Renal tumor biopsy does not increase the risk of surgical complications of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: For patients with cT1 renal lesions, Partial Nephrectomy (PN) is the gold standard treatment. However, 20% of small renal masses are benign, situation in which the PN is an overtreatment. The percutaneous Renal Tumor Biopsy (RTB) may lower the risk of overtreatment as there is a 90% concordance rate on histotype between the RTB and the final pathology. It has been suggested that the RTB could increase the difficulty of the PN and increase the risk of surgical complications. OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes and complications of PN with or without previous RTB. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: monocentric retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic-assisted PN between January 2012 and December 2019. MEASUREMENTS: perioperative complications were recorded using Clavien-Dindo classification, peroperative data included operative time, clamping time and blood loss, and histological outcomes of RTB and PN. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In total, 163 patients were included in our study. There were significantly less benign lesions in PN with prior RTB: 7% (4/56) vs. 20% (22/107) without prior RTB (P=0.03). There were no significant differences regarding Clavien-Dindo>2 perioperative complications with respectively 7% (4/56) vs. 10% (11/107) (P=0.57). Same goes for peroperative data such as duration of surgery (P=0.81), warm ischemia (P=0.07) and blood loss (P=0.13). CONCLUSIONS: RTB does not increase the risk of surgical complications of PN and may reduce the risk of small renal masses overtreatment.

[Rectourethral fistula treatment using the modified York Mason technique: Failure factors assessment]. / Cure de fistule recto-urétrale par la technique modifiée de York Mason : évaluation des facteurs d'échec.

OBJECTIVES: To assess surgical outcomes and failure factors in the management of rectourethral fistulas treated surgically with the modified York Mason technique based on our center's 25 years of experience. METHODS: From 1997 to 2021, in a single center study, a total of 35 consecutive patients, underwent rectourethral fistula cure, using the modified York Mason technique. Preoperative patient data, surgical outcomes and failure factors were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients, 28 were successfully managed without the need of further intervention (80%). Median age was 67 years (IQR 62-72) and median follow-up time was 71 months (IQR 30-123). There was no significant difference between the patients that had recurrence or not after the first York Mason. CONCLUSIONS: The modified York Mason technique offers a high success rate for the cure of iatrogenic rectourethral fistulas. No predictive factor of failure, after a first cure of recto-uretral fistula by modified York-Mason technique was reported. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Prostatectomía inmediata versus demorada en pacientes que progresan a una enfermedad de mayor riesgo en vigilancia activa / Immediate versus delayed prostatectomy and the fate of patients who progress to a higher risk disease on active surveillance

Introducción: Se debaten los resultados oncológicos de la prostatectomía radical (PR) en pacientes que progresan en vigilancia activa (VA). Comparamos los resultados de los pacientes elegibles para VA sometidos a PR inmediatamente después del diagnóstico con aquellos que lo hacían después de un retraso o progresión de la enfermedad en VA. Métodos: Entre 2000 y 2014, 961 pacientes fueron elegibles para VA según los criterios de la EAU. Se comparó la PR a los 6 meses del diagnóstico (PRI) o más allá (PRT), PR sin VA (PRTa) y pacientes en VA que progresan a PR (PRTb). Se registró PSA inicial, características clínicas y de biopsia. Los resultados oncológicos incluyeron patología adversa (PA) en la muestra de PR y recurrencia bioquímica (RBQ). Se realizó un análisis de pares emparejados entre los pacientes con PRTb y GS7 sometidos a PR inmediata (GS7PRI). Resultados: PRI, PRT, PRTa y PRTb tuvieron 820 (85%), 141 (15%), 118 (12,24%) y 23 (2,7%) pacientes respectivamente. PRI, PRTa y PRTb se sometieron a PR a una mediana de 3, 9 y 19 meses después del diagnóstico, respectivamente. Las características basales fueron comparables. PRT vs. PRI tuvieron una mediana de tiempo más temprana (31 vs. 43 meses; p < 0,001) y una mayor tasa de progresión a RBQ (7,6 vs. 3,9%; p = 0,045). PRTb mostró RBQ más alta (19 frente a 5%; p = 0,021) con una mediana de tiempo más temprana a RBQ, en comparación con PRI y PRTa (p = 0,038). No hubo diferencias en las tasas de PA y RBQ, pero el tiempo hasta RBQ fue significativamente menor en PRTb (49 frente a 6 meses; p<0,001), en comparación con GS7PRI. Conclusiones: Los pacientes que progresaron en VA tuvieron los peores resultados oncológicos. PR para progresión de GS7 y par coincidente de pacientes con GS7 tuvieron resultados similares. Peores resultados oncológicos en los progresores de VA no pueden explicarse por una mera demora en PR

