American Confederation of Urology (CAU) experience in minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To describe the perioperative and oncology outcomes in a series of laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomies (PN) for renal tumors treated in diverse institutions of Hispanic America from the beginning of their minimally invasive (MI) PN experience through December 2014. METHODS: Seventeen institutions participated in the CAU generated a MI PN database. We estimated proportions, medians, 95 % confidence intervals, Kaplan-Meier curves, multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses. Clavien-Dindo classification was used. RESULTS: We evaluated 1501 laparoscopic (98 %) or robotic (2 %) PNs. Median age: 58 years. Median surgical time, warm ischemia and intraoperative bleeding were 150, 20 min and 200 cc. 81 % of the lesions were malignant, with clear cell histology being 65 % of the total. Median maximum tumor diameter is 2.7 cm, positive margin is 8.2 %, and median hospitalization is 3 days. One or more postoperative complication was recorded in 19.8 % of the patients: Clavien 1: 5.6 %; Clavien 2: 8.4 %; Clavien 3A: 1.5 %; Clavien 3B: 3.2 %; Clavien 4A: 1 %; Clavien 4B: 0.1 %; Clavien 5: 0 %. Bleeding was the main cause of a reoperation (5.5 %), conversion to radical nephrectomy (3 %) or open partial nephrectomy (6 %). Transfusion rate is 10 %. In multivariate analysis, RENAL nephrometry score was the only variable associated with complications (OR 1.1; 95 % CI 1.02-1.2; p = 0.02). Nineteen patients presented disease progression or died of disease in a median follow-up of 1.37 years. The 5-year progression or kidney cancer mortality-free rate was 94 % (95 % CI 90, 97). Positive margins (HR 4.98; 95 % CI 1.3-19; p = 0.02) and females (HR 5.6; 95 % CI 1.7-19; p = 0.005) were associated with disease progression or kidney cancer mortality after adjusting for maximum tumor diameter. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic PN in these centers of Hispanic America seem to have acceptable perioperative complications and short-term oncologic outcomes.

Influence of the renal lower pole anatomy and mid-renal-zone classification in successful approach to the calices during flexible ureteroscopy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to analyze if the anatomy type of the collector system (CS) limits the accessibility of flexible ureteroscopy (FUR) in the lower pole. METHODS: We analyzed the pyelographies of 51 patients submitted to FUR and divided the CS into four groups: A1-kidney midzone (KM) drained by minor calices (Mc) that are dependent on the superior or on the inferior caliceal groups; A2-KM drained by crossed calices; B1-KM drained by a major caliceal group independent both of the superior and inferior groups, and B2-KM drained by Mc entering directly into the renal pelvis. We studied the number of calices, the angle between the lower infundibulum and renal pelvis, and the angle between the lower infundibulum and the inferior Mc. With the use of a flexible ureteroscope, the access attempt was made to all of lower pole calices. Averages were statistically compared using the ANOVA and Unpaired T test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: We found 14 kidneys of A1 (27.45 %); 4 of A2 (7.84 %); 17 of B1 (33.33 %); and 16 of B2 (31.37 %). The LIP was >90° in 31 kidneys (60.78 %) and between 61° and 90° in 20 kidneys (39.22 %). We did not find angles smaller than 60°. The group A1 presented 48 Mc and the UF was able to access 42 (87.5 %); the group A2 had 11 Mc and the UF was able to access 7 (63.64 %); the group B1 had 48 Mc and the UF was able to access 41 (85.42 %) and in group B2 we observed 41 Mc and the UF could access 35 (85.36 %). There was no statistical difference in the accessibility between the groups (p = 0.2610). CONCLUSIONS: Collecting system with kidney midzone drained by crossed calices presented the lower accessibility rate during FUR.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP): a new way to training.

