Efficacy of educational stepwise robot-assisted radical prostatectomy procedure for urology residents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational stepwise robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedure for urology residents. METHODS: We performed a detailed evaluation of 42 RARP procedures performed by a single urology resident from July 2019 to February 2022. The RARP procedures were divided into the following nine steps: (1) bladder dissection, (2) endopelvic fascia dissection, (3) bladder neck dissection, (4) seminal vesicle dissection, (5) Denonvilliers' fascia dissection, (6) dorsal vascular complex ligation, (7) dissection of the prostatic apex, (8) posterior anastomosis, and (9) urethro-vesical anastomosis. The procedures were further subcategorized as anatomical understanding, spatial recognition, and technical skills for evaluation of resident training. The surgeries were divided into first and second halves, and patient characteristics and operative outcomes were statistically analyzed. The operative time of each of the nine steps and the reasons for proctor intervention were compared. RESULTS: Among 42 patients, there were no significant differences in operative outcomes between the two groups. The median operative time was 169 min (164 vs. 179 min, p = .12), and the median console time was 128 min (127 vs. 130 min, p = .74). Although there were no significant differences in the time of the nine steps, the resident significantly overcame (7) dissection of the prostatic apex and (8) posterior anastomosis based on the evaluation of the proctored reasons for intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Urology residents can safely perform and efficiently learn RARP with this stepwise educational system. This educational stepwise RARP procedure can effectively help residents to develop their skills.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in younger versus older adults with renal cell carcinoma: a propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) between younger and older patients after adjusting for their background differences. We particularly assessed RAPN outcomes and safety in older patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 559 patients clinically diagnosed with T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and treated with RAPN between 2013 and 2022 at five institutions in Japan. The patients were classified into two groups according to their age during surgery (younger group: < 75 years, older group: ≥ 75 years). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for the differences in the backgrounds between younger and older patients, and surgical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Among the 559 patients, 422 (75.5%) and 137 (24.5%) were classified into the younger and older groups, respectively; 204 and 102 patients from the younger and older groups were matched according to PSM, respectively. Subsequently, patient characteristics other than age were not significantly different between the two groups. In the matched cohort, the older group had more patients with major complications (younger, 3.0%; older, 8.8%; P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Surgical outcomes of RAPN in older patients with RCC were comparable with those in younger patients, although older patients experiencedsignificantly more complications than younger patients. These results suggest the need for further detailed preoperative evaluation and appropriate postoperative management in older patients receiving RAPN.

Robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion: A two-center comparative study of Bricker versus Wallace ureteroileal anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: This study was performed to evaluate the differences in the perioperative results, renal function, and incidence of hydronephrosis over time between the use of Bricker anastomosis and Wallace anastomosis for robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion (RICIC). METHODS: Fifty-five patients who underwent RICIC at two institutions were evaluated (Bricker, n = 23; Wallace, n = 32). We investigated changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate and hydronephrosis before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The patients in the Bricker group were significantly older than those in the Wallace group. The urinary diversion time was significantly longer in the Bricker group. No significant difference in postoperative renal function was observed. Additionally, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of postoperative hydronephrosis. However, the incidence of right hydronephrosis tended to be high overall, especially in the Wallace group. No patients in either group required repair surgery or ureteral stent placement. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing RICIC, there was no difference in postoperative renal function or the incidence of hydronephrosis between Wallace and Bricker anastomosis. Symptomatic hydronephrosis was not observed in either group. The present study showed that each method was equally effective and safe.

Impact of lymph node dissection on surgical and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: a multicenter retrospective study.

This study was performed to clarify the therapeutic and diagnostic roles of lymph node dissection (LND) by examining the impact of LND and lymph node yield (LNY) on oncological outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Between 2014 and 2021, 216 patients underwent LND during RARC at Tokushima University Hospital and affiliated hospitals. Among the 216 patients, we compared 115 patients with an LNY of ≥ 20 and 101 with an LNY of < 20 to investigate the impact of LNY on surgical and oncological outcomes. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of LNY and the extent of LND on oncological outcomes by dividing the extent of LND into two groups (standard and extended). The 3-year rates of overall survival (OS) (p = 0.256), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.791), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.953) did not differ between the two groups divided by the LNY. A higher LNY was associated with a significantly higher lymph node positivity rate (p = 0.020). The incidence of LND-related major complications was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.910). The 3-year survival rates did not differ between the two groups divided by the extent of LND: OS (p = 0.366), CSS (p = 0.814), and RFS (p = 0.689). The LNY and extent of LND were not associated with oncological outcomes in patients undergoing LND during RARC, whereas a higher LNY was associated with lymph node positivity. In the era of adjuvant therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, LND during RARC has an important diagnostic role in the detection of pathological node positivity.

