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Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) use in children has increased, though many centers still favor open pyeloplasty (OP) in infants. This study aims to compare safety and efficacy of RALP and OP in infants.A single-institution, retrospective cohort study of infants1 year of age who underwent primary RALP or OP between January 2009 and June 2020 was performed. Primary outcomes were intraoperative and 30-day complications, postoperative radiographic improvement at last clinic visit, and operative failure leading to redo pyeloplasty. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for 30-day complications to adjust for demographic variation between groups. Survival analysis was performed to compare time to diagnosis of operative failure leading to redo pyeloplasty.Among 204 patients, 121 underwent OP and 83 underwent RALP (74.5% male). RALP patients were older (median 7.2 vs 2.9 months, p0.001) and larger (median 8.2 vs 5.9 kg, p0.001) than OP patients. Radiographic improvement was seen in 91.1% of RALP patients and 88.8% of OP patients at last visit. Median (interquartile range) followup in months was 24.4 (10.8-50.3) for the full cohort. In adjusted analysis, the odds of a 30-day complication (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.08-2.00) was lower for RALP compared to OP, though not statistically significantRALP is a safe and effective alternative to OP for infants, with comparable intraoperative and 30-day complications, radiographic improvement at last followup, and risk of pyeloplasty failure.

Purpose:Reoperative pyeloplasty is commonly used in children with recurrent obstruction after pyeloplasty. We previously reported on reoperative robot-assisted laparoscopic repair for failed pyelop...

Robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) urologic surgery is widely used in pediatric patients, though less commonly in infants. There are small series demonstrating safety and efficacy in infants, however, stratification by infant size has rarely been reported. Whether a cut-off weight, below which RAL surgery is not technically feasible, safe, or efficacious has not be determined.To assess safety and efficacy of RAL urologic procedures in infants1 year of age, weighing ≤10 kg.A single-institution retrospective cohort study of patients1 year of age, and ≤10 kg undergoing RAL pyeloplasty (RALP) or RAL ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy (RALUU) between January 2011 and September 2020 was performed. Demographic, operative, and post-operative data were extracted from the medical record. Patients were stratified by post-hoc weight quartiles. Outcomes, including operative time, total OR time, estimated blood loss (EBL), post-operative length of stay (LOS), post-operative radiographic improvement, and 30-day complications were assessed by weight quartile for each procedure. The Kruskal-Wallis rank test was used to assess differences in continuous outcomes between weight quartiles and Pearson's Chi-squared test was used for categorical outcomes.Of 696 RAL urologic surgeries performed, 101 met eligibility criteria. Median (IQR) age of patients was 7.2 (6.0-9.2) months with median weight of 8.0 (7.2-8.9) kg. The lowest weight was 5.5 kg. Procedures performed included 79 RALPs (78.2%), 22 RALUUs (21.8%). We identified 97 patients (94%) with post-operative imaging, with radiographic improvement in 92%. When stratified by weight quartile, there was no difference between groups in median operative time, total OR time, LOS, EBL, or post-operative radiographic improvement for both RALP and RALUU. Post-operative complications were assessed based on Clavien-Dindo classification with the majority of complications (9/12, 75%) in the50th percentile weight groups.To our knowledge, this is the largest published series of infant RAL urologic procedures, with similar rates of radiographic improvement and post-operative complications to prior published series. There are few prior series of RALP and RALUU in infants ≤10 kg, and we show comparable outcomes regardless of patient weight. Our study is limited by the inherent biases of retrospective studies.RAL urologic surgery is technically feasible, safe, and efficacious in infants ≤10 kg, without worse outcomes as weight decrease. A cut-off weight, below which RAL surgery should not be performed has yet to be identified.

Summary Objective The objective is to describe our experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic diverticulectomy with extravesical ureteral reimplantation in a pediatric patient. Methods A 7-year-old male presented with a symptomatic urinary tract infection secondary to Staphylococcus epidermidis. The patient was found to have a large congenital paraureteral bladder diverticulum on work-up. His options were discussed and he proceeded with robotic diverticulectomy. Intraoperatively, the diverticulum was found to obscure the left ureteral orifice, which necessitated synchronous dismembered extravesical ureteral reimplantation. Results Robot-assisted laparoscopic diverticulectomy with extravesical ureteral reimplantation was performed. The procedure time was 283 min, and estimated blood loss was 3 mL. The patient was discharged home on post-operative day 1. He was last seen in clinic six months after surgery and was doing well without any recurrent urinary tract infections. Conclusion This video demonstrates a robotic approach for the treatment of complex congenital bladder diverticula. Robotic surgery offers the benefits of good visualization in the pelvis, minimal blood loss, and quick convalescence. Key portions of the diverticulectomy and ureteral reimplantation are clearly illustrated in this video, which can help other surgeons adopt this technique.

