Promoting patient followup treatment with intra-detrusor onabotulinumtoxinA for overactive bladder.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to characterize patient-related factors that promote followup of repeat onabotulinumtoxinA treatments for overactive bladder via a mixed-methods approach. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who received intra-detrusor injection of onabotulinumtoxinA at our institution from 2011-2018, who were then surveyed to evaluate their experience, knowledge, and perceptions regarding onabotulinumtoxinA treatment and followup. Patients who received one onabotulinumtoxinA treatment and patients who underwent multiple treatments were compared to assess followup rates following initial treatment, group characteristics, patient comfort, and patient knowledge of needed retreatment. RESULTS: A total of 29.3% of patients received a single treatment and 70.7% of patients received multiple treatments. There was no difference in clinical, demographic, or intake variables between groups. Patients receiving multiple treatments reported having their first procedure in the operating room and reported greater improvement in symptoms and procedure comfort. This group was also more likely to understand that repeat treatments are necessary than those undergoing one treatment. CONCLUSIONS: No research to date has systematically explored patient-reported factors that promote retreatment of onabotulinumtoxinA for overactive bladder. This novel, mixed-methods approach indicates that patient comfort and patient knowledge were the strongest predictors of previous retreatment and anticipated retreatment, suggesting concrete avenues for improved periprocedural patient counselling and education.

Preoperative successful thrombectomy and thrombolysis of acute extensive splanchnic venous system and TIPSS thrombosis in a child with Budd-Chiari syndrome-Creating a window to enable living donor liver transplantation.

Preoperative extensive PV thrombosis can pose a technical challenge during liver transplantation surgery. Several strategies adopted to mitigate this problem include creation of a superior mesenteric vein-PV jump graft, use of a polytetrafluoroethylene graft, renoportal anastomosis, or cavoportal hemitransposition. Extensive and diffuse thrombosis of the splanchnic venous system may even necessitate multivisceral transplantation. We describe the case of a pediatric patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome and decompensated cirrhosis, who developed extensive thrombosis of the porto-spleno-mesenteric venous system prior to liver transplantation. We used a combination technique of thrombus aspiration by a novel trans-TIPPS approach followed by thrombolysis. Complete preoperative resolution of the extensive thrombosis was achieved. This allowed the creation of a brief window to enable planned LDLT. In prudently selected patients, performing an early mechanical and chemical thrombolysis of an extensive acute splanchnic venous thrombosis can thus help expedite a planned LDLT.

Therapeutic coil embolization of dominant shunt in hepatopulmonary syndrome enhances post-liver transplant respiratory recovery.

Coil embolization of the atypical enlarged pulmonary artery/arteriole with visible shunting may improve hypoxemia in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). When used selectively in cases with large shunts, either pre- or post-liver transplantation (LT), it can aid an early recovery and reduce morbidity. We present a case where a large intrapulmonary shunt was embolized preoperatively to improve hypoxemia associated with HPS and enhance post-operative recovery.

Perinephric Hematoma and Hemorrhagic Shock as a Rare Presentation for an Acutely Obstructive Ureteral Stone with Forniceal Rupture: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous perinephric hematoma (SPH) secondary to a forniceal rupture as the first presenting sign for an obstructive ureteral stone in a patient without history of urolithiasis has not been described previously. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 70-year-old Caucasian male patient who presented to our emergency room with fever, altered mental status, and left flank pain. He had a temperature of 103.3°F, tachycardia, but stable blood pressure. He had left flank tenderness. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen/pelvis with intravenous contrast revealed an intracapsular hematoma (13.3 × 10.0 × 6.4 cm) with an active bleeding and a 1.1 cm left proximal ureteral stone. The patient became quickly hemodynamically unstable and was taken for emergent exploratory laparotomy and left nephrectomy. An active bleeding was encountered secondary to a (2.4 × 2.0 cm) lateral capsular defect in the kidney. CONCLUSION: Hemorrhagic/septic shock as a presenting sign for an obstructive ureteral stone may require an emergent nephrectomy in a hemodynamically unstable patient.

