Long-term functional and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing sural nerve interposition grafting during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: For men with high-volume or high-grade prostate cancer, wide excision of the ipsilateral neurovascular bundle is commonly performed. The concept of nerve reconstruction is intriguing as a feasible approach to preserve sexual function (SF). We sought to evaluate the functional, pathologic, and oncologic outcomes of men who underwent robot-assisted sural-nerve graft (SNG) interposition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2003 and May 2007, 1175 consecutive men underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP). Database analysis identified 27 men who had SNG: 4 bilateral (BL) and 23 unilateral (UL). SF was prospectively evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively using validated questionnaires. Positive surgical margins (PSMs), biochemical recurrence (BCR), and potency were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with RLRP patients without SNG, patients with SNG were younger (57.2 v 61.8 years, P=0.02), had a higher Gleason score (P=0.02), and had a higher clinical and pathologic stage (P<0.001 for both). Mean surgical time was significantly longer (349 v 195 min, P<0.001) in patients with SNG. With a mean follow-up of 26.1 months, 11 (47.8%) patients with UL-SNG and zero men with BL-SNG regained potency. No significant difference in SF was observed between UL nerve sparing and no SNG (56%) compared with UL nerve sparing with UL-SNG (P=0.44). Rates of return-to-baseline SF (RTB-SF) at 6, 12, and 24 months were 11%, 36% and 45% for UL-SNG, respectively, which were also comparable to UL nerve sparing only (P>0.05). No patient (0%) in the BL-SNG group ever achieved RTB-SF status at any time point. PSMs were observed in 37% (10/27) of all patients. BCR occurred in nine patients (33.3%), seven of whom had PSM (78%); treatment failure occurred within 6 months of surgery, necessitating androgen deprivation therapy. CONCLUSION: Despite optimism regarding SNG, long-term functional outcomes have been disappointing, particularly for BL nerve interposition. UL-SNG functional outcomes do not appear to improve outcomes when compared with men with UL nerve preservation. With the greater risk of PSM and BCR in patients who are considered candidates for SNG, newer treatment modalities are needed to cure their disease while preserving SF.

Urinary and sexual function outcomes among different age groups after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We present an age-stratified prospective assessment of urinary and sexual function of 300 patients after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjective assessment data of continence and potency were collected for different age groups (<50, 50-59, and > or =60 years old) preoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RALP. Health-related quality of life questionnaires evaluated return of baseline urinary and sexual function at the same time intervals. RESULTS: The three age groups included 21, 129, and 150 patients (aged <50, 50-59, and >60 years old, respectively). Using Kaplan-Meier curves, younger men achieved subjective continence significantly earlier than older age groups when age groups were compared using a 60-year-old cut-off point (P = 0.02). However, subjective continence was noted to be equal among all age groups after 1 year of follow-up. Time to recovery of subjective potency among age groups shows a significant difference in favor of the younger age group (P = 0.01) Objective urinary function is equal between age groups at all time points, while objective sexual function assessment showed a trend toward better results in the younger age group. CONCLUSIONS: Younger men will likely have an earlier return of continence and potency compared to older men after RALP. However, continence outcomes were noted to be equal among age groups after I year of follow-up, while younger men continue to report superior potency outcomes compared to older men over the first postoperative year. Such findings are valuable in counseling older men undergoing this procedure.

Da Vinci robot error and failure rates: single institution experience on a single three-arm robot unit of more than 700 consecutive robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous reports have suggested that a 2% to 5% device failure rate (FR) be quoted when counseling patients about robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP). We sought to evaluate our FR on the da Vinci system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since February 2003, more than 800 RLRPs have been performed at our institution using a single three-armed robotic unit. A prospective database was analyzed to determine the device FR and whether it resulted in case abortion or open conversion. Intuitive Surgical Systems provided data concerning the system's performance, including its fault rate. Error messages were classified as recoverable and non-recoverable faults. RESULTS: Between February 2003 and November 2006, 725 RLRP cases were available for evaluation. There were no intraoperative device failures that resulted in a case conversion. Technical errors resulting in surgeon handicap occurred in 3 cases (0.4%). Four patients (0.5%) had their procedures aborted secondary to system failure at initial set-up prior to patient entrance to the operating room. Data analysis retrieved from the da Vinci console reported on a total of 807 procedures since 2003. Only 4 cases (0.4%) were reported from the Intuitive Surgical database to result in either an aborted or a converted case, which compares favorably with our results. Since the last computer system upgrade (September 2005), the mean recoverable and non-recoverable fault rates per procedure were 0.21 and 0.05, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For all the advanced features the da Vinci system offers, it is surprisingly reliable. Throughout our RLRP experience, device failure resulted in case conversion, procedure abortion, and surgeon handicap in 0, 0.5%, and 0.4% of procedures, respectively. As such, a lowered device FR of 0.5% should be used when counseling patients undergoing RLRP. To avoid futile general anesthesia, a policy should be enforced to ensure that the da Vinci system is completely set up before the patient enters the operating room.

