Intracorporeal ileal ureter replacement using laparoscopy and robotics

Laparoscopic intracorporeal ileal ureter replacement: multi-institutional data from 102 patients

OBJECTIVE

To present long-term results of our laparoscopic intracorporeal ileal ureter replacement (LIUR) cohort, including more complex cases of laparoscopic ileocalycostomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We collected records of patients undergoing LIUR. Follow-up included a chemical profile and urine cultures. Imaging consisted of renal ultrasonography, excretory urography, cystography, and computer tomographic or magnetic resonance urography.

RESULTS

One hundred and two patients were included. Stricture location was left (46.1%), right (39.2%), or bilateral (14.7%). No open conversion was performed. Seventy-four patients (72.5%) underwent a total ureteral unit removal. The mean operative time was 289.4 (120 - 680) minutes. The estimated blood loss was 185.2 (10-400) mL. Three patients had intraoperative complications, and fifteen had early postoperative complications. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 12.2 (7-35) days. The mean follow-up duration period was 37.7 (12-162) months. Most patients' follow-up was uneventful (88%), and seven patients presented with Grade 2 late complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracorporeal laparoscopic ileal ureteral replacement in cases of extensive ureteral lesions offers optimal long-term outcomes and a low complication rate. Ileocalycostomy constitutes a viable option in the small group of patients with long proximal ureteral strictures and intrarenal pelvis.

Total intracorporeal laparoscopic ileal ureter replacement in a single position for ureteral stricture based on membrane anatomy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to present our initial experience and prove the feasibility of total intracorporeal laparoscopic ileal ureter replacement (TILIUR) in a single position for ureteral stricture based on membrane anatomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2021 and April 2023, six patients underwent TILIUR in a single position for ureteral strictures based on membrane anatomy. All patients with a past medical history underwent radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection as well as extensive ureteral stricture due to radiotherapy. The procedure is performed completely laparoscopically. Dissection of the digestive system as well as ureteral stricture or renal pelvis is based on membrane anatomy. The surgery is performed in a single position.

RESULTS

TILIUR in a single position for ureteral stricture based on membrane anatomy was successfully performed without open conversion in all patients. Among the 6 patients, 3 patients underwent combined ileal ureter replacement (IUR) and abdominal wall ostomy, 2 underwent unilateral IUR, and 1 underwent bilateral IUR. The mean length of the ileal substitution was 22.83 cm (range: 15-28). The average operative time was 458 ± 72.77 min (range 385-575 min), and the average intraoperative blood loss was 158 mL (range 50-400 mL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 15.1 d (range: 8-32). The median duration of postoperative follow-up was 15 months (range: 3-29 months). The success rate was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

TILIUR in a single position may be a promising option for ureteral stricture based on membrane anatomy in selected patients. Moreover, it has a positive effect on patients with renal insufficiency and urinary incontinence. Although IUR is difficult and risky, proficient surgeons can perform the procedure safely and effectively.

Robot-assisted versus laparoscopic ileal ureteral replacement: systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) and conventional laparoscopic surgery (LS) are the main options for ileal ureteral replacement (IUR). It is not clear which option is superior. The purpose of this study is to compare RALS and LS for IUR.

Material and methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar for studies comparing RALS and LS for IUR. The outcomes of interest are operative time, blood loss, postoperative stay, and Clavien-Dindo complications. Meta-analysis was performed with Rev Man version 5.4.

Results

We included 36 patients from 3 studies. The mean age was 44 years, with 53% male patients. Blood loss (MD -89.13 cc, CI -129.03 to -49.22, I2 = 0%) was significantly lower in patients undergoing RALS when comparing with LS. No differences were observed when comparing operative time (MD -10.99 minutes, CI -85.66 to 63.59, p = 0.77, I2 = 64%), postoperative stay (MD -2.56 days, CI -8.24 to 3.13, p = 0.38, I2 = 30%), and postoperative complications (OR 1.63, CI 0.27 to 10.02, p = 0.60, I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Overall, we conclude that the robot-assisted technique showed less bleeding compared to the laparoscopic technique.

