Intermediate-term Urinary Function and Complication Outcomes After Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of delayed complications after robot-assisted simple prostatectomy and evaluate postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as a function of time with intermediate-term follow-up. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 150 patients who underwent robot-assisted simple prostatectomy between May, 2013 and January, 2019. Indication for surgery was bothersome LUTS refractory to medical management and prostate volume ≥80 milliliters. The severity of LUTS was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QOL) score. One-way analysis of variance test with post hoc Tukey's honest significant difference test was used to compare postoperative IPSS and QOL scores as a function of time; P <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: At a mean ± SD follow up of 31.3 ± 18.2 months, none of the patients developed a bladder neck contracture and none of the patients required reoperation for LUTS. Postoperatively, IPSS and QOL scores decreased with an increasing duration of follow up (P <.001). Mean IPSS and QOL scores improved between 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively (P = .027 and P = .006, respectively). After 3 months postoperatively, mean IPPS and QOL scores stabilized and remained unchanged up to 36 months of follow-up (all P >.05). CONCLUSION: Robotic simple prostatectomy is associated with a low incidence of delayed complications at a mean of 31.3 months postoperatively. After robotic simple prostatectomy, urinary function outcomes improve in the early postoperative period with maximal improvement occurring at 3 months. Excellent urinary function outcomes are durable up to at least 36 months postoperatively.

The use of indocyanine green during robotic ureteroenteric reimplantation for the management of benign anastomotic strictures.

PURPOSE: We describe our technique for using intraureteral and intraurinary diversion indocyanine green (ICG) during robotic ureteroenteric reimplantation and report our outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed eight patients who underwent ten robotic ureteroenteric reimplantations between August 2013 and July 2017. ICG was injected antegrade and/or retrograde into the lumen of the ureter, and retrograde into the lumen of the urinary diversion. All patients consented to off-label use of ICG. Postoperatively, all patients were assessed for: clinical success: the absence of flank pain; and radiological success: the absence of obstruction on renal scan and/or loopogram. RESULTS: Visualization of ICG under near-infrared fluorescence allowed for precise identification of the strictured ureter and urinary diversion, which fluoresced green; and localization the ureteroenteric stricture margins, which poorly fluoresced green. The median operative time was 208 min (IQR 191-299), estimated blood loss was 125 ml (IQR 69-150), and length of stay was 6 days (IQR 1-8). Three of eight (37.5%) patients suffered a minor (Clavien ≤ 2), and 2/8 (25.0%) patients suffered a major (Clavien > 2) post-operative complication. There were no complications related to ICG use. At a median follow-up of 29 months (IQR 21-38), 8/10 (80.0%) ureteroenteric reimplantations were clinically and radiologically successful. CONCLUSIONS: Intraureteral and intraurinary diversion ICG may be utilized as a real-time contrast agent during robotic ureteroenteric reimplantation to assist with identification of the strictured ureter and urinary diversion, and delineation of the ureteroenteric stricture margins. Despite this, RUER remains a technically difficult and morbid procedure.

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Objective Measurement of Short- and Long-Term Renal Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Minimal literature informs the use of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we evaluated the renal functional outcomes in CKD patients undergoing RPN. METHODS: We reviewed a prospective database of patients undergoing RPN 2010 to 2015 and identified 182 patients who had preoperative and postoperative nuclear renal scintigraphy (at 2 and 12 months postop). Preoperative and 12-month postoperative eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2, by MDRD) were calculated. CKD was defined as eGFR ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD stages III and IV). Changes in creatinine, eGFR, and split function on mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG)-3 scan were compared by baseline CKD status. Correlations between pre- and postoperative eGFR were calculated. RESULTS: Of 182 patients, 30 (16.5%) had baseline CKD. Preoperative eGFR was 48.5 and 99.0 in CKD and non-CKD patients, respectively (p < 0.001). From preoperation to 12 months postoperation, eGFR decreased by 2.8 and 1.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (p = 0.6). On MAG-3 scan, the contribution of the surgical kidney to overall renal function decreased by 5.0% and 4.8% (p = 0.9) in the CKD and non-CKD cohorts, respectively. When comparing renal scans at 2 and 12 months postoperation, in both groups the surgical kidney significantly recovered (both p < 0.001) and the patterns of kidney function recovery was similar in both groups (CKD +2.0%, non-CKD +1.4%, p = 0.6). On long-term follow-up (>2 years), eGFR did not change significantly in either the CKD or non-CKD group (-2.8 vs -1.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.6). On pathology, tumors were more frequently malignant in CKD vs non-CKD patients (93.3% vs 73.2%, p = 0.02) and of higher Fuhrman Grade (grade ≥3: 49.7% vs 28.1%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RPN is a reasonable treatment option in patients with CKD, as it did not lead to a greater decline in renal function contributed by the surgical kidney. The patterns of kidney function recovery after surgery are similar between patients with and without CKD.

