Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in younger versus older adults with renal cell carcinoma: a propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) between younger and older patients after adjusting for their background differences. We particularly assessed RAPN outcomes and safety in older patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 559 patients clinically diagnosed with T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and treated with RAPN between 2013 and 2022 at five institutions in Japan. The patients were classified into two groups according to their age during surgery (younger group: < 75 years, older group: ≥ 75 years). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for the differences in the backgrounds between younger and older patients, and surgical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Among the 559 patients, 422 (75.5%) and 137 (24.5%) were classified into the younger and older groups, respectively; 204 and 102 patients from the younger and older groups were matched according to PSM, respectively. Subsequently, patient characteristics other than age were not significantly different between the two groups. In the matched cohort, the older group had more patients with major complications (younger, 3.0%; older, 8.8%; P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Surgical outcomes of RAPN in older patients with RCC were comparable with those in younger patients, although older patients experiencedsignificantly more complications than younger patients. These results suggest the need for further detailed preoperative evaluation and appropriate postoperative management in older patients receiving RAPN.

Comparison of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with soft coagulation and double-layer technique for complex and non-complex tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy when only the inner layer is sutured (single-layer technique with soft coagulation) with those when sutures are placed in the inner and outer layers (double-layer technique) in patients with and without complex renal tumors. METHODS: This retrospective three-institution study included 371 patients with renal tumors who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with a double-layer technique or a single-layer technique with soft coagulation. Tumors that were cT1b, completely embedded, located in the renal portal, or had a RENAL score of ≥10 were considered complex. Relevant data were collected from hospital records. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize selection bias. RESULTS: Propensity score matching created 83 patient pairs with non-complex tumors and 32 with complex tumors. Regardless of tumor complexity, there was no significant difference in operation time, console time, warm ischemia time, positive surgical margin rate, or length of hospital stay between the double-layer and single-layer groups. Although Clavien-Dindo grade I-II urinomas not requiring intervention were significantly more common in the single-layer group regardless of tumor complexity, there was no significant between-group difference in the rate of decline in renal function or grade III-IV complications. CONCLUSION: Single-layer suturing with soft coagulation achieves renal function and perioperative outcomes comparable to those of double-layer suturing regardless of complexity.

Clinical application of virtual imaging guided Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.

Objectives : To evaluate whether virtual partial nephrectomy images could help surgeons identify vascular and collecting system around tumors during actual surgery. Materials & methods : We retrospectively analyzed 36 patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) between 2016 and 2017. Virtual partial nephrectomy images were created from preoperative CT images using computer software, and then analyzed. For analysis, blood vessels and collecting system portions within a 5-mm-thick safety margin around the tumor were examined. During analysis, we predicted whether targeted vasculature around the tumor would require clipping or suturing during surgery, and also whether the collecting system would require opening during resection. Surgical outcomes for virtual partial nephrectomy analyses and actual RAPNs were compared and analyzed for sensitivity and specificity. Results : In 36 cases, 119 arteries and 100 veins were targeted on virtual partial nephrectomy images. Arterial suturing or clipping for hemostasis showed a sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 84.5%, respectively. For veins, the sensitivity and specificity were 39.1% and 92.2%, respectively. Collecting system opening prediction sensitivity was 85.7%, and specificity was 65.2%. Conclusion : Virtual partial nephrectomy imaging is useful for RAPN planning, particularly regarding arteries and the collecting system. It is hoped that techniques for visualizing veins will improve. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 237-243, August, 2022.

Spontaneous recovery of severely impaired penile arterial flow before urethroplasty for pelvic fracture urethral injury.

A 21-year-old male presented to our hospital for life-threatening pelvic fracture, mandating emergent transarterial embolization of the right internal pudendal artery. At five-month post-injury, penile arterial flow was severely impaired, thus penile revascularization surgery were planned, before attempting urethroplasty for a 2-cm gap in the posterior urethra. However, reevaluation angiography results obtained two months later revealed spontaneous recovery of penile arterial flow. Excision and primary anastomosis urethroplasty was successfully performed without signs of bulbar ischemia. This case suggests that the timing of urethroplasty following pelvic injury should be tailored according to recovery of penile arterial flow.

