Is the learning curve of the urology resident for conventional radical prostatectomy similar to that of staff initiating robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The superiority of the functional results of robot-assisted radical prostatectomyis still controversial. Despite this, it is known that minimally invasive surgery obtains better results when analyzing blood loss, blood transfusion and length of stay, for example. Several studies have analyzed the impact of the resident physician's involvement on the results of urological surgeries. The simple learning curve for robot-assisted radical prostate surgery is estimated to be around 10 to 12 cases. Learning curve data for robotic surgeons is heterogeneous, making it difficult to analyze. Rare studies compare the results of a radical prostatectomy of an inexperienced surgeon starting his training in open surgery, with the results of the same surgeon, a few years later, starting training in robotic surgery. Objective: to analyze the results of open radical prostatectomy surgeries (ORP) performed by urology residents, comparing them to the results of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), performed by these same surgeons, after completing their training in urology. Materials and methods: a retrospective analysis of the cases of only 3 surgeons was performed. 50 patients underwent ORP (group A). The surgeons who operated on the ORP patients were in the 3rd and final year of the urology residency program and beginners in ORP surgery, but with at least 4 years of experience in open surgery. The same surgeons, already trained urologists, began their training in robotic surgery and performed 56 RARP surgeries (group B). For the comparative analysis, data were collected on age, number of lymph nodes removed, surgery time, hospitalization time, drain volume, drain permanence time, indwelling bladdercateter (IBC) permanence time, positive surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, risk classification (ISUP), intra and postoperative complications, urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The console used was the Da Vinci Si, from Intuitive®. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test verified that the data did not follow normality, the Levene test guaranteed homogeneity, and the Mann-Whitney test performed the comparative analysis of the quantitative data. For the analysis of qualitative data, the Chi-square test was used for nominal variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal variables. Additionally, the Friedman test analyzed whether there was an improvement in the perception of UI or ED over the months, for each group individually (without comparing them), and the post-hoc Durbin-Conover test, for the results with statistically significant difference. We used a p-value < 0.05, and the Jamovi® program (Version 2.0). Results: there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for age, number of lymph nodes removed, positive surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, risk classification and urinary incontinence. Additionally, we observed that the surgical time was longer in group B. On the other hand, the length of stay, drain volume, drain time, IBC time, complication rate and levels of erectile dysfunction in the third and sixth months were higher in group A, when compared to group B. We also observed that there was no evolutionary improvement in ED over the months in both groups, and that there was a perception of improvement in UI from the 1st to the 3rd month in group A, and from the 1st to the 6th month, and from the 3rd to the 12th month, in group B. Conclusion: the learning curve of RARP is equivalent to the curve of ORP. In general, the results for the robotic group were better, however, the functional results were similar between the groups, with a slight tendency of advantage for the robotic arm.

Identify risk factors for perioperative outcomes in Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion and Extracorporeal Urinary Diversion with Robotic Cystectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: The increasing adoption of robotic-assisted cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD), despite its complexity, prompts a detailed comparison with extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD). Our study at a single institution investigates perioperative outcomes and identifies risk factors impacting the success of these surgical approaches. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, 174 patients who underwent robotic-assisted cystectomy at the University of Louisville from June 2016 to August 2021 were reviewed. The cohort was divided into two groups based on the urinary diversion method: 30 patients underwent ECUD and 144 underwent ICUD. Data on demographics, complication rates, length of hospital stay, and readmission rates were meticulously collected and analyzed. Results: Operative times were comparable between the ICUD and ECUD groups. However, the ICUD group had a significantly lower intraoperative transfusion rate (0.5 vs. 1.0, p=0.02) and shorter hospital stay (7.8 vs. 12.3 days, p<0.001). Factors such as male sex, smoking history, diabetes mellitus, intravesical therapy, higher ASA, and ACCI scores were associated with increased Clavien-Dindo Grade 3 or higher complications. Age over 70 was the sole factor linked to a higher 90-day readmission rate, with no specific characteristics influencing the 30-day rate. Conclusion: Robotic cystectomy with ICUD results in shorter hospitalizations and lower intraoperative transfusion rates compared to ECUD, without differences in operative time, high-grade postoperative complications, or readmission rates. These findings can inform clinical decision-making, highlighting ICUD as a potentially more favorable option in appropriate settings.

Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for percutaneous nephrolithotomy and risk of infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study is to perform a high-quality meta-analysis using only randomized controlled trials (RCT) to better define the role of postoperative antibiotics in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods: A literature search for RCTs in EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science up to May 2023 was conducted following the PICO framework: Population—adult patients who underwent PCNL; Intervention—postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal; Control—single dose of antibiotic during the induction of anesthesia; and Outcome—systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis and fever after PCNL. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022361579). We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A random-effects model was employed, and the alpha risk was defined as < 0.05. Results: Seven articles, encompassing a total of 629 patients, were included in the analysis. The outcome of SIRS or sepsis was extracted from six of the included studies, while the outcome of postoperative fever was extracted from four studies. The analysis revealed no statistical association between the use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal and the occurrence of SIRS/sepsis (OR 1.236, 95% CI 0.731 - 2.089, p=0.429) or fever (OR 2.049, 95% CI 0.790 - 5.316, p=0.140). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there is no benefit associated with the use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We recommend that antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered only until the induction of anesthesia in PCNL.

Impacts on functional and oncological outcomes of Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy 10 years after the US Preventive Service Taskforce recommendations against PSA screening

ABSTRACT Objective: In the following years after the United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against prostate cancer screening with PSA in 2012, several authors worldwide described an increase in higher grades and aggressive prostate tumors. In this scenario, we aim to evaluate the potential impacts of USPSTF recommendations on the functional and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in a referral center. Material and Methods: We included 11396 patients who underwent RARP between 2008 and 2021. Each patient had at least a 12-month follow-up. The cohort was divided into two groups based on an inflection point in the outcomes at the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. The inflection point period was detected by Bayesian regression with multiple change points and regression with unknown breakpoints. We reported continuous variables as median and interquartile range (IQR) and categorical variables as absolute and relative percent frequencies. Results: Group 1 had 4760 patients, and Group 2 had 6636 patients, with a median follow-up of 109 and 38 months, respectively. In the final pathology, Group 2 had 9.5% increase in tumor volume, 24% increase on Gleason ≥ 4+3 (ISUP 3), and 18% increase on ≥ pT3. This translated to a 6% increase in positive surgical margins and 24% reduction in full nerve sparing in response to the worsening pathology. There was a significant decline in post-operative outcomes in Group 2, including a 12-month continence reduction of 9%, reduction in potency by 27%, and reduction of trifecta by 22%. Conclusions: The increasing number of high-risk patients has led to worse functional and oncologic outcomes. The initial rapid rise in PSM was leveled by the move towards more partial nerve sparing. Among some historical changes in prostate cancer diagnosis and management in the period of our study, the USPSTF recommendation coincided with worse outcomes of prostate cancer treatment in a population who could benefit from PSA screening at the appropriate time.

A meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of robotic surgery versus open surgery in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of robotic surgery and open surgery in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang database were searched to compare the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma by robotic surgery and traditional open surgery. Literatures were searched from the establishment of the database to July 2023. Compare operation time, intraoperative blood transfusion rate, R 0 resection rate, lymph node metastasis rate, postoperative complication rate and hospital stays between the two groups. The combined odds ratio ( OR) and mean difference ( MD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using RevMan 5.4 software. Results:A total of 4 studies were included, including 267 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. There were 177 males and 90 females, aged (58.8±5.7) years. A total of 267 patients were divided into open surgery group ( n=165) and robotic surgery group ( n=102) according to the surgical formula. The extract results show: operative time ( MD=-103.96, 95% CI: -216.90-8.98, P=0.070) and intraoperative blood transfusion rate ( OR=1.32, 95% CI: 0.43-4.07, P=0.630), R 0 resection rate ( OR=1.41, 95% CI: 0.71-2.81, P=0.330), lymph node metastasis rate ( OR=1.62, 95% CI: 0.46-5.63, P=0.450), postoperative complications ( OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.28-1.31, P=0.200), and postoperative hospital stay ( MD=2.17, 95% CI: -11.56-15.90, P=0.760). Conclusion:In the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, robotic surgery is as safe and feasible as open surgery. However, due to the limited number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies.

