Pediatric robotic urologic surgery-2014

Robotics in Pediatric Urology: A Review

BACKGROUND

Recent technological advances have enabled pediatric urologist to push the envelope of minimally invasive techniques. Recently, implementing robots into laparoscopic procedures has enabled the mitigation of certain drawbacks, opening the door for the implementation of minimally invasive techniques. The purpose of this review is to identify the current state surrounding robotic surgery and explore future directions for the field.

METHODS

The authors undertook a literature search to explore the current state of robotic surgery in pediatric procedures.

RESULTS

While operative times are longer for robotic surgery, robotic surgery operations have reported shorter post-operative hospital stays, lower pain medication use, and similar success rates relative to open procedures. New advances in training may enable improved training paradigms for novice surgeons, decreasing future operative times.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from the field suggests robotic surgery is an optimal alternative to open procedures, conferring advantages to both the patient and surgeon.

The learning curve for robotic-assisted pyeloplasty in urologists with no prior robotic experience using an ex-vivo model: A prospective, controlled study

INTRODUCTION

Despite the increasing trend of utilizing robotic techniques in pyeloplasty, little is known about the learning curve for robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) amongst urologists with no prior robotic experience. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the learning curve of residents in the last year or recently appointed urologists performing RAP using an ex-vivo model.

METHODS

A prospective ex-vivo model study was conducted including participants who were either residents in the last year or recently appointed urologists. All participants had obtained the E-BLUS certification, or they were able to complete its 4 tasks successfully in a dry lab, without prior robotic experience. Each participant performed four consecutive RAPs using the avatera system on an ex-vivo porcine model. The primary endpoint of the present study was the change in the average time to complete the anastomosis from the first to the fourth attempt.

RESULTS

Nine urologists and 8 residents were enrolled in this study. Each surgeon demonstrated a reduction in the time to complete anastomosis from the 1st to 4th attempt with an average of value of 4.41 ± 1.06 minutes (p = 0.003). The decrease in time was statistically significant in both urologists and residents subgroups (4.5 ± 1.41 minutes p = 0.049 and 4.33 ± 0.71 minutes p = 0.035 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The training on the ex-vivo model could lead, in only a few attempts, to a significant improvement in skills and in the required time of experienced-naïve surgeons to complete an RAP.

Pediatric Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty: Where Are We Now?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the recent advancements in robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and its evolving landscape in the context of infant pyeloplasty, complex genitourinary (GU) anatomy, recurrent ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, cost considerations, and the learning curve.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature highlights the safety and efficacy of RALP in treating the infant population, patients with complex GU anomalies, and recurrent UPJO which were all traditionally managed using the open approach. Cost considerations are evolving, with the potential for RALP to have a lesser financial burden. In addition, the learning curve for RALP is diminishing due to robust training programs and advances in research. RALP has become the gold standard in the treatment of UPJO in pediatric urology at many children's hospitals. Surgeon comfort and research in this space allow safe and successful reconstruction in the most challenging of cases.

Review of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in management of infant congenital urology: Advances and limitations in utilization and learning

As robotic-assisted (RAL) surgery expanded to treat pediatric congenital disease, infant anatomy and physiology posed unique challenges that prompted adaptations to the technology and surgical technique, which are compiled and reviewed in this manuscript. From the beginning, collaboration with anesthesia is critical for a safe, efficient case including placement of an endotracheal tube rather than a laryngeal mask (LMA) and placement of a nasogastric tube and/or rectal tube to relieve distended stomach or bowel, respectively. Furthermore, end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂ ) is important for monitoring and predicting the effects of pneumoperitoneum on caridiovascular physiology, incranial pressure, and risk of acidosis and hypercarbia. Positioning can further exacerbate these effects and affect intra-abdominal working space. For infant robotic pyeloplasty and heminephrectomy, a "beanbag" is commonly used for stabilization in the lateral decubitus position. We advise against the use of a "baby bump" because it brings the bowels and vasculature more anterior than expected. Pnuemoperitoneum pressure of 8-10 mmHg during port placement maximizes safety, but thereafter, the pneumoperitoneum pressure can be minimized to 6-8 mmHg during the procedure without compromising the visual field. Port sites should be marked after insufflation, followed by the open Hasson technique for peritoneal access and port placement under direct vision with intussusception of the trocars to avoid vascular or bowel injury. Additional tips can be obtained through this manuscript, immersive fellowships, and mini-fellowships. Ulitmately, infant robotic surgery has the potential to benefit many children but is presently limited by the lack of pediatric-specific robotic technology and its associated costs.

