Robotic Ureteral Reconstruction: Your Options

About this video

A ureteral stricture is a narrowing of the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Dr. Alex Vanni explains the condition, how robotic surgery has changed ureteral repair, ureteral rest and fluorescence imaging, the buccal mucosa graft, and how the repair is chosen, including end-to-end anastomosis, psoas hitch, and Boari flap.

Key points

• A ureteral stricture is a narrowing that blocks urine flow from the kidney
• Common causes include prior surgery, kidney stones, and radiation
• Robotic surgery allows precise repair through small incisions, with a shorter hospital stay
• Ureteral rest, a 1 to 6 week stent-free period before surgery, lets the tissue heal
• A buccal mucosa graft repair is successful in more than 9 out of 10 patients
• Options include end-to-end anastomosis, psoas hitch, Boari flap, or a graft or bowel for longer strictures

Chapters

1. 0:00Introduction
2. 0:23Ureteral Stricture
3. 0:43Robotic Surgery
4. 1:14Principles for a Good Repair
5. 1:52The Buccal Mucosa Graft
6. 2:11Choosing the Repair