Early outcomes of robotic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy: evaluating surgical success with margin, ischemia, and complication score.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the minimum number of required cases for successful robotic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy for an experienced surgeon in transperitoneal robotic surgery. METHODS: Our prospectively collected clinic database was evaluated retrospectively, and 50 patients who underwent robotic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy by a single experienced surgeon from January 2019 to February 2023 were included in this study. Demographic and perioperative data and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores were noted. margin, ischemia, and complication score was used to predict surgical success. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine how many cases were required to achieve margin, ischemia, and complication score positivity and to apply the off-clamp technique. Also, the first 25 patients were assigned to Group 1 and the second 25 patients to Group 2, and the data were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The patients' demographic data and tumor characteristics were similar in the groups. The off-clamp technique and sutureless technique rates in Group 2 were significantly higher than that in Group 1. Margin, ischemia, and complication score positivity was observed in 60% (n=15) of Group 1 and 96% (n=24) of Group 2. At receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the 25th and later cases were statistically significant in terms of margin, ischemia, and complication score positivity. In terms of performing surgery with the off-clamp technique, the 28th and subsequent cases were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A total of 25 or more cases appear to be sufficient to provide optimal surgical results in robotic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy for an experienced surgeon.

Elderly Patients' Outcomes After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Single Center Experience.

Aim: To assess the oncological and functional outcomes of patients aged 70 years or older after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and compare their results with younger men. Materials and Methods: Our study included 496 men who underwent RARP in our clinic between March 2015 and December 2021 with at least 1-year follow-up. Of these patients, 130 were aged 70 or older, and 366 were between 60 and 69. Preoperative characteristics, perioperative parameters, postoperative oncological, and functional results were studied. Results: The entire cohort (496 patients) aged 67 years on median (range 60-84), with a median prostate-specific antigen of 8.4 ng/mL. All the patients had a minimum 1-year of follow-up and the median follow-up was 32 months. According to the perioperative parameters, the two groups were similar except for hospital length of stay. On final pathology, the pathological stage, positive surgical margin rate and lymph node positivity were statistically not different between the two groups. The International Society of Urological Pathology grades were higher on final pathology for both groups, but this increase was greater in the ≥70 age group, and this was statistically significant (P = .013). In both groups, the median International Index for Erectile Function scores decreased after surgery significantly (P < .001), and at the 1st year follow-up, the decrease between the two groups was not different (0.973). Concerning continence outcomes, pad-free continence was significantly better in the 60-69 age group (94.5%) compared to the ≥70 age group (93.1%). Conclusions: The perioperative safety, oncological, and functional results of RARP in elderly men are comparable to younger patients. Clinical trial registiration number: (30/06/2022-13/24).

Comparison of Early Urinary Continence, Oncological Outcomes, and Postoperative Complications in Retzius-Sparing and Standard Approach Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

Background: The aim of the study is to compare the results of early urinary continence (UC), pathological results, console time (CT), and perioperative morbidity in patients who underwent transperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (TR-RARP) and Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) surgeries in the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods: A total of 120 patients, 60 (Group 1) with the TR-RALP technique and 60 (Group 2) with the RS-RALP technique, who had no statistical difference in their preoperative demographic data, were selected retrospectively. Perioperative and postoperative data, and continence rates in the first, third and sixth months were compared between the 2 groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of CT, hemoglobin change, and perioperative and postoperative data. There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in favor of RS-RARP in terms of UC in the first and third months, whereas there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at month 6 (P = .001, P = .002, and P = .245, respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the RS-RARP technique is a promising approach to achieve early continence without compromising oncological principles and without increased complication rates.

Early outcomes of robotic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy: evaluating surgical success with margin, ischemia, and complication score

