Efficacy and safety of transurethral thulium laser enucleation versus robot-assisted prostatectomy for large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare perioperative outcomes between Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and robotic-assisted simple pasta-ectomy (RASP)for large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia(> 80 ml). In August 2023, we undertook a comprehensive search of major global databases including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, focusing solely on articles written in English. Studies that were merely reviews or protocols without any specific published data were omitted. Furthermore, articles that comprised conference abstracts or content not pertinent to our subject of study were also disregarded. To calculate the inverse variances and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for categorical variables' mean differences, we employed the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel approach along with random-effects models. The findings were denoted in the form of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. A p-value less than 0.05 was deemed to indicate statistical significance. Our finalized meta-analysis incorporated six articles, including one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and five cohort studies. These studies accounted for a total of 1218 patients, 944 of whom underwent Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and 274 who underwent Robotic-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy (RASP). The pooled analysis from these six papers demonstrated that compared to RASP, HoLEP had a shorter hospital stay, shorter catheterization duration, and a lower blood transfusion rate. Moreover, HoLEP patients exhibited a smaller reduction in postoperative hemoglobin levels. Statistically, there were no significant differences between the two procedures regarding operative time, postoperative PSA, the weight of prostate specimens, IPSS, Qmax, PVR, QoL, and postoperative complications. (HoLEP) and (RASP) are both effective and safe procedures for treating large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia. HoLEP, with its benefits of shorter catheterization and hospitalization duration, lesser decline in postoperative hemoglobin, and reduced blood transfusion needs, stands as a preferred choice for treating extensive prostate enlargement. However, further validation through more high-quality clinical randomized trials is required.

Outcomes of Robotic Simple Prostatectomy After Prior Failed Endoscopic Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Background: We compared outcomes of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) in patients with and without a history of prior prostate surgery for management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our multi-institutional database for all consecutive patients who underwent RASP between May 2013 and January 2021. Postoperatively, urinary function was assessed using the American Urological Association symptom score (AUASS) and quality of life (QOL) score. Results: Overall, 520 patients met inclusion criteria. Among the 87 (16.7%) patients who underwent prior prostate surgery, 49 (56.3%), 26 (29.9%), 8 (9.2%), 3 (3.4%), and 1 (1.1%) patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate, photoselective vaporization of the prostate, transurethral microwave therapy, prostatic urethral lift, or water vapor thermal therapy, respectively. There was no difference in mean prostate volume (p = 0.40), estimated blood loss (p = 0.32), robotic console time (p = 0.86), or major 30-day postoperative (Clavien >2) complications (p = 0.80) between both groups. With regard to urinary function, the mean improvement in preoperative and postoperative AUASS (p = 0.31), QOL scores (p = 0.11), and continence rates was similar between both groups. Conclusion: For management of patients with BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms, RASP is associated with an improvement in urinary function outcomes and a low risk of postoperative complications. Perioperative outcomes of RASP are similar in patients who underwent prior prostate surgery vs those that did not undergo prior prostate surgery.

Robotic partial cystectomy with excision of mesh after inguinal hernia repair: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mesh erosion into the bladder after hernioplasty is sparsely reported in literature and may be underestimated in clinical practice. We report a case of a patient who was referred to our department due to recurrent urinary tract infections caused by a bladder stone due to mesh migration after inguinal hernia repair 22 years ago. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old male patient was referred from the outpatient urologist for transurethral resection of the prostate in September 2021 due to recurrent urinary tract infections caused by benign prostatic enlargement and bladder stone formation. During the operation, parts of the stone were smashed and the prostate was resected. Additionally, a mesh eroding from the bladder roof was detected masqueraded by the stone. A computed tomography scan, which was performed afterwards, revealed a 20 × 25 mm mesh migration into the bladder after inguinal hernia repair on the left with concomitant stone adhesion to the mesh. After revealing patient history, an inguinal hernia repair with mesh implantation was done 22 years ago. A robotic assisted partial cystectomy and mesh excision was performed. The patient recovered well. CONCLUSION: Mesh erosion into the urinary bladder after hernia repair can occur up to two decades after the primary operation. Although it is rarely reported, it can be a possible cause for recurrent urinary tract infections and therefore a mentionable complication after inguinal hernia operation. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy with complete excision of the mesh is an option for definitive treatment.

