Early Postoperative Complications of One-Stage Substitution Urethroplasty with Oral Mucosa Graft: A Monocentric Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: We report early postoperative complications (PCs) (≤90 days) of one-stage oral mucosa graft (OMG) urethroplasty in treatment of acquired anterior urethral strictures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, we evaluated 530 males who underwent one-stage substitution urethroplasty (SU) between September 1996 and October 2020. Medical records were reviewed to identify and classify early PCs based on the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). We subdivided the PCs into three groups with different kinds of complications which allowed us a more detailed analysis concerning general surgical complications (GSCs), donor site morbidity (DSM) and complications specific for free graft urethroplasty (CSUs). The influence of patient demographics, stricture characteristics and operative procedure on the occurrence of PCs was analysed. RESULTS: Early (90-day) PCs occurred in 90 (16.98%) patients, whereas only 19 patients (3.58%) experienced serious events (CDC grades III and IV). Early complications include 4.5% GSCs, 1.7% DSM and 10.8% CSUs. Only stricture length turned out to be an independent statistically significant risk factor for the occurrence of early PCs. There was a trend towards a higher rate of complications in patients with ASA III compared to ASA I. CONCLUSION: The incidence of severe early complications in patients undergoing one-stage SU with OMG is low.

Experience with One-Stage Repair of Urethral Strictures Using the Augmented Anastomotic Repair Technique.

INTRODUCTION: We report the results of augmented anastomotic repair (AAR) in the treatment of anterior urethral strictures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated 71 consecutive patients who had undergone AAR between June 2004 and June 2013. Medical records were reviewed to identify early postoperative complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Self-developed standardized questionnaires sent to the patients and referring urologists were used to collect data on late complications (>90) days. Stricture recurrence (SR) was defined as any postoperative endoscopic or open surgical intervention on the urethra. The influence of patient demographics, stricture characteristics, and operative procedure performed on the occurrence of SR was analyzed. RESULTS: Early postoperative complications were rare events (11.3%) with only one severe CDC complication. Late complications were reported in 46.5% cases. At a median follow-up of 17 months (range 3-114 months), however, 64 patients had no evidence of SR and required no further intervention, giving an overall success rate of 90.1%. Seven patients with SR had a higher body mass index, were older, and had been operated on by less experienced surgeon(s). Most SRs occurred within the first year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: AAR was an effective and safe operative technique that allowed one-stage repair in our patients with anterior urethral strictures who needed resection of the scarred urethra and otherwise were not suitable for primary anastomosis or simple substitution urethroplasty.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic Y-V plasty in 12 patients with refractory bladder neck contracture.

We present preliminary results of a case series on refractory bladder neck contracture (BNC) treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic Y-V plasty (RAYV). Between 01/2013 and 02/2016, 12 consecutive adult male patients underwent RAYV in our hospital. BNC developed after transurethral procedures (n = 9), simple prostatectomy (n = 2) and HIFU therapy of the prostate (n = 1). Each patient had had multiple unsuccessful previous endoscopic treatments. All RAYV procedures were performed using a transperitoneal six-port approach (four-arm robotic setting). There were no intraoperative or major postoperative complications. During a median follow-up of 23.2 months two cases of refractory BNC were observed. In both cases a postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of 20 and 25 was reported, respectively. In contrast, amongst the patients without evidence of refractory BNC the median IPSS was 6.5 reflecting an only mildly impaired voiding function in most cases, thus, suggesting a treatment success in 83.3% of patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on RAYV for refractory BNC. In our series RAYV was feasible in all patients, and only two cases of refractory BNC were reported during a median follow-up of almost 2 years. At the same time, no intraoperative or major postoperative complications were observed. More clinical data with a longer follow-up are needed in this promising field to reveal the actual efficacy and relevance of RAYV.

