Robotic Surgical Approaches to Bladder Reconstruction in Adults

Robot-assisted urologic surgeries have demonstrated safety and efficacy. While pioneered for urologic oncology cases, robot-assisted surgeries have subsequently been successfully applied in urologic pelvic reconstructive procedures. Robot assistance in reconstructive surgeries enables the surgeon’s ability to handle delicate suturing, eliminating many challenges of pure laparoscopic suturing. Robotic technology also greatly improves visualization in the pelvis. Thus, robotics facilitates the possibility for minimally invasive techniques in reconstructive pelvic surgeries, reducing length of stay and blood loss and allowing faster recovery. As in all surgeries, positioning and setup contributes to the ease of the entire procedure. This article aims to discuss key points in robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy, ureteral reimplants, urinary diversions, and repair of vesicovaginal fistulae.