Laparoscopic robot-assisted appendicovesicostomy: an initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
To describe our initial experience with laparoscopic robot-assisted appendicovesicostomy (LRAA).


METHODS
We have performed the LRAA in three patients, aged 9, 17, and 45 years. The underlying medical conditions were myelomeningocele, prune-belly syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Adjuvant procedures consisted of extensive lysis of adhesions and a bladder-neck fascial sling.


RESULTS
All procedures were completed intracorporeally. The mean blood loss was 50 mL. The mean operative time was 301 minutes (range 203-362 minutes). The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-4 days). Follow-up ranges from 1 to 8 months. All patients currently catheterize without difficulty and are continent.


CONCLUSIONS
In our initial experience, LRAA is a safe and effective option for creating a continent catheterizable channel into the urinary bladder.
Storm
Douglas W
DW
Department of Urology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822, USA. dwstorm@geisinger.edu
Fulmer
Brant R
BR
Sumfest
Joel M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods; D001065:Appendix / Q000601:surgery*; D002404:Catheterization; D002648:Child; D003559:Cystostomy / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications; D011535:Prune Belly Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D012371:Robotics; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013997:Time Factors; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000628:therapy