Applicability and feasibility of robot-assisted cystectomy and intracorporeal urinary diversion in a patient with right renal pelvic ectopia.

BACKGROUND: The ectopic pelvic kidney, a common renal anomaly, is often smaller and malformed, with a shorter and sometimes tortuous ureter (1). Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), constituting 15-25% of bladder cancer cases (2), mandates radical cystectomy with a 50% 5-year survival rate (2). Despite the growing use of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) (3, 4), there is limited data on its application in ectopic kidneys. Only one RARC case has been reported (5), in contrast to numerous open radical cystectomies (1, 6) involving an ectopic kidney. PATIENT AND METHODS: After being diagnosed with T2 high-grade urothelial carcinoma, the 66-year-old patient, previously treated with multiple transurethral resections and adjuvant BCG therapy, received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Preoperative staging CT revealed a 2.6 x 2.2 cm bladder neoformation and an ectopic right pelvic kidney. RESULTS: Using the da Vinci Surgical System, radical cystectomy with ileal conduit (sec Wallace II) and lymphadenectomy were performed. During the demolition phase, the shorter right ureter was dissected with care to avoid damage to the renal pedicle. The reconstructive phase included intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) and uretero-ileal anastomosis, facilitated by the favorable position of the kidney. The 8-hour console surgery resulted in minimal blood loss. Discharged on day 16 due to COVID-19, the patient exhibited positive outcomes. A 2-month CT follow-up revealed no cancer recurrence, metastasis, hydronephrosis, and complete regression of the lymphocele. Imaging follow-up continues without postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery with intracorporeal urinary diversion holds potential for right-sided pelvic kidney cases, but additional studies are necessary for validation.

Not Only Length Matters! Impact of the Ileal Width on the Capacity of the Orthotopic Neobladder: The AADAPT Formula Tested on the Animal Model.

Background: The capacity of a given shape of an orthotopic ileal neobladder (ONB) varies significantly, although the same length of preterminal ileum is utilised. Objective: To investigate the variability of the human ileal width and to create a mathematical formula that calculates its impact on the neobladder capacity. Design setting and participants: During 50 consecutive cases of robotic pelvic surgery, a segment of preterminal ileum was identified and the width was measured. A mathematical formula was created to calculate, for a given ileal length and width, the neobladder capacity and, for a given ileal width and neobladder capacity, the length of the (pre)terminal ileum to harvest. The accuracy of our model was tested on 28 pouches created by swine ileum. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The interindividual variability of the ileal width and its impact on the ileal neobladder capacity was investigated. Results and limitations: The mean hemicircumference of the human distal ileum is 2.43 ± 0.39 cm (range 2-3.5 cm). According to our geometric model and as confirmed in the swine model, an increase of 1 cm in ileal width increases the neobladder capacity by 85%. The Pearson correlation coefficient reported a strong positive relationship between the formula-calculated and effective volumes of the pouch (r = 0.97). Moreover, for the same target capacity, 1 cm of difference in the ileal width implies harvesting 20 cm less ileum. A lack of testing on humans and application only to spheroidal neobladders are the main limits. Conclusions: The ileal width impacts the capacity of the ONB. For a given type of ONB, no standard length of ileum should be harvested; instead, the length should be tailored to the width of the ileum for a given patient. Clinical studies are required to confirm our model. Patient summary: We demonstrated the variability of the ileal width among humans, and we provided a mathematical formula tested on swine that evaluates the impact of the ileal width on the capacity of the orthotopic ileal neobladder.

Three-Dimensional Customized Imaging Reconstruction for Urological Surgery: Diffusion and Role in Real-Life Practice from an International Survey.

Despite the arising interest in three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction models from 2D imaging, their diffusion and perception among urologists have been scarcely explored. The aim of the study is to report the results of an international survey investigating the use of such tools among urologists of different backgrounds and origins. Beyond demographics, the survey explored the degree to which 3D models are perceived to improve surgical outcomes, the procedures mostly making use of them, the settings in which those tools are mostly applied, the surgical steps benefiting from 3D reconstructions and future perspectives of improvement. One hundred responders fully completed the survey. All levels of expertise were allowed; more than half (53%) were first surgeons, and 59% had already completed their training. Their main application was partial nephrectomy (85%), followed by radical nephrectomy and radical prostatectomy. Three-dimensional models are mostly used for preoperative planning (75%), intraoperative consultation and tailoring. More than half recognized that 3D models may highly improve surgical outcomes. Despite their recognized usefulness, 77% of responders use 3D models in less than 25% of their major operations due to costs or the extra time taken to perform the reconstruction. Technical improvements and a higher availability of the 3D models will further increase their role in surgical and clinical daily practice.