Introduction: Oncological outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients progressing on active surveillance (AS) are debated. We compared outcomes of AS eligible patients undergoing RP immediately after diagnosis with those doing so after delay or disease progression on AS. Methods: Between 2000 and 2014, 961 patients were AS eligible as per EAU criteria. RP within 6 months of diagnosis (IRP) or beyond (DRP), RP without AS (DRPa) and AS patients progressing to RP (DRPb) were compared. Baseline PSA, clinical and biopsy characteristics were noted. Oncological outcomes included adverse pathology in RP specimen and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Matched pair analysis was done between DRPb and GS7 patients undergoing immediate RP (GS7IRP). Results: IRP, DRP, DRPa and DRPb had 820 (85%), 141 (15%), 118 (12.24%) and 23 (2.7%) patients respectively. IRP, DRPa and DRPb underwent RP at a median of 3, 9 and 19 months after diagnosis respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable. DRP vs. IRP had earlier median time (31 vs. 43 months; p < 0.001) and higher rate of progression to BCR (7.6 vs. 3.9%; p = 0.045). DRPb showed higher BCR (19 vs. 5%; p = 0.021) with earlier median time to BCR, compared to IRP and DRPa (p = 0.038). There was no difference in adverse pathology and BCR rates, but time to BCR was significantly lesser in DRPb (49 vs. 6 months; p < 0.001), compared to GS7IRP. Conclusions: Patients progressing on AS had worst oncological outcomes. RP for GS7 progression and matched pair of GS7 patients had similar outcomes. Worse oncological outcomes in AS progressors cannot be explained by a mere delay in RP

Resultados oncológicos y características patológicas de la sobrestadificación de cT1 a carcinoma de células renales pT3a en comparación con los tumores pT3a de novo / Oncological outcomes and pathological characteristics of cT1 upstaging to pT3a renal cell carcinoma compared with de novo pT3a tumors

Introducción: La importancia de la sobrestadificación de tumores renales cT1 a pT3a no está clara. Evaluamos la incidencia de la sobrestadificación, identificamos factores predictivos y analizamos los resultados oncológicos de estos pacientes frente a aquellos que no sobrestadificaron. También comparamos los resultados oncológicos de la sobrestadificación de cT1 a pT3a con tumores renales pT3a de novo. Métodos: De una base de datos de 1.021 tumores renales con datos de seguimiento completos disponibles, 517 pacientes tenían cT1. Los pacientes que sobrestadificaron a pT3a se compararon con aquellos que no lo hicieron. Se analizaron los resultados de las características clínicas, perioperatorias, histopatológicas y oncológicas iniciales. Resultados: De 517 pacientes con cT1, 105 (20,3%) sobrestadificaron a pT3a y 412 (79,7%) no lo hicieron. La proporción de pacientes en cada grupo tratados mediante nefrectomía parcial y radical, el tamaño del tumor postoperatorio, la histología, el estado de los márgenes, y la afectación de ganglios linfáticos fueron similares. Entre los que sobrestadificaron, 9 pacientes (8,6%) desarrollaron la primera recurrencia en comparación con solo 3 (0,7%) en aquellos que no sobrestadificaron (p < 0,001). La mediana del tiempo hasta la recurrencia (57 frente a 107 meses; p < 0,001) fue menor en los tumores renales pT3a de novo. Conclusiones: La sobrestadificación patológica de cT1 a pT3a y la necrosis en la histopatología se asociaron con la recurrencia. La edad avanzada, el tabaquismo, la necrosis en la histopatología, la histología de células claras y grados más altos de Fuhrman contribuyeron a la sobrestadificación patológica de los tumores cT1. El CCR pT3a de novo tuvo una supervivencia peor cuando se comparó con los pacientes con cT1 que sobrestadificaron a CCR pT3a

