Changing clinical trends in 10 000 robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy patients and impact of the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force's statement against PSA screening.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical trend changes in our robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) practice and to investigate the effect of 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) statement against PSA screening on these trends. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 10 000 RALPs performed by a single surgeon between 2002 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Time trends in successive 1000 cases for clinical, surgical and pathological characteristics were analysed with linear and logistic regression. Time-trend changes before and after the USPSTF's statement were compared using a logistic regression model and likelihood-ratio test. RESULTS: Unfavourable cancer characteristics rate, including D'Amico high risk, pathological non-organ-confined disease and Gleason score ≥4+4 increased from 11.5% to 23.3%, 14% to 42.5%, and 7.7% to 20.9%, respectively, over time (all P < 0.001). Significant time-trend changes were detected after the USPSTF's statement with an increase in the positive trend of Gleason ≥4+4 and increase in the negative trends of Gleason ≤3+4 tumours. There was a significant negative trend in the rate of full nerve-sparing (NS) with a decrease from 59.3% to 35.7%, and a significant positive trend in partial NS with an increase from 15.8% to 62.5% over time (both P < 0.001). The time-trend slope in 'high-grade' partial NS significantly decreased and 'low-grade' partial NS significantly increased after the USPSTF's statement. The overall positive surgical margin rate increased from 14.6% to 20.3% in the first vs last 1000 cases (P < 0.001), with a significant positive slope after the USPSTF's statement. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of high-risk patients increased in our series over time with a significant impact of the USPSTF's statement on pathological time trends. This stage migration resulted in decreased utilisation of high-quality NS and increased performance of poor-quality NS.

Continence outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with adverse urinary continence risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the continence outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in suboptimal patients that have challenging continence recovery factors such as enlarged prostates, elderly patients, higher body mass index (BMI), salvage prostatectomy, and bladder neck procedures before RARP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2008 through November 2012, 4,023 patients underwent RARP by a single surgeon at our institution. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data identified 3,362 men who had minimum of 1-year follow-up. This cohort of patients was stratified into six groups: Group I, aged ≥70 years (451 patients); Group II, BMI ≥35 kg/m(2) (197); Group III, prior bladder neck procedures (103); Group IV, prostate weight ≥80 g (280); and Group V, salvage prostatectomy (41). Group VI consisted of patients (2 447) with none of these risk factors. Continence outcomes at follow-up were analysed for all groups. RESULTS: The continence rate at 1 year and mean (sd) time to continence in different groups were: for patients aged ≥70 years, 85.6% and 3.2 (4.5) months; BMI of ≥35 kg/m(2) , 87.8% and 3.1 (4.5) months; prior bladder neck treatment, 82.4% and 3.4 (4.7) months; prostate weight of ≥80 g, 85.8% and 3.3 (4.4) months; salvage procedures, 51.3% and 6.6 (8.3) months; and in Group VI (none of the risk factors), 95.1% and 2.4 (3.2) months. The continence rate was significantly higher in group VI compared with the salvage group (group V) at the different follow-up intervals (P < 0.001). When compared with the other groups (I-IV), the continence rate, although higher, was not statistically significant at the different intervals in group VI (no risk). The mean time to continence was significantly lower in group VI compared with the other groups (I-V; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that selected risk factors adversely affect the time to return of continence after RARP, yet aside from salvage patients, there was no statistically significant difference demonstrated between the adverse-risk groups included. Patients undergoing salvage RP had significantly lower continence rates at the various intervals compared with the other groups. Patients with the risk factors identified should be counselled concerning expectations for achieving urinary continence.