First case-series of robot-assisted pudendal nerve release: technique and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Pudendal Nerve Entrapment (PNE) may determine chronic pelvic pain associated with symptoms related to its innervation area. This study aimed to present the technique and report the outcomes of the first series of robot-assisted pudendal nerve release (RPNR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 32 patients, who were treated with RPNR in our centre between January 2016 and July 2021, were recruited. Following the medial umbilical ligament identification, the space between this ligament and the ipsilateral external iliac pedicle is progressively dissected to identify the obturator nerve. The dissection medial to this nerve identifies the obturator vein and the arcus tendinous of the levator ani, which is cranially inserted into the ischial spine. Following the cold incision of the coccygeous muscle at the level of the spine, the sacrospinous ligament is identified and incised. The pudendal trunk (vessels and nerve) is visualized, freed from the ischial spine and medially transposed. RESULTS: The Median duration of symptoms was 7 (5, 5-9) years. The median operative time was 74 (65-83) minutes. The median length of stay was 1 (1-2) days. There was only a minor complication. At 3 and 6 months after surgery, a statistically significant pain reduction has been encountered. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation coefficient reported a negative relationship between the duration of pain and the improvement in NPRS score, - 0.81 (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: RPNR is a safe and effective approach for the pain resolution caused by PNE. Timely nerve decompression is suggested to enhance outcomes.

The role of warm ischemia time on functional outcomes after robotic partial nephrectomy: a radionuclide renal scan study from the clock randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between warm ischemia time (WIT) duration and renal function after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). METHODS: The CLOCK trial is a phase 3 randomized controlled trial comparing on- vs off-clamp RAPN. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative renal scintigraphy. Six-month absolute variation of eGFR (AV-GFR), rate of relative variation in eGFR over 25% (RV-GFR > 25), absolute variation of split renal function (SRF) at scintigraphy (AV-SRF). The relationships WIT/outcomes were assessed by correlation graphs and then modeled by uni- and multivariable regression. RESULTS: 324 patients were included (206 on-clamp, 118 off-clamp RAPN). Correlation graphs showed a threshold on WIT equal to 10 min. The differences in outcome measures between cases with WIT < vs ≥ 10 min were: AV-GFR - 3.7 vs - 7.5 ml/min (p < 0.001); AV-SRF - 1% vs - 3.6% (p < 0.001); RV-GFR > 25 9.3% vs 17.8% (p = 0.008). Multivariable models found that AV-GFR was related to WIT ≥ 10 min (regression coefficient [RC] - 0.52, p = 0.019), age (RC - 0.35, p = 0.001) and baseline eGFR (RC - 0.30, p < 0.001); RV-GFR > 25 to WIT ≥ 10 min (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, p = 0.007) and acute kidney injury defined as > 50% increase in serum creatinine (OR 19.7, p = 0.009); AV-SRF to WIT ≥ 10 min (RC - 0.30, p = 0.018), baseline SRF (RC - 0.76, p < 0.001) and RENAL score (RC - 0.60. p = 0.028). The main limitation was that the CLOCK trial was designed on a different endpoint and therefore the present analysis could be underpowered. CONCLUSIONS: Up to 10 min WIT had no consequences on functional outcomes. Above the 10-min threshold, a statistically significant, but clinically negligible impact was found.

"Urethral-Sparing" Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: Critical Appraisal of the Safety of the Technique Based on the Histologic Characteristics of the Prostatic Urethra.