Outcomes of Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Clinical T2 Renal Tumors: A Multicenter Analysis (ROSULA Collaborative Group).

BACKGROUND: While partial nephrectomy (PN) represents the standard surgical management for cT1 renal masses, its role for cT2 tumors is controversial. Robot-assisted PN (RAPN) is being increasingly implemented worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To analyze perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of RAPN for cT2 tumors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective analysis of a large multicenter, multinational dataset of patients with nonmetastatic cT2 masses treated with robotic surgery (ROSULA: RObotic SUrgery for LArge renal mass). INTERVENTION: Robotic-assisted PN. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Patients' demographics, lesion characteristics, perioperative variables, renal functional data, pathology, and oncological data were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses assessed the relationships with the risk of intra-/postoperative complications, recurrence, and survival. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 298 patients were analyzed. Median tumor size was 7.6 (7-8.5) cm. Median RENAL score was 9 (8-10). Median ischemia time was 25 (20-32) min. Median estimated blood loss was 150 (100-300) ml. Sixteen patients had intraoperative complications (5.4%), whereas 66 (22%) had postoperative complications (5% were Clavien grade ≥3). Multivariable analysis revealed that a lower RENAL score (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.65, p=0.02) and pathological pT2 stage (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.12-0.86, p=0.001) were protective against postoperative complications. A total of 243 lesions (82%) were malignant. Twenty patients (8%) had positive surgical margins. Ten deaths and 25 recurrences/metastases occurred at a median follow-up of 12 (5-35) mo. At univariable analysis, higher pT stage was predictive of a likelihood of recurrences/metastases (p=0.048). While there was a significant deterioration of renal function at discharge, this remained stable over time at 1-yr follow-up. The main limitation of this study is its retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: RAPN in the setting of select cT2 renal masses can safely be performed with acceptable outcomes. Further studies are warranted to corroborate our findings and to better define the role of robotic nephron sparing for this challenging indication. PATIENT SUMMARY: This report shows that robotic surgery can be used for safe removal of a large renal tumor in a minimally invasive fashion, maximizing preservation of renal function, and without compromising cancer control.

A Review of Buccal Mucosa Graft Ureteroplasty.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review the buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ureteroplasty literature to evaluate its utility in the management of ureteral strictures, identify indications for which it is particularly useful, and highlight refinements in surgical technique. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent reports have described the efficacy of robotic BMG ureteroplasty and the utilization of near-infrared fluorescence to assist with precise identification of the ureteral stricture margins. BMG ureteroplasty is well-suited for ureteral reconstruction as it allows for minimal disruption of the delicate ureteral blood supply and facilitates a tension-free anastomosis. This technique is particularly useful in patients with long ureteral strictures not amenable to ureteroureterostomy and in patients with a recurrent ureteral stricture after a previously failed ureteral reconstruction.

