Reconstruction of the lower urinary tract by laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Minimally invasive techniques are being developed at a rapid rate, although not all of these stand up to close peer-review and scrutiny. We describe the current state of laparoscopy and robotic-assisted reconstructive urological surgery on the lower urinary tract. These procedures are technically demanding and require advanced laparoscopic skills, including suturing.

RECENT FINDINGS: Techniques for urethra-vesical anastomosis following radical prostatectomy and reconstruction after radical cystectomy are discussed. In addition, minimally invasive techniques for bladder augmentation, colposuspension and ureteric reimplantation are reviewed.

SUMMARY: We indicate both the reconstructive procedures supported by sound evidence and those with little hard data backing them up.