Sural nerve grafting in robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: interim report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Sural nerve grafting for patients undergoing prostatectomy has been previously reported using open and minimally invasive methods. We report our experience with sural nerve grafting during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with preoperative potency and a minimum of 6 months follow-up were included in this prospective review. A total of 333 patients were identified between February 2003 and January 2006 who met these criteria including 22 of the 25 patients who underwent sural nerve grafting. Patients were divided into 5 groups to compare unilateral and bilateral sural nerve cohorts with non-nerve-sparing and unilateral and bilateral nerve-sparing groups. Patients were followed prospectively using health-related quality-of-life questionnaires. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients underwent sural nerve grafting that included three bilateral grafts. Mean follow-up was 14 months. There was no statistical difference in patients' ages, body mass index, preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, blood loss, complications, and positive margin rate. Operative time was statistically longer for both sural graft cohorts when compared with unilateral (without graft) and bilateral nerve sparing cohorts. No significant differences in subjective or objective sexual function, sexual bother, or urinary function were seen with 6 and 12 months follow-up, possibly related to smaller sural cohorts. Graft-related complications include leg pain in one patient. CONCLUSION: Sural nerve grafting during RLRP is technically feasible and safe and offers improved dexterity and visualization deep within the pelvis. However, a larger randomized cohort of patients will be required to validate any improved benefits afforded by the robot system.

Case report: radiofrequency ablation-induced renal-pelvic obstruction resulting in nephrectomy.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a minimally invasive nephron-sparing treatment for small (<4-cm) renal tumors. Post-RFA complications have been reported. We describe a patient who developed complete renal-pelvic obstruction after RFA. To our knowledge, this is the first such case to be reported and the second reported renal-unit loss as the result of collecting-system obstruction after RFA.

Cystectomy in the ninth decade: operative results and long-term survival outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion remains as one of the more complex urological procedures despite considerable progress in surgical technique. Increasing patient age, along with associated age-related comorbidities, may portend a poor outcome in those undergoing such complicated surgical procedures. Herein, we report our experience with radical cystectomy in the elderly population. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our RC results from 1995 to 2003. Patients >or = 80 years old were included in this analysis. Perioperative outcomes, as well as overall and disease-free survival were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 517 patients underwent RC with urinary diversion during this time period. Forty-nine (9.5%) patients were >or= 80 years old. Mean age and BMI were 83.4 years (range 80-94) and 27.1kg/m2 (range 17.4-39.0), respectively. Eighty-three percent of the patients had >or= 1 comorbidities and 67% had a significant smoking history. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 279 minutes and 985 ml, respectively. Thirty-two patients (76%) required blood transfusion in the perioperative period. Among patients found to have urothelial cancer a pathological analysis (36), 21 patients (58%) had < pT3a while 15 patients (42%) had >or= pT3b or >or= N1. Intraoperative complications (5%) included one large bowel injury and hypogastric artery laceration. Thirty- and 90-day mortality rates were 9.5% and 11%, respectively. Early and late postoperative complications were 57% and 17% and 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 44% and 36%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion in patients >or= 80 years old is related with significant short-term and long-term morbidity. Proper patient selection assessing performance status and psychosocial parameters appear to optimize survival outcomes. However, regardless of age, timely surgical management for localized disease control is essential for ultimate sustained disease-free survival.

