Defining minimal invasive surgical therapy for benign prostatic obstruction surgery: Perspectives from a global knowledge, attitude, and practice survey.

Objective: To scrutinize the definitions of minimal invasive surgical therapy (MIST) and to investigate urologists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices for benign prostatic obstruction surgeries. Methods: A 36-item survey was developed with a Delphi method. Questions on definitions of MIST and attitudes and practices of benign prostatic obstruction surgeries were included. Urologists were invited globally to complete the online survey. Consensus was achieved when more than or equal to 70% responses were "agree or strongly agree" and less than or equal to 15% responses were "disagree or strongly disagree" (consensus agree), or when more than or equal to 70% responses were "disagree or strongly disagree" and less than or equal to 15% responses were "agree or strongly agree" (consensus disagree). Results: The top three qualities for defining MIST were minimal blood loss (n=466, 80.3%), fast post-operative recovery (n=431, 74.3%), and short hospital stay (n=425, 73.3%). The top three surgeries that were regarded as MIST were Urolift® (n=361, 62.2%), Rezum® (n=351, 60.5%), and endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) (n=332, 57.2%). Consensus in the knowledge section was achieved for the superiority of Urolift®, Rezum®, and iTIND® over transurethral resection of the prostate with regard to blood loss, recovery, day surgery feasibility, and post-operative continence. Consensus in the attitudes section was achieved for the superiority of Urolift®, Rezum®, and iTIND® over transurethral resection of the prostate with regard to blood loss, recovery, and day surgery feasibility. Consensus on both sections was achieved for EEP as the option with the better symptoms and flow improvement, lower retreatment rate, and better suitable for prostate more than 80 mL. Conclusion: Minimal blood loss, fast post-operative recovery, and short hospital stay were the most important qualities for defining MIST. Urolift®, Rezum®, and EEP were regarded as MIST by most urologists.

Comparison Between Thulium Fiber Laser and High-power Holmium Laser for Anatomic Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis from the REAP Registry.

BACKGROUND: Different lasers have been developed for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, with no definitively superior technique identified to date. OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical and functional enucleation outcomes in real-world multicentre practice using high-power holmium laser (HP-HoLEP) and thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) for different prostate sizes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The study included 4216 patients who underwent HP-HoLEP or ThuFLEP at eight centers in seven countries between 2020 and 2022. Exclusion criteria were previous urethral or prostatic surgery, radiotherapy, or concomitant surgery. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: To adjust for the bias arising from different characteristics at baseline, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to identify 563 matched patients in each cohort. Outcomes included the incidence of postoperative incontinence, early complications (30-d), and delayed complications, and results for the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual volume (PVR). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: After PSM, 563 patients in each arm were included. Total operative time was similar between the arms, but enucleation and morcellation times were significantly longer for ThuFLEP. The rate of postoperative acute urinary retention was higher in the ThuFLEP arm (3.6% vs 0.9%; p = 0.005), but the 30-d readmission rate was higher in the HP-HoLEP arm (22% vs 8%; p = 0.016). There was no difference in postoperative incontinence rates (HP-HoLEP:19.7%, ThuFLEP:16.0%; p = 0.120). Rates of other early and delayed complications were low and comparable between the arms. The ThuFLEP group had higher Qmax (p < 0.001) and lower PVR (p < 0.001) than the HP-HoLEP group at 1-yr follow-up. The study is limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: This real-world study shows that early and delayed outcomes of enucleation with ThuFLEP are comparable to those with HP-HoLEP, with similar improvements in micturition parameters and IPSS. PATIENT SUMMARY: As lasers become readily available for the treatment of enlarged prostates causing urinary bother, urologists should focus on performing good anatomic removal of prostate tissue, with the choice of laser not as important for good outcomes. Patients should be counseled about long-term complications, even when the procedure is being performed by an experienced surgeon.

Results from a global multicenter registry of 6193 patients to refine endoscopic anatomical enucleation of the prostate (REAP) by evaluating trends and outcomes and nuances of prostate enucleation in a real-world setting.