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the minimum number of required cases for successful robotic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy for an experienced surgeon in transperitoneal robotic surgery. METHODS: Our prospectively collected clinic database was evaluated retrospectively, and 50 patients who underwent robotic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy by a single experienced surgeon from January 2019 to February 2023 were included in this study. Demographic and perioperative data and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores were noted. margin, ischemia, and complication score was used to predict surgical success. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine how many cases were required to achieve margin, ischemia, and complication score positivity and to apply the off-clamp technique. Also, the first 25 patients were assigned to Group 1 and the second 25 patients to Group 2, and the data were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The patients' demographic data and tumor characteristics were similar in the groups. The off-clamp technique and sutureless technique rates in Group 2 were significantly higher than that in Group 1. Margin, ischemia, and complication score positivity was observed in 60% (n=15) of Group 1 and 96% (n=24) of Group 2. At receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the 25th and later cases were statistically significant in terms of margin, ischemia, and complication score positivity. In terms of performing surgery with the off-clamp technique, the 28th and subsequent cases were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A total of 25 or more cases appear to be sufficient to provide optimal surgical results in robotic retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy for an experienced surgeon.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Initial outcomes of 500 cases.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to present our experience of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective review of 500 patients who underwent RARP between March 2015 and July 2021 in our clinic. A transperitoneal approach was used in all patients. All patients had clinically organ-confined prostate cancer (≤ cT2c). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64.6 ± 5.7 years. The median PSA was 11.4 ng/dL (range 0.3-92.7). The mean operative time was 183.5 min. Positive surgical margin rate was 19.4%. During a mean follow-up of 23.5 months, 96 patients (19.2%) received adjuvant radiotherapy due to the biochemical recurrence and 28 patients (16%) with lymph node positivity received early adjuvant hormone therapy. Considering the continence rates, 69% of the patients were total continence in the 3rd month, while this rate increased to 83 in the 6th month and 91% in the 12th month. CONCLUSION: RARP is a safe and feasible method for experienced centers with patient comfort, surgeon comfort, and successful oncological and functional results.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Nuestro objetivo fue presentar nuestra experiencia de prostatectomía radical laparoscópica asistida por robot (RARP). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El estudio fue una revisión retrospectiva de 500 pacientes que se sometieron a una (RARP) entre marzo de 2015 y julio de 2021 en nuestra clínica. En todos los pacientes se utilizó un abordaje transperitoneal. Todos los pacientes tenían cáncer de próstata limitado al órgano clínicamente (≤ cT2c). RESULTADOS: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 64.6 ± 5.7 años. La mediana de PSA fue de 11.4 ng/dL (rango 0.3-92.7). El tiempo operatorio medio fue de 183.5 min. La tasa de márgenes quirúrgicos positivos fue del 19,4%. Durante un seguimiento medio de 23.5 meses, 96 pacientes (19.2%) recibieron radioterapia adyuvante debido a la recurrencia bioquímica y 28 pacientes (16%) con ganglios linfáticos positivos recibieron terapia hormonal adyuvante temprana. Considerando las tasas de continencia, el 69% de los pacientes tenían continencia total en el 3er mes, mientras que esa tasa aumentó a 83 en el 6° mes y 91% en el 12° mes. CONCLUSIÓN: RARP es un método seguro y factible para centros experimentados con comodidad para el paciente, comodidad para el cirujano y resultados oncológicos y funcionales exitosos.

The Results of Peritoneal Re-Approximation Methods on Symptomatic Lymphocele Formation in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy and Extended Pelvic Lymphadenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: To evlauate role of peritoneal re-approximation methods in the prevention of symphtomatic lymphocele formation in patients underwent transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (tRALP) and extendeded pelvic lympadenoctomy (ePLND). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and April 2020, 120 consecutive patients who were administered anterior t-RALP and ePLND were analyzed retrospectively. In group 1 (n = 40), peritoneal approximation was not performed after t-RALP and ePLND application, peritoneal half re-approximation was performed in group 2 (n=40), and peritoneal full re-approximation was performed in group 3 (n=40). Operative parameters and symptomatic lymphocele rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of mean age, body mass index and prostatespecific antigen levels, Gleason score on biopsy, D'amico risk groups, the mean number of lymph nodes removed, Clavien-Dindo complication grade and mean duration of the surgery. Patients with symptomatic lymphocele in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 were found to be 2 (5%), 3 (7.5%) and 5 (12.5%), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of symptomatic lymphocele formation. CONCLUSION: Half or full closure of the peritoneum does not affect the symptomatic lymphocele formation in patients who underwent tRALP and ePLND.

Effect of prostate and bony pelvic dimensions measured by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging on robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Bone pelvic dimensions and body habitus may have effects on robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). In this study, we examined the effects of body mass index, bone pelvis measurements and prostate measurements on console time (CT), decrease in postoperative hemogram level (DHL) and surgical margin(SM) in patients who underwent RARP for clinically localized prostate cancer in our institution. The data of transperitoneal RARP cases performed by a single surgeon between November 2016 and August 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. It was included in 125 patients who met the study criteria. Bone and soft tissue measurements were made on magnetic resonance imaging T2-weighted imaging in the mid-sagittal and transvers plane. In multivariate linear regression analyzes, only soft tissue width/transverse diameter of the prostate and CT were found to be correlated (p = 0.026). For the DHL, no pelvic dimension and body habitus had a significant association on multivariate linear regression analysis. In multivariate analyzes, a statistically significant difference was found only between pathological Gleason Score and SM (p = 0.008). Although we found statistically significant associations between prostate diameters and pelvic bone measurements and operative difficulties, we believe that further studies are needed to confirm these results. Such information can help identify patients with challenging anatomy and can be used in robotic surgery training to achieve optimal patient outcomes after RARP.

