Management of patients who opt for radical prostatectomy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: an international accelerated consensus statement.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused delays in definitive treatment of patients with prostate cancer. Beyond the immediate delay a backlog for future patients is expected. The objective of this work is to develop guidance on criteria for prioritisation of surgery and reconfiguring management pathways for patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer who opt for surgical treatment. A second aim was to identify the infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to achieve a low likelihood of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hazard if radical prostatectomy (RP) was to be carried out during the outbreak and whilst the disease is endemic. METHODS: We conducted an accelerated consensus process and systematic review of the evidence on COVID-19 and reviewed international guidance on prostate cancer. These were presented to an international prostate cancer expert panel (n = 34) through an online meeting. The consensus process underwent three rounds of survey in total. Additions to the second- and third-round surveys were formulated based on the answers and comments from the previous rounds. The Consensus opinion was defined as ≥80% agreement and this was used to reconfigure the prostate cancer pathways. RESULTS: Evidence on the delayed management of patients with prostate cancer is scarce. There was 100% agreement that prostate cancer pathways should be reconfigured and measures developed to prevent nosocomial COVID-19 for patients treated surgically. Consensus was reached on prioritisation criteria of patients for surgery and management pathways for those who have delayed treatment. IPC measures to achieve a low likelihood of nosocomial COVID-19 were coined as 'COVID-19 cold' sites. CONCLUSION: Reconfiguring management pathways for patients with prostate cancer is recommended if significant delay (>3-6 months) in surgical management is unavoidable. The mapped pathways provide guidance for such patients. The IPC processes proposed provide a framework for providing RP within an environment with low COVID-19 risk during the outbreak or when the disease remains endemic. The broader concepts could be adapted to other indications beyond prostate cancer surgery.

Perioperative and early oncological outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in morbidly obese patients: a propensity score-matched study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative and pathological outcomes associated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in morbidly obese men. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and March 2012, 3041 patients underwent RARP at our institution by a single surgeon (V.P.). In all, 44 patients were considered morbidly obese with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥40 kg/m(2) . A propensity score-matched analysis was conducted using multivariable analysis to identify comparable groups of patients with a BMI of ≥40 and <40 kg/m(2) . Perioperative, pathological outcomes and complications were compared between the two matched groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in operative time. However, the mean estimated blood loss was higher in morbidly obese patients, at a mean (sd) of 113 (41) vs 130 (27) mL (P = 0.049). Anastomosis was more difficult in morbidly obese patients (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in laterality, ease of nerve sparing, or transfusion rate between the groups. There were no intraoperative complications in either group. Postoperative pathological outcomes were similar between the groups. Differences in positive surgical margins and ease of nerve sparing approached statistical significance (P = 0.097, P = 0.075 respectively). Postoperative complication rates, pain scores, length of stay and indwelling catheter duration were similar in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: RARP in morbidly obese patients is technically demanding. However, it can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and resource use. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, it is a safe procedure and offers beneficial clinical outcomes.

Proposal of a method to assess and report the extent of residual neurovascular tissue present in radical prostatectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a method to assess and report the amount of neurovascular tissue present in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 133 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted RP by a single surgeon (V.R.P.) were prospectively collected. Degree of nerve sparing (NS) was graded intraoperatively by the surgeon independently at either side as complete, partial or none. A pathologist who was 'blinded' to the surgeon's classification measured the following parameters at the posterolateral aspect of the apex, base and mid prostate at either side of the RP specimen: length, width and area of neural tissue, number of nerves per high-power field and number of total slides containing neural tissue. Measurements were correlated to the surgeon's intraoperative perception. RESULTS: All measurements correlated significantly with surgeon's intent of NS at all locations (P = 0.001). Among them, the cross-sectional area had the highest correlation coefficient (-0.550 at apex, -0.604 at mid prostate and -0.606 at the base). CONCLUSIONS: The cross-sectional area of nerve tissue showed the highest correlation with surgeon's intent of NS at all locations. Having a standardised method of assessing and reporting residual nerve tissue allows the surgeon to objectively evaluate the quality of nerve preservation and to compare the progress of his NS technique over time.

Urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery: multi-institutional analysis of risk factors for conversion and postoperative complications.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the incidence of and risk factors for complications and conversions in a large contemporary series of patients treated with urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort consisted of consecutive patients treated with laparoendoscopic single site surgery between August 2007 and December 2010 at a total of 21 institutions. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the risks of conversion, and of any grade and only high grade postoperative complications. RESULTS: Included in analysis were 1,163 cases. Intraoperatively complications occurred in 3.3% of cases. The overall conversion rate was 19.6% with 14.6%, 4% and 1.1% of procedures converted to reduced port laparoscopy, conventional laparoscopic/robotic surgery and open surgery, respectively. On multivariable analysis the factors significantly associated with the risk of conversion were oncological surgical indication (p=0.02), pelvic surgery (p<0.001), robotic approach (p<0.001), high difficulty score (p=0.004), extended operative time (p=0.03) and an intraoperative complication (p=0.001). A total of 120 postoperative complications occurred in 109 patients (9.4%) with major complications in only 2.4% of the entire cohort. Reconstructive procedure (p=0.03), high difficulty score (p=0.002) and extended operative time (p=0.02) predicted high grade complications. CONCLUSIONS: Urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery can be done with a low complication rate, resembling that in laparoscopic series. The conversion rate suggests that early adopters of the technique have adhered to the principles of careful patient selection and safety. Besides facilitating future comparisons across institutions, this analysis can be useful to counsel patients on the current risks of urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery.

Establishing a successful robotic surgery program and improving operating room efficiency: literature review and our experience report.

The benefits and outcomes of robotic surgery are well established in the literature across multiple specialties. The increasing need for and dissemination of this technology associated with high costs, demand adequate planning during its implementation. Therefore, after years of training several robotic surgeons and establishing multiple robotic programs worldwide, the purpose of this article is to focus on the necessary elements in the initial phase of establishing a robotics program. We summarized in our article crucial factors when implementing a robotic program. Therefore, we explained in detail the critical aspects of the program design, implementation, marketing, research and outcomes, and ultimately improving efficiency. The creation of a robotics planning committee composed of several hospital individuals contributes in different lines of work such as cost evaluation, staff training, and OR modifications. A multidisciplinary approach and a robotic lead surgeon are also recommended to guarantee surgical volume and satisfactory outcomes. Furthermore, market analysis should evaluate the competition with other centres and potential surgical candidates in that area. Data collection should also be considered a vital element of the program organization, which assures quality control and helps to diagnose any program deficiency. We believe that the robotic program should be individualized according to the economy and reality of each centre. The success and duration of a robotic surgery program depend on long-term results. Therefore, careful planning with a robotic committee defining the types of procedures to be performed and appropriate multidisciplinary training to avoid surgery cancelations are crucial factors in establishing a successful program.

The role of PET-PSMA in guiding prostate cancer radiation therapy: experience in a salvage and curative setting / Radioterapia guiada por PET-PSMA en cáncer de próstata: experiencia en el escenario curativo y en el salvamento

Introduction: The role of positron emission tomography (PET) prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in guiding radiation therapy treatment plans remains to be defined. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with prostate cancer referred for radiotherapy. Our objective was to establish the role of PET-PSMA in decision-making and changes in the radiotherapy treatment plan. Results: In the entire cohort, 26.8% had lymph node involvement outside the conventional field. The PET results upstaged and changed radiotherapy treatment plans for 75% in primary radiotherapy and 50% in salvage radiation. Conclusions: PET-PSMA changes decision-making and treatment planning for radiotherapy, including treatment volumes not traditionally delimited in contour atlases.

Introducción: El rol del PET-PSMA para guiar los planes de radioterapia aún debe definirse. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes con cáncer de próstata localizado remitidos para radioterapia. Nuestro objetivo fue establecer el rol del PET-PSMA en la toma de decisiones y cambios en el plan de tratamiento de radioterapia. Resultados: En toda la cohorte el 26,8% presentaba afectación ganglionar fuera del campo convencional. Los resultados del PET cambiaron los planes de tratamiento en el 75% para radioterapia primaria y en el 50% para salvamento. Conclusiones: El PET-PSMA cambia la toma de decisiones y planificación del tratamiento de radioterapia, incluyendo volúmenes de tratamiento no delimitados tradicionalmente en los atlas de contorneo.