The importance of laparoscopic surgery for young urologists remains unwavering even in the era of robot-assisted surgery.

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) cannot be achieved without the performance of laparoscopic surgical techniques by a patient-side surgeon (PSS). In many medical institutions in Japan, young urologists often take on the role of a PSS. Participating in RAS as a PSS provides a good opportunity to acquire not only the knowledge necessary for surgery, but also skills in laparoscopic surgical techniques. Learning laparoscopic surgery as a PSS may contribute to improving the quality of RAS. Furthermore, it will lead to skill improvement as an operator in laparoscopic surgery. However, notably, opportunities for young urologists to perform laparoscopic surgery are decreasing in the current era of RAS. Under these circumstances, we believe that cadaver surgical training will become increasingly important in the future. We believe that performance of cadaver surgical training will contribute to increased motivation, enhance the understanding of surgical procedures, and facilitate the acquisition of surgical techniques.

Lymph node dissection during radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A two-center comparative study of robotic versus open surgery.

INTRODUCTION: This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lymph node dissection (LND) during robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) compared with open radical cystectomy (ORC). METHODS: From October 2003 to December 2021, 122 patients underwent LND during RARC and 103 patients underwent LND during ORC at Tokushima University Hospital and Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital. We investigated the safety and efficacy of LND during RARC by comparing the surgical and oncological outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: The patients were significantly older in the RARC than the ORC group. The operative time was significantly shorter and the estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the RARC than the ORC group. Although the lymph node yield was significantly higher in the RARC than the ORC group, there was no significant difference in lymph node positivity between the groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis between the two groups. The 5-year survival rates (overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and recurrence-free survival) were not different between the RARC and ORC groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the surgical and oncological safety and efficacy of LND during RARC are greater than those of LND during ORC. We believe that LND during RARC is a higher-quality procedure than LND during ORC.

Efficacy of fresh-frozen cadaveric surgical training for arteriovenous fistula in vascular access.

BACKGROUND: Creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as vascular access is a basic operation that should be learned by all surgeons involved in renal failure treatment. AVF creation is often challenging for inexperienced young surgeons because it requires comprehensive surgical techniques. For such young surgeons, we introduced cadaveric surgical training (CST) for AVF creation using fresh-frozen cadavers (FFCs). This study was performed to identify the differences in AVF surgical techniques between FFCs and living bodies and to examine the impact of CST on young surgeons. METHODS: Twelve CST sessions were performed for AVF creation at the Clinical Anatomy Education and Research Center of Tokushima University Hospital from March 2021 to June 2022. Seven young surgeons (1st- and 2nd-year) performed the operation, and two surgeons (10th- and 11th-year) supervised it. We conducted an anonymous questionnaire survey using a 5-point Likert scale to examine the impact of CST on young surgeons. RESULTS: Twelve CST sessions were performed on nine FFCs. All training sessions allowed completion of AVF creation with a median operative time of 78.5 min. Although veins and arteries were more difficult to identify than in a living body, other surgical operations could be performed in the same way as in a living body. All the respondents stated that it was good for them to experience CST. In addition, 86% of surgeons responded that CST improved their surgical techniques, and 71% of surgeons responded that they were less anxious about AVF creation. CONCLUSIONS: CST for AVF creation is useful for surgical education because it enables learning of surgical techniques that are almost equivalent to those in living bodies. In addition, this study suggested that CST not only contributes to the improvement of surgical skills of young surgeons but also promotes the reduction of anxiety and stress about AVF creation.