Comparison of early postoperative morbidity after robot-assisted and open radical cystectomy: results of a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing either robot-assisted (RARC) or open radical cystectomy (ORC) for bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients underwent RARC (between August 2009 and August 2012) and 42 underwent ORC (between October 2007 and July 2009) as treatment for bladder cancer. Data on the patients' peri-operative course were collected prospectively up to the 90th postoperative day for the RARC group and up to the 60th postoperative day for the ORC group. Postoperative complications were recorded based on the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Both groups were compared with regard to patient and tumour characteristics, surgical and peri-operative outcomes. RESULTS: The RARC and ORC groups were well matched with regard to age, body mass index, gender distribution, type of urinary diversion and pathological tumour characteristics (all P > 0.1), but patients in the RARC group had more serious comorbidities according to the Charlson comorbidity index (P = 0.034). Although surgical duration was longer in the RARC group (P < 0.001) the estimated blood loss was lower (P < 0.001) and transfusion requirement was less (P < 0.001). Overall 59 patients (59%) in the RARC group and 39 patients (93%) in the ORC group experienced postoperative complications of any Clavien-Dindo grade <90 days and <60 days after surgery, respectively (P < 0.001; relative risk reduction 0.36). Major complications (grades 3a-5) were also less frequent after RARC (24 [24%] vs 18 patients [43%]; P = 0.029) with a relative risk reduction of 0.44. In the subgroup of patients with an ileum conduit as a urinary diversion (RARC, n = 76 vs ORC, n = 31) the overall rate of complications (43 [57%] vs 28 [90%] patients; P < 0.001) and the rate of major complications (17 [22%] vs 15 [48%] patients; P = 0.011) were lower in the RARC group with relative risk reductions of 0.37 and 0.54, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in early postoperative morbidity was associated with the robotic approach. Despite more serious comorbidities and a 30-day longer follow-up in the RARC group, patients in the RARC group experienced fewer postoperative complications than those in the ORC group. Major complications, in particular, were less frequent after RARC.

Does changeover by an experienced open prostatic surgeon from open retropubic to robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy mean a step forward or backward?

We assessed whether changeover from open retropubic [RRP] to robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy [RALP] means a step forward or backward for the initial RALP patients. Therefore the first 105 RALPs of an experienced open prostatic surgeon and robotic novice-with tutoring in the initial 25 cases-were compared to the most recent 105 RRPs of the same surgeon. The groups were comparable with respect to patient characteristics and postoperative tumor characteristics (all P > 0.09). The only disadvantage of RALP was a longer operating time; the advantages were lower estimated blood loss, fewer anastomotic leakages, earlier catheter removal, shorter hospital stay (all P < 0.04), and less major complications within 90 days postoperatively (P < 0.01). Positive surgical margin rates were comparable both overall and stratified for pT stage in both groups (all P < 0.08). In addition, an equivalent number of lymph nodes were removed (P > 0.07). Twelve months after surgery, patient reported continence and erectile function were comparably good (all P > 0.11). Our study indicates that an experienced open prostatic surgeon and robotic novice who switches to RALP can achieve favorable surgical results despite the initial RALP learning curve. At the same time neither oncological nor functional outcomes are compromised.

Robot-assisted reconstructive surgery of the distal ureter: single institution experience in 16 patients.

UNLABELLED: WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: Open reconstructive surgery of the lower ureteric segment in adults often requires large incisions, as the basic prerequisite for such complex procedures is wide exposure. Published experience on minimally invasive techniques in this challenging surgical field, e.g. conventional laparoscopy or robot-assisted laparoscopy, still remains limited. We report our experience from one of the largest single institution series on robot-assisted reconstructive surgery of the distal ureter in adults, with a special focus on technical aspects of the different surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: To describe the feasibility of and operative techniques used during different daVinci® robot-assisted laparoscopic reconstructive procedures of the distal ureter, and to report the short-term outcome of such procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2009 and October 2011, 16 patients underwent robot-assisted operations of the distal ureter because of various underlying pathological conditions. We present a description of each procedure, the incidence of perioperative complications and the results of follow-up examination. The data were collected retrospectively using the patients' records and questionnaires sent to the patients and the referring urologists. The follow-up examinations were done at the discretion of the referring urologists. RESULTS: The surgical indications and operative techniques were as follows: seven distal ureteric resections [DUR] with psoas hitch procedures (+/- Boari flap; four), extravesical reimplantation (two) or end-to-end anastomosis (one) because of benign distal ureteric stricture; four DUR with psoas hitch procedure (+/- Boari flap) and pelvic lymphadenectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the ureter; one DUR with psoas hitch procedure and Boari flap because of unexpected locally recurrent prostate cancer; one extravesical reimplantation because of vesico-ureteric reflux; one bilateral intravesical reimplantation of ectopic ureters (as part of a radical prostatectomy); one resection of a non-functioning upper kidney pole with associated megaureter and ureterocele and intravesical reimplantation of lower pole ureter; one resection of pelvic endometriosis and ureterolysis with omental wrap. The median operative duration (including docking/undocking of the robot) was 260 min. There were no intraoperative complications but there was one conversion to open surgery. Complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification occurred in 12 patients (75%) ≤ 90 days of surgery: 10 (62%) minor (grade I-II) and two (12%) major complications (grades IIIb and IVa, respectively). The median hospital stay after surgery was 7.5 days. At a median follow-up of 10.2 months, 15 patients (94%) remained without signs of urinary tract obstruction and 13 (81%) were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted reconstructive surgery of the distal ureter is feasible and can be used without compromising the generally accepted principles of open surgical procedures. The functional outcome was good in short-term follow-up and severe postoperative complications were rare.

