Elderly Patients' Outcomes After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Single Center Experience.

Aim: To assess the oncological and functional outcomes of patients aged 70 years or older after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and compare their results with younger men. Materials and Methods: Our study included 496 men who underwent RARP in our clinic between March 2015 and December 2021 with at least 1-year follow-up. Of these patients, 130 were aged 70 or older, and 366 were between 60 and 69. Preoperative characteristics, perioperative parameters, postoperative oncological, and functional results were studied. Results: The entire cohort (496 patients) aged 67 years on median (range 60-84), with a median prostate-specific antigen of 8.4 ng/mL. All the patients had a minimum 1-year of follow-up and the median follow-up was 32 months. According to the perioperative parameters, the two groups were similar except for hospital length of stay. On final pathology, the pathological stage, positive surgical margin rate and lymph node positivity were statistically not different between the two groups. The International Society of Urological Pathology grades were higher on final pathology for both groups, but this increase was greater in the ≥70 age group, and this was statistically significant (P = .013). In both groups, the median International Index for Erectile Function scores decreased after surgery significantly (P < .001), and at the 1st year follow-up, the decrease between the two groups was not different (0.973). Concerning continence outcomes, pad-free continence was significantly better in the 60-69 age group (94.5%) compared to the ≥70 age group (93.1%). Conclusions: The perioperative safety, oncological, and functional results of RARP in elderly men are comparable to younger patients. Clinical trial registiration number: (30/06/2022-13/24).

Diagnosis of Testicular Torsion and Differentiation From Other Pathologies Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy device to diagnose testicular torsion with high sensitivity and specificity. Specifically, we aim to investigate the differentiation between testicular torsion from other pathologies such as orchidoepididymitis, varicocele, and hydrocele. METHODS: Two LEDs with wavelengths of 660 nm and 940 nm were used as light sources in the device. Each wavelength was sent to the testicle successively, and a photodiode detected back-reflected diffuse light. The ratio of the light intensities of 660 nm and 940 nm was used as a diagnostic parameter. A multi-center clinical trial was performed in 5 different hospitals. RESULTS: In total, 62 patients in urology clinics with acute testicular pain have been recruited for the study. The developed NIR spectroscopy correctly defined all 8 testicular torsion cases. Besides, 3 orchidoepididymitis, 1 varicocele, and 3 hydrocele cases were correctly distinguished from testicular torsion. Only 1 hydrocele case was misdiagnosed as torsion. The range of the ratio was between 0.14 and 1.16 overall measurements. The ratio varied between 0.14 and 0.3 for the testicle with torsion. The ratio was between 0.49 and 1.16 for the normal testicle and testicle with other pathologies mentioned above. CONCLUSION: We have chosen the threshold ratio of 0.4 to differentiate between the normal and torsion testis and diagnosed all the torsion cases among all normal and other pathologies. The developed optical device to diagnose testicular torsion is inexpensive, user-friendly, and works based on objective criteria with high sensitivity and specificity in real time.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Initial outcomes of 500 cases.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to present our experience of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective review of 500 patients who underwent RARP between March 2015 and July 2021 in our clinic. A transperitoneal approach was used in all patients. All patients had clinically organ-confined prostate cancer (≤ cT2c). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64.6 ± 5.7 years. The median PSA was 11.4 ng/dL (range 0.3-92.7). The mean operative time was 183.5 min. Positive surgical margin rate was 19.4%. During a mean follow-up of 23.5 months, 96 patients (19.2%) received adjuvant radiotherapy due to the biochemical recurrence and 28 patients (16%) with lymph node positivity received early adjuvant hormone therapy. Considering the continence rates, 69% of the patients were total continence in the 3rd month, while this rate increased to 83 in the 6th month and 91% in the 12th month. CONCLUSION: RARP is a safe and feasible method for experienced centers with patient comfort, surgeon comfort, and successful oncological and functional results.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Nuestro objetivo fue presentar nuestra experiencia de prostatectomía radical laparoscópica asistida por robot (RARP). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El estudio fue una revisión retrospectiva de 500 pacientes que se sometieron a una (RARP) entre marzo de 2015 y julio de 2021 en nuestra clínica. En todos los pacientes se utilizó un abordaje transperitoneal. Todos los pacientes tenían cáncer de próstata limitado al órgano clínicamente (≤ cT2c). RESULTADOS: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 64.6 ± 5.7 años. La mediana de PSA fue de 11.4 ng/dL (rango 0.3-92.7). El tiempo operatorio medio fue de 183.5 min. La tasa de márgenes quirúrgicos positivos fue del 19,4%. Durante un seguimiento medio de 23.5 meses, 96 pacientes (19.2%) recibieron radioterapia adyuvante debido a la recurrencia bioquímica y 28 pacientes (16%) con ganglios linfáticos positivos recibieron terapia hormonal adyuvante temprana. Considerando las tasas de continencia, el 69% de los pacientes tenían continencia total en el 3er mes, mientras que esa tasa aumentó a 83 en el 6° mes y 91% en el 12° mes. CONCLUSIÓN: RARP es un método seguro y factible para centros experimentados con comodidad para el paciente, comodidad para el cirujano y resultados oncológicos y funcionales exitosos.

