Endoscopic Management of Adult Primary Obstructive Megaureter: Techniques and Long-term Outcomes.

Background and objective: Few studies on endoscopic management of primary obstructive megaureter (POM) in adult patients have been reported. Our objective was to describe our technique and long-term outcomes for endoscopic management of adult POM. Methods: We included 76 adult POM patients undergoing endoscopic management between September 2015 and January 2024. Under endoscopic control, the stricture was dilated to 24-30 Fr while maintaining a balloon pressure of 25-35 atm for 3 min. An additional incision of the stenotic ring using either an electrode or holmium laser was performed in 39 patients. Data for patient characteristics, intraoperative variables, surgical complications, and follow-up results were analyzed. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Surgical success was defined as no tubes or stents in the body, stable or improved symptoms and renal function, and the absence of reflux or obstruction during the follow-up period. Key findings and limitations: All procedures were completed without conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery. The median operative time was 45 min (range 16-165) with median estimated blood loss of 2 ml (range 0-150). The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 d (range 1-15). No intraoperative complication occurred. At median postoperative follow-up of 42 mo (range 3-100) the overall success rate was 92.1%. Restenosis of the vesicoureteral junction (Clavien-Dindo grade III) occurred in five patients (6.6%), and high-grade vesicoureteral reflux occurred in one patient (1.3%), all of whom required secondary reconstruction surgery. Conclusions and clinical implications: The results indicate that our endoscopic management for adult POM is safe and effective, with favorable long-term outcomes. This approach could potentially serve as a first-line treatment option for adult POM. Patient summary: Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) occurs when the flow of urine is blocked because of a narrow segment in the tube between the kidney and bladder (ureter), which causes widening of the ureter further up. For our minimally invasive technique, a telescope is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the ureter for surgical treatment. Our results show that this is a safe procedure for POM in adults.

Totally Intracorporeal Robot-Assisted Bilateral Ileal Ureter Replacement for the Treat-ment of Ureteral Strictures using Kangduo Surgical Robot 2000 Plus.

PURPOSE: Ureteroplasty using buccal or lingual mucosa graft Is feasible for complex proximal ureteral stricture (1, 2). Ileal ureter replacement is considered as the last resort for ureteral reconstruction. Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted ileal ureter replacement can be performed safely and effectively (3). In China, the KangDuo Surgical Robot 2000 Plus (KD-SR-2000 Plus) has been developed featuring two surgeon consoles and five robotic arms. This study aims to share our experience with totally intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement using KD-SR-2000 Plus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 59-year-old female patient underwent a complete intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement for the treatment of ureteral strictures using KD-SR-2000 Plus. The surgical procedure involved dissecting the proximal ends of the bilateral ureteral strictures, harvesting the ileal ureter, restoring intestinal continuity, and performing an anastomosis between the ileum and the ureteral end as well as the bladder. The data were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The surgery was successfully completed with single docking without open conversion. The length of the harvested ileal ureter was 25 cm. The docking time, operation time and console time were 3.4 min., 271 min and 231 min respectively. The estimated blood loss was 50 mL. The postoperative hospitalization was 6 days. No perioperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: It is technically feasible to perform totally intracorporeal robot-assisted bilateral ileal ureter replacement for the treatment of ureteral strictures using KD-SR-2000 Plus. A longer follow-up and a larger sample size are required to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

[Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft for complex ureteral stricture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted laparoscopic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty in the treatment of complex long proximal ureteral stricture. METHODS: The clinical data of 20 patients with proximal ureteral stricture undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty admitted to the Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital and Beijing Jiangong Hospital from July 2022 to January 2023 were prospectively collected and analyzed. Intraoperative conditions, postoperative complications and follow-up data were also recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The operations under robot-assisted laparoscopy were performed successfully in all the 20 patients without conversion to traditional laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. The study included 14 males and 6 females with a mean age of (41±11) years (range: 19 to 60 years) and a mean body mass index of (24.3±3.6) kg/m2 (range: 18.2 to 31.8 kg/m2). There were 9 cases on the left side and 11 cases on the right side. The strictures of all the patients were located in the proximal segment of the ureter (including the ureteropelvic junction). The mean preoperative serum creatinine was (92.2±23.3) µmol/L (range: 49.2 to 138.9 µmol/L), and the mean length of ureteral stricture was (2.8±0.9) cm (range: 1.0 to 4.0 cm). Ten patients had previously undergone unsuccessful reconstructive surgery. During the operation, 12 patients received posteriorly augmented anastomosis with ventral onlay. The mean length of the buccal mucosa graft harvested during the operation was (3.1±0.6) cm (range: 2.0 to 4.3 cm), and the median width was 1.5 cm (range: 1.0 to 2.0 cm). The omentum flap was used to wrap the reconstructed ureteral segment in all the 20 cases. The median operative time was 154 min (range: 113 to 300 min), and the median estimated blood loss was 45 mL (range: 0 to 100 mL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 4 d (range: 4 to 14 d). The mean postoperative follow-up time was (15.0±1.7) months (range: 12.5 to 17.9 months), and the surgical success rate was 100.0% in this study. After surgery, 11 patients reported mild discomfort at the oral donor site, 2 patients deve-loped urinary tract infection, and no postoperative complications were reported in the other 7 patients. The mean serum creatinine was (90.9±23.9) µmol/L (range: 60.0 to 153.0 µmol/L) six months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted laparoscopic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty for the treatment of complex long proximal ureteral stricture has satisfactory efficacy without severe complications, which has shown good feasibility, safety and effectiveness. However, large sample studies and long-term follow-up are still needed to evaluate its long-term efficacy.

Minimally invasive versus open ileal ureter with ileocystoplasty: comparative outcomes and 5-year experience.

PURPOSE: To present the experience of ileal ureter with ileocystoplasty (IUC), and compare the outcomes of IUC in minimally invasive procedures to open procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 2017 to April 2023, twenty patients underwent IUC in open or minimally invasive (including laparoscopic and robotic) procedures. The baseline characteristics, perioperative data and follow-up outcomes were collected. Success was defined as relief of clinical symptoms, stable postoperative serum creatine and absence of radiographic obstruction. The perioperative and follow-up outcomes of open procedures and minimally invasive procedures were compared. RESULTS: The etiology included pelvic irradiation (14/20), urinary tuberculosis (3/20) and surgical injury (3/20). Bilateral ureter strictures were repaired in 15 cases. The surgeries conducted consisted of open procedures in 9 patients and minimally invasive procedures in 11 patients. Compared to open procedures, minimally invasive surgeries had less median estimated blood loss (EBL) (100 ml vs. 300 min, p = 0.010) and shorter postoperative hospitalization (27 d vs. 13 d, p = 0.004). Two patients in the open group experienced grade 3 complications (sigmoid fistula and acute cholecystitis in one patient, and pulmonary embolism in another patient). Over a median follow-up period of 20.1 months, the median bladder functional capacity was 300 ml, with a 100% success rate of IUC. CONCLUSION: IUC is feasible in both open and minimally invasive procedures, with acceptable complications and a high success rate. Minimally invasive procedures can have less EBL and shorter postoperative hospitalization than open procedure. However, prospective studies with larger groups and longer follow-up are needed.

Feasibility and safety of dual-console telesurgery with the KangDuo Surgical Robot-1500 System using fifth-generation and wired networks: an animal experiment and sea-spanning clinical study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of dual-console telesurgery with the new KangDuo system in an animal experiment and clinical study. METHODS: Six canine models were performed radical prostatectomy with dual-console KanDuo surgical robot-1500 (KD-SR-1500-RARP). The perioperative outcomes, physical and mental workload of the surgeon were collected. Physical workload was evaluated with surface electromyography. Mental workload was evaluated with NASA-TLX. After conducting animal experiments to verify safety of dual-console KD-SR-1500-RARP, we conducted the clinical trial using 5G and wired networks. RESULTS: In the animal experiment, all surgeries were performed successfully. The operative time was 80.2±32.1 min. The docking time was 2.4±0.5 min. The console time was 49.7±25.3 min. There were no perioperative complications or equipment related adverse events. All dogs can micturate after catheter removal at one week postoperatively. The mental workload was at a low level (a scale ranging from 0 to 60), which scored 15.7±6.9. Among the eight recorded muscles, the fatigue degree of the right radial flexor and left biceps was the highest two (iEMG, resection, 299.8±344 uV, 109.9±16.9 uV; suture, 849.4±1252.5 uV, 423.1±621.3 uV, respectively). In the clinical study, the console time was 136 min. The mean latency time was ≤200 ms. The data pocket loss was <1%. The operation was successfully completed without malfunctions occurring throughout the entire process. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-console telesurgery with the KD-SR-1500 system was shown to be feasible and safe in radical prostatectomy using 5G and wired networks.

