Retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy vs. conventional robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy appears to have better continence rates when compared to conventional robotic assisted radical prostatectomy, however, concern with high positive surgical margin rates exist. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate evidence comparing functional and oncological outcomes of retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy and conventional robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The systematic review was performed in accordance with the Cochrane guidelines and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Bibliographic databases searched were PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane central register of controlled trials-CENTRAL (in The Cochrane library-issue 1, 2018). We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search retrieved 137 references through electronic searches of various databases. Six were included in the review. RS-RALP was associated with better early continence rates (≤ 1 month) (moderate quality evidence) (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.27, 2.32, p 0.0005) and at 3 months (low quality evidence) (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03, 1.88, p 0.03). Time to continence recovery, number of pads used and pad weight are better with RS-RALP. Based on very low quality evidence, RS-RALP did not alter 6 and 12 months continence rates. Based on very low quality evidence, RS-RALP did not alter T2 positive margin rates (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.91, 3.06, p 0.10) and T3 positive margin rates (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.68, 1.70, p = 0.75). Short-term biochemical free survival appears to be similar between the two approaches. Based on low-quality evidence, RS-RALP did not alter overall and major complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: RS-RARP appears to have earlier continence recovery when compared to Con-RARP which does not come at a significant oncologic cost. Whilst there was a trend towards higher PSM rates with RS-RALP, this did not achieve statistical significance. Furthermore this trend appeared to be less pronounced with T3 disease, where the PSM rates are almost similar.

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the adrenal gland: A rare entity.

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is an uncommon tumor and the overall incidence is 1% of all sarcomas. PNET of the adrenal gland is an even rarer entity. A 37-year-old female was evaluated for an episode of loin pain. Ultrasonography showed a large heterogenous left adrenal mass with internal echogenic components. Computed tomography did not show any fat density within to suggest a myelolipoma. Biopsy suggested a poorly differentiated neoplasm with a possibility of PNET of the adrenal gland.

Trans-peritoneal vs. retroperitoneal robotic assisted partial nephrectomy in posterior renal tumours: need for a risk-stratified patient individualised approach. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically review world literature and compare peri-operative outcome including operating time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), warm ischemia time (WIT), length of stay (LOS) and complications between retroperitoneal robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (RP-RAPN) and trans-peritoneal robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (TP-RAPN) for posteriorly located renal masses. All randomised trials and observational studies comparing RP-RAPN and TP-RAPN for posteriorly located renal masses were considered. The GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, GRADE) was used to rate the quality of evidence. 82 potential publications were identified. 3 were included in the review. All three studies were observational comparative studies. 347 and 550 patients underwent RP-RAPN and TP-RAPN, respectively, for posteriorly located tumours. There was statistically significant difference in LOS between the 2 techniques, favouring the RP-RAPN cohort: risk ratio (M-H, random, 95% CI), - 0.42 [- 0.67, - 0.18], p < 0.0006. There was no statistically significant difference in overall complication rates between the two techniques: risk ratio (M-H, fixed, 95% CI), 0.80 [0.49, 1.30], p = 0.37. There was no statistically significant difference in ≥ Clavien 3a complication rates between the two t echniques: risk ratio (M-H, fixed, 95% CI), 1.17 [0.62, 2.19], p = 0.63. OT, EBL, WIT and positive margin rates were similar for both approaches. The quality of evidence for complications, LOS and remaining outcomes were 'moderate', 'low' and 'very low', respectively, on GRADE approach. The current review suggests that the LOS with RP-RAPN are significantly lesser than TP-RAPN for posterior tumours. The RP-RAPN does not appear to offer any advantage over TP-RAPN for other peri-operative outcomes such as WIT, OT and EBL. The surgical margin rates and morbidity between the two approaches appear to be similar.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the penis: As aggressive as it is rare.

Malignant neoplasm of the penis is a rare cancer in industrialized countries but is not uncommon in India. Nearly 95% of penile cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Malignant neoplasms of the sebaceous glands, which are mostly confined to the head and neck region, are even rarer. We present a 74-year-old male with sebaceous cell carcinoma of the penis. He underwent excision of the primary lesion with bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

Surgical revascularization of bilateral renal artery stenosis due to fibromuscular dysplasia.

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a noninflammatory disease affecting small- and medium-sized arteries of the renal and the carotids. It affects the renal arteries in nearly 60%-75% cases. The primary clinical manifestation of renal FMD is hypertension. Medial fibroplasia represents the most common dysplastic lesion. We report two cases who presented with hypertension and renal insufficiency and on evaluation was found to have bilateral renal artery stenosis. Stenting of the renal vessels was not possible due to the narrowed caliber of the vessel and inability to cannulate the renal arteries. They underwent renal artery revascularization with a splenorenal end to end anastomosis. The renal parameters and blood pressure of both the patients stabilized subsequently. Renal revascularization can be a good option for patient having failed angioplasty with stenting.

Can we predict the need for intervention in steinstrasse following shock wave lithotripsy?

INTRODUCTION: Steinstrasse (SS) is a known complication of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). Although the majority of SS clears spontaneously, about 6% require intervention. This study was carried out to identify the factors that determine the need for intervention in SS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients who developed steinstrasse following SWL at our center. They were divided into two groups: a) Those cleared spontaneously and b) Those required intervention. The two groups were compared with regard to demographic profile, stone factors and factors related to steinstrasse. RESULTS: Out of 2436 cases of SWL, 89 (3%) formed steinstrasse. The majority of the patients (35%) who required intervention had stone sizes of 10-14 mm. Coptcoat type III steinstrasse required significantly more interventions for clearance (P = 0.001). The site and the size of the SS was not a predictor of intervention for SS. CONCLUSIONS: Early intervention is warranted in patients with steinstrasse where the lead fragment is >5 mm (Coptcoat type III).