Preoperative proteinuria is associated with increased rates of acute kidney injury after partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We investigated the association between preoperative proteinuria and early postoperative renal function after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1121 consecutive RPN cases at a single academic center from 2006 to 2016. Patients without pre-existing CKD (eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73m2) who had a urinalysis within 1-month prior to RPN were included. The cohort was categorized by the presence or absence of preoperative proteinuria (trace or greater (≥1+) urine dipstick), and groups were compared in terms of clinical and functional outcomes. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was assessed using RIFLE criteria. Univariate and multivariable models were used to identify factors associated with postoperative AKI. RESULTS: Of 947 patients, 97 (10.5%) had preoperative proteinuria. Characteristics associated with preoperative proteinuria included non-white race (p<0.01), preoperative diabetes (p<0.01) and hypertension (HTN) (p<0.01), higher ASA (p<0.01), higher BMI (p<0.01), and higher Charlson score (p<0.01). The incidence of AKI was higher in patients with preoperative proteinuria (10.3% vs. 4.6%, p=0.01). The median eGFR preservation measured within one month after surgery was lower (83.6% vs. 91%, p=0.04) in those with proteinuria; however, there were no significant differences by 3 months after surgery or last follow-up visit. Independent predictors of AKI were high BMI (p<0.01), longer ischemia time (p<0.01), and preoperative proteinuria (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Preoperative proteinuria by urine dipstick is an independent predictor of postoperative AKI after RPN. This test may be used to identify patients, especially those without overt CKD, who are at increased risk for developing AKI after RPN.

Hilar Parenchymal Oversew: a novel technique for robotic partial nephrectomy hilar tumor renorrhaphy.

INTRODUCTION: A renorrhaphy technique which is effective for hemostasis but does not place undue tension on the branch vessels of the renal sinus remains one of the challenging steps after hilar tumor resection during robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). The published V-hilar suture (VHS) technique is one option for reconstruction after an RPN involving the hilum. The objective of this video is to show a novel renorrhaphy technique, Hilar Parenchymal Oversew that has been effective for such cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present two cases of RPN for renal hilar tumors. The first case depicts use of the VHS renorrhaphy technique for a tumor that abuts the renal hilum along 20% of its diameter. The second case demonstrates tumor resection and reconstruction for a tumor that has >50% involvement of the hilum along its diameter. After tumor resection, individual sinus vessels can be selectively oversewn with 2-0 Vicryl suture on SH needle. The remaining exposed parenchyma is controlled using the Hilar Parenchymal Oversew technique with a #0 Vicryl on CT-1 needle. RESULTS: For the Hilar Parenchymal Oversew surgery operative time was 225 min, estimated blood loss was 140 ml, warm ischemia time was 19 minutes, and there were no intraoperative complications. Pathology was consistent with clear cell renal cancer with negative margins. CONCLUSION: Robotic partial nephrectomy with the Hilar Parenchymal Oversew technique is a good alternative to VHS renorrhaphy in the management of renal hilar tumors "bulging" into the renal sinus with >50% of the tumor diameter abutting the hilum.

Risk of Pathological Upgrading and Up Staging among Men with Low Risk Prostate Cancer Varies by Race: Results from the National Cancer Database.

PURPOSE: The impact of African-American race on oncologic outcomes for low risk prostate cancer is unclear due to conflicting data. We investigated the effect of African-American race on pathological upgrading and/or up staging at prostatectomy in men with clinically low risk prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We queried the National Cancer Database for men with low risk prostate cancer (clinical stage T2a or less, Gleason score 6 or less, prostate specific antigen less than 10 ng/ml) treated with radical prostatectomy between 2010 and 2013. The outcomes were pathological upgrading to Gleason score greater than 6 (primary) or Gleason score greater than 3+4=7 (secondary) and/or up staging (pathological T3-4 or N1 disease). The association between race and the end points was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. To further adjust for potential confounders, stratification by urban residence and comorbidity score, and subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: With adjustment for age, comorbidity, income, urban residence, T stage, prostate specific antigen and percentage of positive biopsy cores, African-American race conferred 1.2-fold higher odds of pathological upgrading to Gleason score greater than 6 and/or up staging (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3, p <0.01). African-American race also was an independent predictor of pathological upgrading to Gleason score greater than 3+4=7 and/or up staging (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: African-American men with low risk prostate cancer are more likely to harbor higher risk disease, which may lead to adverse outcomes. This finding alone does not preclude active surveillance. However, race should be considered as men weigh the risks and benefits of active surveillance vs treatment.

