A Novel Suction-Irrigation Cannula-Guided Hydrophilic Tip Guidewire Technique of Intraoperative Ureteral Stent Placement During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract

Background: Patients with large median lobe, history of pelvic radiotherapy, or transurethral resection of the prostate are on the verge of ureteral orifice (UO) injury during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Not all aforementioned patients require ureteral stent placement. Intraoperative findings justify whether to proceed with ureteral stent placement or not. Previously described techniques of intraoperative stent placement involve use of transurethral cystoscopy or suprapubic skin incision, which makes procedure further difficult especially with robotic arms in place.1 Herein, we describe a simple and efficacious method Suction-Irrigation cannula-Guided Hydrophilic Tip guidewire (SIGHT) technique for intraoperative ureteral stent placement. Technique: The case shown here is a 64-year-old gentleman with Gleason 8 prostate cancer and opted for RARP. After division of bladder neck, the interior of the bladder was routinely inspected and the UOs were found too close to the bladder margins. The decision was made to proceed with bilateral ureteral stents placement. To facilitate stent placement, bladder margin is held up using 4th arm of the robot. The bedside assistant inserted laparoscopic suction irrigation cannula from 5 mm assistant trocar. Cannula tip was held a couple of centimeters away from respective UO. A 0.038 Inch diameter, 150 cm long hydrophilic straight tip guidewire is fed into the abdomen through shaft of the cannula. The surgeon on console (A.T.) places the wire into UO and feeds it proximally until the resistance is met. The bedside assistant (R.B.) then feeds the stent over the wire into the abdomen, and the surgeon threads the stent over the wire. The assistance held back-tension on the wire. A pusher is then guided over the wire in similar manner and stent is advanced until distal end of the stent is seen. The wire is pulled out by the bedside assistant, and the distal end of the stent is confirmed with use of robot and secure inside the bladder. Surgery proceeded as usual. Stent placement was verified postoperatively by plain kidney, ureter and bladder radiograph. Patient was discharged next day. Catheter removal was done at postoperative day 7. Ureteral stents were removed under local anesthesia in the office at 4 weeks postoperative visit without complication. Conclusions: Our SIGHT technique is safe, effective, and easily adaptable method for intraoperative ureteral stent placement during robotic procedures. It avoids intraoperative cystoscopy or suprapubic skin incision or use of additional guidewires thereby saving time during which patient is under anesthesia during surgery. Patient Consent Statement: Authors have received and archived patient consent for video recording/publication in advance of video recording of procedure. Music Source:www.epidemicsound.com Copyright: Author owns copyright/license for the music used in the video. A.T. has served as a site-PI on pharma/industry-sponsored clinical trials from Kite Pharma, Lumicell Inc., Dendreon, and Oncovir Inc. He has received research funding (grants) to his institution from Department of Defence, National Institute of Health, Axogen, Intuitive Surgical, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and other philanthropy. A.T. has served as an unpaid consultant to Roivant Biosciences and advisor to Promaxo. He owns equity in Promaxo. Rest of the authors do not have conflict of interests. Runtime of video: 3 mins 21 secs