Impact of Trifecta definition on rates and predictors of "successful" robotic partial nephrectomy for localized renal masses: results from the Surface-Intermediate-Base Margin Score International Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, five different Trifecta score definitions have been proposed to optimize the framing of "success" in partial nephrectomy (PN) field. However, such classifications rely on different metrics. The aim of the present study was to explore how the success rate of robotic PN, as well as its drivers, vary according to the currently available definitions of Trifecta. METHODS: Data from consecutive patients with cT1-2N0M0 renal masses treated with robotic PN at 16 referral centers from September 2014 to March 2015 were prospectively collected. Trifecta rate was defined for each of the currently available definitions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate possible predictors of "Trifecta failure" according to the different adopted formulation. RESULTS: Overall, 289 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among the definitions, Trifecta rates ranged between 66.4% and 85.9%. Multivariable analysis showed that predictors for "Trifecta failure" were mainly tumor-related (i.e. tumor's nephrometry) for those Trifecta scores relying on WIT as a surrogate metric for postoperative renal function deterioration (definitions 1,2), while mainly surgery-related (i.e. ischemia time and excision strategy) for those including the percentage change in postoperative eGFR as the functional cornerstone of Trifecta (definitions 3-5). CONCLUSIONS: There was large variability in rates and predictors of "unsuccessful PN" when using different Trifecta scores. Further research is needed to improve the value of the Trifecta metrics, integrating them into routine patient counseling and standardized assessment of surgical quality across institutions.

Risk factors for progression of chronic kidney disease after robotic partial nephrectomy in elderly patients: results from a multi-institutional collaborative series.

BACKGROUND: Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in patients ≥75 years is certainly underused with concerns regarding surgical quality and a negligible impact on renal function. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD)for purely off-clamp (ocRPN) and on-clamp RPN (onRPN) in elderly patients on a multi-institutional series. METHODS: A collaborative minimally-invasive renal surgery dataset was queried for "RPN" performed between July 2007 and March 2021 and "age≥75 years." A total of 205 patients matched the inclusion criteria. Descriptive analyses were used. Frequencies and proportions were reported for categorical variables while medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) were reported for continuous variables. Baseline, perioperative and functional data were compared between groups. New-onset of stages 3b,4,5 CKD in onRPN and ocRPN cohorts was computed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of progression to severe CKD (sCKD [stages ≥3b]). For all statistical analyses, a two-sided P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mean age of the cohort considered was 78 years (IQR 76-80). At a median follow-up of 29 months (IQR 14.5-44.5), new onset CKD-3b and CKD-4.5 stages was observed in 16.6% and 2.4% of patients, respectively. At Kaplan-Meier analysis, onRPN was associated with a significantly higher risk of developing sCKD (P=0.002). On multivariable analysis, hypertension (HR 2.64; 95% CI 1.14-6.11; P=0.023), on-clamp approach (HR 3.41; 95% CI 1.50-7.74; P=0.003) non-achievement of trifecta (HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.17-0.78; P=0.01) were independent predictors of sCKD. CONCLUSIONS: RPN in patients≥75 years is a safe surgical option. On-clamp approach, hypertension and non-achievement of trifecta were independent predictors of sCKD in the elderly after RPN.

Intraoperative and postoperative surgical complications after ureteroscopy, retrograde intrarenal surgery, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Retrograde ureteroscopy (URS), intra-renal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) represent routine interventions for the treatment of ureteral and renal stones, although at times associated with serious adverse events. Of note, the evidence on perioperative complications after these procedures remains sparse and controversial. Moreover, there is a lack of standardized reporting of adverse events using uniform systems. The aim of the present study was to systematically review of the available evidence on URS/RIRS and PCNL for the surgical treatment of urinary stone, assessing the incidence of intra- and postoperative events, classified according to the modified Clavien-Dindo scale. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA recommendations and was conducted on intra- and postoperative complications, as well as on their management, following URS, RIRS and PCNL procedures, particularly focusing on major events. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 26 studies (13 on URS/RIRS and 11 on PCNL) met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. The highest intraoperative complication rate was 11.5% and 8.5% for RIRS and PCNL, respectively. Major complication rate following URS/RIRS and PCNL ranged between 0.3-31.7% and 2-17.1%, respectively. The most frequent adverse events were obstructive pyelonephritis or urinary leakage requiring the placement of a double J stent or a drainage. Among PCNLs series, life-threatening adverse events have also been reported, including bleeding requiring renal angioembolization and urothorax. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the inclusion of series using a standardized reporting system, the complication rate after URS/RIRS/PCNL remains extensively heterogeneous in the literature; in addition, a non-negligible proportion of studies did not characterize the adverse events nor report the actual management strategy to solve them. Future research is needed to standardize the classification and reporting of surgical complications after endourological procedures (taking into consideration the surgeon's experience and skills), aiming to improve patient counseling and potentially the strategy for their prevention.