Laparoscopic continent cutaneous urinary diversion using a modified Yang-Monti technique in an adult: A case report including 5-year follow-up.

Continuous cutaneous urinary diversion is challenging when the appendix is physically unavailable. The Yang-Monti channel is an alternative to the tunneled appendix for urinary diversion. We present a case involving a 49-year-old man who underwent total urethrectomy and cystostomy 10 months previously. No tumor recurrence was observed; however, the patient experienced severe catheter-related bladder irritation after the procedure. The patient was readmitted to the authors' hospital and underwent laparoscopic continent cutaneous urinary diversion using extracorporeal construction of a modified Yang-Monti channel. The operation lasted 232 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 10 mL. The patient was discharged from hospital 6 days after surgery and removal of the cystostomy tube. After this, clean intermittent catheterization was performed every 3 hours for 4 weeks. Five years after the procedure, the modified Yang-Monti channel was still used for clean intermittent catheterization without any stomal stenosis being observed. The patient was satisfied with his postoperative quality of life.

Analysis of KangDuo-SR-1500 and KangDuo-SR-2000 robotic partial nephrectomy from an operative and ergonomic perspective: a prospective controlled study in porcine models.

The objective of this study is to explore the safety and effectiveness of two new models of KangDuo surgical robots for partial nephrectomy in porcine models, and evaluate the ergonomic characteristics from both subjective and objective perspectives. Twelve porcine models were equally divided for KD-SR-1500 (three-arm) and KD-SR-2000 (four-arm). The perioperative outcomes, and physical and mental workload of the surgeon were compared. Physical workload was evaluated with surface electromyography. Mental workload was evaluated with NASA-TLX. All surgeries were performed successfully. There were no differences in perioperative variables (p > 0.05). There were no perioperative complications. The mental workload in both groups was at a low level. KD-SR-2000 showed advantages in physical workload (p < 0.01). KD-SR-1500 and KD-SR-2000 are technically feasible, valid, and safe for RAPN in porcine models. KD-SR-2000 had ergonomic advantages over KD-SR-1500.

Minimally invasive ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal graft for complex ureteral stricture: analysis of surgical and patient-reported outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate objective treatment efficacy and safety, and subjective patient-reported outcomes in patients with complex ureteral strictures (US) undergoing minimally invasive lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty (LMGU). Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients underwent robotic or laparoscopic LMGU between May 2020 and July 2022. Clinical success was defined as symptom-free and no radiographic evidence of re-obstruction. Patient-reported outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), were longitudinally evaluated before surgery, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Overall, 41 consecutive patients were included. All procedures were performed successfully with 32 patients in robotic approach and 9 in laparoscopic. Forty (97.56%) patients achieved clinical success during the median follow-up of 29 (range 15-41) months. Although patients with complex US experienced poor baseline HRQoL, there was a remarkable improvement following LMGU. Specifically, the 6-month and 12-month postoperative scores were significantly improved compared to the baseline (p < 0.05) in most domains. Twenty-eight (68.3%) and 31 (75.6%) patients had anxiety and depression symptoms before surgery, respectively. However, no significant decrease in the incidence of these symptoms was observed postoperatively. Moreover, there was no significant deterioration of OHRQoL at 6 months and 12 months postoperatively when compared to the baseline. Conclusions: LMGU is a safe and efficient procedure for complex ureteral reconstruction that significantly improves patient-reported HRQoL without compromising OHRQoL. Assessing patients' quality of life enables us to monitor postoperative recovery and progress, which should be considered as one of the criteria for surgical success.

Minimal-invasive ileal ureter replacement for the management of multiple ureteral polyps: the initial experience.

