Robot-assisted uretero-enteric reimplantation for uretero-enteric anastomotic strictures following robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Surgical approach and outcomes over two decades.

Objective: We described the technique and outcomes of robot-assisted repair of uretero-enteric strictures (UES) following robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and urinary diversion.

Methods: Retrospective review of our RARC database from November 2005 to August 2023 at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer center was performed. Patients who developed UES and ultimately underwent robot-assisted uretero-enteric reimplantation (RUER) were identified. Kaplan-Meier method was used to compute the cumulative incidence recurrence rate of UES after RUER. A multivariable regression model was used to identify variables associated with UES recurrence.

Results: A total of 123 (15%) out of 808 RARC patients developed UES, of whom 52 underwent reimplantation (45 patients underwent RUER [=55 cases] and seven patients underwent open uretero-enteric reimplantation). The median time from RARC to UES was 4.4 (interquartile range 3.0-7.0) months, and the median time between UES and RUER was 5.2 (interquartile range 3.2-8.9) months. The 3-year recurrence rate after RUER is about 29%. On multivariable analysis, longer hospital stay (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.16-1.61, <0.01) was associated with recurrent UES after RUER.

Conclusion: RUER for UES after RARC is feasible with durable outcomes although a notable subset of patients experienced postoperative complications and UES recurrence.