Single-Port Robotic Ureteroenteric Stricture Repair: A Retrospective Cohort Review

Introduction The objective of this study is to present a series of 16 cases utilizing single-port robot-assisted repair for ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture (UES). To our knowledge, this is the first case series recorded detailing successful single-port UES revision.  Methods A retrospective review of all patients under a single surgeon undergoing single-port robotic revision of ureteroenteric stricture following radical cystectomy with urinary diversion at our institutions from September 2020 through July 2024 was performed. Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were assessed. Results The study consisted of 3 bilateral ureteroenteric strictures and 13 unilateral strictures, more commonly on the left. Stricture length averaged 2.2 cm on the left and 2.1 cm on the right. Surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using the da Vinci SP surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California, US). The type of stricture repair included excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) with Bricker or Wallace reconstruction or Heineke-Mikulicz (HM) repair, although one case involved the necessity of revision ileocalycostomy. Two of the 16 cases were converted from robotic to open due to extensive adhesions. The average procedure length was 265 minutes (148-440). Length of stay (LOS) ranged from 0-46 days, averaging 4.9 days. There were five postoperative complications encountered including two seromas, two incisional hernias, and an episode of urosepsis. Pre- and postoperative changes in creatinine level ranged from -0.26 to 0.3 mg/dL. No renal units were lost. No patients were readmitted following initial surgical discharge. All patients returned for follow-up; none required repeat intervention. Conclusion SP robotic repair of ureteroenteric anastomoses is safe and feasible. The risk of complications is low with a high chance of success and possibly a lower length of stay; more research is warranted.