First Pediatric Pyeloplasty Using the Senhance® Robotic System—A Case Report

A pediatric robotic pyeloplasty has been performed with the Senhance^® robotic system for the first time in January 2021 on a 1.5-year-old girl with symptomatic ureteropelvic junction stenosis. A Senhance^® robotic system (Asensus Surgical^® Inc., Durham, NC, USA) with three arms and 5 mm instruments was used, providing infrared eye tracking of the 5 mm camera and haptic feedback for the surgeon, facilitating suturing of the anastomosis and double-J stent insertion. The robotic surgery lasted 4.5 h, was uneventful and successful, without recurrence of the ureteropelvic junction obstruction after six months, and with normal development of the patient’s growth and organ function. The use of the robotic system was shown to be safe and feasible; long term follow-up will be conducted subsequently in pediatric surgery.

Robotic Bladder Neck Reconstruction With Mitrofanoff Appendicovesicostomy in a Neurogenic Bladder Patient

OBJECTIVE

Robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) techniques for the management of neurogenic bladder involves complex procedures using lower urinary tract and bowel. When medical therapy fails, surgery aims to preserve upper tract function and social continence.¹ Traditionally, the procedure was performed in an open approach, but newer minimally-invasive techniques offer improved cosmesis, reduced pain and length of stay.² A series of 38 cases showed the feasibility and safety of this approach.³ Here, we describe a RAL bladder neck reconstruction with appendicovesicostomy in a 7-year-old with neurogenic bladder (Fig. 1).

METHODS

The patient was placed in a lithotomy position followed by double-J and Foley catheter placement. With an open Hasson technique, a 12-mm, two 8-mm, and a 5-mm port were positioned. The bladder is prefilled with saline (80 mL) and a cystotomy is performed. The tubularization is completed in 2 layers achieving a 3-cm tunnel (Figs. 2-3). The appendix is implanted in the posterior wall of the bladder with a submucosal tunnel. Ultimately, 2 suprapubic tubes are placed and the bladder is closed in a single layer.

RESULTS

No complications reported, operative time was 5 hours and estimated blood loss was 50 mL. At 1-month follow-up, double-J stents were removed and the patient reported catheterizing well with good continence and well-healed incisions.

CONCLUSION

Robotic continence procedures have demonstrated to be a safe and effective alternative. Here, we presented a satisfactory outcome using RAL bladder neck reconstruction with appendicovesicostomy in a 7 years old with persistent incontinence, despite untethering and maximal anticholinergic therapy.

Postoperative course following complex major pediatric urologic surgery: A single surgeon experience

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Payers have established unplanned returns as quality measures tied to reimbursement. We sought to identify patient characteristics and surgical factors associated with unplanned returns and postoperative complications following intraabdominal pediatric urologic procedures. Only one study has emergency room visits in pediatric urology, but included only limited case complexity.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of all pediatric patients who underwent urological surgery from 2007 to 2016 by a single surgeon. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to determine factors associated with length of stay, unplanned ER visits and readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 372 cases were included, of which 251 were robotic and 121 were open. Overall, the rate of ER visits was 19%, rate of readmissions was 8.7%, and rate of reoperations was 4.3%. We found that the odds of a urologic ER visit and Clavien grade II (infectious) complications were comparatively lower for robotic surgery, but not readmission. Undergoing a lower tract procedure was significantly associated with a related ER visit; however, patient insurance status was not related to unplanned returns.

CONCLUSIONS

Procedure characteristics, not patient demographics were associated with unplanned returns. Robotic approach was associated with fewer ER visits and infectious complications, indicating potential cost savings.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level 3 Treatment Study.

Augmented Reality in Medicine: Systematic and Bibliographic Review

Background

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that integrates digital information into the user’s real-world environment. It offers a new approach for treatments and education in medicine. AR aids in surgery planning and patient treatment and helps explain complex medical situations to patients and their relatives.

Objective

This systematic and bibliographic review offers an overview of the development of apps in AR with a medical use case from March 2012 to June 2017. This work can aid as a guide to the literature and categorizes the publications in the field of AR research.

