Expanding the indications of robotic surgery in urology: A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the recent developments in robotic urological surgery, as the introduction of robotic technology has overcome many of the difficulties of pure laparoscopic surgery enabling surgeons to perform complex minimally invasive procedures with a shorter learning curve. Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) is now offered as the standard for various surgical procedures across multiple specialities. METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed to identify studies evaluating robot-assisted simple prostatectomy, salvage radical prostatectomy, surgery for urolithiasis, distal ureteric reconstruction, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, augmentation ileocystoplasty, and artificial urinary sphincter insertion. Article titles, abstracts, and full text manuscripts were screened to identify relevant studies, which then underwent data extraction and analysis. RESULTS: In all, 72 studies evaluating the above techniques were identified. Almost all studies were retrospective single-arm case series. RAS appears to be associated with reduced morbidity, less blood loss, reduced length of stay, and comparable clinical outcomes in comparison to the corresponding open procedures, whilst having a shorter operative duration and learning curve compared to the equivalent laparoscopic techniques. CONCLUSION: Emerging data demonstrate that the breadth and complexity of urological procedures performed using the da Vinci® platform (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is continually expanding. There is a gaining consensus that RAS is producing promising surgical results in a wide range of procedures. A major limitation of the current literature is the sparsity of comparative trials evaluating these procedures.

A Single Center Evaluation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging against Transperineal Prostate Mapping Biopsy: An Analysis of Men with Benign Histology and Insignificant Cancer following Transrectal Ultrasound Biopsy.

PURPOSE: In this study we evaluated the diagnostic performance of transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to detect prostate cancer against transperineal prostate mapping biopsy as the reference test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and transperineal prostate mapping biopsy were performed in 426 patients between April 2012 and January 2016. Patients initially underwent systematic 12 core transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy followed 3 months later by 1.5 Tesla, high resolution T2, diffusion-weighted, dynamic contrast enhanced multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Two specialist uroradiologists blinded to the results of transperineal prostate mapping biopsy allocated a PI-RADS™ (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System) score to each multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging study. Transperineal prostate mapping biopsy with 5 mm interval sampling, which was performed within 6 months of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, served as the reference test. RESULTS: Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy identified 247 of 426 patients with prostate cancer and 179 of 426 with benign histology. Transperineal prostate mapping biopsy detected prostate cancer in 321 of 426 patients. On transperineal prostate mapping biopsy 94 of 179 patients with benign transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy had prostate cancer and 95 of 247 with prostate cancer on transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy were identified with cancer of higher grade. Using a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging PI-RADS score of 3 or greater to detect significant prostate cancer, defined as any core containing Gleason 4 + 3 or greater prostate cancer on transperineal prostate mapping biopsy, the ROC AUC was 0.754 (95% CI 0.677-0.819) with 87.0% sensitivity (95% CI 77.3-97.0), 55.3% specificity (95% CI 50.2-60.4) and 97.1% negative predictive value (95% CI 94.8-99.4). CONCLUSIONS: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is a more accurate diagnostic test than transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy. However, a significant proportion of ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) Grade Group 2 prostate cancer remained undetected following multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. Although multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging could avoid unnecessary biopsy in many patients with ISUP Grade Group 3 or greater prostate cancer, at less stringent definitions of significant cancer a substantial proportion of prostate cancer would remain undetected after multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.

Immunocytochemical detection of ERG expression in exfoliated urinary cells identifies with high specificity patients with prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the immunocytochemical detection of ERG protein in exfoliated cells as a means of identifying patients with prostate cancer (PCa) before prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine samples (30 mL) were collected after digital rectal examination (DRE) from 159 patients with an elevated age-specific prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or an abnormal DRE who underwent prostate biopsy. In all cases, exfoliated urinary cells from half of the urine sample underwent immunocytochemical assessment for ERG protein expression. Exfoliated cells in the remaining half underwent assessment of TMPRSS2:ERG status using either nested reverse-transcriptase (RT)-PCR (151 cases) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH; eight cases). Corresponding tissue samples were evaluated using FISH to determine chromosomal gene fusion tissue status and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine ERG protein expression. Results were correlated with clinicopathological variables. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of urinary ERG immunocytochemistry (ICC) for PCa were 22.7 and 100%, respectively. ERG ICC results correlated with advanced tumour grade, stage and higher serum PSA. In comparison, urine TMPRSS2:ERG transcript analysis had 27% sensitivity and 98% specificity for PCa detection. On tissue IHC, ERG staining was highly specific for PCa. In all, 52% of cancers harboured foci of ERG staining; however, only 46% of cancers that were found to have ERG overexpression were positive on urine ICC. The ERG ICC results showed strong concordance with urinary RT-PCR and FISH, and tissue IHC and FISH. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that cytological gene fusion detection using ICC is feasible and identifies patients with adverse disease markers. ERG ICC was highly specific, but this technique was less sensitive than RT-PCR.

