Perioperative and oncological outcomes following robotic en bloc multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer.

AIM: As multidisciplinary treatment strategies for colorectal cancer have improved, aggressive surgical resection has become commonplace. Multivisceral and extended resections offer curative-intent resection with significant survival benefit. However, limited data exist regarding the feasibility and oncological efficacy of performing extended resection via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine the perioperative and long-term outcomes following robotic extended resection for colorectal cancer. METHOD: We describe the population of patients undergoing robotic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer at our single institution. We evaluated perioperative details and investigated short- and long-term outcomes, using the Kaplan-Meier method to analyse overall and recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: Among the 86 patients most tumours were T3 (47%) or T4 (47%) lesions in the rectum (78%). Most resections involved the anterior compartment (72%): bladder (n = 13), seminal vesicle/vas deferens (n = 27), ureter (n = 6), prostate (n = 15) and uterus/vagina/adnexa (n = 27). Three cases required conversion to open surgery; 10 patients had grade 3 complications. The median hospital stay was 4 days. Resections were R0 (>1 mm) in 78 and R1 (0 to ≤1 mm) in 8, with none being R2. The average nodal yield was 26 and 48 (55.8%) were pN0. Three-year overall survival was 88% and median progression-free survival was 19.4 months. Local recurrence was 6.1% and distant recurrence was 26.1% at 3 years. CONCLUSION: Performance of multivisceral and extended resection on the robotic platform allows patients the benefit of minimally invasive surgery while achieving oncologically sound resection of colorectal cancer.

Treatment of Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction by Seminal Vesiculoscopy Assisted Flow Modification.

Transurethral resection of ejaculatory duct (TURED) is a primary surgical approach to treat ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO) caused by the ejaculatory duct cyst. Intraoperative excision of the verumontanum is usually required to expose the ejaculatory ducts. However, preserving the verumontanum structure allows for a better simulation of normal physiological anatomy. Maintaining the verumontanum may increase the risk of postoperative distal ejaculatory duct scarring, leading to recurrent obstruction or reduced semen volume. Therefore, we attempted a novel technique that preserves the verumontanum, which is relatively easier and safer compared to TURED. The following were the procedural steps: 1. A 6F seminal vesiculoscope was introduced through the external urethral orifice to the vicinity of the verumontanum, locating the opening of the affected-side ejaculatory duct and introducing a guidewire into the cyst. This successful step preserved the verumontanum, maximizing the retention of the anti-reflux mechanism in the distal ejaculatory duct. 2. The holmium laser enlarged the affected-side ejaculatory duct opening to 5 mm, decreasing the likelihood of postoperative closure of the ejaculatory duct opening and simplifying the procedure. 3. A window was created within the cyst to access the contralateral seminal vesicle, and then a holmium laser was used to burn and dilate the opening to 5 mm, redirecting the contralateral ejaculatory duct into the cystic cavity. This modification preserved the opening of the healthy-side ejaculatory duct and provided a new outflow passage for semen, reducing the risk of decreased semen volume postoperatively. The patients experienced no complications postoperatively, had shorter hospital stays, and showed improvement in semen volume. Hence, this surgical approach is simple yet effective.

Efficacy of various surgical approaches in treating hematospermia using transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy.

PURPOSE: To explore the efficacy of different approaches of seminal vesiculoscopy surgery and the predictive factors of good treatment outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 68 patients who underwent seminal vesiculoscopy for hematospermia in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2021. According to different surgical approaches, they were divided into three groups: natural ejaculatory ducts (method A, 45 cases), assisted transurethral resection/incision of ejaculatory ducts (method B, 14 cases), fenestration in prostatic utricle (method C, 9 cases). We analyzed the recurrence rate of the three surgical approaches and the predictive factors of treatment efficacy. RESULTS: The total recurrence rate after the seminal vesiculoscopy for hematospermia in this group was 32.35%. The postoperative recurrence rates of the three methods were 24.44% for method A, 50.00% for method B and 44.44% for method C, and there was no significant difference among the three methods (P > 0.05). The data of five predictors of 45 cases in method A group were included in the Univariate Logistic analysis, the results suggest that whether complicated with seminal tract stones/cysts was an effective predictor (OR 0.250, P = 0.022), which was still an effective predictor in the Multivariate Logistic analysis model (OR 0.244, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy technique demonstrates a low postoperative recurrence rate in treating hematospermia. Among the various approaches, the intraoperative use of natural orifices through the ejaculatory duct exhibits the lowest recurrence rate. Additionally, seminal tract stones/cysts effectively predict favorable postoperative outcomes.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the seminal vesicle.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are mesenchymal neoplasms with variable clinical behavior depending on age, tumor site, and size, and pathologic factors such as mitoses and necrosis. Imaging features on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not specific, and the diagnosis relies on histopathology with immunohistochemistry. SFTs arising from seminal vesicles is rare and reported in only eight earlier cases. We discuss the clinical, histopathologic and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging characteristics of a 54-year-old patient with SFT of the seminal vesicle. The patient was treated with robot-assisted seminal vesiculotomy and is doing well on follow-up at two years.