PURPOSE: To collect a multicentric, global database to assess current preferences and outcomes for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP). METHODS: Endourologists experienced in EEP from across the globe were invited to participate in the creation of this retrospective registry. Surgical procedures were performed between January 2020 and August 2022. INCLUSION CRITERIA: lower urinary tract symptoms not responding to or worsening despite medical therapy and absolute indication for surgery. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: prostate cancer, concomitant lower urinary tract surgery, previous prostate/urethral surgery, pelvic radiotherapy. RESULTS: Ten centers from 7 countries, involving 13 surgeons enrolled 6193 patients. Median age was 68 [62-74] years. 2326 (37.8%) patients had large prostates (> 80 cc). The most popular energy modality was the Holmium laser. The most common technique used for enucleation was the 2-lobe (48.8%). 86.2% of the procedures were performed under spinal anesthesia. Median operation time was 67 [50-95] minutes. Median postoperative catheter time was 2 [1, 3] days. Urinary tract infections were the most reported complications (4.7%) followed by acute urinary retention (4.1%). Post-operative bleeding needing additional intervention was reported in 0.9% of cases. 3 and 12-month follow-up visits showed improvement in symptoms and micturition parameters. Only 8 patients (1.4%) required redo surgery for residual adenoma. Stress urinary incontinence was reported in 53.9% of patients and after 3 months was found to persist in 16.2% of the cohort. CONCLUSION: Our database contributes real-world data to support EEP as a truly well-established global, safe minimally invasive intervention and provides insights for further research.

Robotic Local Fat Extirpation and Ureteric Reimplantation for Pelvic Lipomatosis with Ureteric Obstruction: Technical Considerations.

BACKGROUND: Ureteric reimplantation is the treatment of choice for pelvic lipomatosis with ureteric obstruction. Pelvic adherent fat poses a technical challenge during this surgery. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE: We describe the robotic approach to facilitate the precise dissection of the ureter and bladder in adherent fat. After creating pneumoperitoneum and port placement, the ureter is exposed at the iliac crossing and dissected distally. Perivesical fat at the intended site of ureteric reimplantation is excised and cystotomy is done. Ureterovesical anastomosis is performed over a stent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two patients with pelvic lipomatosis causing ureteric obstruction and renal function impairment underwent robotic ureteric reimplantation at our institute. Technical aspects and outcomes are discussed here. RESULTS: Blood loss was minimal. No intra-operative or post-operative complication was noted. Renal function improved for both patients. CONCLUSION: Robotic approach helps to overcome the technical difficulties posed by adherent fat during ureteric reimplantation in pelvic lipomatosis.

Radical nephroureterectomy for UTUC conferred survival benefits irrespective of age and comorbidities.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (ASA) grading and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) on the survival outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: The CROES-UTUC registry was an international, multicenter study on patients with UTUC. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed by stratifying patients according to their age (≤ 70 and > 70 years old) and ASA grade (I-II and III-V)/CCI (0-1 and ≥ 2). RESULTS: A total of 2352 patients were included in this study. Patients aged ≤ 70 years with ASA grading of I-II (p = 0.002), and patients aged ≤ 70 years with a CCI of 0-1 (p = 0.002) had the best OS. Upon multivariate analysis, both in patients aged ≤ 70 and > 70 years, ASA grading and CCI were not significantly associated with OS. Patients aged ≤ 70 years with ASA grading of III-IV (p = 0.024) had the best DFS. When stratified according to age and CCI, no significant difference in DFS was noted. Upon multivariate analysis, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) was significantly associated with better DFS in patients aged ≤ 70 and > 70 years; CCI of ≥ 3 was significantly associated with worse DFS in patients ≤ 70 years; ASA grading was not associated with DFS in patients aged ≤ 70 and > 70 years. CONCLUSIONS: A high ASA grading and CCI should not be considered contraindications for RNU. RNU should be considered even in elderly patients when it is deemed feasible and achievable after a geriatric assessment.

Role of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in the Management of Diabetic Renal Papillary Necrosis.