Introduction: The significance of upstaging of cT1 renal tumors to pT3a is not clear. We evaluate the incidence of upstaging, identify predictors and analyze oncological outcomes of these patients versus those who did not upstage. We also compared the oncological outcomes of cT1 upstaging to pT3a with de novo pT3a renal tumors. Methods: From a database of 1021 renal tumors with complete available follow-up data, 517 patients had cT1. Patients upstaging to pT3a were compared to those who did not. Baseline clinical, perioperative, histopathologic features and oncological outcomes were analysed. Results: Out of 517 cT1 patients, 105 (20.3%) upstaged to pT3a and 412 (79.7%) did not. Proportion of patients in each group undergoing partial and radical nephrectomy, postoperative tumor size, histology, margin status and lymph node involvement were similar. Among upstaged, 9 patients (8.6%) developed first recurrence as compared to only 3 (0.7%) in those not upstaging (P < 0.001). The median time to recurrence (57 vs. 107 months; P < 0.001) was lesser in de novo pT3a renal tumors. Conclusions: Pathological upstaging from cT1 to pT3a and necrosis on histopathology were associated with recurrence. Advanced age, smoking, necrosis on histopathology, clear cell histology and higher Fuhrman grades contributed to pathological upstaging of cT1 tumors. De novo pT3a RCC had worse survival when compared to cT1 patients upstaging to pT3a RCC

Immediate versus delayed prostatectomy and the fate of patients who progress to a higher risk disease on active surveillance. / Prostatectomía inmediata versus demorada en pacientes que progresan a una enfermedad de mayor riesgo en vigilancia activa.

INTRODUCTION: Oncological outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients progressing on active surveillance (AS) are debated. We compared outcomes of AS eligible patients undergoing RP immediately after diagnosis with those doing so after delay or disease progression on AS. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2014, 961 patients were AS eligible as per EAU criteria. RP within 6 months of diagnosis (IRP) or beyond (DRP), RP without AS (DRPa) and AS patients progressing to RP (DRPb) were compared. Baseline PSA, clinical and biopsy characteristics were noted. Oncological outcomes included adverse pathology in RP specimen and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Matched pair analysis was done between DRPb and GS7 patients undergoing immediate RP (GS7IRP). RESULTS: IRP, DRP, DRPa and DRPb had 820 (85%), 141 (15%), 118 (12.24%) and 23 (2.7%) patients respectively. IRP, DRPa and DRPb underwent RP at a median of 3, 9 and 19 months after diagnosis respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable. DRP vs. IRP had earlier median time (31 vs. 43 months; p<.001) and higher rate of progression to BCR (7.6 vs. 3.9%;p=.045). DRPb showed higher BCR (19 vs. 5%;p=.021) with earlier median time to BCR, compared to IRP and DRPa (p=.038). There was no difference in adverse pathology and BCR rates, but time to BCR was significantly lesser in DRPb (49 vs. 6 months;p<.001), compared to GS7IRP. CONCLUSIONS: Patients progressing on AS had worst oncological outcomes. RP for GS7 progression and matched pair of GS7 patients had similar outcomes. Worse oncological outcomes in AS progressors cannot be explained by a mere delay in RP.

