Refined step-by-step narrative review of robotic radical nephroureterectomy in the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Background and Objective: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a challenging clinical entity to diagnose and manage. Recent advances in robotic technology have permitted optimization of surgical technique in robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision (RNU/BCE), regional lymphadenectomy, and intra or perioperative instillation of intravesical chemotherapy. This has optimized the management of bulky upper tract disease and high-grade disease not amenable to segmental ureterectomy or nephron-sparing surgery. The purpose of this article is to highlight and review the surgical technique if RNU/BCE and regional lymphadenectomy utilized in our high-volume clinical practice. Methods: A review of our surgical approach was summarized for this narrative article. This technique has been refined over a course of more than 150 cases and 12 years of local experience with the procedure, as well as through multiple da Vinci® robotic surgical systems over the years. Key Content and Findings: RNU/BCE, regional template-based lymphadenectomy, and intra or perioperative instillation of intravesical chemotherapy is technically feasible and the procedure has been optimized via multiple iterations with a decade of local experience. The appropriate steps are outlined in this review. Conclusions: RNU/BCE, regional template-based lymphadenectomy, and intra or perioperative instillation of intravesical chemotherapy provides a refined, standardized, efficient approach for management of UTUC in appropriately selected patients. This surgical technique has also been undertaken in elderly patients including those with advanced age (>80 years old) with significant medical co-morbidities due to imperative, symptomatic indications. Further, this approach may be facilely adapted by urologists familiar with all forms of robotic renal surgery.

A Comprehensive Review of the Current State of Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Salvage Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Salvage robot assisted radical prostatectomy (sRARP) is performed for patients with biochemical or biopsy proven, localized prostate cancer recurrences after radiation or ablative therapies. Traditionally, sRARP has been avoided by lower volume surgeons due to technical demand and high complication rates. Post-radiation sRARP outcomes studies exist but remain few in number. With increasing use of whole gland and focal ablative therapies, updates on sRARP in this setting are needed. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of recently reviewed studies on the oncologic outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications after post-radiation and post-ablative sRARP. Tips and tricks are provided to guide surgeons who may perform sRARP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a non-systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE for the most relevant articles pertaining to the outlined topics from 2010-2022 without limitation on study design. Only case reports, editorial comments, letters, and manuscripts in non-English languages were excluded. Key Content and Findings: Salvage robotic radical prostatectomy is performed in cases of biochemical recurrence after radiation or ablative therapies. Oncologic outcomes after sRARP are worse compared to primary surgery (pRARP) though improvements have been made with the robotic approach when compared to open salvage prostatectomy. Higher pre-sRARP PSA levels and more advanced pathologic stage portend worse oncologic outcomes. Patients meeting low-risk, EAU-biochemical recurrence criteria have improved oncologic outcomes compared to those with high-risk BCR. While complication rates in sRARP are higher compared to pRARP, Retzius sparing approaches may reduce complication rates, particularly rectal injuries. In comparison to the traditional open approach, sRARP is associated with a lower rate of bladder neck contracture. In terms of functional outcomes, potency rates after sRARP are poor and continence rates are low, though Retzius sparing approaches demonstrate acceptable recovery of urinary continence by 1 year, post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in the robotic platform and improvement in robotic experience have resulted in acceptable complication rates after sRARP. However, oncologic and functional outcomes after sRARP in both the post-radiation and post-ablation settings are worse compared to pRARP. Thus, when engaging in shared decision making with patients regarding the initial management of localized prostate cancer, patients should be educated regarding oncologic and functional outcomes and complications in the case of biochemically recurrent prostate cancer that may require sRARP.