Does surgeon subjective nerve sparing score predict recovery time of erectile function following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

INTRODUCTION: During robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the quality of nerve sparing (NS) was usually classified by laterality of NS (none, unilateral, and bilateral) or degree of NS (none, partial, and full). Recently, side-specific NS have been more frequently performed, but previous NS grading system might not reflect the differential NS in each side. AIM: Herein, we assessed whether a subjective NS score (NSS) incorporating both degree of NS and NS laterality can predict the time to potency recovery following RARP. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 1,898 patients who had left and right neurovascular bundle sparing quality scores and at least one year of follow-up after RARP was performed between January 2008 and October 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cox proportional hazard method analyses were used to determine predictive factors for early recovery. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess subjective NSS in an effort to predict time to potency recovery. Subjective NSSs were compared to a model based on the three grades according to laterality and degree. RESULTS: Time to potency recovery showed a statistically significant difference in favor of higher NSS by the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis (NSS 0 vs. NSS 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10; P < 0.01). The regression model indicated that the statistical significance of the subjective NSS covering the differential NS is not different from that of the conventional three-grade scales, while it has a higher R(2). The regression equation with subjective NSS was as follows: Log (Time) = 5.163 - (0.035 × SHIM Score) + 0.028 Age - (0.101 × Subjective NSS). CONCLUSION: The subjective NSS can reflect NS degree for each side based on the visual cues. Regression model can be used to help inform the patient about the time to postoperative potency regain, which is an important patient concern following RARP.

Perioperative and early oncological outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in morbidly obese patients: a propensity score-matched study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative and pathological outcomes associated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in morbidly obese men. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and March 2012, 3041 patients underwent RARP at our institution by a single surgeon (V.P.). In all, 44 patients were considered morbidly obese with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥40 kg/m(2) . A propensity score-matched analysis was conducted using multivariable analysis to identify comparable groups of patients with a BMI of ≥40 and <40 kg/m(2) . Perioperative, pathological outcomes and complications were compared between the two matched groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in operative time. However, the mean estimated blood loss was higher in morbidly obese patients, at a mean (sd) of 113 (41) vs 130 (27) mL (P = 0.049). Anastomosis was more difficult in morbidly obese patients (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in laterality, ease of nerve sparing, or transfusion rate between the groups. There were no intraoperative complications in either group. Postoperative pathological outcomes were similar between the groups. Differences in positive surgical margins and ease of nerve sparing approached statistical significance (P = 0.097, P = 0.075 respectively). Postoperative complication rates, pain scores, length of stay and indwelling catheter duration were similar in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: RARP in morbidly obese patients is technically demanding. However, it can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and resource use. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, it is a safe procedure and offers beneficial clinical outcomes.

Handling difficult anastomosis. Tips and tricks in obese patients and narrow pelvis.

Vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA) is a technically challenging step in robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) in obese individuals. We describe technical modifications to facilitate VUA encountered in obese individuals and in patients with a narrow pelvis. A Pubmed literature search was performed between 2000 and 2012 to review all articles related to RALP, obesity and VUA for evaluation of technique, complications and outcomes of VUA in obese individuals. In addition to the technical modifications described in the literature, we describe our own experience to encounter the technical challenges induced by obesity and narrow pelvis. In obese patients, technical modifications like use of air seal trocar technology, steep Trendlenburg positioning, bariatric trocars, alterations in trocar placement, barbed suture and use of modified posterior reconstruction facilitate VUA in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. The dexterity of the robot and the technical modifications help to perform the VUA in challenging patients with lesser difficulty. The experience of the surgeon is a critical factor in outcomes in these technically challenging patients, and obese individuals are best avoided during the initial phase of the learning curve.

Proposal of a method to assess and report the extent of residual neurovascular tissue present in radical prostatectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a method to assess and report the amount of neurovascular tissue present in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 133 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted RP by a single surgeon (V.R.P.) were prospectively collected. Degree of nerve sparing (NS) was graded intraoperatively by the surgeon independently at either side as complete, partial or none. A pathologist who was 'blinded' to the surgeon's classification measured the following parameters at the posterolateral aspect of the apex, base and mid prostate at either side of the RP specimen: length, width and area of neural tissue, number of nerves per high-power field and number of total slides containing neural tissue. Measurements were correlated to the surgeon's intraoperative perception. RESULTS: All measurements correlated significantly with surgeon's intent of NS at all locations (P = 0.001). Among them, the cross-sectional area had the highest correlation coefficient (-0.550 at apex, -0.604 at mid prostate and -0.606 at the base). CONCLUSIONS: The cross-sectional area of nerve tissue showed the highest correlation with surgeon's intent of NS at all locations. Having a standardised method of assessing and reporting residual nerve tissue allows the surgeon to objectively evaluate the quality of nerve preservation and to compare the progress of his NS technique over time.

