Implementation of Robot-assisted Urologic Surgeries using Hugo™ RAS System in a High-volume Robotic "Da vinci Xi" Center: outcomes and initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trocar disposition, docking angles, surgical times, functional outcomes and complications experienced during the first 30 surgeries with Hugo™ RAS platform performed by a high volume Da Vinci Xi®`s surgeon. METHODS: Retrospective, observational, descriptive study was performed between May-December 2023. Safety and feasibility of the procedures were evaluated considering console and docking time (min), perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification), blood loss (mL), collision of the arms during the procedures (Yes/No). For radical prostatectomies (RARP) the urinary continence and sexual function were also evaluated. RESULTS: RARP, simple prostatectomies (RASP), partial nephrectomies (RAPN), and cystectomy (RARC) were performed. Trocar placement, docking, and bed assistant ergonomics were important challenges. Patient positioning, trocar placement, and robotic arm positioning had to be adapted. The median console operative time for RARP and RASP was 78 (60-120) minutes and 79 (58-125) minutes, respectively. The median docking time for both RARP and RASP was 10 (5-20) minutes. Of patients undergoing RARP, 94.5% recovered sexual function and no patient used more than one PAD per day after 90 days of the surgery. The median console operative and docking time for RAPN was 82 (80-130) minutes and 12 minutes (7-19) minutes, respectively. Blood loss in all patients was less than 200 mL and all none procedure presented major complications. CONCLUSION: For a high volume surgeon with motivated and well-trained multidisciplinary team, the implementation of HUGO™ RAS system for urological program is safe and smooth. Adaptations were necessary to achieve equivalent surgical technique and results. Docking position and bed assistant ergonomics are the major challenges.

Outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare biochemical recurrence, sexual potency and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy). Material and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines were performed. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed. Biochemical recurrence at three and five years; incontinence rate (patients who used one pad or more) and erectile dysfunction rate at 12 and 36 months (patients who did not have sufficient erection to achieve sexual intercourse) were evaluated. The Mantel-Haenszel method was applied to estimate the pooled risk difference (RD) in the individual studies for categorical variables. All results were presented as 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Random effects models were used regardless of the level of heterogeneity (I²). (PROSPERO CRD42022296998). Results: Eight studies comprising 2,677 men with prostate cancer were included. There was no difference in biochemical recurrence between ablative and radical treatments. We observed the same biochemical recurrence between ablative therapy and radical treatment within five years (19.3% vs. 16.8%, respectively; RD 0.07; 95%CI=-0.05, 0.19; I2=68.2%; P=0.08) and continence rate at 12 months (9.2% vs. 31.8%, respectively; RD −0.13; 95%CI, −0.27, 0.01; I2=89%; P=0.32). When focal treatment was analyzed alone, two studies with 582 patients found higher erectile function at 12 months in the ablative therapy group than in the radical treatment (88.9% vs. 30.8%, respectively; RD −0.45; 95%CI −0.84, −0.05; I2=93%; P=0.03). Conclusion: Biochemical recurrence and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment were similar. Ablative therapy appears to have a high rate of sexual potency.

Outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare biochemical recurrence, sexual potency and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines were performed. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed. Biochemical recurrence at three and five years; incontinence rate (patients who used one pad or more) and erectile dysfunction rate at 12 and 36 months (patients who did not have sufficient erection to achieve sexual intercourse) were evaluated. The Mantel-Haenszel method was applied to estimate the pooled risk difference (RD) in the individual studies for categorical variables. All results were presented as 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Random effects models were used regardless of the level of heterogeneity (I²). (PROSPERO CRD42022296998). RESULTS: Eight studies comprising 2,677 men with prostate cancer were included. There was no difference in biochemical recurrence between ablative and radical treatments. We observed the same biochemical recurrence between ablative therapy and radical treatment within five years (19.3% vs. 16.8%, respectively; RD 0.07; 95%CI=-0.05, 0.19; I2=68.2%; P=0.08) and continence rate at 12 months (9.2% vs. 31.8%, respectively; RD -0.13; 95%CI, -0.27, 0.01; I2=89%; P=0.32). When focal treatment was analyzed alone, two studies with 582 patients found higher erectile function at 12 months in the ablative therapy group than in the radical treatment (88.9% vs. 30.8%, respectively; RD -0.45; 95%CI -0.84, -0.05; I2=93%; P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Biochemical recurrence and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment were similar. Ablative therapy appears to have a high rate of sexual potency.