Operative outcomes of upper pole laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: comparison of lower pole laparoscopic and upper pole open partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The intraoperative complexity of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for upper pole renal tumors is recognized. We report on the technical feasibility and operative outcomes of LPN for upper pole tumors (UPLPN) and lower pole tumors (LPLPN), and open partial nephrectomy (UPOPN) for upper pole tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our database of LPNs performed by a single surgeon from October 2002 to February 2006. All solitary, upper and lower pole tumors in patients with a normal contralateral kidney were included. The perioperative outcomes were assessed. UPOPNs performed in the same institution by a separate surgeon were analyzed and compared separately with the UPLPN group. RESULTS: Three groups, UPLPN (20 patients), LPLPN (33 patients), and UPOPN (24 patients), were analyzed. The UPLPN and LPLPN groups had similar perioperative outcomes. The intraoperative and postoperative major complications were also comparable between the UPLPN and LPLPN groups (17% versus 12%, P = 0.68 and 22% versus 6%, P = 0.07, respectively). The mean pathologic tumor size was larger (3.2 versus 2.3 cm, P = 0.05) and the mean operative time significantly shorter (187 versus 244 minutes, P = 0.02) in the UPOPN group than in the UPLPN group. The UPOPN group had a trend toward fewer intraoperative complications compared with the UPLPN group (4% versus 17%, P = 0.17). The final pathologic surgical margins were negative in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: LPN for upper pole renal tumors is technically feasible and may have comparable outcomes to LPN for lower pole tumors. However, performing open nephron-sparing surgery is still the standard of care because it may offer fewer complications and reduce the risk of ischemic damage to the kidney.

Adult stentless laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pyeloplasty, whether open or laparoscopic, has been the mainstay of treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). A nonstented pyeloplasty has only been reported in the pediatric literature. Herein, to the best of our knowledge, we report the first published experience with laparoscopic stentless pyeloplasty (LSP) in the adult population. METHODS: Patients with a normal contralateral kidney who underwent a laparoscopic pyeloplasty were included in this study. A dismembered pyeloplasty was performed without the placement of a ureteral stent. Functional Tc-99m MAG3 renal-scan data were compared with results at 4 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Perioperative complications and long-term follow-up were prospectively gathered. RESULTS: To date, 5 patients have undergone LSP with a mean follow-up of 15.7 months. Mean age and body mass index of this group were 42.8 years and 29.3 kg/m(2), respectively. Mean operative time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay were 196 minutes, 58 mL, 1.6 days, respectively. Three patients had right-sided UPJO, and 2 patients had left UPJO. No patient had undergone previous surgery for UPJO. All patients had a ureteral stent in place at the time of surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. Only one patient complained of flank pain on POD1. No obstruction or urinary extravasation was seen on retrograde pyelography, but a ureteral stent was placed. During our follow-up, all patients had complete resolution of their symptoms. Postoperative renal scans demonstrated improved urinary drainage in all patients. CONCLUSION: Our initial experience suggests that in experienced hands, LSP may be an effective method for treating UPJO.

Multi-institutional survey of laparoscopic ureterolysis for retroperitoneal fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: Medical therapy often fails to cure benign retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), necessitating a surgical approach. Preoperative and postoperative adjuvant medical therapy and the timing of surgical intervention are not well-established. We surveyed centers of laparoscopic excellence to determine the current practices in the treatment of RPF. METHODS: Surveys were sent to all institutions with Endourological Society-recognized fellowships. The data collected were analyzed for trends in the treatment of RPF. Additional information was collected from participating institutions to better characterize the experience with laparoscopic ureterolysis and adjunctive medical management. RESULTS: Of the surveys sent out, 17 completed surveys were returned (41%). A total of 73 patients had been treated for RPF. Most centers (13 of 17) used a conventional laparoscopic approach with rare conversion to hand assistance. The medical management of RPF was directed by urologists, rheumatologists, or other specialists in 59%, 24%, and 18% of institutions, respectively. Steroid therapy was administered preoperatively by 15 of 17 centers. Postoperatively, 10 of 17 centers continued treatment with steroids and/or cytotoxic agents. Eight institutions provided data on 46 renal units in the second part of the study. The success rate of laparoscopic ureterolysis per renal unit was 83% (38 of 46). No difference was seen in the outcomes of patients who received adjuvant medical therapy compared with those who did not (16 of 19 versus 22 of 27; P = 0.48) after a mean follow-up of 17.7 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have shown that no uniform treatment algorithm exists for RPF at centers of laparoscopic excellence. Most institutions recommended an attempt at steroids followed by laparoscopic ureterolysis. Laparoscopic ureterolysis had a high success rate, and adjuvant medical therapy did not appear to contribute to the success rate.

