Retrospective Concomitant Nonrandomized Comparison of "Touch" Cautery Versus Athermal Dissection of the Prostatic Vascular Pedicles and Neurovascular Bundles During Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: During robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the use of electrocautery near the neurovascular bundles (NVBs) frequently results in thermal injury to the cavernous nerves. The cut and "touch" monopolar cautery technique has been suggested to reduce desiccating thermal injury caused by bipolar energy when vessels are sealed. OBJECTIVE: To compare potency outcomes between an athermal technique (AT) and touch cautery (TC) to transect the prostatic vascular pedicles (PVPs) and dissect the NVBs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective concomitant nonrandomized study of AT versus TC was performed in 733 men. A total of 323 undergoing AT had "thin" pedicles, easily suitable for suture ligation. TC was based on "thick" pedicles (n = 230) difficult to suture ligate. Men were excluded for an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score of <15 or adjuvant therapies (n = 180). SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Single-surgeon RARP. MEASUREMENTS: Patient-reported outcomes with erectile function (EF) recovery defined as two affirmative answers to erections sufficient for intercourse (ESI; "are erections firm enough for penetration?" and "are the erections satisfactory?"), IIEF-5 scores 15-25, and a novel percent fullness score comparing pre- versus postoperative erection fullness. Logistic regression models assessed the correlation between cautery technique, covariates, and EF recovery. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In an unadjusted analysis, preoperative IIEF-5, age, body mass index (BMI), and prostate weight were significant predictors of potency recovery. Follow-up was similar (AT 52.7 mo vs TC 54.6 mo, p = 0.534). In logistic regression, preoperative IIEF-5, age, and BMI were significant predictors of EF recovery, defined as IIEF-5 scores 15-25, ESI, and percent fullness >75%. Results were similar when IIEF-5 and percent fullness were assessed continuously. CONCLUSIONS: During transection of the PVPs and dissection of the NVBs, TC did not impact EF recovery significantly, compared with an AT. PATIENT SUMMARY: Electrocautery can be applied safely, with similar outcomes to those of an athermal technique.

Determining the Safety Threshold for the Passage of a Ureteral Access Sheath in Clinical Practice Using a Purpose-Built Force Sensor.

PURPOSE: Ureteral injury is a frequent complication of ureteral access sheath deployment. We sought to define the safe threshold of force for the passage of a ureteral access sheath using a novel ureteral access sheath force sensor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ureteral access sheath-force sensor measurements were recorded in 210 renal units. A 16Fr ureteral access sheath was deployed initially based on a prior porcine study. If 6 N was reached, the surgeon was advised to downsize the 16Fr ureteral access sheath. In each case, a post-ureteroscopic lesion scale was recorded. Regression models were used to estimate the impact of adjusted variables on post-ureteroscopic lesion scale grade, 16Fr ureteral access sheath deployment, and peak force. RESULTS: A 16Fr ureteral access sheath was deployed in 127 (61%) renal units with a mean peak force of 5.7 N. Two high-grade ureteral injuries occurred; in both cases >6 N of force was recorded. Post-ureteroscopic lesion scale grade correlated directly with peak insertion force (p <0.01). Bacteriuria within 60 days of the procedure (OR 2.009, p=0.034), combination of preoperative stent plus oral tamsulosin (OR 2.998, p=0.045), and prior ipsilateral stone surgery (OR 2.13, p=0.01) were independent predictors of successful 16Fr ureteral access sheath deployment. Among patients with neither prior ipsilateral stone surgery nor preoperative stent, preoperative tamsulosin facilitated passage of a 16Fr ureteral access sheath (OR 2.750, p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral access sheath associated ureteral injury can be averted by limiting the insertion force to ≤6 N. Prior stone surgery, preoperative indwelling ureteral stent plus oral tamsulosin, and recently treated bacteriuria favored passage of a 16Fr ureteral access sheath. In the naïve, unstented patient, preoperative tamsulosin favored deployment of a 16Fr ureteral access sheath.

Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair in Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

Inguinal hernia is a recognized complication of radical prostatectomy. Previous hernia repair, wound infection, midline incision, low BMI, and preexisting or subclinical hernia contribute to the risk of inguinal hernia following radical prostatectomy. Concomitant hernia repair at the time of pelvic surgery has risks and benefits. Repair during surgery prevents future hernia-related complications and saves the need for an additional procedure. However, hernia repair at the time of radical prostatectomy includes the risk of mesh infection, post-operative pain, adhesions, lack of experience, and overall minimal risk with watchful waiting. The robotic transperitoneal approach is the most commonly used technique for concomitant inguinal hernia repair with a modest addition to operative time and minimal postoperative complications. Recurrence rates following concomitant hernia repair during pelvic surgery are low.

Long-Term Antibiotic Treatment Prior to Laparoscopic Nephrectomy for Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis Improves Postoperative Outcomes: Results from a Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a destructive bacterial infection typically necessitating nephrectomy. We hypothesized that long-term preoperative antibiotics would facilitate laparoscopic nephrectomy by reducing the renal inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of all patients with histologically confirmed xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis at 3 University of California institutions between 2005 and 2018. Patients were stratified by antibiotic treatment duration and surgical approach. Patients treated with long-term preoperative antibiotics (28 days or more of continuous treatment until surgery) were compared to patients treated with short-term antibiotics (less than 28 days) and those who only received single-dose prophylactic antibiotics before surgery. Patient demographics and operative outcomes were analyzed. Complications were assigned by Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Among the 61 patients, 51 (84%) were female and mean age was 50 years. There were 21 (34%) open procedures and 40 (66%) laparoscopic procedures. Median duration of antibiotic treatment was 5 days in those who received a short-term treatment and 87 days in those who received long-term treatment. Eleven patients received only prophylactic single-dose antibiotics. Using multivariate analysis among patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy, controlling for preoperative drainage, long-term antibiotics resulted in a 6.5-day shorter length of stay (p=0.023) and less overall as well as milder postoperative complications (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Greater than or equal to 4 weeks of preoperative antibiotics before laparoscopic nephrectomy for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis was associated with shorter length of stay and fewer, less severe postoperative complications.

Ureteroscopic Doppler Ultrasonography: Mapping Renal Blood Flow from Within the Collecting System.

Introduction: Herein we provide the first report regarding in vivo porcine renal forniceal, papillary, and infundibular blood flow at the urothelial level using a novel ureteroscopic Doppler transducer. Materials and Methods: Nephroureteroscopy was performed on 11 female Yorkshire pigs to map the forniceal, papillary, and infundibular blood flow. A Doppler transducer was mounted to a 3F 120 cm catheter; the probe was passed through the working channel of a flexible ureteroscope. Blood flow was categorized from 0 (no flow) to 3 (highest flow) based on auditory intensity. At each site, a holmium laser probe was activated until it penetrated ∼1 cm into each of the examined areas; bleeding times were recorded. Results: The frequency of the Doppler transducer signal was proportional to the blood velocity within the vessel with expected increased bleeding times confirmed after puncture with a holmium laser. Analysis demonstrated that the 6 o'clock position of the fornix had significantly greater blood flow than any other forniceal location (p < 0.001). The center of each papilla had the least blood flow (p < 0.001). Blood flow was significantly higher at the infundibular level compared with the caliceal fornices at all locations (anterior, posterior, upper pole, midkidney, and lower pole) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In a porcine model, a miniaturized Doppler ultrasound probe used during ureteroscopy demonstrated that the renal papilla had the least amount of blood flow whereas the infundibula had the highest blood flow. These data may serve to inform site selection during percutaneous nephrostomy placement.

Correction to: Unintended consequences of decreased PSA-based prostate cancer screening.

In the original publication, part of funding information was missed.

A New Technique for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Using Retrograde Ureteroscopy and Laser Fiber to Achieve Percutaneous Nephrostomy Access: The Initial Case Report.