Totally intracorporeal robotic ileal ureter replacement: focus on surgical technique and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to describe our totally intracorporeal robotic ileal ureter replacement technique, reporting perioperative and mid-term results and compare it with previous similar experiences, specifically focusing on technical considerations. METHODS: Three patients were submitted to robotic ileal ureter substitution for long ureteral defects in our institution during 2019. The procedures were carried out fully intracorporeally. Two patients received a complete replacement of the urinary tract using an ileal segment, while in one patient the lower ureteral stump was maintained, and an ileal-ureter anastomosis was performed distally. Patients' baseline characteristics, as well as perioperative and mid-term results were collected. A detailed description of the technique is reported and compared with prior similar experiences. RESULTS: Median operative time was 270 (range 240-300) min. No Clavien-Dindo complication >2 was collected. All patients experienced a fast return to oral intake and canalization. Antegrade pyelography, performed a 1-month follow-up, revealed full passage of the medium contrast in those patients submitted to complete ileal ureter replacement while, in the third one, stenosis at the level of ileal-ureter anastomoses was found. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic ileal ureter replacement can be performed completely intracorporeal with optimal results and limited complication rate, in selected cases. According to our considerations, specific surgical steps are needed to reduce the risks related to this procedure, including avoiding partial ileal substitution.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Open pyeloplasty has been the first-line treatment for uretero-pelvic junction obstruction for decades. In the last years, minimally-invasive surgery (MIS) has gained popularity in the pediatrics field. Furthermore, recently, a great extension of Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) has been seen in younger and lighter-weight children as well as in redo cases. Herein we provided a comprehensive review of primary and redo RALP performed in children, particularly focusing on the different distribution of outcomes among the ages. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA recommendations and was conducted on surgical indication and technique, intraoperative nuances, peri- and postoperative outcomes of primary and redo RALP. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 33 studies with 1448 patients were included for primary RALP and 7 studies with 101 patients for redo cases between 2000 and 2019. In particular, 4 studies aimed to compare RALP in different cohorts of children grouped on ages or weight and 4 studies evaluated technical feasibility and safety of RALP over laparoscopic and open approach in very young populations. Success rate for primary RALP was found >90% in all studies but one, with low complication rate and preoperative indication. In redo series, 96% of patients revealed a decreased hydronephrosis on postoperative imaging. CONCLUSIONS: RALP offers excellent outcomes in the pediatric population. However, there is still a strong need for higher quality evidence in the form of prospective observational studies and clinical trials. The rising of new robotic systems, such as single-port platform, might further enhance the applications of RALP in children.

Active treatment of renal stones in pelvic ectopic kidney: systematic review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstruction and stones formation are common in pelvic ectopic kidney (PEK), and stone treatment in such conditions can be challenging. Aim of this systematic review was to examine all the available active treatment modalities for PEK stones in order to critically appraise their advantages and limitations. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A search on Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify literature focused on the active treatment of PEK stones. Original articles, case report and case series were included in the search. The systematic review was conducted in accordance to the PRISMA checklist. The study period went from inception of databases to October 2019. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Of the 256 articles identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria. 334 patients were included in the studies and 119 had stones in PEK. Five patients were treated with SWL, 40 with ureterorenoscopy, 37 with percutaneous nephrolithotomy both by ultrasound/X-Ray or lap-assisted puncture, and 37 with minimally invasive laparoscopic or robot assisted pyelolithotomy. Overall, stone free rate after first treatment was higher in minimally invasive laparoscopic or robot assisted pyelolithotomy (97.2%) compared to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (84.96%) and ureterorenoscopy studies (65.94%). The higher complication rate was reported in percutaneous nephrolithotomy not lap-assisted (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The choice of the approach depends on different factors such as stone size, density and location in accordance with upper urinary tract alterations, kidney anatomy and operator experience. The choice of a retrograde, percutaneous or lap/robot approach should be carefully selected evaluating upper urinary tract anatomy and stone features.

En-bloc endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: a systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Yet, the introduction of lasers for the treatment of LUTS due to BPO has dramatically changed the surgical landscape of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) treatment. Recently, "en-bloc" techniques have shown to prove advantageous in terms of better visualization, more prompt identification of the surgical capsule and the correct plane to dissect. Herein we provide a comprehensive overview of available series of en-bloc enucleation of the prostate, focusing on surgical techniques, perioperative and functional outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA recommendations and was conducted on surgical techniques and perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive en-bloc surgery for prostate adenoma detachment. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 16 studies with 2750 patients between 2003 and 2019 were included. Specific technical nuances have been described to maximize perioperative outcomes of en-bloc prostatic enucleation, including early apical release, horse-shape incisions, inverted U-shape tractions and low power. Overall, regardless of the energy employed, en-bloc prostatic enucleation achieved favorable outcomes including low risk of major complications and quality of life improvement. However, a great heterogeneity of study design, patients' inclusion criteria, prostate volume and en-bloc surgical strategy was found. CONCLUSIONS: En-bloc endoscopic enucleation of the prostate has been shown to be technically feasible and safe, with potential technical advantages over the classic three-lobe technique. Larger comparative studies are needed to evaluate the ultimate impact of the en-bloc approach on postoperative outcomes, in light of the surgeon's learning curve.