Concordance between renal tumour biopsy and robotic-assisted partial and radical nephrectomy histology: a 10-year experience.

We aimed to assess concordance between renal tumour biopsy (RTB) and surgical pathology from robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) or robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy (RARN). Patients with preoperative RTB undergoing RAPN or RARN for suspected malignancy (9 September 2013-9 September 2023) were enrolled retrospectively from three sites. Patients were excluded if the tumour had prior cryotherapy or if biopsy or nephrectomy histology were unavailable or inconclusive. The primary outcome was concordance with the presence/absence of malignancy. Secondary outcomes were concordance with tumour subtype, World Health Organisation nuclear grade (patients with RTB clear cell or papillary RCC only), false-negative rate, false-positive rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). In the enrolment period, 332 and 132 patients underwent RAPN and RARN, respectively. Of these, 160 received preoperative RTB, with nine patients excluded, leaving 151 eligible patients. Median age was 63 years, and 49 (32%) were female. On surgical specimens, 144 patients had malignant histology. RTB was highly concordant with presence/absence of malignancy (147/151, 97%). Concordance with tumour subtype occurred in 141 patients (93%), while concordance with nuclear grade was seen in 42/66 patients (64%, RTB grade missing in 53 patients). False-negative rate, false-positive rate, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 2%, 14%, 98%, 86%, 99%, and 67%, respectively. Limitations include absence of complication data and exclusion of patients biopsied without surgery. In patients undergoing RAPN or RARN, preoperative RTB has high concordance with surgical pathology, both in the presence of malignancy and RCC subtype.

Systematic review of the ophthalmic complications of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

This study aims to review ophthalmic injuries sustained during of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). A search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane and grey literature was performed using methods registered a priori. Eligible studies were published 01/01/2010-01/05/2023 in English and reported ophthalmic complications in cohorts of > 100 men undergoing RALP. The primary outcome was injury incidence. Secondary outcomes were type and permanency of ophthalmic complications, treatments, risk factors and preventative measures. Nine eligible studies were identified, representing 100,872 men. Six studies reported rates of corneal abrasion and were adequately homogenous for meta-analysis, with a weighted pooled rate of 5 injuries per 1000 procedures (95% confidence interval 3-7). Three studies each reported different outcomes of xerophthalmia, retinal vascular occlusion, and ophthalmic complications unspecified in 8, 5 and 2 men per 1000 procedures respectively. Amongst identified studies, there were no reports of permanent ophthalmic complications. Injury management was poorly reported. No significant risk factors were reported, while one study found African-American ethnicity protective against corneal abrasion (0.4 vs. 3.9 per 1000). Variables proposed (but not proven) to increase risk for corneal abrasion included steep Trendelenburg position, high pneumoperitoneum pressure, prolonged operative time and surgical inexperience. Compared with standard of care, occlusive eyelid dressings (23 vs. 0 per 1000) and foam goggles (20 vs. 1.3 per 1000) were found to reduce rates of corneal abrasion. RALP carries low rates of ophthalmic injury. Urologists should counsel the patient regarding this potential complication and pro-actively implement preventative strategies.

Systematic review of urological injury during caesarean section and hysterectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We aim to review iatrogenic bladder and ureteric injuries sustained during caesarean section and hysterectomy. METHODS: A search of Cochrane, Embase, Medline and grey literature was performed using methods pre-published on PROSPERO. Eligible studies described iatrogenic bladder or ureter injury rates during caesarean section or hysterectomy. The 15 largest studies were included for each procedure sub-type and meta-analyses performed. The primary outcome was injury incidence. Secondary outcomes were risk factors and preventative measures. RESULTS: Ninety-six eligible studies were identified, representing 1,741,894 women. Amongst women undergoing caesarean section, weighted pooled rates of bladder or ureteric injury per 100,000 procedures were 267 or 9 events respectively. Injury rates during hysterectomy varied by approach and pathological condition. Weighted pooled mean rates for bladder injury were 212-997 events per 100,000 procedures for all approaches (open, vaginal, laparoscopic, laparoscopically assisted vaginal and robot assisted) and all pathological conditions (benign, malignant, any), except for open peripartum hysterectomy (6,279 events) and laparoscopic hysterectomy for malignancy (1,553 events). Similarly, weighted pooled mean rates for ureteric injury were 9-577 events per 100,000 procedures for all hysterectomy approaches and pathologies, except for open peripartum hysterectomy (666 events) and laparoscopic hysterectomy for malignancy (814 events). Surgeon inexperience was the prime risk factor for injury, and improved anatomical knowledge the leading preventative strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Caesarean section and most types of hysterectomy carry low rates of urological injury. Obstetricians and gynaecologists should counsel the patient for her individual risk of injury, prospectively establish risk factors and implement preventative strategies.