Oncological outcomes and pathological characteristics of cT1 upstaging to pT3a renal cell carcinoma compared with de novo pT3a tumors. / Resultados oncológicos y características patológicas de la sobrestadificación de cT1 a carcinoma de células renales pT3a en comparación con los tumores pT3a de novo.

INTRODUCTION: The significance of upstaging of cT1 renal tumors to pT3a is not clear. We evaluate the incidence of upstaging, identify predictors and analyze oncological outcomes of these patients versus those who did not upstage. We also compared the oncological outcomes of cT1 upstaging to pT3a with de novo pT3a renal tumors. METHODS: From a database of 1021 renal tumors with complete available follow-up data, 517 patients had cT1. Patients upstaging to pT3a were compared to those who did not. Baseline clinical, perioperative, histopathologic features and oncological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Out of 517 cT1 patients, 105 (20.3%) upstaged to pT3a and 412 (79.7%) did not. Proportion of patients in each group undergoing partial and radical nephrectomy, postoperative tumor size, histology, margin status and lymph node involvement were similar. Among upstaged, 9 patients (8.6%) developed first recurrence as compared to only 3 (0.7%) in those not upstaging (P <0.001). The median time to recurrence (57 vs. 107 months; P <0.001) was lesser in de novo pT3a renal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological upstaging from cT1 to pT3a and necrosis on histopathology were associated with recurrence. Advanced age, smoking, necrosis on histopathology, clear cell histology and higher Fuhrman grades contributed to pathological upstaging of cT1 tumors. De novo pT3a RCC had worse survival when compared to cT1 patients upstaging to pT3a RCC.

[Management of ablative therapies in prostate cancer]. / Traitements ablatifs pour cancer de prostate : modalités de prise en charge.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the specific modalities of ablative therapies management in prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the scientific literature was performed in Medline database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) using different associations of keywords. Publications obtained were selected based on methodology, language and relevance. After selection, 61 articles were analysed. RESULTS: Development of innovations such as ablative therapies in prostate cancer induces specific modalities in their management, during pre-, per- and post-procedure. More than for classical and well-known treatments, the decision to propose an ablative therapy requires analysis and consensus of medical staff and patient's agreement. Patient's specificities and economical aspects must also be considered. Procedures and follow-up must be realized by referents actors. CONCLUSION: Indication, procedure and follow-up of ablative therapies in prostate cancer require specific modalities. They must be respected in order to optimize the results and to obtain a precise and objective evaluation for defining future indications.

Revisión sistemática de resultados perioperatorios y complicaciones después de cistectomía radical abierta, laparoscópica y asistida por robot / Systematic review of perioperative outcomes and complications after open, laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical cystectomy

La cistectomía radical y disección de los ganglios linfáticos regionales es el tratamiento estándar para el cáncer vesical músculo invasivo localizado y no músculo-invasivo de alto riesgo, y representa uno de los principales procedimientos quirúrgicos urológicos. El abordaje quirúrgico abierto es todavía ampliamente adoptado, aunque en las últimas 2 décadas se han hecho esfuerzos con el fin de evaluar si los procedimientos mínimamente invasivos, ya sean laparoscópicos o asistidos por robot, podrían mostrar un beneficio en comparación con la técnica estándar. La cistectomía radical abierta se asocia con una alta tasa de complicaciones, pero los datos de la serie quirúrgica laparoscópica y robótica no lograron demostrar una clara reducción en las tasas de complicaciones postoperatorias en comparación con la serie quirúrgica abierta. La cistectomía radical laparoscópica y robótica muestran una reducción en la pérdida de sangre, las tasas de estancia hospitalaria y de transfusión, pero un mayor tiempo operatorio, mientras que la cistectomía radical abierta se asocia típicamente con un tiempo operatorio más corto, pero con un ingreso más largo en el hospital y, posiblemente, una mayor tasa complicaciones de alto grado