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) serves as the gold standard minimally invasive procedure to remove large renal stones. The puncture is made from the skin to the chosen calix under fluoroscopic guidance, although this remains a challenging technique. We describe the initial case of retrograde holmium laser acquired nephrostomy access. Case Presentation: In this study, we present the case of a 48-year-old woman with right renal colic with imaging revealing a 2.6 cm staghorn stone. With institutional approval, we performed a new technique utilizing retrograde access with a flexible ureteroscope and a holmium laser fiber to achieve nephrostomy access for PCNL in the prone position. With the ureteroscope confirmed in the desired calix, the ureteroscope and laser fiber were aimed and fired toward the flank and thus creating a subcostal nephrostomy tract. PCNL was then carried out per standard of care lithotripsy techniques utilizing the holmium laser. Conclusion: In this initial case, percutaneous retrograde laser access allowed for desired caliceal nephrostomy access under direct vision.

Laser Endoscopic X-Ray-Guided Intrarenal Tract: Comparison Among Renal Access Modalities in the Porcine Kidney.

Introduction and Objectives: Laser endoscopic X-ray-guided intrarenal tract (LEXIT) is a recently described holmium laser retrograde access technique for creating percutaneous access during a percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We compared bleeding, ease of access, and the time to achieve access for each of the following three modalities: LEXIT, retrograde Lawson puncture wire, and antegrade 18-gauge nephrostomy needle access in the porcine kidney. Methods: Eight pigs underwent an average of five nephrostomy accesses per kidney under simultaneous laparoscopic vision at 5 mm Hg insufflation pressure. Data collected included: access time (seconds), bleeding intensity (scale: 1 [no bleeding] - 10 [severe bleeding]), bleeding duration (seconds), accuracy of caliceal entry, and surgeon comfort with the technique (scale: 1 [very easy] - 10 [very difficult]). Results: A total of 64 nephrostomy accesses were obtained. The speed of nephrostomy access with LEXIT was significantly faster than the nephrostomy needle and Lawson wire (p < 0.001). Bleeding intensity (p = 0.002) and severity (p = 0.001) were lower with the Lawson puncture wire, followed by LEXIT and then by the nephrostomy needle. LEXIT was rated as easier in acquiring access within the upper pole (p = 0.003) and interpolar calices (p < 0.001). Histopathology demonstrated no difference in parenchymal damage between LEXIT and nephrostomy needle (p = 0.18); however, LEXIT was associated with significantly increased peri-tract thermal injury, although within a narrow focus of 1.6 mm (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Among the three renal access techniques, LEXIT provided the fastest access times and greatest ease of access specifically for upper pole and interpolar calices. Also, bleeding with LEXIT was significantly less compared with the standard antegrade nephrostomy needle access. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that the holmium laser resulted in focal thermal tissue effects similar in range to the blunt tissue trauma caused by the 18-gauge nephrostomy needle.

Ureteral Access Sheath Deployment: How Much Force Is Too Much? Initial Studies with a Novel Ureteral Access Sheath Force Sensor in the Porcine Ureter.

Introduction and Objectives: Ureteral injuries can occur during ureteral access sheath (UAS) deployment. The force exerted during deployment and the amount of force that results in ureteral injury is yet to be accurately quantitated. In this feasibility study, we developed and then tested a novel force-sensing device in our animal laboratory to identify the threshold force that results in a porcine ureteral injury. Methods: With Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval, we measured ureteral dilator and UAS deployment force using our proprietary University of California, Irvine Ureteral Access Sheath Force Sensor (UAS-FS). The exerted force was measured during deployment from the moment that the tip of the UAS was passed into the urethral meatus until it reached the renal pelvis; progression of the UAS along the ureter was monitored with fluoroscopy. Ureteroscopic evaluation was performed after deployment of each catheter/sheath ≥8F to assess for ureteral injury using the Postureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS). Results: Six juvenile Yorkshire female pigs (12 ureters) were studied. No injuries were detected when the deployment force was <4 Newtons (N), which was the case when the catheter/access sheath was ≤13F. Increasing UAS size >13F resulted in greater peak forces. In five of the pigs, ureters selected for 14F UAS deployment without previous sequential dilation were injured (PULS ≥3) at a mean threshold force of 4.84 N. Serial dilation had a higher threshold for PULS ≥3 at 5.56 N. Overall, injury of PULS ≥3 was routinely noted when the force applied exceeded 8.1 N. Conclusions: The UAS-FS reliably measured forces while deploying a UAS. Significant ureteral injury can routinely be avoided if the applied force is <4.84 N; PULS ≥3 routinely occurred when forces exceeded 8.1 N. Serial dilation may allow safe passage at higher deployment forces, as much as 5.56 N.

