The impact of AirSeal® on complications and pain management during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: a single-tertiary center study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare perioperative outcomes, post-operative complications, and opioid use between AirSeal® and non-AirSeal® robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: We retrospectively collected data on 326 patients who underwent elective RARP at our institution either with or without AirSeal®. The first 60 cases were excluded accounting for the institutions' learning curve of RARP. Patient demographics, oncologic, pathologic, and surgical characteristics between AirSeal® and non-AirSeal® cases were compared. Furthermore, outcomes of interest including operative time, length of stay, morbidity, and opioid use for pain management were compared between the two groups. Univariate linear and logistic regression models were developed. RESULTS: The AirSeal® group consisted of 125 (38.3%) patients while the non-AirSeal® group consisted of 201 (61.7%) patients. No statistically significant difference was seen in terms of patient demographics, oncologic characteristics, surgical characteristics, and pathologic characteristics between the two groups. In addition, univariate linear regression showed that RARP with AirSeal® displayed shorter operative times by 12.3 min and a shorter length of hospital stay by 0.5 days compared to the non-AirSeal® group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the AirSeal® group witnessed lower odds of Clavien-Dindo (CVD) Class > 2 complications (OR = 0.102) and a lower need for opioid use (OR = 0.49) compared to the non-AirSeal® group (p < 0.022). CONCLUSION: RARP using AirSeal® is associated with shorter operative times, shorter length of hospital stays, lower odds of CVD > 2 complications, and lower odds of opioid use with respect to non-AirSeal® RARP. The efficacy and cost effectiveness of using the AirSeal® system during RARP should be further studied and evaluated by clinical trials.

Preoperative predictors of prolonged length of stay in radical cystectomy: a retrospective study using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Dataset.

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) is considered a complex procedure that entails significant morbidity and mortality. Objectives: We aimed to determine pre-operative patient characteristics that help predict a prolonged length of hospital stay (PLOS) following RC. Design and Methods: The American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to select patients who underwent RC between the years 2011 and 2020. Prolonged length of stay was defined as a hospital stay ⩾9 days. We compared patient demographics, pre-operative labs, surgical characteristics, and medical history between patients with or without PLOS. Multivariable logistic regression models controlling for pre-operative characteristics and propensity score matching for post-operative complications were conducted to control for possible confounders. Results: The analysis yielded details of 19,158 RC patients of which 6007 (31%) patients had a PLOS. Patients with PLOS were more likely to have post-operative complications that could serve as predictors for the PLOS rather than their pre-operative characteristics. Hence, we matched our cohort for these complications. After matching, patient pre-operative characteristics that predict PLOS included female gender (Odds Ratio (OR) = 5.91), 10-year increase in age (OR = 1.15), non-White race (OR = 1.98), partially or totally dependent functional health status (OR = 2.86), bleeding disorders (OR = 4.67), congestive heart failure (OR = 1.59), pre-operative transfusion (OR = 3.03), and a 20-min increase in operative time (OR = 1.01) (p < 0.046). Conclusion: Patient demographics and pre-operative factors can help predict PLOS in RC patients. These predictors could serve as tools for patient counseling and risk stratification.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is pushing the boundaries: a national survey of frailty using the national surgical quality improvement program.

Background: Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been found to be comparable and, in some cases, favorable to open surgical approaches, while being used in a frailer population. Objectives: We aimed to illustrate the trend in population frailty and compare morbidity and mortality postoperatively in patients who underwent RARP. Design and Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set was used to select patients who underwent RARP between the years 2011-2019. Age, frailty indicators, surgical characteristics, and perioperative morbidity and mortality were compared between the years 2011-2019 using the chi-square test (χ2) for categorical variables and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for continuous variables. Results: Our patient population consisted of 66,683 patients who underwent RARP. There was an increase in mean age and frailty indicated by an increase in 5-item frailty score ⩾2, metabolic syndrome index = 3, and American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) class ⩾3 between the years 2011-2019 (p < 0.001). Whereas the rate of mortality and morbidity, indicated by postoperative Clavien-Dindo grade ⩾4 and major morbidity, remained the same over the same period (p > 0.264). Furthermore, operative time and length of stay decreased over the same period (p < 0.001). Conclusion: RARP is being performed on more frail patients, with no added morbidity or mortality.

Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes of Trans-urethral Resection of the Prostate, Laser Vaporization, and Laser Enucleation: A Double Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative outcomes of 3 types of endourologic surgeries (trans-urethral resection of the prostate [TURP], laser vaporization [LVP], and laser enucleation [LEP]) for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) treatment using the ACS-NSQIP database. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for men who underwent TURP, PVP, and LEP for treatment of BPH from 2011 till 2019. Demographics, clinical, operative characteristics, and 30-day outcomes were compared. Univariate and multivariate regression models were constructed. Propensity score matching was then performed as a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: A total of 74,273 patients underwent endourologic surgeries for BPH, 65.4% had TURP, 28.6% PVP, and 5.9% LEP. Patients undergoing TURP were more likely to be older with higher ASA class, abnormal labs, and comorbidities (diabetic, congestive heart failure, and bleeding requiring transfusion) (P-value <.001). After adjusting for covariates and propensity score matching, LVP demonstrated shorter hospital stays, shorter operative times, less reoperation rates, decreased DVT/PE risk, with, however, higher odds of urinary tract infection and sepsis as compared to TURP (P-value<.028). Furthermore, LEP was found to have shorter hospital stays, longer operative times, and decreased odds of urinary tract infections and sepsis as compared to TURP (P-value<.006). CONCLUSION: LVP and LEP showed better surgical outcomes and characteristics as compared to TURP. Further research is needed to account for longer duration of follow-up and patient-specific urologic outcomes, such as prostate size, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation.

The 5-item frailty index predicts 30-day morbidity and mortality in radical nephrectomy patients: A propensity matched analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of the 5-item frailty index (5-IFi) score to predict 30-day morbidity and mortality post-radical nephrectomy (RN). METHODS: ACS-NSQIP database was used to select patients who underwent RN from 2011 to 2020. 5-IFi score was calculated by assigning a point for each of the following comorbidities: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pneumonia, congestive heart failure, dependent functional status, hypertension, and diabetes. Patients were divided into 3 frailty groups 0, 1, and ≥2. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, prolonged length of stay, and prolonged operative time were compared between different groups; mortality and morbidity using the Clavien-Dindo classification (CVD). Multivariable logistic regression models and propensity score matching were performed as a sensitivity analysis to control for possible confounders. RESULTS: Cohort consisted of 36,682 patients whereby 5-IFi class 0, 1, and ≥2 included 11,564 (31.5%), 16,571 (45.2%), and 8,547 (25.3%) patients respectively. A multivariable analysis and propensity score matching revealed that patients with 5-IFi classes 1 and ≥ 2 were more likely to have a prolonged length of stay (OR = 1.11, 1.3, respectively) and to mortality (OR = 1.85 for frailty class ≥2); in addition to CVD class 1 & 2 (OR = 1.51, OR = 1.13, respectively), and CVD ≥ 4 (OR = 1.41, 1.86, respectively) as compared to 5-IFi class 0 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The 5-IFi score was found to be an independent predictor of prolonged length of stay, morbidity, and mortality after RN. This tool can play a major role in preoperative risk assessment and patient counseling based on individualized risks.

Sedation as an alternative anesthetic technique for frail patients in transurethral resection of the prostate.

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) under Monitored Anesthesia Care MAC/Sedation (macTURP), as compared with TURP under general (genTURP) or spinal (spTURP) anesthesia, is a safer and infrequently used technique reserved for high-risk patients. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare 30-day postoperative outcomes of TURP using the three types of anesthesia techniques. Design and methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients who underwent TURP between 2008 and 2019. Demographics, lab values, medical history, and 30-day outcomes were compared. Univariate and multivariate regression models for postoperative complications were constructed. A propensity score-matched analysis was then performed for genTURP and macTURP and for spTURP and macTURP as a sensitivity analysis. Results: A total of 53,182 patients underwent TURP. Older patients (>80) with diabetes requiring insulin (7.9%), leukocytosis (7.4%), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (7.8%), dyspnea (7.2%), and of ASA > 2 (58.8%) were more likely to undergo macTURP as compared with genTURP (p < 0.013). SpTURP showed lower rates of urinary tract infection (UTI) [odds ratio (OR) = 0.869] as compared with genTURP (p = 0.049), whereas macTURP showed higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (OR = 2.179) as compared with genTURP (p = 0.005). All other postoperative complications showed similar rates between the three procedures. The propensity-matched cohorts demonstrated that no differences in postoperative complication rates were noted between macTURP and genTURP and between macTURP and spTURP. Conclusion: MacTURP was found to be feasible with a good safety profile as compared with genTURP and spTURP. MacTURP could be used in elderly, frail, and co-morbid patients with a similar safety profile as compared with more invasive anesthetic techniques.

