Open radical prostatectomy reproducing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Involving antegrade nerve sparing and continuous anastomosis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To present modified RRP using the same method as RALP and compare its surgical outcomes with RALP. Materials and Methods: Demographics, perioperative and functional outcomes of the 322 patients that underwent RRP (N=99) or RALP (N=223) at our institution from January 2011 through June 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Postoperative incontinence and erectile dysfunction are involved functional outcomes. During the modified procedure, the bladder neck was dissected first as for RALP. After dissection of vas deference and seminal vesicle, the prostate was dissected in an antegrade fashion with bilateral nerve saving. Finally, the urethra was cut at the prostate apex. After a Rocco suture was applied, and then urethrovesical anastomosis was performed with continuous suture as for RALP. Results: Perioperative characteristics and complication rates were similar in the RRP and RALP groups except for mean estimated blood loss (p<0.001) and operative time (p<0.001). Incontinence rates at 3 and 12 months after RRP decreased from 67.6% to 10.1 and after RALP decreased from 53.4% to 5.4%. Positive surgical margin rates were non-significantly different in the RRP and RALP groups (30.3% and 37.2%, respectively). Overall postoperative potency rate at 12 months was not significant different in RRP and RALP groups (34.3% and 43.0%). Conclusions: RRP reproducing RALP was found to have surgical outcomes comparable to RALP. This technique might be adopted by experienced urologic surgeons as a standard procedure.

Does tumor extent on needle prostatic biopsies influence the value of perineural invasion to predict pathologic stage > T2 in radical prostatectomies?

PURPOSE: Perineural invasion (PNI) on needle prostatic biopsies (NPB) has been controversial as a marker of extraprostatic extension and consequently for planning of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP). The aim of this study was to find whether tumor extent on NPB influences the value of PNI to predict stage > pT2 on RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was based on 264 consecutive patients submitted to radical retropubic prostatectomy. Their NPB were matched with whole-mount processed and totally embedded surgical specimens. Tumor extent on NPB was evaluated as the percentage of linear tissue in mm containing carcinoma in all cores. Considering the median value, patients were stratified into 2 groups: harboring less or more extensive tumors on NPB. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to relate stage > pT2 to PNI and other clinical and pathological variables. RESULTS: In patients with more extensive tumors, PNI was predictive of stage > pT2 in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis. In less extensive tumors, PNI showed no association between any clinical or pathological variables studied; no difference in the time to biochemical progression-free status compared to patients without PNI; and, no predictive value for pathological stage > pT2 on both univariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: Tumor extent on NPB influences the predictive value of PNI for pathologic stage > pT2 on RP. With a higher number of small tumors currently detected, there is no evidence that perineural invasion should influence the decision on preservation of the nerve during radical prostatectomy.

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.

Histological modifications of the rat prostate following transection of somatic and autonomic nerves

It is known that hormones influence significantly the prostate tissue. However, we reported that mating induces an increase in androgen receptors, revealing a neural influence on the gland. These data suggested that somatic afferents (scrotal and genitofemoral nerves) and autonomic efferents (pelvic and hypogastric nerves) could regulate the structure of the prostate. Here we assessed the role of these nerves in maintaining the histology of the gland. Hence, afferent or efferent nerves of male rats were transected. Then, the ventral and dorsolateral regions of the prostate were processed for histology. Results showed that afferent transection affects prostate histology. The alveoli area decreased and increased in the ventral and dorsolateral prostate, respectively. The epithelial cell height increased in both regions. Efferent denervation produced dramatic changes in the prostate gland. The tissue lost its configuration, and the epithelium became scattered and almost vanished. Thus, afferent nerves are responsible for spinal processes pertaining to the trophic control of the prostate, activating its autonomic innervation. Hence, our data imply that innervation seems to be synergic with hormones for the healthy maintenance of the prostate. Thus, it is suggested that some prostate pathologies could be due to the failure of the autonomic neural pathways regulating the gland.

Sabe-se que os hormônios influenciam significativamente o tecido prostático. Entretanto, nós demonstramos que o acasalamento induz um aumento nos receptores androgênicos, revelando uma influência neural sobre a glândula. Esses dados sugerem que os aferentes somáticos (nervos escrotal e genito-femural) e os eferentes autonômicos (nervos pélvicos e hipo-gástricos) poderiam regular a estrutura da próstata. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a função destes nervos na manutenção da histologia da glândula. Dessa forma, os nervos aferentes e eferentes de ratos machos foram seccionados As regiões ventral e dorsolateral da próstata foram processadas para histologia. Os resultados mostraram que a transecção aferente afeta a histologia da próstata. A área alveolar diminuiu e aumentou na próstata dorsal e dorsolateral, respectivamente. A altura da célula epitelial aumentou em ambas as regiões. A desenervação eferente produziu alterações dramáticas na glândula prostática. O tecido perdeu a sua configuração e o epitélio tornou-se difuso e quase desapareceu. Assim, os nervos aferentes são responsáveis por processos espinhais que pertencem ao controle trófico da próstata, ativando sua inervação autonômica. Dessa forma, nossos dados sugerem que a inervação parece ser sinérgica com os hormônios para a manutenção saudável da próstata. Assim, sugere-se que algumas patologias prostáticas poderiam ser ocasionadas devido a falhas nas vias neurais autonômicas que regulam esta glândula.

