Early apical release versus En-bloc no touch technique for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a high-volume single-surgeon cohort study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the early apical release (EAR) technique for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HOLEP) is associated with improved perioperative outcomes compared to the En-bloc no touch (EBNT) technique. METHODS: Consecutive men treated with HOLEP by a single surgeon from August 2018 to March 2021 were identified. Beginning in June 2021 all procedures were performed using the EAR technique, and these were compared to the preceding cases done with the EBNT technique. Intraoperative outcomes included operative time, need for open conversion, enucleation efficiency (tissue removed per minute of OR time), and enucleation ratio (tissue removed relative to preoperative gland size on imaging). Postoperative outcomes included catheter reinsertion, blood transfusion, and complications classified by the Clavien-Dindo scale. RESULTS: We identified 801 men, including 571 (71%) treated with EBNT and 230 (29%) with EAR. Median preoperative characteristics were similar between groups. The EAR approach was associated with significantly longer mean operating room time, 100.5 min versus 91.9 min, p = 0.003. However, EAR patients had a much lower rate of conversion to open cystotomy (0.43% versus 3.0%). There were no significant differences in rate of catheter reinsertion or perioperative complications between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EAR technique by an experienced HoLEP surgeon resulted in longer operative times, potentially reflecting an initial learning curve, but essentially eliminated the need for open cystotomy. Perioperative results including catheter reinsertion rate and bleeding complications were similar between the two cohorts. These data support continued use of the EAR technique for HOLEP to minimize risk of open conversion.

Analysis of fixed and variable operating room (or) time point efficiency in partial nephrectomies: open versus robotic-assisted.

To analyze operating room (OR) efficiency by evaluating fixed and variable OR times for open (OPN) and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomies (RAPN). We analyzed consecutive OPN and RAPN performed by one surgeon over a 24-month period. All patients were placed in the lateral decubitus position and secured with a beanbag regardless of approach. Fixed (non-procedural) OR times were prospectively collected and defined as: in-room to anesthesia-release time (IRAT), anesthesia release to cut time (ARCT), and close to wheels-out time (CTWO). Variable OR time was procedural cut to close time (CTCT). Comparisons of fixed and variable OR time points between OPN and RAPN were performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. 146 RAPN and 31 OPN were evaluated from 2019-2020. Median IRAT was similar for RAPN versus OPN [20 min (IQR: 16-25) vs. 20 min (IQR: 16-26), P = 0.57]. Median ARCT was longer for RAPN than it was for OPN [40 min (IQR: 36-46) vs. 34 min (IQR: 30-39), P < 0.001]. Median CTWO was similar for OPN (12 min, IQR: 9-14) and RAPN (11 min, IQR: 7-15) (P = 0.89). Median CTCT was longer for RAPN (202 min, IQR: 170-236) compared to OPN (164 min, IQR: 154-184) (P < 0.001). In a single surgeon, partial nephrectomy series with the same patient positioning, utilization of robotic technology was associated with longer surgeon operating time as well as less efficient fixed OR times, specifically ARCT.

Prostatic urethral lift (PUL) clip causing postoperative pain after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

Few series exist in the literature of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) after prostatic urethral lift (PUL). Even less well known are potential complications seen after a patient undergoes PUL followed by HoLEP. We present our case of a unique clinical finding of a PUL clip and suture found in the urethra of a patient after HoLEP.

Validation of new baseline renal function predictive model in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a new baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (NB-GFR) formula in a cohort of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomies (RAPN). METHODS: NB-GFR = 35 + preoperative GFR (× 0.65) - 18 (if radical nephrectomy) - age (× 0.25) + 3 (if tumor size >7 cm) - 2 (if diabetes). NB-GFR was calculated in 464 consecutive RAPN from a single surgeon cohort. 143 patients were excluded secondary to insufficient eGFR follow up. We analyzed NB-GFR accuracy utilizing the last observed eGFR 3-12 months post RAPN. Categorical variables were summarized with the frequency and percentage of patients. Numerical variables were summarized with the median, 25th percentile, and 75th percentile. RESULTS: The mean difference between observed and predicted NB-GFR was 4.6 ml/min/1.73m2 (95% CI -6.9 to 16.1 ml/min/1.73m2 ). There was a pattern of higher observed NB-GFRs being underestimated by the NB-GFR equation while lower observed NB-GFRs were overestimated by the NB-GFR equation. The NB-GFR formula had a high level of accuracy with 98.8% of predicted NB-GFRs falling within 30% of the observed NB-GFR (95% CI 86.8% to 99.5%). The median and interquartile range of the difference between observed and predicted NB-GFR was 3.9 ml/min/1.73m2 (IQR 0.7 to 8.2 ml/min/1.73m2 ). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the ability of predicted NB-GFR to identify those with an observed NB-GFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 after RAPN was 98%, 92%, 88%, and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The NB-GFR equation developed with partial and radical nephrectomy cohorts is accurate in predicting post-operative eGFR 3-12 months following RAPN.

Robotic transvesical bladder leiomyoma excision.

Bladder leiomyomas are rare, benign tumors with a variety of clinical presentations. Surgical approach is typically based on symptomatology and leiomyoma location. Literature on robotic excision is limited. We present our case of a unique transvesical approach. The patient had rapid convalescence with no complications, suggesting robotic transvesical excision is a safe, effective treatment for bladder leiomyoma for suitable candidates.

Fat Necrosis Mimicking Renal Cell Carcinoma Recurrence Following Cryotherapy, Partial Nephrectomy, and Nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with three patients surgically treated for suspected recurrent renal cell carcinoma whose final pathology was consistent with tumefactive fat necrosis. METHODS: Three patients underwent definitive therapy for biopsy proven renal cell carcinoma (cryoablation, partial nephrectomy, and nephrectomy) and later demonstrated evidence of recurrent renal cell carcinoma on follow up imaging. All three patients underwent surgical resection of the suspected recurrences with final pathology consistent with tumefactive fat necrosis. RESULTS: The three patients were 60, 74, and 39-years old, respectively. The previous definitive therapies for renal cell carcinoma were percutaneous ablation, RAPN, and nephrectomy. Each patient had previous surgical pathology that confirmed prior renal cell carcinoma. Signs of recurrence on diagnostic imaging occurred 2 years, 23 months, and 8 months post-definitive therapy. CONCLUSION: In patients with a history of renal cell carcinoma, consideration of fat necrosis should be taken into account upon seeing imaging concerning for tumor recurrence. Continued analysis of cases with such a diagnosis will be beneficial in recognizing this possibility to avoid unnecessary surgery or therapy when possible.