Impact of insufflator/aspirator versus exclusive insufflator during robotic radical prostatectomy: a comparative prospective cohort study.

New generation devices that combine high-flow insufflation with smoke aspiration using continuous gas recirculation ]so-called Insufflator/aspirator systems (IAS)] have recently been developed to generate pneumoperitoneum. The use of an IAS could have an impact on surgical compared to conventional insufflation systems (CIS). The present study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness/safety, healthorganizational, and pathological/oncological outcomes of the CIS versus IAS during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: Comparative retrospective cohort study including patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer treated with RARP by four expert surgeons at a robotic referral centre between January 2020 and December 2021. A CIS was used until 15 March 2021, and the IAS thereafter. Data were extracted from the Institutional Review Board-approved (#1064) retro and prospective institutional database. Results: The final analysis included 299 patients (143 CIS; 156 IAS). We found no statistically significant differences in demographic data and preoperative results, allowing adequate group comparison. The rate of complications of any degree (9.1% and 1.9%, P<0.05) and major complications (4.2% and 0.6%, P<0.05) were lower in the IAS group. Accordingly, the hospital stay was shorter in the IAS group (P<0.05); however, the small size of this statistically significant difference probably lacks clinical value (1.9±1.6 vs. 1.6±0.8 days). There was no significant difference in surgical time, bleeding, pathological findings, or oncological results. Conclusions: Data from this large group of patients showed that the rate of overall complications, the rate of major complications, and the length of stay were lower in the IAS group. Implementing the IAS in RARP patients increased the occurrence of SCE and affected our daily practice of transversus abdominis plane block. Interpretation of the results should be made with caution since the design of this study did not allow for the identification of a causal relationship.

Intranodal Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Methylene Blue Injection for the Identification of Leakage Point during Laparoscopic Repair of Refractory Chylous Ascites after Laparoscopic Lymphadenectomy for Kidney Cancer.

Chylous ascites is an uncommon complication after surgery that can result in malnutrition and immunodeficiency. Therefore, surgical interventions are reserved for refractory patients, and the primary success factor for these interventions is locating the point of leakage, which is often tricky. We describe a case of a 56-year-old male with chylous ascites after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and lumbo-aortic lymphadenectomy for kidney cancer. The patient was initially managed with dietary modifications and drainage placement. Afterward, lymphography with Lipiodol, percutaneous embolization of the leakage point, and total parenteral nutrition were established. Finally, the patient underwent laparoscopic repair after identifying the leakage point by injecting methylene blue through an inguinal node. Complete resolution was achieved, and no complications related to the procedure were recorded. Intranodal methylene blue injection can be an invaluable tool to identify the point of leakage in selected patients to improve the outcomes of surgical repair of refractory chylous ascites.

Long-Term Oncological and Functional Outcomes After Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Clinically Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate long-term oncological and renal function outcomes in patients treated with robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing RAPN for clinically localized RCC between January 2014 and December 2019 at a tertiary robotic reference center were evaluated. Clinical course, pathologic characteristics, and long-term outcomes were obtained from our institutional review board-approved RCC database. RESULTS: A total of 234 patients were available for analysis. Median follow-up was 46 months (10.8-97.8 months), with 77 patients (32.9%) having at least 5-years of follow-up. Pathology revealed clear-cell RCC in 67.5% (n = 158). Among unfavorable factors, nuclear grades 3 or 4 were found in 67 (29.4%), lymphovascular invasion in 10 (4.3%), positive surgical margins in 22 (9.4%), necrosis in 21 (9%), and sarcomatoid pattern in 2 patients (0.9%). At 12 months, mean serum creatinine was 1.04 mg/dL and 12.9% of patients experienced upstaging in chronic kidney disease. Overall recurrence-free survival at 5-years was 97.8%. There were five local (2.1%) and two distant (0.9%) recurrences, none of them resulting in cancer-specific death. Median time to recurrence was 20 months (11-64 months). Warm ischemia time [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.14, p = 0.034] and sarcomatoid pattern (HR = 124.57, p = 0.001) were the only variables associated with local relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this large cohort demonstrate that patients undergoing RAPN have a low incidence of local and distant relapse, resulting in excellent long-term survival while preserving stable renal function in most patients.