Application and development of tele-robotic surgical robot system / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Tele-robotic surgery technology, which is a novel method for surgeons to operate on patients in different places with the assistance of surgical robots through high-speed network. Tele-robotic surgery can overcome space restrictions, perform surgery efficiently, cut down redundancy time, reduce the cost of medical resources, and avoid the risk of patient transport. With the support of the fifth generation of mobile communication technology (5G), the information transmitted between robots could be faster and more accurate, and the development of Tele-robotic surgery has entered a new stage. This paper mainly analyzes the development of surgical robot technology based on 5G communication technology, and summarizes the application and future development direction of remote hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.

Adverse events of robot and computer navigation assisted joint arthroplsty surgery / 中华骨科杂志

Robot and computer navigation assisted joint replacement surgery have the advantages of high operational repeatability, good stability, and high accuracy. In the past decade, its application in clinical practice has become increasingly widespread. However, there may be some special adverse events during robot and computer navigation assisted joint arthroplasty surgery. If there are problems with robots, navigation equipment, or process links, it can cause robot assisted surgery to be forced to abortion and switch to manual surgery. There are reports that the incidence of abortion of robotic surgery due to such reasons is as high as 22%. There may be skin and soft tissue infections around the fixed pin of the tracker, as well as fractures through tracking pin site. Most symptoms of soft tissue infections around the pin track are mild and can be cured through local dressing changes and other treatments. Fractures through tracking pin site have a significant impact on patients, but the incidence is low, mostly reported as individual cases. As of now, a total of 29 cases have been reported in the literature, of which 17 cases (59%) occurred in the femoral shaft, 3 cases (10%) in the femoral epiphyseal end, 7 cases (24%) in the tibial shaft, and 2 cases (7%) in the tibial epiphyseal end. 10 cases (34%) were non displaced or occult fractures, which were cured through conservative treatment. The remaining 19 cases (66%) were displaced fractures, of which 4 cases (14%) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, 14 cases (48%) were treated with intramedullary nails, and 1 case (3%) underwent total keen revision surgery. Neurovascular damage caused by fixed pin is relatively rare. Research has found that the incidence of such special complications is very low, and most of them are relatively easy to manage. But surgeons should remain vigilant and standardize surgical operations, such as installing fixed pin with care and caution, to avoid the occurrence of such special complications as much as possible.

Effect of anterior quadratus lumborum block at the lateral supra-arcuate ligament on postoperative pulmonary function in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy under general anesthesia / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of anterior quadratus lumborum block at the lateral supra-arcuate ligament on the postoperative pulmonary function in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy under general anesthesia.Methods:Seventy-two American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ patients, aged 50-80 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-27.9 kg/m 2, scheduled for elective robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy under general anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups ( n=36 each) using a random number table method: control group and observation group. After induction of general anesthesia, observation group underwent anterior quadratus lumborum block at the lateral supra-arcuate ligament under ultrasound guidance, with 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine administered on each side. Control group only received total intravenous anesthesia. Postoperative analgesia was provided by patient-controlled intravenous analgesia until 48 h after operation, and intravenous dezocine was administered as rescue analgesic when the visual analogue scale score at rest≥4. Pulmonary function was assessed at 1 day before surgery and 1-7 days after surgery. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1), maximal mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF 25%-75%), and time to recovery of 80% predicted pulmonary function were recorded. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed at 1 day before surgery and 1-3 days after surgery, and SpO 2, PaO 2 and PaCO 2 were recorded. The consumption of intraoperative remifentanil, effective pressing times of patient-controlled analgesia, and the number of patients required rescue analgesia were recorded. Postoperative pulmonary complications within 7 days after operation and re-hospitalization within 30 days were recorded. The time to first flatus, postoperative length of hospital stay and occurrence of adverse reactions (dizziness, nausea, vomiting) within 3 days after surgery were also recorded. Results:Compared with control group, FVC, FEV 1 and FEF 25%-75% were significantly increased postoperatively, the time to recovery of 80% FVC, FEV 1 and FEF 25%-75% was shortened, postoperative SpO 2 and PaO 2 were increased, postoperative PaCO 2 was decreased, the consumption of intraoperative remifentanil, effective pressing times of patient-controlled analgesia, and the number of patients required rescue analgesia were reduced, the postoperative time to first flatus and length of hospital stay were shortened, and the incidence of adverse reactions and pulmonary complications was decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Anterior quadratus lumborum block at the lateral supra-arcuate ligament can improve postoperative pulmonary function, reduce adverse reactions, and promote early recovery for the patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy under general anesthesia.