Dynamic 18F-FET PET/CT to differentiate recurrent primary brain tumor and brain metastases from radiation necrosis after single-session robotic radiosurgery.

OBJECTIVE: Cyberknife robotic radiosurgery (RRS) provides single-session high-dose radiotherapy of brain tumors with a steep dose gradient and precise real-time image-guided motion correction. Although RRS appears to cause more radiation necrosis (RN), the radiometabolic changes after RRS have not been fully clarified. 18F-FET-PET/CT is used to differentiate recurrent tumor (RT) from RN after radiosurgery when MRI findings are indecisive. We explored the usefulness of dynamic parameters derived from 18F-FET PET in differentiating RT from RN after Cyberknife treatment in a single-center study population. METHODS: We retrospectively identified brain tumor patients with static and dynamic 18F-FET-PET/CT for suspected RN after Cyberknife. Static (tumor-to-background ratio) and dynamic PET parameters (time-activity curve, time-to-peak) were quantified. Analyses were performed for all lesions taken together (TOTAL) and for brain metastases only (METS). Diagnostic accuracy of PET parameters (using mean tumor-to-background ratio >1.95 and time-to-peak of 20 min for RT as cut-offs) and their respective improvement of diagnostic probability were analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with 28 brain tumors were included in quantitative analysis. Time-activity curves alone provided the highest sensitivities (TOTAL: 95%, METS: 100%) at the cost of specificity (TOTAL: 50%, METS: 57%). Combined mean tumor-to-background ratio and time-activity curve had the highest specificities (TOTAL: 63%, METS: 71%) and led to the highest increase in diagnosis probability of up to 16% p. - versus 5% p. when only static parameters were used. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study shows that combined dynamic and static 18F-FET PET/CT parameters can be used in differentiating RT from RN after RRS.

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy After Prior Transurethral Resection of Prostate: An Analysis of Perioperative, Functional, Pathologic, and Oncologic Outcomes.

Background: We performed a retrospective comparison of surgical, oncologic, and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between patients who have undergone prior transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) to TURP-naive patients. Methods: Past robotic prostatectomy hospital data were scrutinized to form two matched groups of patients: those who have undergone prior TURP and TURP-naive patients. The perioperative and pathologic data along with functional and oncologic outcomes for a period of 3 years were compared between groups. Results: Compared with TURP-naive patients, prior TURP patients experienced longer robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy times (p < 0.001), increased incidence of bladder neck reconstruction (p = 0.03), greater blood loss (p = 0.0001), and lesser nerve sparing (p < 0.01). Complication rates (p = 0.3), positive surgical margin (p = 0.4), extracapsular disease (p = 0.3), or seminal vesicle invasion (p = 0.1) were comparable between groups. Continence (p = 0.5) and potency (p = 0.1) at 1 year were not different between groups. Biochemical recurrence rates were not different at 3 years (p = 0.9). Diabetes slowed recovery of continence in patients with prior TURP compared with TURP-naive patients until 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Although prior TURP makes subsequent robotic prostatectomy more technically demanding, it can be safely performed by experienced surgeons without compromising long-term functional or oncologic outcomes.