Current urological applications of the Hugo™ RAS system.

PURPOSE: To provide an update on the diverse, contemporary urological applications of the Hugo™ RAS system. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify studies that described the clinical applications of the Hugo™ RAS system in Urology. The Hugo™ RAS is a new multi-modular robotic platform created by Medtronic, which offered new innovations, including an open surgical console and individual modular and extendable robotic arms that come in their own movable platforms. Since obtaining regulatory approval in Europe in October 2021, the novel platform has been increasingly used in various urologic and gynecologic procedures. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies were included, which involved 176 patients who underwent varying urological procedures. These included radical and simple prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical and simple nephrectomy, ureterolithotomy, ureteral reimplant, pyeloplasty, and adrenalectomy. The different docking configurations, operating room set-ups, and early perioperative outcomes were described for the respective procedure. CONCLUSION: Based on the existing literature, the Hugo™ RAS system can be safely and effectively utilized for various urological procedures. The novel technology provided additional value in enriching the repertoire of urological minimally invasive surgical options. Further research with larger cohort of patients will be required to better refine the operating techniques and understand the perioperative outcomes of the Hugo™ RAS, especially when compared to other robotic surgical platforms.

The Feasibility and Value of a Focal Therapy Multidisciplinary Tumor Board, Including Radiographic and Pathological Overreads in Refining the Selection for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Prostate Cancer Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Focal therapy for prostate cancer is increasingly recognized as an acceptable therapeutic option in well-selected men. A focal therapy multidisciplinary tumor board geared toward improving patient selection is a novel concept which has not been reported. We describe our institution's initial experience with a multidisciplinary tumor board for focal therapy and its outcomes in terms of patient selection. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective study of patients referred to a multidisciplinary tumor board. All prostate MRIs were re-reviewed by a single radiologist with >10 years of experience, and the number, size, location, and Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System scores of lesions visible on MRI were recorded and compared to the original report. Outside histopathology, when requested, was also re-reviewed for cancer grade groups and adverse pathological features. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were presented at our multidisciplinary tumor board (January-October 2022). Sixty-seven patients were treatment naïve, while 7 had prior radiation±androgen deprivation therapy. MRI overread was performed on all treatment-naïve patients (67/74 [91%]), while pathology overreads were performed on 14/74 (19.9%). Following multidisciplinary tumor board, 19 patients (25.6%) were deemed suitable candidates for focal therapy. A total of 24 patients (35.8%) were not deemed candidates for high intensity focused ultrasound focal therapy based exclusively on findings identified at MRI overread. Pathology re-review changed management for 3/14 patients, with two-thirds being downgraded to grade group 1 disease and opting for active surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary tumor board for focal therapy is feasible. MRI overread is an essential component of this process and demonstrates significant findings that alter eligibility or management in over a third of patients.