The implementation of RALP program is usually associated with a steep learning curve (LC). Fellows are proctored for few cases, with long operating times, inferior outcomes and an increased number of complications. We report the initial results of 100 RALP procedures performed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the implementation of a structured program. Our goal was to evaluate if our approach to training would yield a safer outcomes for patients undergoing the procedure during the LC. From October 2012 to January 2014, five surgeons began a training program in RALP. Each surgeon attended a certification course, wet lab, dry lab, didactic course and observed live cases. Each trainee performed 20 cases of RALP under supervision of an experienced preceptor. The median surgical time was 175 min [interquartile range (IQR) 141-180 min]. There were four complications Clavien II (4 %) and three Clavien IIIa (3 %), no conversions nor transfusions. The median estimated blood loss was 200 ml (IQR 150-300 ml). The median hospital stay was 2 days (IQR 1-2 days). The median catheterization time was 7 days (IQR 6-7 days). Overall positive surgical margin rate (PM) was 19 %; stage-specific PSM rates were 12 % in pT2 and 53 % in pT3. The biochemical recidive-free survival rate (PSA < 0.01 ng/ml) was 91 % over an average follow-up of 6 months. The continence rates were (no pad) 74 % within 3 months and 94 % within 6 months. The implementation of a training program with advanced precepting allowed us to overcome the initial LC with reasonable results and with minimal complications.

Minimally invasive nephron sparing management for renal tumors in solitary kidneys.

PURPOSE: We present a large series of minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery outcomes in solitary kidneys with a focus on treatment selection criteria, and oncological and functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 1,019 patients who underwent minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery since September 1997 at our institution 36, 36 and 29 underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, cryoablation and radio frequency ablation, respectively, for tumors in a solitary kidney. Data, including patient and tumor characteristics, surgery details, complications, and postoperative renal function and intermediate term oncological outcomes in each patient, were obtained by telephone contact or from charts. The 3 groups were compared for perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis tumor size, aspect and remnant kidney status were independent predictors of treatment selection. Cancer specific and overall survival at 2 years was 100% and 91.2% for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, 88.5% and 88.5% for cryoablation, and 83.9% and 83.9% for radio frequency ablation, respectively. Disease-free survival was significantly better for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy than for cryoablation and radio frequency ablation (100% vs 69.6% and 33.2%, respectively, p <0.0001). The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate change for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, cryoablation and radio frequency ablation of 17, 3 and 7 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) reflected a 26%, 6% and 13% decrease from baseline, respectively, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0016). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and probe ablative procedures can be safely and efficiently done for renal tumor in patients with a solitary kidney. Intermediate term oncological outcomes are superior for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy despite somewhat poorer renal function outcomes than those of cryoablation and radio frequency ablation.

Are prostate needle biopsies predictive of the laterality of significant cancer and positive surgical margins?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether data obtained from preoperative prostate needle biopsy can predict the laterality of significant cancer and positive surgical margins on final-specimen pathology after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 490 patients undergoing LRP by one surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic characteristics, intraoperative data and pathological results were analysed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine which factors before and during LRP influenced the positive surgical margin status. RESULTS: There was only minor agreement between the laterality of positive needle biopsies and laterality of any cancer and significant cancer on final-specimen pathology (kappa = 0.135 and 0.151, respectively). This was irrespective of the number of needle cores obtained or final-specimen Gleason grade. Similarly, the laterality of dominant cancer on needle biopsy had only a minor agreement with the location of positive surgical margins (kappa = 0.050) and fair agreement with the location of extracapsular extension on final-specimen pathology (kappa = 0.235). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative needle biopsy data have only a minor correlation with the laterality of significant cancer and positive surgical margins at final pathology of LRP specimens. Recognition of this fact, and the frequent bilaterality of significant cancer, with its potential for contralateral positive surgical margins even when the biopsies are positive only unilaterally, is an important consideration when planning nerve-sparing, and potentially for focal therapy.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the penis.

Sebaceous carcinoma is a very aggressive malignant tumor, derived from the adnexal epithelium of sebaceous glands. Extraocular sebaceous carcinoma is a very uncommon neoplasm usually localized on the head and neck. To our knowledge, there are only 2 previously reported cases of sebaceous carcinoma on the penis. We report the clinicopathologic data on 3 additional cases of sebaceous carcinoma arising in the penis. Treatment is debatable in view of the fact that this kind of tumor has a high recurrence rate and early regional lymph node involvement. Considering these facts, we used preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative lymph node mapping and sentinel node biopsy before performing a bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy in 1 of 3 patients treated in our institute.

