Adult onset urinary retention caused by a prolapsing ureterocele.

Preoperative cystoscopy is imperative in anticipation of a bladder outlet procedure. This case highlights a now catheter dependent middle aged gentleman who was referred for treatment of urinary retention. He was found to have a prolapsing ureterocele causing obstruction. This was managed with a transurethral ureterocelectomy utilizing the Moses laser which resulted in a precise and bloodless resection. He is now voiding with out issue.

Complications of tubeless versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: The necessity of nephrostomy tube after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been called into question in modern series. We sought to examine differences in postoperative complications and outcomes of tubeless PCNL versus standard PCNL at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of our institutional stone database was conducted from January 2016 to December 2021 for patients who had undergone either tubeless PCNL, defined by placement of only an internal ureteral stent, or standard PCNL, which involved placement of an externalized nephrostomy tube. Patients were excluded if they underwent totally tubeless PCNL. RESULTS: A total of 438 patients were included for analysis: 329 patients underwent tubeless PCNL and 109 patients underwent standard PCNL. Between tubeless and standard groups, there was no difference in readmission rates 6.1% vs. 9.2% (p = 0.268), Clavien 2 or > complications 18.5% vs. 19.3% (p = 0.923), and Clavien 3 or > complications 4.0% vs. 7.3% (p = 0.151). The tubeless group experienced shorter operative duration 121.5 vs. 144.8 min (p = 0.012), shorter length of stay 2.5 vs. 3.8 days (p = 0.002), and higher stone-free rates 72.3% vs. 60.2% (p = 0.014), but also increased blood transfusion rates 6.4% vs. 0.9% (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: In comparing tubeless with standard PCNL, there was no difference in readmission rates, or significant Clavien complication rates. Patients undergoing tubeless PCNL experienced higher stone-free rates, but more number of patients required postoperative blood transfusion. The decision to leave a nephrostomy tube after PCNL appears unlikely to impact overall complication rates and can be left to surgeon experience and case-based discretion.

Improved stone quality of life in patients with an obstructing ureteral stone on alpha-blocker medical expulsive therapy.

PURPOSE: Though controversial, alpha blockers are used widely for ureteral stone passage. However, its effects on the patient-reported Quality of life (QOL) is unknown. We compared the QoL of patients on alpha-blocker medical expulsive therapy (MET) to patients not on MET (noMET) utilizing the validated Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life (WISQOL). METHODS: This prospective study included patients prescribed either MET or noMET after presentation with symptomatic, obstructing ureteral stones. The treatment arm was decided at the point of care by the initial treating physician and included analgesia and antiemetics. Tamsulosin (0.4 mg daily) was prescribed for the MET group. The WISQOL survey was administered at baseline, 7-, 14-, 21- and 28-days following discharge from the ED or until stone expulsion. RESULTS: 197 patients were enrolled, of which 116 (59.2%) completed questionnaires for analysis, 91 in the MET group and 25 in noMET. Average ureteral stone size was 4.7 mm (SD 1.8) and 3.1 mm (SD 1.0) for MET and noMET, respectively. Of completed surveys, 105 (90%) were completed at day 7, 67 (57.6%) at day 14, 53 (45.7%) at day 21, and 40 (34.5%) at day 28. MET was associated with improved QoL scores across all WISQOL domains compared to noMET. Stone size, age, race, sex, comorbidity score and a prior stone history were not associated with reduced QoL. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MET was associated with improved QOL on all WISQOL metrics compared to noMET patients. Improved stone QOL may be an indication of alpha-blocker therapy in patients with ureteral stone colic.

Surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Thulium enucleation versus single-port transvesical robotic simple prostatectomy.

Objective: The objective of this work is to compare our outcomes using thulium laser enucleation of prostate (ThuLEP) to the single-port robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (SP RASP) in the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2017 through December 2021 of men who underwent SP RASP and ThuLEP performed by a single surgeon with an enucleation experience of >300 cases and extensive robotic experience. The primary outcome was changed in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were operative time, length of stay (LOS), change in post-void residuals (PVR), de novo stress- or urge-urinary incontinence (SUI, UUI), and rate of complications. Results: One hundred two patients underwent surgery during the study period: 33 RASP and 69 ThuLEP. There was no difference in preoperative characteristics, including age and body mass index, between both groups. Changes in IPSS scores postoperatively were not significant between SP RASP versus ThuLEP (-17 vs. -14, p = 0.2956). SP RASP had a longer operative time (180 vs. 90 min, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in LOS (0 vs. 0 days, p = 0.2904). There was no difference in change in PVR (-96 vs. -91 mL, p = 0.8504). SP RASP patients had significantly less postoperative SUI than ThuLEP (0 vs. 13 patients, p = 0.0083), while there was no difference in UUI between both groups (4 vs. 2 patients, p = 0.0843). There was no difference in 30-day complication rate (21.2% vs. 21.7%, p = 0.9517), although there were three ThuLEP patients with Clavien-Dindo Class III or higher complication. Conclusions: There was no difference in change in IPSS scores between the two groups. ThuLEP is associated with shorter postoperative catheter days and decreased operative times. Hospital LOS was equivalent. SP RASP demonstrates significantly improved continence rates. Though SP RASP is within the initial learning curve at our institution, early results demonstrate the role for this modality alongside ThuLEP in the treatment of large gland BPH.