Patterns and Predictors of Recurrence after Partial Nephrectomy for Kidney Tumors.

PURPOSE: We sought to identify patterns and predictors of recurrence in patients with clinically localized renal cell carcinoma managed by partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 830 consecutive cases of partial nephrectomy done between 2007 and 2015 for clinically localized renal cell carcinoma at a single institution. Patient demographics and pathological characteristics were correlated with recurrence patterns (overall, local and distant) and overall survival using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Differences in the recurrence patterns were evaluated. RESULTS: Median patient age was 61 years and median tumor size was 3.1 cm. Overall, 11.6% of tumors were stage pT3, 39.3% were high grade, 2.9% had lymphovascular invasion and 7.1% had positive margins. Higher grade, higher stage, positive surgical margins and increased R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of deepest tumor portion to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior and location relative to polar line) score were associated with shorter disease-free survival on Kaplan-Meier analysis. On multivariable regression pT (p <0.01), grade (p <0.01) and R.E.N.A.L. score (p = 0.03) remained independent predictors of disease-free survival. Predictors of metastasis were pT stage (HR 4.5) and grade (HR 3.9, both p <0.01), while R.E.N.A.L. score (HR 3.2, p = 0.03) was the single predictor of local recurrence. Five-year disease-free and overall survival probabilities were 91% and 94%, respectively. Local recurrence manifested and developed earlier than metastasis (median 13 vs 22 months, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: High pT stage, high grade and high R.E.N.A.L. score increase the risk of disease recurrence after partial nephrectomy. The pT stage and grade are predictors of metastasis, while R.E.N.A.L. score predicts local recurrence. Because relapse features and risk factors differ between the 2 recurrence patterns, they should be studied separately in the future.

When Partial Nephrectomy is Unsuccessful: Understanding the Reasons for Conversion from Robotic Partial to Radical Nephrectomy at a Tertiary Referral Center.

PURPOSE: We sought to identify the preoperative factors associated with conversion from robotic partial nephrectomy to radical nephrectomy. We report the incidence of this event. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using our institutional review board approved database, we abstracted data on 1,023 robotic partial nephrectomies performed at our center between 2010 and 2015. Standard and converted cases were compared in terms of patients and tumor characteristics, and perioperative, functional and oncologic outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of radical conversion. RESULTS: The overall conversion rate was 3.1% (32 of 1,023 cases). The most common reasons for conversion were tumor involvement of hilar structures (8 cases or 25%), failure to achieve negative margins on frozen section (7 or 21.8%), suspicion of advanced disease (5 or 15.6%) and failure to progress (5 or 15.6%). Patients requiring conversion were older and had a higher Charlson score (both p <0.01), including an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease (p = 0.02). Increasing tumor size (5 vs 3.1 cm, p <0.01) and R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar lines and hilar location) score (9 vs 8, p <0.01) were also associated with an increased risk of conversion. Worse baseline renal function (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, p = 0.04), large tumor size (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.22-1.7, p <0.01) and increasing R.E.N.A.L. score (p = 0.02) were independent predictors of conversion. Compared to converted cases, at latest followup standard robotic partial nephrectomy cases had similar short-term oncologic outcomes but better renal functional preservation (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: At a high volume center the rate of robotic partial nephrectomy conversion to radical nephrectomy was 3.1%, including 2.2% of preoperatively anticipated nephrectomy cases. Increasing tumor size and complexity, and poor preoperative renal function are the main predictors of conversion.

Do Renin-Angiotensin Blockers Affect Renal Function and Cardiac Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Partial Nephrectomy?