The current role of local treatment in metastatic prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current role of local treatment in prostate cancer with a low metastatic burden (or oligometastatic) in relation to survival and safety. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of studies published in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until December 2021. Studies comparing local and nonlocal treatment in patients with metastatic prostate cancer were included. The risk of bias within studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa and Cochrane risk of bias tool. Oligo-metastasis was defined as low-volume metastasis with up to five lesions. The local treatment used was radical prostatectomy or external beam radiation therapy associated with systemic therapy (i.e., androgen deprivation therapy ± abiraterone, docetaxel, enzalutamide, or apalutamide). The endpoints evaluated were overall survival, cancer-specific survival, failure-free survival, and complication rates. RESULTS: Thirteen studies including 46,541 patients were included. The 5-year overall survival (16.0% vs. 6.5%, respectively; odds ratio (OR) 2.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.18, 3.44; I2 = 0%; p < .00001) and 3-year cancer-specific survival (48.2% vs. 26.3%, respectively; OR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.44, 2.44; I2 = 0%; p < .00001) were higher in the local treatment group than that of the nonlocal treatment group. In addition, failure-free survival at 3 years was higher in the local treatment group than that of the nonlocal treatment group (40.5% vs. 28.4%, respectively; OR 1.72; 95% CI, 1.38, 2.14; I2 = 0%; p < .00001). The low complication rate of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 indicated that local treatment is feasible and safe in this setting. CONCLUSION: Recent data have shown that local treatment combined with systematic therapy, might improve the overall, cancer-specific, and failure-free survivals of patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. Furthermore, local treatment is both feasible and safe. Further studies evaluating the quality of life of these patients are needed.

NF1-RAC1 axis regulates migration of the melanocytic lineage.

Metastases's spreading is the main cause of mortality for advanced stage cancer patients, including melanoma. The formation of metastases is favored by enhanced migratory and invasive capacities of tumor cells. Tumor suppressor gene NF1 is a negative regulator of RAS and its deregulation plays an important role in several aspects of melanoma transformation and progression. However, very little is described about the role of NF1 in cellular migration and invasion. In this study, our results show on the one hand, that the loss of NF1 expression delays migration of human melanoblasts via a RAC1-dependent mechanism. On the other hand, our data indicate that NF1 loss in melanoma cells is enhancing migration, intravasation and metastases formation in vivo. Moreover, not only this phenotype is associated with an upregulation of PREX1 but also patient-derived melanoma samples with low NF1 expression present increased levels of PREX1. In sum, our study brings new elements on the mechanism controlling cellular migration in the context of NF1 loss. These data are of prime interest to improve treatment strategies against all NF1-mutated tumors, including this subtype of melanoma.

Endoscopic treatment of lower pole stones: is a disposable ureteroscope preferable? Results of a prospective case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: The best option for lower pole stone management is still under debate. With the recent incorporation of disposable ureteroscopes, discussion on this topic has been renewed. The aim of the present study was to compare the results obtained with flexible disposable ureteroscopes with those obtained using reusable ureteroscopes in the treatment of inferior calyx stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was carried out using data registered prospectively in a database at our center. The clinical results obtained in two groups of patients were analyzed. In the first group of patients, a reusable flexible fiber-optic ureteroscope (Cobra®, Richard Wolf) was used, and in the second group, a disposable flexible ureteroscope was used (Uscope 3022®, Pusen Medical). The variables analyzed included: operative time, fluoroscopy time, need for postprocedure ureteral catheter, stone-free rate (fragments <1 millimeter) and complications. The results were evaluated using a Student's t test, a Mann-Whitney test and a Fisher's test. RESULTS: There were 31 cases with disposable ureteroscopes and 30 cases with a reusable ureteroscope. Both groups were comparable in their demographic and clinical variables. The characteristics regarding length, width and angle of the infundibulum (measured by retrograde ureteropyelography) were also comparable. There were no differences in the clinical findings with respect to the stone-free rate, need for a ureteral catheter, complications or hospital stay. Significant differences were found in the average surgery time (56.1 vs. 77 minutes; P = 0.01) and in the fluoroscopy time (66.1 vs. 83.4 seconds; P = 0.02), both favoring the use of single use ureteroscopes. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, disposable flexible ureteroscopes have been validated as an option that is in the least equivalent to reusable ureteroscopes based on clinical results. The shorter surgical and fluoroscopy durations are possible advantages considering the high costs associated with time spent in the operating room and the need to reduce ionizing radiation.