Purpose: We characterize the use of pediatric open, laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation in the United States from 2000 to 2012.Materials and Methods: We used the Kids’ Inpatient Database to identify patients who underwent ureteral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux. Before 2009 laparoscopic ureteral reimplantion and robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation were referred to together as minimally invasive ureteral reimplantation. A detailed analysis of open vs robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation was performed for 2009 and 2012.Results: A total of 14,581 ureteral reimplantations were performed. The number of ureteral reimplantations yearly decreased by 14.3%. However, the proportion of minimally invasive ureteral reimplantations increased from 0.3% to 6.3%. A total of 125 robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantations were performed in 2012 (81.2% of minimally invasive ureteral reimplantations), representing 5.1% of all ureteral ...

We assessed whether increased BMI has a negative impact in children undergoing robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP).Records of patients who underwent RALP were retrospectively reviewed and separated into healthy weight, overweight, and obese cohorts based on age-adjusted BMI percentile, and surgical and postsurgical outcomes were evaluated.Of the 103 patients, there were 79 healthy weight and 24 overweight, with 10 of the 24 considered obese (BMI85th, ≥85th, and ≥95th percentile for age, respectively). Cohorts were similar in respect to age, sex, laterality and symptoms. Operative time (234 min, 241 min, p=0.642; 254 min, p=0.324), EBL (7.1 ml, 10.5 ml, p=0.293; 6.8 ml, p=0.906), length of stay (1.2d, 1.2d p=0.545; 1.1d p=0.550), and narcotic administration (0.25 mg/kg, 0.25 mg/kg, p=0.545; 0.13 mg/kg, p=0.430) were similar between healthy weight, overweight, and obese cohorts, respectively. Complication rates were similar in regard to minor and major complications. There was no difference in decreased hydronephrosis (92.2%, 89.6%, p=0.440; 88.9%, p=0.730). Four patients (3.4%) required a reoperative procedure (three healthy weight, one overweight; p=NS).Despite the potential difficulties with surgery in overweight patients, our data indicate that robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty can be performed as safely and effectively in overweight or obese children as in healthy weight children.

We sought to determine if the learning curve in pediatric robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) for an experienced open surgeon (OS) converting to robotics would be affected by proctoring from an experienced robotic surgeon (RS), and/or the experience of training within the framework of an established robotics program. We reviewed pediatric RALP cases by three surgeons at our institution, including the OS, RS, and a new fellowship-trained surgeon (FTS). We compared the first eight independent RALPs for the OS with the most recent ten RALPs for the RS. As an ancillary analysis, to isolate the impact of proctoring and of a robotics program, we reviewed the first ten cases of the FTS as well the first and last eight cases of the RS at a prior institution. A total of 44 patient charts were reviewed, with a mean follow-up time of 16 months (range 6.7-45 months). Radiologic improvement was seen in all patients with the exception of one who required reoperative pyeloplasty. The FTS, RS, and OS had similar mean operative times; however; when comparing robotic cases at the beginning of each of their learning curves, shorter operative times were achieved by the proctored surgeon (OS). Finally, comparing two RALP cohorts by the RS at his prior institution revealed longer operative times with an inexperienced robotics team. We demonstrate that an experienced open surgeon and fellowship-trained surgeon can quickly attain levels of expertise with pediatric RALP within an established robotic surgical program.