PURPOSE: Currently no data exist to guide renal surgeons on the perioperative use of renin-angiotensin blockers despite potential cardiorenal benefits. We aimed to assess the impact of resuming renin-angiotensin blockers on postoperative renal function and adverse cardiac events following partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational analysis of patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from 2006 to 2014 at a single institution. The Wilcoxon rank sum and chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used to assess the risk of adverse renal and cardiac events stratified by history and pattern of renin-angiotensin blockade perioperatively. RESULTS: We identified 900 patients with a median followup of 16.3 months (IQR 1.4-39.1). There were no significant differences in severe renal dysfunction at last followup on univariate analysis or adverse cardiac events at 30 days on multivariate analysis in patients stratified by a history of renin-angiotensin blockade. Of the 338 patients 137 (41.9%) resumed renin-angiotensin blockade immediately after surgery, which did not result in any significant difference in the postoperative glomerular filtration rate (p >0.05). Resuming renin-angiotensin blockade at discharge home was associated with a decreased risk of heart failure within 30 days of surgery (0.3% vs 11.8% of cases) and stage IV/V chronic kidney disease at last followup (2.6% vs 25.5%, each p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Renin-angiotensin blockers appear safe to continue immediately after renal surgery. Discharge home with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers was associated with a decreased risk of heart failure and severe renal dysfunction. However, this risk may be overstated as a result of the small number of patients discharged without resuming the home medication.

Robotic radical perineal cystectomy and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy: initial investigation using a purpose-built single-port robotic system.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of radical perineal cystoprostatectomy using the latest generation purpose-built single-port robotic surgical system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In two male cadavers the da Vinci® SP1098 Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) was used to perform radical perineal cystoprostatectomy and bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). New features in this model include enhanced high-definition three-dimensional optics, improved instrument manoeuvrability, and a real-time instrument tracking and guidance system. The surgery was accomplished through a 3-cm perineal incision via a novel robotic single-port system, which accommodates three double-jointed articulating robotic instruments, an articulating camera, and an accessory laparoscopic instrument. The primary outcomes were technical feasibility, intraoperative complications, and total robotic operative time. RESULTS: The cases were completed successfully without conversion. There were no accidental punctures or lacerations. The robotic operative times were 197 and 202 min. CONCLUSIONS: In this preclinical model, robotic radical perineal cystoprostatectomy and ePLND was feasible using the SP1098 robotic platform. Further investigation is needed to assess the feasibility of urinary diversion using this novel approach and new technology.

Surgical quality of minimally invasive adrenalectomy for adrenocortical carcinoma: a contemporary analysis using the National Cancer Database.

OBJECTIVES: To compare quality outcomes between open (OA) and minimally invasive (MIA) adrenalectomy for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the National Cancer Database, we identified 481 patients with non-metastatic ACC who underwent adrenalectomy from 2010 to 2013. OA and MIA were compared on positive surgical margin (PSM) and lymph node dissection (LND) rates (primary outcomes), and lymph node yield, length of stay (LOS), readmission, and overall survival (secondary outcomes). Using the intention-to-treat principle, minimally-invasive-converted-to-open cases were considered MIA. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of PSMs and LND. Associations between approach and the outcomes were further assessed by stage and tumour size. RESULTS: Overall, 161 patients (33.5%) underwent MIA. MIA was used more commonly in older, comorbid patients; for smaller, localised tumours; and at lower-volume centres. In the intention-to-treat analysis, MIA independently predicted PSMs [odds ratio (OR) 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-3.6; P = 0.03) and no LND (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.03-0.6; P = 0.01). On subgroup analysis, the association between MIA and PSMs only held true for pT3 disease (48.7% vs 26.7%, P = 0.01). A higher PSM rate was seen for tumours of ≥10 cm managed with MIA vs OA, but this difference was not significant (28.2% vs 18.5%, P = 0.16). Likewise, the association between MIA and no LND was only observed for male patients, tumours ≥10 cm, and cN0 disease. After excluding minimally-invasive-converted-to-open cases, the difference in PSM was less pronounced and non-significant (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.9-3.4; P = 0.08). MIA was associated with significantly shorter median LOS (3 vs 6 days, P < 0.01) and non-significantly decreased readmissions (4.4% vs 8.8%, P = 0.08) compared to OA without any difference in lymph node yield or overall survival. CONCLUSION: For organ-confined disease, MIA offers comparable surgical quality to OA, while expediting inpatient recovery. OA is associated with superior outcomes for locally advanced disease.

