Ureteral Reimplantation via Robotic Nontransecting Side-to-Side Anastomosis for Distal Ureteral Stricture

Preoperative Factors for Success of Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction for Distal Ureteral Strictures

Introduction: To investigate preoperative predictors of surgical success for patients undergoing robotic ureteral reconstruction (RUR) for management of distal ureteral strictures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our multi-institutional Collaborative of Reconstructive Robotic Ureteral Surgery database to identify all consecutive patients undergoing RUR for surgical repair of distal ureteral strictures between 04/2012 and 12/2022. Procedures included refluxing reimplant (58.5%), side to side reimplant (18.0%), ureteroureterostomy (12.7%), non-refluxing reimplant (6.3%), buccal mucosa ureteroplasty (2.8%), and appendiceal bypass ureteroplasty (1.7%). Patients were grouped according to whether they were surgically successful. Preoperative variables between both groups were compared using chi-square tests. All variables with associations of p < 0.2 underwent a binary logistic regression analysis to determine predictive variables of success for RUR (p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant). Results: Overall, 284 patients met inclusion criteria. Univariate analysis showed obesity (p = 0.03), smoking history (p = 0.10), abdominopelvic radiation history (p = 0.14), immunocompromised state (p = 0.12), and ureteral rest (p = 0.01) were notable preoperative factors (p < 0.2). Binary logistic regression analysis further revealed the odds of surgical success in patients with obesity was 0.32 times (CI: 0.12-0.83, p = 0.02) the odds of success for patients without obesity. The odds of surgical success in patients who underwent preoperative ureteral rest was 4.2 times (CI: 1.51-11.77, p < 0.01) the odds of success for patients who did not undergo preoperative ureteral rest. Conclusion: Preoperative factors including obesity and ureteral rest may affect surgical success of RUR for management of distal ureteral strictures.

What Is Needed to Determine and Potentially Improve the Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Reconstructive Urinary Tract and Pelvic Floor Surgery?-ICI-RS 2024

INTRODUCTION

Robot-assisted (RA) surgery has many advantages for urinary tract and pelvic floor reconstruction (UTPFR) but its application is only slowly increasing. Studies are limited in number, patients and follow-up duration. The low-volume high-complexity nature of UTPFR warrants specific research to evaluate the potential role of the RA approach.

METHODS

During its 2024 meeting in Bristol, the International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS) reviewed the current literature on RA UTPFR. Priority research questions and strategies were explored in a proposal.

RESULTS

Four different topics were discussed. (1) Large multicentre prospective studies on RA UTPFR are needed to evaluate clinical effectiveness and safety. The RA approach needs to be prioritized in specific procedures and patients, to first improve patient care where gains are highest. (2) Models for cost-utility analysis for RA UTPFR are needed to (re)direct limited resources as efficiently as possible in a quickly changing technological field. (3) A modular curriculum for training UTPFR surgeons to become RA certified needs to be developed, to allow valid interpretation and comparison of outcomes. (4) Technological improvements to address tissue handling, accessibility, efficiency and sustainability are needed. Digitalization can be a gamechanger for RA UTPFR through telesurgery (training and expertize coverage), augmented reality and artificial intelligence providing intra-operative assistance, assessment and feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposal discussed the need for studies on clinical and cost effectiveness, safety, and training curriculum development for RA UTPFR. Recent technological developments hold great promise for RA UTPFR. High-priority research questions were identified.

Clinical efficacy of ureteroscopy-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty in the treatment of ureteral stricture after pelvic surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of ureteroscope-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty in treating ureteral stricture after pelvic surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 95 patients treated for ureteral stricture at Ganzhou People's Hospital from June 2017 to March 2023 after pelvic surgery. In this group, 49 patients underwent ureteroscope and laparoscopic ureteroplasty under lithotomy position. The control group consisted of 46 patients who underwent simple laparoscopic ureteroplasty in a supine position. Postoperative data from both groups were collected and compared, including operation time, amount of blood loss during surgery, postoperative hospital stay, incidence of complications, success rate of ureteroplasty, and effectiveness of the operation.