Application of Nanotrap technology for high sensitivity measurement of urinary outer surface protein A carboxyl-terminus domain in early stage Lyme borreliosis.

OBJECTIVES: Prompt antibiotic treatment of early stage Lyme borreliosis (LB) prevents progression to severe multisystem disease. There is a clinical need to improve the diagnostic specificity of early stage Lyme assays in the period prior to the mounting of a robust serology response. Using a novel analyte harvesting nanotechnology, Nanotrap particles, we evaluated urinary Borrelia Outer surface protein A (OspA) C-terminus peptide in early stage LB before and after treatment, and in patients suspected of late stage disseminated LB. METHOD: We employed Nanotrap particles to concentrate urinary OspA and used a highly specific anti-OspA monoclonal antibody (mAb) as a detector of the C-terminus peptides. We mapped the mAb epitope to a narrow specific OspA C-terminal domain OspA236-239 conserved across infectious Borrelia species but with no homology to human proteins and no cross-reactivity with relevant viral and non-Borrelia bacterial proteins. 268 urine samples from patients being evaluated for all categories of LB were collected in a LB endemic area. The urinary OspA assay, blinded to outcome, utilized Nanotrap particle pre-processing, western blotting to evaluate the OspA molecular size, and OspA peptide competition for confirmation. RESULTS: OspA test characteristics: sensitivity 1.7 pg/mL (lowest limit of detection), % coefficient of variation (CV) = 8 %, dynamic range 1.7-30 pg/mL. Pre-treatment, 24/24 newly diagnosed patients with an erythema migrans (EM) rash were positive for urinary OspA while false positives for asymptomatic patients were 0/117 (Chi squared p < 10(-6)). For 10 patients who exhibited persistence of the EM rash during the course of antibiotic therapy, 10/10 were positive for urinary OspA. Urinary OspA of 8/8 patients switched from detectable to undetectable following symptom resolution post-treatment. Specificity of the urinary OspA test for the clinical symptoms was 40/40. Specificity of the urinary OspA antigen test for later serology outcome was 87.5 % (21 urinary OspA positive/24 serology positive, Chi squared p = 4.072e(-15)). 41 of 100 patients under surveillance for persistent LB in an endemic area were positive for urinary OspA protein. CONCLUSIONS: OspA urinary shedding was strongly linked to concurrent active symptoms (e.g. EM rash and arthritis), while resolution of these symptoms after therapy correlated with urinary conversion to OspA negative.

Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing 2 Flexible Digital Ureteroscopes: ACMI/Olympus Invisio DUR-D and Olympus URF-V.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 2 digital flexible ureteroscopes in a randomized, prospective, clinical trial; the complementary metal oxide semiconductor-based Gyrus ACMI/Olympus Invisio DUR-D and the charged coupled device-based Olympus URF-V. METHODS: Patients scheduled for ureteroscopy were prospectively enrolled and randomized between the DUR-D and URF-V. Patient demographics, laser and total procedure time, laser energy, lower pole time, and difficulties encountered were recorded. The visibility and maneuverability were rated on a scale of 0-10. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients (58 women) with a mean age of 49.5 years (20-80 years) were enrolled. Laser lithotripsy (mean stone size, 11.8 mm) was performed in 88 patients, 10 underwent stone basketing, and 3 had diagnostic ureteroscopy. For the DUR-D and URF-V, the mean total operative time (26.5 vs 25 minutes), laser time (12.5 vs 13 minutes), lower pole time (9 vs 11 minutes), and basket time (14.5 vs 13 minutes) were comparable. In 3 of 45 (6.6%) and 6 of 56 (10.7%) cases, the stone could not be reached with the DUR-D and URF-V, respectively. A fiberoptic scope (URF-P5) reached the stone in all cases. On a scale of 0-10, the mean visibility was 6.86 and 8.73 (P <.01) and the maneuverability was 7.18 and 8.17 (P <.01) for DUR-D and URF-V, respectively. There were 8 repairs, 4 for each scope. The DUR-D averaged 11.25 cases per repair and the URF-V averaged 14. CONCLUSION: The URF-V offered better visibility and maneuverability compared with the DUR-D. Both had similar failure rates compared with the previous study with fiberoptic scopes.