Cone-Beam CT-Guided Transarterial Tagging of Endophytic Renal Tumors with Indocyanine Green for Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical impact of preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CT)-guided selective embolization of endophytic renal tumors with the fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) and ethiodized oil in patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) using near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIR-FI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with renal endophytic tumors eligible for RAPN and transarterial embolization with ICG and ethiodized oil were prospectively enrolled. Technical success was defined as the completion of the embolization procedure. Radiographic success, defined as ethiodized oil accumulation in the nodule, was classified as poor, moderate, good, or optimal on the basis of postembolization cone-beam CT. Surgical visibility of the tumors during RAPN with the use of NIR-FI was classified as follows: (a) not visible, (b) visible with poorly defined margins, and (c) visible with well-defined margins. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent preoperative selective embolization. Technical success was 100%. Ethiodized oil accumulation on cone-beam CT was poor in 2 (4.9%), moderate in 6 (14.6%), good in 25 (61.0%), and optimal in 8 (19.5%) of 41 patients. During RAPN with NIR-FI, tumors were visible with well-defined margins in 26 (63.4%), visible with blurred margins in 14 (34.1%), and not visible in 1 (2.4%) of 41 cases. There were no adverse events following endovascular embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative transarterial superselective embolization of endophytic renal tumors with ICG and ethodized oil in patients undergoing RAPN is safe and effective, allowing accurate intraoperative visualization and resection of endophytic tumors.

Are robots the future? A case for robotic pyeloplasty as the gold standard treatment in ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Robotic pyeloplasty is still a relatively novel procedure. Clinically, early studies have shown high success rates, decreased complication rates, decreased length of hospital stay, and better cosmetic results. This goal of this article is to argue for the use of robotic pyeloplasty as the gold standard of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) treatment. Results of studies that have compared robotic pyeloplasty with other procedures currently used are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: Our study, a comprehensive review of published outcomes of robotic pyeloplasty and alternative therapies, consisted of 666 pediatric patients and 653 adult patients. Our review coincided with the previously established studies that robotic pyeloplasty shows equivalent surgical success rates as previous standard of care treatments. Open pyeloplasty has fallen out of favor as standard of care due to the increased length of hospital stay, increased adverse events, and the undesirable aesthetics. SUMMARY: The use of robotic pyeloplasty has shown to have clinical outcomes that are consistent with other intervention for UPJO, with a potential decrease in length of stay and morbidity. More work has to be done to develop ways to decrease cost of the robot to help establish it as the gold standard for UPJO treatment.

Robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and open incisional hernia repair: early outcomes from the Prospective Hernia Study.

PURPOSE: To provide a comparative analysis of short-term outcomes after open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted (RAS) ventral incisional hernia (VIH) repairs that include subject-reported pain medication usage and hernia-related quality of life (QOL). METHODS: Subjects were ≥ 18 years old and underwent elective open, laparoscopic or RAS VIH repair without myofascial release. Perioperative clinical outcomes through 30 days were analyzed as were prescription pain medication use and subject-reported responses to the HerQLes Abdominal QOL questionnaire. Observed differences in baseline characteristics were controlled using a weighted propensity score analysis to obviate potential selection bias (inverse probability of treatment weighting, IPTW). A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-one subjects (RAS, n = 159; open, n = 130; laparoscopic, n = 82) were enrolled in the study across 17 medical institutions within the United States. Operative times were significantly different between the RAS and laparoscopic groups (126.2 vs 57.2, respectively; p < 0.001). Mean length of stay was comparable for RAS vs laparoscopic (1.4 ± 1.0 vs 1.4 ± 1.1, respectively; p = 0.623) and differed for the RAS vs open groups (1.4 ± 1.0 vs 2.0 ± 1.9, respectively; p < 0.001). Conversion rates differed between RAS and laparoscopic groups (0.6% vs 4.9%; p = 0.004). The number of subjects reporting the need to take prescription pain medication through the 2-4 weeks visit differed between RAS vs open (65.2% vs 79.8%; p < 0.001) and RAS vs laparoscopic (65.2% vs 78.75%; p < 0.001). For those taking prescription pain medication, the mean number of pills taken was comparable for RAS vs open (23.3 vs 20.4; p = 0.079) and RAS vs laparoscopic (23.3 vs 23.3; p = 0.786). Times to return to normal activities and to work, complication rates and HerQLes QOL scores were comparable for the RAS vs open and RAS vs laparoscopic groups. The reoperation rate within 30 days post-procedure was comparable for RAS vs laparoscopic (0.6% vs 0%; p = 0.296) and differed for RAS vs open (0.6% vs 3.1%; p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term outcomes indicate that open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted approaches are effective surgical approaches to VIH repair; however, each repair technique may demonstrate advantages in terms of clinical outcomes. Observed differences in the RAS vs laparoscopic comparison are longer operative time and lower conversion rate in the RAS group. Observed differences in the RAS vs open comparison are shorter LOS and lower reoperation rate through 30 days in the RAS group. The operative time in the RAS vs open comparison is similar. The number of subjects requiring the use of prescription pain medication favored the RAS group in both comparisons; however, among subjects reporting a need for pain medication, there was no difference in the number of prescription pain medication pills taken. While the study adds to the body of evidence evaluating the open, laparoscopic, and RAS approaches, future controlled studies are needed to better understand pain and QOL outcomes related to incisional hernia repair. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02715622.