Systematic Review of Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity in Urology.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate cases of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) in adult urological patients. METHODS: A search of the Cochrane, Embase, and Medline databases as well as grey literature from 1 January 1974 to 1 February 2023 was performed using reported methods. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines. Eligible studies were published in English, described LAST secondary to local anaesthetic administration by urological medical staff to an adult patient, and reported >1 symptom of LAST. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven publications were screened, and six eligible studies (all case reports) were identified, representing six cases of LAST in adult urological patients. Patients were aged 29-54 years and one was female. Cases occurred secondary to penile dorsal nerve block (two cases), scrotal self-injection (two), circumcision (one) or trans-vaginal tape insertion (one). Causative drugs were lidocaine (three patients; median dose 600mg) and bupivacaine (three; 200mg). While one patient was found deceased at home and received no treatment, five experienced LAST as inpatients and were discharged with no deficit. Three patients (50%) experienced a state of reduced consciousness or seizures, one experienced psychosis and one had asymptomatic tachyarrhythmia. Management consisted of supportive management (five patients), intravenous lipid emulsion (three) or intravenous thiopental and diazepam (one). Recommended tools suggested that two of these studies were at moderate or high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: LAST is seen only rarely in adult urology. Most iatrogenic cases occur due to penile dorsal nerve block and most patients have no long-term sequelae. Urologists should be familiar with its presentation and management, and minimise risk by adhering to local anaesthetic maximum safe dose ranges.

A comparative study of peri-operative outcomes for 100 consecutive post-chemotherapy and primary robot-assisted and open retroperitoneal lymph node dissections.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare differences in peri-operative outcomes of robot-assisted (RA-RPLND) and open (O-RPLND) retroperitoneal lymph node dissection performed by a single surgeon where chemotherapy is the standard initial treatment for Stage 2 or greater non-seminomatous germ cell tumour. METHODS: Review of a prospective database of all RA-RPLNDs (28 patients) and O-RPLNDs (72 patients) performed by a single surgeon from 2014 to 2020. Peri-operative outcomes were compared for patients having RA-RPLND to all O-RPLNDs and a matched cohort of patients having O-RPLND (20 patients). Further comparison was performed between all patients in the RA-RPLND group (21 patients) and matched O-RPLND group (18 patients) who had previous chemotherapy. RA-RPLND was performed for patients suitable for a unilateral template dissection. O-RPLND was performed prior to the introduction of RA-RPLND and for patients not suitable for RA-RPLND after its introduction. RESULTS: RA-RPLND showed improved peri-operative outcomes compared to the matched cohort of O-RPLND-median blood loss (50 versus 400 ml, p < 0.00001), operative duration (150 versus 195 min, p = 0.023) length-of-stay (1 versus 5 days, p < 0.00001) and anejaculation (0 versus 4, p = 0.0249). There was no statistical difference in complication rates. RA-RPLND had lower median lymph node yields although not significant (9 versus 13, p = 0.070). These improved peri-operative outcomes were also seen in the post-chemotherapy RA-RPLND versus O-RPLND analysis. There were no tumour recurrences seen in either group with median follow-up of 36 months and 60 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Post-chemotherapy RA-RPLND may have decreased blood loss, operative duration, hospital length-of-stay and anejaculation rates in selected cases and should, therefore, be considered in selected patients. Differences in oncological outcomes require longer term follow-up.

Radical Cystectomy in England from 2013 to 2019 on 12,644 patients: An analysis of national trends and comparison of surgical approaches using Hospital Episode Statistics data.

