From simulation to surgery, advancements and challenges in robotic training for radical prostatectomy: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The landscape of surgical training is undergoing transformative changes, especially in the realm of robot-assisted procedures like radical prostatectomy (RARP). This narrative review explores the evolving methodologies and innovations in RARP training, emphasizing the shift from traditional training approaches, such as the Halsted method, to more scientific methods like proficiency-based progression (PBP). The rationale for the review stems from the increased adoption of robot-assisted surgery and the resulting increase in associated adverse events reported in the United States. The Patient Safety in Robotic Surgery (SAFROS) project initiated by the European Commission of the World Health Organization emphasized the importance of structured training programs for robotic surgeons. However, the review points out the limited availability of standardized curricula for RARP training, leading to non-homogeneous training worldwide. METHODS: PubMed was searched primarily for the following topics: training AND robotic AND prostatectomy; robotic training AND prostatectomy AND learning; simulator AND robotic AND prostatectomy. Literature was selected based on historical significance and landmark studies as well as publications published after 2000. References from select studies were additionally included. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: The advent of robotic surgery, especially in RARP, demands unique skills necessitating specialized training. The review delves into the diverse stages of robotic surgery training, starting with e-learning and progressing through virtual reality simulators, dry and wet laboratories, culminating in modular console training. Each training stage plays a critical role, addressing the challenges posed by new technologies and tools. CONCLUSIONS: The ever-evolving landscape of surgical training underscores the critical need for globally standardized, effective, and accessible programs. PBP emerges as a promising methodology, and technological advancements open new possibilities for telementoring via platforms like 5G. This review emphasizes the imperative to equip surgeons with the requisite skills for intricate procedures like RARP, addressing current challenges while anticipating the future developments in this dynamic field.

On-clamp vs off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for achieving modified trifecta: inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis from a high-volume tertiary robotic center.

On-clamp partial nephrectomy for the surgical treatment of renal masses poses the risk of ischemia and greater post-operative renal function loss. Conversely, the off-clamp technique might enhance renal function preservation by avoiding any ischemia time. Nevertheless, the debate persists regarding the efficacy of the on- versus off-clamp partial nephrectomy in achieving better surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes. We retrospectively assessed the data from patients undergoing Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (RAPN) from 2016 and 2023 in a tertiary robotic center. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to account for selection bias in treatment allocation. The main objective of the study was assessing the achievement rates of a modified trifecta within the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis (MLRA) was employed to assess the predictors of trifecta achievement. 532 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 74.1% vs. 25.9% underwent on- and off-clamp, respectively. Balancing the two groups for the main predictors of on-clamp surgery, there were no significant differences between on- and off-clamp in terms of estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, intra- and post-operative complications, positive surgical margins, and post-operative mean reduction of eGFR. Finally, no differences were found in the rate of "trifecta" achievement between on-clamp and off-clamp RAPN (24.6% vs. 21%, p = 0.82). At MLRA, off-clamp technique was not a predictor of trifecta achievement compared to the on-clamp technique (off-clamp vs. on-clamp, aOR 1.24, 95% CIs [0.65-2.36], p = 0.58). Our study revealed that clamping technique does not imply clinically relevant differences in reaching trifecta outcomes.

Robot-Assisted Pyeloplasty with HUGO™ Robotic System: Initial Experience and Optimal Surgical Set-Up at a Tertiary Referral Robotic Center.

Background: In February 2021 Medtronic® (Minneapolis, MN) launched the HUGO™ Robot-Assisted Surgery (RAS) System in the global market. The aim of the current study is to describe the first case series and the optimal setup of robot-assisted pyeloplasty procedure, performed with HUGO RAS system in a tertiary referral robotic center. Methods: Data from consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted pyeloplasty at Onze-Lieve-Vrouwziekenhuis Hospital (Aalst, Belgium) were recorded. Baseline characteristics, and perioperative and surgical outcomes were collected. Results: Overall, 10 robot-assisted pyeloplasties were performed (October 2022-September 2023). Based on our expertise, the following minor setting changes have been made, relative to the official setup guide: the endoscope port and, subsequently, the left and right-hand ports were positioned more laterally. Additionally, the reserve/4th port was placed more laterally and cranially, and adjusted the arm cart's tilt angle, reducing it from -30° to -15°. The median docking time was 8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 7.2-9.8) minutes, and the median active console time was 89.5 (80.0-95.8) minutes. No conversion to open/laparoscopic surgery or perioperative complications was encountered. A single technical problem was recorded in 1 (10%) procedure. Specifically, one arm was blocked, and the procedure was accomplished with three arms without compromising the procedure success. Conclusions: This study represents the first worldwide series of robot-assisted pyeloplasty performed with the HUGO RAS system and shows promising results. The procedure might be safely performed with this robotic platform achieving optimal perioperative outcomes.