Robot-assisted endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy: A review of current outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To review the role of robot-assisted endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (RAIL) in the management of penile cancer. METHODS: A PubMed search for all relevant publications regarding RAIL series up until August 2019 was performed using the keyword "robotic", "inguinal lymph node dissection", and "penile cancer". Weighted mean was calculated in the largest series for all outcomes using the number of patients included in each study as the weighting factor. RESULTS: We identified 23 articles, of note the three largest series that included 102, 27, and 20 RAIL in 51, 14, and 10 patients, respectively. Saphenous vein was spared in 88.93% of RAIL cases in these series and node yield was 11.42 per groin; 35.28% of patients had positive pathological nodes. The weighted mean of operative time was 87.98 min per RAIL and the estimated blood loss was 37.08 mL per patient. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.29 days and the drain was kept in place for 17.02 days; the major complication rate was only 5.31% in these series. The mean follow-up was 33.46 months with a recurrence-free survival of 96.33%. CONCLUSION: The literature regarding RAIL describes promising results, although it has shorter follow-up and higher costs when compared to historically series from the open approach. Initials series reported lower cutaneous complications compared to conventional approach, without compromising oncological outcomes. However, long-term results and larger trials are crucial to validate those findings.

Robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy: The state of art.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a narrative review about the role of robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (R-RPLND) in the management of testicular cancer. METHODS: A PubMed search for all relevant publications regarding the R-RPLND series up until August 2019 was performed. The largest series were identified, and weighted means calculated for outcomes using the number of patients included in each study as the weighting factor. RESULTS: Fifty-six articles of R-RPLND were identified and eight series with more than 10 patients in each were included. The weighted mean age was 31.12 years; primary and post chemotherapy R-RPLND were performed in 50.59% and 49.41% of patients. The clinical stage was I, II and III in 47.20%, 39.57% and 13.23% of patients. A modified R-RPLND template was used in 78.02% of patients, while 21.98% underwent bilateral full template. The weighted mean node yield, operative time and estimated blood loss were, respectively, 22.15 nodes, 277.35 min and 131.94 mL. The weighted mean length of hospital stay was 2 days and antegrade ejaculation was preserved in 92.12% of patients. Major post-operative complications (Clavien III or IV) occurred in 5.34%. Positive pathological nodes were detected in 24.54%, while the recurrence free survival was 95.77% with a follow-up of 21.81 months. CONCLUSION: R-RPLND has proven to be a reproducible and safe approach in experienced centers; short-term oncologic outcomes are similar to the open approach with less morbidity and shorter convalescence related to its minimal invasiveness. However, longer follow-up and new trials comparing head-to-head both techniques are expected.

Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted urinary diversion for bladder cancer (Part 1). Review and detailed characterization of ileal conduit and modified Indiana pouch.

OBJECTIVE: To review the most used robot-assisted cutaneous urinary diversion (CUD) after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and create a unified compendium of the different alternatives, including new consistent images. METHODS: A non-systematic review of the literature with the keywords "bladder cancer", "cutaneous urinary diversion", and "radical cystectomy" was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies of intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) and two of intracorporeal Indiana pouch (ICIP) were included in the analysis. Regarding ICIC, the patients' age ranged from 60 to 76 years. The operative time to perform a urinary diversion ranged from 60 to 133 min. The total estimated blood loss ranged from 200 to 1 117 mL. The rate of positive surgical margins ranged from 0% to 14.3%. Early minor and major complication rates ranged from 0% to 71.4% and from 0% to 53.4%, respectively. Late minor and major complication rates ranged from 0% to 66% and from 0% to 32%, respectively. Totally ICIP data are limited to one case report and one clinical series. CONCLUSION: The most frequent type of CUD is ICIC. Randomized studies comparing the performance of the different types of CUD, the performance in an intra- or extracorporeal manner, or the performance of a CUD versus orthotopic ileal neobladder are lacking in the literature. To this day, there are not enough quality data to determine the supremacy of one technique. This manuscript represents a compendium of the most used CUD with detailed descriptions of the technical aspects, operative and perioperative outcomes, and new consistent images for each technique.

Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted urinary diversion for bladder cancer (part 2). Review and detailed characterization of the existing intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder.

