Neurovascular bundle preservation in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: How I do it after 15. 000 cases

ABSTRACT Despite the neuroanatomy knowledge of the prostate described initially in the 1980's and the robotic surgery advantages in terms of operative view magnification, potency outcomes following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy still challenge surgeons and patients due to its multifactorial etiology. Recent studies performed in our center have described that, in addition to the surgical technique, some important factors are associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). These include preoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score, age, preoperative Gleason score, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). After performing 15,000 cases, in this article we described our current Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy technique with details and considerations regarding the optimal approach to neurovascular bundle preservation.

Effects of tadalafil to prevent injury on corpus cavernosum after vascular or nervous peri-prostatic bundle injury. Experimental model in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of tadalafil (TD) in preventing histological alterations of the corpus cavernosum caused by isolated lesions of cavernous nerve (ILCN) and artery (ILCA) in rats. Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned in five groups: G1: control; G2: bilateral ILCN; G3: bilateral ILCA; G4: ILCN+TD; G5: ILCA+TD. The cavernous bodies were submitted to histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis. Results: Nerve density was significantly higher in G2 and G4 compared to control (22.62±2.84 and 19.53±3.47 vs. 15.72±1.82; respectively, p<0.05). Smooth muscle density was significantly lower in G2 and G3 in comparison to G1 (12.87±1.90 and 18.93±1.51 vs. 21.78±1.81, respectively; p<0.05). A significant decrease in the sinusoidal lumen area was observed in G2 compared to controls (5.01±1.62 vs. 9.88±3.66, respectively; p<0.05) and the blood vessel density was increased in G2 and G3 (29.32±4.13 e 20.80±2.47 vs. 10.13±2.71, p<0.05). Collagen density was higher in G3 compared to G1 (93.76±15.81 vs. 64.59±19.25; p<0.05). Conclusions: Histomorphometric alterations caused by ILCN were more intense than those produced by vascular injury, but the collagen analyses showed more fibrosis in animals with ILCA. TD was effective in preventing the majority of the alterations induced by the periprostatic bundle injury.

Demographic, clinical and lifestyle predictors for severity of erectile dysfunction and biomarkers level in Malaysian patients

The incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) is rising worldwide and its prevalence is one of the main health concerns that affect overall men well-being in Malaysia. The cluster of demographic, clinical and lifestyle factors may have contributed to the severity of ED and changes in biomarkers level; nevertheless these have not been studied extensively. This cross sectional study involved a total of 276 patients with 138 was diagnosed with ED. The demographic, clinical, lifestyle factors and severity of ED were assessed using a set of questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Meanwhile, Total Testosterone (TT) and Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Binary logistic regression test was used to demonstrate the predictors of severity of ED, TT and ADMA levels. Significant predictors for worsening of severity of ED are self-employed [10.55 (0.43 - 257.06), p=0.004], pensioner [8.07 (0.19 - 352.45), p=0.026], non-government employee [1.16 (0.05 - 26.26), p=0.04] and TT [0.41 (0.25 - 0.69), p=0.001]. Nevertheless, pensioner [0.08 (0.01 - 0.87), p=0.038] and unemployed [0.04 (0.01 - 0.42), p=0.007], were the predictors that may influence the changes of TT levels. On the other hand, academic qualification (secondary) [4.51 (0.48 - 42.83), p=0.014] and intensity of physical activities (< 1 hour/day) [2.61 (0.65 - 10.48), p=0.008] were the predictors which were more likely to influence the changes of ADMA levels in ED patients. TT and ADMA levels were influenced by demographic and lifestyle factors whilst severity of ED was predicted by demographic and clinical factors in Malaysian ED population. These predictors may provide new knowledge on risk factors of severity of ED and help in management of ED. Thus, the predictive models could serve as a primary guidance to physicians to ensure ED being managed and treated more effectively.

