Robotic-Assisted Ureteral Reimplantation with Boari Flap and Psoas Hitch: A Single-Institution Experience

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 Systematic Review of Ureteral Reimplantation Techniques in Endometriosis: Laparoscopic Versus Robotic-Assisted Approach

Introduction: Endometriosis, characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, includes deep endometriosis (DE), which can affect the urinary tract. Ureteral endometriosis (UE) is a rare but significant manifestation that can lead to ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis, and potential kidney loss. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness and outcomes of laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted ureteral reimplantation techniques in patients with UE. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, from inception to July 2024. Studies included patients with UE who underwent ureteral reimplantation using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques. Data on patient demographics, surgical technique, duration of surgery, complications, follow-up duration, and clinical outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 225 patients in the laparoscopic group and 24 in the robotic-assisted group. Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation, with or without a psoas hitch, was the predominant technique used. The average surgery duration was 271.1 min for the laparoscopic group and 310.4 min for the robotic-assisted group. Recurrence rates for UE were 2.95% for laparoscopic and 5.9% for robotic-assisted procedures. The robotic-assisted group had a significantly shorter hospital stay (6.7 days vs. 9.1 days, p < 0.01). Postoperative complication rates were comparable between the two techniques (p = 0.422). Conclusions: Both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques for ureteral reimplantation in UE are safe and effective, with the choice of technique guided by surgeon expertise and specific clinical scenarios. However, the limited number of robotic cases introduces a bias, despite statistical significance.

Assistent guide: A novel device for ureteral stent placement in robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit

INTRODUCTION

Ureteral stent placement in robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit formation (RICIC) is more challenging than extracorporeal urinary diversion. We developed a novel dedicated device called the Assistent guide for safe and smooth performance of ureteral stent placement by the patient-side surgeon (PSS).

METHODS

This study reviewed the clinical records of 59 patients underwent RICIC with a total of 110 ureteral stent placements: 59 stents were placed using the Assistent guide, and 51 stents were placed using a suction tip.

RESULTS

The stenting time was significantly shorter in the Assistent guide group than in the suction tip group. Even for beginners, the stenting time was significantly shorter. The PSSs' satisfaction score was significantly higher in the Assistent guide group. No complications associated with ureteral stent placement occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed the safety and efficacy of the Assistent guide for ureteral stent placement in RICIC.

Long-term outcome of non-antireflux robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureter reimplantation in ureteral obstruction

PURPOSE

Although robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureter reimplantation (RALUR) is a recognized alternative to open and laparoscopic ureter reimplantation in treating distal ureteral obstruction, there are limited data on long-term efficacy and safety outcomes of non-antireflux RALUR. We assessed patients undergoing RALUR, evaluating operative, functional and safety determinants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All consecutive patients undergoing non-antireflux RALUR between April 2015 and January 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome endpoint was recurrent distal ureteral obstruction.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 41.3 months (CI 95%, 33.3-49.2). Among the 26 included patients, none developed recurrent distal ureteral obstruction. Kidney function in terms of serum creatinine level (72.0 vs. 71.0 µmol/L, p=0.988) and glomerular filtration rate (92.0 vs. 91.0 mL/min, p=0.831) was stable between the preoperative period and the last follow-up. Renal pelvis dilatation decreased significantly postoperatively, from grade 2 to grade 0 (p<0.001). Most patients (73.1%) remained free from any clinical symptoms of reflux during the follow-up. The rate of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥II) was 23.1%. All complications resolved without sequelae. No recurring urinary tract infections were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-antireflux RALUR appears to be safe and effective in the management of distal ureteral obstruction. There was no recurrent ureteral obstruction after RALUR in our cohort during a mean follow-up of more than 3 years. Non-antireflux reimplantation did not seem to have any notable impact on renal function during the follow-up period.

Rate of recurrent hydronephrosis after laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy for ureteral endometriosis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy in patients with ureteral endometriosis (UE).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for the ureter endometriosis with hydronephrosis.