Impact of post-kidney transplant parathyroidectomy on allograft function.

BACKGROUND: The impact of parathyroidectomy on allograft function in kidney transplant patients is unclear. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study of all kidney transplant recipients from 1988 to 2008 who underwent parathyroidectomy for uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism (n = 32). Post-parathyroidectomy, changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and graft loss were recorded. Cross-sectional associations at baseline between eGFR and serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), and associations between their changes within subjects during the first two months post-parathyroidectomy were assessed. RESULTS: Post-parathyroidectomy, the mean eGFR declined from 51.19 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at parathyroidectomy to 44.78 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at two months (p < 0.0001). Subsequently, graft function improved, and by 12 months, mean eGFR recovered to 49.76 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (p = 0.035). Decrease in serum PTH was accompanied by a decrease in eGFR (p = 0.0127) in the first two months post-parathyroidectomy. Patients whose eGFR declined by ≥20% (group 1) in the first two months post-parathyroidectomy were distinguished from the patients whose eGFR declined by <20% (group 2). The two groups were similar except that group 1 had a higher baseline mean serum PTH compared with group 2, although not significant (1046.7 ± 1034.2 vs. 476.6 ± 444.9, p = 0.14). In group 1, eGFR declined at an average rate of 32% (p < 0.0001) during the first month post-parathyroidectomy compared with 7% (p = 0.1399) in group 2, and the difference between these two groups was significant (p = 0.0003). The graft function recovered in both groups by one yr. During median follow-up of 66.00 ± 49.45 months, 6 (18%) patients lost their graft with a mean time to graft loss from parathyroidectomy of 37.2 ± 21.6 months. The causes of graft loss were rejection (n = 2), pyelonephritis (n = 1) and chronic allograft nephropathy (n = 3). No graft loss occurred during the first-year post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Parathyroidectomy may lead to transient kidney allograft dysfunction with eventual recovery of graft function by 12 months post-parathyroidectomy. Higher level of serum PTH pre-parathyoidectomy is associated with a more profound decrease in eGFR post-parathyroidectomy.

Renal pyelic fusion with crossed solitary ureter: case report and review of literature.

Renal fusion anomalies are detected incidentally on imaging, with horseshoe kidney being the most common followed by crossed renal ectopia. We report a rare congenital anomaly of renal pyelic fusion with a solitary ureter. Both the renal units were in the normal position and location. This rare anomaly was associated with lumbar vertebral defects, neurogenic bladder, vesico-ureteric reflux, upper tract dilatation and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Comparison of three different techniques of extraction in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

AIM: We compare the outcome of three different methods of graft extraction after a laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AFTER A CONVENTIONAL FIVE PORT LAPAROSCOPIC DONOR NEPHRECTOMY, SPECIMEN WAS EXTRACTED THROUGH ONE OF THREE APPROACHES: 1. Iliac fossa (IF) incision and hand extraction, 2. Midline (MD) periumbilical with a lower polar fat stitch incorporating gonadal vein for traction while retrieval, and 3. Pfannensteil (PF) with Gel port extraction. Estimated blood loss, operating time, warm ischemia time, incision length, pain score, analgesic consumption, hospital stay, wound complications, graft complications and recipient creatinine at 6 weeks were analyzed. RESULTS: Warm ischemia time was significantly reduced in PF group when compared to other groups. Length of the incision was less in the MD group compared to other groups. Wound complications were significantly less in PF group when compared to other groups. Graft extraction complications were significantly high in MD group compared to other two groups. CONCLUSION: Based on the results obtained, our current method of preference is by Pfannensteil incision. A controlled extraction with the use of a hand assist device would be best for donor safety and to avoid graft related complications.