Tumour characteristics, oncological and functional outcomes in patients aged ≥ 70 years undergoing radical prostatectomy.

UNLABELLED: Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The marked increase in life expectancy in recent years calls for reconsideration of the decision-making process for the treatment of prostate cancer, a condition particularly affecting the elderly. To date the general approach in elderly patients has tended to be more conservative, not least as it is generally thought that prostate cancer in these patients is less biologically aggressive. The present data showed that patients aged ≥70 years had biologically more aggressive tumours significantly more often than those aged <70 years. Nevertheless, advanced age itself was not an independent predictor of survival after retropubic radical prostatectomy, whereas adverse prostate cancer features and severe comorbidities were. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of advanced age (≥70 years) on prostate cancer characteristics, oncological and functional outcomes in patients undergoing retropubic radical prostatectomy (RP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 1997 and September 2009, 1636 patients underwent RP at one institution. Of these patients, 1225 were aged < 70 years and 411 ≥70 years. Both groups were compared for prostate cancer characteristics, oncological and functional outcomes. Multivariate analyses were used to estimate the effect of advanced age on overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), biochemical recurrence-free survival (BFS) and postoperative continence. RESULTS: The median (range) age of the patients aged ≥ 70 years was 72 (70-85) years and for those aged < 70 years was 64 (40-69) years (P < 0.001), respectively. The patients aged ≥ 70 years were assigned higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes (P < 0.001) reflecting a higher rate of severe comorbidities in this group. In the patients aged ≥ 70 years there were significantly more clinically palpable and pathologically non-organ-confined tumours (P= 0.030 and P= 0.026, respectively), and higher biopsy and RP Gleason scores (P= 0.002 and P= 0.004, respectively). Accordingly, patients aged ≥ 70 years presented with a higher proportion of high-risk prostate cancer, although the difference was not significant (P= 0.060). There were no differences between the groups for preoperative prostate-specific antigen level (P= 0.898), rate of pelvic lymph node dissection (P= 0.231), pN+ (P= 0.526) and R+ status (P= 0.590). Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significantly lower 10-year OS (67 vs 82%; P= 0.017) and a trend towards a lower 10-year CSS (70 vs 83%; P= 0.057) in patients aged ≥ 70 years. However, on multivariate analysis advanced age was not an independent predictor of OS (P= 0.102) or CSS (P= 0.195), whereas pN+ status (both P < 0.001), RP Gleason scores 8-10 (both P < 0.001) and ASA classes 3-4 (P= 0.037 and P= 0.028, respectively) were. The 2-year postoperative continence rates was comparable between the groups (International Continence Society [ICS] male incontinence symptom score 2.10 vs 2.01; P= 0.984). In multivariate analysis it depended only on the preoperative ICSmale incontinence symptom score (P < 0.001) but not on advanced age (P= 0.341). CONCLUSIONS: Patients aged ≥ 70 years had biologically more aggressive and locally advanced tumours significantly more often than those aged < 70 years. However, advanced age itself was not an independent predictor of survival after RP. Rather, survival was associated with adverse prostate cancer features and severe comorbidities. Consequently, it seems unjustifiable to generally exclude elderly patients from RP, not least because surgery achieved excellent postoperative continence in this age group, too.

Experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery of the lower ureteral segment in adults.

Open reconstructive surgery of the lower ureteral segments in adults requires wide exposure as the basic prerequisite for such complex procedures. Thus, open surgical reconstruction in this area is an invasive procedure for the patient. Nevertheless, during the last few years robot-assisted laparoscopic techniques have emerged and have also already been used successfully for minimally invasive complex reconstructive procedures in urology. We present the medical histories, descriptions of the surgical procedures, and the postoperative data for adult patients undergoing robot-assisted surgery of the lower ureteral segments. Between July 2009 and July 2010, three surgeons performed nine robot-assisted reconstructive operations of the lower ureteral segments including five segmental ureteral resections combined with the psoas hitch procedures in three cases and, in addition, a Boari flap in one of them, one ureteric stricture resection with end-to-end anastomosis, one extravesical ureteral reimplantation because of vesicorenal reflux, one bilateral intravesical ureteral reimplantation because of bilateral ureteral ectopia, and one ureterolysis with omental wrap in a patient with pelvic endometriosis. We observed no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients (Clavien Grad I n = 1, II n = 4, IVa n = 1). During a median follow up of five months all affected renal units remained asymptomatic and were free from hydronephrosis. Our data illustrate that robot-assisted surgery of the lower ureter is feasible and support the growing evidence from the literature that it can be successfully used for complex ureteric reconstruction.

