Long-term lower urinary tract sequelae following AUS cuff erosion.

AIMS: To examine the rate of lower urinary tract complications (LUTC) and urinary diversion (UD) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) explantation with the acute reconstruction of AUS cuff erosion defects. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent in-situ urethroplasty (ISU) for AUS cuff erosion from June 2007 to December 2020. Outcomes included LUTC (urethral stricture, diverticulum, fistula), AUS reimplantation, and UD. Defect size was prospectively estimated acutely and a subanalysis was performed to determine the impact of erosion severity (small erosions [<33% circumferential defect] and large erosions [≥33%]) on these outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves were created to compare survival between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients underwent ISU for urethral cuff erosion. The median patient age was 76 years old with a median erosion circumference of 46%. The overall LUTC rate was 30% (12/40) with 35% (14/40) of patients requiring permanent UD. Secondary AUS placement occurred in 24/40 (60%) patients with 11/24 (46%) leading to repeat erosion. On subanalysis, small erosion was associated with improved LUTC-free and UD-free survival but not associated with AUS reimplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Lower urinary tract complications are common after AUS cuff erosion and can lead to the need for permanent UD. Patients with larger erosions are more likely to undergo UD and reach this end-stage condition earlier compared to patients with small erosions.

Durable Treatment of Refractory Vesicourethral Anastomotic Stenosis via Robotic-assisted Reconstruction: A Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons Study.

BACKGROUND: Refractory vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) after radical prostatectomy poses challenges distinct from bladder neck contracture, due to close proximity to the sphincter mechanism. Open reconstruction is technically demanding, risking de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or recurrence. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate patency and continence outcomes of robotic-assisted VUAS repair. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients with VUAS underwent robotic-assisted reconstruction from 2015 to 2020 in the Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons (TURNS) consortium of institutions. The minimum postoperative follow-up was 3 mo. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: The space of Retzius is dissected and fibrotic tissue at the vesicourethral anastomosis is excised. Reconstruction is performed with either a primary anastomotic or an anterior bladder flap-based technique. MEASUREMENTS: Patency was defined as either the passage of a 17 French flexible cystoscope or a peak flow on uroflowmetry of >15 ml/s. De novo SUI was defined as either more than one pad per day or need for operative intervention. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 32 patients met the criteria, of whom 16 (50%) had a history of pelvic radiation. Intraoperatively, 15 (47%) patients had obliterative VUAS. The median length of hospital stay was 1 d. At a median follow-up of 12 mo, 24 (75%) patients had patent repairs and 26 (81%) were voiding per urethra. Of five men with 30-d complications, four were resolved conservatively (catheter obstruction and ileus). In eight patients, recurrent stenoses were managed with redo robotic reconstruction (in two), endoscopically (in four), or catheterization (in two). Of 13 patients without preexisting SUI, 11 (85%) remained continent at last follow-up. No patients underwent urinary diversion. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted VUAS reconstruction is a viable and successful management option for refractory anastomotic stenosis following radical prostatectomy. The robotic transabdominal approach demonstrates high patency and continence rates. PATIENT SUMMARY: We studied the outcomes of robotic-assisted repair for vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis. Most patients, after the procedure, were able to void per urethra and preserve existing continence.

Robotic-Assisted Testicular Autotransplantation.