Failed pyeloplasty represents a management dilemma, with treatment options including balloon dilation, endopyelotomy and reoperative pyeloplasty. We review our experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic reoperative repair of recurrent/persistent ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children and compare this method to other approaches.We reviewed in detail all cases of failed prior ureteropelvic junction procedures, either open or laparoscopic, managed by robot-assisted laparoscopic reoperative repair between 2006 and July 2011.Robot-assisted laparoscopic repair was performed in 16 cases for persistent or recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction following a prior procedure involving the ureteropelvic junction (12 open pyeloplasties, 4 robot-assisted laparoscopic repairs). Additional interventions had been performed in 12 patients. Reoperative robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty was performed in 13 patients and reoperative robot-assisted laparoscopic ureterocalycostomy in 3. Patient age ranged from 12 months to 15.3 years (mean 6.1 years). Mean operative time and length of stay were 303 minutes and 1.6 days, respectively. Mean followup was 14.9 months. All symptomatic patients had resolution of symptoms postoperatively. A total of 14 patients (88%) had improved radiological findings. One patient underwent transfusion and conversion to an open procedure due to bleeding.Robot-assisted laparoscopic reoperative repair of persistent/recurrent ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a safe, highly effective procedure even in the setting of multiple prior procedures. In our series all patients improved symptomatically, 88% improved radiographically and none have required further surgical intervention. Success is greater than with endopyelotomy and comparable to open reoperative repair for this challenging condition during short-term and intermediate followup.

Summary Objective The aim was to demonstrate surgical techniques used in pediatric robot-assisted laparoscopic megaureter tapering (RALMT) with ureteral reimplantation. We report on our preliminary experience. Methods We reviewed video of patients who underwent RALMT with ureteral reimplantation between August 2012 and November 2015. MT was performed extravesically and ureteral reimplantation was performed by extravesical detrusorrhaphy with ureteral anchoring. All patients had an intraoperatively placed ureteral stent. Results Between August 2012 and November 2015, 14 patients underwent RALMT with ureteral reimplantation. Highlighted techniques include variations in ureteral stent insertion, method of excisional tapering, and approach to reimplantation. All (10/10) patients with postoperative ultrasounds following ureteral stent removal demonstrated radiographic improvement at a mean follow-up of 9 months. No patients had postoperative febrile urinary tract infections. The only complication was one patient with postoperative ileus. Conclusions We demonstrate variations in surgical techniques which may facilitate the surgical steps of RALMT with ureteral reimplantation. Our preliminary experience suggests the procedure is safe and feasible for pediatric patients with symptomatic megaureter.

Objective Demonstrate and report initial results using a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser for detrusor tunnel creation in robot-assisted laparoscopic extravesical ureteral reimplant (RALUR). Methods Retrospective chart review was performed for cases of RALUR from 2011 to 2014. Patients undergoing complex reconstruction (ureteral tailoring, dismembered reimplant, concomitant ureteroureterostomy), and those who had incomplete follow-up were excluded. Variables, including use of the CO 2 laser, were collected and correlated with outcomes. Results 23 patients representing 40 ureteral units were included for analysis. A CO 2 laser was used in 9/23 (39%) patients and 16/40 (40%) ureteral units. Intraoperative mucosotomy was reported in 3/14 (21%) patients for the electrocautery group and 1/9 (11%) patients for the CO 2 laser group. Resolution of VUR was observed in 11/14 (79%), and 9/9 (100%) of patients for the electrocautery group and the CO 2 laser group, respectively. Two complications were identified in the electrocautery group of patients: ileus (Clavien 2), and transient bilateral ureteral obstruction requiring placement of ureteral stents (Clavien 3B). There were no complications in the CO 2 laser group. Conclusions Creation of the detrusor tunnel with a CO 2 laser is safe and effective, and is associated with a lower rate of failure and complication in this cohort.

Regional anesthesia is often used in combination with general anesthesia for pediatric surgery, however, it is unknown if adjunctive regional blocks are beneficial to children undergoing urologic laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) procedures.To compare perioperative outcomes in children with adjunctive caudal blocks, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, or no regional anesthesia for common RAL surgical procedures in pediatric urology.Inclusion in this retrospective study was limited to children who underwent RAL renal or ureteral/bladder procedures and received a standardized regimen of scheduled intravenous ketorolac and oral acetaminophen for acute postoperative pain control, with opioids as needed (PRN). Perioperative outcomes were compared between patients with an adjunctive caudal block (n = 25), bilateral TAP blocks (n = 44), or no regional anesthesia (n = 51).Children with a preoperative caudal block received less intraoperative opioids than children with TAP blocks or no regional anesthesia (p0.001). This difference was observed both for renal procedures (p0.01) and ureteral/bladder procedures (p = 0.01). Patients with caudal blocks were also the least likely to require postoperative antiemetics (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between groups in postoperative opioid use, maximum pain scores within 6 and 24 hours postoperatively, or length of hospital stay (LOS). No complications attributable to regional blocks were identified by chart review.Use of adjunctive caudal blocks for pediatric RAL renal or ureteral/bladder surgical procedures may reduce need for alternate analgesic and/or anesthetic agents intraoperatively, as well as decrease postoperative nausea and vomiting. These findings may be related, since nausea and vomiting are common side effects of opioids and inhalational anesthetics. Consideration of the potential impact of caudal blocks on general anesthetic requirements is timely in light of concerns regarding the risk of anesthetic neurotoxicity in young patients. There was no evidence of improved postoperative pain control or shorter LOS for children who received regional anesthesia. It is unknown if regional blocks would have a greater impact in the absence of scheduled pain medications, which all patients in our study received. Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature and moderate sample size. Future randomized controlled trials are necessary to provide a more definitive understanding of regional anesthesia's role in minimizing pediatric surgical and anesthetic morbidity.Administration of caudal blocks should be considered for children of suitable age undergoing RAL surgery involving either the upper or lower urinary tract.

