Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy and extracorporeal urinary diversion: Experience with 31 cases

Current trends in minimally invasive reconstructive urology

This paper is a systematic review of the current literature in minimally invasive reconstructive urological surgery. It focuses on the commonest reconstructive procedures in both the upper and lower urinary tracts including laparoscopic and robotic pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction, laparoscopic and robotic bladder diverticulectomy, laparoscopic and robotic partial cystectomy with urinary diversion, laparoscopic and robotic cystoplasty, repair of colovesical fistula, and, in urogynaecology, repair of vesicovaginal fistula. To evaluate the development, current status, feasibility, and safety of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in reconstructive urology the literature on the topic was collated and reviewed.

Robotic enterocystoplasty: technique and early outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Enterocystoplasty is an established treatment for patients with refractory neurogenic bladder symptoms. We assessed the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a robot-assisted enterocystoplasty in this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five neurogenic bladder patients, median age of 43.8 years, underwent the procedure. Using a five-port technique, intraperitoneal robotic enterocystoplasty was performed through the following steps: (1) creation of a U-shaped full-thickness detrusor cystotomy, (2) intracorporeal harvesting of 30 cm of ileum, (3) intracorporeal construction of a detubularized ileal patch, and (4) anastomosis of the ileal patch to the cystotomy. An extracorporeal side-to-side bowel anastomosis re-established bowel continuity. After surgery, urinary continence, bladder capacity, upper tract protection, and complications were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 6.4 hours, estimated blood loss was 180 mL, and length of stay was 7 days. Postoperatively, all patients had a functioning enterocystoplasty, urethral continence, and normal upper tract imaging. One patient was rehospitalized for an ileus/urinoma, which resolved with conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted enterocystoplasty can be effectively and safely performed with minimal morbidity.