Surgically inverting an incidentally detected Meckel's diverticulum - Wrong method.

INTRODUCTION: Intusussception leading to intestinal obstruction is a known complication of Meckel's diverticulum. Inverting of Meckel's acts as a lead point for intussusception. Causes of inversion are many but surgical inversion leading to intusussception is extremely rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We hereby report a case of a 14 year adolescent boy operated previously for open appendicetomy presenting to us with intestinal obstruction who on exploration was found to have an surgically inverted Meckel's diverticulum acting as a lead point for ileo-colic intusussception. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, surgically inverting any Meckel's diverticulum is never a treatment option even when the diverticulum is incidentally detected. Diverticulectomy or segmental resection is the procedure of choice for Meckel's diverticulum. CONCLUSION: Meckel's divereticulum should never be inverted surgically. Not only it is a wrong method but also increases the risk of complications.

Creation of a continent urinary channel in adults with neurogenic bladder: long-term results with the Monti and Casale (Spiral Monti) procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our technique and long-term results with creation of a continent urinary channel in adults with neurogenic bladder (NGB) using a single piece of bowel. METHODS: From 2004 to 2013, 26 adult patients underwent creation of a continent urinary channel by a single surgeon. A retrospective medical record review was performed noting the indications, technique, concomitant procedures, complications, and outcomes. Continence outcome, ease of catheterization, and need for further surgical interventions are reported. RESULTS: Twenty women and 6 men were identified with a mean age of 48 years (range, 25-80) and a follow-up of 64 months (range, 22-100). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.5 kg/m(2) (range, 20.1-50.2). All patients had benign bladder disease, including 22 (85%) with known neurologic disease and 4 with a devastated bladder outlet. Creation of a continent urinary channel was performed using the single Monti tube in 1, double Monti tube in 7, and the Casale (Spiral Monti) in 18. Mean hospital stay was 10.5 days (range, 5-37). The most common complication was recurrent urinary tract infection that occurred in 14 patients (54%). There were 5 (19%) bowel complications and 1 (4%) bladder perforation. The percentage of patients continuing to catheterize via the stoma with a BMI of <30 kg/m(2), between 30 and 40 kg/m(2) and >40 kg/m(2) was 89%, 50%, and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Monti and Casale procedures are effective in creating a long continent urinary channel for catheterization in the adult population with neurogenic bladder, regardless of BMI. However, despite an intact channel, stomal self-catheterization appears to be challenging in morbidly obese patients.

Identification of the sites of tau hyperphosphorylation and activation of tau kinases in synucleinopathies and Alzheimer's diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Most neurodegenerative diseases contain hyperphosphorylated Tau [p-Tau]. We examined for the first time epitopes at which Tau is hyperphosphorylated in Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease, and also select Tau kinases. METHODS: Postmortem frontal cortex from Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's disease and striata from Parkinson's disease, were analyzed by immunoblots using commercially available antibodies against 20 different phospho-epitopes of Tau. Major Tau kinases were also screened. Results in diseased tissues were compared to nondiseased controls. RESULTS: In Alzheimer's disease, Tau was hyperphosphorylated at all the 20 epitopes of p-Tau. In dementia with Lewy bodies, p-Tau formation occurred at 6 sites sharing 30% overlap with Alzheimer's disease, while in Parkinson's frontal cortex, an area which does not degenerate, Tau hyperphosphorylation was seen at just 3 epitopes, indicating 15% overlap with Alzheimer's disease. In Parkinson's disease striatum, an area which undergoes considerable neurodegeneration, Tau was hyperphosphorylated at 10 epitopes, sharing 50% overlap with Alzheimer's disease. Between frontal cortex of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, there were only two p-Tau epitopes in common. In striata of Parkinson's disease, there were 3 clusters of Tau hyperphosphorylated at 3 contiguous sites, while two such clusters were detected in dementia with Lewy bodies; such clusters disrupt axonal transport of mitochondria, cause microtubule remodeling and result in cell death. p-GSK-3ß, a major Tau kinase, was activated in all brain regions examined, except in dementia with Lewy bodies. Activation of other Tau kinases was seen in all brain regions, with no clear pattern of activation. INTERPRETATION: Our studies suggest that the three neurodegenerative diseases each have a signature-specific profile of p-Tau formation which may be useful in understanding the genesis of the diseases and for the development of a panel of specific biomarkers.