Radical cystectomy and regional lymph node dissection is the standard treatment for localized muscle-invasive and for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and represents one of the main surgical urologic procedures. The open surgical approach is still widely adopted, even if in the last two decades efforts have been made in order to evaluate if minimally invasive procedures, either laparoscopic or robot-assisted, might show a benefit compared to the standard technique. Open radical cystectomy is associated with a high complication rate, but data from the laparoscopic and robotic surgical series failed to demonstrate a clear reduction in post-operative complication rates compared to the open surgical series. Laparoscopic and robotic radical cystectomy show a reduction in blood loss, in-hospital stay and transfusion rates but a longer operative time, while open radical cystectomy is typically associated with a shorter operative time but with a longer in-hospital admission and possibly a higher rate of high grade complications

Systematic review of perioperative outcomes and complications after open, laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical cystectomy. / Revisión sistemática de resultados perioperatorios y complicaciones después de cistectomía radical abierta, laparoscópica y asistida por robot.

Radical cystectomy and regional lymph node dissection is the standard treatment for localized muscle-invasive and for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and represents one of the main surgical urologic procedures. The open surgical approach is still widely adopted, even if in the last two decades efforts have been made in order to evaluate if minimally invasive procedures, either laparoscopic or robot-assisted, might show a benefit compared to the standard technique. Open radical cystectomy is associated with a high complication rate, but data from the laparoscopic and robotic surgical series failed to demonstrate a clear reduction in post-operative complication rates compared to the open surgical series. Laparoscopic and robotic radical cystectomy show a reduction in blood loss, in-hospital stay and transfusion rates but a longer operative time, while open radical cystectomy is typically associated with a shorter operative time but with a longer in-hospital admission and possibly a higher rate of high grade complications.

Ultrasonido focalizado de alta intensidad con el dispositivo Focal-One(R): impacto sobre el antígeno prostático específico y evaluación de la morbilidad durante la experiencia inicial / High intensity focused ultrasound with Focal-One(R) device: prostate-specific antigen impact and morbidity evaluation during the initial experience

Objetivos: Reportamos nuestra experiencia inicial en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata (PCa) con ultrasonido focalizado de alta intensidad (HIFU) utilizando el dispositivo Focal-One(R). Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de datos recogidos prospectivamente. Entre junio de 2014 y octubre de 2015, 85 pacientes recibieron tratamiento HIFU (focal/total), para PCa localizado. La localización preoperatoria del tumor fue realizada con resonancia magnética multiparamétrica (mpMRI) y biopsias prostáticas mediante mapeo transperineal. El tratamiento fue realizado utilizando el dispositivo Focal-One(R)® bajo anestesia general. Seguimiento oncológico: medición del PSA y biopsia control con mpMRI según protocolo. Los resultados funcionales fueron evaluados mediante cuestionarios validados y las complicaciones reportadas utilizando la clasificación Clavien. Resultados: La mediana de PSA fue 7,79ng/ml (6,32-9,16) con una mediana de volumen prostático de 38cc (33-49,75). El tratamiento fue focal y total en 64 y 21 pacientes respectivamente. Diez pacientes recibieron tratamiento de rescate. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 15%, todas Clavien 2. La estancia hospitalaria media fue 1,8 días (0-7) y la sonda vesical fue retirada el día 2 (1-6). La media de reducción porcentual del PSA fue 54%. La mediana de seguimiento fue 3 meses (2-8). Resultados funcionales: todos los pacientes estuvieron continentes a los 3 meses y la potencia se mantuvo en el 83% de los previamente potentes. Conclusiones: El tratamiento HIFU Focal-One(R) es un procedimiento seguro con pocas complicaciones. Los resultados funcionales no reportan casos de incontinencia y la función sexual se mantuvo en el 83%