Comparison of laparoscopic radical and partial nephrectomy: effects on long-term serum creatinine.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and radical nephrectomy (LRN) have been shown to be safe and effective treatment options for renal tumors. However, limited data are available regarding the long-term effect on postoperative renal function in patients undergoing LPN and LRN who have a normal preoperative serum creatinine (sCr) less than 1.5 mg/dL and a two-kidney system. We compared the long-term sCr in patients who were treated with LPN and LRN. METHODS: From October 2002 to April 2006, a total of 93 and 171 patients with a single, unilateral, sporadic renal tumor, a normal contralateral kidney and sCr less than 1.5 mg/dL underwent LPN and LRN, respectively. Perioperative, pathologic data and sCr at least 6 months after surgery were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 42 and 55 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up after LPN and LRN were evaluated. Tumors treated with LPN were significantly smaller (2.4 versus 5.4 cm, P <0.001) than those in the LRN group. The mean age, body mass index, sex, tumor location, and sCr (0.91 and 0.91 mg/dL, P = 0.93) were similar between the two groups. The mean operative time was longer for LPN (222 versus 182 minutes, P = 0.002) with a mean warm ischemia time of 37 minutes (range 13 to 55). The mean 6-month sCr was significantly greater for patients undergoing LRN (1.4 versus 1.0 mg/dL, P <0.001). Similarly, a greater number of LRN patients developed renal insufficiency (sCr 1.5 mg/dL or greater) compared with LPN (36.4% versus 0%, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the warm ischemia and longer operative times, LPN preserves the kidney function better than LRN. In properly selected patients, LPN should be preferentially performed to prevent chronic renal insufficiency.

Recovery of renal function after complete renal hilar versus artery alone clamping during open and laparoscopic surgery.

PURPOSE: It is generally accepted that simultaneous occlusion of the renal artery and vein during warm ischemia is more damaging than occlusion of the artery alone. Pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy may impair venous backflow, negating the benefits of clamping the artery alone. We evaluated the effect of laparoscopic vs open surgery on the recovery of renal function after clamping of the renal artery and vein, and the artery alone in a solitary kidney porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Right laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed in 36 pigs. After a 12-day recovery period the animals were randomized into 3 groups, including 1) 120-minute warm ischemia with renal artery and vein occlusion, 2) 120-minute warm ischemia with artery alone occlusion and 3) control sham surgery. The groups were further subdivided into an open and a laparoscopic arm. Serum creatinine was assessed preoperatively, and on postoperative days 1, 3, 8 and 15. RESULTS: Artery alone clamping resulted in a significantly lower serum creatinine increase on postoperative days 1 and 3 in the open arm compared to the laparoscopic arm. Compared to open renal artery and vein clamping the increase in serum creatinine for open artery alone clamping was also significantly lower on postoperative days 1 and 3. No significant difference in postoperative serum creatinine was found between the laparoscopic artery alone, and the renal artery and vein arms at any time point. No significant serum creatinine changes were observed in the control sham surgery group compared to preoperative values at all followup time points. CONCLUSIONS: In this porcine model clamping of the artery alone during open surgery better protected the kidney from warm ischemia compared to renal artery and vein occlusion. This benefit was not observed during laparoscopic surgery. We speculated that the presence of pneumoperitoneum causes at least partial occlusion of the renal vein, thus, negating the benefit of renal artery clamping only.