[One-Step Laparoscopic Surgery for Two Regions : Pelvi-Ureteric Junction Obstruction and Mid Ureteral Obstruction Due to Umbilical Ligament].

The patient first presented with left flank pain at the age of 15. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography performed at that time revealed left hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Mid-ureteral obstruction was suspected,and he underwent balloon catheter dilation of the mid-ureteral obstruction. Hydronephrosis,hydroureter and flank pain improved after surgery. However,at 21 years of age,he again presented with left flank pain. CT and ultrasonography revealed pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction and mid-ureteral obstruction. The suspected cause of the mid-ureteral obstruction was the umbilical ligament. Renal scintigraphy showed an obstructive pattern in the left kidney,with 52% split renal function. He thus underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty and end-to-end anastomosis of the mid-ureter with the one-step approach. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred,and the D-J stent was removed 6 weeks after surgery. At 12 months after surgery,he has had no recurrent flank pain and left renal function is normal.

[MICROCYSTIC VARIANT OF UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA IN URINARY BLADDER: A CASE REPORT].

In the present report, we describe a patient with microcystic variant of urothelial carcinoma in urinary bladder. In March 2016, a 71-year-old man presented with bladder tumors found incidentally by ultrasonography. Cystoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple invasive tumor of posterior wall, with a maximum diameter of 33 mm. Transurethral resection (TUR) of bladder tumors was performed. Pathological diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma, high grade, T2 or more. Invasive urothelial carcinoma was diagnosed and laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder was performed accordingly in April 2016. Pathological findings indicated a diagnosis of microcystic variant of urothelial carcinoma. At present, six months after surgery, the patient remains free of recurrence and metastasis. Here we review the characteristics of 4 microcystic variant of urothelial carcinoma cases reported in Japan.

[ROBOT-ASSISTED RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY FOR MEN AGE 75 AND OLDER].

(Objectives) Surgical treatment prostate cancer in elderly patients is controversial. However, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a less invasive procedure than conventional surgery. Therefore, we perform RARP for elderly patients whose general condition is good (Performance status ≤1). The aim of this study is to evaluate surgical, oncological and functional outcomes for RARP in men age 75 and older. (Patients and methods) From July 2013 to April 2016, 300 patients underwent RARP at our institution. They were divided into two groups: an older patient group (≥75 years) and a younger patient group (<75 years). Treatment outcomes for each group, including surgical, oncological and functional outcomes, were compared. (Results) There were no statistically significant differences in surgical outcomes with the exception of nerve sparing rates (older patients: 5.9% vs. younger patients: 17.7%, P=0.0192). Importantly, intra- and postoperative complication rates were similar in both groups (minor complication: 7.4% vs. 3.9%, P=0.322, major complication: 0.0% vs. 2.2%, P=0.592). Regarding oncological outcomes, including positive surgical margin rate and PSA failure (PSA>0.2 ng/ml) at 12 months after surgery, no significant differences existed. Lastly, functional outcomes between the groups, including continence (≤1 pads/day) at 12 months after surgery, had no significant differences. (Conclusions) Our data suggests that RARP can be performed safely for men age 75 and older, and can become a good option for older patients with prostate cancer.

[Two Cases of Overwhelming Post-Splenectomy Infection].