Narrative review of flaps and grafts in robotic reconstructive urologic surgery

Background and Objective

Flaps and grafts are used for filling dead space, ureteral substitution, and as mesh alternatives. The surgical robot is invaluable in urologic reconstructive surgery due to the ability of the robot to reach the deep pelvis, its minimally invasive access, the ability to use indocyanine green to identify structures and assess tissue perfusion and viability, and ergonomics for the surgeon. Robotic reconstruction can involve tissue transfer in the form of flaps and grafts to provide form and function to organs that have been damaged by iatrogenic injuries, trauma, infections, cancer, radiation injury, or congenital abnormalities. Common flaps and grafts can be readily adapted to the robotic approach. In this literature review, we examine the robotic use of flaps and grafts in reconstructive urology.

Methods

A thorough literature review was conducted via a PubMed search for predefined terms.

Key Content and Findings

Flaps and grafts in reconstructive urology are used for interposition, ureteral substitution, and as mesh alternatives. Omental flaps are used for tissue interposition, or to provide structure and nutrients, and are easily employed with the robot. Various robotic applications of peritoneal flaps have been described. Vascular rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps are well-vascularized flaps that occupy dead space and provide structural support, which can be harvested readily with the robot. Sigmoid epiploica are an excellent flap for pelvic reconstruction. Gracilis flaps and fascia lata grafts are well-tolerated and provide space occupying tissue. Boari flaps aid in robotic ureteral reconstruction, especially in the setting of long defects. Oral mucosa is excellent for ureteral or bladder neck reconstruction. Rectal mucosa is well-tolerated and easy to harvest robotically for a variety of urinary tract reconstructive applications. The appendix or ileum can be interposed for repair of damaged ureters.

Conclusions

Various flaps and grafts have been adapted for robotic reconstructive urology. As the field develops, refinement of techniques and innovation in flaps and employment of the robot will propel this field forward. More studies, especially comparative studies, are needed to elucidate the flaps and grafts that are most likely to be successful with the least morbidity for each use case.

Totally Intracorporeal Robot-assisted Unilateral or Bilateral Ileal Ureter Replacement for the Treatment of Ureteral Strictures: Technique and Outcomes from a Single Center

BACKGROUND

Few studies on totally intracorporeal robot-assisted ileal ureter replacement (RA-IUR) have been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To report our technique and the outcomes of totally intracorporeal RA-IUR for unilateral or bilateral ureteral reconstruction, involving performing cystoplasty simultaneously.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Fifteen patients underwent totally intracorporeal RA-IUR from April 2021 to July 2022 at a single center. The perioperative variables were prospectively collected, and the outcomes were assessed.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

The surgical procedure included dissection of the proximal end of the ureteral stricture or renal pelvis, harvesting of the ileal ureter, rebuilding of intestinal continuity, upper anastomosis of the ileum to the renal pelvis or the ureteral end, and lower anastomosis of the ileum to the bladder. All operations were performed intracorporeally.

MEASUREMENTS

Patient demographics and perioperative results were prospectively collected and analyzed for perioperative complications and success rates. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

All patients successfully underwent totally intracorporeal RA-IUR without open conversion. Seven patients received unilateral RA-IUR and eight received bilateral RA-IUR. The mean (range) length of the harvested ileal segment was 28.3 (15-40) cm, the operative duration was 261.8 (183-381) min, the estimated blood loss was 64.7 (30-100) ml, and the duration of postoperative hospitalization was 10.5 (7-17) d. At a median (range) follow-up of 14 (8-22) mo, the subjective and functional success rates were 100% and 86.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that totally intracorporeal unilateral or bilateral RA-IUR (even with ileocystoplasty) can be performed safely and efficiently with acceptable minor complications and a high success rate.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our study indicates that totally intracorporeal robotic ileal ureter replacement surgery is safe and feasible for ureteral reconstruction, even with ileocystoplasty. The postoperative complications are acceptable. At a median follow-up of 14 (8-22) mo, the subjective and functional success rates were 100% and 86.7%, respectively.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic ileal ureter replacement with extracorporeal ileal segment preparation for long ureteral strictures: a case series

BACKGROUND

Complete intracorporal robotic ileal ureteric replacement is challenging. We aimed to present the surgical technique of robotic ileal ureter replacement with extracorporeal ileal segment preparation for long ureteral strictures.