Retrograde intrarenal surgery using the single - use flexible ureteroscope Uscope 3022 (Pusen™): evaluation of clinical results.

INTRODUCTION: Reusable endoscopes have some limitations regarding their continued use. To sort out these problems, several disposable devices have appeared on the market. Our objective is to show our clinical results with a new digital flexible single-use ureteroscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study presents a prospective series of patients who underwent endoscopic surgery as treatment for renal stones using the digital disposable endoscope Uscope 3022™. Demographic, procedure and stone information were registered including surgery time, stone-free rate, need of ureteral catheterization and complications, among others. The behavior of the ureteroscope in terms of image quality and problems associated with flexibility and the working channel were also registered. RESULTS: A total of 71 procedures were included in the analysis. The mean age was 49.9 years old, with 70.4% of male patients. Mean stone size was 11.4 mm (4 to 40 mm). The most frequent stone location was in the lower calyces (28.2%). The stone burden was high (>2 cm) in 8.4% of patients. The mean surgical time was 56.6 minutes (15-180 min). In 94.4% of the cases, a laser was used with dusting parameters. The global stone-free rate (SFR) was 95.2%, but in the subgroups analysis SFR were significantly superior in stones less than 10 mm (97.9%) versus stones between 10 and 20 mm (94.5%) and greater than 20 mm (78.3%) (p <0.01). The postoperative placement of double-J stents was required in 66.2% of patients. Two minor complications were recorded and they were related to the ureteral access sheath used. There were no problems regarding the performance of the ureteroscope. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical data observed in this series does not differ from the results traditionally obtained with other reusable devices. To our knowledge, this series is the first worldwide report evaluating the clinical behavior and results in humans of the Uscope 3022.

Circulating Prostate Cells Found in Men with Benign Prostate Disease Are P504S Negative: Clinical Implications.

Introduction. Developments in immunological and quantitative real-time PCR-based analysis have enabled the detection, enumeration, and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). It is assumed that the detection of CTCs is associated with cancer, based on the finding that CTCs can be detected in all major cancer and not in healthy subjects or those with benign disease. Methods and Patients. Consecutive men, with suspicion of prostate cancer, had blood samples taken before prostate biopsy; mononuclear cells were obtained using differential gel centrifugation and CPCs detecting using anti-PSA immunocytochemistry. Positive samples underwent further classification with anti-P504S. Results. 329 men underwent prostate biopsy; of these men 83 underwent a second biopsy and 44 a third one. Of those with a biopsy negative for cancer, 19/226 (8.4%) had CPCs PSA (+) P504S (-) detected at first biopsy, 6/74 (8.1%) at second biopsy, and 5/33 (15.2%) at third biopsy. Men with cancer-positive biopsies did not have PSA (+) P504S (-) CPCs detected. These benign cells were associated with chronic prostatitis. Conclusions. Patients with chronic prostatitis may have circulating prostate cells detected in blood, which do not express the enzyme P504S and should be thought of as benign in nature.

Secondary circulating prostate cells predict biochemical failure in prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy and without evidence of disease.

INTRODUCTION: Although 90% of prostate cancer is considered to be localized, 20%-30% of patients will experience biochemical failure (BF), defined as serum PSA >0.2 ng/mL, after radical prostatectomy (RP). The presence of circulating prostate cells (CPCs) in men without evidence of BF may be useful to predict patients at risk for BF. We describe the frequency of CPCs detected after RP, relation with clinicopathological parameters, and association with biochemical failure. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Serial blood samples were taken during followup after RP, mononuclear cells were obtained by differential gel centrifugation, and CPCs identified using standard immunocytochemistry using anti-PSA monoclonal antibodies. Age, pathological stage (organ confined, nonorgan confined), pathological grade, margin status (positive, negative), extracapsular extension, perineural, vascular, and lymphatic infiltration (positive, negative) were compared with the presence/absence of CPCs and with and without biochemical failure. Kaplan Meier methods were used to compare the unadjusted biochemical failure free survival of patients with and without CPCs. RESULTS: 114 men participated, and secondary CPCs were detected more frequently in patients with positive margins, extracapsular extension, and vascular and lymphatic infiltration and were associated with biochemical failure independent of these clinicopathological variables, and with a shorter time to BF. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary CPCs are an independent risk factor associated with increased BF in men with a PSA <0.2 ng/mL after radical prostatectomy, but do not determine if the recurrence is due to local or systemic disease. These results warrant larger studies to confirm the findings.