In this report, we describe two cases of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). The first case was in a 70-year-old man who received a splenectomy in 2012 due to pancytopenia induced by hepatic cirrhosis. He presented with fever and fatigue. A blood test and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. However, these examinations did not indicate any abnormal findings. He unexpectedly suffered from septic shock and acute renal failure the following day. Treatment consisted of mechanical ventilation, broad-spectrum antibiotics and continuous hemodiafiltration. Despite intensive treatment, he died 3 days after the initial visit. The second case was in a 55-year-old man with end-stage renal failure who started hemodialysis in 2004 and received a splenectomy in 2005 because of splenic artery aneurysm rupture. He presented with headache and nausea. A blood test indicated bacterial infection. We suspected OPSI and treated him with broad-spectrum antibiotics, continuous hemodiafiltration and mechanical ventilation. Despite treatment, his general condition gradually deteriorated, and he died 15 days after the initial visit. In view of the high mortality rate, prevention through vaccination and provision of proper information regarding OPSI is important.

Virtual cavernoscopy: a novel diagnostic tool for use in the corpus cavernosal lumen in patients with erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: • To evaluate virtual cavernoscopy as a diagnostic tool in erectile dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • Forty patients who visited our hospital for investigation of erectile dysfunction underwent cavernosography using three-dimensional (3D)-computed tomography (CT). • Virtual cavernoscopic images were reconstructed from 3D-CT data. RESULTS: • Virtual cavernoscopic images were obtained from all patients. • Virtual cavernoscopy visualized the corpus cavernosal lumen surrounded by the tunica albuginea, the septum of the cavernosum, the outlets of the veins, and cavernous arteries. • The visualization of each structure depended on the window level (WL). At WL 400, the virtual cavernoscopy visualized only a fibrous structure. At this WL, the internal view of the corpus cavernosum was expressed as a hollow space. At WL 1600, the virtual cavernoscopy visualized the cavernous artery as a filling defect. • Out of 80 lumens in the 40 subjects, arteries in 14 lumens were detected by both virtual cavernoscopy and CT angiography, while arteries in 50 lumens were detected only by virtual cavernoscopy. Arteries in two lumens could not be visualized by either method and those in 14 lumens were visualized only by CT angiography. CONCLUSION: • In visualizing the artery, conventional imaging techniques depend on blood flow, whereas using virtual cavernoscopy an artery can be visualized independently of blood flow. Virtual cavernoscopy is unique in this regard and we therefore believe that this new imaging technology will contribute to better ED practice.

Three-dimensional CT cavernosography: reconsidering venous ligation surgery on the basis of the modern technology.

OBJECTIVE: • To examine the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) CT cavernosography in the diagnosis of corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • The subjects were 55 patients who had failed to respond to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. We performed pharmacodynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography, using 60 mg papaverine hydrochloride. • Cavernosography was performed at 90 mmHg intracavernous pressure, using a multi-slice CT scan system. The 3D images were reconstructed using aquarius net station, ver.2 computer software. • For comparison with conventional cavernosography, maximum intensity projection (MIP) images were used. A flow of 20 mL/min or being more capable of maintaining 90 mmHg of intracavernous pressure indicated veno-occlusive dysfunction. RESULTS: • Forty-five of the 55 patients were diagnosed with corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction. 3D-CT cavernosography revealed drainage veins in all 45 cases, including cavernous veins, dorsal veins, crural veins and other emissary veins. • Compared with 3D-CT cavernosography, observing cavernous veins and the proximal part of the deep dorsal veins using MIP imaging was especially difficult because the origins of the penile veins are often behind the pelvic bone or cavernous body. • Of the patients who seemingly had leakage via the deep dorsal vein, 80.6% did not in fact have leakage via this vein, but had other leakages. The image resolution of 3D-CT cavernosography was significantly higher than that of MIP. CONCLUSION: • 3D-CT cavernosography can provide high-resolution images of venous drainage from any angle. We conclude that the images obtained by 3D-CT cavernosography are very helpful for both the diagnosis of corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction and the anatomical study of the human penile venous system.

