Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplant: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction: Open ureteral reimplant has been the gold standard for management of lower ureteric strictures. With the widespread acceptance of robotic surgery, robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplant (RALUR) is becoming the preferred choice for performing ureteral reimplant. We present our single-institution and single-surgeon experience of performing RALUR. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 40 patients who underwent RALUR at our institute in the last 5 years. Demographic data were recorded along with presenting complaint and diagnosis. Intraoperative variables included operative and docking time, blood loss, intraoperative complications, technique, and procedure performed. Postoperative data that were analyzed included complications, hospital stay, and outcomes. Patient satisfaction score was calculated using a numerical scale of points 1-6. Results: The mean age of patients was 31.5 +/- 9.8 years (r = 4-45). Male: female ratio was 3:5. The most common presenting symptom was flank pain, and the most common etiology was iatrogenic strictures in adults and congenital vesicoureteral reflux in children. The mean operative time and blood loss were 135.3 +/- 45.1 min (r = 84-221) and 67.7 +/- 31.4 ml (r = 32-118), respectively. There were no intraoperative complications and nil conversion to open surgery. The mean length of hospital stay was 4.5 +/- 2.3 days (r = 3-9). Radiographic success was achieved in 41 out of 44 ureters. Eighty-five percent of the patients were completely satisfied with robotic approach and its outcomes. Conclusion: RALUR is a minimally invasive, safe, feasible, less morbid technique with good outcome.