ABSTRACT: To review the most used intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder (ICONB) after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and create a unified compendium of the different alternatives, including new consistent images. METHODS: We performed a non-systematic review of the literature with the keywords "bladder cancer", "urinary diversion", "radical cystectomy", and "neobladder". RESULTS: Forty studies were included in the analysis. The most frequent type of ICONB was the modified Studer "U" neobladder (70%) followed by the Hautmann "W" modified neobladder (7.5%), the "Y" neobladder (5%), and the Padua neobladder (5%). The operative time to perform a urinary diversion ranged from 124 to 553 min. The total estimated blood loss ranged from 200 to 900 mL. The rate of positive surgical margins ranged from 0% to 8.1%. Early minor and major complication rates ranged from 0% to 100% and from 0% to 33%, respectively. Late minor and major complication rates ranged from 0% to 70% and from 0% to 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The most frequent types of ICONB are Studer "U" neobladder, Hautmann "W" neobladder, "Y" neobladder, and the Padua neobladder. Randomized studies comparing the performance of the different types of ICONB, the performance in an intra or extracorporeal manner, or the performance of an ICONB versus ICIC are lacking in the literature. To this day, there are not sufficient quality data to determine the supremacy of one technique. This manuscript represents a compendium of the most used ICONB with detailed descriptions of the technical aspects, operative and perioperative outcomes, and new consistent images of each technique.

Management of patients who opt for radical prostatectomy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: an international accelerated consensus statement.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused delays in definitive treatment of patients with prostate cancer. Beyond the immediate delay a backlog for future patients is expected. The objective of this work is to develop guidance on criteria for prioritisation of surgery and reconfiguring management pathways for patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer who opt for surgical treatment. A second aim was to identify the infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to achieve a low likelihood of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hazard if radical prostatectomy (RP) was to be carried out during the outbreak and whilst the disease is endemic. METHODS: We conducted an accelerated consensus process and systematic review of the evidence on COVID-19 and reviewed international guidance on prostate cancer. These were presented to an international prostate cancer expert panel (n = 34) through an online meeting. The consensus process underwent three rounds of survey in total. Additions to the second- and third-round surveys were formulated based on the answers and comments from the previous rounds. The Consensus opinion was defined as ≥80% agreement and this was used to reconfigure the prostate cancer pathways. RESULTS: Evidence on the delayed management of patients with prostate cancer is scarce. There was 100% agreement that prostate cancer pathways should be reconfigured and measures developed to prevent nosocomial COVID-19 for patients treated surgically. Consensus was reached on prioritisation criteria of patients for surgery and management pathways for those who have delayed treatment. IPC measures to achieve a low likelihood of nosocomial COVID-19 were coined as 'COVID-19 cold' sites. CONCLUSION: Reconfiguring management pathways for patients with prostate cancer is recommended if significant delay (>3-6 months) in surgical management is unavoidable. The mapped pathways provide guidance for such patients. The IPC processes proposed provide a framework for providing RP within an environment with low COVID-19 risk during the outbreak or when the disease remains endemic. The broader concepts could be adapted to other indications beyond prostate cancer surgery.

Densidad de APE en pacientes PI-RADS 3: un parámetro clínico útil para su manejo / PSA density as a new approach for PIRADS 3 patient's management