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided prostate biopsy-A review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) helps to identify lesion of prostate with reasonable accuracy. We aim to describe the various uses of MP-MRI for prostate biopsy comparing different techniques of MP-MRI guided biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed for "multiparametric MRI", "MRI fusion biopsy", "MRI guided biopsy", "prostate biopsy", "MRI cognitive biopsy", "MRI fusion biopsy systems", "prostate biopsy" and "cost analysis". The search operation was performed using the operator "OR" and "AND" with the above key words. All relevant systematic reviews, original articles, case series, and case reports were selected for this review. RESULTS: The sensitivity of MRI targeted biopsy (MRI-TB) is between 91%-93%, and the specificity is between 36%-41% in various studies. It also has a high negative predictive value (NPV) of 89%-92% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 51%-52%. The yield of MRI fusion biopsy (MRI-FB) is similar, if not superior to MR cognitive biopsy. In-bore MRI-TB had better detection rates compared to MR cognitive biopsy, but were similar to MR fusion biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MRI guidance in prostate biopsy is inevitable, subject to availability, cost, and experience. Any one of the three modalities (i.e. MRI cognitive, MRI fusion and MRI in-bore approach) can be used. MRI-FB has a fine balance with regards to accuracy, practicality and affordability.

Is the incidence of uretero-intestinal anastomotic stricture increased in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with previous pelvic radiation?

STUDY TYPE: Therapy (case series). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. OBJECTIVE: To present our long-term experience comparing uretero-intestinal anastomotic (UIA) stricture rates after radical cystectomy (RC) in patients with and without previous pelvic radiotherapy (pRT), as the risk of stricture is thought to be higher in patients undergoing RC and urinary diversion (UD) with a history of pRT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients who had RC and UD between 1992 and 2008 by one surgical team. Patients were divided into two groups, those with (group 1) and with no (group 2) previous pRT. Relevant clinical and pathological data were entered into a database. Patients who were symptomatic and required intervention for a UIA stricture were analysed; patients with malignant strictures were excluded. RESULTS: In all, 526 patients had RC by one surgical team during the study period; 65 had pRT before RC, 37 for prostate cancer, 23 for bladder cancer and the rest for other pelvic malignancies. All the patients in group 1 had an ileal conduit (IC) diversion. There were 250 IC and 211 neobladder diversions in group 2. There were 130 (12%) UIAs in group 1, vs 922 (88%) in group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in demographic profile and follow-up. The overall stricture rate for UIA was 1.3%; there were two (1.5%) UIA strictures in group 1 vs 12 (1.3%) in group 2. The mean (median, range) time to onset of the stricture was 10 (6, 2-39) months. There was no statistically significant difference in stricture rate between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing RC with UD there was no significant difference in UIA stricture rates between those with and without previous pRT.

Synchronous panniculectomy with stomal revision for obese patients with stomal stenosis and retraction.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience of synchronous panniculectomy with stomal revision in morbidly obese patients after radical cystectomy (RC) and ileal conduit urinary diversion (UD). Abnormal skin folds with an uneven surface, stomal retraction and stomal stenosis result in a poorly fitting appliance which leads to urinary leakage, need for frequent change of appliances and skin excoriation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 302 RCs with UD were done by one surgical team between 2002 and 2008, with ileal conduit diversion in 182 (60%); 18 had a body mass index (BMI) of >35 kg/m(2), and among them four had severe stomal stenosis with retraction. We report the technique we used for managing stomal stenosis in these patients. RESULTS: The mean (range) BMI of the patients was 42 (38-46) kg/m(2); all were women. The mean (sd) operative duration was 2 (0.5)h. The drain was removed once the drainage was <25 mL in 24 h. The mean (sd) hospital stay was 3 (1) days; there were no significant complications. After a mean follow-up of 3 years there was no recurrent stomal stenosis or retraction. CONCLUSIONS: The unique advantage of this procedure is that it avoids laparotomy in a morbidly obese patient, and it provides excellent cosmesis while correcting the stomal complication.