Robot-assisted approach improves surgical outcomes in obese patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of approach on surgical outcomes in otherwise healthy obese patients undergoing partial nephrectomy for small renal masses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using our institutional partial nephrectomy database, we abstracted data on otherwise healthy (Charlson comorbidity score ≤1 and bilateral kidneys), obese patients (body mass index >30 kg/m2 ) with small renal masses (<4 cm) treated between 2011 and 2015. The primary outcomes were intra-operative transfusion, operating time, length of hospital stay (LOS), and postoperative complications. The association between approach, open (OPN) vs robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), and outcomes was assessed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Covariates included age, gender, obesity severity, tumour size and tumour complexity. RESULTS: Of 237 obese patients undergoing partial nephrectomy, 25% underwent OPN and 75% underwent RAPN. Apart from larger tumour size in the OPN group (2.8 vs 2.5 cm; P = 0.02), there was no significant difference between groups. The rate of intra-operative blood transfusion (1.1 vs 10%; P = 0.01), the median operating time (180 vs 207 min; P < 0.01) and the median ischaemia time (19.5 vs 27 min; P < 0.01) were all greater for OPN. The LOS was significantly shorter for RAPN (3 vs 4 days; P < 0.01). While the overall complication rate was higher for OPN (15.8 vs 31.7%; P < 0.01), major complications were not significantly different (5.6 vs 1.7%; P = 0.20). On multivariable analyses, OPN independently predicted longer operating time, longer length of stay, and more overall complications. CONCLUSIONS: At a high-volume centre, the robot-assisted approach offers less blood transfusion, shorter operating time, faster recovery, and fewer peri-operative complications compared with the open approach in obese patients undergoing partial nephrectomy for small renal masses. In this setting, RAPN may be a preferable treatment option.

Optimum outcome achievement in partial nephrectomy for T1 renal masses: a contemporary analysis of open and robot-assisted cases.

OBJECTIVES: To compare optimum outcome achievement in open partial nephrectomy (OPN) with that in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using our institutional partial nephrectomy (PN) database, we reviewed 605 cases performed for unifocal clinical T1 renal masses in non-solitary kidneys between 2011 and 2015. Tetrafecta, which was defined as negative surgical margins, freedom from peri-operative complications, ≥80% renal function preservation, and no chronic kidney disease upstaging, was chosen as the composite optimum outcome. Factors associated with tetrafecta achievement were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, with adjustment for age, gender, race, Charlson comorbidity score, body mass index, chronic kidney disease, tumour size, tumour complexity and approach. RESULTS: The overall tetrafecta achievement rate was 38%. Negative margins, freedom from complications, and optimum functional preservation were achieved in 97.1%, 73.6% and 54.2% of cases, respectively. For T1a masses, the tetrafecta achievement rate was similar between approaches (P = 0.97), but for T1b masses, the robot-assisted approach achieved significantly higher tetrafecta rates (43.0% vs 21.3%; P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, the robot-assisted approach had 2.6-fold higher odds of tetrafecta achievement than the open approach, primarily because of lower peri-operative morbidity, specifically related to wound complications. Positive surgical margin rates and renal function preservation were similar in the two approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Optimum outcomes are readily achieved regardless of PN approach. The robot-assisted approach may facilitate optimum outcome achievement for 4-7-cm masses by minimizing wound complications.

Safety and early effectiveness of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for large angiomyolipomas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a multicentre series of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) performed for the treatment of large angiomyolipomas (AMLs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2016, 40 patients with large or symptomatic AMLs underwent RAPN at five academic centres in the USA. Patient demographics, AML characteristics, operative and postoperative clinical outcomes were recorded and analysed. Surgical outcomes were compared between patients who underwent selective arterial embolisation (SAE) before RAPN and patients who did not undergo pre-RAPN SAE. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) tumour diameter was 7.2 (5-8.5) cm, and the median (IQR) nephrometry score was 9 (7-10). Six patients (15%) had a history of tuberous sclerosis and 11 (28%) had previously undergone SAE. The median (IQR) operative time and warm ischaemia time was 207 (180-231) and 22.5 (16-28) min, respectively. A non-clamping technique was used in eight (20%) patients. The median (IQR) estimated blood loss was 200 (100-245) mL, and four patients (10%) received blood transfusion postoperatively. One intraoperative complication occurred (2.5%), and seven postoperative complications occurred in six patients (15%). During a median (IQR) follow-up of 8 (1-15) months, none of the patients developed AML-related symptoms. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation rate was 95%. There were no differences in operative or perioperative outcomes between patients who underwent SAE before RAPN and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy appears to be a safe primary or secondary (post-SAE) treatment for large AMLs, with a favourable perioperative morbidity profile and excellent functional preservation. Longer follow-up is required to fully evaluate therapeutic efficacy.

