Perioperative, Oncological, and Functional Outcomes Between Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy and Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Limited high-quality studies have compared robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) vs open retropubic radical prostatectomy. We sought to compare their postoperative outcomes in a randomized setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single center, 354 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer were assessed for eligibility; 342 were randomized (1:1). The primary outcome was 90-day complication rates. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed over 18 months, and oncological outcomes, biochemical recurrence-free survival, and additional treatment over 36 months. RESULTS: From 2014 to 18, 327 patients underwent surgery (retropubic radical prostatectomy = 156, RALP = 171). Complications occurred in 27 (17.3%) vs 19 (11.1%; P = .107). Patients undergoing RALP experienced lower median bleeding (250.0 vs 719.5 mL; P < .001) and shorter hospitalization time. Urinary EPIC (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) median scores were better for RALP over 18 months, with higher continence rate at 3 months (80.5% vs 64.7%; P = .002), 6 months (90.1% vs 81.6%; P = .036) and 18 months (95.4% vs 78.8%; P < .001). Sexual EPIC and Sexual Health Inventory for Men median scores were higher with RALP up to 12 months, while the potency rate was superior at 3 months (23.9% vs 5.3%; P = .001) and 6 months (30.6% vs 6.9%; P < .001). Quality of life over the 18 months and oncological outcomes over 36 months were not significantly different between arms. CONCLUSIONS: Complications at 90 days were similar. RALP showed superior sexual outcomes at 1 year, improved urinary outcomes at 18 months, and comparable oncological outcomes at 36 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospective Analysis of Robot-Assisted Surgery; NCT02292914. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02292914?cond=NCT02292914&draw=2&rank=1.

Transvaginal ultrasonography for trigonitis diagnosis in women.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic trigonitis (CT) is usually diagnosed through cystoscopy which is invasive and expensive. Thus, an accurate non-invasive diagnostic method is necessary. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of transvaginal bladder ultrasound (TBU) for CT diagnosis. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2021, 114 women (17-76 years old) with recurrent urinary tract infection (RUTI) and history of antibiotic resistance were evaluated with TBU by a single ultrasonographer. As a control group, TBU was performed in 25 age-matched women with no previous history of UTI, urological or gynecological conditions. All patients with RUTI had undergone a cystoscopy with biopsy for diagnostic confirmation at the time of trigone cauterization. RESULTS: Thickening of trigone mucosa (>3 mm) was detected in all patients with RUTI and represented the most relevant criteria for trigonitis diagnosis on TBU. Other TBU findings in CT are: irregular and interrupted mucosa lining (96.4%), free debris in the urine (85.9%), increased blood flow at doppler (81.5%), mucosa shedding and tissue flaps. Biopsy showed CT with erosive pattern (58%) or non-keratinizing metaplasia (42%). Diagnostic agreement index between TBU and cystoscopy was 100%. In the control group, normal trigone mucosa is ultrasonographically regular, continuous, with thickness ≤3 mm and there is no debris in the urine. CONCLUSIONS: TBU proved to be an efficient, inexpensive and minimally invasive method to diagnose CT. To our knowledge, this is the first article that reports the use of transvaginal ultrasound as an alternative method for diagnosing trigonitis.

Step-by-step Laparoscopic Vesiculectomy for Hemospermia.

Hemospermia has been considered as a benign and self-limiting condition. It usually has an inflammatory or infectious cause. However, recurrent or persistent hemospermia may indicate a more serious underlying pathology, especially over 40 years of age. Biopsy or surgical excision is indicated in cases of suspicious findings during investigation, such as cysts or masses. Open surgery has been considered the definitive form of treatment, however, it can be associated with significant morbidity. With growing experience in laparoscopics, this approach is becoming the preferable way to access the seminal vesicles. Our objective is to demonstrate a step-by-step operative technique for laparoscopic unilateral vesiculectomy approach in a man with hemospermia. CASE: A 61 year-old man presented with 1 year of hemospermia. He was treated empirically with a fluoroquinolone plus a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory without resolution of symptoms. Ultrasonography and MRI showed a solid-cystic mass in the right seminal vesicle. The patient was submitted to a laparoscopic unilateral vesiculectomy. Histopathological analysis showed intraluminal dilatation with blood content. During follow-up, complete resolution of symptoms was seen. RESULTS: Three patients composed our cohort. Mean age was 53 years-old (range 45-61 years), the right side was more commonly affected (two unilateral on the right and bilateral). Mean operative time was 55 minutes (range 40-120min). One patient presented amyloidosis in the histopathological analysis. All cases presented complete resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic vesiculectomy is a safe and feasible approach in cases of hemospermia. This technique showed good outcomes and minimal morbidity.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy learning curve for experienced laparoscopic surgeons: does it really exist?