Objective: We report our initial experience in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) using the Focal-One(R) device. Material and methods: Retrospective review of the prospectively populated database. Between June 2014 to October 2015, 85 patients underwent HIFU (focal/whole-gland) treatment for localized PCa. Preoperative cancer localization was done with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and transperineal mapping biopsies. Treatment was carried out using the Focal-One(R) device under general anesthesia. Oncological follow-up: PSA measurement and control biopsy with mpMRI according to protocol. Questionnaire-based functional outcome assessment was done. Complications were reported using Clavien classification. Results: The median PSA was 7.79ng/ml (IQR 6.32-9.16), with a median prostate volume of 38cc (IQR: 33-49.75). Focal and whole-gland therapy was performed in 64 and 21 patients respectively. Ten patients received salvage HIFU. Complications were encountered in 15% of cases, all Clavien 2 graded. Mean hospital stay was 1.8 days (0-7) and bladder catheter was removed on day 2 (1-6). Mean percentage reduction of PSA was 54%. Median follow-up was 3 months (IQR: 2-8). Functional outcomes: All patients were continents at 3 months and potency was maintained in 83% of the preoperatively potent. Conclusions: Focal-One(R) HIFU treatment appears to be a safe procedure with few complications. Functional outcomes proved no urinary incontinence and sexual function were maintained in 83%

High intensity focused ultrasound with Focal-One® device: Prostate-specific antigen impact and morbidity evaluation during the initial experience. / Ultrasonido focalizado de alta intensidad con el dispositivo Focal-One®: impacto sobre el antígeno prostático específico y evaluación de la morbilidad durante la experiencia inicial.

OBJECTIVE: We report our initial experience in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) using the Focal-One® device. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of the prospectively populated database. Between June 2014 to October 2015, 85 patients underwent HIFU (focal/whole-gland) treatment for localized PCa. Preoperative cancer localization was done with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and transperineal mapping biopsies. Treatment was carried out using the Focal-One® device under general anesthesia. Oncological follow-up: PSA measurement and control biopsy with mpMRI according to protocol. Questionnaire-based functional outcome assessment was done. Complications were reported using Clavien classification. RESULTS: The median PSA was 7.79ng/ml (IQR 6.32-9.16), with a median prostate volume of 38cc (IQR: 33-49.75). Focal and whole-gland therapy was performed in 64 and 21 patients respectively. Ten patients received salvage HIFU. Complications were encountered in 15% of cases, all Clavien 2 graded. Mean hospital stay was 1.8 days (0-7) and bladder catheter was removed on day 2 (1-6). Mean percentage reduction of PSA was 54%. Median follow-up was 3 months (IQR: 2-8). Functional outcomes: All patients were continents at 3 months and potency was maintained in 83% of the preoperatively potent. CONCLUSIONS: Focal-One® HIFU treatment appears to be a safe procedure with few complications. Functional outcomes proved no urinary incontinence and sexual function were maintained in 83%.

La robótica en la cirugía urológica: evolución, estado actual y perspectivas futuras / Robotics in urological surgery: Evolution, current status and future perspectives

Contexto: La cirugía robótica evoluciona rápidamente y se ha convertido en una parte esencial de la práctica quirúrgica en diversas partes del mundo. En el futuro la tecnología robótica se expandirá globalmente y la mayoría de los cirujanos en todo el mundo tendrán acceso a robots quirúrgicos. Es fundamental que nos mantengamos al día en cuanto a los resultados de los procedimientos quirúrgicos asistidos por robots, lo que permitirá a todos desarrollar una opinión imparcial sobre la utilidad clínica de esta innovación. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar la evolución, una evaluación objetiva de los resultados clínicos y las perspectivas futuras de las cirugías urológicas asistidas por robot. Adquisición de la evidencia: Se llevó a cabo una revisión bibliográfica sistemática de los resultados clínicos de las cirugías urológicas robóticas en PubMed. Se incluyeron ensayos controlados aleatorios, estudios de cohortes y revisiones de artículos. Además, se realizó una búsqueda detallada en el buscador de la web para obtener información sobre la evolución y las tecnologías en desarrollo en robótica. Síntesis de la evidencia: La evidencia actual sugiere que los resultados clínicos de las cirugías urológicas asistidas por robot son comparables a los resultados de cirugías convencionales abiertas y laparoscópicas, y se asocian con menos complicaciones. Sin embargo, no se dispone de resultados a largo plazo de todas las cirugías urológicas robóticas comunes. Son muchos los desarrollos innovadores en robótica que estarán disponibles para el uso clínico en un futuro cercano. Conclusión: La cirugía urológica robótica continuará evolucionando en el futuro. Deberíamos seguir analizando críticamente si los avances en tecnología y el mayor coste se traducen finalmente en un mejor rendimiento quirúrgico global y en mejores resultados

