Triple-compartment strategy for abdominal sacral colpopexy using PVDF mesh: one-year report of anatomical and subjective outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Abdominal Sacral Colpopexy (ASC) is one of the best surgical methods to repair apical or uterine prolapse. We aimed to evaluate the short-term results of a triple-compartment open ASC strategy using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh in the treatment of patients with severe apical or uterine prolapse. METHODS: Women with high-grade uterine or apical prolapse with or without cysto-rectocele were prospectively enrolled in the study from April 2015 to June 2021. We performed all-compartment repair using a tailored PVDF mesh for ASC. We assessed the severity of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system at baseline and 12 months after the operation. The patients completed the International Continence Society Questionnaire Vaginal Symptom (ICIQ-VS) questionnaire at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirty-five women with a mean age of 59.8±10.0 years were included in the final analysis. Stage III and stage IV prolapse was evident in 12 and 25 patients, respectively. After 12 months, the median POP-Q stage was significantly lower compared to the baseline (4 vs 0, p=<0.0001). Vaginal symptoms score was also reduced significantly at 3-month (7.5±3.5), 6-month (7.3±3.6), and 12-month (7.2±3.1) compared to the baseline (39.5±6.7) (p values < 0.0001). We did not observe any mesh extrusion or high-grade complications. Six (16.7%) patients had cystocele recurrence during the 12-month follow-up, and two of them needed reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Our short-term follow-up showed that using an open ASC technique with PVDF mesh in treating high-grade apical or uterine prolapse is associated with a high rate of procedural success and low rates of complication.

Minimally-Invasive Radical Nephrectomy and Left-Sided Level II Caval Thrombectomy: A New Combined Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To present a combined multiport robotic and open approach for left radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy in patients with a primary left renal mass and level II inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus. METHODS: A 69-year-old female was diagnosed with an 8.9cm left renal neoplasm with level II IVC thrombus. She was placed in the left-side-up flank position. The descending colon was mobilized and the left gonadal vein was identified. The left renal vein was identified and fully dissected. The left renal artery was dissected and stapled. The kidney was dissected and left detached with exception of the renal vein. The robot was undocked and the patient was positioned supine. Through a supra-umbilical midline incision, the ascending colon and duodenum were mobilized medially. The right renal vein and IVC were identified and dissected to the level of hepatic veins. The IVC was clamped using a Satinsky clamp. The right renal artery and vein remained patent during thrombectomy. The IVC was opened, the thrombus was evacuated, and IVC was closed. Clamps were removed and the kidney was removed. RESULTS: Operative time was 405 minutes. IVC clamp time was 14 minutes. Estimated blood loss was 500cc. Recovery was uncomplicated. Length of stay was 4 days. Pathology showed clear cell carcinoma with negative margins. CONCLUSION: IVC thrombectomy is challenging on left sided tumors. Combining a robotic and open technique together is feasible and allows a smaller supra-umbilical midline incision compared to standard open incision.

Device-related complications during renal cryoablation: insights from the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cryoablation offers a treatment option for small renal masses ideally suited ≤3 cm. In well-selected candidates, it is associated with less perioperative morbidity compared to more invasive options, such as partial or radical nephrectomy. However, little is known regarding device-related complications associated with the procedure. We provide an analysis of reports on renal cryoablation from the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. METHODS: Reports on renal cryoablation submitted to the MAUDE database from 2015 through 6/2021 were analyzed. Cases not pertaining to renal cryoablation were excluded (n = 33). Reports were examined to identify patient morbidity related to a potential device malfunction, as well as manufacturer assessment. Complications were graded based on an established MAUDE complication-reporting stratification. Fisher's Exact test was utilized to analyze for associations between device-related adverse events and severity of post-treatment sequelae. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-nine unique cases were identified. Adverse events were related to issues with the needles or system (212 cases), technical error (12 cases), or complication related to patient or tumor complexity (14 cases). There were 187 (78.6%) minor complications (MAUDE 1-2) and 52 (21.4%) major complications (MAUDE 3-4). The manufacturer performed formal device review in 164 (68.6%) cases, accepting responsibility for malfunction in 41. Notable MAUDE 3 complications included 29 (12.1%) cases aborted due to instrument/system malfunction and 14 (5.9%) cases of hemorrhage requiring a subsequent procedure. All 3 reported patient deaths (MAUDE 4) appeared to be a consequence of poor baseline health. On statistical analysis, major complications were seen in a significantly higher proportion of non-device related adverse events compared to device related events (85.2% vs. 13.7%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: While renal cryoablation is associated with low overall perioperative morbidity, there is a diverse set of device-related and procedural complications reported in recent years. Device-related adverse events were often associated with minor complications, and major complications were often seen in higher risk patients with comorbidities, more complex tumors, and after technical error. These findings highlight the need for standardized reporting of complications, optimized patient selection and counseling to ensure the best outcomes.

