Cost-effectiveness analysis of minimally invasive surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia: implications for Japan's public healthcare system.

AIMS: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) represents a significant public health issue in Japan. This study evaluated the lifetime cost-effectiveness of water vapor energy therapy (WAVE) versus prostatic urethral lift (PUL) for men with moderate-to-severe BPH from a public healthcare payer's perspective in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A decision analytic model compared WAVE to PUL among males in Japan. Clinical effectiveness and adverse event (AE) inputs were obtained from a systematic literature review. Resource utilization and cost inputs were derived from the Medical Data Vision database and medical service fee national data in Japan. Experts reviewed and validated model input parameters. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine how changes in the values of uncertain parameters affect the model results. RESULTS: Throughout patients' lifetimes, WAVE was associated with higher quality-adjusted life years (0.920 vs. 0.911 year 1; 15.564 vs. 15.388 lifetime) and lower total costs (¥734,134 vs. ¥888,110 year 1; ¥961,595 vs. ¥1,429,458 lifetime) compared to PUL, indicating that WAVE is a more effective and less costly (i.e. dominant) treatment strategy across all time horizons. Lifetime cost-savings for the Japanese healthcare system per patient treated with WAVE instead of PUL were ¥467,863. The 32.7% cost difference between WAVE and PUL was predominantly driven by lower WAVE surgical retreatment rates (4.9% vs. 19.2% for WAVE vs PUL, respectively, at 5 years) and AE rates (hematuria 11.8% vs. 25.7%, dysuria 16.9% vs. 34.3%, pelvic pain 2.9% vs. 17.9%, and urinary incontinence 0.4% vs. 1.3% for WAVE vs PUL, respectively, at 3 months). Model findings were robust to changes in parameter input values. LIMITATIONS: The model represents a simplification of complex factors involved in resource allocation decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Driven by lower retreatment and AE rates, WAVE was a cost-effective and cost-saving treatment for moderate-to-severe BPH in Japan compared to PUL, providing better outcomes at lower costs to the healthcare system.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an important public health issue in Japan, given its high prevalence and potential morbidity in a rapidly aging population. This study compared the clinical and economic outcomes of two minimally invasive surgical treatments for BPH (water vapor energy therapy [WAVE] vs. prostatic urethral lift [PUL]) for patients in Japan. Clinical effectiveness and adverse event (AE) information from published medical literature, and real-world health services and cost data from Japan, were used to estimate the impact of the two treatments. Compared to PUL, WAVE was found to provide better clinical outcomes and quality-of-life for patients whilst costing less to the Japanese healthcare system. Patients treated with WAVE had higher lifetime quality-adjusted life years vs. patients treated with PUL (15.564 vs. 15.388). Lifetime cost-savings for the Japanese healthcare system per patient treated with WAVE instead of PUL were estimated to be ¥467,863. The 32.7% cost difference between WAVE and PUL was predominantly driven by lower retreatment rates for WAVE (surgical retreatment rate was 4.9% vs. 19.2% for WAVE vs. PUL, respectively, at 5 years) and AE rates (AE rates at 3 months for WAVE vs. PUL, respectively, were: hematuria 11.8% vs. 25.7%, dysuria 16.9% vs. 34.3%, pelvic pain 2.9% vs. 17.9%, and urinary incontinence 0.4% vs. 1.3%). These findings provide evidence-based insights for clinicians, payers, and health policymakers to further define the role of WAVE for BPH in Japan.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate as a secondary surgery following prostatic urethral lift.

Introduction: Prostatic urethral lift is a treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia, yet information on surgeries following this procedure is scarce. Case presentation: A 71-year-old man with persistent urinary retention following prostatic urethral lift underwent a secondary holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. The morcellation procedure, complicated by the presence of implants from the previous surgery, broke the morcellator blade. The fragmented blade was successfully retrieved without any organ damage. Postoperatively, the patient encountered no complications and showed improvement in his urinary symptoms. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential risk of device breakage when a secondary surgery, specifically the morcellation process, is performed following prostatic urethral lift. Care must be taken to prevent interaction between the implants and the morcellator. Our case demonstrates the efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate as a salvage surgical intervention for patients in whom prostatic urethral lift has failed.