Robotic and open partial nephrectomy for localized renal tumors larger than 7 cm: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To compare perioperative outcomes between robotic partial nephrectomy and open partial nephrectomy for localized >7 cm tumors. METHODS: We identified patients in our institutional review boards approved database who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy or open partial nephrectomy for treatment of renal tumors >7 cm in size between January 2009 and August 2015. The operative-postoperative outcomes and complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: The number of patients with >7 cm renal tumors treated at our center with robotic partial nephrectomy and open partial nephrectomy were 54 and 56, respectively. Patients' demographics and tumor characteristics were similar between groups. Likewise, there were no significant difference between the groups in duration of operation, positive surgical margin rates and incidence of malignant disease rates. Median ischemia time was lower in robotic partial nephrectomy group (31.5 vs. 35 min., p = 0.02). Patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy had significantly lower intraoperative blood transfusion rates (9.4 vs. 30.4 %, p = 0.008) and shorter length of hospital stay (3.5 vs. 5.3 days, p < 0.001). The incidence of overall complications (robotic arm, 18.5 % vs. open arm, 28.6 %, p = 0.26) and major complications (robotic arm, 3.7 % vs. open arm, 12.5 %, p = 0.16) was comparable between the two groups. The readmission rate within 30-days after discharge was higher in open partial nephrectomy group (p = 0.03). There was no difference in the median percentage estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation and chronic kidney disease upstaging between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Localized renal tumors >7 cm and amenable to partial nephrectomy can be considered suitable for robotic approach.

Predictors of surgical quality for retroperitoneal sarcoma: Volume matters.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The volume-outcome relationship is well recognized. We sought to investigate this relationship in retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) surgery. METHODS: Non-metastatic RPS cases from 2004 to 2014 in the National Cancer Database were analyzed. Hospitals in the top 10th percentile for volume were defined as high-volume. Outcomes were selected a priori based on their known prognostic significance, including surgery use, R0/R1 resection, and R0 resection. Volume-outcome associations were assessed by univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Of 3141 RPS cases identified, 70.0% were managed surgically. Of these, 93.0% were R0/R1 resections, and 67.6% were R0 resections. Surgical management, R0/R1 resection, and R0 resection were each associated with improved overall survival (P < 0.001). Hospital volume was an independent predictor of surgical management, R0 resection, and R0/R1 resection. Patients treated at high-volume centers had 1.9-fold higher odds of undergoing surgical management (P < 0.001), 2.5-fold higher odds of receiving a R0/R1 resection (P = 0.026), and 1.8-fold higher odds of an R0 resection (P < 0.001). Academic setting predicted use of surgical management (P < 0.001) and R0/R1 resection (P = 0.015) but not R0 resection (P = 0.882). CONCLUSIONS: High-volume hospitals are significantly associated with surgery use and improved surgical outcomes. Consideration should be given to further centralization of RPS care.

Comorbid Disease Burden is Independently Associated with Higher Risk Disease at Prostatectomy in Patients Eligible for Active Surveillance.

PURPOSE: Comorbid medical conditions are highly prevalent among patients with prostate cancer and may be associated with more aggressive disease. We investigated the association between comorbidity burden and higher risk disease among men eligible for active surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the National Cancer Data Base we identified 29,447 cases of low risk (Gleason score 6 or less, cT1/T2a, prostate specific antigen less than 10 ng/ml) prostate cancer managed with prostatectomy from 2010 to 2011. The primary outcome was pathological upgrading (Gleason score greater than 6) or up staging (T3-T4/N1). The association between Charlson score and upgrading/up staging was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 29,447 men, of which 449 (1.5%) had Charlson scores greater than 1. At prostatectomy 44% of cases were upgraded/up staged. On multivariate analysis Charlson score greater than 1, age 70 years or greater, nonwhite race, higher prostate specific antigen and higher percentage of cores involved with disease were significantly associated with upgrading/up staging. After further adjusting for age, race, prostate specific antigen and core involvement, Charlson score remained a significant predictor of upgrading/up staging for younger white men. Specifically, white men less than 70 years old with Charlson comorbidity index greater than 1 had 1.3-fold higher odds of upgrading/up staging than men with Charlson comorbidity index 1 or less (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03-1.67, p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity burden is strongly and independently associated with pathological upgrading/up staging in men with clinically low risk prostate cancer. This finding may help improve disease risk assessment and clinical decision making in men with comorbidities considering active surveillance.