Introduction: We evaluate the data of 12,644 Radical Cystectomies in England (Open, Robotic and Laparoscopic) with trends in the adaption of techniques and post-operative complications. Methods: This analysis utilised national Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) from NHS England. Results: There was a statistically significant increase (P < .001) in the number of Robotic assisted radical cystectomies from 10.8% in 2013-2014 and 39.5% in 2018-2019.The average LOS reduced from 12.3 to 10.8 days for RARC from 2013 to 2019 similarly the LOS reduced from 16.2 to 14.3 for ORC. The rate of sepsis (0-90 days) did rise from 5% to 14.5% between 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 for the entire cohort (P < .001). Acute renal failure (ARF) increased over the years from 9.5% to 17% (P < .001). The rate for fever, UTI, critical care activity and ARF were higher for ORC than RARC (P < .001).The comparison of all episodes within 90 days for conduit versus non-conduit diversions showed significantly higher rates of sepsis, infections, UTI and fever in non-conduit group .Overall complications were significantly higher in non-conduit group throughout the duration except was year 2016-17(P < .001).The robotic approach has increased in last 5 years with nearly 40% of the cystectomies now being robotically in 2018-19 from the initial percentage of 10.8% in 2013-14. Conclusion: This evaluation of the HES data from NHS England for 12,644 RC confirms an increase in the adoption of Robotic Cystectomy. Our data confirms the need to develop strategies with enhanced recovery protocols and post-operative close monitoring following Radical Cystectomy in order to reduce post-operative complications.

Conversion of Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy to Radical Nephrectomy: A Prospective Multi-institutional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and factors affecting conversion from robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) to radical nephrectomy. METHODS: Between November 2014 and February 2017, 501 patients underwent attempted RAPN by 22 surgeons at 14 centers in 9 countries within the Vattikuti Collaborative Quality Initiative database. Patients were permanently logged for RAPN prior to surgery and were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise selection of variables was done to assess the factors associated with conversion to radical nephrectomy. RESULTS: Overall conversion rate was 25 of 501 (5%). Patients converted to radical nephrectomy were older (median age [interquartile range] 66.0 [61.0-74.0] vs 59.0 [50.0-68.0], P = .012), had higher body mass index (BMI) (median 32.8 [24.9-40.9] vs 27.8 [24.6-31.5] kg/m2, P = .031), higher age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score (median 6.0 [4.0-7.0] vs 4.0 [3.0-5.0], P <.001), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (score ≥3; 13/25 (52.0%) vs 130/476 (27.3%), P = .021), Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = .141), clinical tumor stage (P = .145), tumor location (P = .140), multifocality (P = .483), and RENAL (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to the collecting system or sinus in millimeters, and anterior/posterior location relative to polar lines) nephrometry score (P = .125) were not significantly different between the groups. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors for conversion were BMI (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]; 1.070 [1.018-1.124]; P = .007) and Charlson score (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]; 1.459 [1.179-1.806]; P = .001). CONCLUSION: RAPN was associated with a low rate of conversion. Independent predictors of conversion were BMI and Charlson score. Tumor factors such as clinical stage, location, multifocality, or RENAL score were not associated with increased risk of conversion.

The neurovascular structure-adjacent frozen-section examination (NeuroSAFE) approach to nerve sparing in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a British setting - a prospective observational comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the neurovascular structure-adjacent frozen-section examination (NeuroSAFE) technique in a British setting in men undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) . PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed our prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent RALP between November 2008 and February 2017. We examined preoperative pathological and functional parameters, intraoperative nerve sparing (NS), postoperative histology, as well as functional and oncological follow-up. We compared those who had a NeuroSAFE approach and those who had NS without NeuroSAFE. We also compared all the RALPs before and after the introduction of NeuroSAFE. Statistical analysis was done using the two-tailed t-test and chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: This single surgeon series included 417 RALPs, including 120 NeuroSAFEs. The NeuroSAFE cohort had a greater proportion of D'Amico high-risk disease (30.8% vs 9.6%, P < 0.001), higher Gleason scores and higher pT stage compared to the non-NeuroSAFE NS cohort. After the introduction of NeuroSAFE, more preoperatively potent men underwent bilateral NS with pT2 disease (84.6% vs 66.3%, P = 0.002) and more overall NS were performed in patients with pT3 disease (65.1% vs 36.7%, P = 0.012). Overall positive surgical margin (PSM) rates were lower in the NeuroSAFE cohort compared to those who had NS without NeuroSAFE (9.2% vs 17.8%, P = 0.04). The 12-month potency rates were also higher in the NeuroSAFE cohort for both bilateral (77.3% vs 50.9%, P = 0.009) and unilateral (70.6% vs 40%, P = 0.04) NS. Pad-free continence was also higher in the NeuroSAFE group (85.7% vs 70.9%, P = 0.019), but there was no significant difference between those who were wearing ≤1 safety pad. Although we only had short-term oncological follow-up, it did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Adoption of NeuroSAFE allowed us to offer NS in higher risk patients, whilst reducing PSM rates and at the same time improving potency at 12 months.