Surgical management of lower urinary mesh perforation after mid-urethral polypropylene mesh sling: mesh excision, urinary tract reconstruction and concomitant pubovaginal sling with autologous rectus fascia.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We present our management of lower urinary tract (LUT) mesh perforation after mid-urethral polypropylene mesh sling using a novel combination of surgical techniques including total or near total mesh excision, urinary tract reconstruction, and concomitant pubovaginal sling with autologous rectus fascia in a single operation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 189 patients undergoing transvaginal removal of polypropylene mesh from the lower urinary tract or vagina. The focus of this study is 21 patients with LUT mesh perforation after mid-urethral polypropylene mesh sling. We excluded patients with LUT mesh perforation from prolapse kits (n = 4) or sutures (n = 11), or mesh that was removed because of isolated vaginal wall exposure without concomitant LUT perforation (n = 164). RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent surgical removal of mesh through a transvaginal approach or combined transvaginal/abdominal approaches. The location of the perforation was the urethra in 14 and the bladder in 7. The mean follow-up was 22 months. There were no major intraoperative complications. All patients had complete resolution of the mesh complication and the primary symptom. Of the patients with urethral perforation, continence was achieved in 10 out of 14 (71.5 %). Of the patients with bladder perforation, continence was achieved in all 7. CONCLUSIONS: Total or near total removal of lower urinary tract (LUT) mesh perforation after mid-urethral polypropylene mesh sling can completely resolve LUT mesh perforation in a single operation. A concomitant pubovaginal sling can be safely performed in efforts to treat existing SUI or avoid future surgery for SUI.

A single overnight stay is possible for most patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate establishment of overnight stay only as sufficient after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). METHODS: Stated benefits of minimally invasive surgery include reduced hospitalization, but published hospital stays after laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomy are not significantly less than with open surgery. We developed a clinical pathway targeting discharge on postoperative day (POD) 1 after RPN of any complexity. We reviewed all RPNs by a single surgeon since instituting our clinical pathway, including ambulation and diet the night of surgery, avoidance of intravenous narcotics and drains, and catheter removal on POD 1 before discharge. Targeted discharge was not modified regardless of RPN complexity. RESULTS: A total of 150 consecutive patients underwent 160 RPNs with 35 hilar tumors and 26 with segmental, and 33 with no artery clamping. Three had solitary kidneys, and 8 underwent multiple (range, 2-4) RPNs. Mean patient age was 57 years (range, 22-89 years), and body mass index was 32 kg/m(2) (range, 18-54 kg/m(2)). Mean tumor size was 3.6 cm (range, 1.0-11.0; median, 3.2 cm), and the RENAL (radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness to collecting system, anterior/posterior, and location) nephrometry score was 8 (range, 4-12; median, 8). Mean warm ischemia time was 12.1 minutes (range, 0-30.0 minutes). Mean preoperative and discharge creatinine were 0.9 mg/dL (range, 0.43-2.79 mg/dL) and 1.13 mg/dL (range, 0.56-2.93 mg/dL). All patients ambulated on POD 0. One patient required one dose of intravenous narcotic. Mean length of stay was 1.1 days, with 145 (97%) discharged on POD 1, of which only 4 (2.7%) were readmitted within 30 days. CONCLUSION: Discharge on POD 1 is feasible in most RPN patients regardless of complexity. Readmission rate was low, indicating that longer admissions may not prevent complications when patients meeting discharge criteria go home on POD 1.