Safer Surgery by Learning from Complications: A Focus on Robotic Prostate Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The uptake of robotic surgery has led to changes in potential operative complications, as many surgeons learn minimally invasive surgery, and has allowed the documentation of such complications through the routine collection of intraoperative video. OBJECTIVE: We documented intraoperative complications from robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with the aim of reporting the mechanisms, etiology, and necessary steps to avoid them. Our goal was to facilitate learning from these complications to improve patient care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Contributors delivered videos of complications that occurred during laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy between 2010 and 2015. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Surgical footage was available for a variety of complications during RARP. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Based on these videos, a literature search was performed using relevant terms (prostatectomy, robotic, complications), and the intraoperative steps of the procedures and methods of preventing complications were outlined. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: As a major surgical procedure, RARP has much potential for intra- and postoperative complications related to patient positioning, access, and the procedure itself. However, with a dedicated approach, increasing experience, a low index of suspicion, and strict adherence to safety measures, we suggest that the majority of such complications are preventable. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the complexity of the procedure, RARP is safe and reproducible for the surgical management of prostate cancer. Insight from experienced surgeons may allow surgeons to avoid complications during the learning curve. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy has potential for intra- and postoperative complications, but with a dedicated approach, increasing experience, a low index of suspicion, and strict adherence to safety measures, most complications are preventable.

Do Not Be Afraid of the Robot / No le tenga miedo al robot

Minimally invasive surgery is one of the areas of greatest development in surgical specialties in several parts of the world, and Colombia has not been the exception. In urology, as in all specialties, the evolution in technology has optimized the diagnosis and the treatment of most of the pathologies. The purpose has always been that the patients who undergo surgery have a pleasant, less stressful experience, without compromising the perioperative and postoperative results

La cirugía mínimamente invasiva es una de las áreas de mayor desarrollo en las especialidades quirúrgicas en varias partes del mundo, y Colombia no ha sido la excepción. En urología, como en todas las especialidades, la evolución en la tecnología ha optimizado el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la mayoría de las patologías. El propósito siempre ha sido que los pacientes sometidos a cirugía tengan una experiencia agradable, menos estresante, sin comprometer los resultados perioperatorios y postoperatorios.

Prostate histoscanning in clinically localized biopsy proven prostate cancer: an accuracy study.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of prostate histoscanning (PHS) for spatial detection and localization of prostate cancer (PCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, single center study from January to September 2012 was conducted. Inclusion criterion was biopsy confirmed PCa in patients scheduled for radical prostatectomy. In total, 98 patients were included in the study. Results of PHS were compared against whole-mount step sectioning by the Stanford technique. A lower limit of 0.1 cm(3) was used for PHS. A dedicated 12-sector form was used for spatial correlation. The urologist and pathologist were blinded for each other's results. Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated with a logistic regression model for covariates. RESULTS: PHS performance for detection of PCa lesions ≥0.1 cm(3) had sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 66%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.63. Posterior and anterior sectors achieved sensitivity of 77%, specificity of 39%, and 28% and 84%, respectively. The model containing PHS positivity within a given sector reached sensitivity of 73.4%, specificity of 65.7%, and AUC of 0.75. In a ogistic regression model, the performance of PHS was affected by sector location, rectal distance, index, and total cancer volume (all P<0.0001) and bladder fullness (P=0.02). The best PHS accuracy was present in midposterior sectors. CONCLUSIONS: PHS has a potential for clinical practice, especially if PHS positivity within given sectors is taken into account. A trained operator is important. More studies are necessary to test different detection limits in various clinical settings, such as targeted biopsies and image guided focal therapy.