Neuroanatomical Study of Periprostatic Nerve Distributions Using Human Cadaver Prostate

We investigated the distribution and navigation of periprostatic nerve fibers and constructed a 3-dimensional model of nerve distribution. A total of 5 cadaver specimens were serially sectioned in a transverse direction with 0.5 cm intervals. Hematoxylineosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were then performed on whole-mount sections. Three representative slides from the base, mid-part, and apex of each prostate were subsequently divided into 4 sectors: two lateral, one ventral, and one dorsal (rectal) part. The number of nerve fibers, the distance from nerve fiber to prostate capsule, and the nerve fiber diameters were analyzed on each sector from the representative slides by microscopy. Periprostatic nerve fibers revealed a relatively even distribution in both lateral and dorsal parts of the prostate. There was no difference in the distances from the prostate capsule to nerve fibers. Nerve fibers in the ventral area were also thinner as compared to other areas. In conclusion, periprostatic nerve fibers were observed to be distributed evenly in the periprostatic area, with the exception of the ventral area. As the number of nerve fibers on the ventral part is fewer in comparison, an excessive high up incision is insignificant during the nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

Early experience of robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Quality of life after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been a discussed issue among patients. Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP) has been shown to provide the best surgical outcomes in terms of potency and continence. The program of robotic prostatectomy was started at Siriraj Hospital. Early result of the author's experience was evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy done at Siriraj Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From March 2007 to November 2007, 34 patients (Group 1) with localized prostate cancer underwent Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP). Perioperative data was evaluated and compared to those of 34 patients (group 2) who underwent Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (LRP) during the same period by the same surgeon. RESULTS: There were no demographic differences between the two groups. Catheterization time was significantly shortened in the RALRP group (p < 0.05). There was no major complication in the RALRP group, one LRP patient suffered bilateral ureteric injuries and required bilateral reimplantation. In pathological T2 patients of the last 17 consecutive cases, positive surgical margin rate was similar (14%) in both groups. CONCLUSION: The author early experience has shown that RALRP is feasible and safe. Oncological outcome can be improved with more experience and long term follow up is needed to evaluate functional outcome including potency rate and incontinence rate.

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.

Investigación anatómica de los plexos autónomos génito-vesicales; su importancia en la cirugía del cáncer del recto / Anatomic investigation of autonomous urogenital innervations: importance in rectum cancer surgery

Antecedentes: En la cirugía del cáncer de recto, próstata y útero es necesario conocer la inervación autónoma urogenital a fin de realizar una resección radical con preservación de dicha inervación. Objetivo: Determinar los jalones apropiados para la investigación del plexo presacro, nervios y plexo hipogástrico inferior, erectores en su origen y trayecto que siguen hacia los órganos genitourinarios. Lugar de aplicación: Hospital Público. Diseño: Trabajo de investigación anatómico. Población: 7 especímenes, 5 masculinos y 2 femeninos, se disecaron en total 10 plexos. Método: a) investigación del plexo presacro, nervios y plexo hipogástrico inferior y erectores; b) resección en bloque con un segmento de órganos vecinos; c) estaqueada la pieza es sumergida en formol y Complucad; d) disección de los plexos, fotografías y esquemas; e) biopsias de segmentos de dichos plexos. Resultados: Los erectores dependientes del 3§ y 4§ nervio espinal estuvieron presentes en todas las piezas. Los originados en S3 eran de mayor envergadura y alcanzaban el plexo hipogástrico inferior, los originados en S4 eran finos y discurrían directamente hacia el pene, 1 caso se integraba al plexo hipogástrico inferior; en 2 especímenes hubo anastomosis entre ambos plexos hipogástricos. Conclusiones: en todos los especímenes estaban presentes los nervios erectores. Los de mayor envergadura eran los del 3§ espinal. Los del 4§ espinal discurrían directamente hacia el pene. Las raíces espinales 2§, 3§ y 4§ y el músculo piramidal son jalones importantes en la localización de los erectores