Continuous flow local anesthetic wound infusion for post-operative analgesia following kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with end stage renal disease are or will become narcotic-dependent. Chronic narcotic use is associated with increased graft loss and mortality following kidney transplantation. We aimed to compare the efficacy of continuous flow local anesthetic wound infusion pumps (CFLAP) with patient controlled analgesia pumps (PCA) in reducing inpatient narcotic consumption in patients undergoing kidney transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center, retrospective analysis of patients undergoing kidney transplantation, we collected demographic and operative data, peri-operative outcomes, complications, and inpatient oral morphine milligram equivalent (OME) consumption. RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-eight patients underwent kidney transplantation from 2020 to 2022. 296 (59%) historical control patients received a PCA for postoperative pain control and the next 202 (41%) patients received a CFLAP. Median age [53.5 vs. 56.0 years, p = .08] and BMI [29.5 vs. 28.9 kg/m2, p = .17] were similar. Total OME requirement was lower in the CFLAP group [2.5 vs. 34 mg, p < .001]. Wound-related complications were higher in the CFLAP group [5.9% vs. 2.7%, p = .03]. Two (.9%) patients in the CFLAP group experienced cardiac arrhythmia due to local anesthetic toxicity and required lipid infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to PCA, CFLAP provided a 93% reduction in OME consumption with a small increase in the wound-related complication rate. The utility of local anesthetic pumps may also be applicable to patients undergoing any unilateral abdominal or pelvic incision.

Safety and complications of continuation of aspirin therapy in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic simple prostatectomy.

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of continued perioperative aspirin at the time of robotic assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP). We performed a retrospective review of our IRB approved institutional database of patients who underwent RASP between 2013 and 2022. Comparative groups included patients taking aspirin in the perioperative period and those not taking aspirin pre-operatively. The primary outcome was any post-operative bleeding related complication using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. Secondary outcomes included the identification of risk factors for increased blood loss in the entire study population, operative time, and blood transfusion requirement. 143 patients underwent RASP of which 55 (38.5%) patients continued perioperative aspirin therapy and 88 (61.5%) patients did not. Baseline demographics were similar between groups. Patients taking perioperative aspirin had a higher rate of hypertension (74.5% vs 58.0%, p = 0.04) and other cardiovascular disease (30.9% vs 11.4%, p = 0.007). Postoperative complications were similar between the groups (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3; p = 0.43). Median blood loss (150 cc vs 150 cc, p = 0.38), percentage drop in hemoglobin (13.4 vs 13.2, p = 0.94) and blood transfusion rate (3.6 vs 1.1, p = 0.56) were also similar between groups. The median blood loss was 150 ml for the whole study population. On regression analysis, neither aspirin nor any other variable was associated with increased blood loss (> 150 ml). Aspirin can be safely continued perioperatively in patients undergoing RASP without any risk of bleeding related complications, blood loss, or increased transfusion rate.

Impact of pre- and peri-operative risk factors on length of stay and hospital readmission following minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy.

Objective: We conducted an analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy cases reported with the goal to identify pre- and peri-operative variables associated with length of stay (LOS) greater than 3 days and readmission within 30 days. Methods: Records from 2008 to 2018 for "laparoscopy, surgical; partial nephrectomy" for prolonged LOS and readmission cohorts were compiled. Univariate analysis with Chi-square, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression analysis with odds ratios (ORs), p-values, and 95% confidence intervals assessed statistical associations. Results: Totally, 20 306 records for LOS greater than 3 days and 15 854 for readmission within 30 days were available. Univariate and multivariable analysis exhibited similar results. For LOS greater than 3 days, undergoing non-elective surgery (OR=5.247), transfusion of greater than four units within 72 h prior to surgery (OR=5.072), pre-operative renal failure or dialysis (OR=2.941), and poor pre-operative functional status (OR=2.540) exhibited the strongest statistically significant associations. For hospital readmission within 30 days, loss in body weight greater than 10% in 6 months prior to surgery (OR=2.227) and bleeding disorders (OR=2.081) exhibited strongest statistically significant associations. Conclusion: Multiple pre- and peri-operative risk factors are independently associated with prolonged LOS and hospital readmission within 30 days of surgery using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data. Recognizing the risks factors that can potentially be improved prior to minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy is crucial to informing patient selection, optimization strategies, and patient education.

Management of the distal ureter and bladder cuff at the time of nephroureterectomy: an overview of open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches.