UroLift in Place of Fiducial Markers for Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Undergoing External Beam Radiation Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if using a novel treatment for obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia (UroLift) to relive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) prior to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) could also supplant the use of fiducial markers obviating the need for a second transrectal procedure while facilitating symptom-free voiding during and after EBRT a series of patients are reported on. METHODS: The medical records of 7 consecutive patients who underwent placement of UroLift for simultaneous treatment of obstructive LUTS due to benign prostatic hyperplasia and targeting of EBRT for treatment of prostate cancer between September and December of 2015 were reviewed. RESULTS: The UroLift clips were sufficiently radiopaque to make targeting possible for EBRT. All patients were able to complete a full course of radiotherapy without placement of fiducial markers. No patient experienced complications that could be attributed to the UroLift implants or procedure during their course of radiotherapy. None of the patients required additional alpha-blockers during radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: The UroLift system can serve as fiducial markers in patients undergoing EBRT. Although the current clip utilized in the UroLift system is generally radiopaque, it does not project well on the sagittal plane and would be significantly enhanced if a more strongly opaque substance was incorporated. It remains to be proven if the UroLift system can significantly reduce the symptoms of LUTS during and post EBRT.

Incidence of bladder cancer after radiation for prostate cancer as a function of time and radiation modality.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk of BlCa developing after radiation for PCa, stratified by ethnicity and follow-up duration. METHODS: The 1973-2011 surveillance, epidemiology and end results database was used to determine the observed and expected number of BlCa after PCa radiation. The adjusted relative risks (RRs) of developing BlCa were calculated for the various radiation modalities relative to no radiation, stratified by ethnicity and follow-up duration. BlCa characteristics were compared between patients with a history of prostate radiation and those without PCa. RESULTS: PCa was radiated in 346,429 men, 6401 of whom developed BlCa versus 2464 expected cases [SIR (95 % CI) of 2.60 (2.53-2.66)]. All radiation modalities were found to have an increased RR of developing BlCa after 10 years, with brachytherapy having a significantly higher RR than external beam radiation (EBRT) or combined EBRT and brachytherapy in Caucasian men and a significantly higher RR than EBRT in men of other/unknown ethnicity. Post-radiation BlCa, in particular that after brachytherapy, had higher grade (P = 0.0001) and lower stage (P = 0.0001) versus the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of BlCa after prostate radiation occurs predominantly after 10 years, regardless of ethnicity. The RR of developing BlCa after 10 years is significantly higher following brachytherapy than after EBRT or EBRT and brachytherapy. Bladder cancers after prostate radiation, especially after brachytherapy, are generally lower stage but higher grade than those in patients without PCa.

Vesigenurtacel-L (HS-410) in the management of high-grade nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer.

Unlike other malignancies, the death rate of bladder cancer has not declined in several decades, highlighting the need for new treatment options. In the emerging era of immunotherapy, therapeutic cancer vaccines are an attractive option to cure, control and prevent cancer. Despite this, finding a feasible and efficacious vaccine platform has proven elusive across all malignancies. Vesigenurtacel-L is the first whole cell, allogeneic vaccine intended to treat high-grade, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. This type of vaccine technology for bladder cancer is novel, and has the potential to be both economically and logistically feasible.

Phytotherapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: The use of complementary and alternative medications for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia is a lucrative business in the USA with revenues reaching close to US$6.4 billion in sales for the 2014 fiscal year. Yet, despite its popularity, the evidence supporting the continued use of phytotherapy for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is questionable and a topic worth investigation given its wide spread use. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search utilizing Medline and PubMed was conducted to identify literature pertaining to phytotherapy for the management of BPH. Agents with at least modest clinical data were selected for in-depth review including Seronoa repens, Pygeum africanum, Secale cereale, and Hypoxis rooperi. RESULTS: Early clinical trials for each of the agents demonstrated mixed efficacy results with many studies pointing to a possible benefit for phytotherapy. On further examination of these studies, significant confounders such as poor product standardization, study design, and follow-up duration were identified. More recent, larger and more soundly constructed studies found no significant benefit for the use of phytotherapy in the treatment of BPH. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty years ago, the urologic community was encouraged by trial results that suggested phytotherapy could effectively treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Since that time, several well-constructed studies have consistently demonstrated that these agents are no more efficacious than placebo, despite being largely safe for ingestion.