SETTING

A private hospital that provide primary, secondary and tertiary care.

PATIENTS

30 consecutive patients with UE who underwent laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy at our institution between May 2008 and April 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy, if necessary, hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, cystectomy, partial bladder resection, or partial bowel resection were performed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The most common chief complaint was pelvic pain (40%). Endometriosis affected only the left ureter in 56.7% of patients, only the right ureter in 33.3%, and both ureters in 6.7%. Involvement of the ipsilateral ovary was confirmed in 64.3%. The most frequent location of UE was 1-3 cm above the UVJ (46.7%). A psoas hitch was performed in 7 patients (23.3%), and the Boari flap was used in 9 patients (30%). Hysterectomy was performed in 12 patients (40%), and 6 of them had a concomitant bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (20%). In addition, 3 patients (10%) underwent partial bowel resection, and 2 patients (6.7%) underwent partial bladder resection. After surgery, 24 of 27 patients (80.0%) were free of sever hydronephrosis after surgery. Hydronephrosis recurred in a single patient (3.3%), but the grade of hydronephrosis improved significantly after surgery (P < 0.001). At 6 months of follow up, 4 patients (13.3%) experienced urinary tract infections and 2 patients (6.7%) reported dysuria. Patients reported a regression of dysmenorrhea symptoms (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that ureteroneocystostomy provides good results in terms of relapses and symptom control in patients with ureteral endometriosis.

How we do it: robotic-assisted distal ureterectomy with ureteral reimplantation

Background:

High risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is typically managed with radical nephroureterectomy, however, renal preservation can be attempted when UTUC is localized to the distal ureter in the presence of chronic kidney disease (1–3). Distal ureterectomy is typically managed with a ureteral reimplantation and psoas hitch in order to maintain urothelial continuity, to avoid comprising the contralateral ureter, and reducing risk of chronic urinary tract infections and electrolyte abnormalities (4). We present our case of distal ureteral UTUC managed robotically with a distal ureterectomy with ureteral reimplantation.

Technique and Follow-Up:

Initially, an Orandi needle on a resectoscope circumscribed the left ureteral orifice. Next, robotically, the retroperitoneum was exposed and a left sided pelvic lymphadenectomy was completed. The left ureter was mobilized and the diseased ureteral segment was transected. The mobilized bladder was sutured to psoas fascia. After a cystotomy, the ureter was re-anastomosed to the bladder. The patient was discharged on postoperative day three and re-evaluated one week later with a cystogram. Final pathology was downgraded to non-invasive low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma with negative lymph nodes and margins.

Conclusion:

High risk UTUC localized to the distal ureter in the setting of chronic kidney disease can be managed with a distal ureterectomy (3). Robotic distal ureterectomy with ureteral reimplantation can be assisted by an Orandi needle to achieve negative margins. Utilizing a robotic technique can offer challenges with the ureteral spatulation and reanastomosis (5–7). By fixating the ureter to the bladder prior to reanastomosis, our technique offers a solution for these difficulties.

The robot-assisted ureteral reconstruction in adult: A narrative review on the surgical techniques and contemporary outcomes

Despite the rapid increase in the use of robotic surgery in urology, the majority of ureteric reconstruction procedures are still performed using laparoscopic or open approaches. This is primarily due to uncertainty regarding the advantages of robotic approaches over conventional ones, and the unique difficulty in identifying the specific area of interest due to the lack of tactile feedback from the current robotic systems. However, with the potential benefits of minimal invasiveness, several pioneering reports have been published on robotic surgery in urology. By reviewing the literature on this topic, we aimed to summarize the techniques, considerations, and consistent findings regarding robotic ureteral reconstruction in adults. Robotic applications for ureteral surgery have been primarily reported for pediatric urology, especially in the context of relieving a congenital obstruction in the ureteral pelvic junction. However, contemporary studies have also consistently demonstrated that robotic surgery could be a reliable option for malignant, iatrogenic, and traumatic conditions, which generally occur in adult patients. Nevertheless, the lack of comparative studies on heterogeneous hosts and disease conditions make it difficult to determine the benefit of the robotic approach over the conventional approach in the general population; thus, qualified prospective trials are needed for wider acceptance. However, contemporary reports have demonstrated that the robotic approach could be an alternative option for ureteral construction, even in the absence of haptic feedback, which can be compensated by various surgical techniques and enhanced three-dimensional visualization.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy in adults: A single surgeon experience and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience and technique with robot-assisted ureteroneocystostomy (RAUN) procedure in adults.