Transperineal template prostate biopsies in men with raised PSA despite two previous sets of negative TRUS-guided prostate biopsies.

BACKGROUND: The possibility of prostate cancer as a cause for steadily rising PSA despite previously negative transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies is a major concern. An initial negative TRUS-guided prostate biopsy does not necessarily exclude the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer. We determined the role of transperineal template prostate biopsy (TPTPB) in prostate cancer detection in men with raised PSA despite two previous sets of negative TRUS biopsies. METHODS: Between January 2008 and August 2012, a total of 122 men's records were reviewed after having 36-core TPTPB following two previous sets of negative TRUS biopsies despite raised PSA. A retrospective record of PSA levels, clinicopathological parameters and histological outcomes was made. RESULTS: Mean age was 63 years (range 49-77), and mean PSA was 18.0 (range 2.0-119.0). A total of 71/122 (58 %) men were diagnosed with prostate cancer on TPTPB. Of these, 28 (39 %), 34 (48 %), 5 (7 %), and 4 (6 %) had Gleason score 6, 7 (3 + 4), 7 (4 + 3), and 9 (4 + 5), respectively. The mean number of positive cores was 7 (range 1-22). Of these, only 15 (21 %) had ≤2 cores positive and Gleason score of 6. Of the 51 (42 %) men with a negative histology on TPTPB, 11 (22 %), 10 (19 %), and 30 (59 %) had atypical small acinar proliferation, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or benign pathology. CONCLUSION: TPTPB is associated with a high rate of clinically significant prostate cancer diagnosis (58 %) in men with raised PSA despite two previous sets of negative TRUS biopsies.

Defining prostate cancer risk before prostate biopsy.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. At present, patients are selected for prostate biopsy on the basis of age, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), and prostatic digital rectal examination (DRE) findings. However, due to limitations in the use of PSA and DRE, many patients undergo unnecessary prostate biopsy. A further problem arises as many patients are diagnosed and treated for indolent disease. This review of the literature highlights the strengths and weaknesses of existing methods of prebiopsy risk stratification and evaluates promising serum, urine, and radiologic prostate cancer biomarkers, which may improve risk stratification for prostate biopsy in the future.

Risk of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation associated with thulium laser vaporesection of the prostate for bladder outflow obstruction: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation following thulium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Tm:YAG) laser prostate vaporesection (ThuVaRP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2009 and June 2010, 113 consecutive patients underwent ThuVaRP for bladder outflow obstruction. Of these, 54 (48%) were included in the study as they were able to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse prior to undergoing ThuVaRP. All patients had benign pathology and had not undergone previous bladder neck surgery. The incidence of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation was reported at a mean follow-up period of 12 months post-operatively. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 71 years (range 46-90). The mean follow-up period was 12 months (range 4-21). 11 (20%) patients experienced worsening erectile function with 3 (6%) noticing an improvement. A total of 30 patients (56%) experienced some degree of retrograde ejaculation. 4 patients (7%) noticed an improvement in their ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation was more common in patients with an indwelling catheter in situ for refractory urinary retention (43 vs. 17%, p = 0.04) and in diabetic patients (27 vs. 4%, p = 0.03). There was an increased trend of erectile dysfunction in men aged ≥70 years, with hypertension and with hypercholesterolaemia, but this was not significant. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective study has demonstrated that the overall risk of erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation associated with ThuVaRP is 20 and 56%, respectively.

