Stratification of Potency Outcomes Following Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy Based on Age, Preoperative Potency, and Nerve Sparing.

Introduction: To identify factors affecting potency and to predict ideal patient subgroups who will have the highest chance of being potent after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) based on nerve sparing (NS). Materials and Methods: Analysis of 7268 patients who underwent RALP between 2008 and 2018 with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up was performed. The patients were then categorized into four separate neurovascular bundle-sparing groups (NVB 1-4). A Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent factors predicting potency outcomes. Cumulative incidence functions were used to depict the probability and time to potency between the NS groups stratified by age and preoperative sexual health inventory in men (SHIM). Results: Cox regression analysis of age, preoperative SHIM score, and grades of NS significantly predicted potency outcomes post-RALP. Patients with SHIM score ≥22 had a better chance of potency vs patients with SHIM <17 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.69, confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-1.79). NVB1 had better potency vs NVB4 (OR: 3.1, CI: 2.51-3.83). Patients <55 years with NVB1 and no preoperative erectile dysfunction had the best potency rates of 92.5%. However, we did not see any statistical difference between NVB2 and NVB3 in this group, implying that in patient groups with SHIM ≥22 and age <55, NVB1 provided the best chance of potency recovery. As age increased and preoperative SHIM worsened, the curves corresponding to NVB 2 and 3 showed significant differences, suggesting that NVB 2 and 3 may be predictive in unfavorable age and preoperative SHIM groups, especially NVB 2 > NVB 3. Conclusions: Preoperative SHIM, age, and NS are the most influential factors for potency recovery following RALP. Patients with good baseline sexual function had similar postoperative potency, irrespective of their grades of partial NS. In patients with decreased baseline SHIM and older age, a higher grade of partial NS resulted in a significantly better potency compared with a lower grade of partial nerve spare.

Stratification of Potency Outcomes Following Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy Based on Age, Preoperative Potency, and Nerve Sparing.

Introduction: To identify factors affecting potency and to predict ideal patient subgroups who will have the highest chance of being potent after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) based on nerve sparing (NS). Materials and Methods: Analysis of 7268 patients who underwent RALP between 2008 and 2018 with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up was performed. The patients were then categorized into four separate neurovascular bundle-sparing groups (NVB 1-4). A Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent factors predicting potency outcomes. Cumulative incidence functions were used to depict the probability and time to potency between the NS groups stratified by age and preoperative sexual health inventory in men (SHIM). Results: Cox regression analysis of age, preoperative SHIM score, and grades of NS significantly predicted potency outcomes post-RALP. Patients with SHIM score ≥22 had a better chance of potency vs patients with SHIM <17 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.69, confidence interval [CI]: 1.47-1.79). NVB1 had better potency vs NVB4 (OR: 3.1, CI: 2.51-3.83). Patients <55 years with NVB1 and no preoperative erectile dysfunction had the best potency rates of 92.5%. However, we did not see any statistical difference between NVB2 and NVB3 in this group, implying that in patient groups with SHIM ≥22 and age <55, NVB1 provided the best chance of potency recovery. As age increased and preoperative SHIM worsened, the curves corresponding to NVB 2 and 3 showed significant differences, suggesting that NVB 2 and 3 may be predictive in unfavorable age and preoperative SHIM groups, especially NVB 2 > NVB 3. Conclusions: Preoperative SHIM, age, and NS are the most influential factors for potency recovery following RALP. Patients with good baseline sexual function had similar postoperative potency, irrespective of their grades of partial NS. In patients with decreased baseline SHIM and older age, a higher grade of partial NS resulted in a significantly better potency compared with a lower grade of partial nerve spare.

Robotic renal and adrenal oncologic surgery: A contemporary review.

Robot-assisted surgery has evolved over time. Radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy is feasible and safe for level I, II and III thrombus in high volume centers. Though it is feasible for level IV thrombus, this procedure needs a multi-departmental co-operation. However, the safety of robot-assisted procedures in this subset is still unknown. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy has been universally approved and found oncologically safe. Robotic adrenalectomy has been increasingly utilized for select cases, especially in bilateral tumors and for retroperitoneal adrenalectomy.

