Robotic augmentation ileocystoplasty with bilateral ureteric reimplantation in a young child with neuropathic bladder

Abstract

Neuropathic bladder in children is most commonly secondary to spina bifida. The management starts early in life. The modalities of treatment vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. A proportion of children inspite of adequate medical management need augmentation ileocystoplasty later in life. The open surgery has proven safety and success over many decades. Earlier attempts to perform augmentation cystoplasty by the laparoscopic approach were limited by steep learning curve, long operating times, and technical difficulties in intracorporeal anastomosis. The emergence of robotic technology has revived the interest in minimally invasive approach for complex pediatric urological reconstructions. In the recent times, there has been only one reported case report and small series of pediatric robotic augmentation cystoplasty from Chicago. We report the first minimally invasive robotic reconstruction in a child with neuropathic bladder and early renal decompensation despite appropriate medical treatment, from our country.