Long-term oncological and surgical outcomes after Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) in patients with penile cancer

ABSTRACT Objective: To report outcomes from the largest multicenter series of penile cancer patients undergoing video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL). Materials and Methods: Retrospective multicenter analysis. Authors of 21 centers from the Penile Cancer Collaborative Coalition-Latin America (PeC-LA) were included. All centers performed the procedure following the same previously described standardized technique. Inclusion criteria included penile cancer patients with no palpable lymph nodes and intermediate/high-risk disease and those with non-fixed palpable lymph nodes less than 4 cm in diameter. Categorical variables are shown as percentages and frequencies whereas continuous variables as mean and range. Results: From 2006 to 2020, 210 VEIL procedures were performed in 105 patients. Mean age was 58 (45-68) years old. Mean operative time was 90 minutes (60-120). Mean lymph node yield was 10 nodes (6-16). Complication rate was 15.7%, including severe complications in 1.9% of procedures. Lymphatic and skin complications were noted in 8.6 and 4.8% of patients, respectively. Histopathological analysis revealed lymph node involvement in 26.7% of patients with non-palpable nodes. Inguinal recurrence was observed in 2.8% of patients. 10y- overall survival was 74.2% and 10-y cancer specific survival was 84.8%. CSS for pN0, pN1, pN2 and pN3 were 100%, 82.4%, 72.7% and 9.1%, respectively. Conclusion: VEIL seems to offer appropriate long term oncological control with minimal morbidity. In the absence of non-invasive stratification measures such as dynamic sentinel node biopsy, VEIL emerged as the alternative for the management of non-bulky lymph nodes in penile cancer.

Salvage Retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: the first brazilian experience

ABSTRACT Introduction: Salvage Radical Prostatectomy after radiation therapy is challenging and associated with high rates of serious complications (1, 2). The novel Retzius-Sparing RARP (RS-RARP) approach has shown excellent continence outcomes (3, 4). Purpose: To describe step-by-step our Salvage Retzius-Sparing RARP (sRS-RARP) operative technique and report feasibility, safety and the preliminary oncological and continence outcomes in the post-radiation scenario. Materials and Methods: Twelve males presenting local prostate cancer recurrence after radiotherapy that underwent sRS-RARP were included. All patients performed preoperative multiparametric MRI and PSMA-PET. Surgical technique: 7cm peritoneum opening at Douglas pouch, Recto-prostatic space development, Seminal vesicles and vas deferens isolation and section, Extra-fascial dissection through peri-prostatic fat, Neurovascular bundle control, Bladder neck total preservation and opening, Anterior dissection at Santorini plexus plane, Apex dissection with urethra preservation and section, Prostate release, Vesicouretral modified Van Velthoveen anastomosis, Rocco Stitch, Oncological and continence outcomes reported with minimum 1-year follow-up. Results: Ten patients had previously received external beam radiation (EBR) whereas two received previous brachytherapy plus EBR. At 1, 3 and 12 months after surgery, 25%, 75% and 91.6% of the men used one safety pad or less, respectively. No major complications or blood transfusions were reported. Final pathology reported pT2b 41.6%, pT2c 33.3% and pT3a 25%, positive surgical margins 25%, positive lymph nodes were not found, biochemical recurrence 16.6%. Conclusion: Salvage Retzius-Sparing Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy approach appears to be technically feasible and oncologically safe with potential to provide better continence outcomes.

