Impact of low pneumoperitoneum on renal function and acute kidney injury biomarkers during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP): a randomised clinical trial.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of low pneumoperitoneum pressure (Pnp) on renal function and renal injury biomarkers during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). A single-centre, triple-blinded, randomised clinical trial was conducted with 98 patients undergoing RARP, who were assigned to either standard Pnp of 12 mmHg or low Pnp of 7 mmHg. The primary outcome was urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (u-NGAL), and several other kidney injury biomarkers were assessed as secondary outcomes. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was evaluated using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria, the gold standard method for defining AKI. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04755452). Patients in the low Pnp group had significantly lower levels of u-NGAL (mean difference - 39.9, 95% CI - 73.7 to - 6.1, p = 0.02) compared to the standard Pnp group. No significant differences were observed for other urinary biomarkers. Interestingly, there was a significant difference in intraoperative urine production between the groups (low Pnp median: 200 mL, IQR: 100-325 vs. standard Pnp median: 100 mL, IQR: 50-200, p = 0.01). Similarly, total postoperative urine production also varied significantly (low Pnp median: 1325 mL, IQR: 1025-1800 vs. standard Pnp median: 1000 mL, IQR: 850-1287, p = 0.001). The occurrence of AKI, as defined by the KDIGO criteria, did not differ significantly between the groups. Low Pnp during RARP resulted in lower u-NGAL levels, suggesting a potential benefit in terms of reduced renal injury. However, the lack of a notable difference in AKI as defined by the KDIGO criteria indicates that the clinical significance of this finding may be limited. Further research is needed to validate and expand on these results, ultimately defining the optimal Pnp strategy for RARP and improving patient outcomes.

Low- versus standard- pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a randomised, triple-blinded study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and impact of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (Pnp) on postoperative quality of recovery (QoR) and surgical workspace (SWS) in patients with prostate cancer undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomised, triple-blinded trial was conducted in a single centre in Denmark from March 2021 to January 2022. A total of 98 patients with prostate cancer undergoing RARP were randomly assigned to either low-pressure Pnp (7 mmHg) or standard-pressure Pnp (12 mmHg). Co-primary outcomes were postoperative QoR measured via the QoR-15 questionnaire on postoperative Day 1 (POD1), POD3, POD14, and POD30, and SWS assessed intraoperatively by a blinded assessor (surgeon) via a validated SWS scale. Data analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: Patients who underwent RARP at low Pnp pressure demonstrated better postoperative QoR on POD1 (mean difference = 10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4-15.5), but no significant differences were observed in the SWS (mean difference = 0.25, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.54). Patients allocated to low-pressure Pnp experienced statistically higher blood loss than those in the standard-pressure Pnp group (mean difference = 67 mL, P = 0.01). Domain analysis revealed significant improvements in pain (P = 0.001), physical comfort (P = 0.007), and emotional state (P = 0.006) for patients with low-pressure Pnp. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04755452, on 16/02/2021. CONCLUSION: Performing RARP at low Pnp pressure is feasible without compromising the SWS and improves postoperative QoR, including pain, physical comfort, and emotional state, compared to the standard pressure.

Validation of a surgical workspace scale during robot-assisted surgery.

BACKGROUND: A sufficient surgical workspace is crucial to avoid complications. Within classic laparoscopy, many subjective surgical rating scales (SRSs) have previously been used to evaluate the surgical workspace. This study aimed to validate a modified version of the 5-point SRS during robot-assisted radical nephrectomy (RARN). METHODS: Thirty-two intra-operative videos of intraperitoneal spaces were recorded from eight patients who underwent RARN. To attain the visualisation of different types of workspaces, we recorded 20 s panoramic videos of different pneumoperitoneum, namely 3, 5, 7 and 12 mmHg. The videos were randomised and presented two times to eight experienced robotic surgeons to evaluate the workspace using our modified 5-point SRS. Both inter-and intra-rater reliabilities were tested. RESULTS: The results of the validation study showed moderate inter-rater and good to excellent intra-rater reliability. CONCLUSION: This is a valid tool that can be confidently used by future researchers in the field of robot-assisted surgery.

National Implementation of Simulator Training Improves Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumours in Patients.