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar las biopsias realizadas en paciente categorizados PIRADS 3 en nuestra institución desde el segundo semestre del año 2016 al primer semestre del año 2018 y describir la correlación de la densidad de PSA con la incidencia de cáncer de próstata. Evaluar el rol de la densidad de PSA en la indicación de estudio histológico en pacientes PIRADS 3. Método: Trabajo autorizado por el comité de ética de nuestra institución. Se realizó búsqueda en el PACs, de todos los informes de RM multiparamétricas de próstata que incluyeran la categoría ¨PIRADS 3¨ en el periodo señalado. De ellos se calculó la densidad de PSA, con el último valor de PSA registrado en la ficha clínica previo a RM y volumen prostático en RM. Se procedió a buscar los pacientes con estudio histológico. Se correlacionó los resultados de biopsias con el valor de densidad de PSA. Realizamos análisis uni y multivariados, análisis estadísticos con sensibilidad, especificidad y uso de curva ROC. Resultados: De las 2416 RMmp de próstata realizadas en nuestra institución en las fechas ya descritas, se encontraron 424 informes catalogados con score PIRADS 3, y 267 de esos pacientes tenían estudio y seguimiento institucional, de los cuales 134 contaban con biopsia. La muestra tenía un promedio de edad de 60 años, y una mediana de densidad de PSA de 0,10 (RIC 0,07-0,14). Se encontraron 36 biopsias con cáncer clínicamente significativo (Gleason > 6), lo que corresponde a 26,8% de la muestra, valor similar al encontrado en la literuatua. En estos pacientes se obtuvo un punto de corte óptimo de densidad de PSA de 0,11, con una sensibilidad y especificidad de 67% y un AUC de 0,68. Una densidad de PSA de 0,11 presenta un OR de 4,1, con una probabilidad de 4 veces más de encontrar un cáncer de próstata por sobre este valor (IC 95% 1,3-9,8), lo cuál es estadísticamente significativo con un p igual a 0,01. Conclusión: La DAPE sobre 0,11 ng/ml/cc puede considerarse como una herramienta adicional para indicar biopsia en pacientes con RMmp PI-RADS 3, aumentando la precisión para la detección de cáncer de próstata clínicamente significativos ayudando a disminuir estudios histológicos innecesarios.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the biopsies performed in patients categorized PIRADS 3 in our institution from the second half of 2016 to the first half of 2018 and describe the correlation of PSA density with the incidence of prostate cancer. To evaluate the role of PSA density in the indication of histological study in PIRADS 3 patients. Method: Work authorized by the ethics committee of our institution. The PACs were searched for all multiparameter prostate MRI reports that included the category "PIRADS 3" in the period indicated. The PSA density was calculated, with the last PSA value recorded in the clinical record before MRI and prostate volume in MRI. We proceeded to look for patients with the histological study. The biopsy results were correlated with the PSA density value. We perform uni and multivariate analyzes, statistical analyzes with sensitivity, specificity and use of the ROC curve. Results: Of the 2416 RMmp of the prostate performed in our institution on the dates already described, 424 reports catalogued with PIRADS 3 score were found, and 267 of those patients had study and institutional follow-up, of which 134 had a biopsy. The sample had an average age of 60 years and a median PSA density of 0.10 (RIC 0.075-0.146). We found 36 biopsies with clinically significant cancer (Gleason> 6), which corresponds to 26.8% of the sample, a value similar to that found in the literature. In these patients, an optimal cut-off point of PSA density of 0.11 was obtained, with a sensitivity and specificity of 67% and an AUC of 0.68. A PSA density of 0.11 has an OR of 4.1, with a 4-fold probability of finding prostate cancer above this value (95% CI 1.3-9.8), which It is statistically significant with a p equal to 0.01. Conclusion: DAPE over 0.11 ng/ml/cc can be considered as an additional tool to indicate biopsy in patients with RMmp PI-RADS 3, increasing the accuracy for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer helping to reduce unnecessary histological studies.

Setting up a pediatric robotic urology program: A USA institution experience.

Implementing a robotic urological surgery program requires institutional support, and necessitates a comprehensive, detail-oriented plan that accounts for training, oversight, cost and case volume. Given the prevalence of robotic surgery in adult urology, in many instances it might be feasible to implement a pediatric robotic urology program within the greater context of adult urology. This involves, from an institutional standpoint, proportional distribution of equipment cost and operating room time. However, the pediatric urology team primarily determines goals for volume expansion, operative case selection, resident training and surgical innovation within the specialty. In addition to the clinical model, a robust economic model that includes marketing must be present. This review specifically highlights these factors in relationship to establishing and maintaining a pediatric robotic urology program. In addition, we share our data involving robot use over the program's first nine years (December 2007-December 2016).

Aspectos Técnicos de la Pieloplastía Robótica / Technical Aspects of Robotic Pyeloplasty

La cirugía robótica tiene muchos puntos comunes con la cirugía abierta con aumento visual (lupas), determinado por: la visión tridimensional aumentada, la articulación de los instrumentos que permite disecar y pasar puntos en diferentes planos y la precisión con ausencia de temblor en la cirugía.Suman en la pieloplastía robótica: la mínima invasión, el mayor aumento de la imagen, el carácter ambidextro de ella, y la menor tracción de los tejidos, al permitir una cirugía in situ de la unión pieloureteral. El video se inicia con una exposición teórica sobre los puntos importantes referidos a: preservar la irrigación de los tejidos,excision rutinaria de un trozo de uréter proximal para mejorar la distensibilidad y diámetro del uréter y la conveniencia de usar puntos separados en la boca anastomótica para garantizar un buen lumen. Luego se muestra una pieloplastía robótica, enfatizando los puntos señalados durante la cirugía.AU

