Current status of robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children

Pediatric robot-assisted extravesical ureteral reimplantation (revur) in simple and complex ureter anatomy: Report of a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted extravesical ureteral reimplantation (REVUR) is a well established approach for surgical treatment of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, further evidence is needed to confirm its efficacy even in case of complex anatomy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to further confirm the evidence that REVUR is safe and effective in both simple and complex ureter anatomy.

STUDY DESIGN

The charts of all patients with VUR, who received REVUR in 6 different institutions over a 5-year period, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with both simple and complex ureter anatomy were included. Patient demographics, surgical variables, and post-operative results were assessed. VUR resolution was defined as either being resolved VUR on voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or clinically without symptoms during the follow-up.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients with median age of 6.9 years (range 4.5-12), receiving REVUR in the study period, were included. Eighteen (31.6%) patients had complex anatomy and included prior failed endoscopic injection (n = 13), complete ureteral duplication (n = 2), periureteral diverticulum (n = 2), ectopic megaureter requiring dismembering (n = 1). The median operative time was 155 min for unilateral and 211.5 min for bilateral repairs. The clinical + radiographic VUR resolution rate was 96.5%. Post-operative complications (Clavien 2) included urinary retention following bilateral repair (n = 5, 8.7%), febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) (n = 6, 10.5%) and gross hematuria (n = 3, 5.2%). Comparative analysis between simple and complex cases showed that REVUR was faster in simple cases in both unilateral [p = 0.002] and bilateral repair [p = 0.001] and post-operative urinary retention was more frequent in simple cases [p = 0.004] and in patients with pre-operative bowel and bladder dysfunction (BBD) [p = 0.001] (Table).

DISCUSSION

This series confirmed that the robot-assisted technique was feasible even in cases with complex anatomy using some technical refinements, that justified the longer operative times in both unilateral and bilateral cases. An interesting finding of this study was the correlation emerged between BBD and risk of post-operative urinary retention and VUR persistence. Our results also excluded any significant correlation between complex cases and risk of post-operative urinary retention. The main study limitations included the retrospective and nonrandomized design, the small number of cases and the arbitrary definition of complex anatomy.

CONCLUSION

REVUR was safe and effective for management of VUR in both simple and complex ureter anatomy. Complex REVUR required slightly longer operative times, without significant differences in post-operative mordidity and success rates. Aside from complex anatomy, BBD emerged as the main risk factor associated with surgical failure and post-operative morbidity.

Robot‑Assisted Laparoscopic Extra-Vesical Ureteral Reimplantation (Ralur/Revur) for Pediatric Vesicoureteral Reflux: A Systematic Review of Literature

This literature review aimed to assess the outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic extra-vesical ureteral reimplantation (RALUR/REVUR) in standard, complex and re-operative cases. Twenty-two studies (period 2008-2019) containing 1362 children receiving RALUR/REVUR, were included. Unilateral repair was faster compared to bilateral (P = .0000). The overall patient success rate was 92%. The mean post-operative complications rate was 10.7%. The mean re-operations rate was 3.9%. The available data show that RALUR/REVUR can be a first line surgical approach for pediatric vesicoureteral reflux at most centers with the caveat that learning curves for the surgeons are expected as with most new surgical procedures.

Surgical indications for operative management of vesicoureteral reflux in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) management has been steadily evolving over the last several years. There is not a definitive algorithm for operative intervention, but there are some recognized patterns to follow when caring for this patient base. It is extremely relevant to review the rationale behind practice patterns as both literature and clinical practice are dynamic.

RECENT FINDINGS

VUR is a common malady that is emotionally, physically, and financially draining for families. As new treatment options emerge with minimally invasive techniques and older methods are re-explored, it is imperative to re-evaluate care strategies. This article reviews the mainstays of treatment in addition to newer therapeutic modalities.

SUMMARY

The decision to operate on any patient, particularly pediatric patients, must be preceded by sound clinical judgment. Thoughtful planning must be utilized to ensure every patient receives individualized and up-to-date VUR management. This article reviews indications for surgical intervention to consider when managing these patients.

[Long-term prognosis of vesicoureteral reflux: a follow-up observation of 138 children]

OBJECTIVE

To study the long-term prognosis of vesicoureteral reflux in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 138 children (218 ureters with reflux) who were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux for the first time from November 2005 to March 2017 and received medical treatment and regular follow-up. According to the initial grade of reflux, the ureters with reflux were divided into a low-grade group (141 ureters, grade I-III) and a high-grade group (77 ureters, grade IV-V), and the two groups were compared in terms of clinical data and follow-up results.