Computed Tomography Renal Volumetry Better Predicts Postoperative Donor Renal Function in Live Kidney Donor Transplantation than Renal Scintigraphy: A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Both computed tomography (CT) and renal scintigraphy (RS) have been used to assess vascular anatomy, renal status, and split renal function (SRF). In this study, we used a recently developed software that facilitates renal volumetric evaluations to compare RS and automated CT volumetry for assessing residual renal function and, thus, estimating postoperative renal function after donor nephrectomy. METHODS: Fifty-one cases of donor nephrectomy were analyzed. Residual renal function was estimated based on RS and CT volumetry. The correlation between the postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and expected SRF, measured using RS and three types of CT volumetry data (ellipsoid, thin-slice, and 5-mm slice data), was determined. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient between actual eGFR and expected SRF was significantly associated at each time point and modality (p < 0.0001). At any time point, the difference in correlation coefficient between RS and 5-mm volumetry was significant (p value: 0.003-0.018), whereas the differences in correlation coefficients between RS and the triaxial volume calculation, and the triaxial volume calculation and 5-mm volumetry, were generally statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Expected SRF was estimated more accurately by CT volumetric calculations (especially 5-mm slice-based volumetry) than RS.

Leiomyoma of the Prostate Treated via Holmium Laser Enucleation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Leiomyoma is a rare tumor that arises from mesenchymal cells, with few reported cases of treatment using holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. A 74-year-old man with dysuria had a mass near the bladder neck in magnetic resonance imaging; this entity was suspected to be a leiomyoma. The patient underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and one lobe was removed. However, the mass was firm and morcellation was difficult to break into small pieces. Therefore, it was fragmented via trans-urethral resection and removed with a curette. The postoperative course was favorable, with a positive clinical outcome. This case highlights the efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in the management of prostatic leiomyoma and emphasizes its importance as a viable treatment option.

Risk Factors for Intraoperative Hypothermia during Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

INTRODUCTION: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is considered a size-independent gold standard for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and there is no upper limit of prostate weight that can be treated. Tissue retrieval can be time-consuming in cases of significant prostatic enlargement, which may lead to intraoperative hypothermia. As there are few studies on perioperative hypothermia in HoLEP, we conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent HoLEP at our hospital. METHODS: The data of 147 patients who underwent HoLEP at our hospital were retrospectively collected and analyzed for the occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia (temperature <36°C); age, body mass index (BMI), anesthesia method, body temperature, total fluid infusion, operation time, and irrigation fluid were the explanatory variables. RESULTS: Intraoperative hypothermia was observed in 46 of 147 patients (31.3%). Simple logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.13, p = 0.021), BMI (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72-0.96, p = 0.017), spinal anesthesia (OR: 4.92, 95% CI: 1.86-14.99, p = 0.002), and surgical time (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06, p = 0.006) were predictors of hypothermia. The decrease in body temperature was more pronounced with longer-duration surgery and reached 0.58°C at 180 min. CONCLUSION: General anesthesia, instead of spinal anesthesia, is recommended in high-risk patients with advanced age or low BMI to avoid intraoperative hypothermia during HoLEP. Two-stage morcellation may be considered for large adenomas, when a prolonged operative time and hypothermia are anticipated.

