Evaluation of risk factors for recurrent renal stone formation among Saudi Arabian patients: Comparison with first renal stone episode.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the baseline characteristics, and risk factors of renal stone recurrence among Saudi Arabian patients after successful primary stone treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional comparative study, we reviewed the medical records of patients who presented consecutively with a first renal stone episode from 2015 to 2021 and were followed-up by mail questionnaire, telephone interviews, and/or outpatient clinic visit. We included patients who achieved stone-free status after primary treatment. Patients were divided into two groups: group I (patients with first episode renal stone) and group Ⅱ (patients who developed renal stone recurrence). The study outcomes were to compare the demographics of both groups and to evaluate the risk factors of renal stone recurrence after successful primary treatment. We used Student's t-test, Mann Whitney test or chi-square (x2) to compare variables between groups. Cox regression analyses were used to examine the predictors. RESULTS: We investigated 1260 participants (820 males and 440 females). Of this number, 877 (69.6%) didn't develop renal stone recurrence and 383 (30.4%) had recurrence. Primary treatments were percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), surgery and medical treatment in 22.5%, 34.7%, 26.5%, 10.3%, and 6%, respectively. After primary treatment, 970 (77%) and 1011 (80.2%) of patients didn't have either stone chemical analysis or metabolic work-up, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender (OR: 1.686; 95% CI, 1.216-2.337), hypertension (OR: 2.342; 95% CI, 1.439-3.812), primary hyperparathyroidism (OR: 2.806; 95% CI, 1.510-5.215), low fluid intake (OR: 28.398; 95% CI, 18.158-44.403) and high daily protein intake (OR: 10.058; 95% CI, 6.400-15.807) were predictors of renal stone recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Male gender, hypertension, primary hyperparathyroidism, low fluid intake and high daily protein intake increase the risk of renal stone recurrence among Saudi Arabian patients.

External validation of yonsei nomogram predicting chronic kidney disease development after partial nephrectomy: An international, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To externally validate Yonsei nomogram. METHODS: From 2000 through 2018, 3526 consecutive patients underwent on-clamp PN for cT1 renal masses at 23 centers were included. All patients had two kidneys, preoperative eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. New-onset CKD was defined as upgrading from CKD stage I or II into CKD stage ≥III. We obtained the CKD-free progression probabilities at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years for all patients by applying the nomogram found at https://eservices.ksmc.med.sa/ckd/. Thereafter, external validation of Yonsei nomogram for estimating new-onset CKD stage ≥III was assessed by calibration and discrimination analysis. RESULTS AND LIMITATION: Median values of patients' age, tumor size, eGFR and follow-up period were 47 years (IQR: 47-62), 3.3 cm (IQR: 2.5-4.2), 90.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR: 82.8-98), and 47 months (IQR: 27-65), respectively. A total of 683 patients (19.4%) developed new-onset CKD. The 5-year CKD-free progression rate was 77.9%. Yonsei nomogram demonstrated an AUC of 0.69, 0.72, 0.77, and 0.78 for the prediction of CKD stage ≥III at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The calibration plots at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years showed that the model was well calibrated with calibration slope values of 0.77, 0.83, 0.76, and 0.75, respectively. Retrospective database collection is a limitation of our study. CONCLUSIONS: The largest external validation of Yonsei nomogram showed good calibration properties. The nomogram can provide an accurate estimate of the individual risk of CKD-free progression on long-term follow-up.

Warm ischemia time length during on-clamp partial nephrectomy: does it really matter?