Silber and Kelly first described the successful autotransplantation of an intra-abdominal testis in 1976. Subsequent authors incorporated laparoscopy and demonstrated the viability of transplanted testes based on serial postoperative exams. We sought to extend this experience with use of the da Vinci surgical robot, thereby demonstrating a novel robotic technique for the management of cryptorchidism. The procedure was performed for an 18-year-old male with a solitary left intra-abdominal testis. Following establishment of pneumoperitoneum, the robot is docked with four trocars oriented towards the left lower quadrant. Testicular dissection is carried out as shown. The gonadal and inferior epigastric vessels are isolated and mobilized; once adequate length is achieved, the former is clipped and transected, and the testicle and inferior epigastric vessels are delivered out of the body. The robot is then undocked and exchanged for the operating microscope. Arterial and venous anastomoses are completed with interrupted and running 9-0 Nylon, respectively, and satisfactory re-anastomosis is confirmed visually and with Doppler. The transplanted testicle is then fixed inferiorly and laterally within the left hemiscrotum, and all incisions are closed. We note that intraoperative testicular biopsy was not performed, for three reasons: (1) to avoid further risk to an already tenuous, solitary organ, (2) because our primary aim was to preserve testicular endocrine function, and (3) because the presence of ITGCN would neither prompt orchiectomy nor obviate the need for ongoing surveillance via periodic self-examination and ultrasonography. The patient is maintained on bed rest for two days and discharged on postoperative day seven in good condition. Over one year since autotransplantation, his now intra-scrotal testicle remains palpable and stable in size. Serum testosterone is unchanged from preoperative measurements. Robotic-assisted testicular autotransplantation is a feasible and efficacious management option for the solitary intra-abdominal testis.

Robotic Assisted Repair of Post-Ileal Conduit Parastomal Hernia: Technique and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel method of robotic assisted laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair (RAL-PHR), including the evolving use of the Da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic system. METHODS: Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were collected for patients who underwent RAL-PHR. The technique for RAL-PHR utilizes a 3 cm incision in the contralateral upper quadrant for the robotic trocar and a 12 mm assistant port. The hernia sac is freed from the fascial defect. Dual Surface Mesh is approximated to the fascial edges with a portion excised to tailor the conduit. RESULTS: Four patients underwent RAL-PHR and three utilized the SP robot. Median age was 74.4 (range: 69.0-76.9) and median BMI 28.6 (26.5-43.2). All patients underwent cystectomy for bladder cancer and median time from index operation to parastomal hernia repair was 47.3 (40.4-11.48) months. Concurrent operations to hernia repair included ureteroenteric stricture repair, panniculectomy, abdominal wall reconstruction, stoma revision, and incisional hernia repair. Median operative time was 3.9 (2.6-8.7) hours including concurrent operations, median EBL was 50 (10-100) cc, mesh used in 3 cases, with no intraoperative complications reported. Median length of stay was 1 day and 1 post-operative complication greater than Clavien 2 reported. At median follow up of 18.3 (3.63-38.3) months, no recurrences were reported and 1 patient had undergone stoma dilation in the OR. CONCLUSION: RAL-PHR using the SP system maximizes advantages of laparoscopic repair while allowing for flexibility to perform concurrent procedures and safer takedown of adhesions through just two incisions. RAL-PHR is a safe and effective alternative to open and laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair with several additional benefits.

Robotic-assisted genitourinary reconstruction: current state and future directions.

With the widespread dissemination of robotic surgical platforms, pathology previously deemed insurmountable or challenging has been treated with reliable and replicable outcomes. The advantages of precise articulation for dissection and suturing, tremor reduction, three-dimensional magnified visualization, and minimally invasive trocar sites have allowed for the management of such diverse disease as recurrent or refractory bladder neck stenoses, and radiation-induced ureteral strictures, with excellent perioperative and functional outcomes. Intraoperative adjuncts such as near-infrared imaging aid in identification and preservation of healthy tissue. More recent developments include robotics via the single port platform, gender-affirming surgery, and multidisciplinary approaches to complex pelvic reconstruction. Here, we review the recent literature comprising developments in robotic-assisted genitourinary reconstruction, with a view towards emerging technologies and future trends in techniques.

The emerging role of robotics in upper and lower urinary tract reconstruction.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Developments in robotic reconstructive urology have introduced novel treatments for complex upper and lower urinary tract disease. Short-term and mid-term data demonstrates excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity, suggesting the advanced instrumentation and visualization of robotics represent a new treatment paradigm in patients that are historically difficult to treat. Here we review recent developments in the robotically assisted surgical management of urethral and ureteral strictures. RECENT FINDINGS: The minimally invasive approach, enhanced precision and reach, and near-infrared fluorescence imaging capabilities of robotic platforms have proven to be valuable additions in reconstructive urology where perfusion is often compromised, or anatomy is distorted. These benefits are leveraged heavily in recent descriptions of robotic-assisted posterior urethroplasty and ureteroplasty. Short-term to mid-term follow-up data for these procedures show excellent patency rates with low morbidity and complication rates when compared with open approaches. Long-term data for these procedures are not yet available. SUMMARY: The role of robotics in reconstructive urology is being actively investigated. Initial findings demonstrate excellent results with low morbidity in the treatment of upper and lower urinary tract disease. Long-term data will ultimately determine the role of robotics in the reconstructive armamentarium.