Patient Perceptions Regarding Routine Oncologic Follow-Up for Urologic Malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: In colorectal, cervical, and breast cancers, oncologic follow-up can exacerbate or alleviate patient stress about disease recurrence. Such patient experiences are less well defined for urologic malignancies. We developed a cross-sectional prospective survey study to assess kidney (Kid), prostate (Pros), and bladder (Bld) cancer patient perceptions of oncologic follow-up following surgical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with pTanyNanyM0 Kid, Pros, and Bld cancer presenting at least 60 days following primary surgical treatment of their cancer were eligible. Receipt of adjuvant therapy or disease recurrence were exclusion criteria. Questionnaires assessing attitudes towards follow-up and stress-reducing strategies were administered prior to revealing testing results. Analysis was performed according to cancer type and level of recurrence risk, with pathologic stage used a proxy for recurrence risk. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-seven patients were prospectively surveyed from 2018 to 2020: 127 (38%) Kid, 134 (40%) Pros, and 76 (23%) Bld. Patients showed satisfaction with provided strategies to combat recurrence anxiety (Kid 86%, Pros 81%, Bld 85%). However, approximately 16% of patients reported wanting, but not receiving, strategies for fear reduction. Most patients reported diagnostic tests were "Not at All" burdensome (Kid 86%, Pros 94%, Bld 82%) and disagree that fewer tests would alleviate anxiety (Kid 89%, Pros 91%, Bld 84%). The majority reported an increased sense of worry if there were no cancer follow-ups (Kid 84%, Pros 80%, Kid 81%), and preferred their specialist to their family physician to direct such care (Kid 89%, Pros 91%, Bld 95%). When stratified by recurrence risk, no significant differences existed across cancers in patients' attitudes toward follow-up. However, Pros cancer patients showed a difference in fear of recurrence ("Not at All" worried about recurrence ≤T2 38%, ≥T3, 19%; P= .04). CONCLUSION: Urology patients appear satisfied with their oncologic follow-up. Sixteen percent of patients sought additional strategies to combat fear, indicating opportunity for improvement.

The Performance and Optimum Cutoff Value for Pelvic Cavity Index as a Predictor of Early Continence After Extraperitoneal Single-Port Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: Role of Pelvic Anatomical Characteristics.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the value of the pelvic cavity index (PCI), as an objective pelvimetry feature, to predict operative time, margin status, and early urine continence after extraperitoneal single-port robotic radical prostatectomy (RP). We sought to define an optimal cutoff point for PCI in predicting postoperative outcomes. Methods: A total of 94 patients who underwent extraperitoneal single-port robotic RP and preoperative cross-sectional imaging were enrolled. PCI was calculated as follows: Pelvicinletdiameter×PelvicoutletdiameterPelvicdepth. The predictive value of PCI for operative time, surgical margin status, and 3-month urinary continence recovery was assessed using regression models. To report the optimum cutoff value, on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we calculated the performance of PCI cutoff points ranging from 5.56 to 10.80 cm by every 0.01 increment. Results: No significant associations were noted between clinical characteristics (including PCI) and operative time. Similarly, other than pathological stage, no clinical variables (including PCI) were predictive of the positive surgical margin. However, a higher PCI was associated with a significantly higher rate of continence 3 months after surgery [odds ratio 2.44 (1.75-5.33); p = 0.01]. On ROC analysis, a PCI cutoff value = 8.21 cm yielded the best accuracy (area under the curve = 0.733, 95% confidence interval 0.615-0.851; p = 0.001). No association was noted between variables and 6-month continence rates. Conclusions: With a single-port robotic system, the operative time, positive surgical margin rate, and long-term continence after prostatectomy would be independent of the bony pelvic cavity. However, a higher PCI is associated with a higher rate of early continence after surgery. PCI at a cutoff of 8.21 cm has the optimum performance to predict postoperative urine continence recovery. If validated, this information may be helpful regarding patient counseling before single-port robotic RP.