A rare case of renal gastrinoma.

We present a rare case of renal gastrinoma. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of renal gastrinoma has been reported in the literature so far. An African American male was diagnosed with Zollinger Ellison syndrome at the age of 15 years, when he underwent surgery for peritonitis secondary to duodenal ulcer perforation. Further evaluation was deferred and proton pump inhibitors were prescribed. Later evaluation showed a left renal mass. Serum gastrin levels were 4,307 pg/ml. A CAT scan of the abdomen showed 4- x 4-cm heterogeneous solid mass in the interpolar region of the left kidney with central hypodensity. Somatostatin scintigraphy confirmed a receptor-positive mass in the same location. Nephrectomy was done and the tumor was diagnosed on histopathological examination as a gastrinoma. At 6-month follow-up, gastrin levels were 72 pg/ml. After a follow-up of 6 years, the patient has no recurrent symptoms.

Bladder cancer after radiotherapy for prostate cancer: detailed analysis of pathological features and outcome after radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: We reviewed outcomes and features in patients with bladder cancer who underwent cystectomy and had a history of radiation for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the University of Miami cystectomy database and identified 34 patients with a history of radiotherapy for prostate cancer. An age and stage matched control group was used to compare survival. Our entire male cystectomy population was used to compare clinicopathological features. RESULTS: Mean age in the 34 patients with cystectomy was 75 years with a mean latency of 5 years from prostate cancer radiation. Radiotherapy was the primary treatment modality for prostate cancer in 32 of 34 patients and 2 received adjuvant radiation. Of the patients 86% received external beam radiation. Hematuria was the initial symptom in 86% of the cases. In 53% of the patients the initial diagnosis was muscle invasive bladder cancer. An ileal conduit was the method of urinary diversion in 33 cases. Major perioperative complications developed in 9% of the patients. There was 1 perioperative death, resulting in a mortality rate of 2.9%. Of the patients 54% presented with a locally advanced (pT3-4) tumor. Patients with a history of radiation therapy for prostate cancer had significantly poorer overall and bladder cancer specific survival than the matched control group. CONCLUSIONS: Most bladder cancers in patients with a history of radiation for prostate cancer present as locally advanced tumors and patients have poorer survival than age and stage matched controls.

Safety of selective nerve sparing in high risk prostate cancer during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

D'Amico high risk prostate cancer is associated with higher incidence of extra prostatic disease. It is recommended to avoid nerve sparing in high risk patients to avoid residual cancer. We report our intermediate term oncologic and functional outcomes in patients with preoperative D'Amico high risk prostate cancer, who underwent selective nerve sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Between Jan 2008 till June 2013, 557 patients underwent RARP for D'Amico high risk prostate cancer. The criteria for nerve sparing were as follows-complete: non palpable disease with <3 cores involvement on prostate biopsy; partial: non palpable disease with <4 cores involvement on prostate biopsy; none: clinically palpable disease with ≥4 cores involvement on prostate biopsy and intraoperative visual cues of locally advanced disease (loss of dissection planes, focal bulge of prostatic capsule). Degree of nerve sparing (NS) was graded intraoperatively by the surgeon independently at either side as side specific margins were assessed to predict subjectivity of the intraoperative judgment. Various data were collected and analyzed. Of 557 patients who underwent RARP 140 underwent complete (group 1), 358 patients underwent partial (group 2), and 59 patients underwent non-nerve-sparing procedure (group 3). There were no difference in preoperative characteristic between the groups (p = 0.678), but group 3 had higher Gleason score sum (p = 0.001), positive cores on biopsy (p = 0.001) and higher t stage (p = 0.001). Postoperatively Extra prostatic extension (p = 0.001), seminal vesicle invasion (p = 0.001), and tumor volume (p < 0.001) were higher in Group 3. Side specific positive surgical margins (PSMs) rates were higher for non-nerve-sparing compared to partial and complete nerve sparing RARP (p < 0.001; overall PSMs = 25.2 %). On univariate and multivariate analysis, nerve sparing did not affect PSMs (p > 0.05). The overall biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate at mean follow-up of 24.3 months was 19.21 %. The continence rate at 3 month was significantly higher in complete NS group in comparison to non-NS group (p = 0.020), however, this difference was not statistically significant at 1 year. Similarly, mean time to continence was significantly lower in complete NS group in comparison to non-NS group (p = 0.030). The potency rate was significantly higher and mean time to potency was significantly lower in complete NS group in comparison to non-NS group (p = 0.010 and 0.020, respectively). In high risk prostate cancer patients, selective nerve sparing during RARP, using the preoperative clinical variables (clinical stage and positive cores on biopsy) and surgeon's intraoperative perception, could provide reasonable intermediate term oncologic, functional outcomes (continence and potency) with acceptable perioperative morbidity and positive surgical margins rate. Use of these preoperative factors and surgeon's intraoperative judgment can appropriately evaluate high risk prostate cancer patients for nerve sparing RARP.

