Flexible ureterorenoscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy for the management of renal stone burdens that measure 2 to 3 cm: a multi-institutional experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy (PCNL) is the current standard of care for management of large renal stones (>2 cm). Recent studies have evaluated flexible ureterorenoscopy (URS)/holmium laser lithotripsy as an alternative treatment for patients with contraindications to or preference against PCNL. Stones in an intermediate size range (2-3 cm) may be most amenable to URS/laser lithotripsy as definitive treatment in a single stage. We report a multi-institutional series of URS/laser lithotripsy for renal stone burdens that measure 2 to 3 cm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent URS/holmium laser lithotripsy for renal stones that measured 2 to 3 cm were identified retrospectively at three tertiary care centers. Demographic information, disease characteristics, and perioperative and postoperative data were gathered. Patients with renal stone burdens of 2 to 3 cm who were treated by URS/laser lithotripsy and had at least one postoperative visit and imaging study were included. Stone clearance was evaluated using 0-2 mm and <4 mm residual stone burden on postoperative imaging. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty patients underwent URS/holmium laser lithotripsy for renal stones of 2 to 3 cm. Mean stone burden was 2.4 cm, and mean body mass index was 29.3 kg/m². Indications for URS/laser lithotripsy vs PCNL included patient preference (57), technical or anatomic factors (24), patient comorbidities (17), failed shockwave lithotripsy (9), patient body habitus (3), solitary kidney (3), chronic renal insufficiency (3), and strict anticoagulation (2). Thirty-one (26%) patients had stent placement preprocedure, and 94 (78%) patients underwent outpatient surgery. A ureteral access sheath was used in 67%. One hundred and one (84%) patients underwent single-stage procedures. There was one intraoperative complication (ureteral perforation), and there were eight minor postoperative complications (6.7%). The reoperation rate through the mean 18-month follow-up was 3/120 or 2.5%. Seventy-six (63%) patients had residual stone burden of 0 to 2 mm, and 100 (83%) patients had residual burden of <4 mm. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that single-stage URS/holmium laser lithotripsy is effective for management of renal stones that measure 2 to 3 cm through intermediate follow-up. Staged procedures can be used selectively for technical reasons or disease factors. Although PCNL achieves superior stone clearance overall, URS/laser lithotripsy is a viable treatment option for selected patients.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer with high-risk features: predictors of favorable pathologic outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative determination of pathologic outcomes in patients with high-risk prostate cancer is challenging because of limitations of existing nomograms. We aimed to assess whether certain preoperative clinical and pathologic characteristics correlate with pathologic outcome in high-risk prostate cancer patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of patients with high-risk disease (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] >or=10 ng/dL with high volume disease or Gleason score >or=8) who underwent RALP between December 2004 and September 2008 was conducted. Patients were grouped based on favorable pathology, including organ-confined disease and negative surgical margins (group 1), and unfavorable pathology, including positive surgical margins and extracapsular extension (group 2). Preoperative PSA levels, transrectal ultrasonography findings, and biopsy reports were compared to final pathology data. RESULTS: Of 69 high-risk patients, 37 (54%) had favorable postoperative pathology (group 1) and 32 (46%) had unfavorable pathology (group 2). Mean PSA was 10.0 ng/dL (range, 4.1-20.3) (group 1) and 13.8 ng/dL (range, 3.1-39.9) (group 2). Mean PSA density was 0.28 (group 1) and 0.41 (group 2). Mean positive biopsy core was 33% (group 1) and 44% (group 2). Differences in PSA levels, PSA density, and percentage of positive cores were statistically significant (p < 0.05) between the groups. Bilateral disease and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: Lower PSA level and PSA density, as well as fewer positive biopsy cores, were associated with favorable postoperative pathology. Continued surveillance of these patients will serve to determine whether these findings will assist in predicting which high-risk prostate cancer patients may likely benefit from RALP.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy: a case report and review of the literature.

Adrenal-sparing surgery has recently been reported in the literature on minimally-invasive surgery. Originally described as a conventional laparoscopic procedure, encouraging outcomes in terms of preservation of adrenal function have been reported. Since the introduction of robotic surgery, surgeons have utilized robotic assistance for adrenal surgery and have recently described adrenal-sparing surgery using this platform. Certain patients that present with adrenal masses may benefit from minimally-invasive partial adrenalectomy, including those with a solitary adrenal gland, bilateral adrenal masses, and hereditary disease predisposing them to multiple adrenal masses. Patients without these conditions may also benefit from adrenal-sparing surgery in order to preserve normal adrenal function. We present the case of a patient with a 1.5-cm adrenal mass who elected to undergo adrenal-sparing surgery. The technique of transperitoneal laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy utilizing the da Vinci™ Surgical System is described. We also review the literature on minimally-invasive partial adrenalectomy in which robotic-assistance was utilized. In conclusion, while robot-assisted laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy remains in its infancy, it can be performed safely and with satisfactory surgical and functional outcomes.