Should Peritoneal Re-Approximation Be Performed After Transperitoneal Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy?

Background: The aim of the study is to examine the effect of peritoneal re-approximation or non-approximation on the postoperative course of patients at the end of transperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (tRARP). It is also aimed to examine the relationship between peritoneal re-approximation or non-approximation and drain removal time, need for analgesics, passage of flatus, and length of hospital stay. Methods: A total of 247 patients who underwent tRARP by 2 different experienced surgeons were included in the study. At the end of the tRARP procedure, 1 surgeon performed peritoneal re-approximation (Group 1, n = 108), whereas the other performed peritoneal non-approximation (Group 2, n = 139). The effect of the procedures on drain removal time, passage of flatus, need for analgesics, and length of hospital stay were compared between the groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of preoperative parameters including age, body mass index, and preoperative prostate-specific antigen levels (P > .05) (P = .622, P = .126 and P = .591, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of comorbidity, Gleason score, clinical stage, and lymph node dissection (P = .086, P = .344, P = .318, P = .587, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of drain removal time, need for analgesics, passage of flatus, and length of hospital stay (P = .095, P = .142, P = 95, P = .389, respectively). Conclusion: This study did not demonstrate any additional postoperative benefit of peritoneal re-approximation. It has been shown that peritoneal re-approximation has no effect on the length of hospital stay, the need for pain relievers, and passage of flatus, drain duration, day. Therefore, we do not recommend re-approximation of the peritoneum.

Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Versus Transperitoneal Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Approaches for Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection During Radical Prostatectomy.

Background: We aim to directly compare the feasibility and safety of extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during transperitoneal robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (Tp-RARP) and extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (Ep-LRP). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified the prospectively maintained database records of 162 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) who underwent Ep-LRP or Tp-RARP with extended PLND. Patients with risk of nodal metastases over 5% according to Briganti nomogram received extended PLND. All data analyzed in this study were based on the documentation in our PC database including age, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index score, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, history of abdominal surgery, biopsy Gleason score, total operation time, postoperative pelvic drainage time, pathological results, lymph node yield (LNY), percentage lymph node involvement (%LNI), and perioperative complications. Patients were followed up for biochemical recurrence in the postoperative period. Results: Eighty-two of the 162 enrolled patients were in group 1 (Ep-LRP+PLND) and 80 were in group 2 (Tp-RARP+PLND). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding preoperative demographics and clinical characteristics. The median LNY was 17 (range 8-27) and 17.5 (range 10-29) in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and no statistically significant difference was found. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of biochemical recurrence-free survival with mean follow-up of 44.8 months after radical surgery. Conclusion: Our results support the view that extended PLND through the Ep-LRP approach is a feasible and safe procedure without compromising oncological efficacy compared with a similar template attempted during Tp-RARP. Clinical Trial Registration number is 01/21-2.

Comparison of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels after robot-assisted laparoscopic and retropubic radical prostatectomy: an observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy are at increased risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) because of intraoperative bleeding, obstructive uropathy, and older age. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) may become important for diagnosis of postoperative AKI after urogenital oncosurgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of NGAL as a predictor of AKI diagnosis in patients who underwent Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy (RRP) and Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) for prostate cancer. METHODS: We included 66 patients who underwent RRP (n = 32) or RALP (n = 34) in this prospective, comparative, nonrandomized study. Patients' demographic data, duration of surgery and anesthesia, amount of blood products, vasopressor therapy, intraoperative blood loss, fluid administration, length of hospital stay, creatinine, and plasma NGAL levels were recorded. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss, crystalloid fluid administration, and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in RALP. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of intraoperative blood transfusion. Postoperative creatinine and plasma NGAL levels were increased in both groups. The 6-h NGAL levels were higher in RRP (p = 0.026). The incidence of AKI was 28.12% in RRP and 26.05% in RALP, respectively. The NGAL level at 6 hours was more sensitive in the early diagnosis of AKI in RALP. CONCLUSION: Although postoperative serum NGAL levels were increased in both RRP and RALP, the 6-h NGAL levels were higher in RRP. RALP was associated with fewer intraoperative blood loss and fluid administration, and shorter length of hospital stay.