BACKGROUND: The impact of warm ischemia time (WIT) on renal functional recovery remains controversial. We examined the length of WIT>30 min on the long-term renal function following on-clamp partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS: Data from 23 centers for patients undergoing on-clamp PN between 2000 and 2018 were analyzed. We included patients with two kidneys, single tumor, cT1, minimum 1-year follow-up, and preoperative eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73m2. Patients were divided into two groups according to WIT length: group I "WIT≤30 min" and group II "WIT>30 min." A propensity-score matched analysis (1:1 match) was performed to eliminate potential confounding factors between groups. We compared eGFR values, eGFR (%) preservation, eGFR decline, events of chronic kidney disease (CKD) upgrading, and CKD-free progression rates between both groups. Cox regression analysis evaluated WIT impact on upgrading of CKD stages. RESULTS: The primary cohort consisted of 3526 patients: group I (N.=2868) and group II (N.=658). After matching the final cohort consisted of 344 patients in each group. At last follow-up, there were no significant differences in median eGFR values at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years (P>0.05) between the matched groups. In addition, the median eGFR (%) preservation and absolute eGFR change were similar (89% in group I vs. 87% in group II, P=0.638) and (-10 in group I vs. -11 in group II, P=0.577), respectively. The 5 years new-onset CKD-free progression rates were comparable in the non-matched groups (79% in group I vs. 81% in group II, log-rank, P=0.763) and the matched groups (78.8% in group I vs. 76.3% in group II, log-rank, P=0.905). Univariable Cox regression analysis showed that WIT>30 min was not a predictor of overall CKD upgrading (HR:0.953, 95%CI 0.829-1.094, P=0.764) nor upgrading into CKD stage ≥III (HR:0.972, 95%CI 0.805-1.173, P=0.764). Retrospective design is a limitation of our study. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis based on a large multicenter international cohort study suggests that WIT length during PN has no effect on the long-term renal function outcomes in patients having two kidneys and preoperative eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73m2.

Silodosin versus Tamsulosin as Medical Expulsive Therapy for Children with Lower-Third Ureteric Stones: Prospective Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of silodosin versus tamsulosin as medical expulsive therapy for stones of lower-third ureter in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective single-blind placebo-controlled randomized study included 167 pediatric patients who presented with distal ureteric stone (DUS) less than 1 cm. Patients were randomized into 3 groups; group I received silodosin 4 mg once daily, and group II received tamsulosin 0.4 mg while those in group III had placebo. The side effects of the used drugs, both rate and time of stone expulsion, and number of pain episodes were compared among the study groups for a maximum of 4 weeks. RESULTS: Follow-up data of our patients after treatment revealed that the stone expulsion rate was significantly higher and the time to stone expulsion was significantly shorter in group I (89.3%, 12.4 ± 2.3 days) and group II (74.5%, 16.2 ± 4.2 days) compared to group III (51.8%, 21.2 ± 5.6). However, a statistically significant difference between silodosin and tamsulosin groups in favor of the former one was reported regarding the 2 studied items. Meanwhile, pain episodes requiring analgesia were statistically fewer in group I and II in contrast to placebo group. Adverse events were comparable among all groups. CONCLUSION: Silodosin provides significantly better stone expulsion rate and shorter expulsion time than tamsulosin for treatment of DUS. Both medications showed good safety profiles in children. However, further studies are required on a larger scale to confirm our results. Assessment of drug safety on younger age-group is still needed.

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for large proximal ureteric stones: Surgical technique, outcomes and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LPU) for the treatment of large proximal ureteric stone. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter analysis for patients with solitary impacted proximal ureteric stone ≥15 mm who underwent LPU from 2016 to 2019 was performed. Primary outcome was to estimate the stone-free rate (SFR). SFR was defined as absence of residual stones on postoperative computed tomography scan. Secondary outcome was to assess the perioperative outcomes, as well as to review literature data of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses comparing LPU to other treatment options. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included in our study. Mean stone size was 22.9 ± 5.8 mm and median follow-up was 14 months. Three patients had previous abdominal surgery, one patient had severe degree of scoliosis and six patients failed primary therapy. All stones were extracted successfully (SFR = 100%) without need of auxiliary treatments. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 86.6 ± 14.1 minutes. and 11.9 ± 14.7 mL, respectively. No intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery were reported. No major postoperative complications (≥grade 3) were reported. Mean length of hospital stay was 2 ± 0.8 days. CONCLUSIONS: For treatment of large ureteric stones, our study showed that LPU achieves 100% stone-free status. When performed by well-trained laparoscopic surgeons, it is safe and has no major perioperative complications. According to our results and literature data, when counseling patients with large impacted proximal ureteral stones, LPU should be advised as the procedure that has the higher SFR, lower auxiliary treatments, and comparable complication rates to other treatments.