Severe, disabling, and/or chronic penile pain associated with Peyronie disease: management with subcutaneous steroid injection.

Penile pain is one of the most distressing, limiting, and difficult to treat manifestations of Peyronie disease. The use of steroid injections for penile deformities associated with Peyronie disease has been ineffective. However, use of steroid injections in managing penile pain has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous, nonintralesional steroid injections in patients with severe, disabling, and/or chronic penile pain associated with Peyronie disease. This was a single-institution retrospective study of 16 patients with severe, disabling, and/or chronic penile pain associated with Peyronie disease who underwent subcutaneous, nonintralesional injection of triamcinolone (50 mg) between 2004 and 2006. Preinjection and postinjection analog pain scales were used to assess treatment efficacy. All 16 patients (mean age, 47.6 ± 11.1 years) had penile pain associated with erections for an average of 13.9 months (range, 3-36 months) prior to injections. Mean preinjection and postinjection penile pain scores were 6.6 ± 2.1 and 0.5 ± 0.5, respectively. On average, patients were pain free at follow-up visits within 10.6 ± 7.6 weeks. The mean pain-free duration was 23.8 months (range, 3-52 months). The mean cumulative dose of triamcinolone was 75.0 mg (range, 50-200 mg), with a mean of 1.5 injections (range, 1-4 injections). All 16 patients had overall improvement in pain scores. There were no adverse events or geometric penile changes after injections. Subcutaneous, nonintralesional injections of triamcinolone is an effective, safe, and durable means of managing severe, disabling, and/or chronic penile pain in patients with Peyronie disease. Future studies are needed to validate these findings.

Minimally invasive surgical management of pelvic-ureteric junction obstruction: update on the current status of robotic-assisted pyeloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction is characterized by a functionally significant impairment of urinary transport caused by intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction in the area where the ureter joins the renal pelvis. The majority of cases are congenital in origin; however, acquired conditions at the level of the ureteropelvic junction may also present with symptoms and signs of obstruction. Historically, open pyeloplasty and endoscopic techniques have been the main surgical options with the intent of complete excision or incision of the obstruction. The advent of laparoscopy and robotic-assisted applications has allowed for minimally invasive reconstructive surgery that mirrors open surgical techniques. AIMS We review the current status of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty and report on the result, continuing evolution, and potential role for this surgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the recent literature encompassing laparoscopic and robotic-assisted pyeloplasty was conducted with particular attention to operative techniques, surgical outcomes, and complication rates. RESULTS: Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches are able to duplicate the open technique, and not surprisingly, are now being shown to be as efficacious as the gold standard open approach. The laparoscopic remains technically challenging due to the high proficiency level required for intracorporeal suturing, although added experience has resulted in shorter operative times. The advent of robotics has further expanded the breadth of this reconstructive procedure while preserving the benefits of decreased pain, shorter hospitalization, rapid convalescence, and an improved cosmetic result. DISCUSSION: The introduction of robotics to the field of minimally invasive surgery facilitates this procedure and may allow for more widespread implementation by surgeons of varying skill levels. These benefits must be balanced against the increased costs of the robotic platform. CONCLUSION: Clinical reports have demonstrated that robotic-assisted pyeloplasty is a safe, feasible, and effective technique for treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction in short term studies. Additional studies with prolonged follow-up will ultimately provide valuable information as to the long-term efficacy of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Microvascular arterial bypass surgery: long-term outcomes using validated instruments.

PURPOSE: Penile microarterial bypass surgery may be the only treatment capable of restoring normal erectile function without the necessity of chronic use of vasoactive medications or placement of a penile prosthesis. Lack of standardization in patient selection, hemodynamic evaluation, surgical technique and limited long-term outcome data using validated instruments have resulted in this surgery being considered experimental. In this study we report long-term outcome data using validated questionnaires in young men (younger than 55 years) free of vascular risk factors who underwent microvascular arterial bypass surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single institution retrospective institutional review board approved study of 71 men (mean age 30.5 +/- 9.2 years) who underwent microvascular arterial bypass surgery between 1996 and 2007 (mean followup 34.5 +/- 18 months). RESULTS: Mean preoperative and postoperative penile rigidity measures with and without phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors were 41%, 77% and 71%, 90.8%, respectively. Mean total International Index of Erectile Function score, Erectile Function domain, and question 3 and 4 scores preoperatively and postoperatively were 35.5 +/- 14.8, 13.7 +/- 6.7, 2.2 +/- 1.4 and 2.1 +/- 1.3, and 56.2 +/- 16.6, 23.8 +/- 6.6, 4.1 +/- 1.4 and 3.9 +/- 1.5, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores were 42.0 +/- 10.0 and 33.7 +/- 6.1. Treatment satisfaction according to the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction was high. All differences were statistically significant. Short-term complications included emesis (2 of 71), dysuria (5 of 71) and wound infection (2 of 71). Long-term complications were loss of penile length (20 of 71) and decreased penile sensation (18 of 71). There were no cases of prolonged penile pain or glans hyperemia. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with no vascular risk factors and pure cavernous arterial insufficiency, microvascular arterial bypass surgery provides long-term improvements in erectile function, depression and overall satisfaction.