Risks and Benefits of Pharmacological Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention in Patients Undergoing Robotic Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We investigate the safety and efficacy of pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients treated with robotic partial nephrectomy at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined our robotic partial nephrectomy database for cases performed between 2006 and 2014. Clinical venous thromboembolism episodes within 6 months from surgery were documented. Patients were stratified according to the administration of pharmacological venous thromboembolism prophylaxis into pharmacological prophylaxis (222) and no pharmacological prophylaxis (762) groups. The groups were compared in terms of perioperative outcomes, complications and adverse hemorrhagic events defined as the administration of 2 or more units of red blood cells, the need for vascular embolization or any procedures related to blood loss. RESULTS: There were no differences between the pharmacological prophylaxis and no pharmacological prophylaxis groups regarding mean operation time, median warm ischemia time and estimated blood loss. The rates of venous thromboembolism events were comparable between the groups (pharmacological prophylaxis 1.8% vs no pharmacological prophylaxis 2.1%, p=0.75). Overall 90% of venous thromboembolism events occurred within the first postoperative month. In the multivariable regression analysis encompassing pharmacological prophylaxis, perioperative aspirin intake, body mass index, operation time, Charlson comorbidity index, fellowship training and tumor complexity, operation time (OR 1.06, p=0.009) and Charlson comorbidity index (OR 1.28, p <0.0001) were associated with adverse hemorrhagic events. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of pharmacological prophylaxis did not increase the rate of adverse hemorrhagic events. Isolated inpatient administration of pharmacological prophylaxis after robotic partial nephrectomy does not appear to protect against venous thromboembolism postoperatively in that the majority of venous thromboembolism events occurred within the first 30 days after surgery. Longer duration of pharmacological prophylaxis for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after robotic partial nephrectomy should be considered.

Increased use of partial nephrectomy to treat high-risk disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate partial nephrectomy (PN) use in patients at higher risk for clinical progression, using a large national database of American patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with cN0/cM0 renal cell carcinoma from 2003 to 2011 using the National Cancer Data Base. Our primary endpoint was PN use for high-risk disease, defined as ≥1 adverse pathological features (APF), namely pT3 stage, high grade, or unfavourable histology. Our secondary endpoint was positive surgical margins (PSM) associated with high-risk disease after PN. Time trends were analysed using the asymptotic Cochran-Armitage trend test. Relationships between patient, provider, and pathological factors and the likelihood of PN were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 183 886 surgically treated patients, 27.4% underwent PN. Over time, PN use increased overall (17.4-39.7%) and in tumours with ≥1 APF (8.5-24.2%) (P < 0.01). In patients with ≥1 APF, multivariate analysis revealed that academic practice setting and high surgical volume were positively associated with PN use, while increasing tumour size and preoperative biopsy were negatively associated with its use (P < 0.01). The PSM rate after PN also increased significantly over time in all patients and in those harbouring adverse pathology (P < 0.01). Aside from time, older age, larger tumour size, community hospital type, and robotic approach were associated with PSM in the setting of APF (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: PN use for patients with adverse pathology is increasing and is associated with increasing PSM. The long-term oncological implications of these trends are unclear and warrant further study.

Robotic perineal radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection using a purpose-built single-port robotic platform.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the features of the novel, purpose-built da Vinci model SP1098 single-port robotic platform and to describe a step-by-step approach for perineal prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in a cadaver model. METHODS: Three single-port robotic radical perineal prostatectomies and two pelvic lymph node dissections were performed on three male cadavers to assess the feasibility of the SP1098 da Vinci robotic platform. The steps in the procedure included division of the rectourethralis muscle, splitting of the levator ani muscles bilaterally, opening of Denonvilliers fascia with dissection of the seminal vesicles, apical dissection and urethral division, anterior and lateral dissection with ligation of prostatic pedicles, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, and creation of the new vesico-urethral anastomosis. The main outcomes assessed were operating time per step, total operating time, intra-operative complications and need for conversion to conventional or open techniques. RESULTS: No conversions were required. No intra-operative complications were seen. The median (range) operating time for performing single-port robotic radical perineal prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection was 210 (180-240) min. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown the feasibility and efficacy of a novel, purpose-built robotic system in performing single-port radical perineal prostatectomy and describe, for the first time, the feasibility of robotic perineal lymph node dissection. This single-port system will facilitate single-port applications and allow surgeons to perform major urological operations via a small, single incision while preserving triangulation and optics, and eliminating clashing between instruments. Future clinical studies are needed to support these encouraging outcomes.