METHODS

Between February 2015 and August 2018, a total of 30 (34 ureters) patients who underwent RAUN surgery under a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative data such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American society of anesthesiologists score, estimated blood loss, surgical technique, operative time, complications, length of hospital stay, and stent removal time were recorded. During the follow-up, patients underwent renal function test, urinalysis, and renal ultrasound examination for evaluation. Success was defined as symptomatic and radiologic relieve. Lastly, a literature search was conducted to review all published articles regarding RAUN surgery in adults.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age, BMI, EBL, operative time, and follow-up period were 45.4 years, 23.1 kg/m2, 65.6 mL, 182.9 min, and 21.3 months, respectively. The two most common indications for the surgery were benign ureteral strictures and ureteric injuries secondary to a previous radical hysterectomy. Of the 34 cases, 26 (76.5%) and 8 (23.5%) patients received primary RAUN and RAUN with psoas hitch technique, respectively. Refluxing RAUN method was performed in all cases. No intraoperative complications were found. Two patients had a radiologic and symptomatic recurrence; one was managed with a repeat surgery while the other received ureteral dilatation treatment.

CONCLUSION

Both our study and the published literature showed that RAUN is a safe, less invasive, and effective surgical technique that can easily replicate the open ureteroneocystostomy for managing lower ureteral diseases.

Robot-assisted distal ureteral reconstruction for benign pathology: Current state

Distal ureteral reconstruction for benign pathologies such as stricture disease or iatrogenic injury has posed a challenge for urologist as endoscopic procedures have poor long-term outcomes, requiring definitive open reconstruction. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing shift towards robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) with multiple institutions reporting their outcomes. In this article, we reviewed the current literature on RAL distal ureteral reconstruction, focusing on benign pathologies only. We present peri-operative data and outcomes on the most common technique, ureteral reimplantation, as well as adjunct procedures such as psoas hitch and Boari flap. Additionally, we present alternative techniques reported in the literature with some technical considerations. Lastly, we describe the outcomes of the comparative studies between open, laparoscopy, and RAL. Although the body of literature in this field is limited, RAL reconstruction of the distal ureter appears to be safe, feasible, and with some advantages over the traditional open approach.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction: а systematic review of literature

Introduction

To review the literature, as well as to analyze and compare available data on robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) surgery versus open surgery, carried out in ureteral reconstructions in terms of different surgical characteristics.

Materials and methods

Eligible studies, published between 1997 and July 2016, were retrieved through MEDLINE by applying predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria with the English language restriction. Publications on RAL surgeries, carried out in different ureteral reconstructions and of any study design, including case series and comparative studies, were included. The study was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement.

Results

A total of 12 retrospective studies (case series and comparative studies) met the systematic review selection criteria involving 245 RAL and 76 open ureteral surgery cases. Main indications for ureter reconstruction were strictures, tumors and injuries. The individual results of comparative studies revealed that the EBL was statistically significantly lower for RAL than for open surgery. As for operation time, length of hospital stay and follow-up time, the data was contradictory. The rate of recurrent stricture in RAL and open groups was similar: -9.0%. The meta-analysis of three comparative studies confirmed that patients lose statistically significantly less blood in RAL, compared to open surgery.

Conclusions

The analysis of limited data available shows that robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique with high cure rates similar to those of the conventional open approach and, with favorable safety profile. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to strengthen our findings.