Predictive factors and oncological outcomes of persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen in patients following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Our aim was to evaluate factors associated with persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and biochemical recurrence following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). The study population (N = 5300) consisted of consecutive patients who underwent RARP for localized prostate cancer by a single surgeon (VP) from January 2008 through July 2013. A query of our Institutional Review Board-approved registry identified 162 men with persistently elevated PSA (group A), defined as PSA level ≥0.1 ng/ml at 6 weeks after surgery, who were compared with rest of the cohort group having undetectable PSA, group B (<0.1 ng/ml). A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the significant association between various variables and the following: (1) persistently elevated PSA, (2) BCR (PSA value ≥0.2 ng/ml) on follow-up in the persistent PSA group. On multivariate analysis, only the following parameters were significantly associated with persistent PSA after RARP-preoperative [PSA >10 ng/ml (p = 0.01), Gleason Score ≥8 (p = 0.001) and clinical stage(p = 0.001)]; postoperative [pathologic stage (p = 0.001), extraprostatic extension (EPE, p = 0.01), lymph node positivity (p = 0.001), positive surgical margin (PSM, p = 0.02), Gleason score (p = 0.01) and tumor volume percent (p < 0.001)]. The mean follow-up was 38.1 months. The BCR was significantly higher in group A as compared to group B(52.47 vs 7.9 %) respectively; p = 0.01). The mean time to BCR was significantly lesser in group A as compared to group B(8.9 vs 21.1 months respectively; p = 0.01). The BCR-free survival rates at 1 year and 3 years were significantly lower statistically in the persistent PSA group in comparison to other groups (69.7 vs 97.3 % and 48.5 vs 92.1 %, respectively; p = 0.01). On multivariate logistic regression analysis in patients with persistent PSA on follow-up, preoperative PSA >10 ng/ml, postoperative Gleason score ≥8, postoperative stage ≥pT3, positive pelvic lymph nodes, PSM >3 mm and post-RARP PSA doubling time (DT) <10 months (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with BCR. In patients after RARP, factors associated with aggressive disease (high preoperative PSA, Gleason score ≥8, stage ≥T3, PSM, high tumor volume percent and EPE) predict PSA persistence. Although these patients with persistent PSA after RARP are more likely to have BCR and that too earlier than those patients with undetectable PSA after RARP, a significant proportion of these patients (47.53 %) remain free of BCR. This subset of patients is associated with these favorable parameters (preoperative PSA <10 ng/ml, post-RARP PSA DT ≥10 months, postoperative Gleason score <8, pathologic stage 

