Danesh Bansal

Infant robotic pyeloplasty: Comparison with an open cohort

OBJECTIVE To present our experience with infant pyeloplasty, comparing outcomes between robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and open pyeloplasty (OP). MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all children <1 year of age who underwent unilateral dismembered pyeloplasty at a single pediatric institution since January 2007. Patients with standard laparoscopic pyeloplasty were excluded. Patient demographics, intraoperative details, narcotic usage, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 70 infants (51 boys and 19 girls) were identified, with nine RALP and 61 OP performed. Median age was 9.2 months (range, 3.7-11.9 months) for RALP and 4.1 months (range, 1.0-11.6 months) for OP (p = 0.005). Median weight was 8 kg (range, 5.8-10.9 kg) for RALP and 7 kg (range, 4-14 kg) for OP (p = 0.163). Median operative time was 115 min (range, 95-205 min) for RALP and 166 min (range, 79-300 min) for OP (p = 0.028). Median hospital stay was 1 day (range, 1-2 days) for RALP and 3 days (range, 1-7 days) for OP (p < 0.001). Median postoperative narcotic use of morphine equivalent was <0.01 mg/kg/day (range, 0-0.1 mg/kg/day) for RALP and 0.05 mg/kg/day (range, 0-2.2 mg/kg/day) for OP (p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 10 months (range, 7.2-17.8 months) for RALP and 43.6 months (3.4-73.8 months) for OP (p < 0.001). The success rate was 100% for RALP and 98% for OP. CONCLUSIONS Infant RALP was observed to be feasible and efficacious with shorter operative time, hospital stay, and narcotic utilization than OP.

Ninety-day perioperative complications of pediatric robotic urological surgery: A multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND Robotic technology is the newest tool in the armamentarium for minimally invasive surgery. Individual centers have reported on both the outcomes and complications associated with this technology, but the numbers in these studies remain small, and it has been difficult to extrapolate meaningful information. OBJECTIVES The intention was to evaluate a large cohort of pediatric robotic patients through a multi-center database in order to determine the frequency and types of complications associated with robotic surgery for pediatric reconstructive and ablative procedures in the United States. STUDY DESIGN After institutional review board approvals at the participating centers, data were retrospectively collected (2007-2011) by each institute and entered into a RedCap(®) database. Available demographic and complication data that were assigned Clavien grading scores were analyzed. RESULTS From a cohort of 858 patients (880 RAL procedures), Grade IIIa and Grade IIIb complications were seen in 41 (4.8%); and one patient (0.1%) had a grade IVa complication. Intraoperative visceral injuries secondary to robotic instrument exchange and traction injury were seen in four (0.5%) patients, with subsequent conversion to an open procedure. Grade I and II complications were seen in 59 (6.9%) and 70 (8.2%) patients, respectively; they were all managed conservatively. A total of 14 (1.6%) were converted to an open or pure laparoscopic procedure, of which, 12 (86%) were secondary to mechanical challenges. DISCUSSION It is believed that this study represents the largest and most comprehensive description of pediatric RAL urological complications to date. The results demonstrate a 4.7% rate of Clavien Grade IIIa and Grade IIIb complications in a total of 880 cases. While small numbers make it difficult to draw conclusions regarding the most complex reconstructive cases (bladder diverticulectomy, bladder neck revision, etc.), the data on the more commonly performed procedures, such as the RAL pyeloplasty and ureteral reimplantation, are robust and more likely represent the true complication rate for these procedures when performed by highly experienced robotic surgeons. CONCLUSION Pediatric robotic urologic procedures are technically feasible and safe. The overall 90-day complication rate is similar to reports of laparoscopic and open surgical procedures. COMPLICATIONS n (%) Life threatening (IVa): 1 (0.1%) Requiring radiologic and or surgical intervention (IIIa and IIIb): 41 (4.8%) Secondary to robotic system: 4 (0.5%) Mechanical failure leading to conversion: 14 (1.6%).

Infant robot-assisted laparoscopic upper urinary tract reconstructive surgery.

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess the outcomes of infant robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) upper urinary tract reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical records of all infants who underwent RAL upper urinary tract reconstruction were reviewed. Patients less than 1 year of age at surgery were included. Patient demographics, intraoperative details, narcotic usage, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS Ten infants met the study criteria. There were five right and five left-sided procedures. Eight pyeloplasties (4 right, 4 left) and two ureteroureterostomies (1 right single system, 1 left duplex system) were performed. The median age was 8 months (range 3-12 months). Median weight was 7.7 kg (range 5.8-10.9 kg). Median operative time was 128 min (range 95-205 min). There was no significant blood loss or intraoperative complications. One (10%) patient received a regional block. Eight (80%) patients did not receive postoperative narcotics. Median hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-2). Median follow-up was 10 months (range 3-18 months). Complications included one urinary leak, one ileus, and one urinary tract infection. Hydronephrosis improved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS Infant RAL upper urinary tract reconstruction is technically feasible, safe, and effective. It can be applied for duplication anomalies and single system obstructions in infants.