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.

Corrigendum to "Modified urethrovesical anastomosis during robot-assisted simple prostatectomy: Technique and results" [Prostate Int 4 (2016) 61-64].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.prnil.2016.04.001.].

American Confederation of Urology (CAU) experience in minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To describe the perioperative and oncology outcomes in a series of laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomies (PN) for renal tumors treated in diverse institutions of Hispanic America from the beginning of their minimally invasive (MI) PN experience through December 2014. METHODS: Seventeen institutions participated in the CAU generated a MI PN database. We estimated proportions, medians, 95 % confidence intervals, Kaplan-Meier curves, multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses. Clavien-Dindo classification was used. RESULTS: We evaluated 1501 laparoscopic (98 %) or robotic (2 %) PNs. Median age: 58 years. Median surgical time, warm ischemia and intraoperative bleeding were 150, 20 min and 200 cc. 81 % of the lesions were malignant, with clear cell histology being 65 % of the total. Median maximum tumor diameter is 2.7 cm, positive margin is 8.2 %, and median hospitalization is 3 days. One or more postoperative complication was recorded in 19.8 % of the patients: Clavien 1: 5.6 %; Clavien 2: 8.4 %; Clavien 3A: 1.5 %; Clavien 3B: 3.2 %; Clavien 4A: 1 %; Clavien 4B: 0.1 %; Clavien 5: 0 %. Bleeding was the main cause of a reoperation (5.5 %), conversion to radical nephrectomy (3 %) or open partial nephrectomy (6 %). Transfusion rate is 10 %. In multivariate analysis, RENAL nephrometry score was the only variable associated with complications (OR 1.1; 95 % CI 1.02-1.2; p = 0.02). Nineteen patients presented disease progression or died of disease in a median follow-up of 1.37 years. The 5-year progression or kidney cancer mortality-free rate was 94 % (95 % CI 90, 97). Positive margins (HR 4.98; 95 % CI 1.3-19; p = 0.02) and females (HR 5.6; 95 % CI 1.7-19; p = 0.005) were associated with disease progression or kidney cancer mortality after adjusting for maximum tumor diameter. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic PN in these centers of Hispanic America seem to have acceptable perioperative complications and short-term oncologic outcomes.

Linfadenectomía aorto -iliaca robótica en cáncer de próstata / Aorto-iliac robotic lymphadenectomy in prostate cancer

Introducción. El beneficio de la linfadenectomía en el cáncer de próstata sigue siendo controversial. Es el único procedimiento que permite un estadiaje anatomopatológico más preciso. Antiguamente se indicaba en pacientes de riesgo intermedio o mayor. Actualmente utilizamos el Score de CAPRA sobre 2 para indicar el procedimiento con el fin de seleccionar de mejor manera los pacientes que se beneficiarían de este procedimiento. Objetivo. Analizar la utilidad de CAPRA-Score para indicar la linfadenectomía. Pacientes y Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de carácter descriptivo. De un universo de 155 Pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical laparoscópica entre 2003-2013 por un único cirujano, se analizaron 34 pacientes a los que se le realizó linfadenectomía . Los datos se recopilaron en el momento de la cirugía y controles postoperatorios. Se agruparon datos: edad, PSA, Estadio Clínico, Gleason y porcentaje de cilindros (+) en biopsia TR. Se agruparon según indicación por Riesgo o CAPRA-S y se compararon los resultados obtenidos en la histología de los ganglios extraídos (linfadenectomías +). Los datos se analizaron considerando p<0,05 estadísticamente significativo según prueba de T de Student. Resultados. Se incluyeron en total 34 pacientes. Hasta el año 2010 un total de 23 linfadenectomía indicadas a grupo de riesgo intermedio-alto, el 78 por ciento (18) indicado por Gleason. Se sacó en promedio 12 ganglios por paciente, 72 por ciento linfadenectomía ampliadas. Ningún paciente tuvo ganglios (+). Desde el año 2011 un total de 11 linfadenectomía por CAPRA-Score >2, sacándose promedio 15 ganglios, 9 fueron linfadenectomías ampliadas. Se obtuvo 18 ciento linfadenectomías (+) para compromiso metastásico. Conclusiones. De los pacientes previo a CAPRA-Score, un 17por ciento pacientes estarían sobreindicados según éste y coincide con la negatividad del resultado histológico. Hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la aparición de ganglios (+) en pacientes que se aplicó CAPRA-Score. (P<0.05). Según la serie de pacientes presentados, CAPRA-Score seleccionaría mejor los pacientes que se beneficiarían con una linfadenectomía, sin embargo se requieren estudios de mayor cantidad de pacientes.AU