RESULTS

The success rate of end-to-end ureteral anastomosis in the observation group was 93.88%, and the operation effectiveness rate was 100%. The success rate in the control group was 78.26% and the operation effectiveness rate was 89.1%.The average operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the observation group were (121.3 ± 44.6) min and (137.5 ± 34.2) ml, respectively, while in the control group they were (151.2 ± 52.3) min and (165.6 ± 45.8) ml, the difference were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of perioperative complications in the observation group was 2%, significantly lower than that in the control group (19.6%) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ureteroscope-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty for ureteral stricture after pelvic surgery has the advantages of shortened operation time, increased success rate, and reduced incidence of complications, making it an optional surgical scheme in clinical practice.

Robot-assisted repair of ureteral stricture

As robot-assisted laparoscopic techniques continue to advance, becoming increasingly complex and refined, there has been significant progress in the minimally invasive treatment of ureteral strictures. This abstract aims to provide an overview and description of various surgical techniques that utilize robots for repairing ureteral strictures. We have summarized the progression of these surgical methods and highlighted the latest advancements in the procedures. When compared to open surgery, robot-assisted reconstruction techniques demonstrate superior functional outcomes, fewer postoperative complications, and a faster recovery in the treatment of ureteral strictures. This abstract aims to provide an overview and description of various surgical techniques utilizing robots to repair ureteral strictures. Robotic ureteral stricture correction has emerged as a valuable therapeutic option, particularly when endoscopic procedures are not feasible. Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic methods exhibit superior therapeutic effectiveness, fewer postoperative complications, and accelerated recovery. Reconstructive procedures such as reimplantation, psoas hitch, Boari flap, ureter-to-ureter anastomosis, appendix graft, buccal mucosa graft (BMG), ileal transplantation, or kidney autotransplantation can be performed depending on the extent and location of the stricture. Robotic surgical techniques also offer advantages, such as an expanded field of vision and the incorporation of supplementary technologies such as FireflyTM, indocyanine green (ICG), and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging. However, further long-term, multicenter investigations are necessary to validate the positive findings reported in existing case series. Compared with open surgery, robot-assisted reconstruction techniques yield superior functional outcomes, fewer postoperative complications, and accelerated recovery for the treatment of ureteral strictures.

A review of complications after ureteral reconstruction

Objective

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the complications unique to ureteral reconstruction in adults, emphasizing their presentation, diagnosis, and management in the treatment of ureteral structure disease.

Methods

This review involves an in-depth analysis of existing literature and case studies pertaining to ureteral reconstruction, with a focus on examining the range of complications that can arise post-surgery. Special attention is given to the presentation of each complication, the diagnostic process involved, and the subsequent management strategies.

Results

Ureteral reconstruction can treat ureteral stricture disease with low morbidity; however, complications, although uncommon, can have severe consequences. The most notable complications include urinary extravasation, stricture recurrence, urinary tract infections, compartment syndrome, symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux, and Boari flap necrosis. Each complication presents unique diagnostic challenges and requires specific management approaches.

Conclusion

Ureteral reconstruction is a highly effective treatment for ureteral stricture disease. Having a strong understanding of the potential complications that patients may experience following ureteral reconstruction is not only critical to adequately counsel patients but also facilitate prompt diagnosis and management of complications when they arise.

Minimally invasive reconstruction of extensive mid-lower ureteral strictures using a bilateral Boari flap

Objective

To describe and evaluate the technique using bilateral Boari flap ureteroneocystostomy (BBFUNC) for bilateral mid-lower ureteral strictures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed five patients who underwent minimally invasive BBFUNC in our institution (Union Hospital, Wuhan, China) between July 2019 and December 2021. The bilateral ureters were mobilized and transected above the stenotic segments. The bladder was isolated and incised longitudinally from the middle of the anterior wall. Then, an inverted U-shaped bladder flap was created on both sides, fixed onto the psoas tendon, and anastomosed to the ipsilateral distal normal ureter. Following double-J stenting, the Boari flaps were tubularized, and the bladder was closed with continuous sutures. The patients' perioperative data and follow-up outcomes were collected, and a descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