'Trifecta' outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in solitary kidney: a Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative (VCQI) database analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in patients with a solitary kidney in a large multi-institutional database. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 2755 patients in the Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database underwent RAPN by 22 surgeons at 14 centres in nine countries. Of these patients, 74 underwent RAPN with a solitary kidney between 2007 and 2016. We retrospectively analysed the functional and oncological outcomes of these 74 patients. A 'trifecta' of outcomes was assessed, with trifecta defined as a warm ischaemia time (WIT) of <20 min, negative surgical margins, and no complications intraoperatively or within 3 months of RAPN. RESULTS: All 74 patients underwent RAPN successfully with one conversion to radical nephrectomy. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) operative time was 180 (142-230) min. Early unclamping was used in 11 (14.9%) patients and zero ischaemia was used in 12 (16.2%). Trifecta outcomes were achieved in 38 of 66 patients (57.6%). The median (IQR) WIT was 15.5 (8.75-20.0) min for the entire cohort. The overall complication rate was 24.1% and the rate of Clavien-Dindo grade ≤II complications was 16.3%. Positive surgical margins were present in four cases (5.4%). The median (IQR) follow-up was 10.5 (2.12-24.0) months. The median drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 months was 7.0 mL/min/1.72 m2 (11.01%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that RAPN is a safe and effective treatment option for select renal tumours in solitary kidneys in terms of a trifecta of negative surgical margins, WIT of <20 min, and low operative and perioperative morbidity.

Can Anterior Prostatic Fat Harbor Prostate Cancer Metastasis? A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Traditionally anterior prostatic fat (APF) hasn't been included in pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection templates following radical prostatectomy. In this study we evaluate the incidence of lymphoid tissue in the APF and the incidence of LN metastasis in APF in patients who have undergone robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: A prospective database of RALP has been maintained between January 2010 and September 2015. APF is routinely excised and sent separately for histopathological evaluation to identify lymphoid tissue and metastatic prostate cancer. RESULTS: A total of 629 underwent RALP. Forty-six (7.3%) of the patients had lymphoid tissue on histopathological evaluation. Two patients had meta-static disease. Both patients with positive LNs were intermediate risk on pre-operative evolution (A-PSA 16.6 ng/ml, Gleason 3 + 4; B PSA 7.3 ng/ml, Gleason 4 + 3) and upgraded on final prostate pathological evaluation to high risk disease (A-Gleason 4 + 5, pT3b, B-Gleason 4 + 3, pT4). CONCLUSION: There appears to be lymphatic drainage to the APF from the prostate. Hence APF should be included in pelvic LN dissection templates when lymphadenectomy is contemplated in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Use of Main Renal Artery Clamping Predominates Over Minimal Clamping Techniques During Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Complex Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Hilar clamping is often performed to facilitate robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Minimal clamping techniques may reduce renal ischemia, including early unclamping, selective clamping, and off-clamp RPN. We assess the utilization of clamping techniques in a large international consortium of surgeons performing RPN for complex tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 721 patients with complex tumors, who underwent RPN at 11 centers worldwide between 2008 and 2014. Complex tumors were defined as renal masses with a nephrometry score >6. Total clamping was defined as complete clamping of the main renal artery. Minimal clamping techniques included early unclamping, selective clamping, and off-clamp RPN. Clamping techniques were additionally assessed in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 and in patients with a solitary kidney. Two-tailed t-tests (p < 0.05) were used to statistically analyze differences in mean warm ischemia time (WIT). RESULTS: Most patients underwent complete clamping (75.1%). Minimal clamping (24.9%) included early unclamping (10.8%), selective clamping (8.7%), and off-clamp (5.4%). Mean WIT of total clamping, selective clamping, and early unclamping was 22.2, 21.2, and 17.3 minutes, respectively. Of patients with an eGFR <60 (n = 90), 26.6% underwent minimal clamping, including 15.5% early unclamping, 4.4% selective clamping, and 6.7% off-clamp. Of patients with solitary kidneys (n = 12), 10 (83%) were performed with total clamping with mean WIT of 14.9 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: In this large international series of RPN for complex tumors, most patients underwent total clamping of the main renal artery. Minimal clamping techniques, including early unclamping, selective clamping, and off-clamp techniques, were used in a minority of cases. There was no significant increase in use of minimal clamping, even in patients with chronic kidney disease or solitary kidneys. However, mean WIT was low (<23 minutes) in all patient groups.

