Is Stent-Free Ureteroenteric Anastomosis Associated With Lower Ureteroenteric Strictures After Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy and Ileal Conduit?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the differences in perioperative outcomes, especially ureteroenteric strictures, between patients who underwent a stented ureteroenteric anastomosis at the time of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and ileal conduit vs those who did not. METHODS: A retrospective review of our RARC database was performed (2009-2023). Patients were divided into those who received stented ureteroenteric anastomosis vs those who did not. Propensity score matching was performed in the ratio of 3 (stented ureteroenteric anastomosis) to 1 (stent-free) in terms of age, gender, BMI, race, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Charlson Comorbidity Index, prior radiation therapy, previous abdominal surgery history, clinical T3/clinical T4 stage, preoperative metastasis, and preoperative hydronephrosis. A cumulative incidence curve was used to depict ureteroenteric strictures and a Cox regression model was used to identify variables associated with ureteroenteric strictures. RESULTS: = .05). Stent placement was significantly associated with ureteroenteric strictures. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-free ureteroenteric anastomosis was associated with fewer strictures following RARC and ileal conduit.