Ischemia preconditioning does not confer resilience to warm ischemia in a solitary porcine kidney model.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether ischemia preconditioning (IPC) confers resilience to subsequent renal warm ischemia (WI) in a single-kidney porcine model. METHODS: After right nephrectomy was performed, 20 female pigs were randomized to 5 groups: group 1: 60 minutes IPC followed by 90 minutes WI; group 2: 25 minutes IPC followed by 90 minutes WI; group 3: no IPC and 90 minutes WI; group 4: 60 minutes IPC, no WI; and group 5: no IPC, no WI (sham control procedure). Ischemia preconditioning was performed for 60 minutes (4 minutes clamping followed by 11 minutes reperfusion) or 25 minutes (10 minutes clamping followed by 15 minutes reperfusion). Serum creatinine values were obtained preoperatively and on postoperative day (POD) 1, 3, 8, and 15. RESULTS: Mean serum creatinine values were comparable between groups on POD 1, with the exception of group 1, which was significantly worse than group 5 (control). On POD 3, renal function was similar between groups 1 and 2, and both were significantly worse than groups 4 and 5. On POD 8, renal dysfunction in group 1 was significantly worse than in group 3. All four animals from group 1 were killed after POD 8 because of overwhelming renal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia preconditioning did not suggest increased renal resilience to the kidney after subsequent prolonged WI. Our results further suggest that the protection provided by IPC in smaller animals is not appreciated in a larger-animal, single-kidney model. The additive effect of further ischemic insults was more deleterious to the remaining renal unit.

In-vitro gliding resistance of Lapra-Ty clip on polypropylene and glycolide sutures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The LapraTy clip (LTc) is a useful tool for supplementing knot-tying during reconstructive laparoscopic surgery. However, data regarding its safety and efficacy are scarce. We critically assessed the in-vitro performance of the LTc over different sizes of two suture materials commonly used during reconstructive procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The gliding resistance (GR) of one or two LTcs was tested on various sizes of both Polysorb and Prolene sutures. The GR of each suture was then compared with its breaking strength. Forces were measured using a Vernier Force Sensor. RESULTS: The GR of one LTc was significantly lower than the breaking strength of all Polysorb and Prolene suture sizes with the exception of 7-0 Prolene, with which the suture broke before the LTc slipped off. When two LTcs were placed sequentially, the GR increased significantly compared with a single LTc and was equal to or greater than the breaking strength for Polysorb 3-0 to 5-0 and Prolene 3-0 to 6-0. The percentage of GR over breaking strength was inversely related to suture size and was significantly greater with Prolene than with the Polysorb suture of the same size. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide a better understanding of the resistive force an LTc offers before slipping and therefore failing. The results observed with Prolene sutures are encouraging and must be further investigated in an animal study to confirm the safety of the LTc when used during reconstructive procedures.

Impact of collecting-system repair during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is a complex procedure frequently reserved for small, peripherally located renal tumors. Deep, infiltrating lesions often necessitate collecting system repair (CSR), mandating further intracorporeal suturing and reconstruction. We compared our experience with LPN where CSR was and was not required after tumor resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 2002 and December 2005, 84 patients underwent LPN. Tumor excision with pelvicaliceal system injury occurred in 52 patients, whereas 32 patients required no CSR. Perioperative and pathologic data were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Tumors with CSR were larger (mean 2.9 cm v 2.1 cm for non-CSR procedures; P = 0.001) and had larger pathologic specimen weights (mean 58.2 g v 21.8 g; P = 0.05). Blood loss (mean 210 mL) and hospital stay (mean 2.7 days) were similar in the two groups. Warm ischemia time (WIT) (mean 36.6 v 27.7 minutes; P < 0.001) and operative time (mean 238 v 207 minutes; P = 0.03) were longer in the CSR group. The intraoperative hemorrhage rate (7.7% v 9.4%; P = 0.34) and rate of conversion to open surgery (7.7% v 9.4%; P = 0.29) were similar, as were the incidences of postoperative bleeding (7.7% v 3.1%; P = 0.28) and urinary leakage (1.9% v 0; P = 0.62). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy involving CSR is a technically demanding procedure that necessitates longer WIT and overall surgical time. However, when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon, comparable complication rates and blood loss are observed. Technical variations for hemostasis, such as argon-beam coagulation and FloSeal and the use of the LapraTy clip for pelvicaliceal and parenchymal suture repair may facilitate LPN for more deeply invasive tumors.