BACKGROUND: The prostatic urethra (PU) is conventionally resected during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP). Recent studies demonstrated the feasibility of the extended PU preservation (EPUP). AIMS: To describe the histologic features of the PU. METHODS: The PU was evaluated using cystoprostatectomy and RALP specimens. Cases of PU infiltration by prostate cancer or distortion by benign hyperplastic nodules were excluded. The thickness of the chorion and distance between the urothelium and prostate glands were measured. Prostate-specific antigen expression in the PU epithelium was evaluated with immunohistochemistry. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Six specimens of PU were examined. Histologically, the following layers of the PU were observed: (1) urothelium with basal membrane, (2) chorion, and (3) prostatic peri-urethral fibromuscular tissue. The chorion measures between 0.2 and 0.4 mm. There is not a distinct urethral muscle layer, but rather muscular fibers that originate near the prostatic stroma and are distributed around the PU. This muscular tissue appears to be mainly represented in the basal and apical urethra, but not in the middle urethra. The mean distance between the chorion and prostatic glands is 1.74 mm, with significant differences between base of the prostate, middle urethral portion, and apex (2.5 vs. 1.49 vs. 1.23 mm, respectively). PSA-expressing cells are abundant in the PU epithelium, coexisting with urothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: The exiguity of thickness of the PU chorion, short distance from glandular tissue, and coexistence of PSA-expressing cells in the epithelium raise important concerns about the oncologic safety of EPUP.

"Bordeaux Neobladder": First Evaluation of the Urodynamic Outcomes.

Background: The intracorporeal orthotopic modified-Y "Bordeaux" neobladder (iYNB) was first described in 2016. No urodynamic evaluation of this neobladder has yet been performed. Objective: To present the urodynamic features of the iYNB and incontinence-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. Design setting and participants: We prospectively assessed 26 patients operated between September 2018 and November 2020. Surgical procedure: Robotic radical cystectomy for malignant disease of the bladder and iYNB, performed by a single surgeon, were used. Measurements: Three months after surgery and in November 2021, consenting patients underwent clinical evaluation and multichannel urodynamic study (UDS). The incontinence quality of life (I-QoL) questionnaire was used to evaluate HRQoL. Continence was classified into day- and nighttime, and clinically defined as the use of zero pads. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results and limitations: The mean age at surgery was 65.4 yr. The mean follow-up period was 27 mo (12-38). The mean time for the neobladder reconstruction was 192 min (110-340). The mean maximum capacity was 431 cm3 (range 200-553). The mean postvoid residual was 101.6 ml (0-310), and the rate of clean intermittent catheterization was 17.6%. With the exception of a significant reduction in the volume of the first sensation of bladder fullness, no other statistically significant changes in the UDS parameters of both the storage and the voiding phase were observed over time. Day- and nighttime continence rates were 58.8% and 23.5%, respectively. The mean postoperative I-QoL score was 103.3 (89-110). Limitations include the small number of patients and short follow-up. Conclusions: The UDS evaluation of iYNB demonstrates that both the volumetric and the pressure characteristics are acceptable and may enhance quality of life. Prospective studies with larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up are needed to further evaluate the iYNB. Patient summary: The "Bordeaux" neobladder provides acceptable urodynamic outcomes. It is associated with high levels of health-related quality of life and good rates of continence in patients.

Antegrade left ureterolithotripsy in a patient with previous psoas-hitch ureteral reimplantation.

A standard surgical treatment of distal ureteric defects is represented by the ureteroneocystostomy-ureteric reimplantation. However, the procedure involves an anatomical alteration of the ureterovesical (neo)junction that often hinders the retrograde catheterisation of the reimplanted ureter.We describe a case of antegrade ureterolithotripsy (AULT) in a psoas-hitch reimplanted ureter. A woman with severe left hydronephrosis supported by a subcentimetric proximal ureteral stone in a psoas-hitch reimplanted ureter was referred to our unit. Retrograde ureteroscopy was unsuccessful due to impossibility in incannulating the ureteral neo-orifice. Following the placement of a percutaneous nephrostomy, percutaneous AULT through ureteral sheath was successfully performed with complete treatment of the stone.AULT may represent a viable alternative in the management of ureteral stones when the upper urinary tract is not amenable to retrograde ureteroscopy. In experienced hands, the procedure is straightforward and may avoid the adoption of transabdominal approaches.

