Citation
Zhao CC, Shakir NA, Zhao LC. The emerging role of robotics in upper and lower urinary tract reconstruction. Curr Opin Urol. 2021 Sep 1;31(5):511-515. PMID: 34155169.
Abstract
Developments in robotic reconstructive urology have introduced novel treatments for complex upper and lower urinary tract disease. Short-term and mid-term data demonstrates excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity, suggesting the advanced instrumentation and visualization of robotics represent a new treatment paradigm in patients that are historically difficult to treat. Here we review recent developments in the robotically assisted surgical management of urethral and ureteral strictures. The minimally invasive approach, enhanced precision and reach, and near-infrared fluorescence imaging capabilities of robotic platforms have proven to be valuable additions in reconstructive urology where perfusion is often compromised, or anatomy is distorted. These benefits are leveraged heavily in recent descriptions of robotic-assisted posterior urethroplasty and ureteroplasty. Short-term to mid-term follow-up data for these procedures show excellent patency rates with low morbidity and complication rates when compared with open approaches. Long-term data for these procedures are not yet available. The role of robotics in reconstructive urology is being actively investigated. Initial findings demonstrate excellent results with low morbidity in the treatment of upper and lower urinary tract disease. Long-term data will ultimately determine the role of robotics in the reconstructive armamentarium.
Key Points
- Published in Current opinion in urology in 2021.
- Indexed in PubMed as PMID 34155169.
- Mapped to Ureteral Reconstruction, Urethral Stricture & Urethroplasty, Robotic & Single-Port.
- Abstract available from PubMed and rendered as static text on this page.
Clinical Relevance
This work sits within Dr. Zhao's upper urinary tract reconstruction bibliography, including robotic ureteral repair, buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty, reimplantation, pyeloplasty failure, and complex salvage reconstruction.