Simplified approach to the medial internal iliac region using a uretero-hypogastric nerve fascia development procedure for extended pelvic lymph node dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Although several clinical guidelines for prostate cancer (PC) recommend extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) during radical prostatectomy for high-risk cases, there are several issues to consider, including certain technical aspects. A simplified approach to the medial internal iliac region and paravesical arteries has not been established. The uretero-hypogastric nerve fascia (UHF) envelopes the ureter, hypogastric nerve, and pelvic autonomic nerves. To preserve the UHF, it is possible to approach the medial side of the internal iliac vessels without injuring any important tissue. We analyzed technical feasibility and lymph node (LN) yields. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After obtaining institutional review board approval, 265 high-risk PC patients with ePLND were identified. A da Vinci S or Xi robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) was used. We divided the patients into conventional (non-UHF) method and modified (UHF) groups. The numbers of LNs removed, procedure-related complications, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The median number of LNs removed was 19.0 in the non-UHF group and 22.0 in the UHF group (p = 0.004). Significantly more LNs were removed from the internal iliac region in the UHF group (p = 0.042). There was no difference in overall operative, console, or LN dissection time, or the severe complication rate (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III), between the non-UHF and UHF groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our simplified approach using the UHF development technique is technically feasible, has no major complications, and allows for the removal of significantly more LNs compared with the conventional method.

Peritoneal invasion of prostate cancer directly confirmed during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Introduction: Several studies have been published on direct rectal invasion in patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer, but few have directly confirmed intraoperative invasion of prostate cancer into the peritoneum. Case presentation: We report the case of a 73-year-old man with prostate cancer who exhibited peritoneal invasion during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. His prostate-specific antigen level fell to 0.38 ng/mL after surgery; he was therefore prescribed radiation and androgen-deprivation therapies that controlled the cancer for more than 1 year. Conclusions: We encountered a case showing direct peritoneal invasion of prostate cancer during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. If invasion of the seminal vesicle is suspected, the vesicorectal fossa should be examined during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Preoperative confirmation by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging of the peritoneum is also useful.

Long-term results after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy of a simplified inguinal hernia prevention technique without artificial substance use.

INTRODUCTION: Durable techniques that prevent postoperative inguinal hernia (IH) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) have not been established. This study evaluated the long-term efficacy of a postoperative IH prevention technique that uses no artificial agents to assess the characteristics of IH occurrence after introducing this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 201 consecutive patients who underwent RARP at our institution between September 2011 and February 2014. In total, 189 cases were eligible for the study. The non-IH prevention and IH prevention groups comprised 72 and 117 cases, respectively. We compared the incidence of IH between the two groups using Kaplan-Meier curves. Risk factors for IH in the prevention group were determined via multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The rate of IH occurrence was 20.8% (15 cases) in the nonprevention group and 8.5% (10 cases) in the prevention group, with median follow-up periods of 99.5 and 89.9 months, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier curves indicated a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.011). Only cutting of the vas deferens significantly contributed to reduced occurrence of IH in multivariable analysis (p = 0.047). After reviewing the intraoperative videos, insufficient separation of the vas deferens was considered the main cause of IH in the prevention group. CONCLUSION: Our simple prevention technique with no artificial agents had a durable effect on IH prevention after RARP over a median follow-up period of more than 7 years. Cutting the vas deferens effectively prevented IH after RARP.

Japanese giant benign prostatic hyperplasia: Sibling cases.

Introduction: The pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains incompletely understood but is likely multifactorial. Inflammation and metabolic factors may increase the risk of BPH. Several studies have evaluated the possible roles played by genetic factors. Here, we describe two cases of suspected familial BPH. Case presentations: We report the cases of two brothers, aged 77 and 69 years, with giant BPH. As both exhibited urinary retention, we performed Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and obtained tissue samples weighing 276 g and 153 g, respectively. The postoperative courses were good. Conclusion: We experienced two cases of sibling BPH with volumes exceeding 200 mL and successfully treated them with HoLEP.