Free-hand, transrectal ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of the retroprostatic space during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Impact on the learning curve.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the current study is to describe our technique of hydrodissection (HD) of the retroprostatic space (RPS) performed between the Denonvillier's fascia (DF) and prostatic capsule (PC) and to evaluate its impact on the outcomes of nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (nsRALP) during the learning-curve period. METHODS: This randomized study enrolled 25 consecutive male patients with indication of nsRALP. The HD and the subsequent dissection of the seminal vesicles (SVs) and RPS was performed by a resident in learning curve for RALP; the residual portion of RALP was performed by an expert. The perioperative, oncologic and functional outcomes of 2 groups of patients (Group A: nsRALP after HD of the RPS and Group B: standard nsRALP without HD) were compared. Two analyses were performed, considering a per-protocol (PP) population regarding only randomized patients with correct HD and an Intention-To-Treat (ITT) population regarding all randomized patients. RESULTS: In 4/14 (29%) of patients of Group A the injected fluid was not intraoperatively identified in the expected plane. The groups were statistically homogeneous in relation to the baseline variables. A statistically significant difference was observed between the SVs/RPS dissection time and the SVs-related estimated blood loss in both analyses. A significantly higher rate of dry patients was observed in group A at 1 month after nsRALP. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the effective time of dissection of the SVs and the postoperative IIEF-5 drop. CONCLUSIONS: The transrectal ultrasound-guided transperineal HD seems useful for the preliminary development of the RPS during the learning curve period of nsRALP. It seems associated with less time and blood loss for the dissection of the SVs and RPS. Studies on larger cohorts are needed to draw more robust conclusions.

Is antibiotic prophylaxis still mandatory for transperineal prostate biopsy? Results of a comparative study.

Introduction and objectives: This study aimed to assess the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) after transperineal prostate biopsy (TP-PB) comparing patients who underwent antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) with patients who had no prophylaxis. Materials and methods: This prospective, double-center trial was conducted between August and December 2020. Patient candidates to PB were included with 1:1 allocation to case (Group A-no AP) and control group (Group B-standard AP). All TP-PBs were performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Data collected 2 weeks after the procedure included incidence of UTIs or bacteriuria, evaluated with a urine culture (UC), main symptoms, and complications related to TP-PBs. Results: A total of 200 patients were included (100 patients in each group). The mean age was 66.2 ± 7.7 in Group A and 67.4 ± 8 years in Group B (P = 0.134). Mean prostate volume was 65.5 ± 26.7 vs. 51 ± 24.6 cc (P < 0.001), number of biopsy cores was 17.8 ± 2.4 vs. 14.9 ± 0.8 (P < 0.001), and PSA value was 15.9 ± 28.1 vs. 13.3 ± 22.3 ng/ml (P = 0.017). Overall PCa detection rate was 55% vs. 59% (P = 0.567). Postoperative UTI occurred in one patient in Group A vs. zero in Group B. Asymptomatic bacteriuria was present in 3 vs. 5 patients (P = 0.470) and was not treated with antibiotics. Postoperative hematuria was observed in 13 patients vs. 29 (P < 0.05), and acute urinary retention was observed in one patient in each group. Conclusions: The incidence of bacteriuria and UTIs in TP-PBs is not related to AP. Therefore, AP could be discontinued in TP-PB candidates without the risk of increasing UTI-related complications.