Clinical Outcomes of a Combined Robotic, Transabdominal, and Open Transperineal Approach for Anastomotic Posterior Urethroplasty.

Background: Robotic pelvic surgery is being increasingly utilized for reconstruction proximal to the genitourinary diaphragm. We describe a combined robotic, transabdominal, and open transperineal approach for complex anastomotic posterior urethroplasty. Materials and Methods: We performed a multi-institutional retrospective study of patients who underwent anastomotic posterior urethroplasty by a combined robotic, transabdominal, and open transperineal approach between January 2012 and December 2018. Patient demographics; preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data; and complications were reviewed. Urethroplasty success, de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and de novo erectile dysfunction (ED) were evaluated. Results: Twelve patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 596 (range 73-1618) days. Mean patient age was 65.9 (range 53.4-76.8). Reconstruction required corporal splitting, prostatectomy, and gracilis muscle flap use in one (8.3%), eight (66.7%), and four (33.3%) patients, respectively. Postoperative urinary leak, thromboembolic event, and wound abscess occurred in one (8.3%), one (8.3%), and two (16.7%) patients, respectively. Stenosis recurrence occurred in two patients (16.7%) at a mean 187.5 (20-355) postoperative days. De novo ED and de novo SUI were reported in two (16.7%) and four (33.3%) patients, respectively. Nine patients (75.0%) underwent placement of an artificial urinary sphincter at a mean interval of 359.2 (111-1456) days after the index procedure, with no subsequent erosion. Conclusions: Complex posterior urethroplasty by a combined robotic, transabdominal and open transperineal approach is associated with success and complications rates that are comparable to open techniques and may allow for adjunctive procedures such as prostatectomy. This technique allows for the reconstruction of posterior urethral stenoses that would otherwise have been managed conservatively or with urinary diversion.

Robotic Peritoneal Flap Revision of Gender Affirming Vaginoplasty: a Novel Technique for Treating Neovaginal Stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: To present the technique and early outcomes of salvage neovaginal reconstruction using robotic dissection and peritoneal flap mobilization. METHODS: Twenty-four patients underwent robotic peritoneal flap revision vaginoplasty from 2017 to 2020. A canal is dissected between the bladder and rectum towards the stenosed vaginal cavity, which is incised and widened. Peritoneal flaps from the posterior bladder and pararectal fossa are advanced and sutured to edges of the stenosed cavity. Proximal peritoneal flap edges are approximated to form the neovaginal apex. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical indications, and operative details are described. Outcome measures include postoperative neovaginal dimensions and complications. RESULTS: Mean age at revision was 39 years (range 27-58). All patients had previously undergone PIV, with revision surgery occurring at a median 35.3 months (range 6-252) after primary vaginoplasty. Surgical indications included short or stenotic vagina or absent canal. Average procedure length was 5 hours. At mean follow up of 410 days (range 179-683), vaginal depth and width were 13.6 cm (range 10.9-14.5) and 3.6 cm (range 2.9-3.8), respectively. There were no immediate or intraoperative complications related to peritoneal flap harvest. No patient had rectal injury. One patient had post-operative canal bleeding requiring return to the operating room for hemostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty is a safe, novel approach to canal revision after primary PIV with minimal donor site morbidity.

