Minimally invasive treatment of vesicourethral leak after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy / Tratamento minimamente invasivo para fístula vesicouretral após prostatectomia radical videolaparoscópica

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe our experience with a minimally invasive approach for persistent vesicourethral anastomotic leak (PVAL) after Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (LRP). Methods: from 2004 to 2011, two surgeons performed LRP in 620 patients. Ten patients had PVAL, with initially indicated conservative treatment, to no avail. These patients underwent a minimally invasive operation, consisting of an endoscopically insertion of two ureteral catheters to direct urine flow, fixed to a new urethral catheter. We maintained the ureteral catheters for seven days on average to complete resolution of urine leakage. The urethral catheter was removed after three weeks of surgery. Results: the correction of urine leakage occurred within a range of one to three days, in all ten patients, without complications. There were no stenosis of the bladder neck and urinary incontinence on long-term follow-up. Conclusion: the study showed that PVAL after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy can be treated endoscopically with safety and excellent results.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever nossa experiência com uma abordagem minimamente invasiva para fístula de anastomose vesicouretral persistente (FAVP) após prostatectomia radical laparoscópica (PRL). Métodos: de 2004 a 2011, 620 pacientes foram submetidos à prostatectomia radical laparoscópica realizada por dois cirurgiões. Dez pacientes apresentaram FAVP e o tratamento conservador foi inicialmente indicado sem sucesso. Esses pacientes foram submetidos a uma reoperação minimamente invasiva, por via endoscópica, com inserção de dois cateteres ureterais para direcionar o fluxo urinário, fixados a um novo cateter uretral. Os cateteres ureterais foram mantidos por sete dias, em média, até a completa resolução do vazamento de urina. O cateter uretral foi removido após três semanas da cirurgia. Resultados: a correção do vazamento de urina ocorreu dentro de um intervalo de um a três dias em todos os dez pacientes, sem complicações. Não foram observadas estenose de colo vesical ou incontinência urinária após acompanhamento em longo prazo. Conclusão: o estudo mostrou que a FAVP após a prostatectomia radical laparoscópica pode ser tratada por via endoscópica com segurança e excelentes resultados.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy learning curve for experienced laparoscopic surgeons: does it really exist?

ABSTRACT Background Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a minimally invasive procedure that could have a reduced learning curve for unfamiliar laparoscopic surgeon. However, there are no consensuses regarding the impact of previous laparoscopic experience on the learning curve of RALP. We report on a functional and perioperative outcome comparison between our initial 60 cases of RALP and last 60 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), performed by three experienced laparoscopic surgeons with a 200+LRP cases experience. Materials and Methods Between January 2010 and September 2013, a total of 60 consecutive patients who have undergone RALP were prospectively evaluated and compared to the last 60 cases of LRP. Data included demographic data, operative duration, blood loss, transfusion rate, positive surgical margins, hospital stay, complications and potency and continence rates. Results The mean operative time and blood loss were higher in RALP (236 versus 153 minutes, p<0.001 and 245.6 versus 202ml p<0.001). Potency rates at 6 months were higher in RALP (70% versus 50% p=0.02). Positive surgical margins were also higher in RALP (31.6% versus 12.5%, p=0.01). Continence rates at 6 months were similar (93.3% versus 89.3% p=0.43). Patient’s age, complication rates and length of hospital stay were similar for both groups. Conclusions Experienced laparoscopic surgeons (ELS) present a learning curve for RALP only demonstrated by longer operative time and clinically insignificant blood loss. Our initial results demonstrated similar perioperative and functional outcomes for both approaches. ELS were able to achieve satisfactory oncological and functional results during the learning curve period for RALP.

Energy sources for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: critical appraisal

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has emerged as a viable alternative for the conventional open nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). So far, an adequate renal parenchymal cutting and hemostasis, as well as caliceal repair remains technically challenging. Numerous investigators have developed techniques using different energy sources to simplify the technically demanding LPN. Herein we review these energy sources, discussing perceived advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Stereological study of collagen and elastic system in the detrusor muscle of bladders from controls and patients with infravesical obstruction

OBJECTIVE: Compare detrusor muscle of normal and patients with infravesical obstruction, quantifying the collagen and elastic system fibers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied samples taken from bladders of 10 patients whose ages ranged from 45 to 75 years (mean = 60 years), who underwent transvesical prostatectomy for treatment of BPH. Control material was composed of 10 vesical specimens, removed during autopsies performed in cadavers of accident victims, with ages between 18 and 35 years (mean = 26 years). RESULTS: The results of collagen and elastic fibers quantification (volumetric density) demonstrated the following results in percentage (mean +/- standard deviation): collagen in BPH patients = 4.89 +/- 2.64 and 2.32 +/- 1.25 in controls (p < 0.0001), elastin in BPH patients = 10.63 percent +/- 2.00 and 8.94 percent +/- 1.19 in controls (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We found that the components of connective tissue, collagen and elastic system fibers are increased in the detrusor muscle of patients with infravesical obstruction, when compared to controls.

Laparoscopic surgery in urological oncology: brief overview

The authors report the experience of a high-volume center with laparoscopic surgery in urological oncology, as well as a review of other relevant series. Laparoscopic outcomes in the treatment of adrenal, kidney, upper tract transitional cell carcinoma, bladder, prostate, and testicular malignancy are described in this review. Specific considerations as complications and port-site recurrence are also addressed. The authors concluded that the intermediate-term oncological data is encouraging and comparable to open surgery.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for cancer: techniques and outcomes

Open partial nephrectomy is the gold standard nephron-sparing treatment for small renal tumors. Technical aspects of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy have evolved considerably, and the technique is approaching established status at our institution. Over the past 4 years, the senior author has performed more than 400 laparoscopic partial nephrectomies at the Cleveland Clinic. Herein we present our current technique and review contemporary outcome data.