Assistent guide: A novel device for ureteral stent placement in robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteral stent placement in robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit formation (RICIC) is more challenging than extracorporeal urinary diversion. We developed a novel dedicated device called the Assistent guide for safe and smooth performance of ureteral stent placement by the patient-side surgeon (PSS). METHODS: This study reviewed the clinical records of 59 patients underwent RICIC with a total of 110 ureteral stent placements: 59 stents were placed using the Assistent guide, and 51 stents were placed using a suction tip. RESULTS: The stenting time was significantly shorter in the Assistent guide group than in the suction tip group. Even for beginners, the stenting time was significantly shorter. The PSSs' satisfaction score was significantly higher in the Assistent guide group. No complications associated with ureteral stent placement occurred. CONCLUSIONS: We showed the safety and efficacy of the Assistent guide for ureteral stent placement in RICIC.

Efficacy of the Mercedes-Benz closure technique for vaginal reconstruction in female robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal reconstruction using the posterior vaginal wall is required following radical cystectomy in women with resection of the uterus, adnexa, and anterior vaginal wall. Roll closure and clamshell closure are two widely known techniques. Of these, clamshell closure is recommended because roll closure has a high likelihood of breakdown or a resultant canal that is too narrow for sexual intercourse. In clamshell closure, however, folding the posterior vaginal wall anteriorly can be difficult. Therefore, we devised Mercedes-Benz closure, in which the vaginal wall is sutured from three directions to form a Mercedes-Benz shape, for anastomosis without tension on the vaginal wall. The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy of this alternative surgical technique for vaginal reconstruction. METHODS: Twenty-six patients who underwent vaginal reconstruction following robot-assisted radical cystectomy were divided into two groups: 15 underwent clamshell closure and 11 underwent Mercedes-Benz closure. The patients' characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics, including age, body mass index, and prior abdominal surgery between the two groups. The median vaginal reconstruction time tended to be longer in the Mercedes-Benz closure group than in the clamshell closure group (35.0 vs. 27.0 min, p = 0.102). No complications associated with vaginal reconstruction were identified. CONCLUSION: The surgical outcomes were comparable between Mercedes-Benz closure and clamshell closure. If vaginal reconstruction with clamshell closure is difficult, Mercedes-Benz closure is a valuable alternative technique.

Comparison of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with soft coagulation and double-layer technique for complex and non-complex tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy when only the inner layer is sutured (single-layer technique with soft coagulation) with those when sutures are placed in the inner and outer layers (double-layer technique) in patients with and without complex renal tumors. METHODS: This retrospective three-institution study included 371 patients with renal tumors who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with a double-layer technique or a single-layer technique with soft coagulation. Tumors that were cT1b, completely embedded, located in the renal portal, or had a RENAL score of ≥10 were considered complex. Relevant data were collected from hospital records. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize selection bias. RESULTS: Propensity score matching created 83 patient pairs with non-complex tumors and 32 with complex tumors. Regardless of tumor complexity, there was no significant difference in operation time, console time, warm ischemia time, positive surgical margin rate, or length of hospital stay between the double-layer and single-layer groups. Although Clavien-Dindo grade I-II urinomas not requiring intervention were significantly more common in the single-layer group regardless of tumor complexity, there was no significant between-group difference in the rate of decline in renal function or grade III-IV complications. CONCLUSION: Single-layer suturing with soft coagulation achieves renal function and perioperative outcomes comparable to those of double-layer suturing regardless of complexity.

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in small cell carcinoma of the prostate.

Introduction: Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in small cell carcinoma of the prostate is rare. Case presentation: A 69-year-old man visited our hospital due to dysuria and edema. Bilateral hydronephrosis and lymph node metastases due to a pelvic tumor were observed. Although the prostate-specific antigen level was normal, the tumor was suspected to originate from the prostate. He underwent percutaneous nephrostomy and prostate biopsy. Histopathology revealed small cell carcinoma accompanied by increased pro-gastrin-releasing peptide and neuron-specific enolase levels. After receiving systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide and radiation therapy for prostate, these lesions gradually decreased in size, and tumor markers normalized. Ten months after the initial diagnosis, he developed consciousness disorder and seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed leptomeningeal carcinomatosis without any other recurrences and elevated tumor markers. He died 4 weeks after these symptoms appeared. Conclusion: Careful monitoring of the central nervous system should be considered in small cell carcinoma of the prostate patients.