Radical nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard treatment for high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma. The procedure is subdivided into six main steps: nephrectomy, ureterectomy, bladder cuff excision, cystorrhaphy, template-based lymph node dissection, and perioperative instillation of chemotherapy. Crucial in performing radical nephroureterectomy is successful management of the distal ureter and bladder cuff. Improper, inadequate, or incomplete bladder cuff excision can lead to worse oncologic outcomes and inferior cancer-specific survival. Throughout the years, open, laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic approaches have all been reported in performing bladder cuff excision during radical nephroureterectomy. The procedure can be accomplished via an extravesical, intravesical or transvesical manner. Each approach has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The robotic approach offers inherent advantages including improved dexterity, range of motion, and visualization. Critical to choosing an approach, however, is surgeon experience and comfort level. To date, no data suggests superiority of one approach over another. Sound oncologic principles must be adhered to when performing radical nephroureterectomy and include (I) adequate bladder cuff excision, (II) lymphadenectomy, (III) no complications and (IV) negative surgical margins, and (V) perioperative instillation of chemotherapeutic agent. Herein, we describe the various approaches in performing a bladder cuff excision and provide technical commentary supporting the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Narrative review of nephron-sparing surgical management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: is there a role for distal ureterectomy, segmental ureterectomy, and partial nephrectomy.

Background and Objective: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a relatively rare malignancy and radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with bladder cuff excision (BCE) is considered as the standard of care for high-risk non-metastatic disease. Loss of the renal unit secondary to RNU, especially in elderly patients, causes significant decline in overall renal function which in turn negatively impacts the overall survival (OS). Such radical surgeries can be spared in a select group of the patients with segmental ureterectomy (SU) or distal ureterectomy to salvage the ipsilateral kidney. In this article, we will review the oncological and renal function outcomes following such procedures. This review excludes endourologic procedures. Methods: This is a non-systematic review of the published literature focusing on the nephron-sparing surgical alternatives for the management of UTUCs. The following texts were used for literature search: "nephron-sparing surgery", "segmental ureterectomy", "total ureterectomy", "partial nephrectomy", and "ileal ureter". We included the articles indexed in PubMed, written in English language, and published within the last 15 years. Key Content and Findings: The main argument against the utilization of these procedures is the lack of high quality, level I evidence, which is due to the rarity of this disease and the rates of ipsilateral recurrences. Despite that, the evidence in support of these nephron-sparing surgical alternatives is increasing over time. Published literature including single/multi-centric studies & systematic reviews, suggests comparable oncological outcomes and significantly improved renal function preservation. Lymph node dissection (LND) at the time of nephron-sparing surgical alternatives is largely underutilized. Similarly, the role of neoadjuvant or adjuvant systemic chemotherapy following such procedures is also not established currently. Conclusions: With comparable oncological outcomes while preserving renal function, the nephron-sparing surgical alternatives to RNU are gaining momentum. These options can be offered to patients with low volume, localized UTUC with imperative indication for renal preservation such as solitary kidney, compromised baseline, and expected significant decline in post-RNU renal function without compromising oncological principles during surgery.

Creation of a Novel, Race-Adjusted, and Risk-Adapted Scoring System to Predict Positive Surgical Margins and Prolonged Operative Time During Robotic Radical Prostatectomy.

Objectives: To compare racial differences and pelvis dimensions between Caucasians and African Americans (AAs) and to develop a risk calculator and scoring system to predict the risk of prolonged operative time and presence of positive surgical margins (PSM) based on these dimensions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 88 consecutive patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy with a preoperative prostate MRI conducted. Data extraction included demographic, perioperative, and postoperative oncologic outcomes. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was obtained within 3 months postsurgery. Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare continuous and categorical data, respectively. Single and multivariable regression analysis were used to determine contribution of each factor to the composite outcomes. A risk score was created based on this analysis for predicting the composite outcome. Results: We identified 88 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer that underwent a preoperative prostate MRI. No statistically significant differences were found with respect to age, body mass index, or any postoperative outcome. PSA was lower at diagnosis (6.49 vs 9.72, p = 0.006) and operative times were shorter in Caucasians. Rates of PSM (13 vs 14, p = 0.35), biochemical recurrence (4 vs 2, p = 0.69), and complications did not vary between the groups. Caucasians had wider/shallower pelvis dimensions. Based on these variables, we found that the log (odds of OR time >3 hours or PSM) = -5.333 + 1.158 (if AA) +0.105 × PSA +0.076 × F -0.035 × G with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.73. Using the predefined variables, patients can be risk stratified for PSM or prolonged operative times. Conclusions: Several pelvis dimensions were found to be shorter/narrower in AAs and were associated with longer operative times. The presented risk calculator and stratification system may be used to predict prolonged operative time or having PSM.