Testicular metastasis from urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

INTRODUCTION: Reports of urothelial carcinoma with testicular metastasis are limited and the etiology and prognosis remain unclear. We report a rare case of testicular metastasis derived from bladder urothelial carcinoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old man presented with gross hematuria and urinary frequency. Cystoscopy demonstrated an 8-cm-sized tumor in the bladder; transurethral resection and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed invasive urothelial carcinoma. Cystoprostatourethrectomy was performed, and the pathological diagnosis was high-grade muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. Three years later, the patient noticed a left scrotal mass. Left high orchiectomy was performed, and histopathologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed urothelial carcinoma, confirming testicular metastasis derived from bladder cancer. The patient received chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin and has survived for 7 years since the initial diagnosis without progression. CONCLUSION: Although rare, secondary lesions should be considered for the differential diagnosis of testicular tumors in patients with a history of urothelial carcinoma.

Late-onset Hem-o-Lok® migration into the bladder after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Hem-o-Lok® clips are widely used in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy because of their ease of application and secure clamping. Although there have been some reports of their migration into the urinary tract, this usually occurs a few months after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Late-onset cases of Hem-o-Lok® clip migration, that is, after more than 1 year, are rare. CASE PRESENTATIONS: We report three cases of delayed endourethral Hem-o-Lok® clip migration more than 2 years after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. The Hem-o-Lok® clips were almost completely endoluminal, and were attached at one end to the vesicourethral anastomosis. We successfully removed them via transurethral surgery using a holmium laser. CONCLUSION: This case series describes late-onset Hem-o-Lok® clip migration into the bladder more than 1 year after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Transurethral holmium laser surgery was very effective for Hem-o-Lok® clip removal. To avoid involvement of Hem-o-Lok® clips in the vesicourethral anastomosis, appropriate resection at the time of bladder neck transection is important.

[A Case of Multiple Renal Carcinomas with Three Different Subtypes].

We report a case of dialysis kidney with multiple renal carcinomas in three locations. A 74-year-old man who had a 20-year history of dialysis, was admitted to our hospital complaining of sudden right lateral area pain. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed hemorrhage from the right dialyzed renal subcapsule. He underwent immediate transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), but after 6 days the CT scan showed new active bleeding. A second TAE was performed, but, the CT scan several days later showed hemorrhage from the same site. So we decided to perform a right radical nephrectomy. Pathological results revealed three different renal carcinomas at sites different from the bleeding site. The presence of triple carcinomas in the same organ of the kidney is quite rare. Because of the high incidence of renal carcinoma associated with polycystic kidney disease in long-term hemodialysis patients and the possibility of multiple carcinomas as in this case, radical nephrectomy is recommended even in the case of spontaneous rupture.

Prostate cancer featuring a unique progression pattern: A case of prominent direct perineal invasion without definite metastasis.

Locally advanced prostate cancer can extend into the pelvis, and can also invade the bladder and rectum. We encountered a patient with prostate cancer that exhibited severe local invasion, protruding into the perineum. Distant metastasis was absent, despite the large tumor size. The tumor bled and caused difficulty sitting and standing, compromising the patient's quality of life. Total pelvic exenteration and chemotherapy were considered, but the patient's general condition rendered these therapies inappropriate. However, of the limited treatment options available given the patient's condition, palliative irradiation of the protruding region proved effective.

Positive urine culture under indwelling urethral catheterization is a risk factor for febrile complications after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for febrile complications (FCs) in patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 847 consecutive patients who underwent HoLEP in our hospital from June 2006 to December 2018. FCs were defined as a body temperature ≥38.0°C within 30 days after surgery. The incidence of FCs was determined and possible risk factors assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 87 (10.3%) patients presented with FCs, and 6 (0.7%) had urosepsis, with no fatal complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with preoperative positive urine culture and urethral catheterization had an increased risk of FCs compared with those with a negative culture who did not need catheterization (odds ratio [OR] 2.587, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.307-5.121). A negative urine culture with catheterization and a positive culture without catheterization were not associated with the development of FCs (OR 0.320, 95% CI 0.040-2.553 and OR 1.370, 95% CI 0.662-2.365, respectively). Other significant risk factors included preoperative serum albumin levels (OR 0.382, 95% CI 0.173-0.846) and immediate postoperative body temperature (OR 2.559, 95% CI 1.549-4.230). CONCLUSIONS: FCs are relatively common among patients after HoLEP despite preoperative prophylactic antibiotic administration. Surgeons may need to consider performing screening of urine cultures prior to HoLEP, especially in patients with urethral catheterization, even if asymptomatic. If the culture is positive, prophylactic antibiotics should be tailored according to bacterial susceptibility.