A propensity score matching study on robot-assisted radical cystectomy for older patients: comparison of intracorporeal ileal conduit and cutaneous ureterostomy.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and intracorporeal urinary diversion are less invasive than conventional procedures. However, for older patients, cutaneous ureterostomy (CUS) may be preferred because urinary diversion using the intestine has a high incidence of perioperative complications and is highly invasive. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) compared with CUS in patients aged 75 years or older who underwent RARC. METHODS: From October 2014 to December 2021, 82 patients aged 75 years or older who underwent RARC at Tokushima University Hospital, Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital, or Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 52 and 25 patients who underwent ICIC and CUS, respectively, were included. After adjusting the patients' characteristics using propensity score-matching, surgical results and prognoses were retrospectively compared. The propensity score was based on age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale (ECOG-PS), American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA-PS), clinical tumor stage, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: The median age was lower in the ICIC group compared with the CUS group, and the proportion of high-risk cases (ECOG-PS ≥ 2 or ASA-PS ≥ 3) did not differ. The median operation time was longer in the ICIC group, and estimated blood loss was higher, compared with the CUS group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications within the first 30 postoperative days, incidence of complications 30-90 days after surgery, 2-year overall survival, 2-year cancer-specific survival, and 2-year recurrence-free survival. The stent-free rate was significantly lower in the CUS group than that in the ICIC group. CONCLUSION: In older patients, the ICIC group showed non-inferior surgical and oncological outcomes compared with the CUS group. Urinary diversion following RARC in older patients should be carefully selected by considering not only the age but also the general condition (including comorbidities) of the patient.

Clinical application of virtual imaging guided Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.

Objectives : To evaluate whether virtual partial nephrectomy images could help surgeons identify vascular and collecting system around tumors during actual surgery. Materials & methods : We retrospectively analyzed 36 patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) between 2016 and 2017. Virtual partial nephrectomy images were created from preoperative CT images using computer software, and then analyzed. For analysis, blood vessels and collecting system portions within a 5-mm-thick safety margin around the tumor were examined. During analysis, we predicted whether targeted vasculature around the tumor would require clipping or suturing during surgery, and also whether the collecting system would require opening during resection. Surgical outcomes for virtual partial nephrectomy analyses and actual RAPNs were compared and analyzed for sensitivity and specificity. Results : In 36 cases, 119 arteries and 100 veins were targeted on virtual partial nephrectomy images. Arterial suturing or clipping for hemostasis showed a sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 84.5%, respectively. For veins, the sensitivity and specificity were 39.1% and 92.2%, respectively. Collecting system opening prediction sensitivity was 85.7%, and specificity was 65.2%. Conclusion : Virtual partial nephrectomy imaging is useful for RAPN planning, particularly regarding arteries and the collecting system. It is hoped that techniques for visualizing veins will improve. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 237-243, August, 2022.

A case of laparoscopic adhesiotomy for urodynia caused by bladder wall adhesion to the anterior abdominal wall after vesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux.

We herein report an extremely rare case of urodynia caused by bladder wall adhesion to the anterior abdominal wall after vesicoscopic ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux with resolution of the urodynia by laparoscopic adhesiotomy. A 13-year-old girl who had undergone vesicoscopic cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation for bilateral grade IV vesicoureteral reflux subsequently experienced severe urodynia for 5 years until her self-report to the attending physician. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested that bladder wall adhesion to the anterior abdominal wall may have caused the urodynia. Therefore, laparoscopic adhesiotomy of the bladder was performed. Notably, her urodynia disappeared immediately after surgery.

Poor Outcome due to the Plasmacytoid Variant of Urothelial Carcinoma.

A 72-year-old man visited our hospital due to pollakiuria and lower abdominal pain. Urinary cytology was positive, and cystoscopy revealed diffuse edematous nonpapillary tumor. We performed transurethral biopsy, and clinical stage T3 plasmacytoid variant of urothelial carcinoma (PUC) was diagnosed. Although we planned for radical cystectomy, peritoneal dissemination and lung and pelvic lymph node metastases appeared 3 weeks after the initial visit. We also planned for chemotherapy; however, the metastases rapidly progressed, and he died 7 weeks after the biopsy. PUC is rare and shows an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis.