Impacto del índice de masa corporal en la nefrectomía radical laparoscópica por cáncer de riñón / Impact of body mass index in laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

Introducción: La obesidad es causa de aumento de complicaciones intra y post operatorias en pacientes sometidos a cirugía convencional. La Nefrectomía Radical Laparoscópica (NRL) es hoy la técnica de elección para el tratamiento del carcinoma de células renales. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar el impacto de la obesidad representado por el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) en pacientes sometidos a NRL por cáncer renal. Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo aleatorio de 82 NRL consecutivas, en pacientes con sospecha de cáncer renal, realizadas entre julio del 2001 y agosto del 2005. Los pacientes fueron analizados en 3 grupos según su IMC: Grupo 1: No obesos (IMC menor a 30), Grupo 2: obesos (IMC entre 30 y 35), y Grupo 3: obesos mórbidos (IMC mayor a 35). Correspondieron a 60 hombres y 20 mujeres, con una edad promedio de 60,59 años. Se realizaron 17 NRL mano asistidas y 65 NRL puras. Resultados: El grupo 1 (No obesos) se compone de 55 (67,07 por ciento) pacientes, el grupo 2 (Obesos) de 17 (20,73 por ciento) pacientes, y el grupo 3 (Obesos Mórbidos) de 10 (12,19 por ciento) pacientes. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 131,63 minutos, 138,88 minutos, y 141 minutos respectivamente no habiendo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. En cuanto al sangrado promedio, los valores fueron 139,09ml. para el grupo 1, 254 ml. para el grupo 2 y a 137 ml. para el grupo 3; sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. En 78 pacientes el diagnóstico histológico fue de Hipernefroma, en 4 pacientes no se encontró neoplasia. Todos se encuentran sin progresión de la enfermedad con un seguimiento promedio de 18 meses. Conclusión: No existen diferencias significativas entre pacientes no obesos, obesos y obesos mórbidos con esta técnica. Nuestro estudio demuestra que la NRL es el abordaje de elección en pacientes obesos con cáncer renal.

Introduction: Obesity caused an increased of intra-and post-operative complications in patients undergoing conventional surgery. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) is currently the technique of choice for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Our goal is to evaluate the impact of obesity represented by body mass index (BMI) in patients undergoing LRN for renal cancer. Material and Methods: Prospective randomized study of 82 consecutives LRN in patients with suspected renal masses, conducted between July 2001 and August 2005. Patients were analyzed in 3 groups according to their BMI: Group 1: Non-obese (BMI less than 30), Group 2: obese (BMI between 30 and 35) and Group 3: morbidly obese (BMI greater than 35). There was 60 males and 20 females with a mean age of 60.59 years. We make 17 hand assisted LRN and 65 pure LRN. Results: Group 1 (not obese) is composed of 55 (67.07 percent) patients in group 2 (obese) 17 (20.73 percent)patients, and group 3 (morbidly obese) 10 (12, 19 percent) patients. Medium operative time was 131.63 minutes, 138.88 minutes and 141 minutes respectively, no statistically significant differences. As the average bleeding, the values were 139.09 ml. for group 1, 254 ml. for group 2 and 137 ml. For group 3, no statistically significant difference. In 78 patients the histological diagnosis was Hypernephroma and in 4 patients no tumor was found. All patients are free of disease progression with an average of 18 months. Conclusion: No significant differences exist between non-obese patients, obese and morbidly obese with this technique. Our study shows that LRN is the approach of choice in obese patients with kidney cancer.