Intraoperative Frozen Section of the Prostate Reduces the Risk of Positive Margin Whilst Ensuring Nerve Sparing in Patients with Intermediate and High-Risk Prostate Cancer Undergoing Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: First Reported UK Series.

INTRODUCTION: Nerve sparing during robotic radical prostatectomy (RRP) considerably improves post-operative potency and urinary continence as long as it does not compromise oncological outcome. Excision of the neurovascular bundle (NVB) is often performed in patients with intermediate and high risk prostate cancer to reduce the risk of positive surgical margin raising the risk of urinary incontinence and impotence. We present the first UK series outcomes of such patients who underwent an intra-operative frozen section (IOFS) analysis of the prostate during RRP allowing nerve sparing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively analysed the data of 40 patients who underwent an IOFS during RRP at our centre from November 2012 until November 2014. Our IOFS technique involved whole lateral circumferential analysis of the prostate during RRP with the corresponding neurovascular tissue. An intrafascial nerve spare was performed and the specimen was removed intra-operatively via an extension of the 12 mm Autosuture™ camera port without undocking robotic arms. It was then painted by the surgeon and sprayed with "Ink Aid" prior to frozen section analysis. The corresponding NVB was excised if the histopathologist found a positive surgical margin on frozen section. RESULTS: Median time to extract the specimen, wound closure and re-establishment of pneumoperitoneum increased the operative time by 8 min. Median blood loss for IOFS was 130 ± 97 ml vs. 90 ± 72 ml (p = NS). IOFS was not associated with major complications or with blood transfusion. PSM decreased significantly from non-IOFS RRP series of 28.7 to 7.8% (p < 0.05). Intra-operative PSM on the prostate specimen was seen in 8/40 margin analysis (20%) leading to an excision of the contra-lateral nerve bundle. On analysis of the nerve bundle on a paraffin embedded block, 6 nerve bundle matched tumor on the specimen whereas 2 NVB were retrospectively removed unnecessarily in our series. All 40 patients have undetectable PSA at a mean follow up of 21.2 months (SD 7.79). Functional data at 18 months confirms a reduction in the urinary incontinence from 37% in the IOFS group vs 57% in the non-IOFS group (p = NS). IOFS technique has resulted in a significant increase in intravesical nerve sparing in both T2/T3 patients with intermediate and high risk prostate cancer when appropriately counselled and selected (T2 from 100% in the IOFS group versus 67% and T3 from 100% in the IOFS group to 42%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Introduction of the IOFS analysis during intrafascial nerve spare RRP has reduced PSM and the rate of urinary incontinence.

Effect of Pneumoperitoneum on Renal Function and Physiology in Patients Undergoing Robotic Renal Surgery.

Laparoscopic and minimally-invasive robotic access has transformed the delivery of urological surgery. While associated with numerous desirable outcomes including shorter post-operative stay and faster return to preoperative function, these techniques have also been associated with increased morbidity such as reduced renal blood flow and post-operative renal dysfunction. The mechanisms leading to these renal effects complex and multifactorial, and have not been fully elucidated. However they are likely to include direct effects from raised intra-abdominal pressure, and indirect effects secondary to carbon dioxide absorption, neuroendocrine factors and tissue damage from oxidative stress. This review summarises these factors, and highlights the need for further work in this area, to direct novel therapies and guide alterations in technique with the aim of reducing renal dysfunction post-laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in cystic tumours: analysis of the Vattikuti Global Quality Initiative in Robotic Urologic Surgery (GQI-RUS) database.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in cystic tumours, analysing a large, multi-institutional, retrospective series of RAPN, as limited data are available about the outcome of RAPN in cystic tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 465 patients who received RAPN for either cystic or solid tumours from 2010 to 2013 and included in the multi-institutional, retrospective Vattikuti Global Quality Initiative in Robotic Urologic Surgery (GQI-RUS) database. Univariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models addressed the association of cystic tumours with perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: In all, 54 (12%) tumours were cystic. Cystic tumours were associated with significantly lower operative time (t -3.9; P < 0.001), once adjusted for the effect of covariates, whereas blood loss and warm ischaemia time were similar. Postoperative any grade complications were recorded in 66 solid (16%) and nine cystic (17%) tumours (P = 0.08). In multivariable analysis, cystic tumours were not associated with a significantly lower risk of any grade postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR) 0.9; P = 0.8]. Similarly, presence of tumours with cystic features was not associated with a significantly different risk of high-grade postoperative complications (OR 2.2; P = 0.1). Prevalence of cancer histology and positive surgical margin rates were similar in cystic and solid tumours. Cystic tumours were not associated with significantly different postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (t 0.4; P = 0.7), once adjusted for the effect of covariates. CONCLUSIONS: RAPN can be performed in cystic renal tumours with perioperative, pathological, and functional outcomes similar to those achievable in solid tumours.