Laser endoureterotomy with cut-to-the-light technique for complete ureteral obstruction - A case report.

Ureteral stricture and obstruction following ureteroscopy are often difficult to treat. We report successful laser endoureterotomy using the cut-to-the-light technique for complete obstruction. A 44-year-old man developed complete ureteral obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction following transurethral ureterolithotripsy. We performed laser endoureterotomy and recovered the remaining stone by an antegrade percutaneous approach, while a second surgeon illuminated the obstruction with a ureteroscope by a retrograde approach. The minimally invasive cut-to-the-light technique might be an effective alternative to conventional invasive treatments, such as pyeloplasty, ureteroureterostomy and bowel interposition, in patients with complete ureteral obstruction in whom a ureteral stent cannot be placed.

The patient-side surgeon plays a key role in facilitating robot-assisted intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion in men.

The influence of the console surgeon on the feasibility and outcome of various robot-assisted surgeries has been evaluated. These variables may be partially affected by the skills of the patient-side surgeon (PSS), but this has not been evaluated using objective data. This study aimed to describe the surgical techniques of the PSS in robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) urinary diversion and objectively examine the changes in surgical outcomes with increasing PSS experience. During a 3-year period, 28 men underwent RARC and ICIC urinary diversion. Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between patients who underwent surgery early (first half group) or late in the study period (second half group). The pre-docking incision enabled easy specimen removal. The glove port technique widened the working space of the PSS. The stay suture allowed the PSS to control the distal portion of the conduit, facilitating the passage of the ureteral stents. During stoma creation, pneumoperitoneum pressure was lost by opening the abdominal cavity. To overcome this problem, the robotic arm was used to lift the abdominal wall to maintain the surgical field and facilitate the PSS procedure. Compared with the first half group, the second half group had significantly shorter times for urinary diversion (202 min vs 148 min, p < 0.001), ileal isolation and anastomosis (73 min vs 45 min, p < 0.001), and stenting (23.0 min vs 6.5 min, p < 0.001). As the experience of the PSS increased, the time of the PSS procedures decreased.

Sepsis-associated purpura fulminans caused by emphysematous cystitis.

INTRODUCTION: Emphysematous cystitis is a rare pathology characterized by gas bubbles within the bladder wall and lumen from gas-producing bacteria. Sepsis-associated purpura fulminans is also rare and shows poor clinical outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old man was hospitalized at a nearby hospital due to chronic subdural hematoma, symptomatic epilepsy, and diabetes mellitus. He was transferred to our hospital with fever, low blood pressure, and cyanosis of the legs, and was diagnosed with septic shock due to emphysematous cystitis with purpura fulminans. He underwent intensive treatment, including retroperitoneal drainage. Urine culture was positive for Citrobacter freundii. His general condition gradually improved and diffuse air decreased after surgery, but progressive purpuric skin necrosis became evident on the legs, which could not be salvaged. He died on the 25th hospital day. CONCLUSION: Sepsis-associated purpura fulminans caused by emphysematous cystitis shows a very poor prognosis irrespective of intensive treatment, including retroperitoneal drainage.

Complete response to pembrolizumab in recurrent nested variant of urothelial carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The nested variant of urothelial carcinoma is rare and shows poor prognosis. We report a case of complete response to pembrolizumab in recurrent nested variant. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old man visited another hospital with hematuria and weight loss. Clinical stage T4aN0M0 bladder cancer and acute renal failure were diagnosed. He was referred to our hospital and underwent radical cystectomy. Histological examination showed pathological stage T4aN2 nested variant of urothelial carcinoma. He received 3 cycles of gemcitabine and carboplatin adjuvant chemotherapy. However, para-aortic lymph node metastasis appeared 7 months after cystectomy. He received pembrolizumab as systemic chemotherapy. After 10 cycles, the lesion remained undetectable and we evaluated the response as complete. He has received 18 cycles in total and no recurrences or metastases have been observed. CONCLUSION: Pembrolizumab may offer effective treatment for nested variant of urothelial carcinoma.