Serving as a bedside surgeon before performing robotic radical prostatectomy improves surgical outcomes

ABSTRACT Introduction: To evaluate the influence of previous experience as bedside assistants on patient selection, perioperative and pathological results in robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: The first 50 cases of two robotic surgeons were reviewed retrospectively. Group 1 consisted of the first 50 cases of the surgeon with previous experience as a robotic bedside assistant between September 2016-July 2018, while Group 2 included the first 50 cases of the surgeon with no bedside assistant experience between February 2009-December 2009. Groups were examined in terms of demographics, prostate volume, presence of median lobe, prostate specific antigen (PSA), preoperative Gleason score, positive core number, clinical stage, console surgery time, estimated blood loss, postoperative Gleason score, pathological stage, positive surgical margin rate, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and biochemical recurrence rate. Results: Previous abdominal surgery and the presence of median lobe hypertrophy rates were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (20% vs. 4%, p=0.014; 24% vs. 6%, p=0.012; respectively). In addition, patients in Group 1 were in a higher clinical stage than those in Group 2 (cT2: 70% vs. 28%, p=0.001). Median console surgery time and median length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group 1 than in Group 2 (170 min vs. 240 min, p=0.001; 3 vs. 4, p=0.022; respectively). Clavien grade 3 complication rate was higher in Group 2 but was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Our findings might reflect that previous bedside assistant experience led to an increase in self-confidence and the ability to manage troubleshooting and made it more likely for surgeons to start with more difficult cases with more challenging patients. It is recommended that novice surgeons serve as bedside assistants before moving on to consoles.

Does the experience of the bedside assistant effect the results of robotic surgeons in the learning curve of robot assisted radical prostatectomy?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The success of the robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures depend on a successful team, however the literature focuses on the performance of a console surgeon. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes of the surgeons during the learning curve in relation to the bedside assistant's experience level during RARP. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed two non - laparoscopic, beginner robotic surgeon's cases, and we divided the patients into two groups. The first surgeon completed the operations on 20 patients with a beginner bedside assistant in February - May 2009 (Group-1). The second surgeon completed operations on 16 patients with an experienced (at least 150 cases) bedside assistant in February 2015 - December 2015 (Group-2). The collected data included age, prostate volume, prostate specific antigen (PSA), estimated blood loss, complications and percent of positive surgical margins. In addition, the elapsed time for trocar insertion, robot docking, console surgery, specimen extraction and total anesthesia time were measured separately. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, comorbidity, prostate volume, PSA value, preoperative Gleason score, number of positive cores, postoperative Gleason score, pathological grade, protection rate of neurovascular bundles, surgical margin positivity, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or estimated blood loss. The robot docking, trocar placement, console surgery, anesthesia and specimen extraction times were significantly shorter in group 2 than they were in group 1 (17.75 ± 3.53 min vs. 30.20 ± 7.54 min, p ≤ 0.001; 9.63 ± 2.71 min vs. 14.40 ± 4.52 min, p = 0.001; 189.06 ± 27.70 min vs. 244.95 ± 80.58 min, p = 0.01; 230.94 ± 30.83 min vs. 306.75 ± 87.96 min, p = 0.002; 10.19 ± 2.54 min vs. 17.55 ± 8.79 min, p = 0.002; respectively). Conclusion: Although the bedside assistant's experience in RARP does not appear to influence the robotic surgeon's oncological outcomes during the learning curve, it may reduce the potential complications by shortening the total operation time.

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.

Towards development and validation of an intraoperative assessment tool for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy training: results of a Delphi study

ABSTRACT Introduction As urology training shifts toward competency-based frameworks, the need for tools for high stakes assessment of trainees is crucial. Validated assessment metrics are lacking for many robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). As it is quickly becoming the gold standard for treatment of localized prostate cancer, the development and validation of a RARP assessment tool for training is timely. Materials and methods We recruited 13 expert RARP surgeons from the United States and Canada to serve as our Delphi panel. Using an initial inventory developed via a modified Delphi process with urology residents, fellows, and staff at our institution, panelists iteratively rated each step and sub-step on a 5-point Likert scale of agreement for inclusion in the final assessment tool. Qualitative feedback was elicited for each item to determine proper step placement, wording, and suggestions. Results Panelist's responses were compiled and the inventory was edited through three iterations, after which 100% consensus was achieved. The initial inventory steps were decreased by 13% and a skip pattern was incorporated. The final RARP stepwise inventory was comprised of 13 critical steps with 52 sub-steps. There was no attrition throughout the Delphi process. Conclusions Our Delphi study resulted in a comprehensive inventory of intraoperative RARP steps with excellent consensus. This final inventory will be used to develop a valid and psychometrically sound intraoperative assessment tool for use during RARP training and evaluation, with the aim of increasing competency of all trainees.

