Single-Docking Robotic-Assisted Radical Nephroureterectomy in Morbidly Obese Patient Post-Radical Cystectomy With Ileal Conduit: A Case Report

Bladder cancer is considered the most prevalent malignancy affecting the urinary tract system. Urothelial carcinoma, also known as transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), can arise from the entire urinary tract, with the bladder considered the primary site of origin and representing 95% of all cases. The management of TCC of the upper urinary tract is mainly by nephroureterectomy (NU). To our knowledge, there are no data regarding single-docking robotic-assisted NU following cystectomy with an ileal conduit. Therefore, in this study, we are reporting a case of single-docking robotic-assisted NU in a patient who previously underwent open cystectomy with an ileal conduit. A case of a 57-year-old female diagnosed with bladder cancer 10 years ago and underwent several transurethral resections of bladder tumor (TURBT) sessions presented for the first time in 2019, complaining of hematuria and dropping in the hemoglobin, which was not improving with multiple TURBT. For that, the patient underwent an open radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit. During the follow-up in 2021, computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis and abdomen with intravenous (IV) contrast showed a 7 mm enhancing lesion in the right proximal ureter, which was suspicious of proximal ureter mass. In 2022, the patient was again seen in the outpatient clinic; a CT of the pelvis and abdomen with IV contrast was done and demonstrated a significant progression of the mass size to 2 x 1.5 cm, with no other intraabdominal or intrathoracic lesions. For that, she underwent a single-docking robotic-assisted NU. To conclude, performing a single-docking robotic-assisted NU in a patient who previously underwent open radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit is challenging due to multiple adhesion and altered anatomy. More studies need to be published regarding the long-term outcomes of such procedures.