Is Postoperative Voiding Cystourethrogram Routinely Indicated Following Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation in Children: Time to Define the New Standards?

Abstract

Objective: To examine the need to routinely obtain voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to confirm vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) resolution following robotic-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (RALUR) in children.

Methods: A single-center, prospectively maintained database was reviewed for patients <18 years old who underwent RALUR for VUR. Patient charts were reviewed for baseline characteristics and surgical details. Patients were routinely followed up by renal bladder ultrasound at 6-8 weeks and VCUG at 3 months postoperatively. The primary endpoint was radiological success defined as the absence of VUR on postoperative VCUG. The secondary endpoints were clinical success, defined as the absence of postoperative febrile urinary tract infection, postoperative urinary retention, and reoperation for persistent VUR or RALUR complications.

Results: Between 2018 and 2023, 42 children (48 refluxing ureters) underwent extravesical RALUR at the study institution at a mean age of 70.4 + 23.7 months. A majority of 81% were females, and 85.7% had associated bladder and bowel dysfunction. Six patients (14.3%) had bilateral RALUR. Of the ureters, 83.4%(40/48) had grade III or higher VUR, and 20.8%(10/48) had duplex kidneys. Postoperative VCUG was completed in 36(85.7%) patients. Radiological reflux resolution was confirmed in 87.5%(35/40) of ureters. The remaining five ureters had VUR downgrading to grade I or II; all remained asymptomatic, and none required reoperation. One patient required ureteral stenting for 6 weeks for an unidentified unilateral ureteral injury without long-term consequences. Postoperative urine retention requiring short-term catheterization occurred in three patients. The clinical success rate was 97.6%.

Conclusion: After bypassing the learning curve, VCUG is not routinely indicated following RALUR for VUR.