4-Ports endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy: preliminary and learning curve results

ABSTRACT Introduction There is a lack of studies in our national scenario regarding the results obtained by laparoscopic radical prostatectomy technique (LRP). Except for a few series, there are no consistent data on oncological, functional, and perioperative results on LRP held in Brazil. As for the LRP technique performed by extraperitoneal access (ELRP), when performed by a single surgeon, the results are even scarcer. Objective To analyze the early perioperative and oncologic results obtained with the ELRP, throughout the technical evolution of a single surgeon. Patients and methods A non-randomized retrospective study was held in a Brazilian hospital of reference. In the 5-year period, 115 patients underwent the ELRP procedure. Patients were divided into two groups, the first 57 cases (Group 1) and the following 58 cases, (Group 2). A comparative analysis between the groups of efficacy results and ELRP safety was carried out. Results The average age of patients was 62.8 year-old and the PSA of 6.9ng/dl. The total surgery time was 135.8 minutes on average, and the urethral-bladder anastomosis was 21.9 min (23.3 min versus 20.7 min). The positive surgical margins (PSM) rate was 17.1%, showing no difference between groups (16.4% versus 17.9%; p=0.835). There was statistical difference between the groups in relation to the anastomosis time, estimated blood loss and the withdrawal time of the urinary catheter. Conclusion The ELRP technique proved to be a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of prostate cancer, with low morbidity.

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.

Concurrent and predictive validation of robotic simulator Tube 3 module

PURPOSE: We previously described a new procedure specific module (Tube 3) to allow the practice of vesicourethral anastomosis after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Herein, we report a predetermined proficiency level of Tube 3 and preliminary validation to explore whether this new module can lead to performance improvement in the da Vinci system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight urology residents and three urology fellows performed the Tube 3 module 1 hour daily for 7 days. The learning curve was depicted through a scatterplot and the stable point was identified through the cumulative sum chart. Concurrent and predictive validations were performed with the da Vinci system. The mean time to complete the task and end product rating score between Tube 3 training group and no Tube 3 training group were compared. RESULTS: Concerning the learning curve, about 41 repetitions comprising about 5 hours were needed to achieve this stable point when the mean time to complete Tube of 384 seconds was set as a target. With regarding to the concurrent and predictive validation, there significant differences were evident in the mean time to complete 16 needle passages and the vesicourethral anastomosis and the end product rating score. CONCLUSIONS: The virtual reality (VR) simulator can yield sufficient improvement in technical performance in Tube 3 within 5 hours. The acquired proficiency can be transferable to the vesicourethral anastomosis using the da Vinci system.

Diagnósticos de enfermagem e modelo téorico de Roy em pacientes prostatectomizados / Nursing diagnosis and roy´s theoretical model in prostatectomized patients

Estudo descritivo, cujo objetivo foi identificar o perfil dos diagnósticos de enfermagem da NANDA Internacional nos pacientes em pós-operatório imediato de prostatectomia e relacioná-los com problemas adaptativos do Modelo de Adaptação de Roy. Realizado em um hospital universitário do Nordeste do Brasil, entre novembro/2010 e abril/2011, com amostra de 50 indivíduos. A coleta ocorreu por meio de entrevista e exame físico, com posterior análise por meio do raciocínio clínico. Foram encontradas as relações: risco de quedas e potencial para lesão; deambulação prejudicada e mobilidade andar e/ou coordenação restritos; déficits no autocuidado e perda de habilidade para o autocuidado; dor aguda e dor aguda; insônia/padrão do sono prejudicado e privação do sono; constipação e constipação. Portanto, a maioria dos diagnósticos de enfermagem identificados são similares aos problemas adaptativos segundo Roy.

Learning curve for radical retropubic prostatectomy

PURPOSE: The learning curve is a period in which the surgical procedure is performed with difficulty and slowness, leading to a higher risk of complications and reduced effectiveness due the surgeon's inexperience. We sought to analyze the residents' learning curve for open radical prostatectomy (RP) in a training program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study from June 2006 to January 2008 in the academic environment of the University of São Paulo. Five residents operated on 184 patients during a four-month rotation in the urologic oncology division, mentored by the same physician assistants. We performed sequential analyses according to the number of surgeries, as follows: = 10, 11 to 19, 20 to 28, and = 29. RESULTS: The residents performed an average of 37 RP each. The average psa was 9.3 ng/mL and clinical stage T1c in 71 percent of the patients. The pathological stage was pT2 (73 percent), pT3 (23 percent), pT4 (4 percent), and 46 percent of the patients had a Gleason score 7 or higher. In all surgeries, the average operative time and estimated blood loss was 140 minutes and 488 mL. Overall, 7.2 percent of patients required blood transfusion, and 23 percent had positive surgical margins. CONCLUSION: During the initial RP learning curve, we found a significant reduction in the operative time; blood transfusion during the procedures and positive surgical margin rate were stable in our series.

Transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy during the learning curve: does the surgical approach affect the complication rate?

Purpose: To compare the perioperative complication rate obtained with the transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (TLRP) and with the extraperitoneal LRP (ELRP) during the learning curve (LC). Materials and Methods: Data of the initial 40 TLRP (Group 1) were retrospectively compared with the initial 40 ELRP (Group 2). Each Group of patients was operated by two different surgeons. Results: The overall surgical time (175 min x 267.6 min; p < 0.001) and estimated blood loss (177.5 mL x 292.4 mL; p < 0.001) were statistically better in the Group 1. Two intraoperative complications were observed in Group 1 (5 percent) represented by one case of bleeding and one case of rectal injury, whereas four complications (10 percent) were observed in Group 2, represented by two cases of bleeding, one bladder and one rectal injuries (p = 0.675). Open conversion occurred once in each Group (2.5 percent). Overall postoperative complications were similar (52.5 percent x 35 percent; p = 0.365). Major early postoperative complications occurred in three and in one case in Group 1 and 2, respectively. Group 1 had two peritonitis (fecal and urinary), leading to one death in this group. Conclusions: No statistical differences in overall complication rates were observed. The transperitoneal approach presented more serious complications during the early postoperative time and this fact is attributed to the potential chance of intraperitoneal peritonitis not observed with the extraperitoneal route.

Curva de aprendizado inicial da prostatectomia radical retropúbica / The initial learning curve for open radical prostatectomy

Introdução: A curva de aprendizado em cirurgia é um período de sedimentação de habilidades onde procedimentos são realizados com maior dificuldade e lentidão, maior risco de complicações intra-operatórias e menor eficácia clínico-funcional devido à inexperiência do cirurgião. Nós analisamos a curva de aprendizado inicial da prostatectomia radical retropúbica realizada por médicos residentes do Setor de Uro-Oncologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Método: estudo prospectivo, envolvendo 184 prostatectomias radicais retropúbicas, realizadas por cinco residentes consecutivamente, entre 02/06/2006 e 31/01/2008. Foram considerados: o tempo operatório, sangramento transoperatório, necessidade de transfusão sanguínea, taxa de margens cirúrgicas comprometidas, complicações intra-operatórias e avaliação funcional precoce. Resultados: cada residente realizou em média 37 cirurgias. O PSA mediano foi de 9,3 ng/mL e o estágio clínico T1c em 71% dos pacientes. O estágio patológico foi pT2 (73%), pT3 (23%), pT4 (4%); o escore de Gleason na peça cirúrgica foi de 54% (Gleason <7), 33% (Gleason 7) e 13% (Gleason >7). O tempo cirúrgico mediano foi de 140 minutos, o sangramento mediano de 488 mL e a necessidade de transfusão sanguínea de 7,2%. A taxa de margens cirúrgicas positivas de 23% foi constante nos 30 primeiros casos. A avaliação funcional precoce (até 6 meses de pós-operatório) mostrou 89% de continência, 57% de disfunção erétil e 7% de recidiva bioquímica. Conclusão: Durante a curva de aprendizado da prostatectomia radical, ocorre redução significativa do tempo operatório após 20 cirurgias e tendência de redução do sangramento e da necessidade de transfusão sanguínea após 29 cirurgias. As margens cirúrgicas permanecem estáveis em 23%.

Introduction: The learning curve is a period of skills improvement. Procedures are carried through with longer operating time, high risk of surgical complications and sub optimal functional outcomes. We have analyzed the residents' initial learning curve in open radical prostatectomy in our institution. Method: Between June of 2006 and January of 2008, 184 open radical prostatectomies have been performed in our service by five senior residents in Urology. We prospectively evaluated: operating time, blood loss, blood transfusion rate, positive surgical margins, intra-operative complications and early functional outcomes. Results: an average of 37 open radical prostatectomies was performed by each resident. Medium PSA was 9,3ng/mL; clinical stage T1c in 71% of the patients. The pathological stage was pT2 (73%), pT3 (23%), pT4 (4%) and Gleason score was 54% (Gleason <7), 33% (Gleason 7) and 13% (Gleason >7). The medium operating time was 140 minutes, medium blood loss of 488 mL and positive margins were found in 23% during the first 30 cases. Early functional outcomes (less than 6 months after surgery) revealed 89% of urinary continence, 43% of normal erectile function and 7% of biochemical recurrence. Conclusion: During the initial learning curve significant reduction in operating time occurs after first 20 procedures, blood loss and transfusion improves after 29 prostatectomies and positive margins remain stable during the first 30 patients (23%).