The Impact of Previous Prostate Surgery on Surgical Outcomes for Patients Treated with Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility and safety of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) may be undermined by unfavorable preoperative surgical characteristics such as previous prostate surgery (PPS). OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing RARC with versus without a history of PPS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The study included 220 consecutive patients treated with RARC and pelvic lymph node dissection for bladder cancer at a single European tertiary centre. Of these, 43 had previously undergone PPS, defined as transurethral resection of the prostate/holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (n=21) or robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (n=22). SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RARC in patients with a history of PPS. MEASUREMENTS: Data on postoperative complications were collected according to the quality criteria for accurate and comprehensive reporting of surgical outcomes recommended by the European Association of Urology guidelines. Multivariable logistic, linear, and Poisson regression analyses were performed to test the effect of PPS on surgical outcomes. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 43 patients (20%) were treated with RARC after PPS. Operative time (OT) was longer in the PPS group (360 vs 330min; p<0.001). Patients with PPS experienced higher rates of intraoperative complications (19% vs 6.8%) and higher rates of 30-d (67% vs 39%), and Clavien-Dindo >3 (33% vs 16%) postoperative complications (all p<0.05). Moreover, the positive surgical margin (PSM) rate after RARC was higher in the PPS group (14% vs 4%; p=0.03). On multivariable analyses, PPS at RARC independently predicted higher risk of intraoperative (odds ratio [OR] 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-6.21; p=0.01) and 30-d complications (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.05-5.22; p=0.02), as well as longer OT (relative risk [RR] 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05; p=0.02) and length of stay (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.26; p=0.02). Lack of randomization represents the main limitation. CONCLUSIONS: RARC in patients with a history of PPS is feasible, but it is associated with a higher risk of complications and longer OT and length of stay. Moreover, higher PSM rates have been reported for these patients. Thus, measures aimed at improving surgical outcomes appear to be warranted. PATIENT SUMMARY: We investigated the effect of previous prostate surgery (PPS) on surgical outcomes after robot-assisted removal of the bladder. We found that patients with PPS have a higher risk of complications and longer hospitalization after bladder removal. These patients deserve closer evaluation before this type of bladder operation.

Evaluation of robotic versus open partial pancreatoduodenectomy-study protocol for a randomised controlled pilot trial (EUROPA, DRKS00020407).

BACKGROUND: Partial pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is the indicated surgical procedure for a wide range of benign and malignant diseases of the pancreatic head and distal bile duct and offers the only potential cure for pancreatic head cancer. The current gold standard, open PD (OPD) performed via laparotomy, is associated with morbidity in around 40% of cases, even at specialised centres. Robotic PD (RPD) might offer a viable alternative to OPD and has been shown to be feasible. Encouraging perioperative results have been reported for RPD in a number of small, non-randomised studies. However, since those studies showed a considerable risk of bias, a thorough comparison of RPD with OPD is warranted. METHODS: The EUROPA (EvalUation of RObotic partial PAncreatoduodenectomy) trial is designed as a randomised controlled unblinded exploratory surgical trial with two parallel study groups. A total of 80 patients scheduled for elective PD will be randomised after giving written informed consent. Patients with borderline or non-resectable carcinoma of the pancreatic head as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, distant metastases or an American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score > III will be excluded. The experimental intervention, RPD, will be compared with the control intervention, OPD. An intraoperative dropout of approximately eight patients per group is expected because they may receive another type of surgical procedure than planned. Overall, 64 patients need to be analysed. The primary endpoint of the trial is overall postoperative morbidity within 90 days after index operation, measured using the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). The secondary endpoints include the feasibility of recruitment and assessment of clinical, oncological and safety parameters and quality of life and cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION: The EUROPA trial is the first randomised controlled trial comparing RPD with OPD. Differences in postoperative morbidity will be evaluated to design a future multicentre confirmatory efficacy trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00020407 . Registered on 9 March 2020.