Objective To demonstrate a novel technique for robot-assisted laparoscopic excisional tailoring and reimplantation of a refluxing megaureter. Methods A 9-year-old boy with dysfunctional elimination was found to have a refluxing megaureter and diminished ipsilateral renal function. Robotic ureteral reimplantation with excisional tailoring was performed using a three-port approach. Stay sutures were placed in the anterior aspect of the distal ureter and sequentially lifted to allow freehand excision of redundant ureter. The ureterovesical junction was left intact, and the ureter was repaired over a 6 Fr double-J stent. Detrusorotomy to create flaps for ureteral tunneling was performed with a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser. Results The patient's vesicoureteral reflux was successfully corrected, and he is now asymptomatic. Conclusion Specific technical modifications can facilitate robotic megaureter repair with intracorporeal excisional tailoring. The CO 2 laser is advantageous for detrusorotomy.

Congenital bladder diverticula are rare anomalies of the bladder. Patients present with infection, hematuria, and/or urinary obstruction. We report on the case of a 12-year-old boy who developed gross hematuria and recurrent infection owing to a 12-cm bladder diverticulum. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic diverticulectomy was performed. We describe the first reported robotic-assisted laparoscopic diverticulectomy in a pediatric patient.

Purpose: Laparoscopic orchiopexy is extremely effective for treating patients with nonpalpable testis. However, despite the high dissection and wide mobilization it allows in some cases, vessel length prevents the testis from reaching the scrotum. There have been only incidental cases reported in which laparoscopy has been used for vessel transection and testicular mobilization orchiopexy. We reviewed our cases treated with the Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy performed laparoscopically in 1 or 2 stages.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of all boys who underwent laparoscopy for a nonpalpable testis at our institutions since 1992. Patients who underwent testicular vessel transection and orchiopexy performed laparoscopically in 1 or 2 stages were selected for evaluation. Office charts and operative reports were reviewed in detail.Results: Of the 126 nonpalpable testes in 108 patients 51 (40%) were intra-abdominal, including 18 (35%) in 14 patients in whom the Fowler-Stephens procedure was per...

Multiple approaches exist for the management of the nonpalpable testis. With the use of diagnostic laparoscopy widely accepted in the setting of the nonpalpable testis we have found laparoscopic orchiopexy to be an efficient and logical extension. To evaluate its use we report our experience with laparoscopic orchiopexy to treat 44 nonpalpable testes in 36 patients.We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic orchiopexy for a 2 1/2-year period. Modifications of the surgical technique are described.The left testis was affected in 18 boys, the right in 9 and both in 9. At laparoscopy 8 testes were at the internal ring or were peeping and the remainder were intra-abdominal. One patient underwent a unilateral 1-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy, and 3 unilateral and 1 bilateral 2-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. Two patients underwent laparoscopically assisted orchiectomy. The remaining 31 patients underwent laparoscopic orchiopexy without division of the spermatic vessels. At followup (mean 6 months) all testes are without atrophy, and 39 of 42 (93%) are in an acceptable scrotal position. There are 3 testes (7%) high in the scrotum.Laparoscopic orchiopexy is a logical extension of diagnostic laparoscopy for the evaluation and treatment of the nonpalpable testis. The low incidence of complications and 93% success rate underscore the feasibility of this procedure. It is our procedure of choice for the treatment of nonpalpable testis.