Research progress of robotic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery / 中华普通外科杂志

As a trends of minimally invasive surgery, robot surgery is widely used in clinical practice, especially in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, because of its better surgical field of view, more flexible robot arm, and more stable for fine operation. This article summarizes the research status and combines the author's own experience to review the current research progress and clinical effect of robotic surgery in pancreatic surgery, liver surgery, biliary surgery and prospect the further development trend of robotic surgery in the future.

Surgical safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives To assess the safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy in thyroid tumor. Methods Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy and other approaches (open thyroidectomy, transoral robotic thyroidectomy, and bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy) were compared in studies from 6 databases. Results Twenty-two studies (8830 individuals) were included. Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had longer operation time, greater cosmetic satisfaction, and reduced transient hypoparathyroidism than conventional open thyroidectomy. Compared to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had greater amount of drainage, lower chances of transient vocal cord palsy and permanent hypothyroidism, and better surgical completeness (postopertive thyroblobulin level and lymph node removal). Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy induced greater postoperative drainage and greater patient dissatisfaction than transoral robotic thyroidectomy. Conclusion Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy is inferior to transoral robotic thyroidectomy in drainage and cosmetic satisfaction but superior to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy in surgical performance. Its operation time is longer, but its cosmetic satisfaction is higher than open thyroidectomy.

Robotic and Plastic Surgery: actuality and prospects for the near future, a scoping review

ABSTRACT Objective This work aims to review the existing use of robotics in plastic surgery. Methods A meticulous selection process identified 22 articles relevant to this scoping review. Results The literature on the use of robotics in plastic surgery is sparse. Nonetheless, this review highlights emerging benefits in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and transoral surgery. Conclusion This scoping review identifies critical articles reporting the emerging use of robotics in plastic surgery. While the scientific medical community has yet to extensively document its use, the available evidence suggests a promising future for robotics in this field.

Single Port Robotic Pyeloplasty: early single-center experience

ABSTRACT Purpose: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is a prevalent cause of hydronephrosis, especially in young patients. The treatment paradigm for this condition has shifted from open to minimally invasive pyeloplasty. In the present study we describe our initial single centre experience with single port (SP) robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) via periumbilical incision. Material and methods: With the patient in a 60-degree left flank position, the SP system is docked with the Access port (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, US) placed in a periumbilical 3 cm incision. Robotic instruments are deployed as follows: camera at 12 o'clock, bipolar grasper at 9 o'clock, scissors at 3 o'clock and Cadiere at 6 o'clock. After isolation and identification of the ureter and the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), the ureter is transected at this level and then spatulated. Anastomosis is carried out by two hemicontinuous running sutures, over a JJ stent. Results: Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 8 SP RAP have been performed at our institution, with a median (interquartile range, IQR) of 23 years (20.5-36.5). Intraoperative outcomes showed a median (IQR) OT of 210.5 minutes (190-240.5) and a median (IQR) estimated blood loss (EBL) of 50 mL (22.5-50). No postoperative complications were encountered, with a median (IQR) length of stay (LOS) of 31 hours (28.5-34). Conclusion: In the present study we evaluated the feasibility and safety of SP RAP. The observed outcomes and potential benefits, combined with the adaptability of the SP platform, hold promising implications for the application of SP system in pyeloplasty treatment.

Urological knowledge and tools applied to diagnosis and surgery in deep infiltrating endometriosis - a narrative review