Risk factors for infection and acute urinary retention following transperineal prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE: To calculate the frequency of infection and acute urinary retention (AUR) following transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy at a single high-volume academic institution and determine risk factors for developing these post-biopsy conditions. METHODS: Men undergoing TP prostate biopsy from 2012 to 2022 at our institution were retrospectively identified and chart reviewed. TP biopsies were performed with TR ultrasound (TRUS) guidance with anesthesia using a brachytherapy grid template. TRUS volumes were recorded during the procedure, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumes were calculated using the ellipsoid formula. When available, MRI volume was used for all analysis, and when absent, TRUS volume was used. AUR was defined as requiring urinary catheter placement within 72 h post-biopsy for inability to urinate. Univariable analysis was performed and variables with p < 0.1 and/or established clinical relevance were included in a backward binary logistic regression to produce an optimized model that fit the data without collinearity between variables. RESULTS: A total of 767 TP biopsies were completed in the study window. The frequency of infection was 1.83% (N = 14/767). The total frequency of AUR was 5.48% (N = 42/767). On multivariable regression, patients who went into AUR were five times as likely to develop infection (p = 0.020). Patients with infection post-TP biopsy were four times as likely to develop AUR (p = 0.047) and with prostates > 61.21 cc were three times as likely (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: According to our model, AUR is the greatest risk factor for infection post-TP biopsy. With regard to AUR risks, infection post-biopsy and prostate size > 61.21 cc are the greatest risk factors.

Oncologic outcomes following radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a literature review.

Background and Objective: Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) represents the gold standard treatment for non-metastatic upper tract urothelial cancer. We sought to provide a comprehensive review of reported oncologic outcomes of the RNU procedure and of factors that might impact these outcomes. Methods: A non-systematic review of the literature was conducted by performing an electronic literature search using PubMed with "radical nephroureterectomy" and "oncologic outcomes" as free text search terms. Both original articles and systematic reviews were considered. Search was limited to articles in English that were published in the last 20 years. Key Content and Findings: Open and laparoscopic RNU offer comparable oncologic outcomes. In more recent years, the discussion has de facto shifted towards the "oncological safety" of robotic RNU, which also seems to offer comparable oncologic outcomes. Several studies have looked at the impact of different treatment-, patient- and tumor-related factors. Among treatment-related factors, attention has been given to diagnostic ureteroscopy and the risk of intravesical recurrence. Surgical wait time and perioperative blood transfusion have also been studied. Perioperative chemotherapy, specifically adjuvant therapy, was shown to improve survival. Among patient-related factors, baseline chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, and systemic inflammation have gained recent attention. Some tumor related factors, such as stage, grade, location, and multifocality may negatively impact survival outcomes. Lymphovascular invasion and histologic variants are clinically significant pathological findings. Conclusions: RNU is a procedure with measured long-term oncologic outcomes. Minimally invasive techniques have gained an established role as they seem to offer comparable oncologic "safety", although special attention is needed in relation to the method of bladder cuff excision. Robotic RNU is gaining popularity, and while evidence remains limited, the current literature supports the oncologic safety of this procedure. Several factors, which can be categorized as treatment-related, patient-related, and tumor-related, might impact the oncologic outcomes of UTUC patients undergoing RNU. These factors can provide crucial information to stratify patients based on their relative risk of disease recurrence and mortality which may guide clinical decision-making.

Less is more: single dose versus extended antibiotic prophylaxis for transperineal prostate biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: There is an ongoing debate as to the appropriate regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis with transperineal (TP) biopsy. The objective of this study was to report the rate of infection following TP biopsy at a high-volume institution and assess the impact of single dose antibiotics at the time of biopsy versus outpatient antibiotics in preventing postprocedural infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of men undergoing TP prostate biopsy from 2012 to 2022 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups, those who received single dose intravenous (IV) antibiotics at the time of biopsy (n = 440) and those who received both IV antibiotics at the time of biopsy and outpatient antibiotics before/after biopsy (n = 327). Post biopsy infection was defined as at least one of the following: fever (≥ 38.3°C) with/without symptoms of urinary tract infection or positive urine culture (> 105 colony forming units) within 72 hours post biopsy. The rates of infection were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 767 biopsies were included in the study. Infection rate post TP biopsy was 1.83% (n = 14). The infection rate for patients with single dose prophylaxis was 2.05% (n = 9) and 1.53% (n = 5) for those that received the extended antibiotic regimen. No significant difference in infection rates between the different antibiotic regimens was found (p = 0.597). CONCLUSIONS: Overall rates of infection after TP prostate biopsy are very low. Our data indicate that single dose and extended regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis show similar infection rates. These findings support antibiotic stewardship and encourage further research into the appropriate regimen of prophylaxis for TP prostate biopsy.