Optimizing first trocar access for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Optical trocar access through the upper abdominal quadrant using the Kii Fios First Entry trocar.

OBJECTIVES: A pre-equipped metal trocar is required to use as a camera trocar due to a specification change in the da Vinci X/Xi system (Intuitive Surgical). We observed slight slippage of a trocar placed by the open method. With optical trocar access (OTA), the initial trocar is viewed directly with a laparoscope during placement. Reports regarding OTA for robotic surgery are limited, particularly for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We modified the OTA procedure such that it was appropriate for RARP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 158 patients were enrolled in this study. The first trocar placement time (FTPT) was compared between the open and OTA groups. In the OTA group, the trocar was mainly placed through the upper abdominal quadrant. We also analyzed the differences between the conventional and modified OTA procedures using the Kii Fios First Entry trocar (Applied Medical). We examined the factors affecting the FTPT using linear regression models. A P value <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The FTPT was significantly shorter in the OTA group than the open group (P < .0001). The modified method was associated with a shorter FTPT (P = .0001). None of the patient characteristics affected the FTPT in either group. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: OTA was applied successfully during RARP. Use of the Kii Fios First Entry trocar with upper abdominal quadrant placement was suitable for RARP.

One-surgeon basketing technique for stone extraction during flexible ureteroscopy for urolithiasis: A comparison between novice and expert surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of the one-surgeon basketing technique for stone extraction during flexible ureteroscopy when carried out by novice surgeons under instructor guidance. METHODS: We retrospectively compared perioperative results, complications and the "stone-free" rate (defined as ≤2 mm fragments on kidney-ureter-bladder imaging 1 month after flexible ureteroscopy) between experienced (group A, n = 50) and novice (group B, n = 50) surgeons using the one-surgeon basketing technique. RESULTS: Baseline patients' characteristics were similar between the two groups. There were no significant differences between groups A and B in operative time (mean 76 min vs 85 min, P = 0.46), stone-free rate (98% vs 92%, P = 0.36), postoperative fever events (4% vs 4%, P = 1.00) and postoperative hospital stay (24 h vs 24 h, P = 1.00). Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa complications (ureter injury) were only observed in two cases (4%) in group B. CONCLUSIONS: The one-surgeon basketing technique for the extraction of stone fragments during flexible ureteroscopy might be safely and effectively carried out by surgeons with no prior experience under proper guidance.

Impact of indocyanine green-guided extended pelvic lymph node dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of indocyanine green-guided extended pelvic lymph node dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After institutional review board approval, between July 2017 and December 2018, we carried out 100 indocyanine green-guided extended pelvic lymph node dissections in patients with localized intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, using the Firefly (Novadaq Technologies, Mississauga, ON, Canada) and da Vinci Xi surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Indocyanine green was injected transrectally using ultrasound sonography before each surgery. Then, lymphatic drainage patterns and pathological findings were recorded. RESULTS: Lymphatic drainage routes were successfully determined in 91 right-sided and 90 left-sided cases. Five main lymphatic pathways and sites were identified: (i) an internal route (57%); (ii) a lateral route (50%); (iii) a presacral route (20%); (iv) a paravesical artery site (20%); and (v) a pre-prostatic site (5%). Lymph node metastasis was positive in 15 patients, with 44 pathologically confirmed metastatic lymph nodes. Metastatic fluorescent lymph nodes were found in 15 out of 44 lymph nodes (34.1%). For sentinel lymph node identification, the 34% sensitivity and 64.8% specificity rates were detected in regard to identification of lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphatic drainage patterns from the prostate can be identified and classified using indocyanine green-guided extended pelvic lymph node dissections. Although the direct role of fluorescent lymph nodes in sentinel lymph node identification appears to be limited, the identification of lymphatic pathways could contribute to high-quality extended pelvic lymph node dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