Results

No case converted to open surgery, and no intraoperative complication occurred. The median surgical time was 230 (range 203-294) min. The median length of the bladder flaps was 6.2 (range 4.3-10.0) cm on the left and 5.5 (range 4.7-10.5) cm on the right side. All patients had not developed recurrent ureteral stenosis during the median follow-up time of 17 (range 16-45) months and had a normal maximum flow rate after surgery. The median post-void residual was 7 (range 0-19) mL. The maximal bladder capacity was decreased in one (20%) patient.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that minimally invasive BBFUNC is feasible and safe in treating bilateral mid-lower ureteral strictures, and the impact on lower urinary tract function is limited.

Single-port robotic-assisted ureteral reconstruction for management of strictures after renal transplantation

Ureteral strictures are a common and often challenging complication of renal transplantation. The use of single-port (SP) robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is a novel approach in the management of these patients. Here we describe 3 patients with stricture of the transplant ureter causing hydronephrosis and allograft dysfunction, whose ureteral reconstructions were successfully performed using the SP robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. Two patients underwent transplant-to-native ureteroureterostomy and 1 patient underwent ureteroneocystostomy. We demonstrate that the use of concurrent ureteroscopy and near-infrared fluorescence enables safe and rapid identification of native and transplant ureters. In addition, side-to-side anastomosis of transplant-to-native ureters allows for preservation of ureteral vasculature. In this limited series, the SP robotic platform demonstrates great promise in simplifying and streamlining our approach to ureteral strictures in this patient population.

Robotic ureteral reconstruction for benign ureteral strictures: a systematic review of surgical techniques, complications and outcomes : Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction for Ureteral Strictures

INTRODUCTION

Robotic ureteral reconstruction (RUR) has been widely used to treat ureteral diseases. To summarize the surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes following RUR, as well as to compare data on RUR with open and laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction.

METHODS

Our systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42022309364) database. The PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for publications in English on 06-Feb-2022. Randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomised cohort studies with sample size ≥ 10 cases were included.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies were included involving 996 patients and 1004 ureters from 13 non-comparative, and 10 retrospective comparative studies. No RCT study of RUR was reported. The success rate was reported ≥ 90% in 15 studies. Four studies reported 85-90% success rate. Meta-analyses for comparative studies showed that RUR had significantly lower estimated blood loss (EBL) (P = 0.006) and shorter length of stay (LOS) (P < 0.001) than the open approach. RUR had shorter operative time than laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RUR is associated with lower EBL and shorter LOS than the open approach, and shorter operative time than the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of benign ureteral strictures. However, further studies and more evidence are needed to determine whether RUR is more superior.

Robotic ureteral reconstruction for recurrent strictures after prior failed management

Objectives

To describe our multi-institutional experience with robotic ureteral reconstruction (RUR) in patients who failed prior endoscopic and/or surgical management.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our Collaborative of Reconstructive Robotic Ureteral Surgery (CORRUS) database for all consecutive patients who underwent RUR between 05/2012 and 01/2020 for a recurrent ureteral stricture after having undergone prior failed endoscopic and/or surgical repair. Post-operatively, patients were assessed for surgical success, defined as the absence of flank pain and obstruction on imaging.

Results

Overall, 105 patients met inclusion criteria. Median stricture length was 2 (IQR 1-3) centimetres. Strictures were located at the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) (41.0%), proximal (14.3%), middle (9.5%) or distal (35.2%) ureter. There were nine (8.6%) radiation-induced strictures. Prior failed management included endoscopic intervention (49.5%), surgical repair (25.7%) or both (24.8%). For repair of UPJ and proximal strictures, ureteroureterostomy (3.4%), ureterocalicostomy (5.2%), pyeloplasty (53.5%) or buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty (37.9%) was utilized; for repair of middle strictures, ureteroureterostomy (20.0%) or buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty (80.0%) was utilized; for repair of distal strictures, ureteroureterostomy (8.1%), side-to-side reimplant (18.9%), end-to-end reimplant (70.3%) or appendiceal bypass (2.7%) was utilized. Major (Clavien >2) post-operative complications occurred in two (1.9%) patients. At a median follow-up of 15.1 (IQR 5.0-30.4) months, 94 (89.5%) cases were surgically successful.