PURPOSE: To present our initial experience in the management of multiple ureteral polyps with robotic or laparoscopic ileal ureter replacement (IUR). METHODS: Eight consecutive patients diagnosed with multiple ureteral polyps underwent robotic or laparoscopic IUR between July 2019 and November 2022. Unilateral IUR was performed in 5 patients with polyps in the left (n = 3) or right (n = 2) side, and 3 patients with bilateral multiple polyps underwent bilateral IUR. Demographic characteristics, perioperative data and follow-up outcomes were prospectively collected. RESULTS: A cohort of 5 male and 3 female patients (11 ureters) with a mean age of 32.8 ± 11.3 years were included. Among these patients, 5 presented with recurrent flank pain, 1 had hematuria, and 2 were asymptomatic. Four patients experienced prior failed surgical interventions. The mean length of diseased ureter was 11.9 ± 4.7 cm, with more than 10 cm in eight sides. All procedures were performed successfully. The mean operation time was 319 ± 87.6 min with 3 patients who simultaneously underwent intraoperative ureteroscopy. The mean length of ileal graft was 23.8 ± 5.8 cm. During the mean follow-up of 20.4 ± 12.8 months, one major complication, specifically incision infection, and four minor complications, including urinary infection (n = 3) and metabolic acidosis (n = 1), were observed. All patients presented symptom-free, with improved/stabilized hydronephrosis and no signs of restenosis. CONCLUSION: Robotic or laparoscopic IUR is a feasible, safe, and effective surgical option for patients with long ureteral defects caused by multiple polyps.

Minimally invasive ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal graft for complex ureteral stricture: analysis of surgical and patient-reported outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate objective treatment efficacy and safety, and subjective patient-reported outcomes in patients with complex ureteral strictures (US) undergoing minimally invasive lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty (LMGU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients underwent robotic or laparoscopic LMGU between May 2020 and July 2022. Clinical success was defined as symptom-free and no radiographic evidence of re-obstruction. Patient-reported outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), were longitudinally evaluated before surgery, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Overall, 41 consecutive patients were included. All procedures were performed successfully with 32 patients in robotic approach and 9 in laparoscopic. Forty (97.56%) patients achieved clinical success during the median follow-up of 29 (range 15-41) months. Although patients with complex US experienced poor baseline HRQoL, there was a remarkable improvement following LMGU. Specifically, the 6-month and 12-month postoperative scores were significantly improved compared to the baseline (p < 0.05) in most domains. Twenty-eight (68.3%) and 31 (75.6%) patients had anxiety and depression symptoms before surgery, respectively. However, no significant decrease in the incidence of these symptoms was observed postoperatively. Moreover, there was no significant deterioration of OHRQoL at 6 months and 12 months postoperatively when compared to the baseline. CONCLUSIONS: LMGU is a safe and efficient procedure for complex ureteral reconstruction that significantly improves patient-reported HRQoL without compromising OHRQoL. Assessing patients' quality of life enables us to monitor postoperative recovery and progress, which should be considered as one of the criteria for surgical success.

Biofilm tolerance, resistance and infections increasing threat of public health.

Microbial biofilms can cause chronic infection. In the clinical setting, the biofilm-related infections usually persist and reoccur; the main reason is the increased antibiotic resistance of biofilms. Traditional antibiotic therapy is not effective and might increase the threat of antibiotic resistance to public health. Therefore, it is urgent to study the tolerance and resistance mechanism of biofilms to antibiotics and find effective therapies for biofilm-related infections. The tolerance mechanism and host reaction of biofilm to antibiotics are reviewed, and bacterial biofilm related diseases formed by human pathogens are discussed thoroughly. The review also explored the role of biofilms in the development of bacterial resistance mechanisms and proposed therapeutic intervention strategies for biofilm related diseases.

Robotic ureteral reconstruction for benign ureteral strictures: a systematic review of surgical techniques, complications and outcomes : Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction for Ureteral Strictures.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic ureteral reconstruction (RUR) has been widely used to treat ureteral diseases. To summarize the surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes following RUR, as well as to compare data on RUR with open and laparoscopic ureteral reconstruction. METHODS: Our systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42022309364) database. The PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for publications in English on 06-Feb-2022. Randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomised cohort studies with sample size ≥ 10 cases were included. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were included involving 996 patients and 1004 ureters from 13 non-comparative, and 10 retrospective comparative studies. No RCT study of RUR was reported. The success rate was reported ≥ 90% in 15 studies. Four studies reported 85-90% success rate. Meta-analyses for comparative studies showed that RUR had significantly lower estimated blood loss (EBL) (P = 0.006) and shorter length of stay (LOS) (P < 0.001) than the open approach. RUR had shorter operative time than laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RUR is associated with lower EBL and shorter LOS than the open approach, and shorter operative time than the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of benign ureteral strictures. However, further studies and more evidence are needed to determine whether RUR is more superior.