Robotic radical prostatectomy learning curve of a fellowship-trained laparoscopic surgeon.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several experienced practitioners of open surgery with limited or no laparoscopic background have adopted robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) as an alternative to open radical prostatectomy (RRP), demonstrating outcomes comparable to those in large RRP and laparoscopic prostatectomy series. Thus, the significance of prior laparoscopic skills seems unclear. The learning curve, with respect to operative time and complications, in the hands of a devoted laparoscopic surgeon has not been critically assessed. We evaluated the learning curve of a highly experienced laparoscopic surgeon in achieving expertise with RLRP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 150 consecutive patients undergoing RLRP by a single surgeon between March 2003 and September 2005. The first 25 cases were performed with the assistance of a surgeon experienced in open RRP. Data were compared for the first, second, and third groups of 50 cases. Demographic data were similar for the three groups. Urinary and sexual function data were evaluated subjectively and objectively using the RAND-36v2 Survey and the UCLA PCI preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean operative time, blood loss, and conversion rate decreased significantly with increasing experience. All open conversions occurred during the first 25 cases. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were similar among groups. Although the differences were not significant, urinary and sexual function recovery improved with experience. CONCLUSION: The RLRP learning curve for a fellowship-trained laparoscopic surgeon seems to be similar to that of laparoscopically naive yet experienced practitioners of open RRP. The RLRP is safe and reproducible and even during the learning curve can produce results similar to those reported in large RRP series. The importance of assistance by an experienced open RRP surgeon during the learning curve cannot be overemphasized.

Assessment of the LapraTy clip for facilitating reconstructive laparoscopic surgery in a porcine model.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy, reliability, and performance of the LapraTy clip (LTc) as a substitute for knot tying during reconstructive surgery in a porcine model. METHODS: Twenty-four farm pigs were divided in two groups, each undergoing two surgical procedures: group A, transperitoneal laparoscopic cavotomy and small-bowel enterotomy with repair, and group B, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and cystotomy with repair. In all animals LTc were used to replace knot tying. Tissue specimens were harvested and examined at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively to assess success of reconstruction and tissue reaction. RESULTS: There were no major complications. Animals in group A showed no clinical signs of caval obstruction. No intraperitoneal collections or significant narrowing were noted at the enterotomy sites. Animals in group B showed no evidence of fluid collections around the partially resected kidneys or the cystotomy sites, and all repairs were intact. Pathologic examination revealed that all LTc were encapsulated by fibroblasts and giant cells typical of a foreign body-type granulomatous reaction. No evidence of clip migration into the epithelium was noted in any of the tissues examined. CONCLUSIONS: In an animal model, the LTc is a safe and efficient alternative to knot tying during laparoscopic reconstructive surgery. We are currently evaluating the clinical applicability of the LTc in a variety of urologic conditions. We believe that other surgical specialties should evaluate this device as well.

Effect of prostate weight on operative and postoperative outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of prostate weight (PW) on robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) outcomes. The effect of PW on surgical and pathologic outcomes has been reviewed in open and laparoscopic prostatectomy series. Little is known about its effects during RLRP. METHODS: From February 2003 to November 2005, 375 men underwent RLRP. Patients were divided into four groups on the basis of the pathologic PW: group 1, less than 30 g; group 2, 30 g or more to less than 50 g; group 3, 50 g or more to less than 80 g; and group 4, 80 g or larger. The groups were compared prospectively. Continence and sexual function were assessed using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Of the 375 patients, 20, 201, 123, and 31 had a PW of less than 30 g, 30 g or more to less than 50 g, 50 g or more to less than 80 g, and 80 g or larger, respectively. A significant difference was found in age and prostate-specific antigen values among the four groups (P <0.001). No significant differences in operative time, estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, hospital stay, length of catheterization, and complication incidence were observed among the four groups. The overall rate of positive surgical margins was significantly different among the groups (P = 0.002), demonstrating a trend of increasing positive surgical margins with a lower PW. Within the patients with Stage pT2, a significant increase in positive surgical margins was found with lower PWs (P = 0.026). The objective return of baseline and subjective sexual and urinary function, as determined by questionnaire scores, was not affected by the PW. CONCLUSIONS: RLRP can be performed safely and with similar perioperative outcomes in men, regardless of the PW. We found a significant inverse relationship between surgical margin status and PW, specifically in those with Stage pT2 disease.