Urolithiasis treatment options during COVID-19 pandemic: review of current recommendations and triage systems.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed healthcare systems and limited access to surgical care. Urolithiasis can lead to emergencies and affect renal function during long-term follow-up. Therefore, timely and appropriate treatment is essential. MAIN TEXT: This is a non-systematic review of the recently published recommendations regarding urolithiasis treatment options during COVID-19. Fourteen publications were the basis of our review. Regarding anesthesia methods, the optimal methods are still unknown. During COVID-19, most of the endo-urologists changed their routine clinical practice and elective surgical treatment approaches. Despite decreasing number of emergency visits and admissions for stone disease, patients tend to have leukocytosis, higher creatinine levels, increased grade 3 and 4 hydronephrosis, and higher incidence of complications compared to non-COVID-19 time. Several alarming indications if present, intervention should be performed within 24 h to prevent irreversible kidney damage, disease progression, or even death. Some endo-urologists prefer definitive stone treatment over temporarily drainage to reduce the number of emergency room visits and hospital admissions, except if infection is present or staged treatment is planned. Several clinical scenarios of non-emergency and non-urgent urinary stones are present; thus, endo-urologists should appropriately weigh patient's risk and surgery benefit to decide to the proper intervention time. If risks outweighed benefits to the patient, postpone the surgery. Renal colic should be managed with medical expulsive therapy and proper pain control with close follow-up just in case it becomes an emergency. Indwelling JJ stent removal or exchange is a matter of debate; some endo-urologists recommend removing, while others recommend postponing. CONCLUSION: Treatment options for urinary stones have markedly changed during COVID-19 pandemic. The optimal anesthesia methods are still unknown. Emergency intervention is a must if any alarming indications exist. Emergency cases tend to have higher incidence of complications compared to non-COVID-19 time. For non-emergency and non-urgent urolithiasis, endo-urologists should make judicious treatment decision to prioritize urolithiasis treatment, and they should weigh benefits and risks before surgery.

Bladder outlet obstruction secondary to posterior urethral cystitis cystica & glandularis in a 12-year-old boy. A rare case scenario.

Urethral cystitis cystica and cystitis glandularis in children are extremely rare condition. Mainly manifested as weak urine flow. Other symptoms may occur, such as terminal hematuria, urgency, frequency, and urinary incontinence. In ultrasound examinations, children usually have high post-void residual urine volume. Transurethral visualization and resection of lesions is a method of diagnosis and treatment. Close follow-up is necessary because recurrence may occur. In addition, systemic corticosteroids may slow down its regrowth. In the current case report, we discussed the clinical presentation and management of urethra cystitis cystica, and cystitis glandularis in a 12-year-old boy.

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy versus open retropubic radical prostatectomy: a prospective comparative study with 19-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare the surgical outcomes of retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORP). METHODS: We included patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent RS-RARP or ORP and met our inclusion criteria. We compared the perioperative, oncological, and continence outcomes between both surgical approaches. Continence function was assessed using the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form. Continence was defined as using 0-1 safety pad per day. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive rises in serum PSA more than 0.2 ng/mL. Events of local recurrence, distant metastasis, and cancer death were reported and compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Between 1 June 2013 and 1 October 1 2016, 184 men were enrolled, of whom 125 underwent RS-RARP and 59 underwent ORP. Baseline demographic and pathological characteristics were similar between both groups (P>0.05). Patients in RS-RARP group had significantly lower blood loss, fewer transfusion rates, lower VAS score, and shorter hospital stay than patients in ORP group (P<0.05). Major complications (≥grade 3b) did not differ between both groups (P=0.121). Positive surgical margins were 28.8% and 24.8% in ORP and RS-RARP, respectively (P=0.494). The BCR free-survival rates in ORP and RS-RARP at 1-year was 87.3% and 92.3%, respectively (Log-rank, P=0.740). At 1-, 6-, and 12-month after surgery, 42.4%, 79.7%, and 84.7% of men undergoing ORP were continent, compared with 72.8%, 90.4%, and 92% undergoing RS-RARP, respectively. Men in RS-RARP group achieved faster recovery of urinary continence compared to men in ORP group (Log-rank, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RS-RARP had better perioperative outcomes and faster recovery of urinary continence compared with ORP. Short-term oncological outcomes were comparable between both surgical approaches.

Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Totally Endophytic Renal Tumors: Step by Step Standardized Surgical Technique and Long-Term Outcomes with a Median 59-Month Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of totally endophytic renal tumors is a technically demanding surgery. While few studies show promising perioperative and short-term outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), its long-term outcomes remain undetermined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 89 patients with totally endophytic renal tumors undergoing either RAPN (n = 52) or open partial nephrectomy (OPN; n = 37) in a tertiary-care institution between 2005 and 2015 was performed. Primary endpoint was to describe our transperitoneal RAPN surgical technique, while secondary endpoint was to compare the 5-year chronic kidney disease (CKD)-free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) rates between RAPN and OPN. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 59 and 53 months for RAPN and OPN, respectively. Apart from increased prevalence of high complex tumors among RAPN cases (RAPN, 38.5% versus OPN, 16.2%; P = .037), and lower median eGFR (RAPN, 86 versus OPN 96 mL/minute/1.73 m2; P = .032), the remaining demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. At latest follow-up, the rates of local recurrence (P = .577), distant metastasis (P = .854), and cancer death (P = .187), and CKD upstaging ≥stage 3 (P = .728) did not differ between groups. The 5-year CKD upstaging-free survival was 96.2% versus 94.6% (log-rank, P = .746), MFS was 95.8% versus 97.1% (P = .876), and CSS was 100% versus 93.8% (log-rank, P = .102) when stratified by RAPN and OPN, respectively. CONCLUSION: RAPN is a safe and feasible option for treatment of totally endophytic renal tumors. Despite the increased prevalence of high tumor complexity and lower baseline renal function in the RAPN group, it achieved equivalent long-term oncologic control and functional outcome compared to OPN.

Predictors of biochemical recurrence after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Analysis of 359 cases with a median follow-up period of 26 months.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate the predictors of biochemical recurrence after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 359 consecutive non-metastatic prostate cancer patients who underwent Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between November 2012 and January 2016. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network prostate cancer risk classification, 164 patients (45.7%) had high- or very high-risk prostate cancer. No patient received adjuvant therapy until documented biochemical recurrence. Biochemical recurrence-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine variables predictive of biochemical recurrence. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 26 months (interquartile range 19-38 months). The overall biochemical recurrence rate was 14.8%, and the median time to biochemical recurrence was 11 months (interquartile range 6-22 months). The 3-year biochemical recurrence-free survival probability was 71.2%, 72.1%, 88.7%, 82.3% and 95.7% in very high-, high-, intermediate-, low- and very low-risk prostate cancer, respectively (log-rank, P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.04; P < 0.0001), percentage of maximum core involvement on biopsy (hazard ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.03; P = 0.029) and clinical stage ≥T3a (hazard ratio 2.12, 95% confidence interval 1.02-4.39; P = 0.043) were predictors of biochemical recurrence, whereas pathological Gleason score ≥8 (hazard ratio 5.63, 95% confidence interval 1.62-19.61; P = 0.007) and pathological tumor volume (hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.20; P < 0.001) were the main pathological predictors of biochemical recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy confers effective biochemical recurrence control at the mid-term follow-up period. Preoperative prostate-specific antigen, advanced clinical stage and higher Gleason score were important predictors of biochemical recurrence after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Long-term oncological safety still needs to be established.

