ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel robotic tissue ablation system (PROCEPT Aquablation(™) System), in performing prostate ablation in a survival canine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This novel technology uses a high-velocity saline stream that aims to selectively ablate prostatic glandular tissue while sparing collagenous structures such as blood vessels and capsule. Once the ablation is complete, a laser beam is captured by a low-pressure water jet to produce surface hemostasis. The extent and depth of ablation is predetermined by endoscopic and transrectal ultrasonography guidance. The procedure was performed in eight noncastrated male beagles aged 6 years or older (Acute 2, Chronic 6) through a previously created perineal urethrostomy. RESULTS: Aquablation time ranged from 40 to 84 seconds (mean 60.5 sec). There was no active bleeding in any of the dogs during or after Aquablation. Water jet-guided laser coagulation was used for purposes of monitoring its safety and efficacy. Five of the six dogs reached the predetermined 6-week mark. Complications included two dogs with infection successfully treated with antibiotics, a false passage created during catheter placement, and two bladder neck perforations (from mechanical insertion), one leading to euthanasia. Histologic evaluation at 6 weeks revealed a normal cellular architecture and full reepithelialization of the treatment cavity. CONCLUSIONS: We report the initial survival data in the animal model of a novel robotic device developed for managing symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Aquablation produces ablation of adenomatous elements while preserving collagenous structures and is a promising technology for surgical management of symptomatic BPH.
Subject(s)
Ablation Techniques/methods , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods , Sodium Chloride , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/methods , Transurethral Resection of Prostate/methods , Animals , Dissection/methods , Dogs , Endoscopy , Male , Models, Animal , Operative TimeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To present time-efficiency data during our initial experience with intracorporeal urinary diversion and technical tips that may shorten operative time early in the learning curve. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were analyzed in the initial 37 consecutive patients undergoing robotic radical cystectomy and intracorporeal urinary diversion in whom detailed stepwise operative time data were available. Median age was 65 years and median body mass index was 27. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 6 patients and 11 patients had clinical evidence of T3 or lymph node-positive disease. Each component of the operation was subdivided into specific steps and operative time for each step was prospectively recorded. Peri-operative and follow-up data up to 90 days and final pathological data were recorded. RESULTS: All procedures were completed intracorporeally and robotically without need for conversion to open surgery or extracorporeal diversion. Median total operative time was 387 vs 386 minutes (p=0.2) and median total console time was 361 vs 295 minutes (p<0.007) for orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit, respectively. Median time for radical cystectomy was 77 minutes, extended pelvic lymph node dissection was 63 minutes, and diversion was 111 minutes (ileal conduit 92 minutes and orthotopic neobladder 124 minutes). Median estimated blood loss was 250 mL, and median hospital stay was 9 days. High grade (Clavien grade 3-5) complications at 30 and 90 days follow-up were recorded in 6 (16%) and 9 (24%) patients, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 16 months, 12 (32%) patients experienced disease recurrence and 9 (24%) died from bladder cancer. These correspond to 1-year recurrence-free and overall survival of 64% and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intracorporeal urinary diversion following robotic radical cystectomy can be safely performed and reproducible in a time-efficient manner even during the early learning curve.