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a minimally invasive procedure that could have a reduced learning curve for unfamiliar laparoscopic surgeon. However, there are no consensuses regarding the impact of previous laparoscopic experience on the learning curve of RALP. We report on a functional and perioperative outcome comparison between our initial 60 cases of RALP and last 60 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), performed by three experienced laparoscopic surgeons with a 200+LRP cases experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and September 2013, a total of 60 consecutive patients who have undergone RALP were prospectively evaluated and compared to the last 60 cases of LRP. Data included demographic data, operative duration, blood loss, transfusion rate, positive surgical margins, hospital stay, complications and potency and continence rates. RESULTS: The mean operative time and blood loss were higher in RALP (236 versus 153 minutes, p<0.001 and 245.6 versus 202ml p<0.001). Potency rates at 6 months were higher in RALP (70% versus 50% p=0.02). Positive surgical margins were also higher in RALP (31.6% versus 12.5%, p=0.01). Continence rates at 6 months were similar (93.3% versus 89.3% p=0.43). Patient's age, complication rates and length of hospital stay were similar for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced laparoscopic surgeons (ELS) present a learning curve for RALP only demonstrated by longer operative time and clinically insignificant blood loss. Our initial results demonstrated similar perioperative and functional outcomes for both approaches. ELS were able to achieve satisfactory oncological and functional results during the learning curve period for RALP.

Specific training for LESS surgery results from a prospective study in the animal model.

OBJECTIVE: to prospectively evaluate the ability of post-graduate students enrolled in a laparoscopy program of the Institute for Teaching and Research to complete single port total nephrectomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 post-graduate students were enrolled in the study, which was performed using the SILStm port system for single-port procedures. All participants were already proficient in total nephrectomies in animal models and performed a left followed by a right nephrectomy. Analyzed data comprised incision size, complications, and the time taken to complete each part of the procedure. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: All students successfully finished the procedure using the single-port system. A total of 30 nephrectomies were analyzed. Mean incision size was 3.61 cm, mean time to trocar insertion was 9.61 min and to dissect the renal hilum was 25.3 min. Mean time to dissect the kidney was 5.18 min and to complete the whole procedure was 39.4 min. Total renal hilum and operative time was 45.8% (p<0.001) and 38% (p=0.001) faster in the second procedure, respectively. Complications included 3 renal vein lesions, 2 kidney lacerations and 1 lesion of a lumbar artery. All were immediately identified and corrected laparoscopically through the single-port system, except for one renal vein lesion, which required the introduction an auxiliary laparoscopic port. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic single-port nephrectomy in the experimental animal model is a feasible but relatively difficult procedure for those with intermediate laparoscopic experience. Intraoperative complications might be successfully treated with the single-port system. Training aids reducing surgical time and improves outcomes.

Comparison beetwen open and laparoscopic radical cistectomy in a Latin American reference center: perioperative and oncological results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the differences of peri-operatory and oncological outcomes between Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy and Open Radical Cystectomy in our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 50 patients were included in this non randomized match-pair analysis: 25 patients who had undergone Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer (Group-1) and 25 patients with similar characteristics who had undergone Open Radical Cystectomy (Group-2). The patients were operated from January 2005 to December 2012 in a single Institution. RESULTS: Mean operative time for groups 1 and 2 were 350 and 280 minutes (p=0.03) respectively. Mean blood loss was 330 mL for group 1 and 580 mL for group 2 (p=0.04). Intraoperative transfusion rate was 0% and 36% for groups 1 and 2 respectively (p=0.005). Perioperative complication rate was similar between groups. Mean time to oral intake was 2 days for group 1 and 3 days for group 2 (p=0.08). Median hospital stay was 7 days for group 1 and 13 for group 2 (p=0.04). There were no differences in positive surgical margins and overall survival, between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a reference center with pelvic laparoscopic expertise, Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy may be considered a safe procedure with similar complication rate of Open Radical Cystectomy. Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy is more time consuming, with reduced bleeding and transfusion rate. Hospital stay seems to be shorter. Oncologically no difference was observed in our mid-term follow-up.

Use of biological Glue (Bioglue®) in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: a study in pigs.