ABSTRACT Objectives: This review discusses deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) diagnosis and surgery using current urological knowledge and technologies. Materials and Methods: Narrative review of deep infiltrating endometriosis that result in urological issues. We examined manuscripts from Pubmed, Embase, and Scielo's database using the following MeSH terms: ('endometriosis') AND ('urology' OR 'urological' OR 'urologist') AND ('bladder' OR'vesical') AND ('ureteral' OR 'ureter'). Selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Sample images from our records were brought to endorse the findings. Results: Thirty four related articles were chosen from 105. DIE may affect the urinary system in 52.6% of patients. Lower urinary tract symptoms may require urodynamic examination. Ultrasonography offers strong statistical yields for detecting urinary tract lesions or distortions, but magnetic resonance will confirm the diagnosis. Cystoscopy can detect active lesions, although any macroscopic visual appeal is pathognomonic. Endourology is utilized intraoperatively for bladder and ureteral assessment, however transurethral endoscopic excision of bladder lesions had higher recurrence rates. Laparoscopy is the route of choice for treatment; partial cystectomy, and bladder shaving were the most prevalent surgical treatments for bladder endometriosis. Regarding the ureteral treatment, the simple ureterolysis and complex reconstructive techniques were described in most papers. Using anatomical landmarks or neuronavigation, pelvic surgical systematization allows intraoperative neural structure identification. Conclusions: DIE in the urinary system is common, however the number of publications with high level of evidence is limited. The initial tools for diagnosis are ultrasonography and cystoscopy, but magnetic resonance is the most reliable tool. When the patient has voiding symptoms, the urodynamic examination is crucial. Laparoscopy improves lesion detection and anatomical understanding. This approach must be carried out by professionals with high expertise, since the surgery goes beyond the resection of lesions and includes the preservation of nerve structures and urinary tract reconstruction techniques.

Perioperative mortality for radical cystectomy in the modern Era: experience from a tertiary referral center

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the perioperative mortality and contributing variables among patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer in recent decades, with comparison between modern (after 2010) and premodern (before 2010) eras. Materials and Methods Using our institutional review board-approved database, we reviewed the records of patients who underwent RC for primary urothelial bladder carcinoma with curative intent from January 2003 to December 2019. The primary and secondary outcomes were 90- and 30-day mortality. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess the impact of perioperative variables on 90-day mortality. Results A total of 2047 patients with a mean±SD age of 69.6±10.6 years were included. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 1.3% and 4.9%, respectively, and consistent during the past two decades. Among 100 deaths within 90 days, 18 occurred during index hospitalization. Infectious, pulmonary, and cardiac complications were the leading mortality causes. Multivariable analysis showed that age (Odds Ratio: OR 1.05), Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2 (OR 1.82), blood transfusion (OR 1.95), and pathological node disease (OR 2.85) were independently associated with 90-day mortality. Nevertheless, the surgical approach and enhanced recovery protocols had no significant effect on 90-day mortality. Conclusion The 90-day mortality for RC is approaching five percent, with infectious, pulmonary, and cardiac complications as the leading mortality causes. Older age, higher comorbidity, blood transfusion, and pathological lymph node involvement are independently associated with 90-day mortality.

Implementation and outcomes of HugoTM RAS System in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Background The results and benefits of Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) are already established in the literature. However, new robotic platforms have been released recently in the market and their outcomes are still unknown. In this scenario, our objective is to describe our experience implementing the HugoTM RAS robot and report the clinical data of patients who underwent Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy. Material and Methods We retrospectively analyzed fifteen consecutive patients who underwent RARP with HugoTM RAS System (Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) from June to October 2021. The patients underwent transperitoneal RARP on lithotomy position, using six trocars (4 robotic trocars and 2 for the assistant). We reported the clinical feasibility and safety of this platform, assessing perioperative data, including complications and early outcomes. Continuous variables were reported as median and interquartile ranges, categorical variables as frequencies and proportions. Results and Limitations All procedures were safe and feasible with no major complications or conversion. Median operative time was 235 minutes (213-271), and median estimated blood loss was 300ml (100-310). Positive surgical margins were reported in 5 patients (33%). The median hospitalization time was 2 days (2-2), and the median time to remove the foley was 7 days (7-7). On the first appointment four weeks after surgery, all patients had undetectable PSA values, and 61% were continent. Conclusions We described preliminary results with safe and feasible procedures performed with HugoTM RAS System robotic platform. The surgeries were successfully executed with acceptable perioperative outcomes, without conversions or major complications. However, as this technology is very recent, further studies with a long-term follow-up are awaited to access postoperative functional and oncological outcomes.