Technologic advances in robot-assisted nephron sparing surgery: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) is the preferred management for clinical stage T1 (cT1) renal masses. In recent years, indications have expanded to larger and more complex renal tumors. In an effort to provide optimal patient outcomes, urologists strive to achieve the pentafecta when performing partial nephrectomy. This has led to the continuous technologic advancement and technique refinement including the use of augmented reality, ultrasound techniques, changes in surgical approach and reconstruction, uses of novel fluorescence marker guided imaging, and implementation of early recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the recent advances in pre-, intra-, and post-operative management and approaches to managing patients with renal masses undergoing NSS. Methods: We performed a non-systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE for the most relevant articles pertaining to the outlined topics from 2010 to 2022 without limitation on study design. We included only full-text English articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Key Content and Findings: Partial nephrectomy is currently prioritized for cT1a renal masses; however, indications have been expanding due to a greater understanding of anatomy and technologic advances. Recent studies have demonstrated that improvements in imaging techniques utilizing cross-sectional imaging with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, use of color doppler intraoperative ultrasound, and newer studies emerging using contrast enhanced ultrasound play important roles in certain subsets of patients. While indocyanine green administration is commonly used, novel fluorescence-guided imaging including folate receptor-targeting fluorescence molecules are being investigated to better delineate tumor-parenchyma margins. Augmented reality has a developing role in patient and surgical trainee education. While pre-and intra-operative imaging have shown to be promising, near infrared guided segmental and sub-segmental vessel clamping has yet to show significant benefit in patient outcomes. Studies regarding reconstructive techniques and replacement of reconstruction with sealing agents have a promising future. Finally, ERAS protocols have allowed earlier discharge of patients without increasing complications while improving cost burden. Conclusions: Advances in NSS have ranged from pre-operative imaging techniques to ERAS protocols Further prospective investigations are required to determine the impact of novel imaging, in-vivo fluorescence biomarker use, and reconstructive techniques on achieving the pentafecta of NSS.

Transperitoneal Versus Retroperitoneal Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy in Patients with Obesity.

Introduction: We aim to compare transperitoneal (TP) and retroperitoneal (RP) robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in obese patients. Obesity and RP fat can complicate RPN, especially in the RP approach where working space is limited. Materials and Methods: Using a multi-institutional database, we analyzed 468 obese patients undergoing RPN for a renal mass (86 [18.38%] RP, 382 [81.62%] TP). Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2*. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed adjusting for age, previous abdominal surgery, tumor size, R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score, tumor location, surgical date, and participating centers. Baseline characteristics and perioperative and postoperative data were compared. Results: In the propensity score-matched cohort, 79 (50%) TP patients were matched with 79 (50%) RP patients. The RP group had more posterior tumors (67 [84.81%], RP versus 23 [29.11%], TP; P < .001), while the other baseline characteristics were comparable. Warm ischemia time (interquartile range; 15 [10, 12], RP versus 14 [10, 17] minutes, TP; P = .216), operative time (129 [116, 165], RP versus 130 [95, 180] minutes, TP; P = .687), estimated blood loss (50 [50, 100], RP versus 75 [50, 150] mL, TP; P = .129), length of stay (1 [1, 1], RP versus 1 [1, 2] day, TP; P = .319), and major complication rate (1 [1.27%], RP versus 3 [3.80%], TP; P = .620) were similar. No significant difference was observed in positive surgical margin rate and delta estimated glomerular filtration at follow-up. Conclusion: TP and RP RPN yielded similar perioperative and postoperative outcomes in obese patients. Obesity should not be a factor in determining optimal approach for RPN.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for complex renal tumors: Analysis of a large multi-institutional database.

