 34/37 (91.9%) and 25/26 (96.2%) for LP and RALP, respectively (P > .05). RALP was associated with shorter length of stay (3.1 days versus 4.0 days; P = .03). Surgeon-in-training participation was greater in RALP group (P < .001). There was no difference in operative time, complication rates, and analgesic requirement between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons proficient in LP can adapt quickly to RALP, achieving comparable outcomes. Robotic technology may facilitate training on minimally invasive pyeloplasty.