Laparoscopic partial cystectomy for urachal and bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: To report our initial experiences with laparoscopic partial cystectomy for urachal and bladder malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2002 and October 2004, laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed in 6 cases at 3 institutions; 3 cases were urachal adenocarcinomas and the remaining 3 cases were bladder transitional cell carcinomas. All patients were male, with a median age of 55 years (45-72 years). Gross hematuria was the presenting symptom in all patients, and diagnosis was established with trans-urethral resection bladder tumor in 2 patients and by means of cystoscopic biopsy in the remaining 4 patients. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed using the transperitoneal approach under cystoscopic guidance. In each case, the surgical specimen was removed intact entrapped in an impermeable bag. One patient with para-ureteral diverticulum transitional cell carcinoma required concomitant ureteral reimplantation. RESULTS: All six procedures were completed laparoscopically without open conversion. The median operating time was 110 minutes (90-220) with a median estimated blood loss of 70 mL (50-100). Frozen section evaluations of bladder margins were routinely obtained and were negative for cancer in all cases. The median hospital stay was 2.5 days (2-4) and the duration of catheterization was 7 days. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Final histopathology confirmed urachal adenocarcinoma in 3 cases and bladder transitional cell carcinoma in 3 cases. At a median follow-up of 28.5 months (range: 26 to 44 months), there was no evidence of recurrent disease as evidenced by radiologic or cystoscopic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial cystectomy in carefully selected patients with urachal and bladder cancer is feasible and safe, offering a promising and minimally invasive alternative for these patients.

Simultaneous laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and cystectomy: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and concomitant upper urinary tract tumors may be candidates for simultaneous cystectomy and nephroureterectomy. Other clinical conditions such as dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease and non-functioning kidney are also indications for simultaneous removal of the bladder and kidney. In the present study, we report our laparoscopic experience with simultaneous laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and nephroureterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2000 and June 2007, 8 patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LNU) (unilateral-6, bilateral-2) and radical cystectomy at our institution. Demographic data, pathologic features, surgical technique and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The laparoscopic approach was technically successful in all 8 cases (7 males and 1 female) without the need for open conversion. Median total operative time, including LNU, LRC, pelvic lymphadenectomy and urinary diversion, was 9 hours (range 8-12). Median estimated blood loss and hospital stay were 755 mL (range 300-2000) and 7.5 days (range 4-90), respectively. There were no intraoperative complications but only 1 major and 2 minor postoperative complications. The overall and cancer specific survival rates were 37.5% and 87.5% respectively at a median follow-up of 9 months (range 1-45). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with concomitant cystectomy is technically feasible. Greater number of patients with a longer follow-up is required to confirm our results.

Simultaneous laparoscopic nephroureterectomy and cystectomy: a preliminary report

PURPOSE: Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and concomitant upper urinary tract tumors may be candidates for simultaneous cystectomy and nephroureterectomy. Other clinical conditions such as dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease and non-functioning kidney are also indications for simultaneous removal of the bladder and kidney. In the present study, we report our laparoscopic experience with simultaneous laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and nephroureterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2000 and June 2007, 8 patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LNU) (unilateral-6, bilateral-2) and radical cystectomy at our institution. Demographic data, pathologic features, surgical technique and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The laparoscopic approach was technically successful in all 8 cases (7 males and 1 female) without the need for open conversion. Median total operative time, including LNU, LRC, pelvic lymphadenectomy and urinary diversion, was 9 hours (range 8-12). Median estimated blood loss and hospital stay were 755 mL (range 300-2000) and 7.5 days (range 4-90), respectively. There were no intraoperative complications but only 1 major and 2 minor postoperative complications. The overall and cancer specific survival rates were 37.5 percent and 87.5 percent respectively at a median follow-up of 9 months (range 1-45). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with concomitant cystectomy is technically feasible. Greater number of patients with a longer follow-up is required to confirm our results.

Comparison of radical prostatectomy techniques: open, laparoscopic and robotic assisted.