Robotic surgery has many common points if compared to open surgery with visual magnification (loupes), determined by: increased three-dimensional vision, instruments articulation that enable dissection and passing through points in different planes and precision without tremor in surgery. Additionally, in robotic pyeloplasty, the following must be considered: minimal invasion, greater image magnification, its ambidextrous character and less tissue traction, allowing in situ pyeloureteral junction surgery. The video begins with a theoretical presentation about the important points related: preserving tissue irrigation, routine excision of a section of proximal ureter to improve the distensibility and diameter thereof and the convenience of using separate points in the anastomotic mouth to ensure good lumen. After that, a robotic pyeloplasty is shown, emphasizing the points indicated during the surgery. AU

Nefrectomía parcial single-port apoyada con el uso de pinza magnética robótica / Partial nephrectomy single-port supported by the use of robotic magnetic clamp

La Nefrectomía parcial es la técnica quirúrgica ideal en tumores T1 si técnicamente es posible, preservando una mayor cantidad de tejido renal funcional. El abordaje laparoscópico se asocia a menores tiempos de hospitalización, menor dolor y reinserción laboral precoz. El apoyo del abordaje single-port (LESS) se asocia a menos dolor y mejores resultados estéticos, pero conlleva a una mayor complejidad técnica, sin embargo esta dificultad puede ser eliminada con el apoyo robótico, conservando los beneficios de la técnica single port. La tecnología magnética LEVITA facilita aún mas la técnica, pudiendo ser utilizada también en cirugía laparoscópica convencional. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Presentamos el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 64 años, sin antecedentes mórbidos, con hallazgo incidental de tumor renal de 1.6 x 1.5 cm en polo inferior izquierdo, R.E.N.A.L. score 6P. Se realizó nefrectomía parcial robóticamente asistida single port. El tiempo operatorio fue de 270 minutos, sangrado estimado de 200cc. Los márgenes fueron negativos. La creatinina en el último control (1.0 mg/dl) es similar a la preoperatoria inmediata (0.9 mg/dl). CONCLUSIONES: La Nefrectomía parcial robóticamente asistida utilizando solo una incisión permite disminuir la morbilidad perioperatoria y mejorar los resultados cosméticos sin que esto signifique una mayor complejidad en la técnica quirúrgica. La tecnología magnética LEVITA es una herramienta útil a considerar en el arsenal del cirujano robótico / laparoscopista.(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Partial nephrectomy is the ideal surgical technique in T1 tumors if technically possible, preserving a greater amount of functional renal tissue. The laparoscopic approach is associated to shorter hospitalization time, less pain and early return to work. Support single-port approach is associated with less pain and better cosmetic results but leads to greater technical complexity. However, the latter difficulty can be eliminated with the robotic support, preserving the benefits of the single-port technique. The LEVITA magnetic technology makes it even easier to apply the technique, and can also be used in conventional laparoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 64-year old male patient without morbid history, with incidental 1.6 x 1.5 cm kidney tumor finding in the left lower pole, R.E.N.A.L. 6P score. Robot-assisted single port partial nephrectomy was performed. The operating time was 270 minutes, estimated blood loss of 200cc. The margins were negative. The ultimate creatinine control (1.0 mg / dl) is similar to the immediate preoperative (0.9 mg / dl). CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy using only one incision allows reduction of perioperative morbidity and improvement of cosmetic results without greater complexity in surgical technique. The LEVITA magnetic technology is a useful tool to consider in the arsenal of a robotic / laparoscopic surgeon.