Screening for Zinner Syndrome in Patients With a Congenitally Solitary Kidney: Lessons Learned.

PURPOSE: We determined if serial screening ultrasounds are beneficial in evaluating for the development of Zinner syndrome in males with a congenital solitary kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients included had their congenital solitary kidney diagnosed at <20 years of age and had to be ≥20 at their last visit. Individuals were seen annually, with pelvic ultrasounds to screen for mesonephric duct cysts obtained at birth and every year of age, divisible by 5. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 38 years of age (range 20-57), 17% (20/121) developed Zinner syndrome, with 60% (12/20) developing clinical symptoms. The yield for screening ultrasound studies was significantly higher in patients ≤20 years of age at 3.5% (12/340), compared to 0.33% (1/296) in patients >20 years of age (P = .004). Serial ultrasounds reveal the onset of lower urinary tract and cyst-related pain symptoms are associated with the growth of the seminal vesicle cyst to ≥5 cm (P = .0198). Of symptomatic patients, 75% (8/12) had abnormal uroflows. Complete urodynamic studies revealed findings consistent with bladder outlet obstruction in 38% (3/8), equivocal for obstruction in 24% (2/8), and detrusor underactivity in 38% (3/8). Cyst excision effectively resolved voiding symptoms that were obstructive in etiology but failed to resolve symptoms in patients with detrusor underactivity. CONCLUSIONS: Serial ultrasound evaluations reveal that cyst growth to ≥5 cm in size is highly related to the onset of clinical symptoms, with the resolution of voiding symptoms by cyst excision directly associated with urodynamic findings.

Unusual presentation of seminal vesicle abscess: a report of two cases.

Seminal vesicle abscesses (SVA) are a rare condition, and their diagnosis is challenging with non-specific clinical presentation. Only a few cases of SVA have been published. Here we report two cases of SVA. The first one is a 58-year-old male with HIV and diabetes who presented with painful swelling in the left groin for 15 days. The second patient was a 65-year-old man who presented with painful swelling in the perineum for 15 days. Both patients were radiologically (computed tomography scan) diagnosed to have SVA. The first one was treated via surgical drainage for groin abscess and SVA was treated conservatively with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics. The latter was treated with SVA transurethral drainage. The pus culture showed Escherichia coli. Postoperative antibiotic therapies were contented without complications. In conclusion, although SVA may be clinically unsuspected, cross-sectional radiologic imaging findings should not be underestimated in order to promptly initiate treatment.

Robot-Assisted Prostatic Utricle Reconstruction Using the Carrel Patch Principle to Preserve Fertility.

BACKGROUND: Prostatic utricle (PU) with normal external genitalia is an uncommon congenital anomaly. About 14% develop epididymitis. This rare presentation should warn involvement of the ejaculatory ducts. Minimally invasive robot-assisted utricle resection is the preferred method. OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel approach to PU, we hereby present the video of a case with PU resection and reconstruction using a Carrel patch principle to preserve fertility. METHODS: A 5-month-old male presented with right side testicular orchitis and a large retrovesical hypoechoic cystic lesion. Urine culture was positive. He responded well to oral antibiotics. A voiding urethrocystogram confirmed a large PU. A breakthrough orchitis occurred 5 months later and the decision to proceed with surgical resection was made. Robot-assisted PU resection was performed at 13 months of age and 10 kg. Dissection of the utricle was guided with a flexible cystoscope and intraoperative ultrasound. Both vas deferens were seen draining at the neck of the PU making complete circumferential resection not feasible without compromising the integrity of both seminal vesicles and vas deferens. To preserve fertility, a PU flap including both seminal vesicles was preserved and anastomosed to the edges of the resected PU following the Carrel patch principle. Postoperative course was not complicated, and patient was discharged home on second postoperative day. A month later, exam under anesthesia, circumcision, cystoscopy, and cystogram demonstrated no contrast extravasation with otherwise normal anatomy. Foley catheter was then removed. A year after the procedure patient has been asymptomatic with no new infection recurrence and normal potty-training process. RESULTS: Symptomatic isolated PU is an uncommon presentation. Impact of recurrent orchitis on future fertility is possible. Complete resection is difficult in cases where the vas deferens enters the PU at its base crossing the midline. Our novel approach to preserve fertility using the Carrel patch principle is feasible thanks to better visibility and exposure enhancement provided robotically. Prior open attempts demonstrated be technically difficult given the deep and anterior location of the PU. To our knowledge, this is the first time such procedure is reported. The use of cystoscopy and intraoperative ultrasonography are also valuable tools. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of PU is technically feasible and should be considered when risk of future infertility can be compromised. After a 1-year follow-up, it is important to continue to monitor long-term. Possible complications like fistula development, infection recurrence, urethral injury and incontinence should be thoroughly discussed with parents.