Laparoscopic anatrophic nephrolithotomy: developments of the technique in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The complete removal of the stone is the ultimate goal in management, a result that might not be attained even after several sessions of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and/or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and/or retrograde intrarenal surgery (ureteroscopy). The objective of this study is to assess our technique of anatrophic nephrolithotomy, with decreased renal ischemia and reduced patient morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2007 to 2010, we performed eight anatrophic laparoscopic nephrolithotomies in adult patients with staghorn renal calculus. The mean patient age was 49 years (range 35-62 y). The mean stone size was 53 mm (range 35-70 mm). All patients had complex renal calculi, with stones occupying more than 80% of the caliceal system. In all cases, a Double-J stent was placed before surgery. After clamping the hilum, the incision was made laterally and longitudinally through full thickness of cortex using a laparoscopic scalpel. A running cortical suture was performed with Hem-o-lok reinforcement. Renal function was assessed in three patients, using renography with technetium-99m-diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA), before and 3 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Procedures for all patients were completed laparoscopically. The mean operative time was 142.5 minutes, and the mean warm ischemia time was 20.8 minutes. The estimated blood loss was 315 mL. The hospital stay average was 3.5 days. Only one patient had a complication--a vascular fistula with permanent postoperative hematuria. This patient subsequently underwent successful endovascular embolization. Residual stones were identified in 37% of cases (three patients) during follow-up imaging at 15 days. There were minimal changes on serum creatinine values. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery is feasible when anatrophic nephrolithotomy is indicated. This technique minimizes the barriers of an open flank incision, while achieving excellent stone-free rates. This minimally invasive technique should be considered for complex stones that would necessitate multiple renal access tracks and secondary procedures.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in urology: worldwide multi-institutional analysis of 1076 cases.

BACKGROUND: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has gained popularity in urology over the last few years. OBJECTIVE: To report a large multi-institutional worldwide series of LESS in urology. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive cases of LESS done between August 2007 and November 2010 at 18 participating institutions were included in this retrospective analysis. INTERVENTION: Each group performed a variety of LESS procedures according to its own protocols, entry criteria, and techniques. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic data, main perioperative outcome parameters, and information related to the surgical technique were gathered and analyzed. Conversions to reduced-port laparoscopy, conventional laparoscopy, or open surgery were evaluated, as were intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 1076 patients were included in the analysis. The most common procedures were extirpative or ablative operations in the upper urinary tract. The da Vinci robot was used to operate on 143 patients (13%). A single-port technique was most commonly used and the umbilicus represented the most common access site. Overall, operative time was 160±93 min and estimated blood loss was 148±234 ml. Skin incision length at closure was 3.5±1.5 cm. Mean hospital stay was 3.6±2.7 d with a visual analog pain score at discharge of 1.5±1.4. An additional port was used in 23% of cases. The overall conversion rate was 20.8%; 15.8% of patients were converted to reduced-port laparoscopy, 4% to conventional laparoscopy/robotic surgery, and 1% to open surgery. The intraoperative complication rate was 3.3%. Postoperative complications, mostly low grade, were encountered in 9.5% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a global view of the evolution of LESS in the field of minimally invasive urologic surgery. A broad range of procedures have been effectively performed, primarily in the academic setting, within diverse health care systems around the world. Since LESS is performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons, the risk of complications remains low when stringent patient-selection criteria are applied.

Robotic extended pyelolithotomy for complete staghorn calculus.

Staghorn stones represent a therapeutic challenge to urologists. We present our experience with laparoscopic extended pyelolithotomy for treatment of staghorn and complex renal calculi in highly selected cases. This approach provides the principles of open surgery with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. We describe our experience with robot-assisted extended pyelolithotomy for complex coralliform calculi. Since January 2007, robotic extended pyelolithotomy has been performed by transperitoneal approach in two patients with complete coralliform lithiasis (calculi average size 8 cm). One patient had history of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Demographic and operative data were collected. All procedures were technically successful without need for open conversion. Mean estimated blood loss was 175 ml (range 50-300 ml), and mean operative time was 150 min (range 120-150 min). A perinephric drain was employed in one patient with duration of 5 days. Postoperative imaging confirmed complete stone clearance. Robotic extended pyelolithotomy is a feasible and reproducible procedure for removal of complete and partial staghorn calculi in selected patients with complex nephrolithiasis. This approach might limit the role of open surgery for these calculi, but further publications with more cases are necessary to further define its utility.