The Intraoperative Complications Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards (ICARUS) Global Surgical Collaboration Project: Development of Criteria for Reporting Adverse Events During Surgical Procedures and Evaluating Their Impact on the Postoperative Course.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative adverse events (iAEs) are surgical and anesthesiologic complications. Despite the availability of grading criteria, iAEs are infrequently reported in the surgical literature and in cases for which iAEs are reported, these events are described with significant heterogeneity. OBJECTIVE: To develop Intraoperative Complications Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards (ICARUS) Global Surgical Collaboration criteria to standardize the assessment, reporting, and grading of iAEs. The ultimate aim is to improve our understanding of the nature and frequency of iAEs and our ability to counsel patients regarding surgical procedures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The present study involved the following steps: (1) collecting criteria for assessing, reporting, and grading of iAEs via a comprehensive umbrella review; (2) collecting additional criteria via a survey of a panel of experienced surgeons (first round of a modified Delphi survey); (3) creating a comprehensive list of reporting criteria; (4) combining criteria acquired in the first two steps; and (5) establishing a consensus on clinical and quality assessment utility as determined in the second round of the Delphi survey. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Panel inter-rater agreement and consistency were assessed as the overall percentage agreement and Cronbach's α. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The umbrella review led to nine common criteria for assessing, grading, and reporting iAEs, and review of iAE grading systems led to two additional criteria. In the first Delphi round, 35 surgeons responded and two criteria were added. In the second Delphi round, 13 common criteria met the threshold for final guideline inclusion. All 13 criteria achieved the consensus minimum of 70%, with agreement on the usefulness of the criteria for clinical and quality improvement ranging from 74% to 100%. The mean inter-rater agreement was 89.0% for clinical improvement and 88.6% for quality improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The ICARUS Global Collaboration criteria might aid in identifying important criteria when reporting iAEs, which will support all those involved in patient care and scientific publishing. PATIENT SUMMARY: We consulted a panel of experienced surgeons to develop a set of guidelines for academic surgeons to follow when publishing surgical studies. The surgeon panel proposed a list of 13 criteria that may improve global understanding of complications during specific procedures and thus improve the ability to counsel patients on surgical risk.

Simultaneous robotic partial nephrectomy for bilateral renal masses.

PURPOSE: There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy for patients presenting with synchronous bilateral renal masses. The decision to perform bilateral procedures on the same intervention or in staged procedures is debated. The aim of this manuscript is to analyse the outcomes of simultaneous robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in a series of patients with bilateral renal masses treated at five Italian robotic institutions. METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained multi-institutional database on patients subjected to simultaneous RAPN between November 2011 and July 2019 were reviewed. RAPNs were performed with da Vinci Si or Xi surgical system by expert robotic surgeons. Baseline demographics and clinical features, peri- and post-operative data were collected. RESULTS: Overall, 27 patients underwent simultaneous bilateral RAPN, and 54 RAPNs were performed without need of conversion; median operative time was 250 minutes, median estimated blood loss was 200 mL. Renal artery clamping was needed for 27 (50%) RAPNs with a median warm ischemia time of 15 minutes and no case of acute kidney injury. Complications were reported in 7 (25.9%) patients, mainly represented by Clavien 2 events (6 blood transfusions). Positive surgical margins were assessed in 2 (3.7%) of the renal cell carcinoma. At the median follow-up of 30 months, recurrence-free survival was 100%. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that, in selected patients and expert hands, simultaneous bilateral RAPNs could be a safe and feasible procedure with promising results for the treatment of bilateral synchronous renal masses.

Is off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy beneficial for renal function? Data from the CLOCK trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the functional outcomes of on- vs off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) within a randomized controlled trial (RCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CLOCK study (CLamp vs Off Clamp the Kidney during robotic partial nephrectomy; NCT02287987) is a multicentre RCT including patients with normal baseline function, two kidneys and masses with RENAL scores ≤ 10. Pre- and postoperative renal scintigraphy was prescribed. Renal defatting and hilum isolation were required in both study arms; in the on-clamp arm, ischaemia was imposed until the completion of medullary renorraphy, while in the off-clamp condition it was not allowed throughout the procedure. The primary endpoint was 6-month absolute variation in estimated glomerular filtration rate (AV-GFR); secondary endpoints were: 12, 18 and 24-month AV-GFR; 6-month estimated glomerular filtration rate variation >25% rate (RV-GFR >25); and absolute variation in ipsilateral split renal function (AV-SRF). The planned sample size was 102 + 102 cases, after taking account crossover of cases to the alternate study arm; a 1:1 randomization was performed. AV-GFR and AV-SRF were compared using analysis of covariation, and RV-GFR >25 was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses (PP) were performed. RESULTS: A total of 160 and 164 patients were randomly assigned to on- and off-clamp RAPN, respectively; crossover was observed in 14% and 43% of the on- and off-clamp arms, respectively. We were unable to find any statistically significant difference between on- vs off-clamp with regard to the primary endpoint (ITT: 6-month AV-GFR -6.2 vs -5.1 mL/min, mean difference 0.2 mL/min, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.1 to 3.4 [P = 0.8]; PP: 6-month AV-GFR -6.8 vs -4.2 mL/min, mean difference 1.6 mL/min, 95% CI -2.3 to 5.5 [P = 0.7]) or with regard to the secondary endpoints. The median warm ischaemia time was 14 vs 15 min in the ITT analysis and 14 vs 0 min in the PP analysis. CONCLUSION: In patients with regular baseline function and two kidneys, we found no evidence of differences in functional outcomes for on- vs off-clamp RAPN.