Yonsei nomogram: A predictive model of new-onset chronic kidney disease after on-clamp partial nephrectomy in patients with T1 renal tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a predictive nomogram for chronic kidney disease-free survival probability in the long term after partial nephrectomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 698 patients with T1 renal tumors undergoing partial nephrectomy at a tertiary academic institution. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was carried out based on parameters proven to have an impact on postoperative renal function. Patients with incomplete data, <12 months follow up and preoperative chronic kidney disease stage III or greater were excluded. The study end-points were to identify independent risk factors for new-onset chronic kidney disease development, as well as to construct a predictive model for chronic kidney disease-free survival probability after partial nephrectomy. RESULTS: The median age was 52 years, median tumor size was 2.5 cm and mean warm ischemia time was 28 min. A total of 91 patients (13.1%) developed new-onset chronic kidney disease at a median follow up of 60 months. The chronic kidney disease-free survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 10 year were 97.1%, 94.4%, 85.3% and 70.6%, respectively. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, age (1.041, P = 0.001), male sex (hazard ratio 1.653, P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio 1.921, P = 0.046), tumor size (hazard ratio 1.331, P < 0.001) and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (hazard ratio 0.937, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for new-onset chronic kidney disease. The C-index for chronic kidney disease-free survival was 0.853 (95% confidence interval 0.815-0.895). CONCLUSION: We developed a novel nomogram for predicting the 5-year chronic kidney disease-free survival probability after on-clamp partial nephrectomy. This model might have an important role in partial nephrectomy decision-making and follow-up plan after surgery. External validation of our nomogram in a larger cohort of patients should be considered.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate's time to nadir after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: Predictors and clinical significance on renal functional recovery.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of postoperative time to nadir of estimated glomerular filtration rate on renal functional changes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. METHODS: From 2006 to 2015, 287 patients with renal mass who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in a referral center were analyzed. The cohort was evaluated based on their time to develop nadir: group 1 (no nadir), group 2 (<48 h) and group 3 (≥48 h). The outcome measures were to evaluate the renal function recovery between groups, risk factors for development of nadir ≥48 h, as well as predictors of chronic kidney disease upstaging. RESULTS: The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate percentage change was the worst in group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2, with 13.8%, -0.67% and 8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Chronic kidney disease upstaging was more common in group 3 compared with the other groups (P < 0.001). Age, tumor size, PADUA score and warm ischemia time were predictors of developing ≥48 h estimated glomerular filtration rate nadir (odds ratio 1.04, P = 0.002; odds ratio 1.43, P < 0.001; odds ratio 1.24, P = 0.018; odds ratio 1.05, P < 0.001), respectively. The 5-year probability of freedom from chronic kidney disease upstaging was lower in group 3 (75.6%) compared with the other groups - 88.1% and 100% (P = 0.003). Time to nadir ≥48 h was a predictor of chronic kidney disease upstaging (odds ratio 3.02, P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: A continuous decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (≥48 h) after partial nephrectomy is associated with increased risk of poor functional recovery overtime. Age, tumor size, PADUA score and warm ischemia time are independent predictors of developing ≥48 h time to nadir of estimated glomerular filtration rate. This higher risk subgroup should be targeted for stricter follow up to allow early detection of future risk of renal functional decline.

Functional and oncological outcomes of open, laparoscopic and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a multicentre comparative matched-pair analyses with a median of 5 years' follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To compare outcomes at a 5-year median follow-up among different partial nephrectomy (PN) approaches: robot-assisted (RAPN), laparoscopic (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 1 308 patients who underwent PN (RAPN, n = 380; LPN, n = 206; OPN, n = 722) between 2006 and 2012 at one of four academic centres. We performed 1:1:1 propensity-score-matching adjustment based on confounding variables among groups, and 366 patients (122 in each group) were included in the final analysis. Survival rates were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The median follow-up periods were 60, 59.8 and 64.1 months for RAPN, LPN and OPN, respectively. In the matched groups, RAPN resulted in significantly lower mean estimated blood loss compared with LPN (P = 0.025) and OPN (P = 0.040), while LPN was associated with a longer mean operating time compared with RAPN (P = 0.001) and OPN (P = 0.001). The hospital stay was shorter in the RAPN group (P = 0.008). Regarding the oncological outcomes, there were no significant differences among the three groups in local recurrence rate (P = 0.882), distant metastasis rate (P = 0.816) or deaths from cancer (P = 0.779). At latest follow-up, the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) upstaging was significantly lower in RAPN compared with LPN (20.55% vs 32%; P = 0.035) and OPN (20.5% vs 33.6%; P = 0.038). The 5-year CKD free-survival rate was significantly higher (78.4%) in the RAPN group compared with 58.8% and 65.8% in the LPN and OPN groups, respectively (log-rank P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, RAPN, LPN and OPN had similar local recurrence, distant metastasis and cancer-related death rates at a 5-year median follow-up. In terms of functional outcomes, RAPN was associated with a lower incidence of CKD upstaging compared with OPN and LPN.

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the Revo-i robotic surgical system: surgical technique and results of the first human trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and proficiency of the Revo-i® robotic platform (Meere Company Inc.) in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out on 17 patients with clinically localized PCa treated between 17 August 2016 and 23 February 2017 at our urology department using the Revo-i. Patients underwent Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP). The primary objective was to describe the RS-RARP step-by-step surgical technique using the Revo-i. In addition, the safety of the Revo-i was assessed according to intra-operative and the postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery. Early oncological outcomes were also assessed according to surgical margin status and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Continence was defined as use of no or only one pad. Surgeons' satisfaction with the Revo-i was assessed using the Likert scale. RESULTS: All surgeries were completed successfully, with no conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery. The median patient age was 72 years. The median docking time, console time, urethrovesical anastomosis time and estimated blood loss were 8 min, 92 min, 26 min and 200 mL, respectively. One patient was transfused intra-operatively as a result of blood loss of 1 500 mL. Postoperatively, two patients received blood transfusion, and there were no other serious/major complications. The median hospital stay was 4 days. At 3 months, four patients had positive surgical margins, one patient had BCR, and 15 patients were continent. Most of surgeons were satisfied with the Revo-i performance. CONCLUSIONS: The first human study for the treatment of patients with localized PCa using the Revo-i robotic surgical system was carried out successfully. The peri-operative, early oncological and continence outcomes are encouraging. Further prospective studies are warranted to support our preliminary results.