INTRODUCTION: To review the current status of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) in relation to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in the management of localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1982 and 2007 published literature was reviewed using the National Library of Medicine database and the following key words: retropubic, laparoscopic, robotic, robot-assisted, and radical prostatectomy. Special emphasis was given to the technical and cost considerations as well as operative, functional and oncologic outcomes. In particular, reports with pioneering work that have contributed to the evolution of the technique, presenting comparative outcomes and with large series encompassing intermediate/long term follow-up, were taken into account. RESULTS: After intermediate term follow-up, LRP and RALP achieved similar oncologic and functional results compared to RRP. However, LRP and RALP were associated with decreased blood loss, faster convalescence and better cosmetics when compared to RRP. The RALP technique is undoubtedly more expensive. CONCLUSIONS: The oncologic and functional outcomes for LRP and RALP are similar to RRP after intermediate term follow-up. Long term follow-up and adequately designed studies will determine the inherent advantages and disadvantages of the individual techniques in the management of localized prostate cancer.

Feasibility of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy after previous ipsilateral renal procedures.

OBJECTIVES: Previous renal surgery has been considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) because of perirenal surgical adhesions. We present our experience with LPN in patients with previous ipsilateral renal surgery. METHODS: Of 679 patients undergoing LPN for a renal mass from September 1999 to November 2006, 25 (3.7%) had undergone previous ipsilateral open or percutaneous renal procedures. The LPN technique included hilar clamping, cold tumor excision, and sutured renal reconstruction. The perioperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: Previous renal surgery included open surgery in 12 patients (nephro/pyelolithotomy in 8, pyeloplasty in 2, and partial nephrectomy in 2) and percutaneous surgery in 13 (percutaneous nephrolithotomy in 9 and renal biopsy in 4). The mean interval from previous surgery was 6.6 years (range 0.3-34). LPN (16 transperitoneal and 9 retroperitoneal) was successful in all patients. The mean tumor size was 2.5 cm (range 1-5.6), the warm ischemia time was 35.8 minutes (range 22-57), and the estimated blood loss was 215 mL (range 25-600). The mean operative time was 3 hours (range 1.5-4.5), and the hospital stay was 3.1 days (range 1-7.6). Histopathologic examination confirmed renal cell carcinoma in 19 patients (76%). No open conversions were needed, and no kidneys were lost. No intraoperative complications and 3 postoperative complications (12%) developed, including blood transfusion in 1, nausea and epistaxis in 1, and compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown that, in select patients, LPN is feasible after previous ipsilateral renal surgery. However, it can be technically challenging, and adequate previous experience with LPN is necessary.

Comparison of radical prostatectomy techniques: open, laparoscopic and robotic assisted: [review]

INTRODUCTION: To review the current status of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) in relation to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in the management of localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1982 and 2007 published literature was reviewed using the National Library of Medicine database and the following key words: retropubic, laparoscopic, robotic, robot-assisted, and radical prostatectomy. Special emphasis was given to the technical and cost considerations as well as operative, functional and oncologic outcomes. In particular, reports with pioneering work that have contributed to the evolution of the technique, presenting comparative outcomes and with large series encompassing intermediate/long term follow-up, were taken into account. RESULTS: After intermediate term follow-up, LRP and RALP achieved similar oncologic and functional results compared to RRP. However, LRP and RALP were associated with decreased blood loss, faster convalescence and better cosmetics when compared to RRP. The RALP technique is undoubtedly more expensive. CONCLUSIONS: The oncologic and functional outcomes for LRP and RALP are similar to RRP after intermediate term follow-up. Long term follow-up and adequately designed studies will determine the inherent advantages and disadvantages of the individual techniques in the management of localized prostate cancer.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy versus laparoscopic cryoablation for multiple ipsilateral renal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Management of multiple ipsilateral renal tumors is a dilemma in clinical practice. The effects of minimally invasive nephron-sparing procedures in this group of patients have not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) for multiple ipsilateral renal tumors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Between September 1999 and December 2006, 27 patients were treated with minimally invasive nephron sparing surgery (LPN or LCA) for synchronous multiple ipsilateral renal tumors in a single operating session at our institution. Fourteen patients with 28 tumors underwent LPN, and 13 patients with 31 tumors underwent LCA as the sole treatment modality. INTERVENTION: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and data were collected. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic, intraoperative, postoperative, and intermediate-term follow-up data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Patients in the LPN group had fewer tumors (2 vs. 2.4, p=0.04) and larger dominant tumor size (3.6 vs. 2.5 cm, p=0.005) in the affected kidney and lower preoperative serum creatinine levels (1 vs. 1.4 mg/dl, p=0.02). Compared to the LCA group, patients in the LPN group had greater estimated blood loss (200 vs. 125 ml, p=0.02) and longer hospital stays (90 vs. 52.3h, p=0.02). There were no open conversions, and no kidneys were lost. Complication rate, renal functional outcomes, and intermediate-term cancer-specific survival rates were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both LPN and LCA are viable options for patients with multiple ipsilateral renal tumors in select patients. Renal functional outcomes, complication rates, and intermediate-term survival rates are comparable between the two groups in this small series.