INTRODUCTION Despite the good oncological results of radical prostatectomy (PR) in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), more than 35 pertcent of patients will present with biochemical recurrence (RB) after surgery. In these patients, pelvic and / or distal nodes may represent the site of recurrence of the disease. Our objective is to present our surgical technique of aortoiliac robotic lymphadenectomy (LAO) in prostate cancer.AU

Modified urethrovesical anastomosis during robot-assisted simple prostatectomy: Technique and results.

BACKGROUND: Despite significant developments in transurethral surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia, simple prostatectomy remains an excellent option for patients with severely enlarged glands. The objective is to describe our results of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) with a modified urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA). METHODS: From May 2011 to February 2014, RASP with UVA was performed in 34 patients by a single surgeon (O.C.) using the da Vinci S-HD surgical system. The UVA was performed between the bladder neck and urethral margin using the Van Velthoven technique. Demographic, perioperative, and outcome data were recorded. Complications were recorded with the Clavien-Dindo system. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age was 68 years (62-74 years). The median preoperative prostate volume (interquartile range) was 117 cc (99-146 cc). Operative time was 96 minutes (78-126 minutes), estimate blood loss was 200 mL (100-300 mL), and two (5.8%) patients required a blood transfusion. No conversion to open surgery was needed. The median specimen weight on pathological examination was 76 g (58-100 g). The average hospital stay was 2.2 days (1-4 days) and average Foley catheter time was 4.6 days (4-6 days). No intraoperative complications were recorded. There were seven (20.5%) postoperative complications, most of them Clavien less than or equal to Grade II. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that RASP with UVA is a feasible, secure, and reproducible procedure with low morbidity. Additional series with larger patient cohorts are needed to validate this approach.

Overall rate, location, and predictive factors for positive surgical margins after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer.

We report the overall rate, locations and predictive factors of positive surgical margins (PSMs) in 271 patients with high-risk prostate cancer. Between April 2008 and October 2011, we prospectively collected data from patients classified as D'Amico high-risk who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Overall rate and location of PSMs were reported. Stepwise logistic regression models were fitted to assess predictive factors of PSM. The overall rate of PSMs was 25.1% (68 of 271 patients). Of these PSM, 38.2% (26 of 68) were posterolateral (PL), 26.5% (18 of 68) multifocal, 16.2% (11 of 68) in the apex, 14.7% (10 of 68) in the bladder neck, and 4.4% (3/68) in other locations. The PSM rate of patients with pathological stage pT2 was 8.6% (12 of 140), 26.6% (17 of 64) of pT3a, 53.3% (32/60) of pT3b, and 100% (7 of 7) of pT4. In a logistic regression model including pre-, intra-, and post-operative parameters, body mass index (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.19, P= 0.029), pathological stage (pT3b or higher vs pT2; OR: 5.14; 95% CI: 1.92-13.78; P = 0.001) and percentage of the tumor (OR: 46.71; 95% CI: 6.37-342.57; P< 0.001) were independent predictive factors for PSMs. The most common location of PSMs in patients at high-risk was the PL aspect, which reflects the reported tumor aggressiveness. The only significant predictive factors of PSMs were pathological outcomes, such as percentage of the tumor in the specimen and pathological stage.

