Robotic enterocystoplasty: technique and early outcomes

The outcomes of robot-assisted surgery in the treatment of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunctions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To assess the outcomes of robotic surgery for patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunctions (NLUTD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies evaluating the outcomes (efficacy and safety) of robot-assisted ileal conduit creation or artificial urinary sphincter (R-AUS) implantation or augmentation cystoplasty or continent urinary diversion creation in patients with NLUTD were included. The search strategy and studies selection were performed on Medline, Embase and Cochrane using the PICOS method according to the PRISMA statement (PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022333157). The comparator, if available, was the use of open or laparoscopic technique. Meta-analysis was performed whenever possible. The remaining articles were synthesized narratively.

RESULTS

Eight articles were included. Five described the outcomes of robot-assisted cystectomy with ileal conduit creation, two described the outcomes of augmentation cystoplasty and continent urinary diversion creation and one described R-AUS implantation in patients with NLUTD. The risk of bias was high. Three articles comparing the outcomes of robotic and open cystectomy and ileal conduit creation were suitable for meta-analysis. According to our meta-analysis, robot-assisted surgery had better outcomes compared to open surgery in terms of high-grade early postoperative complications (OR 0.39; 0.19-0.79; p = 0.01), days to bowel recovery (Cohen's D = - 0.62  ± 0.14, p < 0.001), length of hospitalisation (Cohen's D = - 0.28 ± 0.13; p = 0.03) and estimated blood loss (Cohen's D = - 1.17 ± 0.14, p < 0.001).Regarding AUS implantation, augmentation cystoplasty and continent urinary diversion creation, the outcomes from the articles included in our systematic review showed a 16-40% overall early complication rate in case of augmentation cystoplasty and 22% in case of AUS implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted surgery may have several advantages over open surgery in the treatment of NLUTDs. However, current evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions. Further high-quality studies are needed to better understand the role of robotic surgery in the treatment of NLUTD.

Robot-assisted Supratrigonal Cystectomy and Augmentation Cystoplasty with Totally Intracorporeal Reconstruction in Neurourological Patients: Technique Description and Preliminary Results

BACKGROUND

Augmentation cystoplasty as a third-line therapy for neurogenic detrusor overactivity performed by an open approach has long been studied. Few laparoscopic and robot-assisted series have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and functional outcomes of completely intracorporeal robot-assisted supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation cystoplasty (RASCAC) in patients with refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We identified all patients undergoing RASCAC, as treatment for refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity, from August 2016 to April 2018.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

RASCAC was performed in all cases using a standardized technique with the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) in a four-arm configuration.

MEASUREMENTS

Perioperative data, and functional and urodynamic results at 1-yr follow-up were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 15.1.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Ten patients were identified. No conversion to open surgery was needed. The median operative time was 250 (interquartile range 210-268) min, the median estimated blood loss was 75 (50-255) ml, and the median hospitalization time was 12 (10.5-13) d. The 30-d major complication rate was 10%. Two patients presented a late urinary fistula; in one of the cases, surgical revision was needed. In both cases, low compliance to intermittent self-catheterization was identified. At 1-yr follow-up, functional and urodynamic outcomes were excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted augmentation cystoplasty has been shown to be safe and feasible, with a reasonable operative time and low complication rate in experienced hands. A higher number of patients and longer follow-up are, however, warranted to draw definitive conclusions.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this report, we look at the outcomes of robot-assisted supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation cystoplasty in neurourological patients. Perioperative, functional, and urodynamic results are promising. Further studies with a longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

The current state and the future of robotic surgery in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery

In this article, we review the current uses and future directions of robotic surgery in the field of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Pelvic surgery is ideal for the use of surgical robots, which provide improved visualization and ease of suturing deep within the pelvis. Robots have been successfully used for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, in procedures such as sacrocolpopexy, sacrohysteropexy, and uterosacral ligament plication. Surgeons have used the robotic successfully to treat various etiologies of female pelvic pain including fibroids, endometriosis, and nerve entrapment. Robotic repair of iatrogenic injury has been described with excellent outcomes and avoidance of conversion to open surgery in the event of an injury caused using the robotic platform. While more data is needed on this topic, there has been increasing interest in using the robot for urologic reconstruction including repair of vesico-vaginal fistula, cystectomy, augmentation cystoplasty, and continent and non-continent diversions. Recently the use of the robot has been described in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in females, with robotic placement of an artificial urinary sphincter. While robotic surgery is associated with increased cost, the outcomes of robotic surgery in female urology are promising. More studies that properly evaluate the benefits of robotic surgery as compared to open and laparoscopic approaches are needed.

Feasibility, Morbidity, and Functional Results of Supratrigonal Cystectomy with Augmentation Ileocystoplasty by Combined Robot-Assisted Laparoscopy and Mini-Laparotomy Approach

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of the feasibility, morbidity, learning curve, and functional results of robotic supratrigonal cystectomy with augmentation ileocystoplasty (RSCAI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RSCAI was performed in 19 patients between 2012 and 2016. Thirteen patients (66.4%) presented refractory detrusor overactivity or impaired compliance and 6 patients (31.6%) had painful bladder syndrome. A combined robot-assisted laparoscopy and mini-laparotomy approach was performed. Early (<30 days) and late (>30 days) complications were reported according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Functional results were analyzed according to the surgical indication.

RESULTS

Mean total operating time was 288.7 ± 92.1 minutes. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 147.4 ± 144.8 mL. Mean length of hospital stay in the surgical ward was 9.4 ± 3.7 days. Mean duration of bladder drainage was 23.3 ± 4.1 days. For surgeons who regularly performed robot-assisted laparoscopy, the learning curve of this technique, as assessed by the operating time, required almost five operations. No major (Clavien-Dindo >2) early (0%) or late (0%) postoperative complication was observed. Early minor complications were observed in 47.4% of cases, usually consisting of pyelonephritis (21.1%). Late minor complications (10.5%) were Clavien-Dindo grade I. Mean follow-up was 13.6 ± 10.1 months. The majority of patients (94.7%) obtained functional improvement of their disease in terms of pain, functional bladder capacity, or bladder compliance.

CONCLUSION

Our RSCAI technique is a reliable technique with no early or late major postoperative complications reported in this series. This technique allows patients to be operated by minimally invasive surgery with very satisfactory long-term functional results.

Secondary and tertiary treatments for multiple sclerosis patients with urinary symptoms

Multiple sclerosis patients with refractory urinary symptoms after treatment with behavioral therapy and medications still have treatment options. Prior to starting treatments, baseline symptoms should be assessed and treatment goals thoroughly discussed. Catheterization, botulinum toxin, and reconstructive surgery all can play a role in improving both safety and quality of life for these patients. Newer modalities, such as neuromodulation, may also have an increasing role in the future as more data develop regarding efficacy. Risks need to be weighed against any perceived benefit and disease status before more aggressive therapy is initiated.

Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Augmentation Ileocystoplasty and Mitrofanoff Appendicovesicostomy in Children: Updated Interim Results

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted laparoscopic augmentation ileocystoplasty with Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy (RALIMA) may protect the upper urinary tract and reestablish continence in patients with refractory neurogenic bladder. Robotic assistance can provide the benefits of minimally invasive surgery without the steep learning curve of pure laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight the interim outcomes of RALIMA with salient tips and technical modifications through comparison with patients undergoing open augmentation ileocystoplasty (OAI).

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective chart review of 17 patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic augmentation ileocystoplasty (RALI) and 13 patients undergoing OAI by a single surgeon at an academic center from 2008 to 2012 (OAI) or 2014 (RALI).

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

RALI and all concomitant procedures were performed completely intracorporeally using the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA).