Risk factor analysis of postoperative complications in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We evaluate our experience with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to determine risk factors for postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of 507 laparoscopic partial nephrectomy procedures since September 1999 was retrospectively analyzed with emphasis on postoperative complications. Severity of complications was graded using a 5-tiered scale based on National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Version 2.0 reporting criteria. Complication rates were compared between 1999 to 2002 and 2003 to 2006. Multivariate analysis of baseline and perioperative variables was performed to identify risk factors associated with postoperative complications for the 2 eras. RESULTS: After 507 laparoscopic partial nephrectomy procedures 93 patients (19.7%) had 107 complications, including 49 urological (9.7%) and 58 nonurological (11.4%). Of the complications, 20.6% were grade I, 45% were grade II, 30% were grade III, 4.7% were grade IV and none were grade V. On multivariate analysis, presence of a solitary kidney (1999 to 2002 p = 0.0115, 2003 to 2006 p = 0.0045), increased warm ischemia time (1999 to 2002 p = 0.0399, 2003 to 2006 p = 0.0066) and increased estimated blood loss (1999 to 2002 p = 0.0224, 2003 to 2006 p = 0.0293) were significant predictors of overall postoperative complications for the 2 eras. Compared to the 1999 to 2002 era, the 2003 to 2006 era witnessed a dramatic increase in number of total laparoscopic partial nephrectomy procedures (100% increase) and complex tumors (132% increase), yet overall (p = 0.001), urological (p = 0.03) and nonurological (p = 0.02) complications decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged warm ischemia, increased intraoperative blood loss and solitary kidney status increase the likelihood of postoperative complications after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. With experience the incidence of complications has decreased significantly despite a significant increase in tumor and procedural complexity.

Laparoscopic renal oncological surgery in the presence of abdominal aortic and vena caval pathology: 8-year experience.

PURPOSE: To our knowledge the outcomes of laparoscopic renal oncological surgery in patients with major aortic and/or inferior vena caval pathology are unknown. We present our experience spanning an 8-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1998 to October 2006, 1,826 laparoscopic renal procedures were performed for tumor. Of these patients 66 (3.6%) had major abdominal aortic or vena caval pathology concomitantly. Demographics, specific entities of the vascular disease, and intraoperative and postoperative data were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients had a history of abdominal aortic disease (54), vena caval disease (9) or both (3). Of the patients 85% had 3 or greater comorbidities, 88% had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or greater and 88% were on chronic anticoagulation therapy. A total of 27 patients (41%) had undergone prior surgical treatment for vascular pathology. Laparoscopic renal surgery, which was transperitoneal in 25 cases and retroperitoneal in 41, included radical nephrectomy in 20, partial nephrectomy in 17 and cryoablation in 29. Open conversion was performed in 3 patients (5%). There were 3 intraoperative (5%) and 9 postoperative (14%) complications. One patient died of pulmonary sepsis. There was no statistically significant difference in perioperative outcomes between the aortic and vena caval disease groups. The retroperitoneal approach was associated with less blood loss and shorter operative time (p = 0.0003 and 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for renal tumor in the presence of aortic or vena caval disease is safe and feasible. Considerable prior laparoscopic experience is necessary when treating these patients at high risk.