Nefrectomía radical laparoscópica en el tratamiento de tumores renales estadío T2 / Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for the treatment of T2 renal tumors

La nefrectomía radical laparoscópica (NRL) es en la actualidad la vía de abordaje de elección para tumores renales en estadío T1 (<7 cms). Tumores en estadío T2 se presentan como un desafío para esta técnica debido al tamaño tumoral y a la posibilidad de mayores complicaciones intra operatorias. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en NRL en pacientes con tumores renales en estadío T2 (> 7cms). Material y métodos: Análisis prospectivo de 121 pacientes sometidos a NRL por cáncer renal entre julio de 2001 y agosto de 2006. De ellos 40 pacientes se encontraban con tumores renales iguales o mayores de 7 cms (T2). Correspondieron a 32 hombres y 8 mujeres, cuya edad promedio fue 61,6años. El tamaño tumoral promedio al TAC de abdomen fue de 8,84 cms (r: 7-14 cms). Fueron sometidos a NRL transperitoneal pura 36 (90 por ciento) pacientes y mano asistida 4 (10 por ciento).Resultados: Tiempo operatorio promedio: 150,9 minutos (r: 90-300), Sangrado promedio: 283 cc. (r:20-2000). Hubo 3 (7,5 por ciento) complicaciones intra operatorias y 2 (5 por ciento) conversiones. Hubo 3 (7,5 por ciento) complicaciones post operatorias menores y 2 (5 por ciento) mayores. El promedio de hospitalización fue de4,7 días. El análisis anatomopatológico informa estadío pT2 en 24 (60 por ciento) pacientes, pT1 en 5 (12,5 por ciento),pT3a en 7 (17,5por ciento ), pT3b en 3 (7,5por ciento ) y 1 (2,5 por ciento) paciente sin cáncer (Pielonefritis xantogranulomatosafocal). El seguimiento promedio es de 16,1 meses (r: 1-42). En este lapso 2 (5por ciento) pacientes presentaron recidivas locales, uno a los 8 meses post operatorio y otro al mes, este último fallece 8 meses después de la cirugía. Conclusiones: La NRL en tumores renales estadío T2 ha demostrado resultados comparables conlas realizadas en estadío T1, si bien es técnicamente más difícil, se presenta como primera opción en centros con experiencia en cirugía laparoscópica. Si bien esta es la serie más extensa en publicarse en nuestro país,...

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRP) is currently the preferred approach for T1 renal tumors. Tumors larger than 7 cm are challenging due to their increased size and elevated relation with introoperative complications. Material and methods: A total of 121 patients underwent LRN between July 2001 and August 2006. Out of these, 40 patients presented with T2 tumors (equal or larger than 7 cm). Male to female ratio was 4:1. Mean age was 61.6 years. All but 4 patients (10 percent) underwent transperitoneal LRP.Results: Mean operative time was 150.9 minutes (range 90 to 300), operative bleeding was 283 ml (range 20 to 2000). There were 3 intraoperative complications (7.5 percent) and 2 conversions to open surgery (5 percent). There were 3 (7.5 percent) minor and 2 (5percent) mayor postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 4.7 days. Pathological analysis revealed pT1, pT2, pT3a and pT3b in 5 (12.5 percent), 24(60 percent), 7 (17,5 percent) and 3 (7,5 percent) respectively, in 1 (2,5percent) patient there was no tumor in the surgical specimen. Mean follow up was 16.1 months (range 1 to 42). Two patients (5 percent) showed local recurrence, at 1and 8 months respectively. Conclusions: LRP in T2 tumors is technically more difficult, however in experienced hands it can be offered as a first choice. Results are comparable with T1 stage tumors. This is the larges series Publisher in our country, however longer follow-up is mandatory before definite conclusions can be drawn.