Papel da disfunção erétil como manifestação sentinela e marcador de risco para doença coronariana / Role of erectile dysfunction as a sentinel event and risk marker for coronary disease

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença cardiovascular é a causa mais comum de morte em todo o mundo. Em homens, 50% das mortes por doença arterial coronariana ocorre em indivíduos sem história prévia de doença cardiovascular. Disfunção erétil e doença arterial coronariana têm uma relação estreita, já que ambas são consequências de disfunção endotelial, levando a limitações no fluxo sanguíneo. A associação entre severidade da disfunção erétil e a extensão das lesões da doença arterial coronariana ao exame angiográfico sugere que homens com disfunção erétil sejam considerados sob risco aumentado de doença arterial coronariana. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel da disfunção erétil como manifestação sentinela e/ou marcador de risco para doença arterial coronariana. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se uma análise secundária com dados previamente coletados em dois projetos (“Projeto Avaliar” e “Projeto Ampliar”). Pacientes do sexo masculino, com idade >18 anos, foram convidados a participar das duas pesquisas sobre disfunção erétil ao comparecerem a uma consulta médica ambulatorial em 2002-2003 (Projeto Avaliar) e em 2003-2004 (Projeto Ampliar)...

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death worldwide. In men, 50% of deaths due to coronary artery disease occur among those without previous history of cardiovascular disease. Erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease are closely related, since they are both consequences of endothelial dysfunction, leading to restrictions on the blood flow. The association between the severity of erectile dysfunction and the angiographic extension of coronary artery disease suggests that men with erectile dysfunction be considered at increased risk for coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of erectile dysfunction as a sentinel sign and/or surrogate of risk for coronary artery disease. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis on data previously collected in two research projects (“Projeto Avaliar” e “Projeto Ampliar”). Male patients, age 18 years old or more, were invited to participate in two surveys about erectile dysfunction while attending a routine office visit or consultation in 2002-2003 (Projeto Avaliar) and in 2003-2004 (Projeto Ampliar)...

Oncological and functional outcomes following open radical prostatectomy: how patients may achieve the "trifecta"?

PURPOSE: The desirable outcomes after open radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer (PC) are to: a) achieve disease recurrence free, b) urinary continence (UC), and c) maintain sexual potency (SP). These 3 combined desirable outcomes we called it the "Trifecta". Our aim is to assess the likelihood of achieving the Trifecta, and to analyze the influencing the Trifecta . MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1738 men with localized PC underwent RP from 1992-2007 by a single surgeon. The exclusion criteria for this analysis were: preoperative hormonal or radiation therapy, preoperative urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction, follow-up less than 24 months or insufficient data. Post-operative Trifecta factors were analyzed, including biochemical recurrence (BR).. We defined: BR as PSA > 0.2 ng/mL, urinary continence as wearing no pads, and sexual potency as having erections sufficient for intercourse with or without a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. RESULTS: A total of 831 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the entire cohort was 59 years old. The median follow-up was 52 months (mean 60, range 24-202). The BR, UC and SP rates were 18.7 percent, 94.5 percent, and 71 percent respectively. Trifecta was achieved in 64 percent at 2 year follow-up, and 61 percent at 5 year follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed age at time of surgery, pathologic Gleason score (PGS), pathologic stage, specimen weight, and nerve sparing (NS) were independent factors. CONCLUSIONS: Age at time of surgery, pathologic GS, pathologic stage, specimen weight and NS were independent predictors to achieve the Trifecta following radical prostatectomy. This information may help patients counseling undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.

Techniques of nerve-sparing and potency outcomes following robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: [review]

PURPOSE: Nerve sparing radical prostatectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of prostate cancer. Over the past decade, more and more surgeons and patients are opting for a robot-assisted procedure. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review different techniques and outcomes of nerve sparing robot assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a MEDLINE search from 2001 to 2009 using the keywords “robotic prostatectomy”, “cavernosal nerve”, “pelvic neuroanatomy”, “potency”, “outcomes” and “comparison”. Extended search was also performed using the references from these articles. RESULTS: Several techniques of nerve sparing are available in literature for RALP, which have been described in this manuscript. These include, “the veil of Aphrodite”, “athermal retrograde neurovascular release”, “clipless antegrade nerve sparing” and “clipless cautery free technique”. The comparative and the non comparative series showing outcomes of RALP have been described in the manuscript. CONCLUSIONS: The basic principles for nerve sparing revolve around minimal traction, athermal dissection, and approaching the correct planes. It has not been documented if any one technique is better than the other. Regardless of technique, patient selection, wise clinical judgment and a careful dissection are the keys to achieve optimal oncological outcomes following RALP.

Nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at Siriraj Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been a discussed issue among patients. Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy has been shown to be superior to non-nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in terms of potency and continence. The authors have reported their experience of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and now developed our technique of nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy done at our institute. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From December 2005 to August 2006, 28 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent a nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Perioperative data was compared to those 34 patients who underwent non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy during the same period. All patients had PSA of less than 10 and pre-operative Gleason Score of 7 or less. Quality of life including incontinence and impotency rates was analyzed during three months post-operation. RESULTS: Patients' dermographic data, except ages, was similar in the two groups. Operating time was not different (217 vs. 212 minutes in favor of nerve-sparing). Blood loss was significantly high in nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (814 mls vs. 543 mls, p = 0.01). Tumor control was not different within both groups. Three months after surgery incontinent rates of both groups were not different. 43.75% of patients with nerve-sparing technique had experienced erection at three months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The authors' early experience has shown that nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy does not compromise cancer control, although blood loss is higher. This operation should be encouraged in cancer-localized patients as the patients may gain benefit of better quality of life.

Conservación de la potencia erectil: su fracaso en la prostatectomía radical / Erectil potency preservation: it failure in radical prostatectomy

Analizamos 30 casos de prostatectomía radical clínicamente en estadio B u órgano confirmado, en los que se intentó conservar las vías neurovasculares para preservar potencia. En la mayoría se logró continencia en forma inmediata y en todos adecuada en el mediano plazo. Se realizaron controles de tipo clínico y en casos específicos, evaluación circulatoria. En 15 casos se obtuvo conservación de una buena erección. En el resto hubo impotencia aunque algunos quedaron con algún grado de erección, pero ésta no fue útil. Se analizan las posible causas de este fracaso. Analizamos las influencias de la edad, la resección de bandeleta unilateral y la aparición tardía de la erección en algunos casos. En los pacientes de mayor edad aparece como muy difícil el conservar la erección, lo mismo cuando existe el antecedente de RTU o cirugía prostática previa. Sin embargo, la cirugía de conservación es posible y tiene resultados adecuados si se consideran estos factores

Impotence following radical cystoprostatectomy prevention and treatment

Over the past three years [1991 - 1994], 33 sexually active male patients with invasive bladder cancer were selected for nerve sparing radical cystoprostatectomy aiming at the preservation of potency. Five patients were excluded due to postoperative mortality or early recurrence. Among the remaining 28 patients, potency was successfully preserved in 29%. Intracorporal injection [ICI] of vasoactive agents was tried for the remaining patients in whom the nerve sparing technique failed to preserve potency. The pharmacological manipulation was successful in inducing adequate erection in 25% of injected patients. Patients with inadequate or no response to ICI [15 patients] were offered the option of a penile prosthetic implant. Three different types of prostheses were used: The flexible silastic [4 patients], the malleable silastic, AMS 600 [2 patients] and the hydroflex self-contained inflatable prosthesis [one patient]. Eight patients refused the prosthetic implant

Técnica de cistectomía radical conservando la potencia erectil / Radical cistectomy technique conserving the erectile potential

Presentamos una técnica para conservar la potencia eréctil en los casos de cáncer vesical que se someten a cistectomía radical. Se decribe la técnica y se analizan 14 casos intervenidos en nuestro Servicio de Urología. En 10 de ellos se logra el propósito. Es necesario completar una casuística mayor y mayor tiempo de observación, para ver la incidencia en el tiempo de sobrevida