METHODS

From March 2019 to March 2021, 18 patients underwent robotic ileal ureter replacement with extracorporeal ileal segment preparation by one experienced surgeon. The demographic, perioperative, and follow-up data were recorded. Success was defined as the resolution of the presenting symptom, a stable estimated glomerular filtration rate and unobstructive drainage on imaging examination.

RESULTS

All 18 surgeries were successfully completed without conversion. The median length of the intestinal tube used was 20 (12-30) cm. The median operative time was 248 (170-450) min, the median estimated blood loss was 50 (10-200) ml, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 7 (5-27) days. At a median follow-up of 16 (13-28) months, all patients were symptom-free. No or mild hydronephrosis was confirmed in 17 patients; 1 patient had moderate hydronephrosis without peristalsis of the ileal ureter. The renal function was stable in all patients. The overall success rate was 100%. Postoperative complications, including 4 cases of urinary infections (Grade I), 1 case of an incision hernia (Grade I), 4 cases of kidney stone formation (Grade I), 6 cases of metabolic acidosis (Grade I), 4 cases of incomplete ileus (Grade II), and 1 case of an incision infection (Grade IIIb).

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted laparoscopic ileal ureter replacement with extracorporeal ileal segment preparation is safe, feasible, and effective for the treatment of long ureteral strictures, especially in high-volume tertiary referral centers with extensive robotic surgery experience capable of managing severe peri-operative complications.

Totally intracorporeal robotic ileal ureter replacement: focus on surgical technique and outcomes

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to describe our totally intracorporeal robotic ileal ureter replacement technique, reporting perioperative and mid-term results and compare it with previous similar experiences, specifically focusing on technical considerations.

METHODS

Three patients were submitted to robotic ileal ureter substitution for long ureteral defects in our institution during 2019. The procedures were carried out fully intracorporeally. Two patients received a complete replacement of the urinary tract using an ileal segment, while in one patient the lower ureteral stump was maintained, and an ileal-ureter anastomosis was performed distally. Patients' baseline characteristics, as well as perioperative and mid-term results were collected. A detailed description of the technique is reported and compared with prior similar experiences.

RESULTS

Median operative time was 270 (range 240-300) min. No Clavien-Dindo complication >2 was collected. All patients experienced a fast return to oral intake and canalization. Antegrade pyelography, performed a 1-month follow-up, revealed full passage of the medium contrast in those patients submitted to complete ileal ureter replacement while, in the third one, stenosis at the level of ileal-ureter anastomoses was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic ileal ureter replacement can be performed completely intracorporeal with optimal results and limited complication rate, in selected cases. According to our considerations, specific surgical steps are needed to reduce the risks related to this procedure, including avoiding partial ileal substitution.

Robotic Repair of Ureteral Strictures: Techniques and Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an overview and description of the different surgical techniques for the robotic repair of ureteral strictures.

RECENT FINDINGS

The robotic repair of ureteral stenosis has emerged as a useful option for treating strictures unsuitable for endoscopic resolution with good results, lower morbidity, and faster recovery than open techniques. Depending on the stricture's length and location, the reconstructive options are reimplantation, psoas hitch, Boari flap, ureteroureterostomy, appendiceal onlay flap, buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ureteroplasty, ileal replacement, or renal autotransplantation. The robotic approach offers a magnified vision and the possibility of adding near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, indocyanine green (ICG), and Firefly^TM to facilitate the technique. Multicenter studies with extended follow-up still have to confirm the good results obtained in published case series. Robotic reconstructive techniques are useful for repairing ureteral strictures, obtaining good functional results with less morbidity and faster recovery than open procedures.

