title: The robotic appendicovesicostomy and bladder augmentation: the next frontier in robotics, are we there?
abstract: There is growing interest in applying robotic-assisted laparoscopic techniques to complex reconstructive pelvic surgery owing to inherent benefits of precision, tissue handling, and articulating instruments for suturing. This review examines preliminary experiences with robotic-assisted laparoscopic augmentation ileocystoplasty and Mitrofanoff appendicovesicostomy (RALIMA) as either an isolated or combined procedure. These series suggest RALIMA is feasible, with the benefit of early recovery and improved cosmetic results in selected patients. The robotic approach incurs functional outcomes and complication rates similar to those of open techniques. Given the steep learning curve, only surgeons with extensive robotic experience are currently adopting this technique.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Urology, Section of Urology, The University of Chicago Medical Center and Comer Children's Hospital, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC6038, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Electronic address: Andrew.Cohen@uchospitals.edu.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Urology, Section of Urology, The University of Chicago Medical Center and Comer Children's Hospital, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC6038, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Pariser
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Urology, Section of Urology, The University of Chicago Medical Center and Comer Children's Hospital, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC6038, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Blake B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Urology, Section of Urology, The University of Chicago Medical Center and Comer Children's Hospital, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC6038, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Shane M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Urology, Section of Urology, The University of Chicago Medical Center and Comer Children's Hospital, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC6038, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Mohan S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Gundeti
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D002648:Child; D003559:Cystostomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D061646:Operative Time; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000601:surgery*; D014547:Urinary Diversion / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Bladder augmentation; Continent; Minimally-invasive; Mitrofanoff; Neurogenic bladder; Robotics