Robotic paediatric urology.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Robot assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) is slowly gaining acceptance in the field of paediatric urology. Accumulating data on safety and efficacy when performing paediatric robotic urologic procedures has led paediatric urologists to gradually embrace increasingly more complex reconstructive surgeries. Indeed, the unique and delicate movements generated by the robotic system make this technology ideal for children who often require reconstructive procedures. We critically review the current role of RALS in paediatric urology and to analyse the published data, with a special emphasis on the most common applications. We also propose a structured plan to expedite training and the surgical 'learning curve'. OBJECTIVES: To critically review the current role of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) in paediatric urology and to analyse the published data, with a special emphasis on the most common applications. One of the greatest benefits of RALS has been the ability to truly spread the application of minimally invasive surgery to paediatric surgical patients. The unique attributes of the robotic interface make this technology ideal for children with congenital anomalies, who often require reconstructive procedures. We also propose a structured plan to expedite training and the surgical 'learning curve'. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Currently, almost all urological surgical procedures in children have been performed with the assistance of the robotic interface. The most commonly performed procedures include pyeloplasty, nephrectomy/hemi-nephrectomy and surgery for vesico-ureteric reflux. Initial series of bladder augmentation and appendicovesicostomy are available. RESULTS: Initial results with RALS are encouraging and have shown safety similar to open procedures, and outcomes at least equivalent to standard laparoscopy. Accumulating data have consistently shown that postoperative analgesia requirements and overall hospital stay are decreased. However, operative durations are significantly longer than their open counterparts, but this is decreasing as experience accumulates. CONCLUSIONS: RALS is already part of paediatric urological surgery. Larger single-institution case series and comparative studies with the open approach and multi-institutional meta-analyses will help to identify the benefits of RALS in paediatric urology.

Modified technique of robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy: advantages of a vesico-urethral anastomosis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a technical modification during robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) aiming to decrease perioperative blood loss, shorten the length of hospital stay and eliminate the need of postoperative continuous bladder irrigation. To describe perioperative outcomes, pathological findings and functional outcomes of our single-surgeon series using this technique. METHODS: We analysed six consecutive patients who underwent RASP using our technical modification between February and September 2010. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy was performed in all cases and revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia in two cases and benign prostatic hyperplasia plus chronic prostatitis in four cases. The mean estimated prostate volume in the TRUS was 157 ± 74 (range 90-300) mL and the average preoperative International Prostate Symptom score was 19.8 ± 9.6 (10-32). Two patients were in urinary retention before surgery. Our technique of RASP includes the standard operative steps reported during open and laparoscopic simple prostatectomy; however, with the addition of some technical modifications during the reconstructive part of the procedure. Following the resection of the adenoma, instead of performing the classical 'trigonization' of the bladder neck and closure of the prostatic capsule, we propose three modified surgical steps: plication of the posterior prostatic capsule, a modified van Velthoven continuous vesico-urethral anastomosis and, finally, suture of the anterior prostatic capsule to the anterior bladder wall. RESULTS: The patients' average age was 69 ± 4.9 (63-74) years; the mean estimated blood loss was 208 ± 66 (100-300) mL and the mean operative time was 90 ± 17.6 (75-120) min. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 without the need of continuous bladder irrigation at any time after RASP. No blood transfusion or perioperative complications were reported. The mean weight of the surgical specimen was 145 ± 41.6 (84-186) g. Histopathological evaluation revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia plus chronic prostatitis in five patients and prostatic adenocarcinoma (Gleason score 3+3, pT1a) with negative surgical margins in one patient. The mean serum prostate-specific antigen level decreased from 7 ± 2.5 (4.2-11) ng/mL preoperatively to 1.05 ± 0.8 (0.2-2.5) after RASP. Significant improvement from baseline was reported in the average International Prostate Symptom score (average preoperative vs postoperative, 19.8 ± 9.6 vs 5.5 ± 2.5, P= 0.01) and in mean maximum urine flow (average preoperative vs postoperative 7.75 ± 3.3 vs 19 ± 4.5 mL/s, P= 0.019) at 2 months after RASP. All patients were continent (defined as the use of no pads) at 2 months after RASP. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified technique of RASP is a safe and feasible option for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by large prostatic adenomas. Potential advantages of our technique include reduced blood loss, lower blood transfusion rates and shorter length of hospital stay with no need of postoperative continuous bladder irrigation. Larger series with longer follow-up are necessary to determine long-term outcomes in comparison to open simple prostatectomy or to the standard technique of RASP.

Does the presence of median lobe affect outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?