The effect of prostate weight on the outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of prostate weight on perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2003 and January 2006, 327 patients had LRP by one surgeon, 193 of whom were available for analysis. Patients were stratified into three groups on the basis of pathological prostate weight, i.e. or=75 g. Perioperative, oncological and functional (continence and potency at 1 year) outcomes were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Of the 193 patients the prostate was or=75 g in 44 (23%); the mean prostate weight was 27, 49 and 98 g in the three subgroups, respectively. At presentation, 144 patients (75%) had T1c disease, 159 (82%) were potent and 187 (97%) were continent. Unilateral nerve-sparing was done in 37 (19%) and bilateral in 114 (59%) patients. The three subgroups were comparable in age, body mass index, preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, preoperative Gleason score, clinical stage, operative duration, length of hospital stay, duration of catheterization, biochemical recurrence and continence after LRP. In the patients with a prostate of

The use of an endoscopic stapler vs suture ligature for dorsal vein control in laparoscopic prostatectomy: operative outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in operative outcome between methods of controlling the dorsal vein complex during laparoscopic prostatectomy, i.e. suture ligature or stapling with an endoscopic stapler (Endopath ETS Flex 45 linear stapler; Ethicon, Cincinnati, OH, USA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 120 patients who had a laparoscopic prostatectomy between January 2005 and October 2006 were assessed; 60 had suture ligature and 60 were treated with the stapler. In a multivariate analysis accounting for baseline patient and disease characteristics, the primary outcome variables evaluated included estimated blood loss (EBL), operative duration and positive margin rates. RESULTS: The baseline demographics were similar between the sutured and stapled groups for age (59.6 vs 60.1 years, P = 0.674), body mass index (29.2 vs 28.5 kg/m(2), P = 0.237), preoperative prostate-specific antigen level (5.3 vs 5.7 ng/mL, P = 0.5), Gleason score (6.4 vs 6.3, P = 0.294), clinical stage (77% vs 88% T1c, P = 0.052) and preoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men score (19.4 vs 19.6, P = 0.813). Operative measures were not significantly different between the groups for EBL (287 vs 343 mL, P = 0.156) or operative duration (234 vs 223 min, P = 0.324). Apical margin involvement was also not significantly different (12% vs 7%, P = 0.121). The overall positive margin rate (30% vs 18%, P = 0.020) and disease volume (22% vs 13%'extensive', P = 0.021) were higher among the sutured group, but on multivariate analysis the overall margin rate was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between sutured and stapled control of the dorsal vein complex during laparoscopic prostatectomy in EBL, operative duration or positive margin rate.

Laparoscopic partial cystectomy for urachal and bladder cancer

PURPOSE: To report our initial experiences with laparoscopic partial cystectomy for urachal and bladder malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2002 and October 2004, laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed in 6 cases at 3 institutions; 3 cases were urachal adenocarcinomas and the remaining 3 cases were bladder transitional cell carcinomas. All patients were male, with a median age of 55 years (45-72 years). Gross hematuria was the presenting symptom in all patients, and diagnosis was established with trans-urethral resection bladder tumor in 2 patients and by means of cystoscopic biopsy in the remaining 4 patients. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed using the transperitoneal approach under cystoscopic guidance. In each case, the surgical specimen was removed intact entrapped in an impermeable bag. One patient with para-ureteral diverticulum transitional cell carcinoma required concomitant ureteral reimplantation. RESULTS: All six procedures were completed laparoscopically without open conversion. The median operating time was 110 minutes (90-220) with a median estimated blood loss of 70 mL (50-100). Frozen section evaluations of bladder margins were routinely obtained and were negative for cancer in all cases. The median hospital stay was 2.5 days (2-4) and the duration of catheterization was 7 days. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Final histopathology confirmed urachal adenocarcinoma in 3 cases and bladder transitional cell carcinoma in 3 cases. At a median follow-up of 28.5 months (range: 26 to 44 months), there was no evidence of recurrent disease as evidenced by radiologic or cystoscopic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial cystectomy in carefully selected patients with urachal and bladder cancer is feasible and safe, offering a promising and minimally invasive alternative for these patients.