Minimally invasive ileal ureter replacement: Comparative analysis of robot-assisted laparoscopic versus conventional laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

This study is an initial comparative analysis of perioperative and intermediate-term functional outcomes between patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic (RALS) or conventional laparoscopic surgery (LS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 25 patients who underwent ileal ureter replacement (10 RALS and 15 LS) were followed by functional cine magnetic resonance urography (MRU) combined with a modified Whitaker test. Also, the characteristics, perioperative data and functional outcomes of the patients were compared.

RESULTS

The estimated blood loss, postoperative hospital stay and time to oral intake were significantly lower in the RALS group. At the median 14-month follow-up, all the patients showed improved renal function and were symptom-free, with no signs of leakage or stenosis observed by cine MRU combined with a modified Whitaker test.

CONCLUSIONS

RALS with an extracorporeal bowel resection is feasible and appears to be safe, with quick postoperative recovery and encouraging outcomes.

Ileal ureter replacement: Early morbidity and long-term results

INTRODUCTION

Ileal ureter is a technique that consists of replacing the ureter by a segment of ileum to treat a long ureteric lesion or a lesion involving the lumbar ureter. The primary objective of our study was to assess the early perioperative morbidity of ileal ureter according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The secondary objectives were to assess the morbidity and the medium- and long-term outcome of renal function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-centre retrospective study, collecting data from patients operated between February 2005 and October 2019. All patients who underwent ileal ureter replacement surgery in our unit were included in this analysis. The ureteric defect was longer than five centimetres and involved the pelvic and/or iliac and/or lumbar ureter. All ileal ureter replacements were performed by open surgery using isoperistaltic ileal grafts.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (11 women and 10 men) underwent total or subtotal, unilateral or bilateral ileal ureter replacement, corresponding to 25 kidneys. The grade III early postoperative complication rate was 9.5% (two cases) mainly consisting of bleeding. No grade IV or V complications were observed. With a mean follow-up of 85 months, long-term morbidity essentially consisted of infectious complications. No patients developed anastomotic strictures. Mean serum creatinine was 116.3μmol/L preoperatively, 105.6μmol/L one month postoperatively and 112.2μmol/L at last follow-up. Renal function was generally preserved or even improved, except for patients with preoperative renal failure.

CONCLUSION

Ileal ureter replacement is a surgical alternative associated with low morbidity and satisfactory long-term functional results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

A patient with synchronous bilateral low-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent nephroureterectomy and total ureterectomy with ileal ureteric replacement

We present the case of a synchronous bilateral low-grade upper-tract urothelial carcinoma patient who underwent left nephroureterectomy and right total ureterectomy with ileal ureteric replacement resulting in a favorable prognosis. A 66-year-old male presented with bilateral hydronephrosis. Computed tomography revealed left pelvic and right upper-middle ureteral tumors with no lymph node swelling or distant metastasis. The patient underwent a left nephroureterectomy with a bladder cuff, and histopathology revealed a low-grade urothelial carcinoma. Considering the contralateral low-grade nature as revealed in histopathology and the right retrograde ureterography being noninvasive, he underwent a right total ureterectomy with ileal ureteric replacement. Histopathology of the right ureter revealed a low-grade urothelial carcinoma. The patient successfully avoided an anephric status without renal function deterioration for 4 years with a transurethral resection for a recurrent small papillary bladder tumor on 18 months after the total ureterectomy.

Subtotal ureteral substitution with ileum for patients with multiple ureteral stenosis

The use of small bowel for ureteral substitution in patients with ureteral stenosis can, nowadays, be safely performed with a laparoscopic or robotic mini-invasive approach. To date, this technique required a complete substitution of the ureter with ileum. In this work we present our robotic intracorporeal sub-total ureteral substitution preserving the distal part of the ureter with the aim to reduce the risk of vescico-ureteral reflux. We report the case of a 65-years old male with a “functional” right single kidney and multiple recurrent stenosis. Our technique seems to be feasible and safe, no intra or postoperative complication were recorded. At 3 months of follow-up the trans-nephrostomic enhanced CT showed a completely opacification of ileal ureter, thus the nephrostomic tube was removed. At 6 and 12 months the patient was asymptomatic and with a level of serum creatinine 1.9 and 1.6 mg/dL, respectively. In conclusion the sub-total ureteral substitution with ileum can be a safety and effective procedure for patients who require a mandatory preservation of homolateral renal function.