Off-Clamp Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: How Far Shall We Proceed?

BACKGROUND: Off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is associated with increased intraoperative blood loss compared with on-clamp technique. Our aim was to demonstrate our surgical technique and to determine which tumors are ideally suited for this technique. METHODS: Sixty-two patients who underwent off-clamp RAPN for renal tumor between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Increased estimated blood loss (EBL) volume was defined as more than 75 percentile. receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine exact cut-off tumor size and the preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical (PADUA) score that are associated with increased EBL. Risk factors for increased EBL >400 mL and chronic kidney disease (CKD) upstaging were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 20 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 12-84). Patient's mean age, mean tumor size, and mean body mass index were 53.5 ± 12.2 years, 2.6 ± 1.5 cm, and 25 ± 4.1 kg/m2, respectively. Median EBL volume was 200 mL (IQR: 100-400). ROC analysis showed that tumor size of 3.2 cm (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.82, P < .001) and PADUA score of 9 (AUC = 0.79, P = .001) were cut-off values for increased EBL >400 mL. Patients with tumor size >3.2 cm had longer operative time (116 versus 163 minutes, P = .002), more EBL (150 versus 575 mL, P < .001), and higher blood transfusion rate (0% versus 18.8%, P = .015), with increased tendency of conversion to radical nephrectomy (0% versus 12.5%, P = .063) compared with tumor size ≤3.2 cm. Overall CKD upstaging was present in 22 patients (35.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that EBL >400 mL was the only predictor of CKD upstaging (odds ratio: 6.704, P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the risk of intraoperative bleeding and transfusion rate during off-clamp RAPN is increased if tumor size >3.2 cm and/or PADUA complexity score ≥9. Moreover, EBL >400 mL was a risk factor of CKD upstaging, despite zero ischemia. Further larger prospective studies are warranted to validate our results.

Robotic nurse duties in the urology operative room: 11 years of experience.

The robotic nurse plays an essential role in a successful robotic surgery. As part of the robotic surgical team, the robotic nurse must demonstrate a high level of professional knowledge, and be an expert in robotic technology and dealing with robotic malfunctions. Each one of the robotic nursing team "nurse coordinator, scrub-nurse and circulating-nurse" has a certain job description to ensure maximum patient's safety and robotic surgical efficiency. Well-structured training programs should be offered to the robotic nurse to be well prepared, feel confident, and maintain high-quality of care.

Impact of preoperative calculation of nephron volume loss on future of partial nephrectomy techniques; planning a strategic roadmap for improving functional preservation and securing oncological safety.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the correlation of the resected and ischaemic volume (RAIV), which is a preoperatively calculated volume of nephron loss, with the amount of postoperative renal function (PRF) decline after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (PN) in a multi-institutional dataset. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 348 patients from March 2005 to December 2013 at six institutions. Data on all cases of laparoscopic (n = 85) and robot-assisted PN (n = 263) performed were retrospectively gathered. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify the associations between various time points of PRF and the RAIV, as a continuous variable. RESULTS: The mean (sd) RAIV was 24.2 (29.2) cm3 . The mean preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the eGFRs at postoperative day 1, 6 and 36 months after PN were 91.0 and 76.8, 80.2 and 87.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 , respectively. In multivariable linear regression analysis, the amount of decline in PRF at follow-up was significantly correlated with the RAIV (ß 0.261, 0.165, 0.260 at postoperative day 1, 6 and 36 months after PN, respectively). This study has the limitation of its retrospective nature. CONCLUSION: Preoperatively calculated RAIV significantly correlates with the amount of decline in PRF during long-term follow-up. The RAIV could lead our research to the level of prediction of the amount of PRF decline after PN and thus would be appropriate for assessing the technical advantages of emerging techniques.