Role of salvage lymph node dissection in patients previously treated for prostate cancer: systematic review

ABSTRACT Prostate cancer is the most common invasive cancer in men. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a definitive treatment option, but biochemical recurrence can reach 40%. Salvage lymphadenectomy is a relatively recent approach to oligometasis and has been rapidly diffused primarily due to improvement in imaging diagnosis and results showing possibly promising therapy. A systematic literature review was performed in March 2020, according to the PRISMA statement. We excluded studies with patients with suspicion or confirmation of visceral and / or bone metastases. A total of 27 articles were included in the study. All studies evaluated were single arm, and there were no randomized studies in the literature. A total of 1,714 patients received salvage lymphadenectomy after previous treatment for localized prostate cancer. RP was the most used initial therapeutic approach, and relapses were based on PET / CT diagnosis, with Coline-11C being the most widely used radiopharmaceutical. Biochemical response rates ranged from 0% to 80%. The 5 years - Free Survival Biochemical recurrence was analyzed in 16 studies with rates of 0% up to 56.1%. The articles do not present high levels of evidence to draw strong conclusions. However, even if significant rates of biochemical recurrence are not evident in all studies, therapy directed to lymph node metastases may present good oncological results and postpone the onset of systemic therapy. The long-term impact in overall survival and quality of life, as well as the best strategies for case selection remains to be determined.

Robotic parastomal hernia repair

ABSTRACT Introduction and Objective: Annually, more than one hundred thousand new stomas are created in the United States and near 30-50% of those will develop parastomal hernia (1). Occasionally parastomal hernias may result in life threatening complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation requiring urgent surgical intervention (2). The minimally invasive surgery for these hernias are preferred, specially when the primary case was either laparoscopic or robot-assisted. Our objective is to demonstrate a step-by-step robotic approach with and without mesh placement and their outcomes in two different scenarios: elective and emergency. Materials and Methods: We present two cases, a 56-year-old male with three years prior robot-assisted radical cystectomy with ileal conduit and a 82-year-old male with five year post operation of laparoscopic radical cystectomy with bilateral ureterostomies. Both of them had parastomal hernia, the first case was an urgency due to bowel obstruction while the second case was an elective procedure. Using three portals, we choose the primary repair for the first case and placement of a biological mesh within the keyhole technique (3) for the second one. Results: In the first case we had an operative time of 110min, total blood loss of 40cc and for the second case an operative time of 140min with total blood loss of 20cc. Both patients were discharged within 24h and had a follow-up of 2 years with no recurrence. Conclusions: The capability for complex sutures and dissection of intracorporeal structures makes the robotic platform a powerful ally (4) and we believe in its superiority over conventional laparoscopy. Although further studies are required, our initial series suggests that the robotic parastomal hernia repair is feasible and reproducible, with or without mesh placement and could be demonstrated its use for either elective or emergency situations.

Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes in Very Elderly Patients (≥75 years) with Renal Cell Carcinoma: Data from the Latin American Renal Cancer Group

Background: The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing globally due to an aging population and widespread use of imaging studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and perioperative outcomes of RCC surgery in very elderly patients (VEP), ≥75 years of age. Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study of 3656 patients who underwent the treatment for RCC from 1990 to 2015 in 28 centers from eight Latin American countries. We compared baseline characteristics as well as clinical and perioperative outcomes according to age groups (<75 vs.≥ 75 years). Surgical complications were classified with the Clavien-Dindo score. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with perioperative complications. Results: There were 410 VEP patients (11.2%). On bivariate analysis, VEP had a lower body mass index (p < 0.01) and higher ASA score (ASA >2 in 26.3% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.01). There was no difference in performance status and clinical stage between the study groups. There were no differences in surgical margins, estimated blood loss (EBL), complication, and mortality rates (1.3% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.17). On multivariate regression analysis, age ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.33, p < 0.01), EBL ≥ 500 cc (OR 3.34, p < 0.01), and > pT2 stage (OR 1.63, p = 0.04) were independently associated with perioperative complications. Conclusions: Surgical resection of RCC was safe and successful in VEP. Age ≥75 years was independently associated with 30-day perioperative complications. However, the vast majority were low-grade complications. Age alone should not guide decision-making in these patients, and treatment must be tailored according to performance status and severity of comorbidities. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2020;72(5):308-15)

Initial experience of video endoscopic inguinal Lymphadenectomy in a center located at northeast brazilian region

