ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Radical prostatectomy by lateral approach allows performing a prostatectomy through a buttonhole, with direct access to the seminal vesicle and fully sparing the anterior pubovesical complex. Our aim is to show the results of reproducing the technique of robotic radical prostatectomy by lateral approach, in terms of intraoperative, postoperative, oncological and functional parameters. METHODS: We analyzed 513 patients submitted to robotic radical prostatectomy by lateral approach from January 2015 to March 2021, operated on by two surgeons in our institution. The oncological and functional results of both surgeons were compared. RESULTS: When comparing both surgeons, the rate of positive surgical margins (PSM) was 32.87% and 37.9% and significant surgical margins (PSM > 2 mm) were 5.88% and 7.58% (p = 0.672) for surgeon 1 and surgeon 2, respectively. Immediate continence was 86% and 85% and sexual potency at one year 73% and 72%, with a similar rate of complications for surgeon 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Radical prostatectomy by the lateral approach technique with preservation of the anterior pubovesical complex is reproducible and offers good oncological and functional results.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the ultrasonographic (US) findings in patients with a referring diagnosis of tennis leg and to explore the relative importance of the plantaris tendon and gastrocnemius muscle in the pathogenesis of this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cadaveric study was performed to outline the normal anatomy of the posterosuperficial compartment of the calf. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and US were performed, followed by gross anatomic correlation. US findings in 141 patients referred with a clinical diagnosis of tennis leg were retrospectively reviewed by means of consensus of two radiologists. Images were analyzed with respect to the integrity of the lower-leg musculotendinous units, presence of fluid collection, and deep venous thrombosis. RESULTS: MR imaging and US enabled distinction of the musculotendinous unit of the plantaris from the remaining muscles of the lower extremity in cadaveric specimens. US findings in the 141 patients included rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle in 94 patients (66.7%), fluid collection between the aponeuroses of the medial gastrocnemius and soleus muscles without muscle rupture in 30 patients (21.3%), rupture of the plantaris tendon in two patients (1.4%), and partial rupture of the soleus muscle in one patient (0.7%). Deep venous thrombosis was seen in isolation in 14 patients (9.9%). CONCLUSION: In patients with clinical findings of tennis leg who undergo US, abnormalities of the medial gastrocnemius muscle appear to be more common than those of the plantaris tendon.