Multi-institutional Evaluation of Producing and Testing a Novel 3D-Printed Laparoscopic Trainer.

OBJECTIVE: To create, distribute, and evaluate the efficacy of a portable, cost-effective 3D-printed laparoscopic trainer for surgical skills development. METHODS: The UCI Trainer (UCiT) laparoscopic simulator was developed via computer-aided designs (CAD), which were used to 3D-print the UCiT. Once assembled, a tablet computer with a rear-facing camera was attached for video and optics. Four institutions were sent the UCiT CAD files with a 3D-printer and instructions for UCiT assembly. For a comparison of the UCiT to a standard trainer, peg transfer and intracorporeal knot tying skills were accessed. These tasks were scored, and participants were asked to rate their experience with the trainers. Lastly, a questionnaire was given to individuals who 3D-printed and assembled the UCiT. RESULTS: We recruited 25 urologists; none had any 3D-printing experience. The cost of printing each trainer was $26.50 USD. Each institution used the Apple iPad for optics. Six of eight participants assembled the UCiT in < 45 minutes, and rated assembly as somewhat easy. On objective scoring, participants performed tasks equally well on the UCiT vs the conventional trainer. On subjective scoring, the conventional trainer provided a significantly better experience vs the UCiT; however, all reported that the UCiT was useful for surgical education. CONCLUSION: The UCiT is a low cost, portable training tool that is easy to assemble and use. UCiT provided a platform whereby participants performed laparoscopic tasks equal to performing the same tasks on the more expensive, nonportable standard trainer.

Pilot Assessment of Immersive Virtual Reality Renal Models as an Educational and Preoperative Planning Tool for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) requires the urologist to have detailed knowledge of the stone and its relationship with the renal anatomy. Immersive virtual reality (iVR) provides patient-specific three-dimensional models that might be beneficial in this regard. Our objective is to present the initial experience with iVR in surgeon planning and patient preoperative education for PCNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2017 to 2018 four surgeons, each of whom had varying expertise in PCNL, used iVR models to acquaint themselves with the renal anatomy before PCNL among 25 patients. iVR renderings were also viewed by patients using the same head-mounted Oculus rift display. Surgeons rated their understanding of the anatomy with CT alone and then after CT+iVR; patients also recorded their experience with iVR. To assess the impact on outcomes, the 25 iVR study patients were compared with 25 retrospective matched-paired non-iVR patients. Student's t-test was used to analyze collected data. RESULTS: iVR improved surgeons' understanding of the optimal calix of entry and the stone's location, size, and orientation (p < 0.01). iVR altered the surgical approach in 10 (40%) cases. Patients strongly agreed that iVR improved their understanding of their stone disease and reduced their preoperative anxiety. In the retrospective matched-paired analysis, the iVR group had a statistically significant decrease in fluoroscopy time and blood loss as well as a trend toward fewer nephrostomy tracts and a higher stone-free rate. CONCLUSIONS: iVR improved urologists' understanding of the renal anatomy and altered the operative approach in 40% of cases. In addition, iVR improved patient comprehension of their surgery. Clinically, iVR had benefits with regard to decreased fluoroscopy time and less blood loss along with a trend toward fewer access tracts and higher stone-free rates.