Effect of renal ischemia in laparoscopic acute versus chronic solitary kidney model.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of renal warm ischemia (WI) in an acute versus a chronic single kidney model have not been investigated. Previously, we reported full recovery of renal function after 90 minutes of WI in a single-kidney porcine model. Here, we sought to assess the effects of WI on renal function in an acute versus chronic solitary kidney in the porcine model. METHODS: A total of 32 pigs weighing 60 to 80 lb were randomized into four groups. Group 1 (acute model) underwent nephrectomy followed by 90-minute immediate WI clamping of the contralateral renal hilum. Group 2 (control for group 1) underwent nephrectomy followed by contralateral sham renal pedicle surgery. Group 3 (chronic model) underwent nephrectomy followed 12 days later by 90-minute WI clamping of the contralateral renal hilum. Group 4 (control for group 3) underwent nephrectomy followed 12 days later by contralateral sham renal pedicle surgery. Serum creatinine and the glomerular filtration rate were assessed preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, 8, and 15. All procedures were performed laparoscopically. RESULTS: The acute model showed a significantly greater increase in serum creatinine and lower glomerular filtration rate nadir compared with the chronic model on postoperative days 1, 3, and 8. By postoperative day 15, the serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate were comparable between the acute and chronic groups after WI. CONCLUSIONS: Renal dysfunction in the acute model was significantly more profound during the initial 8 days after WI compared with that in the chronic model. These results validate our acute single kidney porcine model as a practical and cost-effective model when performing renal ischemia research.

Laparoscopic ice slurry coolant for renal hypothermia.

PURPOSE: We assessed the safety and efficacy of microparticulate ice slurry for laparoscopic hypothermia during renal ischemia in a single kidney porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 farm pigs were randomized to 3 groups of 6 each. All groups underwent initial right laparoscopic nephrectomy, followed by 1 of 3 procedures on the left kidney. Group 1 underwent 90-minute hilar clamping under warm ischemia, group 2 underwent 90-minute hilar clamping under cold ischemia using laparoscopically delivered microparticulate ice slurry and control group 3 underwent hilar dissection, no clamping and no microparticulate ice slurry. Body and renal cortical temperatures were measured. Serum creatinine and the glomerular filtration rate were assessed preoperatively, and on postoperative days 1, 3, 8 and 15. RESULTS: Average time to achieve a renal temperature of 20C or less was 9.7 minutes and it remained constant during the 90-minute cold ischemia time. Mean serum creatinine was significantly higher in the warm ischemia group than in the cold ischemia and control groups on postoperative days 1 and 3. Additionally, mean serum creatinine in the cold ischemia and control groups was similar at all time points. The mean glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in the warm ischemia group than in the cold ischemia and control groups on postoperative days 1, 3 and 8. The mean glomerular filtration rate in the cold ischemia group was lower than in the control group on postoperative day 1, while it was similar on postoperative days 3, 8 and 15. CONCLUSIONS: In the porcine model laparoscopic renal hypothermia achieved with microparticulate ice slurry was safe and efficient. It significantly decreased renal dysfunction secondary to an ischemic insult with no adverse effects or complications associated with microparticulate ice slurry use.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: functional and pathologic outcomes with interfascial nerve preservation.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) is increasingly becoming an alternative to open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. RLRP has been associated with low morbidity, short convalescence and comparable oncologic and functional outcomes. We report our initial experience of 300 consecutive cases with selective use of interfascial nerve preservation (IFNP). METHODS: Between February 2003 and September 2005, 300 consecutive men underwent RLRP at our institution. Patients were followed prospectively with validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 282 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 273 ml. The intra-operative complication rate was 2.3% with no mortality. Return to baseline (RTB) urinary function and subjective continence at 12 months were 71% and 90.2%, respectively. RTB sexual function and subjective potency at 12 months were 53% and 80.4%, respectively. Overall, the positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was 20.9%: 15.1% for pT2 and 52.1% for pT3 disease and 93.1% had an undetectable PSA (<0.1 ng/mL) with a mean follow-up of 17.3 months. Fifty-four percent of PSMs occured in a poster-lateral (PL) location. Retrospectively, IFNP was performed in 86.5% and 62.5% of pT2 and pT3 PSMs, respectively. Pathologic-T3 PSMs were found to occur significantly more often in a PL location when ipsilateral IFNP was performed when compared to non-IFNP (73% vs 33%, p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IFNP appears to result in favorable return of potency, however, postero-lateral PSMs appear to occur more frequently with this technique. Proper patient selection for robotic surgery and nerve-preservation appears to be critical in order to reduce PSM and optimize the oncologic efficacy of this technology.