Single-Port Donor Nephrectomy via Modified Pfannenstiel Incision: Initial Preclinical Experience in a Cadaveric Model and Description of Technique.

Objective: To describe the surgical technique for the single-port (SP) transperitoneal donor nephrectomy (DN) through a modified Pfannenstiel incision using the Da Vinci SP® surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) on a cadaver. Patients and Methods: In a male cadaver, the SP surgical system was used to perform transperitoneal DN. A 3-cm modified Pfannenstiel incision was made. Through the incision GelPOINT mini (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) was inserted. The floating docking technique was used. Through the gel port, the dedicated 25-mm multichannel port and a 12-mm assistant port were introduced. The surgical steps for DN were performed in the following order: (1) mobilization of the colon, (2) identification of psoas muscle, ureter, and the gonadal vein, (3) hilum dissection, (4) perirenal dissection, (5) stapling the renal artery and renal vein, and (6) removal of the kidney through the enlarged incision. Results: Transperitoneal SP DN was completed without any complications or capsulotomy. Additional ports were not needed. The total operative time was 63 minutes and 54 seconds. A good-quality kidney was harvested. Renal artery length was 4 cm. Conclusion: We demonstrated the feasibility of SP transperitoneal DN through modified Pfannenstiel incision, using the novel SP robotic platform. Further assessment is necessary in a clinical setting.

Single-port Mini-Pfannenstiel Robotic Pyeloplasty: Establishing a Non-narcotic Pathway Along With a Same-day Discharge Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the feasibility of a same day discharge protocol following single-port (SP) robotic pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a single institution series, 23 patients (12 multi-port, 11 SP) who underwent primary robotic dismembered pyeloplasty between February 2018 and March 2021 were analyzed. The association between baseline and perioperative characteristics with functional outcome was analyzed using, chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann Whitney U and t tests. RESULTS: All SP cases were completed using the mini Pfannenstiel incision without the need for conversion or additional ports. Baseline characteristics were comparable. No intraoperative complications were seen. Only 1 patient in the SP group had a Clavien II complication. All patients in the multi-port group had a drain placed, whereas drain was not placed in the SP group. Length of stay was shorter in the SP group (11.4 vs 42.6 hours, P <.001). Although visual analog pain score was comparable at discharge (P = .633), the SP group had lower opioid usage (morphine milligram equivalent) in the hospital (P <.001) and a lower rate of opioid prescription during discharge (18.2% vs 91.7% P <.001). At a median follow-up of 8 months, no patients had flank pain and all patients had good kidney drainage on follow-up images. CONCLUSION: Single-port robotic dismembered pyeloplasty through a mini-Pfannenstiel access allows a same-day discharge protocol with minimal opiate use.

Does the type of cryoprobe affect oncological and functional outcomes in men with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with primary whole gland prostate cryoablation?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the oncological and functional outcomes of primary whole gland cryoablation of the prostate using the variable ice cryoprobe (V-Probe®) and the conventional fixed-size ice probe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the Cryo On-Line Data Registry for men who were treated with primary whole gland prostate cryoablation from 2000 through 2017. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare timing to biochemical recurrence between the V-Probe® and fixed-size ice probe after adjusting for preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA), neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy, preoperative Gleason score, and preoperative T stage. RESULTS: A total of 1124 men were included. Median age, Gleason score, and pretreatment PSA were 70 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 65-74 years), 7 (IQR: 6-7) and 5.9 ng/mL (IQR: 4.6-8.1 ng/mL), respectively. The median follow-up time was 25.0 months (IQR: 11.2-48.6 months). V-Probes® were used in 269 (23.9%) cases and fixed-size ice probes in 858 (76.1%) cases. After adjusting for clinical T stage, PSA, neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy and preoperative Gleason score, on the multivariate Cox regression model, we found that there was no significant difference between the type of probe and timing to biochemical recurrence (p = 0.35). On multivariate logistic regression, using the V-Probe® was associated with a 91% increase in postoperative urinary retention compared to the fixed-size ice probe (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the V-Probe® versus conventional fixed-size ice probe was not associated with a difference in biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing primary cryoablation of the prostate.