INTRODUCTION: Partial nephrectomy is the standard of care for localized renal tumors. However, bleeding and warm ischemia time are still controversial when laparoscopic surgeries are carried out. Herein, we aim to compare the outcomes from laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with and without the use of biological glue with purified bovine albumin and glutaraldehyde (BioGlue ®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four kidneys of 12 pigs were used in this study. A pre-determined lower pole segment was resected (3 cm x 1 cm) and one of two different hemostatic techniques was performed. In one kidney, hemostatic ″ U suture ″ (poliglecaprone 3.0) was performed and in the contra-lateral kidney, only the biological glue was applied. Data recorded was comprised of warm ischemia time (seconds) and estimated blood loss (mL) for each procedure. In cases of bleeding after glue administration, a complementary suture was done. RESULTS: Mean warm ischemia time was 492.9 ± 113.1 (351-665) seconds and 746 ± 185.3 (409-1125) seconds for biological glue and suture groups, respectively. There was a positive significant difference in terms of warm ischemia favoring the biological glue group over the suture group (p<0.001). Mean blood loss was 39.4 (0-115) mL for the biological glue group and 39.1 (5-120) mL for the suture group (p=0.62). CONCLUSION: Biological glue is an important tool for laparoscopic partial nephrectomies. It is effective for hemostatic control in selected cases, and it can be used in combination with the traditional suture techniques.

Infrared Thermometer: an accurate tool for temperature measurement during renal surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate infrared thermometer (IRT) accuracy compared to standard digital thermometer in measuring kidney temperature during arterial clamping with and without renal cooling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 pigs weighting 20Kg underwent selective right renal arterial clamping, 10 with (Group 1 - Cold Ischemia with ice slush) and 10 without renal cooling (Group 2 - Warm Ischemia). Arterial clamping was performed without venous clamping. Renal temperature was serially measured following clamping of the main renal artery with the IRT and a digital contact thermometer (DT): immediate after clamping (T0), after 2 (T2), 5 (T5) and 10 minutes (T10). Temperature values were expressed in mean, standard deviation and range for each thermometer. We used the T student test to compare means and considered p < 0.05 to be statistically significant. RESULTS: In Group 1, mean DT surface temperature decrease was 12.6 ± 4.1°C (5-19°C) while deep DT temperature decrease was 15.8 ± 1.5 °C (15-18 °C). For the IRT, mean temperature decrease was 9.1 ± 3.8 °C (3-14°C). There was no statistically significant difference between thermometers. In Group 2, surface temperature decrease for DT was 2.7 ± 1.8°C (0-4°C) and mean deep temperature decrease was 0.5 ± 1.0 °C (0-3 °C). For IRT, mean temperature decrease was 3.1 ± 1.9°C (0-6°C). No statistically significant difference between thermometers was found at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: IRT proved to be an accurate non-invasive precise device for renal temperature monitoring during kidney surgery. External ice slush cooling confirmed to be fast and effective at cooling the pig model.

The influence of interstitial cells of Cajal density in the outcomes of pyeloplasty in adults: A prospective analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if the density of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) influences the outcomes of pyeloplasty in adults. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with the diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) that underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty were included. ICC density was measured using immunohistochemistry reaction for c-KIT expression in the resected UPJ segment. Pyeloplasty outcome was evaluated by patient self-report pain, urinary outflow using DTPA renogram and hydronephrosis assessment using ultrasound (US) at 12 months of follow-up. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of pyeloplasty outcomes and ICC density. RESULTS: Low, moderate, and high ICC density were present in 17.4%, 30.4%, and 52.2% of the patients, respectively. Complete pain resolution was observed in 100%, 85.7%, and 75% of patients with low, moderate and high ICC density, respectively (p = 0.791). DTPA renogram improved in 75%, 85.7%, and 91.7% of patients with low, moderate and high ICC density, respectively (p = 0.739). Hydronephrosis improved in 25%, 85.7%, and 91.7% of patients with low, moderate and high ICC density, respectively (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high ICC density have a significant amelioration of hydronephrosis after pyeloplasty. However, ICC density is not associated with functional outcomes.