Readmission and complications after robotic surgery: experience of 10,000 operations at a comprehensive cancer center.

Evaluation of safety is of paramount importance with adoption of novel surgical technology. Although robotic surgery has become widely used in oncologic surgery, analysis of safety is lacking in comparison to traditional techniques. Standardized assessment of robotic surgical outcomes and adverse events following oncologic surgery is necessary for quality improvement with innovative technology. Between 2003 and 2016, 10,013 unique robotic operations were performed in 9,858 patients. Our prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed for hospital readmissions and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 2 complications within 30 days. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of surgical complications and hospital readmissions. Cases were stratified by discipline: genitourinary (n = 8240), gynecologic (n = 857), thoracic (n = 457), gastrointestinal (n = 322), hepatobiliary (n = 60), ear/nose/throat (n = 44) and general (n = 33). Intraoperative complications occurred in 42 surgeries (0.4%). Postoperative complications occurred in 946 patients [9.4%, highest grade 2 (n = 574), 3 (n = 288), 4 (n = 72), 5 (n = 10)]. Most frequent complications were ileus (154, 16.3%), anemia (91, 9.6%), cardiac arrhythmia (62, 6.6%), deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus (47, 5.0%), wound infection (45, 4.8%) and urinary leak (43, 4.5%). 405 patients (4.0%) required readmission. Most common causes for hospital readmission were ileus (44, 10.9%), urinary leak (23, 5.7%), urinary tract infection (23, 5.7%), intra-abdominal abscess/fluid collection (23, 5.7%), and small bowel obstruction (19, 4.7%). On multivariable analysis, longer operative time and older age predicted complications and readmissions (p ≤ 0.02). Robotic-assisted surgery appears a safe for oncologic surgery with acceptable hospital readmission and complication rates. Older age and longer operative time were associated with complications and readmission.

Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion: A New Standard of Urinary Diversion.

Background: To summarize the current evidence on robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) and compare perioperative outcomes and postoperative complications of patients undergoing RARC with extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) and ICUD. Patients and Methods: Through a systematical search of multiple scientific databases in March 2020, we performed a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of the primary outcomes of interest. Also, we assessed the quality of the relevant evidence according to the framework in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Results: Thirteen studies with 4696 participants were included in this review. No significant differences were found between the ECUD and ICUD in operation time (OT) (mean difference [MD]: -6.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -35.20 to 22.30), length of stay (MD: 0.36, 95% CI: -0.81 to 1.54), 30-day overall complications (odds ratio [OR]: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.60-1.41), 30-day minor complications (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.85-2.19), 30-day major complications (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.34-1.43), 90-day overall complications (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 0.83-2.18), and major complications (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.68-1.57). However, less estimate blood loss (MD: 99.28 mL, 95% CI: 62.59-135.98), lower intraoperative blood transfusion (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.09-2.95), shorter oral intake time (MD: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.43-1.14), and 90-day minor complications (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.08-2.73) were associated with ICUD. The subgroup analysis showed less estimated blood loss (MD: 149.73, 95% CI: 21.33-278.13) and less OT (MD: 32.45, 95% CI: 14.37-50.53) were found in ICUD. Conclusions: The ICUD is a safe and feasible alternative to ECUD, which decreases the need for blood transfusion and reduces 90-day complications. However, further quality studies are needed to evaluate effectiveness of ICUD and its oncologic outcomes, functional outcomes, cost, and the quality of life.