INTRODUCTION: Highly complex renal masses pose a challenge to urologic surgeons' ability to perform robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Given the increased utilization of the robotic approach for small renal masses, we sought to characterize the outcomes and determine the safety and feasibility of RPN for complex renal masses from our large multi-institutional cohort. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry Scores ≥10 who underwent RPN in our multi-institutional cohort (N = 372). Baseline demographic, clinical and tumor related characteristics were evaluated with the primary endpoint of trifecta achievement (defined as negative surgical margin, no major complications, and warm ischemia time ≤25 min). Relationships between variables were assessed using the chi-square test of independence, Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal Wallis test. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between baseline characteristics and trifecta achievement. RESULTS: Of 372 patients in the study, mean age was 58 years, and median BMI was 30.49 kg/m2. The median tumor size was 4.3 cm (3.0-5.9 cm). Most of the patients had R.E.N.A.L. scores of 10 (n = 253; 67.01%). Overall, trifecta was achieved in 72.04% of patients. Stratifying intraoperative and postoperative outcomes by R.E.N.A.L. scores, there was no significant difference in trifecta achievement, operative time, warm ischemia time (WIT), open conversion, major complication, or positive margin rates. Length of hospital stay was significantly longer for higher R.E.N.A.L. scores (median days 2 vs. 1, P = 0.012). Multivariate analyses for factors associated with trifecta achievement concluded that age and baseline eGFR were independently associated with trifecta achievement. CONCLUSION: RPN is a safe and reproducible procedure for complex tumors with R.E.N.A.L. Nephrometry scores ≥10. Our results suggest excellent rates of trifecta achievement and short-term functional outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons. Long-term oncological and functional evaluation are needed to further support this conclusion.

15-year biochemical failure, metastasis, salvage therapy, and cancer-specific and overall survival rates in men treated with robotic radical prostatectomy for PSA-screen detected prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: An informed decision regarding a treatment option requires data on its long-term efficacy and side-effect profile. While the side-effects of robotic radical prostatectomy have been well-quantified, the data on its long-term efficacy are lacking. We here provide 15-year oncological outcomes of clinically-localized prostate cancer (CLPCa) patients treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: We treated 1,807 men with CLPCa with RALP between 2001 and 2005 and prospectively collected follow-up data through 2020. We examined the rates of biochemical failure (BCF), metastatic progression, secondary therapy use, PCa-specific mortality (PCSM), and overall survival (OS) using Kaplan-Meier and competing-risk cumulative incidence methods as appropriate. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 14.1 years. Six hundred eight and 312 men had D'Amico intermediate- and high-risk disease, respectively. Overall, the 15-year rates of BCF, metastasis, secondary therapy use, PCSM, and OS were 28.1%, 4.0%, 16.3%, 2.5%, and 82.1%, respectively. The rates of oncologic failure increased with increasing D'Amico (preoperative) and Diaz (postoperative) risk scores - BCF, metastasis, and PCSM rates in D'Amico low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups at 15-years were 15.2%, 38.3%, and 44.1% [BCF], 1.1%, 4.1%, and 13.0% [metastasis], and 0.5%, 3.4%, and 6.6% [PCSM], respectively, and in Diaz risk groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 5.5%, 20.6%, 41.8%, 66.9%, and 89.2% [BCF], 0%, 0.5%, 3.2%, 20.5%, and 60.0% [metastasis], and 0%, 0.8%, 0.6%, 13.5%, and 37.5% [PCSM], respectively. The OS rates in D'Amico low-to-high and Diaz 1-to-5 risk groups at 15-years were 85.9%, 78.6%, and 75.2%, and 89.4%, 83.2%, 80.6%, 67.2%, and 23.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Men diagnosed with clinically-localized prostate cancer in the contemporaneous PSA-screening era and treated with RALP achieve durable long-term oncological control. The data reported here (in a risk-stratified manner) represent the longest follow-up after robotic radical prostatectomy, and as such, should be of value when counseling patients regarding expected oncologic outcomes from RALP.

Operative and oncological outcomes of salvage robotic radical and partial nephrectomy: a multicenter experience.