First Report: Robot-Assisted Total Pelvic Exenteration for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer.

Pelvic exenteration is used in the treatment of several pelvic cancers, including those of the rectum, uterus, and bladder. We report the first case of robotic pelvic exenteration for the treatment of symptomatic prostate cancer involving the rectum and bladder. A six-port transperitoneal robotic approach was used. Bilateral extended lymphadenectomy up to the inferior mesenteric artery was performed. The rectum and bladder were removed en bloc, and a double-barrel anastomosis was then performed with both ureters being connected to the lower opening of the colostomy. Operative time was 249 minutes, and estimated blood loss was 600 mL. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. Biopsy of the rectum and bladder showed prostatic adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 9 (5+4), and 1 of 17 nodes was positive for cancer. Postoperative prostate-specific antigen level was 1.24 ng/mL. The patient is already 19 months after surgery with optimal quality of life. Thus pelvic exenteration is a feasible alternative for highly symptomatic prostate cancer involving adjacent pelvic organs.

Does surgeon subjective nerve sparing score predict recovery time of erectile function following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

INTRODUCTION: During robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the quality of nerve sparing (NS) was usually classified by laterality of NS (none, unilateral, and bilateral) or degree of NS (none, partial, and full). Recently, side-specific NS have been more frequently performed, but previous NS grading system might not reflect the differential NS in each side. AIM: Herein, we assessed whether a subjective NS score (NSS) incorporating both degree of NS and NS laterality can predict the time to potency recovery following RARP. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 1,898 patients who had left and right neurovascular bundle sparing quality scores and at least one year of follow-up after RARP was performed between January 2008 and October 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cox proportional hazard method analyses were used to determine predictive factors for early recovery. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess subjective NSS in an effort to predict time to potency recovery. Subjective NSSs were compared to a model based on the three grades according to laterality and degree. RESULTS: Time to potency recovery showed a statistically significant difference in favor of higher NSS by the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis (NSS 0 vs. NSS 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10; P < 0.01). The regression model indicated that the statistical significance of the subjective NSS covering the differential NS is not different from that of the conventional three-grade scales, while it has a higher R(2). The regression equation with subjective NSS was as follows: Log (Time) = 5.163 - (0.035 × SHIM Score) + 0.028 Age - (0.101 × Subjective NSS). CONCLUSION: The subjective NSS can reflect NS degree for each side based on the visual cues. Regression model can be used to help inform the patient about the time to postoperative potency regain, which is an important patient concern following RARP.

Simplifying laparoscopic nephrectomy: the inferior approach with en bloc stapling of the renal hilum.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) is likely the most common laparoscopic procedure performed by general urologists without formal laparoscopic training. The traditional technique is cumbersome because it entails making an early approach to the hilum with the risk of bleeding and need for conversion. We perform a different technique that we believe is simpler to learn and to teach. It consists of a complete dissection of the inferior and posterior aspects of the kidney, followed by en bloc stapling of the renal hilum. The present report is a detailed description of our technique including outcomes and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Perioperative data of 129 consecutive patients who underwent LN between November 2003 and September 2007 were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. Complications were reported using the Clavien classification system, and follow-up was performed according to our institution's protocol and included physical examination, blood count, blood chemistry, and renal function tests at every visit, in addition to abdominal computed tomography scan six months after surgery. Additional imaging was scheduled according to disease stage and grade. RESULTS: Mean patient age, tumor size, and operative time were 63±15.6 years, 6.3±2.4 cm, and 128±41.4 minutes, respectively. Median estimated blood loss was 0 mL (0.200). Conversion to open surgery occurred in 3.1% of patients, and 8% of the patients had a blood transfusion. Complications were recorded in 26% of the patients; 91% of them had Clavien grade scores of 1 or 2. CONCLUSION: We present a standardized technique for LN. Its main advantage is that postpones any manipulation of the hilum to a later step during the procedure when it is easy to identify and control. This decreases early bleeding and main vascular complications.