[Application of robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopy in ureteral reimplantation with psoas hitch]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of robotic-assisted laparoscopic and conventional laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with psoas hitch.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 10 patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with psoas hitch and 6 undergoing conventional laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation between June, 2013 and December, 2014 in the General Hospital of PLA. The indications, surgical techniques and outcomes of the two procedures were compared.

RESULTS

All the patients completed the laparoscopic procedures without conversion to open surgery. Robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic procedures were comparable in terms of the mean operation time (165.50=52.57 vs 152.50=73.60 min), mean volume of blood loss (81.00=69.35 vs 46.67=31.41 mL), mean duration of catheter retention (6.75=1.74 vs 7.50=2.43 days), and mean postoperative hospital stay (7.10=2.08 vs 8.67=3.14 days). The patients were followed up for a mean of 13.5 months, during which none of the patients experienced anastomotic leak, vesicoureteral reflux or hydronephrosis.

CONCLUSION

There are no significant differences in surgical indications, surgical techniques or postoperative effect between robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic procedures of ureteral reimplantation with psoas hitch, but robotic-assisted laparoscopy can reduced the complexity in operation and increase the surgical precision in patients with a history of pelvic surgery, pelvic adhesion or secondary reimplantation.

Intentional Omission of Ureteral Stents During Robotic-assisted Intracorporeal Ureteroenteric Anastomosis: Is It Safe and Feasible?

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical technique we used to perform a stentless intracorporeal ureteroenteric anastomosis and to determine the outcomes in this initial series.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of a prospective database of all patients undergoing robotic-assisted intracorporeal urinary diversion with stentless ureteroenteric anastomosis between March 2014 and July 2016. Diversions were performed at the time of either robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy for bladder cancer or urinary diversion for other indications.

RESULTS

A total of 10 patients underwent implantation of 20 ureters into the intestine via a robotic-assisted approach with intentional omission of stents. Median body mass index was 29.57 (first quartile 23.68, third quartile 34.69). Median American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 3 (range 2-3). Seven patients had intracorporeal ileal conduit reconstruction and 3 patients had an intracorporeal neobladder creation. There were no patients who developed a stricture of the ureter nor did any patient develop a leak at the ureteroenteric anastomosis. All patients had normal serum creatinine at least 4 weeks after surgery, and all patients had follow-up computed tomography of the kidneys, which were normal. The median follow-up was 8 months (first quartile = 3 months, third quartile = 17 months).

CONCLUSION

Robotic intracorporeal urinary diversion with intentional omission of ureteral stents is a safe and feasible option when establishing continuity of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts.

Laparoscopic Extravesical Lich-Gregoir Ureteroneocystostomy with Psoas Hitch for the Management of Ureterovaginal Fistula in Post-Hysterectomy Patients

Introduction: Most commonly ureterovaginal fistula occurs due to surgical injury inflicted to the distal ureter and because of gynaecological procedures. Open surgical repair is a standard procedure and commonly involves ureteroneocystostomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of 9 patients, who underwent laparoscopic extravesical Lich-Gregoir ureteroneocystostomy using the psoas hitch procedure for ureterovaginal fistulas following hysterectomy during the period December 2012-August 2014. Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy was performed in all cases. Results: The mean operative time was 212 min (range 170-310) and estimated blood loss was 108 ml (range 70-150). Average hospital stay was 5.7 days. Follow-up time was from 6 to 26 months. Postoperative intravenous urography was done after 3 months, which showed patent anastomosis in 8 patients except for 1 patient who had nonvisualization of the ipsilateral renal moiety. Voiding cystogram done at 3 months showed no leakage in all patients. In the postoperative period, 1 patient had recurrent ipsilateral pyelonephritis 2 weeks after surgery, while another patient had febrile UTI. Apart from these no major complications were observed. Conclusion: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch can be performed safely with a success rate compared to that of open surgery but with less morbidity and quick convalescence.