Predictors of urinary function recovery after laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Even in the era of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP), we sometimes encounter patients with severe urinary incontinence after surgery. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of urinary continence recovery among patients with urinary incontinence immediately after surgery (UIIAS). Materials and Methods: We identified 274 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent LRP and RALP between 2011 and 2018. UIIAS was defined as a urine loss ratio > 0.15 on the first day of urethral catheter removal. Urinary continence recovery was defined as using ≤ 1 pad/day one year after surgery. In the present study, we evaluated factors affecting urinary function recovery one year after surgery among patients with urinary incontinence immediately after LRP and RALP. Results: UIIAS was observed in 191 out of 274 patients (69.7%). A multivariate analysis identified age (< 65 years, p = 0.015) as an independent predictor affecting immediate urinary continence. Among 191 incontinent patients, urinary continence one year after surgery improved in 153 (80.1%). A multivariate analysis identified age (< 65 years, p = 0.003) and estimated blood loss (≥ 100 mL, p = 0.044) as independent predictors affecting urinary continence recovery one year after surgery. Conclusion: The present results suggest that younger patients and patients with higher intraoperative blood loss recover urinary continence one year after surgery even if they are incontinent immediately after surgery.

Comparing the outcomes of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy in black and white men: Experience of a high-volume center

ABSTRACT Background: Global cancer incidence ranks Prostate Cancer (CaP) as the second highest overall, with Africa and the Caribbean having the highest mortality. Previous literature suggests disparities in CaP outcomes according to ethnicity, specifically functional and oncological are suboptimal in black men. However, recent data shows black men achieve post radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes equivalent to white men in a universally insured system. Our objective is to compare outcomes of patients who self-identified their ethnicity as black or white undergoing RP at our institution. Materials and methods: From 2008 to 2017, 396 black and 4929 white patients underwent primary robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Exclusion criteria were concomitant surgery and cancer status not available. A propensity score (PS) match was performed with a 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratio without replacement. Primary endpoints were potency, continence recovery, biochemical recurrence (BCR), positive surgical margins (PSM), and post-operative complications. Results: After PS 1:1 matching, 341 black vs. 341 white men with a median follow-up of approximately 8 years were analyzed. The overall potency and continence recovery at 12 months was 52% vs 58% (p=0.3) and 82% vs 89% (p=0.3), respectively. PSM rates was 13.4 % vs 14.4% (p = 0.75). Biochemical recurrence and persistence PSA was 13.8% vs 14.1% and 4.4% vs 3.2% respectively (p=0.75). Clavien-Dindo complications (p=0.4) and 30-day readmission rates (p=0.5) were similar. Conclusion: In our study, comparing two ethnic groups with similar preoperative characteristics and full access to screening and treatment showed compatible RARP results. We could not demonstrate outcomes superiority in one group over the other. However, this data adds to the growing body of evidence that the racial disparity gap in prostate cancer outcomes can be narrowed if patients have appropriate access to prostate cancer management. It also could be used in counseling surgeons and patients on the surgical intervention and prognosis of prostate cancer in patients with full access to gold-standard screening and treatment.

Relationship between learning styles and simulation in surgery / Relação entre os estilos de aprendizagem e simulação em cirurgia

Abstract: Introduction: It was found that the good performance in conventional techniques was not transferable to minimally-invasive alternatives, and then simulators were created for improved learning. Objective: To assess whether robotic virtual reality simulation conditions ability for laparoscopy in medical students, associating the VARK tool and Mind Styles to determine whether there is a correlation between learning styles and the ability to develop these skills. Methods: Randomization of 3 groups of medical students was performed, where one of the groups performed a simulation of a surgical knot exercise in the laparoscopy box and another, the same exercise on the robot console. The third group did not simulate. All participants took a practical test in the laparoscopy box and their performances were evaluated. Moreover, a pre-test and a post-test were applied, in addition to the VARK and mind styles methods, to assess whether there was a difference in performance between the different learning styles. Results: The practical test scores were relatively homogeneous between the groups and between the Mind Styles and VARK categories, with no significant difference being found between the groups; therefore, it was not possible to demonstrate that learning styles interfered with the results of this study. There was only a significant difference between the pre-test scores of at least one pair of the groups and between the Laparoscopy and Robotics groups, with a p-value of 0.038. Conclusion: There was no statistical significance between learning styles and performance regarding the proposed tasks.