ABSTRACT Introduction: Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy - VEIL - has emerged as an alternative to reduce post-surgical complications (PSC) in patients with penile cancer submitted to inguinal lymphadenectomy (IL). In some series, these PSC are observed in more than 50% of patients. The objectives of the present study are to describe the initial experience of VEIL in a Hospital in Teresina, PI, Brazil, and to analyze PSC incidence. Material and Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients submitted to VEIL from March 2014 to November 2015. Data were collected regarding surgical time, bleeding, complications, lymph node number, conversion, global complications, drainage time, cellulitis, lymphocele, cutaneous necrosis, miocutaneous necrosis and hospitalization time. Results: 20 lower limbs of 11 patients were operated. Mean age was 51.4 (24-72) years. Mean surgical time was 85 (60-120) minutes. No patient showed intrasurgical complications, bleeding > 50 mL or conversion. Three surgeries evolved with lower limb edema, 2 with lymphoceles and one patient had cutaneous necrosis and another bulging of surgical wound. Mean time of hospitalization was 4 (2-11) days. A mean of 5.8 (1-12) lymph nodes were dissected in each surgery. Conclusion: VEIL is a safe and easy technique with lower incidence of PSC that can be reproduced in small centers.

Prospective evaluation of Chondroitin sulfate, Heparan sulfate and Hyaluronic acid in prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose: The present study evaluates chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS) in the urine and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the plasma of patients with prostate cancer before and after treatment compared to a control group. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples were used for HA dosage and urine for quantification of CS and HS from forty-four cancer patients and fourteen controls. Clinical, laboratory and radiological information were correlated with glycosaminoglycan quantification by statistical analysis. Results: Serum HA was significantly increased in cancer patients (39.68 ± 30.00 ng/ mL) compared to control group (15.04 ± 7.11 ng/mL; p=0.004) and was further increased in high-risk prostate cancer patients when compared to lower risk patients (p = 0.0214). Also, surgically treated individuals had a significant decrease in seric levels of heparan sulfate after surgical treatment, 31.05 ± 21.01 μg/mL (before surgery) and 23.14 ± 11.1 μg/mL (after surgery; p=0.029). There was no difference in the urinary CS and HS between prostate cancer patients and control group. Urinary CS in cancer patients was 27.32 ± 25.99 μg/mg creatinine while in the men unaffected by cancer it was 31.37 ± 28.37 μg/mg creatinine (p=0.4768). Urinary HS was 39.58 ± 32.81 μg/ mg creatinine and 35.29 ± 28.11 μg/mg creatinine, respectively, in cancer patients and control group (p=0.6252). Conclusions: Serum HA may be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. However, urinary CS and HS did not altered in the present evaluation. Further studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.

Synchronous abdominal tumors: is combined laparoscopic surgery in a single approach a safe option?

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Recent advances in cancer treatment have resulted in bet- ter prognosis with impact on patient's survival, allowing an increase in incidence of a second primary neoplasm. The development of minimally invasive surgery has provided similar outcomes in comparison to open surgery with potentially less mor- bidity. Consequently, this technique has been used as a safe option to simultaneously treat synchronous abdominal malignancies during a single operating room visit. The objective of this study is to describe the experience of two tertiary cancer hospitals in Brazil, in the minimally invasive treatment of synchronous abdominal neoplasms and to evaluate its feasibility and peri-operative results. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data from patients who were submitted to combined laparoscopic procedures performed in two tertiary hospitals in Brazil from May 2009 to February 2015. Results: A total of 12 patients (9 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 58.83 years (range: 33 to 76 years) underwent combined laparoscopic surgeries for the treatment of at least one urological disease. The total average duration of surgery was 339.8 minutes (range: 210 to 480 min). The average amount of intraoperative bleeding was 276.6mL (range: 70 to 550mL) and length of hospitalization was 5.08 days (range: 3 to 10 days). Two patients suffered minor complications regarding Clavien system during the immediate postoperative period. Conclusions: Combined laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of synchronous tumors is feasible, viable and safe. In our study, there was a low risk of postoperative morbidity.