The Multi-Institutional Experience in Single-Port Robotic Transvesical Simple Prostatectomy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Management.

PURPOSE: Single-port (SP) robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) through the transvesical approach is a novel surgical option in the management of large prostatic glands. We present the first multi-institutional study to further assess the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of SP RASP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2019 to November 2021, 91 consecutive patients of 3 separate institutions underwent transvesical RASP using the da Vinci® SP robotic surgical system. Surgeries were performed by 3 experienced surgeons. Through a suprapubic incision and transvesical access, the SP robot is docked directly into the bladder, and the prostatic enucleation is performed. Prospective data collection, including baseline characteristics, perioperative and postoperative outcomes, was performed. The mean followup period was 4.6 months. RESULTS: The mean (SD) prostate volume was 156 (62) ml. The mean (SD) total operative time was 159 (45) minutes, and the median (IQR) estimated blood loss was 100 (50, 200) cc. The median (IQR) postoperative hospital stay was 21.0 (6.5, 26.0) hours; however, 42% of all patients were discharged the same day. The median (IQR) Foley catheter duration was 5 (5, 7) days. Only 3 patients (3%) developed Clavien grade 2 postoperative complications. At 9-month followup, the median (IQR) International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life score were 4 (2, 5) and 0 (0, 1), respectively, with a mean (SD) maximum flow rate and post-void residual of 21 (17) ml/second and 40 (55) ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a multi-institutional setting, the SP RASP promotes a pain-free procedure, same-day discharge, short Foley catheter duration, low complication rate and quick recovery.

Masculinizing genital gender-affirming surgery: metoidioplasty and urethral lengthening.

Metoidioplasty denotes the creation of a neophallus out of the hormonally hypertrophied clitoris. Construction of an esthetically acceptable male-like genitalia while enabling micturition in standing position are the primary goals. Herein, we aim to review the literature regarding masculinizing gender-affirming genital surgery in the form of metoidioplasty, focusing on the steps related to urethral lengthening and reconstruction, and describe the authors' preferred surgical technique. Clitoral release, division of the urethral plate, native urethral lengthening with anterior vaginal wall flap, and neourethral tubularization using a combination of buccal mucosa graft and labia minora flap(s) seem to provide the best result in terms of urinary outcomes. This is reflected in a greater urethral length, higher probability of standing micturition, and lower incidence of fistula. Urethral complications, which can be encountered in up to 15% of the patients, may necessitate additional procedures. Some of the studies have reported successful penetrative intercourse following metoidioplasty. Case series about different metoidioplasty techniques do not allow head-to-head comparison due to non-standardized reporting and outcome assessment. Metoidioplasty can be offered to transgender men with sufficiently hypertrophied clitoris who wish to avoid a complicated, multistage, flap-based total phalloplasty, or for those individuals considering phalloplasty at a later date.

Single-Port robot assisted partial nephrectomy: initial experience and technique with the da Vinci Single-Port platform (IDEAL Phase 1).

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) performed using the da Vinci Single-Port (SP) platform. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted from December 2018 to December 2019 of 14 consecutive patients with localized renal cancer who underwent SP robot-assisted partial nephrectomy at a single institution. The procedures were performed by 2 experienced robotic surgeons, reproducing the steps of the standard multiport robotic approach to partial nephrectomy. A transperitoneal approach was utilized with a 2.5 cm para-rectus incision with one assistant 12 mm laparoscopic port. RESULTS: No conversions to open or laparoscopic surgery occurred and no additional laparoscopic assistant ports were required. The median total operative time was 202 (162-231) minutes and the median total room time was 258 (215-295) minutes. The warm ischemia time averaged 20±8 minutes. 2 patients required angioembolization due to postoperative acute bleeding (Clavien-Dindo Grade 3a complication). Trifecta outcome (<25 min warm ischemia, no perioperative complications and negative margins) was achieved in 79% of patients. In one case, a positive margin was present. The median length of stay was of 1 day (Interquartile Range 1-2) with a median pain score on post-operative day 1 of 3.5 (Interquartile Range 2.4-5); 1/14 (7%) patient needed narcotic use at one week from discharge. At a median follow up of 5.0 (4.0-8.0) months, no patients have had evidence of disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In this initial cohort, considering the introduction of a new technology, we observed satisfactory outcomes for several key perioperative variables including operative time, warm ischemia time, surgical margins, hospital stay, pain requirements in patients undergoing RAPN with the SP platform. For experienced robotic surgeons, RAPN with the SP platform is a safe and feasible approach for single site partial nephrectomy.