PSMA-PET Guided Treatment in Prostate Cancer Patients with Oligorecurrent Progression after Previous Salvage Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen-Positron Emission Tomography (PSMA-PET) is used to select recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) patients for metastases-directed therapy (MDT). We aimed to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of second-line PSMA-guided MDT in oligo-recurrent PCa patients. METHODS: we performed a retrospective analysis of 113 recurrent PCa after previous radical prostatectomy and salvage therapies with oligorecurrent disease at PSMA-PET (≤3 lesions in N1/M1a-b) in three high-volume European centres. Patients underwent second-line salvage treatments: MDT targeted to PSMA (including surgery and/or radiotherapy), and the conventional approach (observation or Androgen Deprivation Therapy [ADT]). Patients were stratified according to treatments (MDT vs. conventional approach). Patients who underwent MDT were stratified according to stage in PSMA-PET (N1 vs. M1a-b). The primary outcome of the study was Progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes were Metastases-free survival (MFS) and Castration Resistant PCa free survival (CRPC-FS). Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed PFS, MFS and CRPC-FS. Multivariable Cox regression models identified predictors of progression and metastatic disease. RESULTS: Overall, 91 (80%) and 22 (20%) patients were treated with MDT and the conventional approach, respectively. The median follow-up after PSMA-PET was 31 months. Patients who underwent MDT had a similar PFS compared to the conventional approach (p = 0.3). Individuals referred to MDT had significantly higher MFS and CRPC-FS compared to those who were treated with the conventional approach (73.5% and 94.7% vs. 30.5% and 79.5%; all p ≤ 0.001). In patients undergoing MDT, no significant differences were found for PFS and MFS according to N1 vs. M1a-b disease, while CRPC-FS estimates were significantly higher in patients with N1 vs. M1a-b (100% vs. 86.1%; p = 0.02). At multivariable analyses, age (HR = 0.96) and ADT during second line salvage treatment (HR = 0.5) were independent predictors of PFS; MDT (HR 0.27) was the only independent predictor of MFS (all p ≤ 0.04) Conclusion: Patients who underwent second-line PSMA-guided MDT experienced higher MFS and CRPC-FS compared to men who received conventional management.

The Impact of PSMA-PET on Oncologic Control in Prostate Cancer Patients Who Experienced PSA Persistence or Recurrence.

Background: Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen-Positron Emission Tomography (PSMA-PET) is currently recommended to restage prostate cancer (PCa) and to guide the delivery of salvage treatments. We aim to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of patients with recurrent PCa who received PSMA-PET. Methods: 324 hormone-sensitive PCa with PSA relapse after radical prostatectomy who underwent PSMA-PET in three high-volume European Centres. Patients have been stratified as pre-salvage who never received salvage treatments (n = 134), and post-salvage, including patients who received previous salvage therapies (n = 190). Patients with oligorecurrent (≤3 lesions), PSMA-positive disease underwent PSMA-directed treatments: salvage radiotherapy (sRT) or Metastases-directed therapy (MDT). Patients with polirecurrent (>3 lesions) PSMA-positive disease were treated with systemic therapy. Patients with negative PSMA-PET were treated with sRT or systemic therapies or observation. The primary outcome of the study was Progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes were: Metastases-free survival (MFS) and Castration Resistant Pca free survival (CRPC-FS). Results: median follow up was 23 months. In the pre-salvage setting, the PFS, MFS and CRPC-FS estimates at 3 years were 66.2% vs. 38.9%, 95.2% vs. 73.7% and 94.9% vs. 93.1% in patients with negative vs. positive PSMA-PET, respectively (all p ≥ 0.2). In the post-salvage setting, the PFS, MFS and CRPC-FS estimates at 3 years were 59.5% vs. 29.1%, 92.7% vs. 65.1% and 98.8% vs. 88.8% in patients with negative vs. positive PSMA-PET, respectively (all p ≤ 0.01). At multivariable analyses, a positive PSMA-PET was an independent predictor of progression (HR = 2.15) and metastatic disease (HR 2.37; all p ≤ 0.03). Conclusion: PSMA-PET in recurrent PCa detects the site of recurrence guiding salvage treatments and has a prognostic role in patients who received previous salvage treatments.