Comparison of Pediatric Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy and Laparoendoscopic Single-site Nephroureterectomy

OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes between pediatric robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RALNU) and laparoendoscopic single-site nephroureterectomy (LESSNU). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients who underwent RALNU and LESSNU at a single pediatric institution from April 2009 to April 2013. Patient demographics, perioperative details, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS Thirty-two patients (20 men, 12 women) were identified. Twenty-four patients underwent RALNU and 8 patients underwent LESSNU. There was no significant blood loss, intraoperative complication, or conversion to open or standard laparoscopy for either procedure. Median age was 55.1 months (range 4.5-171.8 months) for RALNU and 51.6 months (range 16.3-144.9 months) for LESSNU (P = .695). Median weight was 19.1 kg (range 7-55 kg) for RALNU and 16.9 kg (range 11-41 kg) for LESSNU (P = .727). Median operative time was 227 minutes (range 112-362 minutes) for RALNU and 174 minutes (range 74-288 minutes) for LESSNU (P = .028). Median length of hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-4 days) for RALNU and 1 day (range 0-6 days) for LESSNU (P = .134). Median in-patient postoperative narcotic use of morphine-equivalent was 0.03 mg/kg/day (range 0-0.2) for RALNU and <0.01 mg/kg/day (range 0-0.2) for LESSNU (P = .134). Median in-patient postoperative Ketorolac use was <0.01 mg/kg/day (range 0-0.8) for RALNU and <0.01 mg/kg/day (range 0-0.5) for LESSNU (P = .784). Median follow-up was 22 months (range 0.8-48.4 months) for RALNU and 18.8 months (range 0.3-29.4 months) for LESSNU (P = .361). We observed 2 complications (8.3%) in RALNU and 1 in LESSNU (P = 1). CONCLUSION LESSNU has a significantly shorter operative time with comparable in-patient postoperative narcotics use as compared to RALNU.

Pediatric urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery: Single surgeon experience

OBJECTIVE The aim was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of pediatric urological laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all children who underwent LESS surgery at a single pediatric institution from September 2010 to July 2013. Patient demographics, intraoperative details, narcotic usage, and complications were reviewed. The umbilicus was used as the surgical site in all cases. All procedures were performed with a flexible tip laparoscope, a multichannel port, standard 3- or 5-mm laparoscopic instrumentation, and articulating instruments. RESULTS Sixty-one patients (50 male, 11 female) were identified. Procedures included 18 orchidopexies, 15 nephrectomies, 11 varicocelectomies, nine nephroureterectomies, four partial nephrectomies, one ureterectomy, one ureterolithotomy, one orchiectomy, and one utricle excision. The ureterolithotomy was converted to open surgery for failure to progress. The utricle excision was converted to conventional laparoscopy by adding one accessory port and one skin puncture because of the close proximity of the vas deferens to the utricle. Intraoperative complications included one vas deferens injury during orchidopexy in a postpubertal male. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients: five grade II and one grade IIIb. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric urological LESS procedures are technically feasible, safe, and effective. Further evaluation is warranted to better define its role in pediatric urological surgery.

Pediatric laparo-endoscopic single site partial nephrectomy: Feasibility in infants and small children for upper urinary tract duplication anomalies

OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility and outcomes of laparo-endoscopic single site (LESS) partial nephrectomy (PN) in infants and small children for upper urinary tract duplication anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical records of all patients undergoing LESS PN at a single pediatric institution were retrospectively reviewed for patient demographics, perioperative details, and outcomes. A cystoscopy was initially performed to place an externalized catheter into the ureter of the ipsilateral normal renal moiety. An Olympus TriPort, an Olympus Endoeye flexible tip laparoscope, standard 3- or 5-mm instrumentation, and a LigaSure Blunt were utilized. RESULTS Four children (two boys, two girls) underwent LESS PN. Three patients underwent upper pole PN and one underwent lower pole PN. All procedures were performed for poorly functioning obstructed renal moieties (one ureterocele, one ureteropelvic junction obstruction and vesicoureteral reflux, and two ectopic ureters). Median age was 6.2 months (range 2.5-16.4 months). Median weight was 7.7 kg (range 6.1-12.6 kg). Median operative time was 126 min (range 97-180 min). No patient received inpatient postoperative narcotics. Median follow-up was 9.9 months (range 6.2-19.1 months). No postoperative complications were noted. Postoperative renal ultrasound demonstrated successful resection in all patients. CONCLUSIONS LESS PN is technically feasible, safe, and effective for upper urinary tract duplication anomalies in infants and small children.

Pediatric robotic assisted laparoscopic nephropexy: case study

We describe pediatric robotic assisted laparoscopic left nephropexy in a 12-year-old female for symptomatic nephroptosis after partial nephroureterectomy.

Pediatric robotic assisted laparoscopy for paraureteral bladder diverticulum excision with ureteral reimplantation.

We describe pediatric robotic assisted laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy with a ureteral reimplantation in a 9-year-old male for a symptomatic paraureteral diverticulum.

LaparoEndoscopic Single Site Orchidopexy for Intra-Abdominal Testes in the Pediatric Population with a Multichannel Single Port and Flexible Tip Laparoscope

PURPOSE To assess the outcomes of pediatric LaparoEndoscopic Single Site (LESS) orchidopexy using a commercially available multi-channel single port (MCSP) and flexible tip laparoscope (FTL). PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed of children who underwent LESS orchidopexy by a single surgeon at a pediatric institution. A commercially available MCSP was utilized at the umbilicus. A 5 mm FTL and 3 mm and 5 mm instruments were used for the dissection. Follow-up visits were performed 2-4 weeks and 6-12 months after surgery to assess position and size of the testes. RESULTS A total of 17 patients were identified. Median age was 11 months (range 3-43). Sixteen patients underwent primary orchidopexy, including two bilateral procedures and five primary Fowler-Stephens (FS) procedures. One patient underwent a staged FS orchidopexy, with the LESS technique utilized during the second stage. Median laparoscopic dissection time for each testis was 35 minutes (range 22-40). There was no blood loss or intraoperative complications. All testes were noted to be in the scrotum without testicular atrophy. CONCLUSIONS Our initial experience with this technique was favorable with excellent outcomes. LESS orchidopexy is facilitated with a MCSP and FTL.

Infant Robotic Bilateral Upper Urinary Tract Surgery

We describe a case of robot-assisted laparoscopic bilateral upper urinary tract surgery in a 4-month-old infant for complex bilateral upper urinary tract duplication anomalies.