RESULTS

Among the 138 children, there were 82 boys and 56 girls. Their age ranged from 31 days to 10 years at the time of confirmed diagnosis, with a median age of 8 months. The follow-up time ranged from 8 months to 7 years, with a median follow-up time of 1.4 years. At the time of confirmed diagnosis, the high-grade group had significantly higher levels of urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, urinary microalbumin and urinary immunoglobulin G than the low-grade group (P<0.05). Among the 218 ureters with reflux, 132 (60.6%) achieved a reduction in the grade of reflux (among which 74 achieved complete disappearance of reflux), 43 had no change in the grade of reflux, and 43 had an increase in the grade of reflux. Compared with the high-grade group, the low-grade group had a significantly higher complete remission rate (41.1% vs 19.5%, P=0.001) and a significantly shorter time to complete remission of reflux (P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Most children with vesicoureteral reflux can achieve a reduction in the grade of reflux or even complete disappearance of reflux during follow-up, and the children with low-grade reflux have better prognosis than those with high-grade reflux.

Robotic Urologic Surgery in Infants: Results and Complications

Over the last 30 years, robotic surgery has evolved into the preferred surgical approach for many operative cases. Robotics has been associated with lower pain scales, shorter hospitalizations, and improved cosmesis (1, 2). However, its acceptance in pediatrics have been hampered by longer operative times, smaller working space, and limited fine surgical instruments. Many find these challenges even more pronounced when performing robotic surgery in infants (i.e., children <1 year old). Although the data in infants is less robust, many studies have shown benefits similar to the adult population. Specifically, multiple reports of robotic surgery in infants have shown lower postoperative analgesic use. Additionally, hospital stays are shorter, which may lead to quicker return to work for parents and guardians. Multiple reports have shown low complication rates of robotic surgery in infants. When complications have occurred, they are usually Clavien Grade 1 and 2, with occasional grade 3. Often the complications are not from the robotic technique, but are linked to other factors such as the ureteral stents (3, 4). Most importantly, the success rates of surgery are comparable to open surgery. This chapter will review indications for the most common urologic robotic surgeries performed in infants. Also, we will review reported results and complications of robotic surgery in children, with specific attention to the infant population. However, data focused only on infants is limited. Many studies have some infant patients, but their results are often mixed with all pediatric patients.

Advances in robotic surgery for pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux: history, present, and future

PURPOSE

The introduction of robotic surgical technology into urological reconstruction, particularly pediatrics, has introduced new horizons for reducing the morbidity and enhancing the efficacy of surgical repair of congenital conditions in children. In reviewing the evolution of pediatric urological applications of robotic surgery, we wanted to address the different levels of reported utilization of pyeloplasty and ureteral reimplantation as two of the most common procedures.

METHODS

Review of the published literature sought to explore the described variation in clinical application of these two common procedures, and the evolution of the practice over time.

RESULTS

Reported outcomes suggest that variations in patient selection, the learning curve and in reporting of outcomes all contribute to the wide variation in utilization of pediatric robotic pyeloplasty and ureteral reimplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

These technologies are demonstrating their potential as well as the challenges of use in children and there is a steady evolution of capability. Practitioners should be aware of both the possibilities as well as the risks of such new technology in the care of our patients. This requires thorough and open reporting of outcomes, the willingness to introduce change and integrate new findings into practice.

Managing vesicoureteral reflux in children: making sense of all the data

Current management of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children is the result of a steady albeit controversial evolution of data and thinking related to the clinical impact of VUR and urinary tract infection (UTI) in children, the value of clinical screening, and the relative impact of testing and interventions for VUR. While controversy continues, there is consensus on the importance of bladder dysfunction on VUR outcomes, the likelihood of VUR resolution, and the fact that not all children with VUR require active treatment. Early efforts to define risk stratification hold the most promise to provide more patient-specific treatment of UTI and VUR in children.

Robotic Assisted Surgery in Pediatric Urology: Current Status and Future Directions

The evolution of robotic surgical technology and its application in Pediatric Urology have been rapid and essentially successful. Further development remains limited in three key areas: procedural inefficiencies, cost and integration of surgical and clinical information. By addressing these challenges through technology and novel surgical paradigms, the real potential of surgical robotics in pediatric, as well as adult applications, may ultimately be realized. With this evolution, a continued focus on patient-centered outcomes will be essential to provide optimal guidance to technical innovations.