Effect of aldosterone on isolated human penile corpus cavernosum tissue.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the physiological effects of aldosterone on human penile corpus cavernosum (hPCC) tissue, as aldosterone has a wider physiological action than just the maintenance of electrolyte balance, and there are mineralocorticoid receptors, i.e. aldosterone receptors, in hPCC tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens of hPCC were obtained from 10 patients (mean age 38 years, range 21-75), with informed consent and approval by the local ethics committee. One patient had a penectomy because of penile cancer, and nine had a penile biopsy because of erectile dysfunction. Patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension or ischaemic heart disease were excluded. In a pharmacological study we evaluated the effect of aldosterone on the isolated hPCC tissues. RESULTS: Aldosterone caused no significant change in resting tension and did not affect the nitric oxide-dependent relaxation reaction. However, the dose-response curve of noradrenaline was shifted to the left when the strip preparation was treated with aldosterone (1 x 10(-5)M) for 20 min before administering noradrenaline. Moreover, the shift to the left was completely blocked when spironolactone (anti-aldosterone agent) was added as a pre-treatment. Pre-treatment with aldosterone also significantly extended the mean (SEM) time required to reach 50% relaxation of a noradrenaline-induced contraction, of 9.3 (1.5) min, vs the control, of 5.2 (1.0) min (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Aldosterone has no direct contractile action or a relaxant action on human penile cavernous tissue, but acts to significantly enhance the noradrenaline-induced contraction. The effect on the noradrenaline-induced contraction is probably caused by aldosterone enhancing the affinity of the alpha-receptors for noradrenaline in hPCC. We suggest that aldosterone acts to enhance contraction of hPCC tissue, and is one of the restraining factors for human penile erection.

Variations of the internal pudendal artery as a congenital contributing factor to age at onset of erectile dysfunction in Japanese.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between variations of the pelvic artery arrangement and the age at erectile dysfunction (ED) onset, as some men develop ED while relatively young, while others maintain erectile function into old age despite having cardiovascular diseases, thus congenital factors might be involved. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined 290 units of internal iliac arteries (IIA) in 145 patients showing repeated incomplete erectile response to intracavernosal injections with prostaglandin E(1). Patients with cardiovascular risk factors, neurological disease or pelvic injury were excluded. The pelvic artery arrangement, evaluated by three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography, was classified anatomically into five types: Type 1 (normal or basic type), in which the internal pudendal artery (IPA) originates from the anterior trunk at the level between the linea terminalis and the major ischial notch; Type 2, the IPA originates from the anterior trunk of the IIA at the level of the major ischial notch or more distally; Type 3, the IPA originates directly from the IIA at a level proximal to the linea terminalis; Type 4, the IPA originates together with the superior and inferior gluteal artery within 1 cm of each other; and Type 5, the penile blood supply is dependent on arteries other than the IPA, such as the obturator artery. RESULTS: Among the 290 units, eight could not be classified due to poor image quality. There were no statistically significant differences in blood flow parameters among the types of IIAs, but there was a statistically significant difference in the IPA type at the age of onset of ED. Type 1 (153 units or 53%) anatomy, was more common in patients who developed ED at an advanced age. Types 2, 3 and 4 were more common in patients with onset of ED at an early age (log-rank test P < 0.001, P = 0.044, P < 0.001, respectively). Compared with patients with the common type of IIAs bilaterally, patients with any of the variations bilaterally are at risk of early onset of ED (log-rank test: P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In these anatomical studies, nearly half of all internal artery units are variations in type. Congenital factors might contribute to the development of ED. If a man has bilateral variation from the common type (Type 1), he might develop ED approximately 10 years earlier than those who are identical in every way except for their IPA (Type 1) arrangements.