Treatment of long ureteric strictures with buccal mucosal grafts.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the reconstruction of long ureteric strictures using buccal mucosal patch grafts and to report the intermediate-term functional outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2000 and October 2006 reconstruction of seven long ureteric strictures using buccal mucosal patch grafts and omental wrapping was performed in five women (one with bilateral strictures) and one man. The surgical steps of stricture reconstruction and wrapping with omentum are described in detail. Stricture recurrence was defined as persistent impaired ureteric drainage as displayed by imaging techniques or the necessity to prolong JJ stenting. Patency rates and stricture recurrence-free survival rates are provided. RESULTS: With a median follow up of 18 months five of the seven strictures were recurrence-free. Graft take was good in all patients. In one asymptomatic patient, there was impaired ureteric drainage on the reconstructed side, and in one patient with reconstruction of both ureters prolonged JJ stenting of one side was necessary. In both patients, the impaired drainage was caused by persistent stricture below the reconstructed ureteric segments. CONCLUSIONS: At intermediate-term follow-up in a small group of patients with long ureteric strictures, treatment with buccal mucosal patch grafts and omental wrapping showed good functional outcome.

The incidence of lymph node metastases in prostate carcinoma depends not only on tumor characteristics but also on surgical performance and extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether predictions of the incidence of pelvic lymph node metastases in patients with similar prostate cancer characteristics are influenced by the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy or surgical performance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from a prostate cancer database were analyzed to investigate associations between incidence of lymph node metastasis and preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason score, extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy, and surgical performance. Subgroups of patients with the same characteristics were formed, and a multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: Data of 668 patients with cT1-T2c prostate cancer who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy were analyzed. Lymph node metastases were found in 8.7% of these patients. In the subgroup of patients undergoing limited pelvic lymphadenectomy, 6.3% were affected compared with 14.7% of patients undergoing extended pelvic lymphadenectomy (P<0.0005). In the subgroups of patients with the same tumor characteristics (with only two exceptions), the impact of the extent of lymphadenectomy on the incidence of lymph node metastases was evident. The results of the multivariate analysis corroborated the influence of the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy (P<0.03) and surgical performance (P<0.04) on the incidence of lymph node metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of lymph node metastases was dependent not only on preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, clinical stage, and biopsy Gleason score but also to a large degree on surgical performance and the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy. Our data suggest that a limited and/or not thoroughly performed pelvic lymphadenectomy results in failure to detect a relevant proportion of lymph node metastases.

Complications of pelvic lymphadenectomy in 1,380 patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy between 1993 and 2006.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the perioperative complications associated with pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. In particular the influence of the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy and of other possible risk factors on the complication rate was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All intraoperative and early postoperative complications in 1,380 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy were documented. Complications related to pelvic lymphadenectomy were described and evaluated statistically to explore the role of possible risk factors. RESULTS: Limited pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 867 patients and an extended procedure was done in 434. In 60 cases pelvic lymphadenectomy was not specified and in 19 pelvic lymphadenectomy was omitted. Intraoperative complications associated with pelvic lymphadenectomy were rare events (8 cases). Early postoperative complications included hemorrhage of the obturator artery in 1 patient, symptomatic lymphocele in 72, thromboembolic sequelae in 6 and lymphocele infection in 2. Lymphocele formation depended on the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy (p <0.0001), the number of lymph nodes removed (p = 0.0038) and the operating surgeon (p = 0.0073). Thromboembolic events (p = 0.001) and re-interventions (p <0.0001) were more frequent in patients with a lymphocele. Multivariate analysis confirmed extended pelvic lymphadenectomy as an independent risk factor for lymphocele and re-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic lymphadenectomy is the cause of a relevant number of perioperative complications in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. Lymphocele formation, and the associated re-interventions and thromboembolic sequelae account for by far the highest percent of these complications. In the current study lymphocele formation depended on the extent of pelvic lymphadenectomy, the number of lymph nodes removed and the operating surgeon.