Robot-assisted ureteral reconstruction - current status and future directions

Robotic surgery in the treatment in certain urological diseases has become a mainstay. With the increasing use of the robotic platform, some surgeries which were historically performed open have transitioned to a minimally invasive technique. Recently, the robotic approach has become more utilized for ureteral reconstruction. In this article, the authors review the surgical techniques for a number of major ureteral reconstuctive surgeries and briefly discuss the outcomes reported in the literature.

Contemporary Management of Vesicoureteral Reflux

CONTEXT

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) remains the most interesting topic of pediatric urology due to the dynamic nature of recent controversial publications. Starting from the need for a diagnosis to the necessity and effectiveness of treatment in preventing scars, VUR remains in the mist. Although recent strong evidence helped as fog lights in this blurriness, more data are required for achieving crystal clearance. This article aims to summarize and discuss the current state of the evidence regarding VUR management.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive synthesis of the main evidence in the literature on the current and contemporary management of VUR in children; to discuss conservative management with continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP), especially its effectiveness and safety; and to review the current evidence regarding contemporary surgical techniques.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a nonsystematic review of the literature using the recent guidelines and PubMed database regarding surveillance, CAP, endoscopic, open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted ureteral surgical treatment.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Despite the striking results of previous studies revealing the ineffectiveness of CAP, more recent studies and their two fresh meta-analyses revealed a positive role for CAP in the contemporary management of VUR. One of the most interesting findings is the redundant rising of endoscopic correction and its final settlement to real indicated cases. Patient individualization in the contemporary management of VUR seems to be the keyword. The evidence in the literature showed a safe and effective use of laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic reimplantations.

CONCLUSIONS

The goal of VUR treatment is to prevent the occurrence of febrile urinary tract infections and formation of scars in the renal parenchyma. The approach should be risk adapted and individualized according to current knowledge. Individual risk is influenced by the presentation age, sex, history of pyelonephritis and renal damage, grade of reflux, bladder bowel dysfunction, and circumcision status.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Vesicoureteral reflux is a nonphysiological reflux of urine from the bladder through the ureters to the kidney. Treatment depends on the presentation of the vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Therapeutic options range from watchful waiting to open surgery. This article aims to summarize and discuss the current state of the evidence regarding VUR management.

[Vesicoureteral reflux : Watchful waiting, surgery or antibiotic prophylaxis?]

Primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a dynamic disease with several factors influencing its course. Therapeutic options range from watchful waiting to open surgery. Multiple risk factors for the development of pyelonephritis are identified, which then determine the decision for the appropriate treatment option. They include age, gender, history of pyelonephritis and renal scarring, bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD), circumcision status and parental preference. The use of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) is becoming increasingly controversial with antibiotic resistance being a major concern. Aggressive treatment of BBD and infant circumcision can greatly reduce the risk for pyelonephritis and should always be considered and discussed. This article is soley concerned with primary VUR.

Lessons learned over a decade of pediatric robotic ureteral reimplantation

The da Vinci robotic system has improved surgeon dexterity, ergonomics, and visualization to allow for a minimally invasive option for complex reconstructive procedures in children. Over the past decade, robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (RALUR) has become a viable minimally invasive surgical option for pediatric vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). However, higher-than-expected complication rates and suboptimal reflux resolution rates at some centers have also been reported. The heterogeneity of surgical outcomes may arise from the inherent and underestimated complexity of the RALUR procedure that may justify its reclassification as a complex reconstructive procedure and especially for robotic surgeons early in their learning curve. Currently, no consensus exists on the role of RALUR for the surgical management of VUR. High success rates and low major complication rates are the expected norm for the current gold standard surgical option of open ureteral reimplantation. Similar to how robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery has gradually replaced open surgery as the most utilized option for prostatectomy in prostate cancer patients, RALUR may become a higher utilized surgical option in children with VUR if the adoption of standardized surgical techniques that have been associated with optimal outcomes can be adopted during the second decade of RALUR. A future standard of RALUR for children with VUR whose parents seek a minimally invasive surgical option can arise if widespread achievement of high success rates and low major complication rates can be obtained, similar to the replacement of open surgery with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostectomy as the new strandard for men with prostate cancer.