Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy Research Articles

Current Status of Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy for Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UUT-UC) are usually aggressive tumours and require radical treatments. The standard of care for localised UUT-UC is radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries are currently employed in various urological procedures, including RNU. We conducted a literature search on medical databases (PubMed/ MEDLINE) using free text keywords nephroureterectomy, distal ureter, bladder cuff, urothelial carcinoma and/or robotic. In this review, we aim to provide an up-to-date status on robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RAL-NU) for the management of UUT-UC. The various surgical techniques and approaches for RAL-NU and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) will be discussed and their perioperative and early oncological outcomes reported. The feasibility and safety of RAL-NU has been demonstrated in a number of studies but intermediate and long term clinical and oncological outcomes are still lacking.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy and Bladder Cuff Excision

Our aim was to show that bladder cuff excision and distal ureterectomy can be safely performed by using the LigaSure device during robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. A 60-year-old man presented with gross hematuria. He was diagnosed with upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) on the left side and was scheduled for robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Without changing the patient's position, sealing with the LigaSure atlas for bladder cuff excision and distal ureterectomy was performed. The operating time was 140 minutes from the initial incision to skin closure of all incisions. The estimated blood loss during the surgery was 120 mL. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The Foley drain was removed on day 3 after normal cystographic findings, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on the fourth postoperative day. Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy with distal ureterectomy in the same position using a LigaSure device is a safe alternative for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma.

Feasibility of Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patient

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have revolutionized management options for patients with advanced heart failure. It is not uncommon for patients treated with these devices to present with noncardiac surgical conditions including urologic problems. Maintaining perioperative hemodynamic and hematologic stability is a special challenge. The minimally invasive surgery provides well-documented advantages over the open approach including a less operative blood loss and faster convalescence. In carefully selected patients, robotic-assisted surgery can be utilized in the management of patients with complex urologic diseases in a dire need for these benefits. We present the first case of robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RANU) with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in a patient treated with LVAD.

Simultaneous Robot-Assisted Nephroureterectomy and Cystectomy in Patients with Uremia and Multifocal Urothelial Carcinoma

In Taiwan, patients with uremia have a high risk of the development of multifocal urothelial carcinoma. We report on eight patients with uremia and urothelial carcinoma who underwent simultaneous robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and radical cystectomy (RANUC). Between April 2006 and August 2010, eight patients with uremia (five women, three men; mean age 66.9 y) who were receiving dialysis underwent RANUC. Patients were classified into two groups: Group I, cases 1 to 4 occurring between April 2006 and June 2009; and group II, cases 5 to 8 occurring between July 2009 and August 2010. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in group II (252.5±35.0 min vs 360±25.8 min; P=0.029). The estimated blood loss was also significantly less in group II (332.5±53.8 mL vs 660±137.4 mL; P=0.029). The blood transfusion rate was 75% in group I and 0% in group II. The postoperative stay was reduced from 8.5 days for group I to 7 days for group II. No perioperative morbidity and mortality were noted in either group. None of the patients had died at the short- and intermediate-term mean follow-up of 28.1 months (range 2-54 mos). Simultaneous RANUC are feasible and can be performed safely. Long-term oncologic data are awaited; however, at intermediate-term oncologic follow-up, results are satisfactory. RANUC for uremic patients with multifocal urothelial carcinoma necessitating complete urinary tract exenteration is a viable option and patients experience a rapid convalescence.

Initial experience of robotic nephroureterectomy: a hybrid‐port technique

To report a new technique of robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RANU) using a hybrid port, as RANU has recently become a minimally invasive treatment option for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Eleven consecutive patients underwent RANU by one surgeon. The first six patients were repositioned after the nephrectomy, from flank to lithotomy position, and the robot was re-docked for excision of the distal ureter and bladder cuff. The last five patients were treated by a new RANU technique that did not require a change of position or movement of the patient cart. We analysed data obtained before, during and after RANU. The total operative duration was reduced by approximately 50 min in last five patients. There was no improvement in hospital stay or estimated blood loss. There were no transfusions and positive surgical margins in any patient. Maintaining the patient in a flank position allows gravity to displace the bowel away from the distal ureter, not only shortening the surgery but also improving exposure of the distal ureterectomy and closure of the bladder cuff. The new RANU technique is a safe and feasible treatment option for upper tract TCC.

The Role of Lymphovascular Invasion in Predicting the Prognosis of Clinically Localized Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (pT1-3cN0M0)

We assessed the impact of lymphovascular invasion on the prognosis of patients treated for clinically localized (pT1-3N0M0) upper tract urothelial carcinoma. From January 1998 to December 2004, 106 patients treated surgically for clinically localized upper tract urothelial carcinoma (pT1-3cN0M0) were recruited for analysis retrospectively. We assessed the impact of multiple prognostic factors including age, sex, smoking, tumor multiplicity, pathological stage, grading, squamous differentiation, subsequent bladder tumor recurrence, tumor site and lymphovascular invasion on the recurrence-free survival rate. We clarified the role of lymphovascular invasion in predicting cancer specific survival in these patients. Mean patient age was 67.2 +/- 11.1 years and median followup was 47.5 months (range 40 to 115). Lymphovascular invasion was present in 32 of 106 (30.2%) patients. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate in patients with and without lymphovascular invasion was 65.3% and 91.9%, respectively (p <0.001). On multivariate analysis lymphovascular invasion status, pT3 and ureteral involvement were significant predictors of patient recurrence-free survival. The positivity of lymphovascular invasion was also significantly associated with the risk of higher stage disease (OR 7.49). Patients with lymphovascular invasion had a higher risk of greater pathological stage disease. Lymphovascular invasion and high stage disease with ureteral involvement led to a greater risk of disease recurrence and, in turn, recurrence caused a higher mortality rate. This finding could help identify patients at greater risk for disease recurrence who would benefit from close followup and early adjuvant therapy.

Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy with a Bladder Cuff Excision

We report here on our technique and outcomes of the first two cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with a bladder cuff excision (RLNU). RLNU was performed on two female patients who both had a muscle invasive lower ureter tumor. For the first step, nephroureterectomy was performed in the lateral flank position. For the second step, bladder cuff excision and bladder repair were performed in a steep Trendelenburg position. The specimen was extracted through a 6 cm sized incision in the umbilical trocar site. Both procedures were successfully completed with using the robot without conversion to open surgery. The total operative time, including the lymphadenectomy and the robot docking times, was 320 and 241 minutes, respectively, for the 2 patients. The estimated blood loss was 40 and 200 ml, respectively. The pathological examinations showed stage T3 and T2 invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter. The patients' postoperative recoveries were uneventful and the bladder cuff was free of tumor. RLNU may have potential advantages over open and laparosopic surgery due to its minimal invasiveness. This approach can be an alternative to open surgery or laparoscopic technique.

Rapid Communication: Combined Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy and Radical Prostatectomy

A 57-year-old man with prostate cancer and transitional-cell carcinoma of the kidney underwent a combined robot-assisted prostatectomy and hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with robot assistance. We describe the initial report of this combined operation and the novel use of the da Vinci robot for extravesical bladder-cuff excision and repair.