Robotic Off-Clamp Simple Enucleation Single-Layer Renorrhaphy Partial Nephrectomy (ROSS): Surgical Insights after an Initial Experience.

Robotic technology allows the beginner surgeon to approach minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy (PN) avoiding the otherwise long learning curve of pure laparoscopy. The present video-article reported the surgical technique and the outcomes of the first 11 cases performed by a young surgeon starting with the experience of robotic PN. Transperitoneal robotic PN, with an off-clamp approach, a simple enucleation technique, and a single-layer medullar renorrhaphy was performed uneventfully in all cases but one, with comparable outcomes to the available literature. With the present experience, we are trying to give the reader a different point of view of the current knowledge. In our series, off-clamp robotic PN was not chosen while looking for a better functional outcome, but rather as a "forced" choice within the specific "in training" setting the interventions were performed in. We underline how the off-clamp approach was the way to cut out the potential for vascular complications derived from the application/removal of the clamp itself on the renal artery. Indeed, when Scanlan bulldogs are not available, one of the limits of robotic PN is that the first surgeon is not autonomous in placing/removing the clamp. We found that tumour enucleation resection technique had the perfect synergistic effect in maximizing the perioperative vision, and thus the safety, notwithstanding the clampless approach.

Perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing urological elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national overview across 28 Italian institutions.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the safety of elective urological surgery performed during the pandemic by estimating the prevalence of COVID-19-like symptoms in the postoperative period and its correlation with perioperative and clinical factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this multicenter, observational study we recorded clinical, surgical and postoperative data of consecutive patients undergoing elective urological surgery in 28 different institutions across Italy during initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (between February 24 and March 30, 2020, inclusive). RESULTS: A total of 1943 patients were enrolled. In 12%, 7.1%, 21.3%, 56.7% and 2.6% of cases an open, laparoscopic, robotic, endoscopic or percutaneous surgical approach was performed, respectively. Overall, 166 (8.5%) postoperative complications were registered, 77 (3.9%) surgical and 89 (4.6%) medical. Twenty-eight (1.4%) patients were readmitted to hospital after discharge and 13 (0.7%) died. In the 30 days following discharge, fever and respiratory symptoms were recorded in 101 (5.2%) and 60 (3.1%) patients. At multivariable analysis, not performing nasopharyngeal swab at hospital admission (HR 2.3; CI 95% 1.01-5.19; p = 0.04) was independently associated with risk of developing postoperative medical complications. Number of patients in the facility was confirmed as an independent predictor of experiencing postoperative respiratory symptoms (p = 0.047, HR:1.12; CI95% 1.00-1.05), while COVID-19-free type of hospitalization facility was a strong independent protective factor (p = 0.02, HR:0.23, CI95% 0.07-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Performing elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to affect perioperative outcomes as long as proper preventive measures are adopted, including nasopharyngeal swab before hospital admission and hospitalization in dedicated COVID-19-free facilities.

The dramatic COVID 19 outbreak in Italy is responsible of a huge drop of urological surgical activity: a multicenter observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trend in surgical volume in urology in Italy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, as a result of the abrupt reorganisation of the Italian national health system to augment care provision to symptomatic patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 33 urological units with physicians affiliated to the AGILE consortium (Italian Group for Advanced Laparo-Endoscopic Surgery; www.agilegroup.it) were surveyed. Urologists were asked to report the amount of surgical elective procedures week-by-week, from the beginning of the emergency to the following month. RESULTS: The 33 hospitals involved in the study account overall for 22 945 beds and are distributed in 13/20 Italian regions. Before the outbreak, the involved urology units performed overall 1213 procedures/week, half of which were oncological. A month later, the number of surgeries had declined by 78%. Lombardy, the first region with positive COVID-19 cases, experienced a 94% reduction. The decrease in oncological and non-oncological surgical activity was 35.9% and 89%, respectively. The trend of the decline showed a delay of roughly 2 weeks for the other regions. CONCLUSION: Italy, a country with a high fatality rate from COVID-19, experienced a sudden decline in surgical activity. This decline was inversely related to the increase in COVID-19 care, with potential harm particularly in the oncological field. The Italian experience may be helpful for future surgical pre-planning in other countries not so drastically affected by the disease to date.