Methods

From March 2012 to June 2017, a total of 1309 publications from PubMed and Scopus databases were manually analyzed and categorized based on a predefined taxonomy. Of the total, 340 duplicates were removed and 631 publications were excluded due to incorrect classification or unavailable technical data. The remaining 338 publications were original research studies on AR. An assessment of the maturity of the projects was conducted on these publications by using the technology readiness level. To provide a comprehensive process of inclusion and exclusion, the authors adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Results

The results showed an increasing trend in the number of publications on AR in medicine. There were no relevant clinical trials on the effect of AR in medicine. Domains that used display technologies seemed to be researched more than other medical fields. The technology readiness level showed that AR technology is following a rough bell curve from levels 4 to 7. Current AR technology is more often applied to treatment scenarios than training scenarios.

Conclusions

This work discusses the applicability and future development of augmented- and mixed-reality technologies such as wearable computers and AR devices. It offers an overview of current technology and a base for researchers interested in developing AR apps in medicine. The field of AR is well researched, and there is a positive trend in its application, but its use is still in the early stages in the field of medicine and it is not widely adopted in clinical practice. Clinical studies proving the effectiveness of applied AR technologies are still lacking.

Current Concepts in Pediatric Robotic Assisted Pyeloplasty

Robotic surgery in pediatric urology has been gaining popularity since its introduction almost two decades ago. Robotic assisted pyeloplasty is the most common robotic procedure performed in pediatric urology. Advances in robotic technology, instrumentation, patient care and surgical expertise have allowed the correction of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction in most patients using this minimally invasive technique. The excellent experience with robotic assisted pyeloplasty has challenged other approaches as a new standard for the treatment of UPJ obstruction. In this review, we will describe the technique as it relates to the different robotic platforms, review the surgical experience and compare its results to other surgical approaches. Also, we will discuss patient and parent satisfaction, cost and financial considerations, along with evaluating the future of robotic surgery in the treatment of UPJ obstruction.

Pediatric Robotic Surgery in South America: Advantages and Difficulties in Program Implementation

Robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity around the world due to its vast benefits. Although it has been established mainly in developed countries, in South America the robotic programs have become more popular, but its growth is clearly slower. Information about robotic pediatric surgery program in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina was collected through e-mail surveys. Results were analyzed and compared to worldwide information about robotic surgery. Due to the wide social, economical, and technological gap between hospitals in South America, it is hard to develop a proper pediatric robotic surgery program. The main obstacles in those four countries appear to be a combination of high purchase costs and equipment maintenance, lack of financial coverage of the procedure by insurance companies and the absence of significant benefits proved in pediatrics in relation to laparoscopic surgery. The pediatric specialties are in the process of making and implementing robotic programs supported by the evident development in adult specialties. However, pediatric robotic surgery in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Argentina do not seems to share that growth.

Perioperative and Short-Term Outcomes of Robotic vs Open Bladder Neck Procedures for Neurogenic Incontinence

PURPOSE

Complex urological reconstruction may be facilitated by the improved magnification and dexterity provided by a robotic approach. Minimally invasive surgery also has the potential advantages of decreased length of stay and improved convalescence. We reviewed perioperative and short-term outcomes between robot-assisted and open bladder neck sling/repair with catheterizable channel in patients with neurogenic bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed an institutional review board approved retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent open or robotic bladder neck reconstruction without augmentation cystoplasty for refractory urinary incontinence between 2010 and 2014. Age at surgery, operative time, length of stay, complications within 30 days of surgery and future continence procedures (injection of bladder neck/catheterizable channel, additional bladder neck surgery, botulinum toxin A injection) were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients underwent bladder neck reconstruction (open in 26, robotic in 19) with a mean follow up of 2.8 years. There was no difference in preoperative urodynamics, age at surgery or length of stay (median 4 days in each group, p >0.9). Operative time was significantly longer in the robotic group (8.2 vs 4.5 hours, p <0.001). Three patients (16%) undergoing robotic and 3 (12%) undergoing open surgery had a complication within 30 days (p >0.9). Of patients undergoing open repair 14 (56%) underwent 23 subsequent surgeries for incontinence. By comparison, 8 patients undergoing robotic repair (42%) underwent 12 additional procedures (p = 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Although a robotic approach may take longer to perform, it does not result in increased complications or length of stay, or worsened continence outcomes.