Context: Robotic surgery is rapidly evolving and has become an essential part of surgical practice in several parts of the world. Robotic technology will expand globally and most of the surgeons around the world will have access to surgical robots in the future. It is essential that we are updated about the outcomes of robot assisted surgeries which will allow everyone to develop an unbiased opinion on the clinical utility of this innovation. Objective: In this review we aim to present the evolution, objective evaluation of clinical outcomes and future perspectives of robot assisted urologic surgeries. Acquisition of evidence: A systematic literature review of clinical outcomes of robotic urological surgeries was made in the PUBMED. Randomized control trials, cohort studies and review articles were included. Moreover, a detailed search in the web based search engine was made to acquire information on evolution and evolving technologies in robotics. Synthesis of evidence: The present evidence suggests that the clinical outcomes of the robot assisted urologic surgeries are comparable to the conventional open surgical and laparoscopic results and are associated with fewer complications. However, long term results are not available for all the common robotic urologic surgeries. There are plenty of novel developments in robotics to be available for clinical use in the future. Conclusion: Robotic urologic surgery will continue to evolve in the future. We should continue to critically analyze whether the advances in technology and the higher cost eventually translates to improved overall surgical performance and outcomes

Robotics in urological surgery: evolution, current status and future perspectives.

CONTEXT: Robotic surgery is rapidly evolving and has become an essential part of surgical practice in several parts of the world. Robotic technology will expand globally and most of the surgeons around the world will have access to surgical robots in the future. It is essential that we are updated about the outcomes of robot assisted surgeries which will allow everyone to develop an unbiased opinion on the clinical utility of this innovation. OBJECTIVE: In this review we aim to present the evolution, objective evaluation of clinical outcomes and future perspectives of robot assisted urologic surgeries. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: A systematic literature review of clinical outcomes of robotic urological surgeries was made in the PUBMED. Randomized control trials, cohort studies and review articles were included. Moreover, a detailed search in the web based search engine was made to acquire information on evolution and evolving technologies in robotics. SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE: The present evidence suggests that the clinical outcomes of the robot assisted urologic surgeries are comparable to the conventional open surgical and laparoscopic results and are associated with fewer complications. However, long term results are not available for all the common robotic urologic surgeries. There are plenty of novel developments in robotics to be available for clinical use in the future. CONCLUSION: Robotic urologic surgery will continue to evolve in the future. We should continue to critically analyze whether the advances in technology and the higher cost eventually translates to improved overall surgical performance and outcomes.

[Effect of wound infiltration of ropivacaine in postoperative pain after extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy]. / Effet de l'infiltration pariétale d'anesthésique local (ropivacaïne) sur la douleur postoperatoire après prostatectomie radicale laparoscopique sous-péritonéale.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the efficiency of wound infiltration of ropivacaine in postoperative pain after extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective single institution study included 130 patients treated by extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from January to March 2007. One hundred and two patients were included and randomised in two groups according to the year of birth (pair or impair). Only patients from the first group (year pair) had wound infiltration at the end of the procedure. The second group (year impair) was the control group. An analogic visual scale (EVA) permitted evaluation of pain at 30 minutes, 1, 6 and 12 hours after the procedure. Use of analgesics after procedure were noted for each patient. RESULTS: In the first group, the median of EVA was 1.44, 1.34, 1.72 and 1.51 respectively at 30 minutes, 1, 6 and 12 hours. In the second group, the median of EVA was 1.28, 1.36, 1.46 and 1.44. We found no statistically significant difference for pain and use of analgesic between the two groups (p=0.71, 0.96, 0.47 and 0.86 respectively at 30 minutes, 1, 6 and 12 hours). CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine in wound infiltration did not decrease significantly the postoperative pain and must not be used systematically.

