Robotic Assisted Simple Prostatectomy versus Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Large Volume Prostate: A Comparative Analysis from a High Volume Center.

PURPOSE: We report a comparative analysis of robotic assisted simple prostatectomy vs holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in patients who had benign prostatic hyperplasia with a large volume prostate (greater than 100 ml). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 81 patients underwent robotic assisted simple prostatectomy and 45 underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in a 7-year period. Patients were preoperatively assessed with transrectal ultrasound and uroflowmetry. Functional parameters were assessed postoperatively during followup. Perioperative outcomes included operative time, postoperative hemoglobin, catheterization time and hospitalization. Complications were reported according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Compared to the holmium laser enucleation group, patients treated with prostatectomy were significantly younger (median age 69 vs 74 years, p = 0.032) and less healthy (Charlson comorbidity index 2 or greater in 62% vs 29%, p = 0.0003), and had a lower rate of suprapubic catheterization (23% vs 42%, p = 0.028) and a higher preoperative I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) (25 vs 21, p = 0.049). Both groups showed an improvement in the maximum flow rate (15 vs 11 ml per second, p = 0.7), and a significant reduction in post-void residual urine (-73 vs -100 ml, p = 0.4) and I-PSS (-20 vs -18, p = 0.8). Median operative time (105 vs 105 minutes, p = 0.9) and postoperative hemoglobin (13.2 vs 13.8 gm/dl, p = 0.08) were similar for robotic assisted prostatectomy and holmium laser enucleation, respectively. Median catheterization time (3 vs 2 days, p = 0.005) and median hospitalization (4 vs 2 days, p = 0.0001) were slightly shorter in the holmium laser group. Complication rates were similar with no Clavien grade greater than 3 in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results from a single center suggest comparable outcomes for robotic assisted simple prostatectomy and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in patients with a large volume prostate. These findings require external validation at other high volume centers.

The phytological future of prostate cancer staging: PSMA-PET and the dandelion theory.

PSMA-PET is changing how we stage prostate cancer, both in the primary setting and with relapse after treatment. It allows us to identify lesions in the bones and lymph nodes that were not previously visible on conventional imaging with bone scan and CT/MRI. In this Special Report we review the 'state of the art' for PSMA imaging and discuss the implications for treatment decisions in prostate cancer. We liken early high risk or metastatic prostate to a common phytological problem: the dandelion. In this analogous situation, we consider the additional evidence needed for us to start plucking out the original dandelion and for us to focus attention on killing the seeded weeds that are identifiable elsewhere in the lawn.

Bladder pain syndrome: do the different morphological and cystoscopic features correlate?

OBJECTIVE: For the diagnosis of bladder pain syndrome (BPS), the International Society for the Study of Bladder Pain Syndrome (ESSIC) recommends a specific diagnostic work-up using cystoscopy with hydrodistension and bladder biopsies. This study evaluates the correlation between the histological findings in bladder biopsies handled following ESSIC recommendations, as well as the importance of the histological features in BPS compared with the cystoscopic findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 15 men and 93 women. All patients underwent cystoscopy with hydrodistension, and at least three deep biopsies including detrusor muscle were taken. For the cell count the Leder stain was used most frequently. A cut-off point of 28 mast cells/mm(2) was used for detrusor mastocytosis. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between urothelial damage and inflammatory infiltrate (p < 0.001). Detrusor mastocytosis was significantly more elevated in biopsies with normal urinary epithelium (Tukey corrected p < 0.0001) than in biopsies where the urothelium was damaged. No other correlations were found between histological findings or between histological and cystoscopic findings. CONCLUSION: Both cystoscopy with hydrodistension and histology can be used to illustrate different pathophysiological mechanisms in patients with BPS. These results favour the use of both in the classification of BPS patients.

The Role of Local Therapy for Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer: Should We Expect a Cure?