Unintended consequences of decreased PSA-based prostate cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: In May 2012, the US Preventive Services Task Force issued a grade D recommendation against PSA-based prostate cancer screening. Epidemiologists have concerns that an unintended consequence is a problematic increase in high-risk disease and subsequent prostate cancer-specific mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the effect of decreased PSA screening on the presentation of high-risk prostate cancer post-radical prostatectomy (RP). Nine high-volume referral centers throughout the United States (n = 19,602) from October 2008 through September 2016 were assessed and absolute number of men presenting with GS ≥ 8, seminal vesicle and lymph node invasion were compared with propensity score matching. RESULTS: Compared to the 4-year average pre-(Oct. 2008-Sept. 2012) versus post-(Oct. 2012-Sept. 2016) recommendation, a 22.6% reduction in surgical volume and increases in median PSA (5.1-5.8 ng/mL) and mean age (60.8-62.0 years) were observed. The proportion of low-grade GS 3 + 3 cancers decreased significantly (30.2-17.1%) while high-grade GS 8 + cancers increased (8.4-13.5%). There was a 24% increase in absolute numbers of GS 8+ cancers. One-year biochemical recurrence rose from 6.2 to 17.5%. To discern whether increases in high-risk disease were due to referral patterns, propensity score matching was performed. Forest plots of odds ratios adjusted for age and PSA showed significant increases in pathologic stage, grade, and lymph node involvement. CONCLUSIONS: All centers experienced consistent decreases of low-grade disease and absolute increases in intermediate and high-risk cancer. For any given age and PSA, propensity matching demonstrates more aggressive disease in the post-recommendation era.

A New Twist on an Old Technique: Lawson Retrograde Endoscopic-Guided Nephrostomy Access for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Prone Split-Leg Position.

Background: A minority of urologists performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) achieve their own nephrostomy access. In an effort to simplify the access part of PCNL, we herein describe our initial experience with endoscopic-guided retrograde percutaneous access in the prone split-leg position. Case Presentation(s): After informed consent, a confirmed negative urine culture, and 1 week pretreatment with tamsulosin, four carefully selected PCNL patients underwent endoscopic-guided retrograde access in a prone split-leg position using the Lawson catheter. In all the four patients, we achieved endoscopic-guided retrograde upper pole access in the prone split-leg position. A single Clavien 3B complication occurred. Total fluoroscopy time for the PCNL averaged 162 seconds (51-283). Complete stone-free rate at 1 week based on CT scan was 25%, and a stone-free rate defined as <4 mm was 100%. Conclusion: Endoscopic-guided retrograde percutaneous upper pole access can be established efficiently with a modified Lawson technique in the prone split-leg position.

Pretreatment Diagnosis of the Small Renal Mass: Status of Renal Biopsy in the United States of America.

INTRODUCTION: We surveyed United States of America-based urologists to characterize practice patterns and indications to perform a renal mass biopsy for small renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Members of the American Urological Association who practice in the United States were invited to participate in a 11-question web-based survey that was distributed via SurveyMonkey® from December 2016 to January 2017. RESULTS: There were 1131 respondents. The respondents equally represented all regions of the United States; the majority were in private practice. Overall, 32% of American urologists would "never" perform a biopsy of a renal mass ≤4 cm. Those who saw fewer than five small renal masses per year were more likely to "never" perform a renal biopsy on either a renal mass ≤4 cm or a renal mass 2-3 cm compared with those who saw more than five small renal masses per year (p < 0.001). Urologists who practiced at an academic hospital were more likely to perform a renal biopsy on both a renal mass ≤4 cm and a renal mass 2-3 cm compared with private practice and government-based urologists (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008 respectively). The primary reason for not performing a biopsy, cited by 68% of responding urologists, was that the results of a biopsy "would not change their management of the renal mass." Respondents independently performed only 2% of biopsies; however, almost half stated that they would be interested in learning office-based ultrasound-guided biopsy of a small renal mass. CONCLUSIONS: Among members of the American Urological Association, biopsy of a small renal mass remains an underutilized diagnostic procedure, especially in light of 6000 unnecessary surgeries annually; nonuniversity-based urologists and those who see <5 renal mass cases each year infrequently perform a biopsy. Currently, interventional radiologists perform almost all small renal mass biopsies.