Continent Cutaneous Catheterizable Channels in Pediatric Patients: A Decade of Experience with Open and Robotic Approaches in a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: To allow patients with bladder and bowel dysfunctions to achieve social continence, continent catheterizable channels (CCCs) are effective alternatives to intermittent self-catheterization and enema. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe our progressive advancement from open to robotic construction of CCCs, reporting outcomes and comparing the two approaches. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of pediatric patients who underwent construction of CCCs between 2008 and 2019. The inclusion criteria were age ≤18 yr, and CCCs with or without bladder augmentation or bladder neck surgery. We compared open versus robotic approaches for demographics, and intra- and postoperative outcomes; operative time was calculated as incision-to-closure time. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Channels performed were appendicovesicostomy (APV), Monti with tapered ileum, and antegrade colonic enema (ACE). A Monti channel with tapered ileum was preferred to a spiral Monti or double Monti, as it has more robust blood supply and it was performed only with an open approach. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was success rate, defined as postoperative stomal continence. Stomal incontinence was defined as the presence of urine leakage noted by caregivers or patients and confirmed by the surgeon. Secondary outcomes were stomal stenosis (supra- and subfascial), incontinence, need for surgical revision, and surgical site infection. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 69 patients were included in the study, with 35 open and 34 robotic procedures. The robotic approach showed a significant decrease in length of hospital stay (LOS) compared with the open approach. Six primary subfascial revisions were performed in five patients--three Monti, two ACE, and one APV. Continence rates were 91.4% and 91.2% for open and robotic approaches, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery for CCCs showed acceptable postoperative functional outcomes and complication rates, which are comparable with those of the traditional open approach. Additionally, due to its minimally invasive nature, it offers advantages such as decreased postoperative pain, LOS, and time to full diet, and better cosmesis. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robotic surgery for continent catheterizable channels showed acceptable postoperative functional outcomes and complication rates, which are comparable with those of the traditional open approach.

Choosing the most appropriate minimally invasive approach to treat gynecologic cancers in the context of an enhanced recovery program: Insights from a comprehensive cancer center.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of procedures for gynecologic cancers conducted with conventional laparoscopy (CL) or robotically assisted laparoscopy (RAL) in the context of an enhanced recovery program (ERP). METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort study conducted between 2016 (when the ERP was first implemented at the Institut Paoli-Calmettes, a comprehensive cancer center in France) and 2018. We included patients who had undergone minimally invasive surgery for gynecological cancers and followed our ERP. The endpoints were the analysis of postoperative complications, the length of postoperative hospitalization (LPO), and the proportion of combined procedures depending on the approach (RAL or CL). Combined procedures were defined by the association of at least two of the following operative items: hysterectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: A total of 362 women underwent either CL (n = 187) or RAL (n = 175) for gynecologic cancers and followed our ERP. The proportion of combined procedures performed by RAL was significantly higher (85/175 [48.6%]) than that performed by CL (23/187 [12.3%]; p < 0.001). The proportions of postoperative complications were similar between the two groups (19.4% versus 17.1%; p = 0.59). Logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically insignificant trend in the association of RAL with a reduced likelihood of an LPO > 3 days after adjusting for predictors of prolonged hospitalization (adjusted OR = 0.573 [0.236-1.388]; p = 0.217). CONCLUSION: Experts from our cancer center preferentially choose RAL to perform gynecologic oncological procedures that present elements of complexity. More studies are needed to determine whether this strategy is efficient in managing complex procedures in the framework of an ERP.

Robotics for catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias: Current technologies and practical approaches.

Robotic technology has emerged as an important tool to facilitate catheter ablation of arrhythmias. Robotic cardiac electrophysiology technology includes remote magnetic navigation and manual robotic navigation. Robotics can confer advantages with respect to ease of catheter manipulation in anatomically challenging spaces, minimization of fluoroscopic exposure to both patients and operators, and reduction in operator fatigue. This review provides a comprehensive summary of robotic electrophysiology technology, its practical applications and its safety and efficacy for targeting cardiac arrhythmias.

