Evolution in technique of robotic intracorporeal continent catheterizable pouch after cystectomy

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) has become an increasingly utilized approach to treating various bladder pathologies requiring extirpation. As surgeons have become more experienced with ICUD, especially with lesser-used diversions such as continent cutaneous reservoirs, the technique has evolved.

We describe our technique and recent advances in the practical creation of robotic ICUD with a continent catheterizable pouch (CCP) built upon the open principles of the previously described "Indiana Pouch, " which uses the distal ileum and right colon. Modifications in anatomic mobilization and exposure, bowel segmentation using novel robotic bowel staplers, catheterizable channel creation, and addition of ileal chimney for uretero-enteric anastomoses are highlighted. The addition of the ileal chimney allows for ease of reconstruction in a fashion familiar to surgeons accustomed to performing intracorporeal ileal conduit and, therefore, may result in lower ureteroenteric stricture rates. Table 1 demonstrates the supplies used intraoperatively. Use of indocyanine green to assess vascularity in bowel and ureter intraoperatively is demonstrated. The port configurations are demonstrated using the DaVinci ® Xi platform. Also described are short-term outcomes of our initial experience.

Eleven consecutive patients (5 female) who have undergone ICUD with CCP were included. Of the eleven seven had malignant indications (bladder or urethral cancer) while 4 were for benign causes (2 radiation cystitis 2 interstitial cystitis). Mean blood loss was 235cc (range 100-500cc) and mean operative time was 8.5 h (range 7-13). There were no conversions to an open procedure and no patient required a blood transfusion. Hospital stay was 7.2 days on average (range 4-18) with no 30-day post-discharge readmissions. One patient had a Clavien grade 3 or greater complication at 30 days (Table 2). No urine leaks or bowel leaks were observed and no patien experienced stomal stenosis or uretero-enteric stenosis. At three months follow up, all patients were continent and satisfied with their diversion.

RARC with CCP ICUD is a safe and effective approach to bladder removal and reconstruction. As more surgeons utilize RARC, growing attention to techniques of intracorporeal reconstruction will allow further implementation of this technique to cystectomy patients. Patients with adequate renal function (glomerular filtration rate of 40 mL/min or greater) and hepatic function, who understand the requirement for regular clean intermittent-catheterization and who possess mental acuity and manual dexterity to empty their pouch 4-6 times daily should be offered CCP ICUD as a reconstructive option following RARC.