Cloning and characterization of a root specific high-affinity sulfate transporter from Arabidopsis thaliana.

Hst1At (accession number AB018695) was identified from the Arabidopsis thaliana sequencing project on BAC T3F12, and the corresponding cDNA was isolated by reverse transcription-PCR. Southern blot analysis reveals a single copy of this gene. The cDNA encodes a root specific sulfate transporter of 649 amino acids. Heterologous expression of hst1At in a sulfate transport deficient yeast mutant shows that this gene encodes a high-affinity transport system ( approximately 2 microM). The transcript relative abundance increases in roots in response to sulfate deprivation, which correlated with increased root SO(4)(2-) influx capacity. These patterns were reversed upon sulfate addition to the medium and were accompanied by an increased glutathione level in roots. Feeding plants with cysteine or glutathione led to similar responses. Using buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, we show that glutathione rather than cysteine controls hst1At expression.

Effect of ATP sulfurylase overexpression in bright yellow 2 tobacco cells. Regulation Of atp sulfurylase and SO4(2-) transport activities.

To determine if the ATP sulfurylase reaction is a regulatory step for the SO4(2-)-assimilation pathway in plants, an Arabidopsis thaliana ATP sulfurylase cDNA, APS2, was fused to the 35S promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus and introduced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation into isolated Bright Yellow 2 tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cells. The ATP sulfurylase activity in transgenic cells was 8-fold that in control cells, and was correlated with the expression of a specific polypeptide revealed by western analysis using an anti-ATP sulfurylase antibody. The molecular mass of this polypeptide agreed with that for the overexpressed mature protein. ATP sulfurylase overexpression had no effect on [35S]SO4(2-) influx or ATP sulfurylase activity regulation by S availability, except that ATP sulfurylase activity variations in response to S starvation in transgenic cells were 8 times higher than in the wild type. There were also no differences in cell growth or sensitivity to SeO4(2-) (a toxic SO4(2-) analog) between transgenic and wild-type cells. We propose that in Bright Yellow 2 tobacco cells, the ATP sulfurylase derepression by S deficiency may involve a posttranscriptional mechanism, and that the ATP sulfurylase abundance is not limiting for cell metabolism.

Cloning of a cDNA encoded by a member of the Arabidopsis thaliana ATP sulfurylase multigene family. Expression studies in yeast and in relation to plant sulfur nutrition.

An Arabidopsis thaliana ATP sulfurylase cDNA (ASA1), encoding a putative chloroplastic isoform, has been cloned by functional complementation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae (met3) ATP sulfurylase mutant which also has a poor sulfate transport capacity. Homologous complementation of the yeast mutant with the ATP sulfurylase gene restores both ATP sulfurylase function and sulfate transport. Heterologous complementation restores only ATP sulfurylase function as demonstrated by low [35S]sulfate influx measurements and selenate resistance. A structural relationship between ATP sulfurylase and sulfate membrane transporters in yeast is proposed. The sequence of ASA1 is homologous to deduced plant and animal ATP sulfurylase sequences. Analyses indicate a potential tyrosine phosphorylation site which is unique to higher eukaryote sequences. ASA1 is specified by a single copy gene that is part of a multigene family in A. thaliana. At least two ASA1 copies are found in Brassica napus plants. ASA1 transcripts were found in all organs examined, with the highest transcript abundance and ATP sulfurylase activity in leaves or cotyledons. Absence of sulfate from culture media transiently increased B. napus transcript abundance, indicating that initially, the response to sulfate deprivation is transcriptionally regulated.