Single port robotic radical prostatectomy versus multi-port robotic radical prostatectomy: A human factor analysis during the initial learning curve.

BACKGROUND: Studies have thus far neglected to evaluate the impact of the da Vinci single port (SP) robotic platform on surgeon experience and operating room efficiency. We sought to assess the effect of the SP platform on surgeon cognitive load measures during robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: We prospectively compared the first 20 SP-RALPs performed at our institution to 20 multi-port (MP)-RALPs performed by a single experienced robotic surgeon. Three multi-dimensional assessment tools were used to evaluate mental and surgical workload, teamwork and workflow disruptions. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the MP-RALP and SP-RALP cohorts when evaluated by NASA Task Load Index, Surgery Task Load Index and Observational Teamwork Assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The SP robotic platform did not adversely affect human factor performance of the surgeon during RALP. Multi-institutional validation will be necessary to confirm these initial findings.

Single port robotic radical prostatectomy: a systematic review.

Several studies have assessed the safety and feasibility of single port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using different and custom built robotic-assisted technology. In part due to the non-standardized nature of these approaches, single site robotic prostatectomy has not been widely adopted. With the recent approval of the da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale CA) Single Port (SP) platform, there has been a renewed interest in single site robotic-assisted prostatectomy and several institutions have begun reporting their initial experiences with this technique. In this systematic review, we sought to assess and summarize the literature regarding patient outcomes for single site robotic-assisted prostatectomy and evaluate its role in surgical treatment of prostate cancer. This systematic review was structured using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies describing the use of any robotic platform, including da Vinci Si, Xi or SP platforms for robotic single-port or single site radical prostatectomy between 2000 and July 15, 2019 were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. Studies were excluded if they included combined cases with other organ resection, represented use in a non-clinical setting (such as a cadaveric model), or described results for a simple prostatectomy technique. Data was extracted by two authors with concerns resolved by consensus. Primary outcomes were mean operative times, estimated blood loss (mL), and hospital length of stay (days). Secondary outcomes included intraoperative conversion to open surgery, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Variables of interest included sample size (n), mean age (years), mean prostate size (mL), prostate specific antigen (PSA, ng/mL), Gleason score, clinical and pathological TNM staging [American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC)], lymph nodes (n) and perioperative complications as available. A total of 217 studies were reviewed by title and abstract, with 28 selected for full-text review; ultimately, 12 studies were included, with available data from 145 patients. Primary outcomes and preoperative characteristics varied greatly amongst patients and across studies. One patient (0.7%) required conversion to a multi-port approach and there were no conversions to an open technique. No intraoperative complications were reported, and no Clavien grade III or greater postoperative complications have been described in the initial 81 radical prostatectomies performed with the SP platform. Single Port techniques appear to represent a safe and feasible approach for performing the minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. The current available literature on the single port radical prostatectomy is weak and consists of single center studies with small sample sizes, short-term follow up and limited functional data. More rigorous multi-center trials with standardized metrics for reporting functional outcomes as well as long-term cancer specific survival are necessary to validate these initial studies.

Single-port robotic surgery: the next generation of minimally invasive urology.

INTRODUCTION: The da Vinci Single-Port (SP) platform (Intuitive Surgical Inc, Sunnyvale CA) is a recently approved robotic surgical platform which features several novel modifications from previously available single trocar models including a flexible camera, articulating instruments, and navigator guidance for real-time monitoring of instrument position. We sought to describe our clinical experience with this device as well as to review the current literature related to the use of the SP platform. METHODS: We provide a narrative review of clinical data related to single-port robotic surgery within the field of urology. In addition, we report our initial clinical experience for surgical procedures performed with the SP platform between December 2018 and April 2019 following installation of the system at our institution. RESULTS: Currently, the presently available literature for single-port robotic urological surgery consists of single-center case reports and series. Most major robotic urologic operations appear technically feasible using the da Vinci SP platform; however, additional multi-center studies and randomized trials are needed to determine what role the SP platform will play. CONCLUSIONS: Rather than an iterative step or a niche system, the SP platform provides for a new approach to single-site laparoscopic or robotic techniques and is demonstrated as a feasible approach for several major robotic urological operations. While comparative studies will be required to evaluate perioperative and long-term outcomes between SP and multi-port platforms, further technological advances will continue to push surgeons towards less morbid and more minimally invasive approaches for surgery.