Propeller Flap Perineal Urethrostomy Revision.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for perineal urethrostomy (PU) revision using a posterior thigh propeller flap for a complex repair at high risk for stenosis. METHODS: Our technique utilizes the consistent posterior thigh perforators for a local flap with ideal length and thickness for repair. The stenotic PU is incised. Potential flaps are marked around a perforator blood supply closest to the defect. The flap is then elevated and rotated on its pedicle with its apex placed directly in the defect. Absorbable sutures partially tubularize the flap apex at the level of the urethrotomy which is calibrated to 30 Fr. We subsequently monitored the patient's clinical progress. RESULTS: With 17 months of follow-up the patient is voiding well without complaint, reports improved quality of life with a patent PU. Post void residuals have been less than 100cc. The patient, who has had a long history of urinary tract infections requiring hospitalization, has only reported one infection during follow up which was treated as an out-patient. CONCLUSION: For challenging PU revisions a distant local propeller flap of healthy tissue outside the zone of injury is the ideal choice for length, thickness, and minimal morbidity resulting in excellent clinical results for our patient.

Balloon dilation performs poorly as a salvage management strategy for recurrent bulbar urethral strictures following failed urethroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management strategy for recurrent urethral stricture disease (USD) following urethroplasty remains undefined. We aim to evaluate the role and efficacy of endoscopic urethral balloon dilation in temporizing recurrent USD after failed urethroplasty. METHODS: Between 2007-2018 at our institution, 80 patients underwent balloon dilation procedures for bulbomembranous urethral strictures. Balloon dilation was performed with an 8-cm, 24-French UroMax Ultra™ balloon dilator, under direct vision, guided by a 16-French flexible cystoscope. Patients who underwent concomitant open or endoscopic urethral procedures were excluded. Treatment failure was defined as the need for subsequent surgical intervention for stricture recurrence. Stricture characteristics including etiology, length, location, severity stage, and prior surgical procedures were compared between patients with and without treatment failure. RESULTS: Failure cases were more likely to have strictures following urethroplasty (21/27, 78%) [vs. the no-failure group (27/53, 51%)]. Among the 27/80 (33.8%) failures with a median follow-up of 8.4 months (IQR, 3.9-22.5 months), median time to recurrence was 4 months (IQR, 2-12 months). These patients had a greater incidence of prior stricture intervention in general (P=0.01) and prior urethroplasty specifically (P=0.03). On multivariable analysis, the number of prior treatments specifically independently remained associated with treatment failure. Complications of balloon dilation were uncommon (6/80, 7.5%) and minor in nature. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic balloon dilation performs poorly as a salvage strategy after failed open urethral reconstruction in addition to prior urethral dilations.

Outpatient buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty outcomes are comparable to inpatient procedures.

BACKGROUND: We sought to compare outcomes between inpatient and outpatient buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty among a large tertiary referral center series. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent BMG urethroplasty between 2007 and 2018 was performed, including only first stage and one stage graft procedures. Patients were divided into inpatient and outpatient groups. Demographic and outcome data were collected and analyzed, with success defined as no need for further endoscopic or open reoperative management. RESULTS: Of 143 patients undergoing BMG urethroplasty during the study period, 87 cases (60.8%) were performed on an inpatient basis, and 56 (39.2%) on an outpatient basis. Patient characteristics such as age, BMI, prior endoscopic procedures and co-morbid factors were similar between inpatient and outpatient groups. Perioperative characteristics such as estimated blood loss were also similar between groups, but the inpatient cohort had a longer operative time (157.6 vs. 123.1 min, P<0.0001). Operative success was comparable in the two groups (74.7% inpatient vs. 76.8% outpatient, P=0.7) as were rates of complications (29.9% inpatient vs. 26.8% outpatient, P=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: BMG urethroplasty can be safely performed in an ambulatory setting without increased complications or compromised outcomes.

An update on oxidized regenerated cellulose (fibrillar™) in reducing postoperative corporal bleeding following inflatable penile prosthesis surgery.

