Anesthetic concerns for robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: an update.

The anesthetic concerns of patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) are primarily related to the use of pneumoperitoneum in the steep Trendelenburg position. This combination will affect cerebrovascular, ocular, respiratory, and hemodynamic homeostasis. Possible non-surgical complications range from mild subcutaneous emphysema to devastating ischemic optic neuropathy. The anesthetic management of RALP patients involves a thorough preoperative evaluation, careful positioning on the operative table, managing ventilation issues, and appropriate fluid management. Close coordination between the anesthesia and surgical teams is required for a successful surgery. This updated review will discuss the anesthetic concerns and perioperative management of patients presenting for RALP.

Dynamic Tracheobronchial Compression in Steep Trendelenburg Position With Pneumoperitoneum for Robotic-Assisted Cystectomy: A Case Report.

Tracheobronchomalacia is a weakness of the trachea and bronchi due to abnormal cartilage and muscular support leading to airway obstruction. We report a case of an adult former smoker without pulmonary symptoms who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy in the steep Trendelenburg position. After repeated episodes of hypoxemia, bronchoscopic examination revealed collapse of the distal trachea and bronchi, supporting a diagnosis of tracheobronchomalacia. Tracheomalacia is an underdiagnosed condition in patients with a smoking history and may mimic other obstructive diseases. The anesthesiologist should remain vigilant to the possibility of airway collapse in former smokers, specifically in cases of increased intrathoracic pressure.

Laparoscopic needle-retrieval device for improving quality of care in minimally invasive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Loss of a needle during laparoscopic surgery is a rare but potentially serious adverse event that can cause prolonged operative time and patient harm. Standard recovery techniques currently include instrument count, standard visual search, and plain abdominal x-rays. We developed a laparoscopic instrument to speed the retrieval of lost needles in the abdomen and pelvis. STUDY DESIGN: We performed in vivo testing of a novel articulating laparoscopic magnet in a porcine model. Three experienced surgeons and 3 inexperienced surgeons conducted 116 needle-retrieval trials with the device and 58 trials with a standard visual approach. Surgeons were blind to the locations of randomly placed surgical needles within the abdominal cavity. Time to recovery was measured and capped at 15 minutes. Analysis was performed using univariate and multivariable methods. RESULTS: The magnetic device was able to retrieve needles significantly faster than the standard approach (2.9 ± 4.0 minutes vs 8.0 ± 6.0 minutes; p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, faster recovery time remained independently significant when controlling for surgeon experience, needle size (small, medium, or large), and needle location (by quadrant) (p < 0.0001). There were 2 (2%) injuries to abdominal organs during the device trials and 4 (7%) injuries during the standard trials (p = 0.182). CONCLUSIONS: Recovery of lost surgical needles during porcine laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible with a simple articulating magnetic device. Our initial in vivo experience suggests that recovery is markedly faster using the magnetic device than the standard approach, even in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons. This device will be particularly useful as minimally invasive robotic and single-site surgical techniques are adopted and, in the future, it should be integrated into the standard protocol for locating lost needles during surgery.

Complications associated with patient positioning in urologic surgery.

The impact of patient positioning can be profound. Urological surgeons must often exercise strategic positioning in order to access retroperitoneal and pelvic organs. However, the potential for position-related morbidity, particularly peripheral neuropraxia and compartment syndrome can be substantial. The purpose of the following review is to summarize the current literature on positioning-related concerns as they pertain to the practicing urologist. To our knowledge, this is the first such review of its kind in the urological literature.

Intraoperative management of robotic-assisted versus open radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to decrease postoperative morbidity and length of stay for several laparoscopic procedures. We sought to retrospectively compare intraoperative surgical and anesthetic parameters, post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) length of stay, and hospital length of stay of patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RAP) versus open radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORP). METHODS: A retrospective investigation was performed using a urologic surgery database and an anesthesia electronic medical record. We queried information regarding 106 ORP patients from 2002 through 2007 and 575 RAP patients from 2007 through 2008. RESULTS: Patients in the RAP group compared with ORP patients had reductions in surgical time, anesthesia time, estimated blood loss, crystalloid administration, and PACU and hospital length of stays. Compared with ORP procedures, intraoperative respiratory rates, peak inspiratory pressures, and arterial pressures in RAP procedures were higher; tidal volumes and heart rates were decreased; but end-tidal carbon dioxide concentrations were not different. In the RAP group, intraoperative complications included severe bradycardia, corneal abrasions, and 2 patients required reintubation. Surgically, no rectal perforations were noted, and no operative mortalities occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate the safety and efficacy of RAP due to a combination of surgical and anesthetic factors.

Combined robotic radical prostatectomy and robotic radical nephrectomy.

A 60-year-old man with prostatic adenocarcinoma and an enhancing left-sided renal mass underwent successful combined robotic radical prostatectomy and robotic radical nephrectomy. We describe the initial report of this combined robotic procedure to remove 2 synchronous urological malignancies and describe our technique. An analysis was conducted of the operating room and postanesthesia care unit charges of this procedure compared with the 2 procedures performed independently.

Robotic prostatectomy in a patient with hemophilia.

Given the rich blood supply to the prostate and the adjacent Santorini's plexus, radical prostatectomy is associated with significant blood loss even in patients with normal coagulation profiles. In patients with hemophilia, any surgical procedure carries a risk of significant hemorrhage due to a deficiency of factors in the coagulation cascade. For these reasons, hemophiliac patients have often been encouraged to undergo radiation or other forms of nonsurgical treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer. However, the decreased blood loss associated with a laparoscopic/robotic approach and appropriate perioperative factor transfusions can minimize the risk of hemorrhage during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. We present the case report of a successful robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy in a patient with mild hemophilia A, with an estimated blood loss for the procedure of 20 mL. We will focus on the perioperative management of the patient's factor replacement.