A safe teaching protocol of LRP (Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy)

ABSTRACT Purpose The LRP has a steep learning curve to obtain proficiency during which patient safety may be compromised. We present an adapted modular training system which purpose to optimize the learning curve and perform a safe surgery. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of the LRP safe learning protocol applied during a fellowship program over eight years (2008-2015). The surgery was divided in 12 steps and 5 levels of difficulty. A maximum time interval was stipulated in 240 minutes. After an adaptation, the fellows had 120 minutes to perform all the corresponding modules to its accumulated skill. The participants gradually and safely pass through the steps and difficulty levels. Surgeries performed by fellows were analyzed as a single group and compared to a prior series performed by tutor. Results In eight years, 250 LRP were performed (25 per apprentice) during fellowship program and 150 procedures after completion. The baseline characteristics were comparable. Most cases operated were of intermediate risk. Mean operative time was longer in the fellow group when compared to the tutor (150 min). Mean estimated blood loss were similar among the groups. Functional and oncological outcomes were better in the Tutor's group. No conversion to open surgery was performed. Conclusions The LRP safe learning protocol proved to be an effective method to optimize the learning curve and perform safe surgery. However, the tutor's functional and oncological results were better, showing that this is a procedure with a steep learning curve and proficiency demands more than 25 cases.

One wire tubeless ureteral reimplant: preliminary experience and step-by-step technique / One wire tubeless ureteral reimplantation: experiência preliminar e técnica passo-a-passo

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ureteral Reimplant is commonly used in pediatric and gyne-cologic surgery. Most techniques demand an experienced surgeon and lasts 2-3 hours. There is no consensus about the preferred technique until today. We report a simple modification of the Taguchi to reduce duration and make it more suitable for laparoscopic approach. METHOD: Three patients underwent distal ureteral reimplant, based on our modified Taguchi minimally invasive approach technique. Cystography and ultrasonography were performed on the 30th, 90th and 180th postoperative days to monitor kidneys; a one-year follow-up for recurrence or clinical symptoms was also performed. RESULTS: Operative time for ureteral reimplant using our technique was 15-25 minutes. The results of the performed exams on postoperative days showed normal kidneys without hydro-nephrosis. At the one-year follow-up no signs of recurrence or clinical symptoms were present. CONCLUSION: Our modifications allowed a faster and easier management of distal ureteral reimplant, with excellent perioperative and post-operative outcomes. To our knowledge this is the first detailed description of this technique through minimally invasive approach. However, further studies and a longer follow up will be necessaries to confirm the long-term outcomes and clinical benefits of our technical proposal.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O reimplante ureteral é comumente utilizado em cirurgia pediátrica e ginecológica. A maioria das técnicas exigem um cirurgião experiente e dura 2-3 horas. Não há consenso sobre a técnica preferida até hoje. Relatamos uma modificação simples do Taguchi para reduzir sua duração e torná-lo mais adequado para a abordagem laparoscópica. MÉTODO: Três pacientes foram submetidos a reimplante ureteral distal, com base na técnica de abordagem minimamente invasiva de Taguchi modificada. Cistografia e ultra-sonografia foram realizadas no 30º, 90º e 180º dias de pós-operatório para monitorização dos rins; um acompanhamento de um ano para recorrência ou sintomas clínicos também foi realizado. RESULTADOS: O tempo operatório para o reimplante ureteral utilizando a nossa técnica foi de 15-25 minutos. Os resultados dos exames realizados nos dias pós-operatórios mostraram rins normais sem hidronefrose. No seguimento de um ano não houve sinais de recorrência ou sintomas clínicos. CONCLUSÃO: Nossas modificações permitiram um manejo mais rápido e fácil do reimplante ureteral distal, com excelentes resultados peri- e pós-operatórios. Tanto quanto sabemos, esta é a primeira descrição detalhada desta técnica através de abordagem minimamente invasiva. No entanto, estudos adicionais e um acompanhamento mais longo serão necessários para confirmar os resultados a longo prazo e os benefícios clínicos da técnica proposta.