Surgical Complications Requiring Reoperation in Open Versus Minimally Invasive Radical Nephrectomy: A Contemporary Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: To explore reoperation rates for different radical nephrectomy (RN) approaches that are experiencing a shift from open radical nephrectomy (ORN) toward minimally invasive surgery (MIS), we aimed to compare reoperation rates along with their culprit etiologies between the different types of surgical approaches for RN. METHODS: The national surgical quality improvement program dataset was used to select patients who underwent RN between the years 2012-2019. A 1:1 propensity score matched analysis was used. Reoperation rates and causes were then compared between open and MIS approach. RESULTS: The propensity matched cohort included 15,294 patients. Reoperation rates due to large bowel injury (0.01 vs. 0.14%), vascular injury (0.07 vs. 0.22%), and other abdominal (0.5 vs. 0.77%) were more common in ORN as compared to MIS (MIS vs. ORN, respectively, p < 0.034). Reoperation due to hernia (0.14 vs. 0.03%) was more common in MIS as compared to ORN (p = 0.027). No difference was seen for small bowel injury and incision/wound debridement. General reoperation (1.61 vs. 2.22%) and mortality (0.57 vs. 1.47%) were also more common in ORN as compared to MIS (p < 0.008). CONCLUSION: Reoperation due to large bowel injury, vascular injury, and other abdominal was more likely to occur in ORN. Whereas reoperation due to hernia was more likely to occur in MIS. Surgical approach was an independent risk factor for immediate and early reoperation rates in RN patients. These results could be used to counsel patients pre-operatively on possible surgical approaches and complications.

Preoperative MELD score predicts mortality and adverse outcomes following radical cystectomy: analysis of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

Background: The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) has been widely used to predict the mortality and morbidity of various surgical procedures. Objectives: We aimed to correlate a high preoperative MELD score with adverse 30-day postoperative complications following radical cystectomy. Design and Methods: Patients who underwent elective, non-emergency radical cystectomy were identified from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2005 to 2017. Patients were categorized according to a calculated MELD score. The primary outcomes of this study were 30-day postoperative mortality, morbidity, and length of hospital stay following radical cystectomy. For further sensitivity analysis, propensity score matching was used to yield a total of 1387 matched pairs and primary outcomes were also assessed in the matched cohort. Results: Compared with patients with a MELD < 10, those with MELD ⩾ 10 had significantly higher rates of mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 1.71, p = 0.004], major complications (OR = 1.42, p < 0.001), and prolonged hospital stay (OR = 1.29, p < 0.001) on multivariate analysis. Following risk-adjustment for race, propensity-matched groups revealed that patients with MELD score ⩾ 10 were significantly associated with higher mortality (OR = 1.85, p = 0.008), major complications (OR = 1.34, p < 0.001), yet similar length of hospital stay (OR = 1.17, p = 0.072). Conclusion: MELD score ⩾ 10 is associated with higher mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing radical cystectomy compared with lower MELD scores. Risk-stratification using MELD score may assist clinicians in identifying high-risk patients to provide adequate preoperative counseling, optimize perioperative conditions, and even consider nonsurgical alternatives.

Telemedicine and Telementoring in Urology: A Glimpse of the Past and a Leap Into the Future.

Telemedicine is the process of utilizing telecommunications and digital relay to perform, teach, or share medical knowledge. The digital era eased the incorporation of telemedicine to different areas of medical care, including the surgical care of Urologic patient mainly through telementoring, telesurgery, and telerobotics. Over the years, Telemedicine has played an integral part in a physicians' ability to provide high quality medical care to remote patients, as well as serve as an educational tool for trainee physicians, in the form of telementoring. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has played a vital role in combatting the health implications of confinements. Challenges of telemedicine implementation include cost, ethical considerations, security, bandwidth, latency, legal, and licensure difficulties. Nevertheless, the future of telemedicine, specifically telementoring, promises several improvements and innovative advancements that aim to bridge the gap in technological divides of urologic care. In this review, we build on what is already known about telemedicine focusing specifically on aspects related to telementoring, telestration, and telesurgery. Furthermore, we discuss its historical role in healthcare with a special emphasis on current and future use in urology.