Robotic ureteral reconstruction distal to the ureteropelvic junction: a large single institution clinical series with short-term follow up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Use of the robotic platform for urinary reconstructive surgery is growing in popularity since its initial application with pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) repair. Although clinical series of adult robotic ureteral reconstruction appear in the literature, these reports tend to be limited in size and scope. We present the largest series to date of patients undergoing surgery for any obstruction distal to the UPJ along with outcomes and short-term follow up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients undergoing robotic ureteral reconstructive procedures for any indication at our institution. Patients undergoing pyeloplasty, planned open procedures, and pediatric patients were excluded from the current analysis. Patient demographic data, etiology, procedure performed, and perioperative outcomes were reviewed. Postoperative follow up, imaging, and any re-interventions were also captured. The procedures performed included ureteroneocystostomy, psoas hitch, Boari flap, ureteroureterostomy, ureterolysis, ureterolithotomy, and nephropexy.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients underwent robotic ureteral reconstructive procedures distal to the UPJ. Of these patients, 45 underwent intervention for a benign etiology and 10 for upper tract malignancy. All cases were successfully completed robotically with no open conversions and no intraoperative complications. Concurrent endoscopy was performed in 31 patients. The median operating room time was 221 minutes overall. Median blood loss was 50 ml with no intraoperative transfusions. The average hospital stay was 1.6 days, with 39 patients (71%) discharged on postoperative day 1. All surgical margins were negative for malignancy. The median follow up with imaging was 181 days. There were two serious complications (3.6%) and three failures (5.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic reconstruction of the ureter distal to the UPJ is feasible, safe, effective, and able to replicate techniques of open surgery with equivalent outcomes to large robotic pyeloplasty and smaller distal ureteral reconstruction series.

Ureteral strictures revisited…trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel: a comprehensive review

A ureteral stricture is a rather rare urological event defined as a narrowing of the ureter causing a functional obstruction and renal failure, if left untreated. The aim of this review article is to summarize and discuss current knowledge on the incidence, pathogenesis, management, and follow up of proximal, mid, and distal ureteral strictures.

Laparoscopic repair of urogenital fistulae: A single centre experience

CONTEXT

Sparse literature exists on laparoscopic repair of urogenital fistulae (UGF).

AIMS

The purpose of the following study is to report our experience of laparoscopic UGF repair with emphasis on important steps for a successful laparoscopic repair.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Data of patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of UGF from 2003 to 2012 was retrospectively reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data was reviewed as to the aetiology, prior failed attempts, size, number and location of fistula, mean operative time, blood loss, post-operative storage/voiding symptoms and episodes of urinary tract infections (UTI).

RESULTS

Laparoscopic repair of 22 supratrigonal vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) (five recurrent) and 31 ureterovaginal fistulae (UVF) was performed. VVF followed transabdominal hysterectomy (14), lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) (7) and oophrectomy (1). UVF followed laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy (18), transvaginal hysterectomy (2) and transabdominal hysterectomy (10) and LSCS (1). Mean VVF size was 14 mm. Mean operative time and blood loss for VVF and UVF were 140 min, 75 ml and 130 min, 60 ml respectively. In 20 VVF repairs tissue was interposed between non-overlapping suture lines. Vesico-psoas hitch was done in 29 patients of urterovaginal fistulae. All patients were continent following surgery. There were no urinary complaints in VVF patients and no UTI in UVF patients over a median follow-up of 3.2 years and 2.8 years respectively.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic repair of UGF gives easy, quick access to the pelvic cavity. Interposition of tissue during VVF repair and vesico-psoas hitch during UVF repair form important steps to ensure successful repair.

Robot-assisted surgery for the treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is increasingly used in urologic oncologic surgery. Robotic nephroureterectomy is still a relatively new technique. As upper tract urothelial carcinoma is a rare disease, intermediate- and long-term outcome data are scarce. However, robotic nephroureterectomy does seem to offer advantages to open and laparoscopic counterparts, with comparable short-term oncologic and functional outcomes. Here the authors review the robotic surgical management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, with a review of the steps and tips on making this approach more widely adoptable.