Holmium laser enucleation of prostate versus minimally invasive simple prostatectomy for large volume (≥120 mL) prostate glands: a prospective multicenter randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative and functional results between laparoscopic and robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (LSP and RASP) and Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) in prostate volumes ≥120 mL. The primary endpoint was to investigate and compare minimally invasive techniques in the management of large prostate gland volume, and the secondary endpoint was to evaluate the frequency and type of postoperative complications according to Clavien Dindo Classification. METHODS: This multicenter study was conducted on male patients with LUTS associated with BPO candidates for surgical treatment. The surgery approach choice in relation to the prostatic volume ≥120 mL was HoLEP or minimally-invasive simple prostatectomy (LSP or RASP). All patients were prospectively randomized into three groups, according to a simple computed randomization: HoLEP, LSP and RASP groups. During the follow-up, all patients underwent postoperative control at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months from the surgical procedure. RESULTS: One hundred ten male patients were randomized in three homogeneous groups: 36 in LSP, 32 in RASP and 42 in HoLEP group. During the follow-up (mean 26.15 months), despite the significant improvement compared to baseline results, no significant differences were shown, between the groups in terms of functional and perioperative outcomes. The only statistically significant data was reported for catheterization time, that resulted longer in the LSP group than RASP and HoLEP groups (P=0.002). Furthermore, MISP resulted in longer hospitalization, and lower rate of patients with new-onset irritative symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective randomized study is the first to compare extraperitoneal LSP, RASP and HoLEP in the treatment of LUTS secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia for prostate volumes ≥120 mL. Our findings confirm the safety and efficacy of MISP, demonstrating its equivalence in functional outcomes and perioperative morbidity in comparison to HoLEP.

Robotic radical prostatectomy: analysis of midterm pathologic and oncologic outcomes: A historical series from a high-volume center.

BACKGROUND: Identifying predictors of positive surgical margins (PSM) and biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) may assist clinicians in formulating prognosis. Aim of the study was to report the midterm oncologic outcomes, to identify the risk factors for PSM and BCR and assess the impact of the PSM on BCR-free survival following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: From 2005 to 2010, 1679 consecutive patients underwent transperitoneal RALP. Data was retrospectively collected by an independent statistical company and analyzed in 2014. Median postoperative follow-up was 33.5 mo. BCR was defined as any detectable serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≥ 0.2 ng/mL in two consecutive measurements. BCR-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis were applied to identify risk factors for PSM and BCR. RESULTS: In pN0/pNx cancers, pathologic stage was pT2 in 1186 patients (71.8%), pT3 in 455 patients (27.6%), and pT4 in 11 patients (0.6%). PSM rate was 17.4% and 36.9% of pT2 and pT3 cancers, respectively. Pathologic Gleason score was < 7, = 7 and > 7 in 42.1%, 53% and 4.9% of the patients, respectively. Overall BCR-free survival was 73.1% at 5 years; the 5-year BCR-free survival was 87.9% for pT2 with negative surgical margins. PSA, Gleason score (both bioptic and pathologic), pathologic stage (pT) and surgeon's volume were significant independent predictors of PSM. PSA, pathologic Gleason score, pT and PSM were significant independent predictors of BCR-free survival. Seminal vesicle-sparing, nerve-sparing approach and the extent of nerve-sparing (intra vs interfascial dissection) did not negatively affect margin status or BCR rates. CONCLUSIONS: PSMs are a predictor of BCR. Being the only modifiable factor influencing the PSM rate, surgical experience is confirmed as a key factor for high-quality oncologic outcomes.