Predicting Strict Trifecta Outcomes after Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Comparison of RENAL, PADUA, and C-Index Scores.

Nephrometry scores are designed to characterize tumors and stratify the surgical complexity. It remains unclear as to which nephrometry score can accurately predict the surgical outcomes. We aimed to assess the utility of radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness, anterior/posterior, location (RENAL), preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomic classifications (PADUA), and centrality index (C-index) nephrometry scores for predicting the strict Trifecta achievement from a single institution series robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). We retrospectively identified the prospectively maintained robotic surgery database records of 91 patients who underwent RAPN between June 2015 and September 2020 in Antalya Training and Research Hospital. The main outcome of the study was the achievement of strict Trifecta (negative surgical margin, no major urologic complications, warm ischemia time ≤25 min, and ≥85% preservation of estimated glomerular filtration rate). A multivariable analysis was performed to identify the factors of strict Trifecta success. The mean patient age was 55.82 ± 13.37 years with a median clinical tumor size of 3.5 cm (IQR 2.5-4.9). The median RENAL, PADUA, and C-index score were 7(IQR 6-8), 8(IQR 7-10), and 2.01(IQR 1.64-2.72), respectively. A strict Trifecta could be achieved in 54 patients (59.3%). Clinical tumor size (P = 0.011), RENAL risk groups (low:reference; intermediate; P = 0.040; high; P = 0.009), PADUA risk groups (low:reference; intermediate; P = 0.044; high; P = 0.001) and C-index risk groups (low:reference; high; P = 0.015) were the independent predictors of strict Trifecta attainment in the multivariate analysis. None of the nephrometry scores were a superior predictor compared to other nephrometry scores in comparative analysis. RENAL, PADUA, and C-index scores were all independent predictors of a strict Trifecta achievement. Our comprehensive comparison of the three scores identified that none of the nephrometry scores proved to be inferior to others nephrometry scores.

Assessment of changes in penile sensation by electrophysiological study after radical prostatectomy: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the changes in penile sensation by electrophysiological tests in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and to demonstrate the role of dorsal penile nerve injury in postoperative erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six volunteer patients who were eligible for RP were included in the study. Preoperative penile sensory electromyography and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire were done for each patient. Erectile function assessment and electrophysiological evaluation of penile sensation were repeated at postoperative 3rd and 6th months. RESULTS: Postoperative IIEF-5 scores and electromyography values were significantly lower than preoperative findings (p < 0.05). The IIEF-5 scores in the nerve sparing-RP (NS-RP) group were significantly higher than the non-nerve sparing-RP (NNS-RP) group in the postoperative period. Nerve conduction velocity values in the NS-RP group were also higher than the NNS-RP group at the postoperative 3rd and 6th months. However, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent RP have decreased penile sensation due to cavernous nerve damage and a possible dorsal penile nerve injury. The decrease of penile sensation may be associated with postoperative erectile dysfunction.

The effect of different levels of pneumoperitoneum pressures on regional cerebral oxygenation during robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low- and high-pressure pneumoperitoneum pressures applied during robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on regional cerebral oxygenation saturation (rSO2). Materials and methods: The prospective, comparative, and observational study included patients aged 18­80 years, with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II, who would undergo elective RALP. The patients were divided into two groups (12 mmHg of pneumoperitoneum pressure group, n=22 and 15 mmHg of pneumoperitoneum pressure group, n=23). Patients' demographic data, durations of anesthesia, surgery, pneumoperitoneum, and Trendelenburg position, intraoperative estimated blood loss, fluid therapy, urine output, hemodynamic and respiratory data, and rSO2 values were recorded at regular intervals. Results: The rSO2 values increased significantly during the pneumoperitoneum combined with steep Trendelenburg position (from t3 to t6) and at the end of the surgery (t7) in both groups, compared to the values 5 min after the onset of pneumoperitoneum in the supine position (t2) (P < 0.05), but no statistical significance was observed between the two groups. No cerebral desaturation was observed in any of our patients. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were preserved in both groups. The blood lactate levels were significantly higher in patients operated at high-pressure pneumoperitoneum, compared to those with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We believe that low-pressure pneumoperitoneum, especially in robotic surgeries, such as robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), can be applied safely.

Retroperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for posterior located renal tumours: Technique and early term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, the trans-peritoneal approach is preferred for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN). However, retroperitoneal RPN (RP-RPN) has recently become widespread because of the advantages of easier access to the hilum, ease dissection of posterior tumours, and lower probability of intra-peritoneal organ injury. We aimed to present our initial experience of the RP-RPN series in posteriorly located renal tumours. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were included in the study, who underwent RP-RPN by a single surgeon between July 2019 and January 2020. RP-RPN was carried out only in posteriorly located renal tumours with ischemic (on-clamp) or zero ischemic (off-clamp) techniques. Patients with solitary kidney and a history of previous retroperitoneal surgery in the lumbodorsal region were excluded from the study. RESULTS: All cases completed without any operative complication and conversion to open or radical nephrectomy. Seven cases were completed as zero ischemic and 14 cases as ischemic technique. The mean operation time was 157.86 ± 64.24 minutes and estimated blood loss was 173.81 ± 136.84 mL. The mean warm ischemia time was 15.81 ± 12.42 minutes. Positive surgical margin observed in 4.8% of the patients. The mean length of stay was 3.33 ± 0.79 days. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change in the 3rd postoperative month was -3.71 ± 8.57 ml/min/1.73 m2 (4.6%). Mean follow-up period was 10.29 ± 4.86 months. New-onset stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease (eGFR < 60 m /min/1.73m2 ) was not observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: RP-RPN is a safe and feasible approach with acceptable oncological and functional results. We think that RP-RPN can be applied as an alternative to the trans-peritoneal approach for selected cases, especially in renal tumours with the posterior location.

Long-term outcomes of minimally invasive surgeries in partial nephrectomy. Robot or laparoscopy?

BACKGROUND: To compare long-term oncological and renal functional outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy for small renal masses. METHODS: A total of 103 patients who underwent laparoscopic (n = 31) and robotic (n = 72) partial nephrectomy between April 2015 and November 2018 were included in the study. Perioperative parameters, long-term oncological and functional outcomes were compared between the laparoscopic and robotic groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in terms of age, tumour size, RENAL and PADUA scores, pre-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and presence of chronic hypertension and diabetes (P = .479, P = .199, P = .120 and P = .073, P = .561, and P = .082 and P = .518, respectively). Only estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group in operative parameters (158.23 ± 72.24 mL vs. 121.11 ± 72.17 mL; P = .019), but transfusion rates were similar between the groups (P = .33). In the laparoscopic group, two patients (6.5%) required conversion to open, while no conversion was needed in the robotic group (P = .89). There were no differences in terms of positive surgical margin and complication rates (P = .636 and P = .829, respectively). No significant differences were observed in eGFR changes and post-operative new-onset chronic kidney disease at 1 year after the surgery (P = .768, P = .614, respectively). The overall mean follow-up period was 36.07 ± 13.56 months (P = .007). During the follow-up period, no cancer-related death observed in both group and non-cancer-specific survival was 93.5% and 94.4% in laparoscopic and robotic groups, respectively (P = .859). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, perioperative and long-term oncological and functional outcomes seems to be comparable between laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomies.

Effects of Listening to Binaural Beats on Anxiety Levels and Pain Scores in Male Patients Undergoing Cystoscopy and Ureteral Stent Removal: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of pure binaural beats on anxiety and pain scores in male patients undergoing diagnostic cystoscopy (DC) and ureteral stent removal (USR) under local anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, randomized placebo-controlled study. Patients in the DC group (DCG) and USR group (USRG) were divided into three subgroups according to interventions applied; DCG-1 and USRG-1, patients listened to binaural beats; DCG-2 and USRG-2, patients listened to classical music; and DCG-3 and USRG-3, patients wore headphones, but were not exposed to audio (control group). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used for measuring anxiety and pain scores, respectively. Demographic data, initial STAI, tolerance rate of interventions, terminal STAI (STAI-T), differences of STAI (delta STAI, STAI-D), and VAS scores were compared. Results: Between July 2019 and March 2020, a total of 252 and 159 eligible male patients for DCG and USRG were included, respectively. After exclusions, remaining patients were DCG-1, n = 61; DCG-2, n = 73; DCG-3, n = 75; USRG-1, n = 41; USRG-2, n = 50; and USRG-3, n = 52. The tolerance rate in binaural beat groups was significantly lower than in other groups (p < 0.05 for all). There were significant decreases in terms of STAI-T when DCG-1 and DCG-2 were compared with DCG-3 and USRG-1 and USRG-2 were compared with USRG-3 (p < 0.05 for all). There were significant decreases in STAI-D scores when DCG-1 and DCG-2 were compared with DCG-3 and when USRG-1 and USRG-2 were compared with USRG-3 (p < 0.001 for all). Binaural beat groups had significantly lower VAS scores than other groups and classical music groups had significantly lower VAS scores than control groups (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Listening to pure binaural beats may be a simple and effective method to reduce anxiety levels and pain scores associated with the DC and USR procedures in males.