The role of local treatment in oligometastatic prostate cancer remains contentious. Treatment of the prostate in metastatic disease may confer benefit, but prospective data are lacking. With improvements in treatments, aggressive strategies directed at metastases have increasingly become of clinical interest. Current evidence suggests good local control can be achieved; however, further data are required to determine overall cancer outcomes. This article evaluates the evidence available and consider whether local treatment of oligometastatic disease is a feasible, safe, and a positive strategy in this disease cohort. Cure should not be expected, although prolonged disease and treatment-free survival may be observed.

Oncologic Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: Results of a High-Volume Robotic Center.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to assess the oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in patients with bladder cancer (BCa) treated in a high-volume robotic center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of 155 consecutive patients who received RARC for urothelial BCa from January 2004 to May 2014. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to assess time to recurrence, cancer-specific mortality (CSM) rate, and overall mortality rate. Uni- and multivariable Cox regression models addressed the predictors of recurrence and CSM. RESULTS: Median follow-up for survivors was 42 months. Overall, 43%, 34%, 55%, and 18% of the patients had pT ≤1, pT2, pT3/4, and pN1-3 disease, respectively. Overall, 76% of the patients had high-grade disease at final pathology. The positive surgical margin rate was 9%. The 5-year recurrence-free, CSM-free, and overall survival estimates were 53.7%, 73.5%, and 65.2%, respectively. Among patients who experienced recurrence, 12.0%, 4.0%, and 84.0% had local, peritoneal, and distant recurrence, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, pathologic stage and nodal status represented independent predictors of recurrence and CSM (all p ≤ 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In a high-volume robotic center, RARC provides acceptable oncologic outcomes in patients with urothelial BCa. Tumor stage and nodal status represent independent predictors of recurrence and CSM in this setting.

Early Catheter Removal after Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical Technique and Outcomes for the Aalst Technique (ECaRemA Study).

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a widespread option for the treatment of patients with clinically localised prostate cancer. Modifications in the surgical technique may help to further improve functional outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of early catheter removal 48h after surgery, as opposed to standard catheter removal 6 d after surgery following RARP, using a newly developed surgical technique for posterior reconstruction and anastomosis (Aalst technique). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients scheduled for RARP were prospectively scheduled for early catheter removal at postoperative d 2 (group A, n=37) and standard catheter removal at postoperative d 6 (group B, n=37). SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RARP was performed using the Da Vinci Si system. The Aalst technique for the urethro-vesical anastomosis including posterior reconstruction was used as previously described. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary endpoint was spontaneous voiding after catheter removal. Secondary endpoints were rate of anastomotic urinary leakage after catheter removal, presence and severity of urethral, perineal, and abdominal pain, as well as patient's bother after catheter removal using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Rate and severity of urinary incontinence after catheter removal were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-MLUTS) questionnaire. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to baseline and perioperative parameters, as well as pathological features; however, significantly more patients underwent bilateral nerve-sparing procedures in group A (34 vs 23, p=0.008). After catheter removal, patients in both groups showed spontaneous voiding, whereas only 11% and 8% of the patients in group A and group B experienced urinary retention after catheter removal (p=0.7). Patients in group B had significantly higher maximum flow rates, but lower voided volumes after catheter removal in comparison with patients in group A (21ml/s vs 10ml/s, p≤0.001 and 170ml vs 200ml, p≤0.001, respectively). ICIQ-MLUTS questionnaire and VAS scores showed no significant differences between the groups at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: The Aalst technique allows the removal of catheters 2 d after RARP and results in spontaneous voiding. Early removal showed no increased rate of urinary leakage, no negative impact on short-term continence and on perineal, urethral or penile pain, and no increase in urinary retention rates. Future studies have to confirm these results with longer follow-up including detailed parameters on return to daily activity. PATIENT SUMMARY: We provide evidence that it is possible to remove the bladder catheter as early as 2 d after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy without any negative effects on voiding and pain parameters. Thus, leaving the hospital early without a catheter in place could represent a significant and relevant benefit for the patient.

Updates of prostate cancer staging: Prostate-specific membrane antigen.