Initial Experience with Single-port Robotic-assisted Kidney Transplantation and Autotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Compared with the standard open approach, multiport robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) has emerged as a less morbid alternative. The use of a single-port robotic approach for kidney transplantation (KT) is presented in this study as having the potential for further reducing the morbidity of KT. OBJECTIVE: To present the technique and evaluate perioperative and short-term (≤1 yr) postoperative outcomes of single-port RAKT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective evaluation of peri- and postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent allograft KT (n = 6) or kidney autotransplantation (n = 3). The IDEAL model (www.ideal-collaboration.net/framework) for safe surgical innovation was used. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Kidney allografts from living or deceased donors were transplanted into six patients with end-stage renal disease. Single-port robotic surgery was performed through a 5-cm midline periumbilical abdominal incision with transperitoneal or extraperitoneal approaches. With similar incision and technique, the right or left kidney was removed and autotransplantation was performed in three patients. MEASUREMENTS: Intra- and postoperative variables, and outcomes were assessed with a descriptive analysis. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Single-port RAKT procedures were completed successfully, with total operative and vascular anastomosis times ranging from 300 to 450 mins and from 52 to 92 mins, respectively. All six patients had excellent graft function with serum creatinine levels at the last follow-up (2 wk to 1 yr), ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 mg/dl. Renal autotransplantation was also completed successfully with a single-port robotic approach in three patients. The total operative and vascular anastomosis times ranged from 510 to 600 mins and from 65 to 83 mins, respectively. In all three cases, serum creatinine levels remained normal after the surgery and during follow-up, and all remained symptom-free at the time of this writing (4-8 mo after their surgeries). CONCLUSIONS: In this initial experience, single-port RAKT is feasible with potential benefits such as offering true single-site minimally invasive surgery, extraperitoneal approach, less morbidity, and comparable short-term graft functional outcomes. PATIENT SUMMARY: We presented the initial experience with the application of single-port robotic surgery for kidney transplantation and autotransplantation. This technique was found to be safe and effective, with promising postoperative outcomes and potentially with less morbidity.

Predictive factors of postoperative complications and hospital readmission after implementation of the single-port robotic platform: A single-center and single-surgeon experience.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the incidence, and identify potential risk factors of conversion, postoperative complication and readmission for patients treated with urological robotic single-port surgery. METHODS: All consecutive urological surgery procedures carried out with the single-port robotic platform by the same surgeon in a single institution between September 2018 and March 2020 were included in this retrospective analysis. Demographic data, main perioperative outcomes and information related to the surgical technique were gathered and analyzed. A logistic regression model was used to assess predictive factors for any grade and high-grade (e.g. Clavien grade ≥3) postoperative complications, as well as predictive factors for readmission. RESULTS: Analysis included 221 patients, of whom 194 (88%) underwent pelvic surgery and 27 (12.2%) underwent upper urinary tract surgery. Only one patient was converted to open surgery in the entire cohort. A total of 40 patients (18.1%) experienced postoperative complications, with grade ≥3 postoperative complications in 7.6% of the entire cohort. On multivariable analysis, the factors significantly associated with the risk of postoperative complication of any grade were diabetes (P < 0.001), perineal approach (P < 0.01) and postoperative pain management with opioids (P = 0.01). Only diabetes (P = 0.03) predicted a grade ≥3 complication. Overall, 17 patients (7.7%) were readmitted during the 3 months after surgery. A body mass index >30 kg/m2 was the only identified predictor of readmission (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: A wide range of pelvic, extraperitoneal and upper-tract urological procedures can be carried out using the robotic single-port platform with a minimal conversion rate and low complication or readmission rate.

Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Using Single-port Perineal Approach: Technique and Single-surgeon Matched-paired Comparative Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) has been revived with the advent of single-port (SP) robotic surgery. However, its interest and precise role need to be evaluated and better defined. OBJECTIVE: To describe in detail the technique of SP-RPP and compare initial perioperative outcomes with those of multiport robot-assisted transperitoneal radical prostatectomy (MP-RARP). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From October 2018 to June 2020, perioperative data of 26 consecutive patients who underwent SP-RPP for localized prostate cancer (PCa) in a single institution were prospectively entered into an institutional review board-approved database. Data of 86 consecutive patients treated from September 2017 to September 2018 with MP-RARP by the same surgeon, before the beginning of the SP experience, were used as comparators. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: SP-RPP was performed using the SP robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) according to the technique described in the supplementary video. MEASUREMENTS: Demographics, and intra- and postoperative data were analyzed in a matched-paired design with a 1:1 ratio on the following factors: age at surgery, prostate-specific antigen level, preoperative Gleason score, and history of abdominal surgery. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: After matching, baseline characteristics were comparable except for the rate of prior laparotomy, which was higher in the SP-RPP group (52% vs 8%, p < 0.001). In the SP-RPP group, 84% of the patients had a high risk and an unfavorable intermediate risk of positive surgical margins (PSMs) versus 57% in the MP-RARP group (p = 0.03). While the rate of nonlimited PSMs (ie, >3 mm) was higher in the SP-RPP group (38.5% vs 7.7%, p < 0.01), the number of patients with biochemical recurrence at 1 yr was comparable between SP-RPP and MP-RARP (1 vs 3, p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: SP-RPP is a complex procedure for patients with a complex surgical history and high-risk localized PCa with limited alternative therapeutic options. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our study suggests that patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer and limited treatment options due to a complex abdominal surgical history (ie, frozen pelvis) may be suitable candidates for single-port radical perineal prostatectomy.

Implementation and Impact of a Risk-Stratified Prostate Cancer Screening Algorithm as a Clinical Decision Support Tool in a Primary Care Network.

BACKGROUND: Implementation methods of risk-stratified cancer screening guidance throughout a health care system remains understudied. OBJECTIVE: Conduct a preliminary analysis of the implementation of a risk-stratified prostate cancer screening algorithm in a single health care system. DESIGN: Comparison of men seen pre-implementation (2/1/2016-2/1/2017) vs. post-implementation (2/2/2017-2/21/2018). PARTICIPANTS: Men, aged 40-75 years, without a history of prostate cancer, who were seen by a primary care provider. INTERVENTIONS: The algorithm was integrated into two components in the electronic health record (EHR): in Health Maintenance as a personalized screening reminder and in tailored messages to providers that accompanied prostate-specific antigen (PSA) results. MAIN MEASURES: Primary outcomes: percent of men who met screening algorithm criteria; percent of men with a PSA result. Logistic repeated measures mixed models were used to test for differences in the proportion of individuals that met screening criteria in the pre- and post-implementation periods with age, race, family history, and PSA level included as covariates. KEY RESULTS: During the pre- and post-implementation periods, 49,053 and 49,980 men, respectively, were seen across 26 clinics (20.6% African American). The proportion of men who met screening algorithm criteria increased from 49.3% (pre-implementation) to 68.0% (post-implementation) (p < 0.001); this increase was observed across all races, age groups, and primary care clinics. Importantly, the percent of men who had a PSA did not change: 55.3% pre-implementation, 55.0% post-implementation. The adjusted odds of meeting algorithm-based screening was 6.5-times higher in the post-implementation period than in the pre-implementation period (95% confidence interval, 5.97 to 7.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary analysis, following implementation of an EHR-based algorithm, we observed a rapid change in practice with an increase in screening in higher-risk groups balanced with a decrease in screening in low-risk groups. Future efforts will evaluate costs and downstream outcomes of this strategy.

Predictive factors for opioid-free management after robotic radical prostatectomy: the value of the SP® robotic platform.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate perioperative factors associated with opioid-free management after robotic radical prostatectomy in a single institution. METHODS: From January 2019 to January 2020, data from patients who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy was retrospectively entered in a preapproved IRB database. Data were analyzed according to the postoperative opioid administration in hospital and/or after discharge. Robotic radical prostatectomy was performed using either the standard multi-port Da Vinci Si robotic platform with a transperitoneal approach (MP-RALP) or the novel DaVinci SP® robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) with an extraperitoneal approach (SP-EPP). Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery were included in the "enhanced recovery after surgery" (ERAS) protocol regardless of the surgery approach. RESULTS: During the study period, 210 patients matched the selection criteria. Of those, 158(75%) patients received opioids during the hospital stay or after discharge and 52(25%) patients never received opioids. SP-EPP surgical approach and shorter LOS were predictors of never receiving opioids (Odds Ratio [OR]=4.97, (95% CI 1.81-14.77, P=0.002 and OR=0.56, CI 95% 0.35-0.86, P=0.011, respectively). SP-EPP surgical approach was increasing the odds of remaining opioid free whether in-hospital or after discharge (OR= 11.97, 95% CI 4.8-32, P<0.0001 and OR=11.6, 95% CI 4.6-31, P<0.0001, respectively). Finally, a high BMI increased the odds of receiving opioid in hospital or after discharge (OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.96, P=0.003 and OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.96, P=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this series, after robotic radical prostatectomy the use of a less invasive approach (SP-EPP), a shorter LOS and a lower BMI, were predictive of opioid-free status.