Open suprapubic versus retropubic prostatectomy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia during resident's learning curve: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study compared the suprapubic (SP) versus retropubic (RP) prostatectomy for the treatment of large prostates and evaluated perioperative surgical morbidity and improvement of urinary symptoms. Materials and Methods: In this single centre, prospective, randomised study, 65 consecutive patients with LUTS and surgical indication with prostate volume greater than 75g underwent open prostatectomy to compare the RP (32 patients) versus SP (33 patients) technique. Results: The SP group exhibited a higher incidence of complications (p=0.002). Regarding voiding pattern analysis (IPSS and flowmetry), both were significantly effective compared to pre-treatment baseline. The RP group parameters were significantly better, with higher peak urinary flow (SP: 16.77 versus RP: 23.03mL/s, p=0.008) and a trend of lower IPSS score (SP: 6.67 versus RP 4.14, p=0.06). In a subgroup evaluation of patients with prostate volumes larger than 100g, blood loss was lower in those undergoing SP prostatectomy (p=0.003). Patients with prostates smaller than 100g in the SP group exhibited a higher incidence of low grade late complications (p=0.004). Conclusions: The SP technique was related to a higher incidence of minor complications in the late postoperative period. High volume prostates were associated with increased bleeding when the RP technique was utilized. The RP prostatectomy was associated with higher peak urinary flow and a trend of a lower IPSS Score.

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.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) to Treat Vesicorectal Fistula: A New Approach

ABSTRACT Purpose: Vesicorectal fistula is one of the most devastating postoperative complications after radical prostatectomy. Definitive treatment is difficult due to morbidity and recurrence. Despite many options, there is not an unanimous accepted approach. This article aimed to report a new minimally invasive approach as an option to reconstructive surgery. Materials and Methods: We report on Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) with miniLap devices for instrumentation in a 65 year old patient presenting with vesicorectal fistula after radical prostatectomy. We used Alexis® device for transanal access and 3, 5 and 11 mm triangulated ports for the procedure. The surgical steps were as follows: cystoscopy and implant of guide wire through fistula; patient at jack-knife position; transanal access; Identification of the fistula; dissection; vesical wall closure; injection of fibrin glue in defect; rectal wall closure. Results: The operative time was 240 minutes, with 120 minutes for reconstruction. No perioperative complications or conversion were observed. Hospital stay was two days and catheters were removed at four weeks. No recurrence was observed. Conclusions: This approach has low morbidity and is feasible. The main difficulties consisted in maintaining luminal dilation, instrumental manipulation and suturing.

Comparison beetwen open and laparoscopic radical cistectomy in a latin american reference center: perioperative and oncological results

ABSTRACTObjectives:To evaluate the differences of peri-operatory and oncological outcomes between Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy and Open Radical Cystectomy in our center.Materials and Methods:Overall, 50 patients were included in this non randomized match-pair analysis: 25 patients who had undergone Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer (Group-1) and 25 patients with similar characteristics who had undergone Open Radical Cystectomy (Group-2). The patients were operated from January 2005 to December 2012 in a single Institution.Results:Mean operative time for groups 1 and 2 were 350 and 280 minutes (p=0.03) respectively. Mean blood loss was 330 mL for group 1 and 580 mL for group 2 (p=0.04). Intraoperative transfusion rate was 0% and 36% for groups 1 and 2 respectively (p=0.005). Perioperative complication rate was similar between groups. Mean time to oral intake was 2 days for group 1 and 3 days for group 2 (p=0.08). Median hospital stay was 7 days for group 1 and 13 for group 2 (p=0.04). There were no differences in positive surgical margins and overall survival, between groups.Conclusions:In a reference center with pelvic laparoscopic expertise, Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy may be considered a safe procedure with similar complication rate of Open Radical Cystectomy. Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy is more time consuming, with reduced bleeding and transfusion rate. Hospital stay seems to be shorter. Oncologically no difference was observed in our mid-term follow-up.