Complementary and alternative medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: The use of complementary and alternative medications has become a multi-million dollar business in the United States and comprises more than half of all filled prescriptions for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Europe. For the practicing urologist, understanding the phytotherapeutic agents available, their proposed mechanism of action, the research supporting their use, and their safety profiles has become increasingly important as more patients inquire into their use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify pertinent articles pertaining to alternative and complementary treatment options for the management of BPH. Treatments demonstrating adequate clinical data, including Serona repens, Pygeum africanum, and Secale cereal, were selected for in depth review. RESULTS: Small clinical trials for each of the agents demonstrated mixed results while larger more soundly constructed studies found no significant benefit for the use of phytotherapy in the treatment of BPH. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available literature, there is no evidence that phytotherapy significantly improves symptoms of BPH against placebo, despite being largely safe for ingestion. In patients with mild BPH symptoms who are reluctant to take standard pharmaceutical medications may try these agents provided that the patient understands their current limitations. Those with moderate or severe BPH should be discouraged from alternative and complementary treatments.

Calcified central venous catheter fibrin sheath: case report and review of the literature.

We present a 6-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who demonstrated on chest X-ray a radiopacity in the superior vena cava after removal of an implanted venous access device. This radiopacity was initially thought to be a retained catheter fragment. On review of previous imaging, we were able to document the temporal development of a calcified catheter cast as distinct from the catheter. This case represents a rare consequence of central venous catheterization in children. Knowledge of this finding as a possible complication may help avoid performance of unnecessary follow-up imaging or invasive procedures.

Outcomes and Management Considerations in Patients on Dialysis Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy for Renal-Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To analyze the perioperative outcomes and management considerations in patients with dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: There were 224 consecutive laparoscopic radical nephrectomies reviewed. Of those, 37 patients with ESRD were identified and compared with 187 patients with sporadic RCC. Evaluable parameters included age, sex, race, side of surgery, medical comorbidities, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) scoring, and age adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index. All complications occurring intraoperatively and within the first 30 days were classified as per the Clavien classification system. Presurgical workup and transplant considerations were evaluated. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using Student t tests and chi-square tests for categoric variables. RESULTS: Compared with non-ESRD patients, those with ESRD were younger and had smaller tumors. ASA was significantly higher in the ESRD group (P<0.001). Mean blood loss was similar between ESRD patients and non-ESRD patients. Overall complication rates were higher in patients with ESRD. Pathologic characteristics of ESRD renal masses included a higher proportion of papillary RCC. CONCLUSION: Patients with RCC associated with ESRD tend to have a higher ASA class and lower grade tumors. In addition, this population is at increased risk of surgical complications and more likely to need transfusions. Careful preoperative preparation and intraoperative anesthetic management are crucial to minimize patient morbidity and improve outcomes.

The relationship between visceral obesity and the clinicopathologic features of patients with small renal masses.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: It is well known that adipose tissue plays a key role in the metabolic syndrome. We investigated whether visceral fat (VFA) and or subcutaneous fat (SQF) levels are associated with the tumor phenotype of small renal masses. Additionally, we sought to investigate the relationship between VFA and baseline renal function as measured by glomerular filtration rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2002 through 2011, 144 patients undergoing minimally invasive partial nephrectomy were retrospectively reviewed by a radiologist for VFA and SQF fat measurements, using standard software. A third parameter, visceral adipose tissue percent (VAT%), was also calculated using the formula: (VAT%=[VFA/VFA+SQF]×100%). We used tertiles of VFA and SQF content to compare demographic and clinical characteristics. We also looked at VFA as a continuous variable. Associations between covariables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients had renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) and 30 patients had non-RCC pathology. On multivariate analysis, increasing BMI (p=0.023), VFA (p=0.048), VAT% (p=0.028), and Charlson comorbidity score (p=0.047) were significantly associated with worse preoperative Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD). In a subset multivariate analysis of the 81 patients with RCC, increasing VFA was statistically associated with worsening Fuhrman grade (p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: VFA may be linked to the pathophysiology of renal function in patients evaluated for renal masses. Additionally, VFA may be associated with worsening tumor grades in patients with small-volume RCC. Interestingly, SQF did not play such a role. This small study proposes an interesting physiologic link between VFA and the biology of both kidney function and tumor histology. Larger studies are needed to corroborate our findings.