Complete excision of urachal cyst by laparoscopic means: a new approach to an uncommon disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Anomalies of the urachal remnant are rare. Urachal cysts are usually asymptomatic, however, when they become infected, they can mimic a wide variety of intra-abdominal pathologies. We present two patients in which an urachal cyst was found. METHODS: Two male patients 25 and 38 years old respectively underwent laparoscopic resection of an urachal remnant. In one of the cases the urachal remnant was complicated by infection. Opportune clinical and radiologic diagnose was made in both cases and complete excision of the urachal remnant was carried out by laparoscopic means. RESULTS: The procedures were performed without complications and follow up showed excellent results. Both patients presented very short convalescence with rapid recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of choice for urachal pathology is the complete excision of the complicated lesion. For this matter laparoscopic surgery assures surgical results comparable to conventional surgery adding the advantages of a minimally invasive approach.

Laparoscopic resection of an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma.

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas are of rare occurrence. Since first reported laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the gold standard in the treatment of adrenal tumors, the feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the setting of pheochromocytoma has also been established given a careful preoperative planning. Literature on the laparoscopic treatment of extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas is lacking. We report a hypertensive 54-year-old male patient (body mass index, 26.2) with elevated urinary catecholamines and a 6-cm solid mass under the right renal hilum diagnosed after a magnetic resonance. The patient underwent complete transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of the tumor. Recovery was uneventful and final histopathologic examination showed an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma. We believe that transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma is a feasible and reproducible technique that allows for complete removal of tumoral tissue with low morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and minimal convalescence.

Complete excision of urachal cyst by laparoscopic means: a new approach to an uncommon disorder / Escisión completa de quiste de uraco por vía laparoscópica: un nuevo abordaje para un trastorno poco frecuente

Objetive: Anomalies of the urachal remnant are rare. Urachal cysts are usually asymptomatic, however, when they become infected, they can mimic a wide variety of intra-abdominal pathologies. We present two patients in which an urachal cyst was found. Methods: Two male patients 25 and 38 years old respectively underwent laparoscopic resection of an urachal remnant. In one of the cases the urachal remnant was complicated by infection. Opportune clinical and radiologic diagnose was made in both cases and complete excision of the urachal remnant was carried out by laparoscopic means. Results: The procedures were performed without complications and follow up showed excellent results. Both patients presented very short convalescence with rapid recovery. Conclusions: The treatment of choice for urachal pathology is the complete excision of the complicated lesion. For this matter laparoscopic surgery assures surgical results comparable to conventional surgery adding the advantages of a minimally invasive approach (AU)

Las anomalías del remanente de uraco son raras. Los quistes de uraco son generalmente asintomáticos; sin embargo, cuando se infectan, pueden imitar una amplia variedad de patologías intraabdominales. Presentamos dos pacientes con quiste de uraco. Métodos: Dos pacientes varones de 25 y 38 años, respectivamente, fueron sometidos a resección laparoscópica de remanentes de uraco. En uno de los casos el remanente de uraco se había complicado con infección. En ambos casos se hizo el diagnóstico clínico y radiológico adecuado y se llevó a cabo escisión completa del remanente de uraco por vía laparoscópica. Resultados: Las operaciones se realizaron sin complicaciones y el seguimiento mostró unos resultados excelentes. Ambos pacientes tuvieron una convalecencia muy corta, con una rápida recuperación. Conclusiones: El tratamiento de elección de la patología de uraco es la escisión completa de la lesión complicada. La cirugía laparoscópica asegura unos resultados quirúrgicos comparables con la cirugía convencional, añadiendo las ventajas del abordaje mínimamente invasivo (AU)

Case report: laparoscopic management of massive chylous ascites after salvage laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection.

Chylous ascites is an infrequent complication of retroperitoneal surgery. We describe a patient who suffered massive chylous ascites after simultaneous pneumonectomy and laparoscopic excision of a post-chemotherapy tumor mass. After conservative management failed, exploratory laparoscopy identified the site of the leak, which was clipped and closed with fibrin glue. There has been no recurrence in the ensuing 5 years.