BACKGROUND: Scrotal hematoma formation is a dreaded complication of penile prosthesis surgery that increases patient pain and healthcare costs, as well the risk for eventual device infection and failure. The efficacy of hemostatic agents in reducing the incidence of scrotal hematoma development has not been extensively studied in urologic prosthetic surgery. In this paper we further evaluate our experience with oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC; Surgicel Fibrillar™) as an adjunct to standard hemostatic practices in inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation. METHODS: From April 2016 onward, intracorporal ORC pledgets were placed during corporotomy closure in all patients undergoing IPP implantation or revision by a single surgeon using an identical surgical technique. Perioperative parameters and outcomes-primarily postoperative cumulative drain output, secondarily patient phone calls in the postoperative period-were compared among successive cases with ORC (April 2016 to February 2019) and without ORC (April 2013 to March 2016). RESULTS: A total of 274 men underwent IPP implantation during the study period; 175 (64%) had ORC included in their corporotomy closures. Median drain output was significantly reduced in the ORC patients relative to the non-ORC group (50 vs. 65 mL; P=0.0001). A significant reduction in patient-initiated phone calls regarding scrotal pain, swelling, or discomfort in the first 4 weeks following surgery was also observed in the ORC group (average 0.69 vs. 1.1 calls per patient; P=0.03). A total of 9 patients underwent IPP explantation during the study period, all due to device infection; 5 of these were in the ORC group, while 4 were in the non-ORC group (P=0.73). ORC use did not constitute any additional infection risk. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral incorporation of ORC pledgets during corporotomy closure in IPP surgery significantly decreases postoperative scrotal drain output, a well-documented risk factor for scrotal hematoma formation.

Comparison of 3.5 cm and transcorporal cuffs in high-risk artificial urinary sphincter populations.

BACKGROUND: The transcorporal (TC) artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) has traditionally been utilized in high-risk patients with urethral atrophy or prior urethral erosion. The 3.5 cm AUS cuff has been developed for use in a similar population. We compared the outcomes of TC AUS and 3.5 cm cuff patients to assess whether the TC approach was protective against urethral complications. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review for all men who underwent TC AUS and 3.5 cm AUS implantation by a single surgeon from 2007 to 2018 at a tertiary medical center. Demographic and outcomes data were collected and analyzed after database review to evaluate for rates of urethral erosion. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify co-morbid factors associated with urethral erosion. RESULTS: In our database of 625 AUS patients, we identified 59 (9%) men with TC AUS and 168 (27%) having a 3.5 cm cuff. Over a median follow-up time of 49 months, 28 (47%) men with TC cuffs developed urethral erosion compared with 25 (15%) men with a 3.5 cm cuff. On univariate analysis, a TC cuff was associated with increased odds of erosion (OR 6.65, 95% CI: 3.20-14.4, P<0.0001) when compared with a 3.5 cm cuff. On multivariate analysis, TC cuffs continued to portend significantly increased odds of cuff erosion. CONCLUSIONS: With longer follow up, TC AUS may not be as protective against urethral complications as previously described.

Multidimensional outcomes of suburethral synthetic midurethral sling removal.

PURPOSE: To report multidimensional outcomes encompassing pain, dyspareunia, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), following suburethral sling removal (SSR) of synthetic midurethral slings (MUS) placed for female stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: We reviewed a prospectively maintained, IRB-approved database of women undergoing SSR at our institution. Demographic data, type of sling, and symptoms along with Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form (UDI-6) scores both before and after SSR were analyzed. Success was defined using several modalities including patient-reported symptoms (ideal outcome) and UDI-6 questionnaire. RESULTS: From 3/2006-2/2017, 443 women underwent SSR of which 230 met study criteria with median overall follow-up of 23 months (mean 30 months). 180/230 (78%) patients reported 3 or more symptoms at presentation. Median most recent post-SSR total UDI-6 score was 38 vs. 50 at baseline (p < 0.0001). By UDI-6, 53% of patients achieved success post-SSR. An ideal outcome was attained in 22/230 (10%) patients. A modified outcome allowing for one minimally invasive anti-incontinence procedure and excluding sexual activity classified 112/230 (49%) patients as successes. CONCLUSIONS: While patients with MUS present with multiple symptoms, following SSR, there is sustained improvement in multiple symptom domains, including pain and urinary incontinence. Allowing for minimally invasive anti-incontinence procedures (not inclusive of subsequent suburethral sling), the rate of success was 49%, which was comparable to that derived from UDI-6 scores (53%).