Surgical management of metastases to the adrenal gland: open, laparoscopic, and ablative approaches.

The adrenal gland is a potential site of metastasis for various malignancies. Metastases to the adrenal gland are the second most common type of adrenal mass lesion after adenomas. Differentiation of a metastatic lesion from a primary adrenal lesion can be challenging and requires the selective use of radiologic imaging, serologic testing, and adrenal biopsy. In patients who present with an isolated adrenal metastasis, adrenalectomy is often considered to aid in cancer control. Numerous studies have reported improved survival with resection of solitary adrenal metastases for various types of primary tumors. Traditionally, open adrenalectomy was the preferred option for these patients. More recently, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has offered a minimally invasive approach, with its resultant advantages of improved perioperative parameters. Proper patient selection for the laparoscopic versus open approach remains paramount in deciding the best treatment for the individual patient.

Renal-artery pseudoaneurysm after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment for small renal masses. The most common complications include hemorrhage and urinary-fistula formulation. Renal-artery pseudoaneurysm has been described after open nephron-sparing surgery. We present two cases of renal-artery aneurysm following LPN. CASE REPORTS: Two patients with incidentally discovered renal masses underwent LPN with excellent hemostasis and presented in a delayed fashion with gross hematuria and flank pain. Both patients were treated with angiographic coil embolization, resulting in resolution of the pseudoaneurysms on postprocedure imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Renal-artery pseudoaneurysm is a potentially life-threatening complication of LPN. Patients present in a delayed fashion with gross hematuria, flank pain, or both. The treatment of choice is angiography with selective coil embolization.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic distal ureterectomy and ureteral reimplantation with psoas hitch.

For midureteral and distal-ureteral tumors not amenable to endoscopic resection, distal ureterectomy with ureteral reimplantation is a treatment option. When ureteral length is insufficient for direct reimplantation, additional length can be gained with either a psoas hitch or a Boari flap. We describe our technique for robot-assisted laparoscopic distal ureterectomy and ureteral reimplantation with psoas hitch.

Only the nose knows: penile hemodynamic study of the perineum-saddle interface in men with erectile dysfunction utilizing bicycle saddles and seats with and without nose extensions.

PURPOSE: To investigate the differential impact of straddles (A(ns) and B(ns)) and noseless two-cheek seats (A(ntcs) and B(ntcs)) on penile hemodynamics and perineal compressive forces in subjects who cycle in a stationary bicycle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects underwent cavernosal artery peak systolic velocity (CAPSV) measurements after intracavernosal injection of vasoactive agents while supine, sitting upright on an examination table, straddling a saddle, sitting on a seat, and again supine. Mean perineal compression pressures recorded while straddling the saddles were compared with those while sitting upright. RESULTS: No differences were found in right and left CAPSV values while supine, sitting upright on an examination table, sitting on a seat, and supine again. Right/left CAPSV (cm/second) values straddling A(ns) and saddle B(ns) (0.7 +/- 2.9/1.5 +/- 6.2 and 0/0, respectively) were significantly lower than values obtained while sitting on A(ntcs) and B(ntcs) (25.6 +/- 13.4/23.8 +/- 12.0 and 17.3 +/- 6.4/18.3 +/- 6.5, respectively) (P < 0.001). Mean perineal compression pressures (mm Hg) on A(ns) and saddle B(ns) (315.2 +/- 39 and 387.9 +/- 64.3, respectively) were significantly higher than values obtained while sitting upright on an examination table (47.6 +/- 5.2 and 46.0 +/- 8.1, respectively) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We have identified an objective test to assess if an individual bicycle rider, sitting on a certain shape of bicycle saddle or seat generates sufficient compressive forces at the perineal-saddle interface to obstruct cavernosal arterial inflow. This study also demonstrated that straddling bicycle saddles with nose extensions is associated with perineum-saddle interface compressive pressures that exceed systolic perfusion pressures, significantly diminishing penile hemodynamics.