Current status of various neurovascular bundle-sparing techniques in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Nerve-sparing procedures during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) have demonstrated improved postoperative functional outcomes. This article provides an overview of clinically applied prostatic neuro-anatomy, various techniques of nerve sparing (NS), and recent innovations in NS and potency outcomes of NS RARP. We retrieved and reviewed all listed publications within PubMed using keywords: nerve sparing, robotic radical prostatectomy, prostate cancer, outcomes, pelvic neuroanatomy and potency. Studies reporting potency outcomes of NS RARP (comparative and non-comparative) were analysed using the Delphi method with an expert panel of urological robotic surgeons. Herein, we outline the published techniques of NS during RARP. Potency and continence outcomes of individual series are discussed in light of the evidence provided by case series and published trials. The potency outcomes of various comparative and non-comparative series of NS RARP have also been mentioned. There are numerous NS techniques reported for RARP. Each method is complimented with benefits and constrained by idiosyncratic caveats, and thus, careful patient selection, a wise intraoperative clinical judgment and tailored approach for each patient is required, when decision for nerve sparing is made. Further large prospective multi-institutional randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate potency and continence outcomes of these techniques, using a rigid standard patient selection criteria and definition of potency are warranted in the new era of functional outcome-driven research.

Overall rate, location, and predictive factors for positive surgical margins after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer.

We report the overall rate, locations and predictive factors of positive surgical margins (PSMs) in 271 patients with high-risk prostate cancer. Between April 2008 and October 2011, we prospectively collected data from patients classified as D'Amico high-risk who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Overall rate and location of PSMs were reported. Stepwise logistic regression models were fitted to assess predictive factors of PSM. The overall rate of PSMs was 25.1% (68 of 271 patients). Of these PSM, 38.2% (26 of 68) were posterolateral (PL), 26.5% (18 of 68) multifocal, 16.2% (11 of 68) in the apex, 14.7% (10 of 68) in the bladder neck, and 4.4% (3/68) in other locations. The PSM rate of patients with pathological stage pT2 was 8.6% (12 of 140), 26.6% (17 of 64) of pT3a, 53.3% (32/60) of pT3b, and 100% (7 of 7) of pT4. In a logistic regression model including pre-, intra-, and post-operative parameters, body mass index (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.19, P= 0.029), pathological stage (pT3b or higher vs pT2; OR: 5.14; 95% CI: 1.92-13.78; P = 0.001) and percentage of the tumor (OR: 46.71; 95% CI: 6.37-342.57; P< 0.001) were independent predictive factors for PSMs. The most common location of PSMs in patients at high-risk was the PL aspect, which reflects the reported tumor aggressiveness. The only significant predictive factors of PSMs were pathological outcomes, such as percentage of the tumor in the specimen and pathological stage.

Urology residents experience comparable workload profiles when performing live porcine nephrectomies and robotic surgery virtual reality training modules.

In pursuit of improving the quality of residents' education, the Southeastern Section of the American Urological Association (SES AUA) hosts an annual robotic training course for its residents. The workshop involves performing a robotic live porcine nephrectomy as well as virtual reality robotic training modules. The aim of this study was to evaluate workload levels of urology residents when performing a live porcine nephrectomy and the virtual reality robotic surgery training modules employed during this workshop. Twenty-one residents from 14 SES AUA programs participated in 2015. On the first-day residents were taught with didactic lectures by faculty. On the second day, trainees were divided into two groups. Half were asked to perform training modules of the Mimic da Vinci-Trainer (MdVT, Mimic Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA) for 4 h, while the other half performed nephrectomy procedures on a live porcine model using the da Vinci Si robot (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA). After the first 4 h the groups changed places for another 4-h session. All trainees were asked to complete the NASA-TLX 1-page questionnaire following both the MdVT simulation and live animal model sessions. A significant interface and TLX interaction was observed. The interface by TLX interaction was further analyzed to determine whether the scores of each of the six TLX scales varied across the two interfaces. The means of the TLX scores observed at the two interfaces were similar. The only significant difference was observed for frustration, which was significantly higher at the simulation than the animal model, t (20) = 4.12, p = 0.001. This could be due to trainees' familiarity with live anatomical structures over skill set simulations which remain a real challenge to novice surgeons. Another reason might be that the simulator provides performance metrics for specific performance traits as well as composite scores for entire exercises. Novice trainees experienced substantial mental workload while performing tasks on both the simulator and the live animal model during the robotics course. The NASA-TLX profiles demonstrated that the live animal model and the MdVT were similar in difficulty, as indicated by their comparable workload profiles.