Robotic-assisted laparoscopic bladder augmentation in the pediatric patient.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder augmentation is a common surgical intervention for neuropathic bladder dysfunction, and has conventionally been an open procedure. We present a robotic ileocystoplasty to demonstrate the feasibility of an entirely intracorporeal approach in a pediatric patient.

METHODS: The patient was a 6 year old (18.5 kg) boy with a neurogenic bladder secondary to lumbar myelomeningocele. Urodynamics revealed a small capacity and poorly compliant bladder and he was incontinent between frequent catheterizations. A robotic augmentation cystoplasty was performed.

RESULTS: At one-month postoperatively, a cystogram revealed no urine leak, and the suprapubic tube was removed. The patient resumed CIC every 3 h during the day and once overnight until postoperative urodynamic studies confirmed safe dynamics, after which the CIC interval was lengthened.

CONCLUSION: Robotic bladder augmentation is safe and feasible in a select pediatric population. The entire procedure including preparation of the bowel segment can be completed intracorporeally, even in smaller children.