Introduction: It is challenging to diagnose diabetic renal papillary necrosis (RPN) radiologically due to the limitation in performing a contrast study in patients with compromised renal function. Endoscopic management by Double 'J' (DJ) stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy is the preferred treatment. The aim of our study was to analyze the role of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the management of RPN by retrieving necrosed papillae. Methods: This retrospective study included diabetic patients who presented with acute pyelonephritis or urosepsis at our institute. After evaluating with appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations, retrograde pyelography (RGP) and DJ stenting were performed in those who did not respond to intravenous antibiotic therapy. The RIRS was performed in patients who had filling defects in the pelvicaliceal system (PCS) on RGP after 3 weeks at the time of DJ stent removal. Patients with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months were included. Results: A total of 187 patients (81 female, 106 male) with diabetes with a mean age of 58.3 years were enrolled in this study. The mean serum creatinine was 2.7 mg/dL and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 32.8 mL/min/1.73 m2. One hundred twenty-six patients (67.3%) had hydroureteronephrosis (HUN), out of whom 74 (58.7%) had necrosed papillae in the PCS. In 61 (32.6%) patients, there was no HUN; however, 25 (41%) of these patients had necrosed papillae in PCS. Necrosed renal papillae were retrieved in 83 patients (46.1%) by RIRS. All the patients were followed up for a minimum period of 6 months; seven patients (3.8%) had recurrent pyelonephritis. Conclusions: The RIRS plays a significant role in the management of diabetic RPN. Retrieving necrosed papillae from the PCS after confirming their presence by RGP prevents ureteric obstruction, which leads to urosepsis, and presumptively prevents or delays future episodes of pyelonephritis.

Robotic management of congenital urethra-vaginal fistula with transverse vaginal septum

ABSTRACT Introduction: The transverse vaginal septum (TVS) with congenital urethra-vaginal fistula (CUVF) is a rare anomaly of the mullerian duct (1, 2). Incomplete channelling of the vaginal plate, or an abnormality in the fusion of the vaginal component of mullerian duct with the urogenital sinus results in TVS (1, 3, 4). High CUVF occurs due to the persistent communication between the urogenital sinus and utero-vaginal primordium at the tubercle sinus, whereas low CUVF is due to excessive apoptosis of the vaginal plate during channelling (5). The principles of management of CUVF with TVS include: 1) TVS resection, 2) Create a neovagina. We present a case of CUVF with TVS managed by robotic assistance. Material and methods: A 24-year-old female, married for 3 years, presented with cyclical hematuria since menarche, dyspareunia and primary infertility. Examination revealed blind ending vagina 4cm from the introitus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fistulous communication between urethra and vagina, and TVS. Cystourethroscopy confirmed a proximal urethra-vaginal fistula. Urethroscopy guided puncture of the TVS was performed, tract dilated and a catheter was placed across it. Robotic assisted transvaginal approach was planned. Air docking of robot was performed. Traction on the catheter was given to identify the incised edges of the septum. Vaginal flaps were raised laterally, fistulous tract was excised. Proximal vagina mucosa was identified and vaginoplasty was performed. Result: Patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. Urethral catheter was removed after 5 days. She had normal voiding and menstruation. Vaginoscopy performed at 1st month follow-up, revealed an adequate vaginal lumen. Vaginal moulds were advised for 6 weeks during the night, following which she resumed her sexual activity. She conceived 6 months post-surgery, and delivered a child by caesarean section. Conclusion: We successfully managed this case by resection of septum, neovagina creation and thereby achieving normal menstruation and conception. The advantages of robotic approach were magnification, precision and manoeuvrability in a limited space, avoiding a vaginal release incision.

Double-face Augmentation Urethroplasty for Bulbar Urethral Strictures: Technical Implications and Short-term Outcomes for a Dorsal Versus Ventral Approach.