Intermediate-term efficacy of Tm:YAG laser prostate vaporesection for bladder outlet obstruction: initial experience from a UK teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and clinical efficacy of Tm:YAG laser vaporesection of the prostate (ThuVaRP) at intermediate-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified the first 60 consecutive patients who underwent ThuVaRP at our institute. Operative outcomes assessed were resection time, resection weight, drop in haemoglobin, transfusion rate, catheter time and complication rate. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was documented at a mean follow-up period of 19 months postoperatively. RESULTS: 45/60 patients underwent treatment due to lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic obstruction, 11/60 patients had a long-term catheter in situ for refractory urinary retention secondary to benign prostatic obstruction, and 4/60 patients had bladder outflow obstruction secondary to adenocarcinoma of the prostate. 1/60 patients developed urosepsis, 1/60 patients developed a urinary tract infection and 1/60 patients required 3-way catheterization and irrigation due to haematuria. No patients required a blood transfusion. The mean IPSS at a mean follow-up interval of 19 months (range 15-28 months) was 5.1 (range 1-23). Postoperative maximum flow rate improved from 7.9 to 17.1 ml/s, and post-micturition residual volume decreased from 254 to 86 ml. CONCLUSION: ThuVaRP is safe and appears to have durable efficacy at intermediate follow-up.

The role of a standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of a standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal biopsy technique for detecting prostate cancer in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsies and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2008 to September 2010, a total of 40 patients with a mean (range) age of 63 (49-73) years, a mean (range) elevated PSA level of 21.9 (4.7-87) ng/mL and two previous sets of negative TRUS-guided prostate biopsies underwent standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal prostate biopsies under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure. The cancer detection rate and complications for all cases were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 27 of 40 (68%) patients were found to have adenocarcinoma of the prostate, two patients (5.0%) had atypical small acinar proliferation, one had high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (2.5%), four (10%) had chronic active inflammation and six (15%) had benign histology. Gleason scores were in the range 6-9, with a median Gleason score of 7. There were no cases of urosepsis, urinary tract infections or haematuria. A single patient experienced acute urinary retention, with a subsequent succesful trial without a catheter, and haematospermia was common, although minor. CONCLUSIONS: Our standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique is safe and associated with a high detection rate of prostate cancer. This technique should be considered in patients with elevated PSA levels and previously negative TRUS-guided prostate biopsies.

Prostatic length predicts functional outcomes after iodine-125 prostate brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To determine the value of prostatic length as a predictor of urinary morbidity after brachytherapy for prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between May 2002 and September 2008, 214 consecutive patients received brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer at our institution. A prospective analysis of factors predicting urinary toxicity was carried out for these patients. To evaluate urinary morbidity, the posttreatment International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 3, 9, and 18 months together with rates of urinary retention was recorded. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 62 years, and the mean followup period was 24.4 months. The median IPSS before treatment was 5 (range, 0-20). This increased to 15 (0-33) at 3 months, before subsequently falling to 8 (0-31) and 6 (0-35) at 9 and 18 months, respectively. Twenty-six of 214 (12%) patients experienced urinary retention. Both prostatic length (p-value=0.001, <0.001) and volume (p-value=0.002, <0.001) correlated with a higher posttreatment IPSS at 3 and 9 months. In addition, prostate length and volume predicted those patients developing urinary retention requiring catheterization (p-value <0.001, <0.001). Pretreatment IPSS predicted IPSS at 3, 9, and 18 months (p-value <0.001, <0.001, and 0.011) but did not significantly correlate with retention rates. Other factors predicting IPSS at 3 months included radiation dose (D(90)) (p-value=0.01) and number of needles used (p-value=0.01). CONCLUSION: Prostatic length is a useful tool for determining urinary toxicity after brachytherapy for prostate cancer and should be included in the pretreatment assessment.

When is a bone scan study appropriate in asymptomatic men diagnosed with prostate cancer?

AIMS: To determine when a bone scan investigation is appropriate in asymptomatic men diagnosed with prostate cancer. METHODS: Between November 2005 and July 2006, 317 men with prostate cancer underwent a bone scan study; 176 men fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) cut-offs as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses using digital rectal examination finding, biopsy Gleason scores and age were performed to determine when a bone scan study is likely to be of value. RESULTS: Only 1/61 men (1.6%) with a serum PSA 20 ng/mL had a positive bone scan. However, 2/38 men (4.7%) with a serum PSA 20.1-40.0 ng/mL, 3/20 men (15%) with a serum PSA 40.1-60.0 ng/mL, 7/19 men (36.8%) with a serum PSA 60.1-100.0 ng/mL and 19/38 men (50%) with a serum PSA > 100.0 ng/mL had positive bone scans. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were uninformative in these groups. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, a bone scan is of limited value in asymptomatic prostate cancer patients presenting PSA =or< 20 ng/mL. Therefore, this investigation can be eliminated unless a curative treatment is contemplated. Furthermore, digital rectal examination finding, biopsy Gleason score and age are unhelpful in predicting those who might harbor bone metastasis.