Background: Transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBT) is the initial diagnostic treatment for patients with bladder cancer. TURBT is not an easy procedure to master and simulator training may play a role in improving the learning curve. Objective: To implement a national training programme for simulation-based mastery learning in TURBT and explore operating theatre performance after training. Design setting and participants: From June 2019 to March 2021, 31 doctors at urology departments in Denmark performed two pretraining TURBT procedures on patients, followed by proficiency-based mastery learning on a virtual reality simulator and then two post-training TURBTs on patients. Outcome measurements and statistical analyses: Operating theatre performances were video-recorded and assessed by two independent, blinded raters using the Objective Structured Assessment for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumours Skills (OSATURBS) assessment tool. Paired-sample t tests were used to compare pretraining and post-training analyses and independent t tests for between-group comparisons. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03864302. Results and limitations: Before training, novices had significantly lower performance scores in comparison to those with intermediate experience (p = 0.017) and experienced doctors (p < 0.001). After training, novices significantly improved their clinical performance score (from 11.4 to 17.1; p = 0.049, n = 10). Those with intermediate experience and experienced doctors did not benefit significantly from simulator training (p = 0.9 and p = 0.8, respectively). Conclusions: Novices improved their TURBT performance in the operating theatre after completing a proficiency-based training programme on a virtual reality simulator. Patient summary: We trained surgeons in an operation to remove bladder tumours using a virtual reality simulator. Novice doctors improved their performance significantly after the training, but the training effects for more experienced doctors were minimal. Therefore, we suggest the introduction of mandatory simulator training in the residency programme for urologists.

Validation of a Novel Assessment Tool Identifying Proficiency in Transurethral Bladder Tumor Resection: The OSATURBS Assessment Tool.

Background: Competence in transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURB) is critical in bladder cancer management and should be ensured before independent practice. Objective: To develop an assessment tool for TURB and explore validity evidence in a clinical context. Design, Setting, and Participants: From July 2019 to March 2021, a total of 33 volunteer doctors from three hospitals were included after exemption from the regional ethics committee (REG-008-2018). Participants performed two TURB procedures on patients with bladder tumors. A newly developed assessment tool (Objective Structured Assessment for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors Skills, OSATURBS) was used for direct observation assessment (DOA), self-assessment (SA), and blinded video assessment (VA). Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Cronbach's alpha and Pearson's r were calculated for across items internal consistency reliability, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest reliability. Correlation between OSATURBS scores and the operative experience was calculated with Pearson's r and a pass/fail score was established. Differences in assessment scores were explored with paired t-test and independent samples t-test. Results and Limitations: The internal consistency reliability across items Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 (n = 260, p < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability was 0.80 (n = 64, p < 0.001). Test-retest correlation was high, r = 0.71 (n = 32, p < 0.001). Relationship with TURB experience was high, r = 0.71 (n = 32, p < 0.001). Pass/fail score was 19 points. DOAs were strongly correlated with video ratings (r = 0.85, p < 0.001) but with a significant social bias with lower scores for inexperienced and higher scores for experienced participants. Participants tended to overestimate their own performances. Conclusions: OSATURBS tool for TURB can be used for assessment of surgical proficiency in the clinical setting. DOA and SA are biased, and blinded VA of TURB performances is advised. Clinical Trials NCT03864302.

Clinical experience with the Swiss lithoclast master in treatment of bladder calculi.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bladder calculi account for 5% of urinary tract calculi in the Western world, and many different treatment modalities have been presented throughout the decades. We report our clinical experience using the Swiss LithoClast® Master (SLM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SLM is a rigid, hand-held endourologic probe including a pneumatic lithotriptor and an ultrasonic lithotriptor. Attached to the ultrasonic modality is a suction system. The two lithotriptor modalities are controlled by a footswitch and can be activated separately or simultaneously. The SLM is used via a rigid endoscope. Indications for treatment were medical complaints such as hematuria, lower urinary tract symptoms, pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, recurrent bursts of balloon in indwelling catheters, and difficulties performing clean intermittent self-catheterization. RESULTS: From August 1, 2009, to August 1, 2011, 27 patients were treated for bladder calculi (24 men). Five had a neurogenic voiding dysfunction, 3 had prostate cancer, and 19 had benign prostatic enlargement or detrusor muscle insufficiency. Median age was 74 years (range 45-86 years). Stone clearance was obtained in 26 (96%) patients. Stone burden was one or multiple bladder calculi. Median stone size of the largest stone in each patient was 20 (5-40) mm. Under the same anesthesia, two patients underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate because of a very large prostate. Median lithotripsy time was 60 (range 20-144) minutes. All patients were discharged within 24 hours. CONCLUSION: The method described is a safe and quick method for endoscopic lithotripsy of bladder calculi rendering the patients stone free in the vast majority of cases. The procedure can be performed as day-case surgery.