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty in secondary obstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the management of secondary ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction by laparoscopic pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with symptomatic secondary UPJ obstruction undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty were included. Eight patients had obstruction on the right side and five patients on the left. The causes of obstruction were: failed Acucise retrograde endopyelotomy in seven patients, open pyelolithotomy in three, open pyeloplasty in one, retrograde endopyelotomy with laser in one, and laparoscopic pyeloplasty in one. Laparoscopic transperitoneal pyeloplasty was performed in all patients. A Double J stent was introduced antegrade and intraoperatively and removed 6 weeks later in all patients. RESULTS: Laparoscopic transperitoneal pyeloplasty was successful in 12 patients (92.3%). Operative time ranged from 135 to 270 minutes, with a mean of 195 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 2.2 days (range 2 to 5 days). Follow-up ranged from 16 to 36 months with a mean of 22.4 months. Blood loss was insignificant in all surgeries, and no conversion or intraoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty for secondary UPJ obstruction in our series was performed without conversion to open surgery. The initial results were similar to those of primary laparoscopy in our series or those of open pyeloplasty reported in the literature. These results led us to consider the laparoscopic correction as a good alternative in such cases.

Surgical treatment of lymphedema of the penis and scrotum.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema of the penis and scrotum, regardless of its etiology, is determined by reduced lymphatic flow with subsequent enlargement of the penis and scrotum. The clinical course of this condition is characterized by extreme discomfort for patients, with limitation of local hygiene, ambulation, sexual intercourse, and voiding in the standing position. The purpose of the present study is to present the experience and results of the treatment of lymphedema of the penis and scrotum by removing affected tissues and correcting the penoscrotal region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with lymphedema of the penis and scrotum were treated with a modified Charles procedure, which consists of the excision of the affected skin followed by scrotoplasty and midline suture simulating the scrotal raphe. The penis is covered with a split-thickness skin graft by means of a zigzag suture on its ventral surface. RESULTS: Regression of symptoms and improvement of previous clinical conditions were verified in the follow-up which ranged from 6 months to 6 years. One patient who had undergone lymphadenectomy with radiation therapy due to penile cancer had recurrent scrotum lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Charles procedure for the treatment of penoscrotal lymphedema is easily reproducible and allows better local hygiene, easier ambulation, voiding in the standing position, resuming sexual intercourse, and finally, better cosmetic results in the affected area with remarkable improvement in quality of life.

Videolaparoscopic prostatectomy in porcine model for training residents

ABSTRACT Introduction: Surgical training models prepare the resident for a more ethical surgical practice as well as providing a less steep learning curve. In urology, there are well-known models of pyeloplasty simulation, urethro-vesical anastomosis and nephrectomy, which have helped in the training of urology residents (1-3). Learning laparoscopic prostatectomy is a difficult surgery and requires advanced surgical skill from the surgeon (4), requires operate without a direct view of the surgical field in a two-dimensional space and with longer instruments (5). Laparoscopic prostatectomy step by step makes the surgeon's learning curve less difficult, lead to less intraoperative complications, such as blood loss, while also enabling shorter operative time and less positive surgical margins (6). The objective of surgical models is to simulate surgical procedures in a reliable way thus preparing the surgeon for his daily practice, surgical simulations in animal models have been described to compensate for inadequate clinical exposure (7). The canine model of prostate cancer has many similarities with humans. Despite trying to develop a model that is as credible as possible, there are ethical issues in several countries, such as Brazil, that do not allow the use of live dogs for scientific experimentation and there is a difficulty in not standardizing the animals used (8, 9). The swine surgical training model is widely known, accepted and used as a valuable tool in the teaching of new surgeons (10). The porcine video laparoscopic prostatectomy model allows the urologist in training to exercise the skills required in a real surgical situation, practicing them in a single session (10). We will present an experimental model in pigs for training urology residents in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with current techniques (11-13). The limitations found are that the prostate has no limits as well defined as in humans, the urethra is long and coiled, the fat surrounding the pelvic organs is scarce and there is no postoperative follow-up for evaluating functionality after the procedure, as well as the effectiveness of the surgery with surgical margins. However, it is similar in surgical model presented, it is reproducible and can provide a realistic simulation environment to the beginner surgeon. Material and Methods: In this paper, according to the institutional protocol approved by the institutional ethics and research committee FMUSP n° 964/2017 and protocol was in accordance with current international regulations for the use of animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guide. Ten male pigs weighing 20 to 22kg were used. The animals were anesthetized with a combination of Telazol (5mg/kg), Xylazine (1.5mg/kg), Cetamine (22mg/kg) and Atropine (0.04mg/kg) for orotracheal intubation followed by Isoflurane (2%). Animals were euthanized at the end of the procedure with a lethal dose of KCl (2mEq/kg). The trocar insertion points were marked using the epigastric vessels and umbilical region as reference points. Initially, urethral catheterization was performed using a hydrophilic Nitinol guidewire, followed by a perineal incision to dissect the tortuous urethra of the porcine model. A malleable urethral catheter 8Fr was inserted into their bladder. The animal was placed in the Trendelenburg position inserted and 12mm trocars were inserted in its umbilical region, utilizing 10mm in the surgeon's dominant hand, 5mm in his non-dominant hand of the surgeon, and 5mm in the first assistant's trocar. The surgeon replicates the steps performed in a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in humans, including the bladder catheterization, dissection of the anterior bladder plane, the vesicular and prostatic dissection, the suture of the dorsal venous plexus, a prostatectomy, an urethral vesical anast omosis, as well as the waterproof test, even including the performing of surgical steps using current concepts of anterior urethral suspension as the reconstruction of the posterior plane of the rhabdosphincter. Results: All steps of surgery could be reproduced in all ten porcine cases. No significant bleeding was observed and the surgical time was gradually reduced fifty percent from case one to last cases. Conclusions: The porcine model allowed the surgeon to replicate all the steps usually performed in a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The junior surgeons are better prepared to such difficult surgery. However, further studies will be necessary to prove the impact of the animal model presented in urological clinical practice.