Paraesophageal hernia repair: a curative consideration for chronic anemia?

INTRODUCTION: Chronic anemia is a common, coinciding or presenting diagnosis in patients with paraesophageal hernia (PEH). Presence of endoscopically identified ulcerations frequently prompts surgical consultation in the otherwise asymptomatic patient with anemia. Rates of anemia resolution following paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) often exceed the prevalence of such lesions in the study population. A defined algorithm remains elusive. This study aims to characterize resolution of anemia after PEHR with respect to endoscopic diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with PEH and anemia undergoing PEHR from 2007 to 2018 was performed. Anemia was determined by preoperative labs: Hgb < 12 mg/dl in females, Hgb < 13 mg/dl in males, or patients with ongoing iron supplementation. Improvement of post-operative anemia was assessed by post-operative hemoglobin values and continued necessity of iron supplementation. RESULTS: Among 56 identified patients, 45 were female (80.4%). Forty patients (71.4%) were anemic by hemoglobin value, 16 patients (28.6%) required iron supplementation. Mean age was 65.1 years, with mean BMI of 27.7 kg/m2. One case was a Type IV PEH and the rest Type III. 32 (64.0%) had potential source of anemia: 16 (32.0%) Cameron lesions, 6 (12.0%) gastric ulcers, 12 (24.0%) gastritis. 10 (20.0%) had esophagitis and 4 (8%) Barrett's esophagus. 18 (36%) PEH patients had normal preoperative EGD. Median follow-up was 160 days. Anemia resolution occurred in 46.4% of patients. Of the 16 patients with pre-procedure Cameron lesions, 10 (63%) had resolution of anemia. Patients with esophagitis did not achieve resolution. 72.2% (13/18) of patients with no lesions on EGD had anemia resolution (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Patients with PEH and identifiable ulcerations showed 50% resolution of anemia after hernia repair. Patients without identifiable lesions on endoscopy demonstrated statistically significant resolution of anemia in 72.2% of cases. Anemia associated with PEH adds an indication for surgical repair with curative intent.

Effect of personalized extracorporeal biofeedback device for pelvic floor muscle training on urinary incontinence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To investigate the effectiveness of a novel personalized extracorporeal biofeedback device (Anykegel) for pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the recovery of postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) through a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 84 patients who underwent RARP were randomized either to the intervention group (42) (receiving biofeedback-PFMT using a novel device in addition to verbal and written instruction) or to the control group (42). Patients were evaluated 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery. Incontinence severity was measured by the 24-hour pad test. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire were also assessed. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a significantly smaller volume of urine loss at the 1-month follow-up than the control group on a 24-hour pad test (71.0 g vs 120.8 g; P = .028). However, from the 2-month follow-up visit, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. In addition, in the 1-month follow-up data of the IPSS-total score, the intervention group demonstrated significantly favorable changes from baseline with improved scores compared to the control group (0.25 ± 9.15 vs -3.81 ± 8.98; P = .046). Regarding the IIEF-5 score changes, no significant differences were reported throughout the study periods. CONCLUSIONS: The personalized extracorporeal biofeedback device for PFMT offers a significant positive effect on the recovery of PPI after RARP, especially in the early postoperative period. Furthermore, patients can be offered more convenience through performing the regular exercise at any place with ease.