Is Retzius-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy effective in early continence? A single-center experience of the first 50 patients.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to present the perioperative and postoperative outcomes and early continence rates of the first 50 patients who underwent Retzius-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RS-RALP) in our clinic for prostate adenocarcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between December 2018 and December 2019, 50 patients who underwent RS-RALP by 2 surgeons in our clinic were enrolled in the study. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Procedure-specific complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The continence status of the patients was recorded in the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month after catheter removal. Zero pads or 1 safety pad per day was accepted as total continence. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 66.6 (57-75) years. According to the D'Amico classification, 36% of patients were at low risk, 48% at intermediate risk, and 16% at high risk. Bilateral or unilateral nerve-sparing procedure was performed in 76% of the patients. There were no intraoperative complications. A total of 9 (18%) patients had a postoperative complication (7 with grade 1, 1 with grade 2, and 1 with grade 3 complications). Whereas 32% of the patients had an extraprostatic extension, 22% had seminal vesicle invasion. The overall positive surgical margin rate was 26%. At 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery, 64%, 80%, and 92% of men who underwent RS-RALP were continent, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that this new surgical technique can be a safe and feasible method because high rates of early continence were achieved in the patients who underwent RS-RALP without increasing the risk of complications.

The associations of RENAL, PADUA and C-index nephrometry scores with perioperative outcomes and postoperative renal function in minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the utility of the radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness, anterior/posterior, location (RENAL); preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomic evaluation (PADUA), and centrality index (C-index) scores for the outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients who underwent PN with contrast-enhanced preoperative imaging from January 2015 to June 2018 were identified. The RENAL, PADUA, and C-index scores were assigned. The correlation between these scoring systems and perioperative and long-term renal functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were included in the study (58 men and 20 women; age, 58±11.4 years). Median warm ischemia time (WIT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and operation time (OT) were 26 min, 115 mL, and 140 min, respectively. The RENAL score was related to WIT, EBL, and OT (p<0.001, p=0.003, and p=0.023, respectively). The PADUA score was associated with WIT, EBL, and OT (p<0.001, p=0.013, and p=0.005, respectively). The C-index score was correlated with WIT, EBL, and OT (p<0.001, p=0.010, and p=0.001, respectively). The C-index score also correlated with the percentage change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (p=0.037). However, on univariable and multivariable regression analyses, only WIT significantly affected the postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction. CONCLUSION: The RENAL, PADUA, and C-index scores were significantly associated with perioperative outcomes of PN. In addition, the C-index score was correlated with long-term renal functional outcomes.

Timing of lymphadenectomy during robot-assisted radical cystectomy: before or after cystectomy? Fifteen cases with totally intracorporeal urinary diversions.

INTRODUCTION: Many publications detail the level and number of lymphadenectomies, whereas the timing of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is infrequently discussed in the robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) series. AIM: To determine the effects of performing PLND before or after cystectomy in totally intracorporeal RARC on operative outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 15 patients included in the study underwent RARC and intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder. Of these, 8 patients underwent PLND before cystectomy (group 1), whereas 7 underwent PLND after cystectomy (group 2). Demographic information, intraoperative data, and post-operative outcomes were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age was 61.87 ±6.76 years. Overall mean operation time (OT) was 537.33 ±63.07 min. The mean EBL and hospitalization time were 322.33 ±69.92 ml and 13.87 ±5.2 days. The number of LN removed was 23.75 ±3.454 for group 1 and 13.71 ±6.873 for group 2 (p = 0.007). The postoperative pathological stages were: pT2(5), pT3(2), pT4(1) for group 1, pT2(4), pT3(2), pT4(1) for group 2. Surgical margins were negative in all patient. Overall complications occurred in 7 (46.6%) patients. Only the number of LN removed was statistically significant in favor of group 1 (p = 0.007). Mean follow-up was 15.87 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with performing extended PLND (ePLND) before or after cystectomy in totally intracorporeal RARC appears to be favorable, with similar oncological results and acceptable complication rates. However, although the number of cases is too low for statistical evaluation, it seems to be advantageous to perform ePLND before cystectomy in terms of LN number and operation time.