Pure Single-site Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Using Single-port Versus Multiport Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Single-institution Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Pure single-site robot-assisted extraperitoneal prostatectomy (EPP) using a single-port (SP) robotic platform has been shown to be feasible and safe in previous descriptive studies. OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing SP-EPP versus conventional multiport (MP) transperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From January 2019 to January 2020, data of 100 consecutive patients who underwent SP-EPP performed by the same surgeon and 110 consecutive patients who underwent MP-RARP by three surgeons from the same institution were prospectively collected. INTERVENTION: All SP-EPPs were performed in a pure single-site fashion without Trendelenburg. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Demographic characteristics as well as intra- and postoperative data of patients in both groups were analyzed. Quantitative data were described in terms of median and quartiles. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: After SP-EPP, the rate of patients discharged the same day was nine times higher than that after MP-RARP (p < 0.001), and the median length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter: 4.3 h (interquartile range [IQR] 3.3-17.4) versus 26.1 h (IQR 21.5-44.8). The rate of opioid use in the hospital and after discharge in the SP group was at least half that in the MP group (respectively, 32% vs 64%, p < 0.001, and 35% vs 87%, p < 0.001). The overall positive surgical margin rate as well as continence rate at 12 mo (85% vs 88%, p = 0.97) and the prostate-specific antigen relapse-free survival (p = 0.09) were statistically comparable between the SP and MP groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pure single-site SP-EPP was associated with a shorter length of stay as well as a decreased need for postoperative pain medication and narcotic administration in comparison with conventional transperitoneal multiport prostatectomy, with comparable postoperative complications and readmission rate. PATIENT SUMMARY: Surgical treatment of localized prostate cancer using a single-port robotic platform allows for a shorter hospital stay, less pain, and less opioid use than conventional robotic surgery without more morbidity. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Pure single-site single-port extraperitoneal prostatectomy was associated with a shorter length of stay as well as a decreased need for postoperative pain medication and narcotic administration in comparison with conventional transperitoneal multiport prostatectomy, with comparable postoperative complication and readmission rate.

Single-institution Cost Comparison: Single-port Versus Multiport Robotic Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: In the era of efficient value-based health care, each surgical innovation should be proven to be cost-effective for the patient and the hospital administration. OBJECTIVE: To compare the costs associated with robot-assisted prostatectomy using a single-port (SP) or multiport (MP) robotic platform. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Costs for surgical care for consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer treated from November 2018 to November 2019 were itemized and evaluated. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated using either the SP (n = 78) or MP (n = 97) platform. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Demographics, perioperative data, and costs for surgical care of patients in both groups were analyzed. RESULTS AND LIMITATION: The mean cost for prostatectomy was comparable between SP ($13 512 ± $1615) and MP ($13 284 ± $1360; p = 0.32). The main cost differences between the groups were the cost of hospitalization, which was lower in the SP group (p < 0.001), offset by the cost of disposables in the operating room, which was higher in the SP group (p < 0.001). The mean length of stay was significantly shorter in the SP group (9.84 ± 11.3 vs 35.5 ± 29.1 h; p < 0.001) and the proportion of patients discharged home on the day of surgery was higher in the SP group (70% vs 5%; p < 0.001). The main limitation of this study is its retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the costs for SP and MP prostatectomy are comparable. The higher SP cost for consumable surgical materials is offset by the lower cost associated with hospitalization, which was largely due to a shorter hospital stay after SP surgery. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we found that implementation of the new single-port robotic platform for radical prostatectomy was not associated with higher surgical care costs compared to conventional multiport surgery.