Intestinal interposition for complex ureteral reconstruction: A comprehensive review

Long ureteral defects have remained a challenge to urologists for a long time. Bowel interposition, including ileal ureter, appendiceal interposition and reconfigured colon substitution, has gained wide acceptance, even though it is a complicated procedure and associated with some potential complications. Mucus obstruction and metabolic disorders are common complications of intestinal substitution. To circumvent these troubles, modified techniques, such as tapering the bowel graft, intestinal onlay flap and the Yang-Monti procedure, are used. In particular, Yang-Monti ileal ureter replacement is a highly effective option for ureteral reconstruction, and the incidence of complications would be significantly reduced in select patients. After being combined with the Boari flap or psoas hitch technique, the length of intestinal segment used can also be significantly reduced. Most recent long-term results suggest that ileal ureter replacement with antireflux anastomosis seems to be remarkably free of complications, and we highly praise the distal nipple valve technique. Appendiceal interposition is available for patients with normal appendix, and usually this procedure is limited to reconstructing the right ureter. Appendiceal onlay ureteroplasty has emerged as a feasible and effective option to manage patients with complex proximal and mid-ureteral strictures of the right side. The colon is rarely used for ureteral reconstruction because of its large caliber and mucous surface area. However, a reconfigured colon segment is a good substitute to reconstruct long-segment ureteral defects, and long-term follow up confirmed minimal complications and improved renal function. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on complex ureteral reconstruction and replacement using intestinal segments, in particular, ileal ureter replacement.

Robotics and urologic reconstructive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery has made a profound impact on how urologists approach the challenges in reconstruction of the urinary tract. The advent of laparoscopic approaches to reconstructive urology have demonstrated comparable outcomes to open surgery with improved morbidity. The recent adoption of robotic surgery has seen further advancements such as improved visibility and, freedom of movement, and an easier technical learning curve. With these advantages, more reconstructive urology procedures are being performed robotically. Herein, we review reconstructive urology procedures for which robotics have been applied.

Functional Outcome of Completely Intracorporeal Robotic Ileal Ureteric Replacement

OBJECTIVE

To assess perioperative, clinical, and functional outcomes following completely robotic ileal ureter.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 7 consecutive patients undergoing completely intracorporeal ileal ureteric replacement between November 2015 and May 2017. One patient had a solitary kidney. A 4-arm technique was used. In 5 patients, additional psoas hitch procedure was performed. Patients had retrograde filling and removal of the ileal stent and transurethral catheter at an average of 14 days postoperatively. Renal ultrasonography, serum analysis, and diuretic renography were performed at follow-up 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 328 ± 66.3 minutes and median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (range 50-200); mean length of the ileal substitute was 20.4 cm (range 18-24). No case was converted to open surgery. In 1 patient, there was a prolonged insufficiency of the pyeloileal anastomosis, requiring prolonged stenting. Apart from that, there were no major complications and no open surgical or endoscopic reinterventions. On 3-month follow-up, all patients presented symptom-free, with no signs of obstruction on ultrasound and significantly improved glomerular filtration rate, creatinine levels, and differential renal function (P = .02, 0.03, and 0.046, respectively). Five patients had a diuretic halftime <10 minutes, 2 had a halftime between 10 and 20 minutes.

CONCLUSION

Completely intracorporeal robotic ileal ureteric replacement results in full functional restoration of the upper tract in cases of long defects of the mid and upper ureter.

Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma to the Contralateral Ureter: A Rare Phenomenon

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the contralateral ureter is a rare phenomenon. We report a metastatic RCC to the contralateral ureter 5 months after right radical nephrectomy for Fuhrman grade 3/4 clear cell adenocarcinoma with pathologic T3 staging. The distal ureter was excised followed by partial ileal ureteral substitution. Pathology confirmed metastatic clear cell RCC Fuhrman grade 2/4. Ileal ureteral substitution has been shown to provide good long-term functional outcomes and should be considered as a possible option for surgical treatment of ureteral metastasis.