Robot-assisted technique for boari flap ureteral reimplantation: is robot assistance beneficial?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ureteral reconstructive surgery necessitates adequate exposure of the ureteral lesion and results in large abdominal incisions. Robot assistance allows the performance of complex ureteral reconstructive surgery through small incisions. The current series includes only cases of Boari flaps performed by robot assistance and attempts to describe in detail the technique, review the literature, as well as to expand the experience in the current literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eight patients underwent ureteral reimplantation by Boari flap technique. The indications for the performance of the procedure included ureteral stricture from iatrogenic injury in three patients, recurrent ureteral stricture after multiple endoscopic stone management procedures in one patient, ureteral stricture from previous malignant disease in the pelvis or abdomen in three patients, and ureteral stricture due to trauma in one patient. Five cases were located in the left side and three cases in the right side. A variety of parameters were recorded in a prospective database including the time for robot docking and total operative time as well as catheterization and drainage time. The follow-up of the patients included the performance of renal ultrasonography 4 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 50.8 (range 39-62) years and mean body mass index was 26.2 (range 23.22-29.29) kg/m(2). Operative time ranged 115 and 240 (mean 171.9) minutes. Mean blood loss was 161.3 (50-250) mL. Conversion to open surgery did not take place in the current series. No intraoperative complications were observed. Postoperative complications included one case of prolonged anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSION

The robot-assisted approach is efficient in the performance of ureteral reimplantation with Boari flap. Low blood loss, short catheterization time, low complication rate, and excellent reconstructive outcome are associated with the approach. Robot assistance seems to be beneficial for ureteral reconstructive surgery.

Laparoendoscopic management of midureteral strictures

The incidence of ureteral strictures has increased worldwide owing to the widespread use of laparoscopic and endourologic procedures. Midureteral strictures can be managed by either an endoscopic approach or surgical reconstruction, including open or minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) techniques. Minimally invasive surgical ureteral reconstruction is gaining in popularity in the management of midureteral strictures. However, only a few studies have been published so far regarding the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic and robotic ureteral reconstruction procedures. Nevertheless, most of the studies have reported at least equivalent outcomes with the open approach. In general, strictures more than 2 cm, injury strictures, and strictures associated either with radiation or with reduced renal function of less than 25% may be managed more appropriately by minimally invasive surgical reconstruction, although the evidence to establish these recommendations is not yet adequate. Defects of 2 to 3 cm in length may be treated with laparoscopic or robot-assisted uretero-ureterostomy, whereas defects of 12 to 15 cm may be managed either via ureteral reimplantation with a Boari flap or via transuretero-ureterostomy in case of low bladder capacity. Cases with more extended defects can be reconstructed with the incorporation of the ileum in ureteral repair.

Ureteric injury: a challenging condition to diagnose and manage

Although ureteric injury is relatively uncommon, it is a serious event that can result in intra-abdominal sepsis, renal failure, and loss of the ipsilateral renal unit. Most injuries are iatrogenic and remain undiagnosed until the patient presents with symptoms postoperatively. In addition to compromising patient safety, missed ureteric injuries frequently result in litigation. Over the past 20 years, there has been a rapid uptake of laparoscopic and robotic techniques within urology and other surgical specialties. This trend, coupled with increased use of ureteroscopy, has increased the risk of injury to the ureter. The key to diagnosing and managing a ureteric injury is to have a low threshold for suspecting its presence. Diagnosis can be achieved using retrograde pyelography, ureteroscopy, CT, or intravenous urography. Initial management should involve ureteric stent placement or percutaneous nephrostomy drainage. In selected patients, surgical reconstruction might be the optimal approach. Decisions regarding surgical technique (open, laparoscopic, or robotic) are guided by the clinical situation and surgical expertise available.