The Use of Cumulative Sum Analysis to Derive Institutional and Surgeon-Specific Learning Curves for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

Purpose: The cumulative sum (CUSUM) approach has been adopted to evaluate surgical competence in various contexts. The CUSUM method comprises sequential monitoring of cumulative differences from a target level in performance quality over time, allowing the detection of deviations from the target. We use the CUSUM method in this study to derive both institutional and surgeon-specific learning curves for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Patients and Methods: We reviewed 540 patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (pathologic stage T2) who underwent RARP at our institution between September 2011 and December 2017. The CUSUM method was used to construct both institutional and individual-surgeon learning curves; the outcome was assessed based on whether a positive surgical margin (PSM) was present. The target PSM rate was 20%. Of seven surgeons performing robot-assisted resections for this period, four who performed ≥60 resections were assessed separately. Results: Of 540 patients, 74 (14%) had PSMs. The institutional CUSUM chart exhibited a downward trend for the first 54 cases and an upward trend thereafter. The CUSUM chart for the earliest adopter was similar to that for the institution; that is, learning was complete at 45 cases. Two adopters did not undergo a learning curve as they consistently performed well. The last adopter required 10 cases for initial learning. However, his CUSUM chart trend became negative at 46 cases and remained so afterward. Conclusions: CUSUM charts are useful for monitoring surgical quality. Long-term monitoring of the PSM rate of a surgeon who has become independent allows an attending surgeon to intervene if necessary; thus, long-term quality control is assured.

Renal cell carcinoma treatment during pregnancy: Histopathological findings suggestive of rapid tumor growth.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy is rare. We report a case of renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy with rapid growth. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old woman presented to our hospital for treatment of renal tumor at 22 weeks gestation. The tumor had a cystic lesion with a partition and showed rapid growth from 28 mm to 32 mm over a period of 4 weeks. The tumor was diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma and an open partial nephrectomy was scheduled at 26 weeks gestation. The operation and perioperative course were successful. Pathological findings confirmed the tumor to be clear cell renal cell carcinoma with G2 > G3, Fuhrman grade 2, pT1a, negative surgical margin, and positive detection of progesterone receptor. CONCLUSION: We reported the successful management of a patient who was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy. We also had a suggested association between rapid growth tumor and progesterone based on histopathological analysis of the tumor.

[A Case of a Congenital Right External Iliac Vein Defect Found after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy].

Congenital external iliac vein defects are extremely rare. A 56-year-old man underwent robotic prostatectomy (RARP) without pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) for localized low-risk prostate cancer. Intraoperative findings revealed a markedly dilated vein on the dorsal side of the pubic bone,which was difficult to preserve and was therefore clipped. Sudden swelling and pain appeared in the right leg on day 2 after successful RARP. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed a deep vein thrombus (DVT) and lack of a right external iliac vein. Immediate heparinization improved the symptoms, and no other postoperative complications occurred. In the retrospective review,a large dilated vein lying transversely on the prostate surface was observed with a robotic scope,but no manipulation of the pelvic vessels was performed because PLND was not performed. Therefore,the dilated vein was not recognized as a shunt from the right femoral vein to the left external iliac vein. A preoperative staging CT scan,which faintly revealed the right external iliac vein,could be useful to identify this extremely rare deformity in advance of surgery. Although preoperative imaging examinations are often difficult to diagnose preoperatively,as in this case,we consider it important to use appropriate approaches and treatment when dealing with symptoms that arise during pelvic surgery in patients with many anatomical variations.