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Outcomes of interest included change in bladder capacity, operative time, pain medication use, hospitalization time, and perioperative complication rates.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 17 patients selected, 15 successfully underwent RALI. Overall, 11, 6, and 4 patients had a concomitant Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy, antegrade colonic enema channel, and bladder neck closure, respectively. The median operative time was significantly longer in RALI (623 vs 287 min; p<0.01). Median length of stay (LOS) was shorter in RALI (6 vs 8 d; p=0.01). The postoperative percentage increase in bladder capacity, narcotic use, and complication rates did not differ between RALI and OAI. Limitations include the retrospective study design and the small cohort of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

RALI appears to offer functional outcomes similar to OAI. Although it is a significantly longer procedure, it may decrease LOS and avoid epidural use. Further refinements may reduce operative time.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this report, we examined outcomes after robotic bladder augmentation surgery in children. We found that the robotic approach may eliminate epidural analgesia use and decrease hospitalization time after surgery.

Completely intracorporeal robotic-assisted laparoscopic augmentation enterocystoplasty with continent catheterizable channel

OBJECTIVE

To report our results from series of robotic-assisted laparoscopic augmentation enterocystoplasty (RALAE) performed in a completely intracorporeal fashion.

METHODS

Patients who underwent RALAE with or without the creation of a catheterizable channel between 2006 and 2011 at the University of Texas, Houston and Northwestern Memorial Hospital were identified. Perioperative and follow-up data were analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative urodynamic data were analyzed when available.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with neurogenic bladder underwent RALAE with or without the creation of a catheterizable channel. Fifteen patients underwent robotic augmentation enterocystoplasty alone, and 7 patients had creation of a catheterizable channel (4 Monti and 3 Mitrofanoff). There was 1 conversion to an open procedure in a patient undergoing concomitant creation of an appendicovesicostomy. Mean follow-up was 38.9 months (range, 6.2-72.1 months). Mean operative time was 365 minutes (range, 220-788 minutes); mean estimated blood loss was 110 mL (range, 30-250 mL). Median time to return of bowel function was 5 days (range, 2-17 days). Preoperative and postoperative urodynamic data were available for 13 patients. Mean cystometric capacity increased by 52%, and mean maximal bladder pressures decreased by 40. There were 5 minor complications (Clavien grade 1-2) and 4 major complications (Clavien grade 3-4). No patient experienced a wound infection.

CONCLUSION

RALAE is a feasible approach that provides potential benefits over open bladder reconstruction in the neurogenic voiding dysfunction population.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic augmentation ileocystoplasty in a tubercular bladder

Some of the patients with genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) present to the urologist with small contracted bladders or with significant renal damage.[1] Additional reconstructive procedures are often required along with anti-tubercular treatment in these patients. These procedures commonly performed via the open approach, now have the advantage of minimally invasive approach provided by laparoscopic and robotic surgery. The technique of robot-assisted laparoscopic augmentation ileocystoplasty in a patient with a small contracted bladder due to GUTB will be described. The procedure was performed via a completely intra-corporeal technique using an ileal "cap" created from a 15 cm segment of distal ileum which was anastomosed to the urinary bladder bi-valved in the mid-sagittal plane. The procedure lasted for 420 minutes and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 5. At 6 month follow-up, the patient has no irritative urinary symptoms and voiding with insignificant post-void residual urine.

Neurogenic bladder

Congenital anomalies such as meningomyelocele and diseases/damage of the central, peripheral, or autonomic nervous systems may produce neurogenic bladder dysfunction, which untreated can result in progressive renal damage, adverse physical effects including decubiti and urinary tract infections, and psychological and social sequelae related to urinary incontinence. A comprehensive bladder-retraining program that incorporates appropriate education, training, medication, and surgical interventions can mitigate the adverse consequences of neurogenic bladder dysfunction and improve both quantity and quality of life. The goals of bladder retraining for neurogenic bladder dysfunction are prevention of urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, detrusor overdistension, and progressive upper urinary tract damage due to chronic, excessive detrusor pressures. Understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of micturition is essential to select appropriate pharmacologic and surgical interventions to achieve these goals. Future perspectives on potential pharmacological, surgical, and regenerative medicine options for treating neurogenic bladder dysfunction are also presented.