Floating docking technique: a simple modification to improve the working space of the instruments during single-port robotic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the range of motion and ergonomic characteristics of single-port robotic instruments in the setting of the "floating" versus "flat" docking technique using the GelPOINT® system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The basic principle of the floating docking technique resides in the GelSeal cap and trocar (s) being 8 cm off the skin level with the Alexis® acting as a conduit between the trocar (s) and the body while preserving insufflation. In the setting of a dry lab study, we measured the range of motion of one robotic instrument with the "floating" and the "flat" docking technique in two different situations depending on whether the distance between the incision and the target was more or less than 10 cm. RESULTS: The minimum required distances between the target and the tip of the cannula for activation of the wrist and elbow were 5 and 10 cm, respectively. When the target was near to the cannula (i.e., less than 10 cm), the floating technique was associated with a significant increase in the range of motion of the instrument in all directions. The working space volume of the instrument was increased by more than 390% (from 101 to 497 cm3) when the surgeon switched from flat (standard) to the floating technique in the setting of a target close (i.e., less than 10 cm) to the cannula CONCLUSION: The floating docking technique is a simple and effective way to increase the working surgical space, especially in confined and narrow surgical fields with a target closer than 10 cm from the skin.

The impact of post-procedural ureteric stent duration on the outcome of retrograde endopyelotomy for management of failed open pyeloplasty in children: a preliminary report.

Background: To evaluate the outcome of retrograde endopyelotomy as a minimally invasive option for management of failed open pyeloplasty in children and assess how the duration of post-procedural stenting may affect the endopyelotomy outcome. Methods: A total of 15 patients with secondary UPJO (Ureteropelvic junction obstruction) underwent retrograde endopyelotomy. The procedure was done using low-energy monopolar electrocautery hook under direct vision of pediatric ureteroscope and control of fluoroscopy. Double J stent was placed after the operation in all cases. Stent was removed in another session, 8 weeks (Group A, n=7) vs. 12 weeks (Group B, n=8) after endopyelotomy. Patients in both Groups were followed one, six and twelve months after the stent removal, and the anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter (APD), renal cortical thickness (CT) and degree of hydronephrosis (HDN) were recorded using the repeated measure test. P-value less than 0.05 were significant. We analyzed the data using SPSS software, version 20. Results: The median interquartile range (IQR) age at time of surgery for group A and B were 24 (62) months and 12 (50) months respectively. Median (IQR) times between previous pyeloplasty and endopyelotomy were 6 (6) months and 12 (8.5) months in groups A and B, respectively. The success rate of endopyelotomy after 12 months was 57.1% in group A and 87.5% in group B. The resolution of HDN was more prominent in the 12 week stenting group compared to the 8 week group during the 12 months follow-up period (p=0.030). The APD and CT in group B compared to group A was improved during follow-up period. Conclusion: A higher one-year success rate of retrograde endopyelotomy in terms of improvements in the degree of HDN, APD and CT was observed when the double j stent was remained for 12-weeks rather than 8-weeks. This observation need to be validated in a large cohort study with a long term post procedural follow up.

Outpatient Extraperitoneal Single-Port Robotic Radical Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and feasibility of extraperitoneal single-port robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci SP robotic platform for same-day surgery. METHODS: Extraperitoneal single-port robotic prostatectomy (ESRP) using the da Vinci SP platform was performed on 60 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and no prior definitive therapy. An enhanced recovery protocol was used in the perioperative period and minimal to no opiates were used in these patients. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected in a prospectively maintained institutional review board approved database and evaluated in a retrospective fashion. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 198 minutes and mean estimated blood loss was 179 mL. No patients required blood transfusion and there were no intraoperative complications. Pain at discharge was 0-1 in 37% of patients. Forty-five patients (75%) were discharged home the day of surgery, including patients with all surgical start times. When excluding patients that were planned for an overnight stay preoperatively or patients whose surgery finished after 6 PM, 88% of patients were discharged home the day of surgery and 96% were discharged within 24 hours of surgery. Median length of stay was 4.2 hours. Fourty-eight percent of patients required 0-1 pads at 30 days postoperatively in patients with 30 day follow data (n = 58) and 76% of patients reported requiring 0-1 pads per day by 90 days postoperatively (n = 37). CONCLUSION: ESRP using the da Vinci SP platform can be performed safely and reproducibly as a same-day outpatient surgery with minimal to no opiate use, excellent pain control, and acceptable short term functional and oncological outcomes.