Robotic-assisted vs. open ureteral reimplantation: a multicentre comparison.

PURPOSE: Open ureteral reimplantation is considered the standard surgical approach to treat distal ureteral strictures or injuries. These procedures are increasingly performed in a minimally invasive and robotic-assisted manner. Notably, no series comparing perioperative outcomes and safety of the open vs. robotic approach are available so far. METHODS: In this retrospective multi-center study, we compared data from 51 robotic ureteral reimplantations (RUR) with 79 open ureteral reimplantations (OUR). Both cohorts were comparatively assessed using different baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes. Moreover, a multivariate logistic regression for independent predictors was performed. RESULTS: Surgery time, length of hospital stay and dwell time of bladder catheter were shorter in the robotic cohort, whereas estimated blood loss, postoperative blood transfusion rate and postoperative complications were lower than in the open cohort. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, robotic approach was an independent predictor for a shorter operation time (coefficient - 0.254, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.342 to - 0.166; p < 0.001), a lower estimated blood loss (coefficient - 0.390, 95% CI - 0.549 to - 0.231, p < 0.001) and a shorter length of hospital stay (coefficient - 0.455, 95% CI - 0.552 to - 0.358, p < 0.001). Moreover, robotic surgery was an independent predictor for a shorter dwell time of bladder catheter (coefficient - 0.210, 95% CI - 0.278 to - 0.142, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RUR represents a safe alternative to OUR, with a shorter operative time, decreased blood loss and length of hospital stay. Prospective research are needed to further define the extent of the advantages of the robotic approach over open surgery.

Stones First! A Gas Pyelo-nephroscopy Strategy for Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty and Renal Stone Extraction.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience on gas endoscopy as the first step of pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction repair when complicated by nephrolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stone formation because of urine stasis is a known complication of PUJ obstruction and an indication for its surgical repair. The undisputed results of the Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty make it a quasi-gold standard; however, the identification and extraction of calyceal stones through the laparoscopic route can be challenging. Between 2009 and 2016, 39 patients underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty at Ygia Polyclinic, with a subgroup of 6 patients having concomitant calyceal stones. These 6 patients first underwent gas pyelo-nephroscopy before dismembering the PUJ. Demographic data, intraoperative technical details, outcomes, as well as postoperative outcomes, were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: We report a small series (n = 6) with 3 minor modifications of the laparoscopic repair of PUJ obstruction complicated by stones. One modification is to carry out a pyelo-nephroscopy for stone extraction before dismembering the junction. The second modification is the use of gas medium to distend the renal cavity, and the third is the use of a flexible cystoscope. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated in all 6 patients, with successful relief of the PUJ obstruction and stable stone free results demonstrated on follow-up for all patients. CONCLUSION: We claim that these modifications overcome the usual challenges related to working in a collapsed cavity and using fluid media, while achieving desirable outcomes.