PURPOSE: To determine whether the presence of median lobe (ML) affects perioperative outcomes, positive surgical margin (PSM) rates, and recovery of urinary continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 1693 consecutive patients undergoing RARP performed by a single surgeon. Patients were analyzed in two groups based on the presence or not of a ML identified during RARP. Perioperative outcomes, PSM rates, and recovery of urinary continence were compared between the groups. Continence was assessed using validated questionnaires, and it was defined as the use of "no pads" postoperatively. RESULTS: A ML was identified in 323 (19%) patients. Both groups had similar estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, pathologic stage, complication rates, anastomotic leakage rates, overall PSM rates, and PSM rate at the bladder neck. The median overall operative time was slightly greater in patients with ML (80 vs 75 min, P<0.001); however, there was no difference in the operative time when stratifying this result by prostate weight. Continence rates were also similar between patients with and without ML at 1 week (27.8% vs 27%, P=0.870), 4 weeks (42.3% vs 48%, P=0.136), 12 weeks (82.5% vs 86.8%, P=0.107), and 24 weeks (91.5% vs 94.1%, P=0.183) after catheter removal. Finally, the median time to recovery of continence was similar between the groups (median: 5 wks, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.41-5.59 vs median: 5 wks, CI 4.66-5.34; log rank test, P=0.113). CONCLUSION: The presence of a ML does not affect outcomes of RARP performed by an experienced surgeon.

Oncological and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: critical review of current status.

Although open radical cystectomy (ORC) remains the gold-standard management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer, the number of centers performing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has recently increased, prompting greater oncological outcome concerns. Although limited in patient number and follow-up, short-term RARC data from centers of excellence appear to show the approach to be safe and effective, with improved perioperative and functional outcomes, while maintaining comparable oncologic efficiency. Nevertheless, despite the surge of centers adopting RARC, the long-term effectiveness of minimally-invasive techniques has yet to be proven. This review of published RARC series affirms the need for prospective, long-term, controlled studies to adequately evaluate the role of robotics in bladder cancer surgery.

Positive surgical margins after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: a multi-institutional study.

PURPOSE: Positive surgical margins are an independent predictive factor for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. We analyzed the incidence of and associative factors for positive surgical margins in a multi-institutional series of 8,418 robotic assisted radical prostatectomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the records of 8,418 patients who underwent robotic assisted radical prostatectomy at 7 institutions. Of the patients 323 had missing data on margin status. Positive surgical margins were categorized into 4 groups, including apex, bladder neck, posterolateral and multifocal. The records of 6,169 patients were available for multivariate analysis. The variables entered into the logistic regression models were age, body mass index, preoperative prostate specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score, prostate weight and pathological stage. A second model was built to identify predictive factors for positive surgical margins in the subset of patients with organ confined disease (pT2). RESULTS: The overall positive surgical margin rate was 15.7% (1,272 of 8,095 patients). The positive surgical margin rate for pT2 and pT3 disease was 9.45% and 37.2%, respectively. On multivariate analysis pathological stage (pT2 vs pT3 OR 4.588, p<0.001) and preoperative prostate specific antigen (4 or less vs greater than 10 ng/ml OR 2.918, p<0.001) were the most important independent predictive factors for positive surgical margins after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. Increasing prostate weight was associated with a lower risk of positive surgical margins after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (OR 0.984, p<0.001) and a higher body mass index was associated with a higher risk of positive surgical margins (OR 1.032, p<0.001). For organ confined disease preoperative prostate specific antigen was the most important factor that independently correlated with positive surgical margins (4 or less vs greater than 10 ng/ml OR 3.8, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prostatic apex followed by a posterolateral site was the most common location of positive surgical margins after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. Factors that correlated with cancer aggressiveness, such as pathological stage and preoperative prostate specific antigen, were the most important factors independently associated with an increased risk of positive surgical margins after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy.

Complex robotic reconstructive surgical procedures in children with urologic abnormalities.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) is evolving rapidly in the pediatric surgical field. The unique attributes of the robotic interface makes this technology ideal for children with congenital anomalies who often require reconstructive procedures. Furthermore, the system can generate extremely delicate movements in a confined working space such as the one generally found in the pediatric population. Herein, we critically review the current experience with RALS placing a special emphasis in children undergoing complex reconstructive surgical procedures worldwide. RECENT FINDINGS: A total of 42 original manuscripts on a variety of robot-assisted urologic surgical procedures in children were identified from a MEDLINE database search. Complex reconstructive procedures that are being currently performed include reoperative pyeloplasty, pyeloplasty in infants, pyelolithotomy, ureteropyelostomy/ureterostomy, bladder augmentation with or without appendico-vesicostomy, bladder neck sling procedure, among others. SUMMARY: Initial results with robot assistance are encouraging and have demonstrated safety comparable to open procedures and outcomes at least equivalent to standard laparoscopy. Future development of smaller instruments, incorporating tactile feedback, will likely overcome current limitations and spread out the use of this technique in younger children and more advanced procedures.