A three-dimensional renal tumor anatomy and intrarenal relationship nephrometry (ADDD) for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy : 3D-CT based nephrometry for RAPN.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a 3D scoring system of tumor anatomy and intrarenal relationship for assessing surgical complexity and outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients with a renal tumor who had a 3D model and underwent RAPN between Mar 2019 and Mar 2022. The ADDD nephrometry consisted of the contact surface area between tumor and parenchyma (A), the depth of tumor invasion into the renal parenchyma (D1), the distance from tumor to the main intrarenal artery (D2), and to the collecting system (D3). The primary outcomes included perioperative complication rate and trifecta outcome (WIT ≤ 25 min, negative surgical margins, and no major complications). RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 301 patients. The mean tumor size was 2.93 ± 1.44 cm. There were 104 (34.6%) patients, 119 (39.5%) patients, and 78 (25.9%) patients in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. Each point increase in the ADDD score increased the risk of complications [hazard ratio (HR) 1.501]. A lower grade indicated a lower risk of failed trifecta (HR low group 15.103, intermediate group 9.258) and renal function damage (HR low risk 8.320, intermediate risk 3.165) compared to the high-risk group. The AUC of ADDD score and grade were 0.738 and 0.645 for predicting major complications, 0.766 and 0.714 for predicting trifecta outcome, and 0.746 and 0.730 for predicting postoperative renal function reservation. CONCLUSION: The 3D-ADDD scoring system shows the tumor anatomy and its intraparenchymal relationships and has better efficacy in predicting surgical outcomes of RAPN.

Long-term survival after female pelvic organ-sparing radical cystectomy versus standard radical cystectomy: a multi-institutional propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The application of pelvic organ preserving-radical cystectomy (POPRC) in female patients with bladder cancer has attracted more and more attention in recent years. In the current study, the authors aim to compare the long-term oncological outcomes of POPRC versus standard radical cystectomy (SRC) in a large multicenter retrospective cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on female patients with bladder cancer who underwent POPRC or SRC in January 2006 and April 2018 were included from three Chinese urological centers. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival. To decrease the effect of unmeasured confounders associated with treatment selection, 1:1 propensity score matching was performed. RESULTS: Among the 273 enrolled patients, 158 underwent POPRC (57.9%), and 115 underwent SRC (42.1%). The median follow-up time was 38.6 (15.9-62.5) months. After propensity score matching, each cohort included 99 matched patients. The OS ( P =0.940), cancer-specific survival ( P =0.957), and recurrence-free survival ( P =0.476) did not differ significantly from the two matched cohorts. Subgroup analysis confirmed that the OS was similar between the patients treated with POPRC and SRC across all subgroups examined (all P > 0.05). In multivariable analysis, the surgical method (SRC vs. POPRC) was not an independent risk factor for OS (Hazard ratio 0.874, 95% CI 0.592-1.290; P =0.498). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that no significant difference in long-term survival was determined between female patients undergoing SRC and those undergoing POPRC.

Robot-assisted modified bilateral dismembered V-shaped flap pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in horseshoe kidney using KangDuo-Surgical-Robot-01 system

ABSTRACT Purpose Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is the most common renal fusion anomaly, occurring in 0.25% of the population (1). It presents technical obstacles to pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) despite robotic assistance (2, 3). KangDuo-Surgical-Robot-01 (KD-SR-01), an emerging robotic platform in China, has yielded satisfactory outcomes in pyeloplasty (4, 5). We first describe our modified technique of robotic bilateral pyeloplasty for UPJO in HSK using KD-SR-01 system in the Lithotomy Trendelenburg position. Materials and Methods A 36-year-old man with HSK and bilateral UPJO suffered right flank pain due to renal calculi (Figure-1). Repeated double-J stent insertion and ureteroscopy lithotripsy did not relieve his symptoms. A robot-assisted modified bilateral dismembered V-shaped flap pyeloplasty was performed using KD-SR-01 system in the Lithotomy Trendelenburg position. Results Total operative time was 298 minutes with 50 ml estimated blood loss. There was no conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery. A follow-up of 14 months showed relieving symptoms and stable renal function. Cine magnetic resonance urography and computed tomography urography revealed improved hydronephrosis and good drainage. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Conclusions It is technically feasible to perform a KD-SR-01-assisted modified bilateral dismembered V-shaped flap pyeloplasty in the Lithotomy Trendelenburg position for HSK. This procedure achieves managing UPJO on both sides without redocking the system and provides a wider operative field. In addition, it may be associated with better ergonomics, better cosmetic outcomes, and less possibility of postoperative bowel adhesion. However, further investigation is still warranted to confirm its safety, efficacy, and advantages over traditional procedures.