Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation in Pre-toilet Trained Children With Vesicoureteral Reflux

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the outcomes of pre-toilet trained children undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (RALUR) for the treatment of primary VUR at our institution and compare these to an older cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study analyzed data from a single institution's registry, comparing outcomes between pre-toilet trained and toilet trained children who underwent RALUR for primary VUR. Preoperative parameters, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS The study included 158 patients, with 24 in the pre-toilet trained group and 134 in the toilet trained group. Both cohorts exhibited similar demographics and preoperative characteristics. Operative times, complication rates, and surgical outcomes were comparable between the groups, despite the pre-toilet trained group presenting with more severe VUR grades. Incidence of febrile urinary tract infection after surgery and need for further intervention did not significantly differ between the cohorts. CONCLUSION The current study demonstrates the feasibility, success, and safety of RALUR in pre-toilet trained compared to toilet trained children and thus supports the stance that it is a viable alternative to open surgery.