Penile revascularization surgery for arteriogenic erectile dysfunction: the long-term efficacy rate calculated by survival analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the subjective and objective outcomes (by survival analysis) after penile revascularization surgery in patients with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), selected by established strict criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 51 patients diagnosed with arteriogenic ED caused by localised arterial lesions and who had microscopic penile revascularization surgery between January 1996 and March 2002. Before surgery, all patients had a full examination, including a medical and sexual history, laboratory testing, intracavernosal pharmacological tests, colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDU), pharmacodynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Penile revascularization surgery was indicated only in patients aged <50 years and with no history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension or hyperlipidaemia. When there were communicating branches between the dorsal and cavernosal arteries, Hauri's procedure was used; when there were none or there was no evidence for them on both CDU and DSA because of severe narrowing or obstruction in the proximal common penile artery, the Furlow-Fisher modification of the Virag V procedure (FFV5) was used. The patency of the neo-arterial blood flow was assessed by CDU and effective rates calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The efficacy rate was recalculated whenever there was a recurrence. When occlusion of the neo-arterial blood was confirmed by CDU the date of occlusion was set as that midway between the last examination showing patency of the donor vessel and the latest examination indicating the occlusion. The patency period was the number of days from surgery to the date of occlusion. RESULTS: Of the 51 patients, 26 had Hauri's and 23 the FFV5 procedure (median age 32 years, range 21-49); in two patients with a previous pelvic fracture surgery was not possible because of scar formation in the dorsal area at the base of the penis. The mean (sd) subjectively estimated efficacy rate was 85.9 (6.3)% after 3 and 67.5 (10.7)% after 5 years of follow-up. The duration at 75% efficacy was 41.0 (5.6) months. The objectively estimated efficacy rate was 84.9 (7.3)% at 3 and 65.5 (13.5)% after 5 years of follow-up. The duration at 75% patency was 42.4 (9.5) months, and at 50% was 60.6 (19.4) months. There was no significant difference in subjective outcome between the FFV5 and Hauri procedures (P = 0.38, log rank test) and none objective outcome after surgery (P = 0.19, log rank test). Thirteen of the 18 patients in the Hauri group had venous dilatation in the deep dorsal, obturator, prostatic and the internal iliac veins. There were operative complications in four patients (hyperaemia of the glans in two, and one each with haemorrhage from the anastomosis site and scar contracture). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term efficacy rates (by the Kaplan-Meier method) of the Hauri and FFV5 procedures were both acceptable. The selection criteria gave acceptable outcomes from both procedures. Penile revascularization surgery is a treatment suitable only for young men and therefore attention must be given not only to the long-term outcome but also to long-term adverse events.

The neuronal and endothelium-dependent relaxing responses of human corpus cavernosum under physiological oxygen tension last longer than previously expected.

BACKGROUND: Intracavernosal oxygen tension varies greatly in the process of erection. Blood extracted from the human penis demonstrates an increase from approximately 30 mmHg Po(2) in the flaccid state to 100 mmHg in the erect state of the penis. In the present study, using these levels as a guide, we investigate how the NO-dependent relaxation of human corpus cavernosum changed under physiological oxygen tensions ranging from approximately 30 to 100 mmHg. METHODS: Human penile tissue specimens were obtained at penile surgery with informed consent from the patients. The preparations were mounted in Krebs solution in an organ bath and the isometric tension was recorded. Krebs solutions of various oxygen tensions were prepared by bubbling 5% CO(2) in N(2) and O(2). The NO-dependent relaxation caused by electrical field stimulation (EFS) and acetylcholine (ACh) was studied, and the amplitude and duration of relaxation evaluated. RESULTS: The amplitude of relaxation induced by EFS was significantly decreased under physiological oxygen tension conditions (P < 0.01). The duration of the relaxant response induced by EFS and ACh was significantly prolonged in physiological oxygen tension conditions than in high oxygen tension (P < 0.01). However, there was no correlation between the duration of relaxation induced by EFS and each physiological oxygen tension level. The duration of relaxation induced by ACh was most prolonged at 60-69 mmHg oxygen tension. CONCLUSION: Physiologically, the effect of NO may last longer than was previously thought. In addition, it would seem that there is an optimal physiological oxygen tension for maximum ACh-induced relaxation.