The ability to accurately stage prostate cancer in both the primary and secondary staging setting can have a major impact on management. Until recently radiological staging has relied on computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear bone scans to evaluate the extent of disease. However, the utility of these imaging technologies has been limited by their sensitivity and specificity especially in detecting early recurrence. Functional imaging using positron-emission tomography with a radiolabeled ligand targeted to prostate-specific membrane antigen has transformed the prostate cancer imaging landscape. Initial results suggest that it is a substantial improvement over conventional imaging in the setting of recurrence following primary therapy by having a superior ability to detect disease and to do so at an earlier stage. Additionally, it appears that the benefits seen in the secondary staging setting may also exist in the primary staging setting.

Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer in Octogenarians.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perioperative morbidity and mortality rate, a 3-year recurrence-free survival, and cancer-specific mortality rate in patients older than 80 years undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of 155 consecutive patients who received RARC for muscle-invasive or high-risk nonmuscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder between 2003 and 2014 at a high-volume robotic center. Diversion was performed intra- or extracorporeally according to the surgeon's preferences. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of age on postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Of 155 consecutive patients, 22 (14.2%) patients were 80 years or older. Octogenarians did not significantly differ from younger patients in ASA score (p = 0.4) and Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.4). Prevalence of any grade and high-grade complications was similar in both groups (all p ≥ 0.6). Older patients had a significantly higher pathologic tumor grade (p = 0.04) and a lower use of pelvic lymphadenectomy (p < 0.001). No perioperative mortality rate was recorded within 90 days from surgery. Elderly patients had a similar risk of 3-year oncologic recurrence after surgery compared with their younger counterparts (odds ratio [OR] 1.63; p = 0.2). Conversely, the risk of cancer-specific mortality rate was significantly higher (OR 2.78; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients 80 years or older undergoing RARC for bladder cancer did not have a higher risk of peri- and postoperative morbidity and mortality rate and had a similar 3-year recurrence-free survival, suggesting that RARC can be safely performed in selected elderly patients by experienced surgeons.

Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic enlargement: surgical technique and outcomes in a high-volume robotic centre.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to large benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). OBJECTIVE: To present the perioperative and short-term functional outcomes of RASP in a large series of patients with LUTS due to BPE treated in a high-volume referral center. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively collected data for 67 consecutive patients who underwent RASP from October 2008 to August 2014. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RASP was performed using a Da Vinci S or Si system with a transvesical approach. MEASUREMENTS: Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Continuous variables are reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). Comparison of preoperative and postoperative outcomes was assessed by Wilcoxon test. A two-sided value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median preoperative prostate volume was 129ml (IQR 104-180). For the 45 patients who did not have an indwelling catheter, the median preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 25 (20.5-28), the median maximum flow rate (Qmax) was 7ml/s (IQR 5-11), and the median post-void residual volume (PVRV) was 73ml (IQR 40-116). The median operative time was 97min (IQR 80-127) and the median estimated blood loss was 200ml (IQR 115-360). The postoperative complication rate was 30%, including three cases (4.5%) with grade 3b complications (major bleeding requiring cystoscopy and coagulation). The median catheterization time was 3 d (IQR 2-4) and the median length of stay was 4 d (IQR 3-5). The median follow-up was 6 mo (IQR 2-12). At follow-up, the median IPSS was 3 (IQR 0-8), the median Qmax was 23ml/s (IQR 16-35), and the median PVRV was 0ml (IQR 0-36) (all p<0.001 vs baseline values). The retrospective design is the major study limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate good perioperative outcomes, an acceptable risk profile, and excellent improvements in patient symptoms and flow scores at short-term follow-up following RASP. PATIENT SUMMARY: We analyzed the perioperative and functional outcomes of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy in the treatment of male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to large prostatic adenoma. The procedure was associated with a relatively low risk of complications and excellent functional outcomes, including considerable improvements in symptoms and flow performance. We can conclude that the procedure is a valuable option in the treatment of such patients. However, comparative studies evaluating the efficacy of the procedure in comparison with endoscopic treatment of large prostatic adenomas are needed.