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.

Retrograde versus antegrade nerve sparing during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: which is better for achieving early functional recovery?

BACKGROUND: Although the retrograde approach to nerve sparing (NS) aimed at maximizing NS during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been described, its significant benefits compared to the antegrade approach have not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of NS approaches on perioperative, pathologic, and functional outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred one potent (Sexual Health Inventory for Men [SHIM] score >21) men underwent bilateral full NS and were followed up for a minimum of 1 yr. After propensity score matching, 344 patients were selected and were then categorized into two groups. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RARP with antegrade NS (n=172) or RARP with retrograde NS (n=172). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Functional outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Positive margin rates were similar (11.1% vs 6.9%; p=0.192), and no correlation with the NS approach was found on regression analysis. At 3, 6, and 9 mo, the potency rate was significantly higher in the retrograde approach (65% vs 80.8% and 72.1% vs 90.1% and 85.3% vs 92.9%, respectively). The multivariable model indicated that the NS approach was an independent predictor for potency recovery at 3, 6, and 9 mo, along with age, gland size, and hyperlipidemia. After adjusting for these predictors, the hazard ratio (HR) for the retrograde relative to the antegrade approach was 2.462 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.482-4.089; p=0.001) at 3, 4.024 (95% CI, 2.171-7.457; p<0.001) at 6, and 2.145 (95% CI, 1.019-4.514; p=0.044) at 9 mo. Regarding continence, the recovery rates at each time point and the mean time to regaining it were similar, and the method of NS had no effect on multivariable analysis. The absence of randomization is a major limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with normal erectile function who underwent bilateral full NS, a retrograde NS approach facilitated early recovery of potency compared to that with an antegrade NS approach without compromising cancer control.

Cavernosal nerve preservation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is a graded rather than an all-or-none phenomenon: objective demonstration by assessment of residual nerve tissue on surgical specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the existence of different degrees of nerve sparing (NS) (graded NS) by comparing the surgeon's intent of NS with the residual nerve tissue on prostatectomy specimens. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 133 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in January and February of 2011. The surgeon graded the amount of NS intraoperatively independently for either side as follows: 1, no NS; 2, <50% NS; 3, 50% NS; 4, 75% NS; and 5, ≥ 95% NS. A pathologist who was unaware of the surgeon's score measured the area of residual nerve tissue on the posterolateral surface of the prostate. RESULTS: A greater NS score correlated significantly with a decreasing area of residual nerve tissue on the prostatectomy specimens (P < .001). Overall, the area of residual nerve tissue on the prostatectomy specimens was significantly different among the NS groups (P < .001). On specific intergroup analysis, significant differences were found in the area of residual nerve tissue on the prostatectomy specimens between the greater NS groups: NS score 3 versus 4, median 13 mm(2) (interquartile range [IQR] 7-23) versus 3 mm(2) (IQR 0-8; P = .01); NS score 4 versus 5, median 3 mm(2) (IQR 0-8) versus 0.5 mm(2) (IQR 0-2; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Subjective NS classification using the surgeon's intraoperative perception correlated significantly with the area of residual nerve tissue on the prostatectomy specimens determined by the pathologist. It is possible to intentionally tailor the amount of NS performed at surgery. This finding demonstrates that NS is a graded rather than an all-or-none phenomenon that can even go beyond the traditional concept of complete, partial, or no NS.