Intraoperative and early postoperative complications of radical retropubic prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: To determine the perioperative complications and morbidity of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and to analyze risk factors for observed complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 1,000 patients undergoing RRP and pelvic lymphadenectomy (pLA) performed by different surgeons of the same hospital were collected. Uni- and multivariate analysis was performed to detect associations between intra- and postoperative complications and specific variables. RESULTS: Relevant intraoperative complications were observed in 28 cases and relevant postoperative complications in 187 cases requiring reoperations in 46 patients. Diverse minor postoperative complications occurred in 75 cases. The surgeon's experience and the operating time significantly influenced the incidence of intraoperative complications. Extended pLA was associated with significantly higher rates of lymphoceles and reoperations. The patients with lymphocele showed significantly higher rates of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and reoperation and patients with DVT a higher incidence of PE and a higher rate of reoperations. The incidence of anastomotic strictures correlated significantly with postoperative urine retention. CONCLUSIONS: RRP is a safe surgical procedure. In the hands of experienced urologic surgeons it is associated with lower incidences of severe intraoperative complications. A substantial proportion of postoperative complications are associated with pLA and its extension.

Disease progression and survival in patients with prostate carcinoma and positive lymph nodes after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine disease progression and survival in patients with lymph node-positive prostate carcinoma after ascending radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymphadenectomy with different forms of postoperative adjuvant treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed 82 patients with lymph node metastases at the time of surgery and who had a RP between 1993 and 2002. Data from clinical records and follow-up questionnaires were used. Overall survival, time to clinical disease progression and time to biochemical progression were used as endpoints to assess the outcome. Clinical progression was defined as documented local recurrence or distant metastases, and biochemical as an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of > or = 0.4 ng/mL. Variables analysed included PSA level, Gleason score before and after RP, clinical and pathological stage, number of positive lymph nodes and hormone therapy after RP. The statistical assessment included univariate regression analysis, and to analyse the distribution of clinical findings in different groups, Mantel-Haenszel statistics were used to test for differences in the numbers of patients. Survival and progression-free interval were assessed by Kaplan-Meier estimates and differences between groups calculated by log-rank statistics and Cox regression models. RESULTS: The median (range) follow-up was 55 (10-125) months. Adjuvant hormonal treatment was used in 77 patients, five of whom had immediate adjuvant radiotherapy, and nine delayed radiotherapy because of local progression or symptomatic bone metastases; five had no additional treatment. The rates for 5- and 10-year overall survival, clinical progression-free survival and biochemical progression-free survival were 84% and 79%, 83% and 77%, and 70% and 60%, respectively. Ten patients died (12%), eight (10%) of them from the cancer; bone metastases were detected in nine (11%). Local recurrences developed in three (4%) patients, 10 (12%) had a PSA increase of > or = 0.4 ng/mL alone and 58 (71%) had no signs of progression, but two died from other causes. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with prostate cancer who had RP and pelvic lymphadenectomy followed by adjuvant hormone therapy, and who had lymph node metastases at the time of surgery, had excellent overall and progression-free survival in the long term.

Radical cystectomy in patients aged > or = 75 years: an updated review of patients treated with curative and palliative intent.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morbidity and mortality of radical cystectomy in a group of unselected patients aged > or = 75 years who were treated with curative and palliative intent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 53 patients aged 75-90 years (median 78.8 years) who had radical cystectomies between May 1994 and July 2002. The patients were divided into two groups: 46 were treated with curative intent (group A) and seven with palliative intent (group B). The indications for cystectomy in group A were recurrent and otherwise therapy-resistant bladder cancer, severe irritative voiding symptoms, and recurrent macrohaematuria. The indications in group B were advanced pelvic malignancy with severe irritative voiding symptoms, severe pain, and recurrent macrohaematuria requiring blood transfusions. Patients were categorized according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, with a score of II in 28 patients, III in 21 and IV in four. Complications and mortality before, during and after surgery, and the duration of hospital stay and clinical outcome, were assessed. RESULTS; The early mortality rate in group A was 4% (2/46); in group B two patients died after prolonged complications. The median (range) hospital stay was 28 (6-56) days, and was significantly longer in patients with complications, at a median (range) of 36 (6-70) days. The complication rates early and late after surgery in group A were 22% and 11%, respectively, and in group B, five of seven (early). The total median survival was 2 (0.33-7) years. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly people undergoing radical cystectomy have a greater risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality, especially those with very advanced pelvic malignancies who have had cystectomy with palliative intent. The incidence of early and late complications in patients treated with curative intent is acceptable, but the hospital stay is prolonged.