Renal mass biopsy: an oncological conundrum.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We evaluate the reasons that the majority of urologists infrequently biopsy a T1a small renal mass (SRM). RECENT FINDINGS: The majority of urologists report that a renal mass biopsy will not change their management in patients with a SRM given concerns of safety and efficacy of the biopsy. However, when comparing the safety and efficacy of SRM biopsy with neoplasms in all other major organ systems (all of which require biopsy prior to treatment), renal mass biopsy results are favorable. In addition to being safe and effective, renal mass biopsy should be more cost-effective for the healthcare system. Finally, in properly selected patients, renal mass biopsy can be performed in the urologist's office, thereby further decreasing cost. SUMMARY: Renal mass biopsy is an essential clinical tool that needs to be incorporated into the decision-making process among patients with a T1a SRM. A biopsy-driven, tissue-specific diagnosis of SRMes should become the standard of care in urology to bring us to parity with standard practice to management of lesions identified in every other organ system.

Medical impulsive therapy (MIT): the impact of 1 week of preoperative tamsulosin on deployment of 16-French ureteral access sheaths without preoperative ureteral stent placement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Medical expulsive therapy is based on pharmacologic ureteral relaxation. We hypothesized this concept may facilitate the deployment of the large 16 French (F) ureteral access sheath (UAS) when patients are intentionally pre-treated with oral tamsulosin, i.e., medical impulsive therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our experience with UAS deployment during endoscopic-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy in prone position in patients pre-treated for 1 week with oral tamsulosin with a contemporary untreated cohort. Between January 2015 and September 2016, seventy-seven patients without a pre-existing ureteral stent met inclusion criteria. Demographic data, tamsulosin usage, UAS size, deployment failure, ureteral injuries, stone-free rates, and complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the impact of tamsulosin on deployment of the 16F UAS. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the tamsulosin (n = 40) group and non-tamsulosin (n = 37) group in regard to demographic data. The tamsulosin group had a significantly higher percentage of 16F UAS deployment, 87 vs. 43% (p < 0.001), and no significant difference in ureteral injuries (p = 0.228). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that tamsulosin significantly increased the odds ratio (9.3 and 19.4, respectively) for successful passage of a 16F UAS. Despite a larger stone volume, there was no significant difference in computed tomography scan complete stone-free rates (29 vs. 42%; p = 0.277) at median post-operative time of only 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, 1 week of preoperative tamsulosin was associated with an increase in the deployment of a 16F UAS in patients without preoperative ureteral stent placement.

Evaluation and Comparison of Contemporary Energy-Based Surgical Vessel Sealing Devices.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated and compared five currently available energy-based vessel sealing devices to assess typical surgical metrics. METHODS: We tested Caiman 5 (C5), Harmonic Scalpel Ace Plus (HA), Harmonic Ace +7 (HA7), LigaSure (LS), and Enseal G2 (ES) on small (2-5 mm), medium (5.1-7 mm), and large (7.1-9 mm) vessels obtained from 15 Yorkshire pigs. Vessels were randomly sealed and transected. We recorded sealing and transection time, charring and carbonization, thermal spread, and bursting pressure (BP). Specimens were sent for histopathologic evaluation of seal quality and thermal spread. RESULTS: A total of 246 vessels were evaluated: 125 were arteries and 121 were veins. There was no difference in BPs for small size arteries. For medium arteries, C5 provided the highest BP (proximal and distal jaw), followed by HA7, ES, LS, and HA [1740, 1600, 1165, 1165, 981, and 571 mm Hg, respectively, HA250 mm Hg.