Anatomic grading of nerve sparing during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Because of the lack of intraoperative visual cues, the amount of nerve sparing (NS) intended by the surgeon does not always correspond to what is actually performed during surgery. OBJECTIVE: Describe a standardized NS grading system based on intraoperative visual cues. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 133 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) by a single surgeon were evaluated. The surgeon intraoperatively graded the NS independently for either side as follows: 1=no NS; 2=<50% NS; 3=50% NS; 4=75% NS; 5= ≥ 95% NS. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: RARP; detailed description of a five-point NS grading system. MEASUREMENTS: The area of residual nerve tissue on prostatectomy specimens was compared with the intraoperative NS score (NSS). The rate of positive surgical margins (PSMs) according to the NSS is also reported. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In all, 52.6% of operated sides (140 of 266 sides) had NSS 5, 30.1% (80 of 266) had NSS 4, 2.3% (6 of 266) had NSS 3, 13.2% (35 of 266) had NSS 2, and 1.9% (5 of 266) had NSS 1. The area of residual nerve tissue was significantly different among the different NSSs: median area (interquartile range) for NSS 5: 0.5 (0-2) mm(2); for NSS 4: 3 (0-8) mm(2); for NSS 3: 13 (7-23) mm(2); for NSS 2: 14 (8-24) mm(2); and for NSS 1: 57 (56-165) mm(2) (p<0.001). Overall, 9.02% of the patients (12 of 133 patients) had a PSM, with 8.3% (9 of 108) for pT2 and 12% (3 of 25) for pT3. Side-specific PSMs according to NSS were 3.6% (5 of 140) for NSS 5, 7.5% (6 of 80) for NSS 4, 16.7% (1 of 6) for NSS 3, 5.7% (2 of 35) for NSS 2, and 0% (0 of 5) for NSS 1. A limitation of our study is that the key anatomic landmarks are not recognizable in every case, and this technique might not be easy to perform during the early learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the visual cues exposed in this article will help surgeons achieve more consistent NS during RARP.

The role of the prostatic vasculature as a landmark for nerve sparing during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Macroscopic landmarks are lacking to identify the cavernosal nerves (CNs) during radical prostatectomy. The prostatic and capsular arteries run along the lateral border of the prostate and could help identify the location of the CNs during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). OBJECTIVE: Describe the visual cues that have helped us achieve consistent nerve sparing (NS) during RARP, placing special emphasis on the usefulness of the prostatic vasculature (PV). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective video analysis of 133 consecutive patients who underwent RARP in a single institution between January and February 2011. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: NS was performed using a retrograde, antegrade, or combined approach. MEASUREMENTS: A landmark artery (LA) was identified running on the lateral border of the prostate corresponding to either a prostatic or capsular artery. NS was classified as either medial or lateral to the LA. The area of residual nerve tissue on surgical specimens was measured to compare the amount of NS between the groups. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: We could identify an LA in 73.3% (195 of 266) of the operated sides. The area of residual nerve tissue was significantly different whether the NS was performed medial (between the LA and the prostate) or lateral to the LA (between the LA and pelvic side wall): median (interquartile range) of 0 (0-3) mm2 versus14 (9-25) mm2; p<0.001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The PV is an identifiable landmark during NS. Fine tailoring on the medial border of an LA can consistently result in a complete or almost complete NS, whereas performing the NS on its lateral border results in several degrees of incomplete NS.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a multi-institutional experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report a 6-year multi-institutional experience and outcomes with robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RLP) for the repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2002 and October 2008, 168 adult patients from 3 institutions underwent RLP for UPJO. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data were performed after institutional review board approval. Diagnosis was by intravenous urogram or computed tomography scan and diuretic renogram. All patients underwent RLP through a 4-port laparoscopic technique. Demographic, preoperative, operative, and postoperative endpoints for primary and secondary repair of UPJO were measured. Success was defined as a T½ of <20 minutes on diuretic renogram and symptom resolution. Pain resolution was assessed by subjective patient reports. RESULTS: Of 168 patients, 147 (87.5%) had primary repairs and 21 (12.5%) had secondary repairs. Of the secondary repairs, 57% had a crossing vessel etiology. Mean operative time was 134.9 minutes, estimated blood loss was 49 mL, and length of stay was 1.5 days. Mean follow-up was 39 months. Overall, 97.6% of patients had a successful outcome, with a 6.6% overall complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this review represents the largest multi-institutional experience of RLP with intermediate-term follow-up. RLP is a safe, efficacious, and viable option for either primary or secondary repair of UPJO with reproducible outcomes, a high success rate, and a low incidence of complications.