Comparison of intraoperative outcomes using the new and old generation da Vinci® robot for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To review and compare intraoperative outcomes for robotic prostatectomy procedures performed on two generations of the da Vinci robotic surgery platform. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 100 consecutive robotic prostatectomy cases and compared intraoperative outcomes for procedures randomly performed on either the da Vinci S robot or first-generation standard robot. Baseline demographic data and intra-operative variables potentially impacting outcomes were reviewed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Mean total operative time was 191 min using the standard da Vinci robot (range 132-266) versus 169 min with S robot (range 98-230), representing a mean difference of 22 min (P = 0.002). This difference was statistically significant despite no difference in mean patient BMI of 30.6 (range 19-51) for standard versus 29.3 (range 21-37) for S (P = 0.31), no difference in mean prostate size of 54.6 g (range 26-101) for standard versus 57.3 g (range 32-151) for S (P = 0.55), and no difference in frequency of nerve-sparing (P = 0.99). There was also no difference in the portions of procedures performed by residents, which in some cases was none and some the entire procedure, but the standard was more often used for the surgeon's first case of the day (P = 0.006). There was no difference in blood loss (P = 0.08), positive margins (P = 0.87), or mean number of lymph nodes removed (10.7 vs 10.6). CONCLUSIONS: Both generations of da Vinci robotic technology are equally effective for PALP, but the S robot appears to allow shorter procedure times. Further such evaluations are necessary to guide institutions and public policy decision-makers on investments in newer generations of robotic technology as incremental advances continue.

Durability of the next-generation flexible fiberoptic ureteroscopes: a randomized prospective multi-institutional clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the durability of 4 next-generation flexible ureteroscopes in a randomized, multi-institutional, prospective study. METHODS: Patients at 3 institutions were randomized to 1 of 4 flexible ureteroscopes: the Wolf Viper, Olympus URF-P5, Gyrus-ACMI DUR-8 Elite (DUR-8E), and Stryker FlexVision U-500. Each center used 1 scope from each manufacturer until it needed major repair (primary endpoint). Intraoperative data included total time of use, number of scope insertions through an access sheath, working time in the lower pole, number of insertions and total time for accessory instrumentation in the working channel, number of laser insertions through the working channel, and total laser energy used. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were randomized. The DUR-8E experienced early catastrophic failure (< or = 10 cases) at all 3 sites; however, this also occurred at 1 site each for the Stryker and Wolf scopes. The DUR-8E required major repair after the fewest average number of cases (5.3), the lowest average total time of usage (108 minutes), the fewest insertions through an access sheath (20.3), the shortest duration of laser firing (31.3 minutes), and the shortest instrument in the working channel time (224.7 minutes). As such, due to variation in durability within manufacturers, no differences could be demonstrated. Visibility ratings for the Wolf iper were significantly better than the DUR-8E (P = .034) and the Flexvision (P = .038). CONCLUSIONS: The Wolf Viper, Olympus URF-P5, and Stryker Flexvision U-500 flexible ureteroscopes seem comparable with regard to durability. However, larger prospective registry-based studies are needed to document significant differences between them.

The use of high resolution optical coherence tomography to evaluate robotic radical prostatectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a unique technology, developed to provide high resolution, cross sectional images of human tissue. The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of OCT for the evaluation of positive surgical margins and extra capsular extension in robotic prostatectomy specimens and compare it to histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radical prostatectomy was performed in 100 patients. Twenty OCT images of each specimen were taken from the base of the seminal vesicles (SV), apical and vesicle margins, peripheral and posterolateral area and any palpable nodule. Predictions were made regarding positive surgical margin, SV involvement, capsular invasion and compared with the final histopathology. RESULTS: A total of 2000 OCT images were taken and analyzed. Out of 100 specimens, 85 had T2 disease, 15 had T3 disease with a median Gleason's score of 7 (range 6 to 9) and 10 had positive surgical margins. We predicted 21 specimens to have positive margins based on OCT images out of which 7 were truly positive and 14 were falsely positive. Based on OCT images, 79 specimens were predicted to have negative margins out of which 76 were truly negative and 3 were falsely negative. We found the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value to be 70%, 84%, 33% and 96% respectively. CONCLUSION: Our initial feasibility study established the template for the visual OCT characteristics of the prostate, SV and cancerous tissue. The negative predictive value of evaluating surgical margins was high.