We aim to describe the perioperative and oncological outcomes for salvage robotic partial nephrectomy (sRPN) and salvage robotic radical nephrectomy (sRRN). Using a prospectively maintained multi-institutional database, we compared baseline clinical characteristics and perioperative and postoperative outcomes, including pathological stage, tumor histology, operative time, ischemia time, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), postoperative complication rate, recurrence rate, and mortality. We identified a total of 58 patients who had undergone robotic salvage surgery for a recurrent renal mass, of which 22 (38%) had sRRN and 36 (62%) had sRPN. Ischemia time for sRPN was 14 min. The median EBL was 100 mL in both groups (p = 0.581). One intraoperative complication occurred during sRRN, while three occurred during sRPN cases (p = 1.000). The median LOS was 2 days for sRRN and 1 day for sRPN (p = 0.039). Postoperatively, one major complication occurred after sRRN and two after sRPN (p = 1.000). The recurrence reported after sRRN was 5% and 3% after sRPN. Among the patients who underwent sRRN, the two most prevalent stages were pT1a (27%) and pT3a (27%). Similarly, the two most prevalent stages in sRPN patients were pT1a (69%) and pT3a (6%). sRRN and sRPN have similar operative and perioperative outcomes. sRPN is a safe and feasible procedure when performed by experienced surgeons. Future studies on large cohorts are essential to better characterize the importance and benefit of salvage partial nephrectomies.

The State of Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Operative, Functional, and Oncological Outcomes From A Robust Multi-Institution Collaborative.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the most recent surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes of RPN utilizing one of the largest, prospectively maintained, multi-institution consortium of patients undergoing robotic renal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was obtained from a prospectively maintained multi-institutional database of patients who underwent RPN for clinically localized kidney cancer between 2018 and 2022 by 9 high-volume surgeons. Demographic and tumor characteristics as well as operative, functional, and oncological outcomes were queried. RESULTS: A total of 2836 patients underwent RPN. Intraoperative, postoperative, and 30-day major complication rates were 2.68%, 11.39%, and 3.24%, respectively. Median tumor size was 3.0 cm. Tumors with low complexity had a shorter median operative time, lower median EBL, shorter median ischemia time, lower postoperative complication rate, and lower decline in renal function There was no significant difference between tumor complexities with respect to the rate of conversion to radical nephrectomy, conversion to open, major complications, and positive margins. Lower BMI, smaller clinical tumor size, lower tumor complexity, and higher baseline eGFR were significantly associated with trifecta achievement. CONCLUSION: Patient BMI, baseline eGFR, and tumor characteristics such as size and complexity are the most important predictors of trifecta achievement. Patients with complex tumors should be counseled that they are at increased risk of complications and worsening renal function after robotic partial nephrectomy.

Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy: A Comparison of Primary Simple Prostatectomy vs Salvage Simple Prostatectomy in Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Purpose: Simple prostatectomy is indicated in patients with enlarged glands (>80 g) who present with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Salvage robotic simple prostatectomy (SSP) is defined as simple prostatectomy after failed transurethral procedure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of primary robotic simple prostatectomy (PSP) vs SSP in ameliorating LUTS. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 124 patients who underwent RSP between 2013 and 2021. Indications for surgery were enlarged prostate, bothersome LUTS, or symptoms refractory to medical management and/or previous prostate surgery. PSP and SSP preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative variables were recorded. The severity of LUTS was assessed using the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS). Two-tailed t-tests were performed to compare primary vs salvage RSP cohorts at a p-value of 0.05. Results: Of 124 patients who underwent RSP, 98 were primary and 26 were in the salvage setting with 19 patients undergoing prior transurethral resection of the prostate, 3 status post-transurethral microwave therapy, 1 status post-transurethral needle ablation of the prostate, and 3 status post-UroLIFT. Mean length of stay following RSP was 1.87 (days). At mean follow-up of ∼12 months, no patient required reoperation for LUTS. Preoperative IPSS for primary and salvage RSP was 18.56 and 16.25, respectively (p = 0.36), and postoperative IPSS for primary and salvage RSP was 5.33 and 8.00, respectively (p = 0.38). Conclusion: Regardless of primary or salvage indication, RSP remains a highly efficient and durable procedure for improvement in LUTS. RSP performed in the salvage setting greatly improved urinary function outcomes in patients after failure of previous transurethral procedures.