Conclusions

RUR may be performed with good intermediate-term outcomes for patients with recurrent strictures after prior failed endoscopic and/or surgical management.

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Ureteroureterostomy for Distal Benign Ureteral Strictures with Long-Term Follow Up

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate feasibility of robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) ureteroureterostomy (UU) for benign distal ureteral strictures (DUS) in our robotic reconstruction series with long term follow up.

PATIENTS & METHODS

In a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained RAL ureteral reconstruction database, we followed patients between 6/2012-2/2019 who underwent a UU for DUS. In addition to patient demographics, we recorded the etiology, stricture length and recurrence rates. Recurrence was defined as findings of recurrent or persistent obstruction by postoperative mercaptoacetyltriglycine diuretic renal scan or the need for additional intervention with ureteral drainage or revisional surgery.

RESULTS

We identified 22 patients who underwent a RAL-UU for DUS of benign etiologies. Median age was 42 years old (IQR 39-57) and 20 of 22 patients (90.1%) were female. Median stricture length was 1.5 cm (IQR 1-2). Iatrogenic surgical injury was noted in 16 patients (73%). All ureteral reconstruction was performed using RAL. Post-operative imaging consisted of renal ultrasonography, diuretic renal scan or cross-sectional radiology within 3 months of the index operation. Further imaging was dependent on clinical judgment. Twenty patients (90.1%) had success with median follow-up time of 54.6 months with two recurrences necessitating RAL ureteroneocystostomy (UNC).

CONCLUSION

RAL-UU for DUS is technically viable and shows promising efficacy in properly selected patients. This technique may serve a niche for preserving the natural anatomical drainage of the bladder and ureter in addition to obviating the sequela of vesicoureteral reflux as seen in UNC.

Terminal augmented ureteroplasty with bladder onlay flap technique for recurrent distal ureteral stricture after ureteroneocystostomy: an initial case series

Background

Bladder flap has been shown to be a feasible treatment for distal ureteral stenosis; this technique has been improved such that it can be used to address complex urinary tract obstructions. The purpose of the present study was to describe a surgical technique of ureteroplasty with a bladder onlay flap, which consists of a nontransecting and terminal augmented anastomosis, for repairing recurrent distal strictures of the ureter.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 6 patients who underwent this procedure between May 2018 and November 2019. These patients were diagnosed with distal ureteral stenosis and had previously undergone ureteroneocystostomy (one with a Boari flap) but suffered recurrence of flank pain. Patient characteristics, perioperative data and follow-up outcomes were gathered. The success of the operation was judged by symptomatic relief (subjective success) and improved radiographic imaging and renal function (objective success).

Results

Preoperative computed tomography urography (CTU) showed hydronephrosis in all patients: severe hydronephrosis was observed in 83.3% of patients (5/6), and moderate hydronephrosis was observed in 16.7% (1/6). The mean stricture length was 2 cm. The mean operating time, estimated blood loss and postoperative hospital stays of the six patients were 193.3 min (160–270 min), 41.5 mL (10–58 mL) and 8.2 days (6–11 days), respectively. No serious complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3) occurred during or after the operations. The mean follow-up time was 24.5 months (range, 14 to 29). The objective success rate was 83.3% (5/6), and the subjective success rate was 100%.

Conclusions

Our technique of ureteroplasty with a bladder onlay flap by nontransecting and terminal augmented anastomosis is feasible and improves the recovery rate after the repair of recurrent distal ureteral stenosis. Patients who have had previous unsuccessful surgeries might benefit from this approach.