The use of high resolution optical coherence tomography to evaluate robotic radical prostatectomy specimens

OBJECTIVE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a unique technology, developed to provide high resolution, cross sectional images of human tissue. The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of OCT for the evaluation of positive surgical margins and extra capsular extension in robotic prostatectomy specimens and compare it to histopathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radical prostatectomy was performed in 100 patients. Twenty OCT images of each specimen were taken from the base of the seminal vesicles (SV), apical and vesicle margins, peripheral and posterolateral area and any palpable nodule. Predictions were made regarding positive surgical margin, SV involvement, capsular invasion and compared with the final histopathology. RESULTS: A total of 2000 OCT images were taken and analyzed. Out of 100 specimens, 85 had T2 disease, 15 had T3 disease with a median Gleason's score of 7 (range 6 to 9) and 10 had positive surgical margins. We predicted 21 specimens to have positive margins based on OCT images out of which 7 were truly positive and 14 were falsely positive. Based on OCT images, 79 specimens were predicted to have negative margins out of which 76 were truly negative and 3 were falsely negative. We found the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value to be 70 percent, 84 percent, 33 percent and 96 percent respectively. CONCLUSION: Our initial feasibility study established the template for the visual OCT characteristics of the prostate, SV and cancerous tissue. The negative predictive value of evaluating surgical margins was high.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a report of the current state.

Cancer of the prostate is the most common malignancy diagnosed in the male genitourinary tract. Although a number of treatment options are available for early prostate cancer, the gold standard of treatment remains retropubic radical prostatectomy. However, robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) has become a forerunner in treatment options, yielding comparable medium-term perioperative and functional outcomes. For this our team utilized MEDLINE, searching for publications on perioperative and functional outcomes related to robotic prostatectomy. Robotic-assisted prostatectomy has allowed urologists to enter the realm of minimally invasive surgery by incorporating open surgery maneuvers into a laparoscopic environment. To date, RALP perioperative and functional outcomes are comparable to the gold standard; the collection of long-term data is needed in order to establish its true efficacy.

State-of-the-art surgical management of testicular tumors.

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men aged 20-35 years and accounts for approximately 1% of all male malignancies. Testicular cancer has a propensity to spread via the lymphatic system to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection remains an essential component in the cure of these patients. This review summarizes the basic principles of surgical management of germ cell tumors.

[Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: functional outcomes]. / Prostatectomía radical asistida por robot: resultados funcionales.

OBJECTIVES: To present a contemporary review of the functional outcomes following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy based on published postoperative erectile function and urinary continence data. METHODS: A review of the available literature on Medline and PubMed databases was performed. RESULTS: Factors affecting erectile function include age, preoperative SHIM scores, co-morbidities and nerve sparing techniques. Large robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) series like the Vattikuti Institute's and Ohio State University's demonstrate early potency outcomes: 70% and 80% of patients, respectively, who underwent bilateral nerve sparing and had a pre-operative SHIM score > 17, regained potency after a follow-up of 12 months. This has also been reproduced by smaller series, where 43% of patients achieved potency within 3 months postop and 68%, 79% of patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral nerve sparing, respectively, were able to have intercourse with or without PDE5 inhibitors after 12 months follow-up. Postoperative continence rates after RALP for larger series are 76%-92% and 95. 2%-98% while that for smaller series range from 76% and 89% at 3 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RALP is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that produces functional outcomes comparable to contemporary results of both open and laparoscopic prostatectomy.