Virtual surgical planning: a novel aid to robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Incidental detection of small renal masses has significantly increased over the last two decades with the advent of cross-sectional imaging. The shift in stage has been met with a shift in treatment modality because the preservation of renal parenchyma can prevent adverse outcomes. Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) needs significant surgeon expertise, and preoperative planning is imperative. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2010 and September 2011, virtual surgical planning (VSP) was used in consecutive patients with renal tumors that were suspicious for renal-cell carcinoma who were undergoing RALPN by a single surgeon. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were examined and manipulated preoperatively, and an operative plan formulated. Intraoperative anatomy and preoperative 3D reconstructions were compared in real time. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients underwent RALPN with preoperative VSP. Average patient age at intervention was 54.6 years and average tumor size was 4.3 cm (range 1.7-7.5 cm). Tumor laterality was evenly distributed. Nephrometry score ranged from 5A to 10P, and final tumor pathology results revealed malignancy in 80%. No complications occurred intraoperatively, and an excellent correlation was noted between preoperative 3D reconstruction and intraoperative anatomy. All patients underwent a successful partial nephrectomy with no positive margins on final pathology results. Mean length of surgery was 232.9 minutes (range 156-435 min), and mean estimated blood loss was 370 mL (range 75-1800 mL). Warm ischemia time ranged from 20 to 50 minutes (mean 33.9 min). Data regarding postoperative renal function were available for six patients with an average loss of function of 9.5% (range 2%-17%). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of this novel technology has significantly improved our ability to plan RALPN preoperatively. Tumor depth and complexity of tumor resection are assessed and the appropriate operative intervention and approach planned. Tumor proximity to vascular structures and collecting system were reliably predicted and therefore anticipated. Overall, these advantages created a safer surgical endeavor.

Robotic ureterolysis for relief of ureteral obstruction from retroperitoneal fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with robotic surgery for the management of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) with ureteral obstruction. Ureteral obstruction is common in retroperitoneal fibrosis RPF. METHODS: Since April 2006, 21 patients have presented to our institution with ureteral obstruction, apparently from RPF. All underwent robotic biopsy. If frozen pathology reveals malignancy, is equivocal, and/or the fibrotic reaction is extensive, we stent the obstructed side(s) and await final pathology. If RPF is confirmed, medical therapy is initiated to relieve obstruction; failures receive salvage ureterolysis. Lymphomas are referred to medical oncology. If frozen pathology demonstrates RPF, immediate ureterolysis is performed, if technically feasible. Ureterolysis is not performed for uninvolved contralateral systems. We reviewed data with institutional review board approval. RESULTS: Of 21 patients, 3 were diagnosed with lymphoma and 18 with RPF. Seventeen patients (21 renal units) with RPF received robotic ureterolysis (11 primary, 6 salvage); the other patient died of trauma before intervention. The only perioperative complication, an enterocutaneous fistula, required bowel resection. Three patients required a secondary procedure to relieve obstruction. At a mean follow-up of 20.5 months, no renal unit has evidence of obstruction, and all patients have improved or resolved symptoms. Furthermore, none of the 13 patients who underwent a unilateral ureterolysis have had disease progression to the contralateral side. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic ureterolysis can be performed with minimal morbidity and provides durable success rates for relief of symptoms and obstruction in RPF. Biopsy remains integral to ruling out lymphoma. Empiric contralateral ureterolysis may not be necessary.