Robot-Assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane Block: Description of the Technique and Comparative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several randomized clinical trials have shown the efficacy of percutaneous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in decreasing pain after open and minimally invasive surgeries. We postulated that TAP block could be performed by a robot-assisted transperitoneal approach and provide postoperative pain control equivalent to local anesthetic port infiltration. OBJECTIVE: To compare different indicators of postoperative pain between robot-assisted TAP and local anesthetic port infiltration in patients who had undergone robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODOLOGY: A retrospective comparison of 214 consecutive patients undergoing RARP over a 1-year period was conducted. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and outcomes, including time to ambulation, pain score, narcotic usage, and length of stay, were compared. RESULTS: In total, 206 patients were included: 101 received local anesthetic port infiltration and 105 robot-assisted TAP block. There were no differences in estimated blood loss, operative time, time to ambulation, and length of stay between the two groups. The robot-assisted TAP block cohort experienced lesser pain than the local anesthetic port infiltration cohort in the intervals of 6 to 12 hours (2.05 vs 3.21, p = 0.0016) and 12 to 18 hours (2.19 vs 2.97, p = 0.0495) postoperation. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted TAP block is a safe alternative to local anesthetic port-site infiltration. Robot-assisted TAP is associated with lower postoperative pain scores and less narcotic use than local anesthetic port-site infiltration.

Impact of Combination of Local Anesthetic Wounds Infiltration and Ultrasound Transversus Abdominal Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Perioperative Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determinate benefits of the combination of local anesthetic wounds infiltration and ultrasound transversus abdominal plane (US-TAP) block with ropivacaine on postoperative pain, early recovery, and hospital stay in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: The study is double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Our hypothesis was that the combination of wound infiltration and US-TAP block with ropivacaine would decrease immediate postoperative pain and opioids use. Primary outcomes included postoperative pain and opioids demand during the hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were nausea/vomiting rate, stool passing time, use of prokinetics, length of hospital stay (LOS), and 30-days readmission to the hospital for pain or other US-TAP block-related complications. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients who underwent RARP were eligible for the analysis; 57 received the US-TAP block with 20 mL of 0.35% ropivacaine (US-TAP block group) and 43 did not receive US-TAP block (no-US-TAP group). All the patients received the local wound anesthetic infiltration with 20 mL of 0.35% ropivacaine. US-TAP block group showed a decreased mean Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) within 12 hours after surgery (1.6 vs 2.6; p = 0.02) and mean NRS (1.8 vs 2.7; p = 0.04) with lesser number of patients who used opioid (3.5% vs 18.6%; p = 0.01) during the first 24 hours. Moreover, we found a shorter mean LOS (4.27 vs 4.72, days; p = 0.04) with a lower requirement of prokinetics administration during the hospital stay (21% vs 72%; p < 0.001). No US-TAP block-related complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Combination of anesthetic wound infiltration and US-TAP block with ropivacaine as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen can be safely offered to patients undergoing RARP and extended pelvic lymph node dissection. It improves the immediate postoperative pain control, reducing opioids administration and is associated to a decreased use of prokinetics and shorter hospital stay.

May perioperative ultrasound-guided pelvic floor muscle training promote early recovery of urinary continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

AIMS: The efficacy of perioperative pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for continence recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) remains unclear. Visualization of the bladder neck and urethra using transperineal ultrasound (US) may promote self-recognition of urethral closure during PFM contraction. This study aimed to examine whether transperineal US-guided PFMT promotes early recovery of post-RARP incontinence. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 116 men undergoing RARP. All men were offered to undergo transperineal US-guided PFMT, and 36 men agreed. The protocol consisted of biofeedback PFMT using transperineal US before RARP and 1-month after RARP with verbal instruction of PFMT immediately after urethral catheter removal. The remaining 80 patients received verbal instruction for PFMT alone. Continence recovery was defined as the number of days requiring a small pad (20 g) per day by self-report. RESULTS: No differences were observed in demographic or peri-operative parameters between the two groups except the longer operative time in the US-guided PFMT group. The mean time until continence recovery was significantly shorter in the US-guided PFMT group (75.6 ± 100.0 days) than in the verbal-PFMT group (121.8 ± 132.0 days, P = 0.037). Continence recovery rates within 30 days were 52.8% (19/36) and 35.4% (28/80) in the US-guided PFMT and verbal-PFMT groups, respectively (P = 0.081). US-guided PFMT was associated with better postoperative continence status (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.550 [0.336-0.900], P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that transperineal US-guided PFMT perioperatively was associated with early recovery of urinary continence after RARP.