Laparoscopic Treatment of Vesicovaginal Fistula

Introduction Vesicovaginal fistula is a rare disease with great impact for the patients. Laparoscopic repair can be an interesting option in selected cases with goods results but few experience is reported.Objectives Detailed demonstration of our laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair technique. Initial results for ten patients are provided Methods: We treated all cases by the same technique. The surgical steps were: Patient positioning in Lloyd-Davis; Cystoscopy and implant of guide wire on fistula and ureteral catheters (that was removed after procedure); Transperitoneal access and 4 or 5 ports in V or W shape; Opening the bladder wall; Dissection between bladder and vagina for tension free repair; Fistula resection; Vagina repair with Vicryl 3-0; Bladder repair with Vicryl 3-0; Peritoneum/omentum interposition; Positioning 20 Fr urethral catheter.Results Mean age was 50 years. Mean number of fistulas was 1,2. The most common etiology was gynecologic surgery (7). Mean operative time was 2,5 (1,8-3,2) hours. Mean blood loss was 150 (100-200)mL. Complication rate was 10% (one case of urinary infection treated conservatively). Mean hospital stay was 1,2 (1-2) days. Mean return to normal and activities was 20 (15-30) days. For nine patients mean sexual intercourse time was 3 (1-6) months. Success rate after 1 year was 90% (one case of recurrence in patient with previous radiotherapy). Mean follow-up was 36 (12-60) months.Conclusions Laparoscopic repair is feasible, reproducible and present all advantages of minimally invasive surgical procedure. Long term results are similar to conventional open approaches.

Laparoendoscopic single-site nephroureterectomy for morbid obese patients

Since the first laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery report in urology in 2007 (1) (Rane A e Cadeddu JA), the few reports of LESS extraperitoneal access in the literature were mainly described for less complex cases. The aim of this video is to demonstrate the feasibility of LESS extraperitoneal access in a morbid obese patient presenting a malignant tumor in the renal pelvis. The patient is positioned in 90-degree lateral decubitus. An incision is made below the abdominal skin crease on the left side of the patient and the anterior rectus fascia is vertically incised with manual dissection of the extra/retroperitoneal space. We use an Alexis® retractor to retract the skin maximizing the incision orifice. Three trocars (12, 10 and 5 mm) are inserted through a sigle-port. The pedicle was controlled “en bloc” with a vascular stapler and the bladder cuff treated by the conventional open approach through the same incision. Operative time was 126 minutes with minimal blood loss. The pathology reported high grade papillary urothelial carcinoma in the pelvis (pT3N0M0) and in the ureter (pTa). LESS extraperitoneal nephroureterectomy is feasible and safe, even in more complex cases. It is a good alternative for morbid obese patients and for patients with synchronous distal ureteral tumors for whom an open approach to the bladder cuff is proposed to avoid incisions in two compartments of the abdominal wall.

Expanded criteria for Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) in penile cancer: palpable lymph nodes

Introduction Open inguinal lymphadenectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of inguinal metastasis in patients with penile cancer (PC). Recently the Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) was proposed as an option to reduce the morbidity of the procedure in patients without palpable inguinal lymph nodes (PILN), however the oncological equivalency in patients with PILN remains poorly studied. The aims of this video are the demonstration of VEIL in patients with PILN and present the preliminary experience comparing patients with and without PILN. Materials and Methods The video illustrates the procedure performed in two cases that were previously underwent partial penectomy for PC with PILN. Data from the series of 15 patients (22 limbs operated) with PILN underwent VEIL were compared with our series of VEIL in 25 clinically N0 patients (35 limbs operated). Results The comparison between the groups with and without PILN found, respectively, these outcomes: age 52,45 × 53,2 years, operative time 126,8 × 95,5 minutes, hospital stay 5. × 3.1 days, drainage time 6.7 × 5.7 days, 9 resected lymph nodes on average in both groups, global complications 32% × 26%, cellulitis 4.5% × 0%, lymphocele 23% in both groups, skin necrosis 0% × 3%, myocutaneous necrosis 4.5% × 0%, pN+ 33% × 32%, cancer specific mortality 7% × 5% and mean follow-up 17.3 × 35.3 months. None of the variables presented p < 0.05. Conclusions VEIL is a safe complementary procedure for treatment of PC, even in patients with PILN. Oncological results in patients with PILN seem to be appropriate but are still very premature. Prospective multicenter studies with larger samples and long-term follow-up should be conducted to determine the oncological equivalence of VEIL compared with open surgery in patients with PILN. .