This study describes technical implications and compares short-term outcomes after a dorsal versus ventral approach for double-face augmentation urethroplasty (DFAU) for treating a near-obliterated bulbar urethral stricture (BUS). This was a retrospective evaluation of a prospectively collected database of patients with BUS (<2 cm) who underwent DFAU. The choice between the approaches depended on (1) landmark identification (the relation between the bulbospongiosus muscle and the distal end of the stricture) and (2) corpus spongiosum width. In DFAU, inlay augmentation was at the level of the narrowed urethral plate (<6 Fr). Patient follow-up data (symptom score and uroflowmetry) were assessed every 3 mo for the first year, and every 6 mo thereafter. A successful outcome was defined as a normal urinary flow rate without obstructive voiding symptoms. Fifty-two patients underwent DFAU for BUS (dorsal approach, n = 30; ventral approach, n = 22). The maximum flow rate and symptom scores significantly improved in both groups. The overall success rates (86%) were similar. In conclusion, a dorsal approach for DFAU is versatile and can be considered in all circumstances. A ventral approach should be performed in patients with proximal BUS. The short-term outcomes were similar for both approaches. PATIENT SUMMARY: We assessed whether double-face augmentation urethroplasty is a suitable option for treating near-obliterated bulbar urethral strictures using two free grafts for augmentation to improve the urinary flow. This operation can be performed using two methods and both techniques were safe with similar short-term outcomes.

Use of posterior radial nephrotomy in laparoscopic enucleation of renal hilar tumors.

Centrally located completely endophytic renal hilar tumors pose a technical challenge, especially during a minimally invasive surgery. Relation of the tumor to the renal vasculature decides the approach. Tumors placed anterior to the vasculature can be approached in the anterior trans-hilar manner. However, tumors placed posterior to the vasculature need a posterior approach, which is quite a difficult maneuver during transperitoneal laparoscopy. Adequate exposure to access the resection plane is the key principle. We describe a laparoscopic technique for enucleation of such tumors, applying the surgical principle of radial nephrotomy in the intersegmental plane which is usually performed to remove renal stones.

Double-face augmentation urethroplasty for bulbar urethral strictures: Analysis of short-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To present our initial experience with double-face augmentation urethroplasty for near-obliterative bulbar urethral strictures and analyze the short-term outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated a prospectively maintained database of patients with near-obliterative bulbar urethral strictures (>2 cm), who underwent double-face augmentation urethroplasty. The patients' demographic characteristics, clinical data, and data regarding the investigations conducted were analyzed. Near-obliterative urethral stricture was defined as lumen <6 Fr. Double-face urethroplasty was performed using a ventral approach, during which dorsal inlay and ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft (BMG) augmentation were performed. A successful outcome was defined as normal voiding without the need for any instrumentation to improve the urinary flow rate. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients with a mean age of 50±11.7 years, who underwent this procedure were included in the study. The mean stricture length was 5.2±0.95 cm. The mean length of the dorsal inlay BMG augmentation was 3.1±0.5 cm and that of the ventral onlay BMG augmentation was 6.3±1.2 cm. Post-void dribbling (18.9%) was the most commonly reported complication. The maximum flow rates and symptom scores significantly improved in both groups compared with the preoperative parameters (p<0.001). The incidence of both erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory failure was reported in 6 (16.2%) patients; respectively. The overall success rate was 86.5% at a median follow-up period of 36 months (IQR: 26.5-43). CONCLUSION: Double-face augmentation urethroplasty is a safe and feasible option for near-obliterative bulbar urethral strictures, and our study showed satisfactory short-term outcomes for the same.

"Polar flip" technique for transperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy - Evolution of a novel technique for posterior hilar tumors.

Posterior hilar renal tumor extirpation by partial nephrectomy is a unique challenge for transperitoneal laparoscopy. We describe our novel technique of "polar flip" for these tumors. Kidney is rotated by around 45 -60 degrees after mobilisation so that lower pole faces anteriorly and upper pole faces posteriorly, thereby exposing the posterior surface for maneuverability. Technical highlights are hilar control, complete kidney mobilisation, initial flipping with dissection in Gil Vernet's plane to clip posterior segmental renal artery, en mass hilar clamping in normal lie, polar flipping, dissection in Gil Vernet's plane till renal sinus fat, completion of tumor excision, selective vascular ligation, renorhaphy and nephropexy.