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Bladder Diverticulectomy and Ureteral Re-Implantation for a Diverticulum Containing High Grade Transitional Cell Carcinoma.

We present a case of an 84-year-old man presenting with painless visible hematuria. Further investigation revealed a primary G3pT1 transitional cell carcinoma confined to a bladder diverticulum. In view of bladder-sparing therapy, he underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy with ureteral re-implantation. This report demonstrates a minimally invasive approach offering radical treatment without having to recur to partial or radical cystectomy. We discuss the operative steps, the significance of this case with a review of the literature, and the future potential this may represent for the treatment of tumor-containing bladder diverticula.

Robotic Partial Cystectomy for Primary Urachal Adenocarcinoma of the Urinary Bladder.

We present the largest reported consecutive series on robotic partial cystectomy in the management of patients with primary urachal adenocarcinoma. Eight patients with primary urachal adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder underwent a robotic partial cystectomy. The mean operative time, including trocar placement as well as robotic docking and closure was 184 minutes (range 130-240 minutes). The mean console time was 120 minutes (range 70-170 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss was 50 ml. There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean hospital stay was 4 days (range 3-7 days). Drain removal was performed at postoperative day 2.5 (range 2-3 days). Each patient underwent postoperative cystography on day 10 postoperatively and no patients had evidence of extravasation. There were no major complications. Histological analysis of all tumors confirmed primary urachal adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder. There were no positive surgical margins. At a mean follow up of 32 months none of the patients have had a disease recurrence with any evidence of disease recurrence. Our initial data indicates that with robotic partial cystectomy for primary urachal adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder is a safe surgical and oncological procedure. However, longer follow up and larger patient numbers are required to validate this further.

Evolving role of positron emission tomography (PET) in urological malignancy.

We present a review on the increasing indications for the use of positron emission tomography (PET) in uro-oncology. In this review we describe the details of the different types of PET scans, indications for requesting PET scans in specific urological malignancy and the interpretation of the results.

The physiologic and anesthetic considerations in elderly patients undergoing robotic renal surgery.

A number of patients are diagnosed with renal malignancies incidentally worldwide. Once a diagnosis of a renal malignancy is established, after a careful evaluation, patients can be offered a robotic nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. We present a review of the physiologic and anesthetic considerations in elderly patients who are being considered for robotic renal surgery.

Robotic versus traditional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: comparison of outcomes with a transition of techniques.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of a transition from laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) to robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) on peri-operative and oncological patient outcomes. We present the results of the last 50 LPN (group 1) compared with our first 50 RALPN (group 2). The peri-operative data was evaluated using appropriate comparison tests. The parameters compared included operative times, warm ischaemia time (WIT), estimated blood loss (EBL), complications using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) grading system and oncological outcomes including positive surgical margin (PSM) rates. Patients in group 1 (n = 50) and group 2 (n = 50) had comparable pre-operative RENAL scores, ASA scores and tumour size characteristics. Ninety-four percent of the patients in group 1 underwent retroperitoneal LPN while 96 % of patients in group 2 underwent transperitoneal RALP. The mean total operative time in groups 1 and 2 was 163 versus 195 min, respectively (p = 0.003), and EBL was 294 versus 187 ml (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in WIT between groups 1 and 2 (24.7 and 21.8 min, respectively, p = 0.18). Post-operative histology was comparable in the two groups and the PSM rate was 8 versus 4 % (p = 0.58). The CD major complication rate was 16 % in group 1 versus 4 % in group 2 (p < 0.001). In our series, RALPN appears to have a longer initial total operative time than LPN; however, this reduces after the first 20 cases. RALP has a significant reduction in EBL and post-operative major complication rates, including immediate peri-operative complication rates such as the risk of acute haemorrhage or urinoma. Our data indicates that it is safe to change from LPN to RALPN with no compromise in patient safety or oncological outcomes.