Predicting complications in partial nephrectomy for T1a tumours: does approach matter?

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in complications after robot-assisted (RAPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) among experienced surgeons. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified patients in our institutional review board-approved, prospectively maintained database who underwent OPN or RAPN for management of unifocal, T1a renal tumours at our institution between January 2011 and August 2015. The primary outcome measure was the rate of 30-day overall postoperative complications. Baseline patient factors, tumour characteristics and peri-operative factors, including approach, were evaluated to assess the risk of complications. RESULTS: Patients who underwent OPN were found to have a higher rate of overall complications (30.3% vs 18.2%; P = 0.038), with wound complications accounting for the majority of these events (11.8% vs 1.8%; P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed the open approach to be an independent predictor of overall complications (odds ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.03-2.43; P = 0.035). Major limitations of the study include its retrospective design and potential lack of generalizability. CONCLUSIONS: The open surgical approach predicts a higher rate of overall complications after partial nephrectomy for unifocal, T1a renal tumours. For experienced surgeons, the morbidity associated with nephron-sparing surgery may be incrementally improved using the robot-assisted approach.

Comparison of robot-assisted and open partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumours: a single centre experience.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes between robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and open PN (OPN) for completely endophytic renal tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1 230 consecutive cases, consisting of 823 RAPNs and 407 OPNs, performed for renal mass at a single academic tertiary centre between 2011 and 2016. Of these, data on 87 RAPN and 56 OPN cases for completely endophytic renal tumours were analysed. Patient and tumour characteristics, operative, postoperative, functional, and oncological outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: Apart from a higher prevalence of solitary kidney among OPN cases (RAPN, 5.7% vs OPN, 21.4%; P = 0.005), demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences in tumour size (P = 0.07), tumour stage (P = 0.3), margin status (P = 0.48), malignant tumour subtypes (P = 0.51), and grades (P = 0.61) between the groups. Also, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups for warm ischaemia time (P = 0.15), cold ischaemia time (P = 0.28), and intraoperative (P = 0.75) or postoperative (Clavien-Dindo Grade I-V, P = 0.08; Clavien-Dindo Grade III-V, P = 0.85) complication rates. The patients in the RAPN group had a shorter length of stay (P < 0.001), less estimated blood loss (P < 0.001), and lower intraoperative transfusion rates (0% vs 7.1%, P = 0.02). No local recurrences occurred during a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 15.2 (7-27.2) and 18.1 (8.2-30.9) months in the RAPN and OPN groups, respectively. There was no difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation rates between groups for the early (P = 0.26) and latest (P = 0.22) functional follow-up. CONCLUSION: For completely endophytic renal tumours, both OPN and RAPN have excellent outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons at a high-volume centre. For skilled robotic surgeons, RAPN is a safe and effective alternative to OPN with the advantages of shorter length of stay and less blood loss.

Advances in robotic-assisted treatments for renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Robotic techniques and technology for renal cell carcinoma surgery are constantly evolving to improve outcomes. This article reviews new knowledge and recent developments in robotic surgery for renal cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: The long-term oncological efficacy of robotic partial nephrectomy for small renal masses has been confirmed. The greater relative importance of volume loss vs. ischemia duration in predicting long-term renal function after partial nephrectomy is now established, and the robotic technique may facilitate volume preservation. The feasibility of robotic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy is being investigated. Robotic laparoendoscopic surgery offers cosmetic benefits compared with multiport technique, but technical constraints have limited widespread adoption. Cost reduction in robotic surgery is an emerging area of interest. Lastly, new purpose-built robotic systems are being developed to optimize single-site robotic surgery. SUMMARY: Recent advances in robotic surgery for renal cancer include optimization of renal functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy, application of robotic surgery to locally advanced disease, minimization of invasiveness, cost reduction, and new robotic single-site surgery technology.