The emerging role of robotics in upper and lower urinary tract reconstruction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Developments in robotic reconstructive urology have introduced novel treatments for complex upper and lower urinary tract disease. Short-term and mid-term data demonstrates excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity, suggesting the advanced instrumentation and visualization of robotics represent a new treatment paradigm in patients that are historically difficult to treat. Here we review recent developments in the robotically assisted surgical management of urethral and ureteral strictures.

RECENT FINDINGS

The minimally invasive approach, enhanced precision and reach, and near-infrared fluorescence imaging capabilities of robotic platforms have proven to be valuable additions in reconstructive urology where perfusion is often compromised, or anatomy is distorted. These benefits are leveraged heavily in recent descriptions of robotic-assisted posterior urethroplasty and ureteroplasty. Short-term to mid-term follow-up data for these procedures show excellent patency rates with low morbidity and complication rates when compared with open approaches. Long-term data for these procedures are not yet available.

SUMMARY

The role of robotics in reconstructive urology is being actively investigated. Initial findings demonstrate excellent results with low morbidity in the treatment of upper and lower urinary tract disease. Long-term data will ultimately determine the role of robotics in the reconstructive armamentarium.

Robotic-assisted genitourinary reconstruction: current state and future directions

With the widespread dissemination of robotic surgical platforms, pathology previously deemed insurmountable or challenging has been treated with reliable and replicable outcomes. The advantages of precise articulation for dissection and suturing, tremor reduction, three-dimensional magnified visualization, and minimally invasive trocar sites have allowed for the management of such diverse disease as recurrent or refractory bladder neck stenoses, and radiation-induced ureteral strictures, with excellent perioperative and functional outcomes. Intraoperative adjuncts such as near-infrared imaging aid in identification and preservation of healthy tissue. More recent developments include robotics via the single port platform, gender-affirming surgery, and multidisciplinary approaches to complex pelvic reconstruction. Here, we review the recent literature comprising developments in robotic-assisted genitourinary reconstruction, with a view towards emerging technologies and future trends in techniques.

Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction in Patients with Radiation-Induced Ureteral Strictures: Experience from the Collaborative of Reconstructive Robotic Ureteral Surgery

Objectives: Management of radiation-induced ureteral stricture (RIUS) is complex, requiring chronic drainage or morbid definitive open reconstruction. Herein, we report our multi-institutional comprehensive experience with robotic ureteral reconstruction (RUR) in patients with RIUSs. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective review of our multi-institutional RUR database between January 2013 and January 2020, we identified patients with RIUSs. Five major reconstruction techniques were utilized: end-to-end (anastomosing the bladder to the transected ureter) and side-to-side (anastomosing the bladder to an anterior ureterotomy proximal to the stricture without ureteral transection) ureteral reimplantation, buccal or appendiceal mucosa graft ureteroplasty, appendiceal bypass graft, and ileal ureter interposition. When necessary, adjunctive procedures were performed for mobility (i.e., psoas hitch) and improved vascularity (i.e., omental wrap). Outcomes of surgery were determined by the absence of flank pain (clinical success) and absence of obstruction on imaging (radiological success). Results: A total of 32 patients with 35 ureteral units underwent RUR with a median stricture length of 2.5 cm (interquartile range [IQR] 2-5.5). End-to-end and side-to-side reimplantation techniques were performed in 21 (60.0%) and 8 (22.9%) RUR cases, respectively, while 4 (11.4%) underwent an appendiceal procedure. One patient (2.9%) required buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty, while another needed an ileal ureter interposition. The median operative time was 215 minutes (IQR 177-281), estimated blood loss was 100 mL (IQR 50-150), and length of stay was 2 days (IQR 1-3). One patient required repair of a small bowel leak. Another patient died from a major cardiac event and was excluded from follow-up calculations. At a median follow-up of 13 months (IQR 9-22), 30 ureteral units (88.2%) were clinically and radiologically effective. Conclusion: RUR can be performed in patients with RIUSs with excellent outcomes. Surgeons must be prepared to perform adjunctive procedures for mobility and improved vascularity due to poor tissue quality. Repeat procedures for RIUSs heighten the risk of necrosis and failure.