Seminal vesicle leiomyosarcoma: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: Primary leiomyosarcoma of the seminal vesicle is an extremely rare and highly malignant disease with less than 15 cases reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 34-year-old man presented with acute urinary symptoms. Imagen studies showed an abdominal mass (80 mm × 65 mm × 50 mm) with contrast enhancement, compressing the right side of the bladder but with a clear cleavage level between surrounding organs. The patient underwent a transrectal US-guided biopsy which was informed as compatible with leiomyosarcoma by immunohistochemical characterization. We performed a cystoprostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy plus radiotherapy. Pathology showed a 7.5 cm × 6 cm nodular para-vesical Leiomyosarcoma histological grade 2 with 0/22 lymph nodes involved. Twelve months after the surgery no recurrences have presented. CONCLUSION: A multi-disciplinary therapeutic approach, combined with close follow-up, is mandatory to obtain good outcomes in such rare and challenging cases.

[Seminal vesiculoscopy-assisted thulium laser ablation for the treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction: An analysis of clinical outcomes].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of seminal vesiculoscopy-assisted thulium laser ablation (SVS-TLA) in the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia or azoospermia induced by ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 42 cases of EDO-induced oligoasthenozoospermia or azoospermia in our Clinic of Andrology from April 2018 to January 2020, all definitely diagnosed and treated by SVS-TLA. We followed up the patients regularly after operation, obtained their routine semen parameters at 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively, examined them by t-test and compared them with the baseline. RESULTS: Operations were successfully completed in all the 42 cases, with an average surgery time of 52.7 minutes. Compared with the routine semen parameters collected 2 weeks before surgery, the semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm motility of the patients were all significantly improved at 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively (P < 0.01). Sperm were found in 40 cases at 3 months and in the other 2 cases at 6 and 9 months after surgery. Postoperative complications were observed in 7 cases, including epididymitis, perineal or testicular pain, and hematuria, which all disappeared after corresponding symptomatic treatment. No such serious complications as retrograde ejaculation, rectal injury, urethral stricture or urinary incontinence occurred in any of the cases after operation. CONCLUSION: SVS-TLA is a safe and effective option for the treatment of EDO, which can significantly improve the semen quality of the patient without causing serious postoperative complications.

[Surgical treatment of Zinner syndrome].

Zinners syndrome (SC) is a rare congenital disease characterized by ejaculatory duct obstruction, seminal vesicle cyst in combination with ipsilateral renal agenesis. This syndrome is due to development arrest of the Wolffian duct (mesonephros). Before the onset of sexual activity, the disease is asymptomatic. The main symptoms are nonspecific, including dysuria, urinary frequency, perineal and scrotal pain after ejaculation. A clinical case with the presentation of our own experience of surgical robot-assisted treatment of a patient with Zinners syndrome is presented in the article.

A Comparative Study on the Success Rates of Two Approaches for Seminal Vesiculoscopy.

This study aimed to compare the success rates of two approaches for seminal vesiculoscopy: through the interior of the prostatic utricle and through the neck of the prostatic utricle. The patients were divided into two groups based on the seminal vesiculoscopy used. Group A was an interior of the prostatic utricle group (152 cases), and group B was a neck of the prostatic utricle group (146 cases). The general clinical data, intraoperative conditions and surgical results of the two groups were compared. Compared with group A, group B had a higher surgical success rate (94.5% vs. 62.5%, p < .001), a shorter operation time (33 min vs. 45 min, p < .001), less blood loss (0.5 ml vs. 2 ml, p < .001), a higher pain relief rate (86.6% vs. 52.3%, p < .001), a higher remission rate of haemospermia (82.2% vs. 58.5%, p = .011), a lower recurrence rate of pain (10.4% vs. 35.4%, p < .001), a lower recurrence rate of haemospermia (15.6% vs. 37.7%, p = .014), a higher symptom remission rate of the lower urinary tract (90.9% vs. 50.0%, p = .030), a higher remission rate of scrotal moisture (84.6% vs. 45.5%, p = .042) and a higher remission rate of frequent spermatorrhea (80.0% vs. 55.6%, p = .033). Seminal vesiculoscopy undertaken through the neck of the prostatic utricle has the characteristics of high success rate, short operation time and good surgical effect and is worthy of promotion and application.

Intraoperative calculus or hemorrhage in transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy as a risk factor for recurrent hemospermia.

We have summarized our experience regarding transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy (TUSV) and analyzed both its recurrence status and the risk factors for recurrence. From January 2010 to December 2020, 48 patients with intractable hemospermia received successful TUSV at Taichung Invalids General Hospital. Upon analysis of the intraoperative findings, the five-year disease-free Survival rates (DFS) were 74.1% in the no calculus group compared to 37.1% in the calculus group with a significant difference (log-rank p = 0.015), 75.0% in the no hemorrhage or no blood clot group compared to 43.2% in the hemorrhage or blood clot group with significant difference (log-rank p = 0.032). Univariate analysis showed intraoperative calculus (p = 0.040; HR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.05-8.21) to be significantly associated with recurrence (p < 0.05). Patients with intractable hemospermia who were diagnosed with stones or blood clots found during TUSV experienced a higher rate of hemospermia recurrence.