Endoscopic treatment of vesical and urethral perforations after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure for female stress urinary incontinence.

UNLABELLED: Stress urinary incontinence is a problem that is prevalent in women, and its treatment with minimally invasive techniques using synthetic materials has increased recently, although the procedure has also brought increased occurrence of specific complications such as vesical and urethral perforations. We describe 11 cases of endoscopic correction of vesical and urethral perforations due to the use of synthetic material for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Eleven patients were treated for complications after undergoing the TVT(R) (tension-free vaginal tape) procedure; 6 of them had the polypropylene tape inside the bladder, and 5 had erosion of the urethra. Endoscopic resection of the polypropylene tapes was performed on all patients. RESULTS: A 6-month follow-up with cystoscopic control showed that the procedures were successful with complete relief of the symptoms except for 1 patient who persisted with the polypropylene tape in the bladder. This patient underwent a new endoscopic resection, and the cystoscopic control exam was normal 3 months later. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic resection of intravesical and intraurethral synthetic tapes can be considered a good alternative for the treatment of complications resulting from the TVT procedure.

Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy for complicated upper urinary tract obstruction: mid-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To report on the largest series of laparoscopic ureterocalicostomies done for complicated upper urinary obstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data from 6 transperitoneal laparoscopic ureterocalicostomies performed in our institution from January 2008 to January 2012. Symptomatic complicated upper urinary obstruction was the main reason for all the procedures. The recorded data included age, gender, clinical presentation, duration of symptoms, laterality, mean operative time, hospital stay, complications and clinical and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The median patient age was 20.1 (2-44) years, and all patients were females. Patients underwent laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy due to previous failed procedures (3 patients), anatomic abnormalities (2 patients) and a severe upper ureteral stenosis (1 patient). The median operative time was 215 (180-270) min. There were no major complications. There were no conversions to open surgery. In a median follow-up of 30 (8-56) months, all patients presented with clinical and radiological improvement with no signs of obstruction. In all cases, the postoperative renal scintigraphy revealed a T1/2 lower than 10 min. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy is feasible and associated with high success rate in well-selected cases with complicated upper urinary obstructions.

Lessons from 90 consecutive laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties in a residency program.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report on the safety and efficacy of 90 consecutive laparoscopic pyeloplasties carried out in a university hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The outcomes of 90 transperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasties that were performed by residents at the hospital from March 2004 to March 2010 were analyzed. All of the surgeries were performed because of symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes dismembered technique was used in all cases, and a double-J stent was routinely placed and left in place for 4 weeks. The patients were followed up clinically and with imaging studies. Clinical data, outcomes and complication rates for the patients were retrospectively reviewed using a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 38.9 (10-80) years, and 46 patients (51.1%) were males. The mean operative time was 222.5 (125-400) min. The surgery was completed laparoscopically in 96.6% of cases (87 patients). Conversion was required owing to technical difficulties in three cases. Overall, four (4.4%) patients had major complications. Seventy-six of the 87 patients (87.3%) presented improvements in symptomatology at a median follow-up of 39.7 (6-75) months. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is feasible and associated with high success and low complication rates, even in a residency program.