Safer Surgery by Learning from Complications: A Focus on Robotic Prostate Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The uptake of robotic surgery has led to changes in potential operative complications, as many surgeons learn minimally invasive surgery, and has allowed the documentation of such complications through the routine collection of intraoperative video. OBJECTIVE: We documented intraoperative complications from robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with the aim of reporting the mechanisms, etiology, and necessary steps to avoid them. Our goal was to facilitate learning from these complications to improve patient care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Contributors delivered videos of complications that occurred during laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy between 2010 and 2015. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Surgical footage was available for a variety of complications during RARP. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Based on these videos, a literature search was performed using relevant terms (prostatectomy, robotic, complications), and the intraoperative steps of the procedures and methods of preventing complications were outlined. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: As a major surgical procedure, RARP has much potential for intra- and postoperative complications related to patient positioning, access, and the procedure itself. However, with a dedicated approach, increasing experience, a low index of suspicion, and strict adherence to safety measures, we suggest that the majority of such complications are preventable. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the complexity of the procedure, RARP is safe and reproducible for the surgical management of prostate cancer. Insight from experienced surgeons may allow surgeons to avoid complications during the learning curve. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy has potential for intra- and postoperative complications, but with a dedicated approach, increasing experience, a low index of suspicion, and strict adherence to safety measures, most complications are preventable.

Laparoscopic repair of rectourethral fistulas after prostate surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience with laparoscopic rectourinary fistula (RUF) repair. RUF is a rare entity that can develop after ablative or extirpative prostate surgery. Successful management often requires an aggressive approach. Several techniques have been described for surgical correction. METHODS: From October 2004 to October 2005, 3 patients were treated for RUF. The mean age was 63 years (range 58 to 68). RUF developed after open simple prostatectomy, open radical prostatectomy, and transurethral prostate resection. The operative steps were dependent on the location of the fistulous tract (bladder-prostate-urethra). When the fistula involved the prostatic capsule, the technique included capsulectomy and urethrovesical anastomosis. When the bladder was involved, a transvesical approach was used, involving dissection of the fistulous tract, closure of the rectum, tissue interposition, and bladder closure. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 247 minutes (range 230 to 270). The mean hospital stay was 2.6 days (range 2 to 3). No complications occurred. At a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 7 to 19), all patients were free of fistula recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of RUF is feasible and represents an attractive alternative to the standard approaches. The laparoscopic technique facilitates concomitant colostomy and tissue interposition without the need for patient repositioning or an additional incision.