Upper Ureteric Stricture Secondary to Celiac Plexus Block Managed by Robotic Ureterocalicostomy.

Introduction: Ureterocalicostomy is a well-established procedure of choice for recurrent pelviureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction refractory to endoscopic management, failed pyeloplasty, completely intrarenal pelvis, and iatrogenic upper ureteral stricture with significant peripelvic fibrosis. Robotic ureterocalicostomy is the procedure of choice in such scenarios where meticulous dissection and accurate anastomotic suturing is required. Case Presentation: We report the case of an 18-year-old male, who underwent celiac plexus block for pain management of chronic calcific pancreatitis and presented with pain in the epigastric region and the right flank. A CT and subsequent nephrostogram revealed an upper ureteral defect (corrosive stricture) of ∼4 cm at the level of PUJ. Robotic ureterocalicostomy was performed. We discuss the clinical presentation, evaluation, and management along with literature review. Conclusion: Iatrogenic ureteral strictures are not uncommon in urological practice, but an upper ureteral stricture secondary to celiac plexus block is a rarity. Adequate evaluation and timely intervention by reconstructive surgery, robotic ureterocalicostomy in this case, yield satisfactory results.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy simplified - A "two-window technique" for safer approach to hilum for a novice.

Though the overall safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy (simple or radical) is well established, for a novice it remains a challenge. The classical description of laparoscopic nephrectomy entails dissection either from caudal to cephalad side or vice versa. Herein we describe our "two window technique" for managing renal hilum during laparoscopic (simple/radical) nephrectomy. Our main intention in description of this technique is to reduce the level of apprehension for a novice urologist for performing laparoscopic nephrectomy. After colon mobilization, sequential lower and upper windows are created around the hilum following which hilar vessels are dissected circumferentially when the hilum is at a stretch by traction from either of the window. There are multiple potential advantages of this method which includes easier and safer dissection especially for novice in this field by giving a safety window of application of vascular clamp in cases of vascular bleeds. Intrahilar dissection in stretched condition becomes safer with vision from all around 360° for safe application of Hem-o-lok® clips. Due to the widely exposed field, injuries to adrenal vein and lumbar veins would be minimized and the chances of missed accessory vessel would be minimized. En mass hilar control with vascular clamp in cases of partial nephrectomy is possible with same approach as well as the en block stapling is feasible in cases of nephrectomy. This needs a validation across multiple centers with comparative studies before considering it as a standard of practice. We sincerely believe that this is safe and easily reproducible by a novice.

Transurethral Enucleation With Bipolar Energy (TUEB):AINU Technique and Short-term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To present our transurethral enucleation with bipolar energy (TUEB) technique, wherein the enucleated adenoma is resected while keeping it attached near the verumontanum avoiding the need of a morcellator, and to evaluate the safety and short-term outcomes of our technique of TUEB for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). METHODS: This was a retrospective evaluation of prospectively maintained database of patients with symptomatic BPH who underwent TUEB from January 2016 to September 2017. Patients with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months were included in the study. All patients were assessed using the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), uroflometry (Q-max), and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) of the prostate. TUEB was indicated for patients with total prostate volumes >60 g on TRUS. Postoperative outcome measures, including urinary incontinence, Q-max, and IPSS, were recorded at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients underwent TUEB. The mean patient age was 64 ± 7 years, and the median operative time was 54 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 44-66). The median resected prostate weight was 39 g (IQR: 28-54 g), corresponding to approximately 87% of the assessed transitional zone volume. The mean postoperative hemoglobin drop of 1.08 ± 0.28 g/dL was clinically insignificant. There was significant improvement in the IPSS and Q-max postoperatively, when compared to baseline parameters (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Our TUEB technique is safe and effective in treating symptomatic BPH with acceptable complications and favorable short-term outcomes. TUEB allows near-complete enucleation of a prostate adenoma, followed by resection, thus avoiding the need for a morcellator.