Resumo: Introdução: Constatou-se que o bom desempenho em técnicas convencionais não se transferia para as minimamente invasivas, e, com isso, foram criados os simuladores para melhor aprendizado. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se a simulação em realidade virtual robótica promove habilidade para laparoscopia em acadêmicos de Medicina, associando a ferramenta VARK e o mind styles (GSD) para determinar se há correlação dos estilos de aprendizagem com a capacidade de desenvolver essas habilidades. Método: Realizou-se randomização de três grupos de acadêmicos de Medicina, em que um dos grupos fez simulação de um exercício de nó cirúrgico na caixa de laparoscopia (CL), e outro, o mesmo exercício no console do robô. O terceiro grupo não participou da simulção. Todos os participantes fizeram um teste prático na CL, e as performances deles foram avaliadas. Ademais, foram aplicados um pré-teste e um pós-teste, além do formulário VARK e GSD, para avaliar se havia diferença de performance entre os diferentes estilos de aprendizagem. Resultado: As notas das provas práticas foram relativamente homogêneas entre grupos e entre as categorias de Mind Styles e do VARK. Como não se encontrou diferença significativa entre os grupos, não foi possível demonstrar que os estilos de aprendizagem interferiram nos resultados deste estudo. Houve apenas diferença significativa entre as notas do pré-teste de pelo menos um par de grupos e entre os grupos laparoscopia e robótica com p-valor 0,038. Conclusão: Não houve significância estatística entre os estilos de aprendizagem e o desempenho nas tarefas propostas.

"Brain-inspired intelligence" in dental implant decision-making / 口腔疾病防治

@#At present, implant surgery robots have basically achieved "surgical intelligence", but "brain-inspired intelligence" of robots is still in the stage of theory and exploration. The formulation of a clinical implantation plan depends on the timing of implantation, implantation area, bone condition, surgical procedure, patient factors, etc., which need to evaluate the corresponding clinical decision indicators and clinical pathways. Inspired by evidence-based medicine and the potential of big data and deep learning, combined with the data characteristics of clinical decision indicators and clinical pathways that can be quantitatively or qualitatively analyzed, this review simulates the cognitive behavior and neural mechanisms of the human brain and proposes a feasible brain-inspired intelligence scheme by predicting the decision indices and executing clinical pathways intelligently, that is, "select clinical indicators and clarify clinical pathways -- construct database -- use deep learning to intelligently predict decision indicators -- intelligent execution of clinical pathways -- brain-inspired intelligence of implant decision-making". Combined with the previous research results of our team, this review also describes the process of realization of brain-inspired intelligence for immediate implant timing decisions, providing an example of the comprehensive realization of brain-inspired intelligence of implant surgery robots in the future. In the future, how to excavate and summarize other clinical decision factors and select the best way to realize the automatic prediction of evidence-based clinical indicators and pathways and finally realize the complete intellectualization of clinical diagnosis and treatment processes will be one of the directions that dental clinicians need to strive for.

Research progress of functional alignment robot assisted knee replacement / 中国骨伤

The correct alignment of the knee joint is considered to be one of the most influential factors in determining the long-term prognosis after total knee arthroplasty(TKA). In order to achieve the correct alignment goal, many different alignment concepts and surgical techniques have been established. For example, mechanical alignment(MA), kinematic alignment(KA) and functional alignment(FA) have their own characteristics. MA focuses on achieving neutral alignment of the limbs, parallel and equal bone gaps during stretching and flexion. KA aims to restore the patient 's natural joint line, make the joint level and angle normal and improve the physiological soft tissue balance, and strive to reproduce the normal knee function;among them, functional alignment(FA) developed with robot-assisted surgery technology is a relatively new alignment concept. It not only considers the alignment of the body, but also aims to achieve flexion and extension balance, while respecting the native soft tissue capsule. It not only restores the plane and slope of the in situ joint line accurately during the operation, but also takes into account the balance of soft tissue, which is a better alignment method. Therefore, it is of great significance to correctly construct the lower limb force line of patients, which is helpful to restore knee joint function, relieve pain symptoms and prolong the service life of prosthesi. However, compared with traditional TKA, the operation time of robot-assisted FA-TKA is prolonged, which means that the probability of postoperative infection will be greater. At present, most studies of FA technology report short-term results, and the long-term efficacy of patients is not clear. Therefore, long-term research results are needed to support the application of this technology. Therefore, the author makes a review on the research status of functional alignment.