Extending boundaries in minimally invasive procedures with simultaneous bilateral video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (veil) for penile cancer: initial Denver health medical center and ABC school of medicine experience and surgical considerations

Purpose To report the surgical technique, procedural outcomes, and feasibility of simultaneous bilateral Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) in the management of patients with indication for inguinal lymphadenectomy. Surgical Technique: VEIL was applied in all patients using the oncological landmarks (the adductor longus muscle medially, the sartorius muscle laterally and the inguinal ligament superiorly). A 1.5 cm incision was made 2 cm distally to the lower vertex of the femoral triangle. A second incision was made 2 cm proximally and 6 cm medially. Two 10 mm Hasson trocars were inserted in these incisions and the working space was insufflated with CO2 at 5-15 mmHg. The final trocar was placed 2 cm proximally and 6 cm laterally from the first port. Results: A total of 5 VEIL procedures in 3 patients were performed. Two patients underwent simultaneous bilateral VEIL while another underwent simultaneous bilateral surgery with VEIL on the right and open lymphadenectomy on the left side due to an enlarged node. All laparoscopic procedures were successfully performed without conversion and maintained the oncological templates. One lymphocele occurred in the patient who underwent the open procedure. None of the patients presented with skin necrosis after the procedure. Mean number of nodes retrieved was 6 from each side and 2 patients presented with positive inguinal nodes. After one year of follow-up no recurrences were observed. Conclusion: Simultaneous lymphadenectomy procedures are feasible. Improvement in operative and anesthesia time could decrease the morbidity associated with inguinal lymphadenectomy while maintaining the oncological principles. .

Association between Literacy, Compliance with Prostate Cancer Screening, and Cancer Aggressiveness: Results from a Brazilian Screening Study

Purpose Little is known about the effects of literacy levels on prostate cancer screening. This study evaluates the association between literacy, compliance with screening, and biopsy findings in a large Brazilian screening study. Materials and Methods We analyzed 17,571 men screened for PCa with digital rectal examination (DRE) and total and free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) from January 2004 to December 2007. Of those, 17,558 men had information regarding literate status. Full urological evaluation in a specialized cancer center was recommended in the case of: a) suspicious DRE, b) PSA > 4.0 ng/mL, or c) PSA 2.5-3.9 ng/mL and free/total PSA (f/tPSA) ratio < 15%. Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (14 cores) was performed upon confirmation of these findings after the patient's consent. Patients' compliance with screening recommendations and biopsy results were evaluated according to literacy levels. Results an abnormal PSA, a suspicious DRE, or both were present in 73.2%, 19.7%, and 7.1% of those men who underwent biopsy, respectively. PCa was diagnosed in 652 men (3.7%). Previous PSAs or DREs were less common among illiterate men (p < 0.0001). Additionally, illiterate men were less prone to attend to further evaluations due to an abnormal PSA or DRE (p < 0.0001). PSA levels > 10 mg/mL (p = 0.03), clinical stage > T2a (p = 0.005), and biopsy Gleason > 7 (p = 0.02) were more common among illiterate men. Conclusions In a screened population, literacy levels were associated with prior PCa evaluations and with compliance with screening protocols. Illiterate men were at higher risk of being diagnosed with more advanced and aggressive PCa. .