The Results of Peritoneal Re-Approximation Methods on Symptomatic Lymphocele Formation in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy and Extended Pelvic Lymphadenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: To evlauate role of peritoneal re-approximation methods in the prevention of symphtomatic lymphocele formation in patients underwent transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (tRALP) and extendeded pelvic lympadenoctomy (ePLND). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and April 2020, 120 consecutive patients who were administered anterior t-RALP and ePLND were analyzed retrospectively. In group 1 (n = 40), peritoneal approximation was not performed after t-RALP and ePLND application, peritoneal half re-approximation was performed in group 2 (n=40), and peritoneal full re-approximation was performed in group 3 (n=40). Operative parameters and symptomatic lymphocele rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of mean age, body mass index and prostatespecific antigen levels, Gleason score on biopsy, D'amico risk groups, the mean number of lymph nodes removed, Clavien-Dindo complication grade and mean duration of the surgery. Patients with symptomatic lymphocele in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 were found to be 2 (5%), 3 (7.5%) and 5 (12.5%), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of symptomatic lymphocele formation. CONCLUSION: Half or full closure of the peritoneum does not affect the symptomatic lymphocele formation in patients who underwent tRALP and ePLND.

Use of MicroRNAs as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common type of cancer in western countries and prominent cause of mortality in men. The aim of the study was to analyze circulating miRNAs as biomarkers in the sera of healthy individuals and prostate cancer cases without biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty prostate cases, age (mean and range) 61,4±12.1 (45-73), and twenty healthy men, age 59,3±11.2 (44-70) were included to the study. The mean and range of prostate spesific antigen (PSA) in cancer cases and healthy individuals were 6.79±2.84 ng/ml (2.25-14.7) and 3.8±2.2 ng/ml (1.3-7.8) respectively. RESULTS: Seven miRNAs including two internal controls (Let7c, miR125b, miR141, miR145, miR 155, miR181 ve miR192) were evaluated in two groups. The level of miR141 was significantly lower in PCa cases than healthy individuals (p=0,004), and miR155 was significantly higher (p=0,005) in PCa cases. Both miRNAs were explored sensitive and spesific in the ROC analysis. Tumor mass were found to be associated with the level of miR-125b and miR-145. Conclusion; validation studies are required in wider patient groups in the subject of tumor effect and miRNA biomarkers in prostate cancer.

Should Peritoneal Re-Approximation Be Performed After Transperitoneal Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy?

Background: The aim of the study is to examine the effect of peritoneal re-approximation or non-approximation on the postoperative course of patients at the end of transperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (tRARP). It is also aimed to examine the relationship between peritoneal re-approximation or non-approximation and drain removal time, need for analgesics, passage of flatus, and length of hospital stay. Methods: A total of 247 patients who underwent tRARP by 2 different experienced surgeons were included in the study. At the end of the tRARP procedure, 1 surgeon performed peritoneal re-approximation (Group 1, n = 108), whereas the other performed peritoneal non-approximation (Group 2, n = 139). The effect of the procedures on drain removal time, passage of flatus, need for analgesics, and length of hospital stay were compared between the groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of preoperative parameters including age, body mass index, and preoperative prostate-specific antigen levels (P > .05) (P = .622, P = .126 and P = .591, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of comorbidity, Gleason score, clinical stage, and lymph node dissection (P = .086, P = .344, P = .318, P = .587, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of drain removal time, need for analgesics, passage of flatus, and length of hospital stay (P = .095, P = .142, P = 95, P = .389, respectively). Conclusion: This study did not demonstrate any additional postoperative benefit of peritoneal re-approximation. It has been shown that peritoneal re-approximation has no effect on the length of hospital stay, the need for pain relievers, and passage of flatus, drain duration, day. Therefore, we do not recommend re-approximation of the peritoneum.

Does transition from standard to Retzius-sparing technique in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy affect the functional and oncological outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: To appraise the outcomes on the Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (Rs-RARP) learning curve of a surgeon with previous experience of anterior (standard) RARP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The first 50 cases during the Rs-RARP learning curve (group 1) and 50 cases after the second 100 cases with the standard approach (group 2) were comprised in the study. Patients who used zero or one safety pads were considered continent. Erectile function recuperation was characterized as the competence to achieve penetrative intercourse without receiving any medication. All patients were reevaluated at two weeks, first, third, sixth, and 12th months after surgery using IIEF-5, PSA level, and continence status. RESULTS: Immediate continence rates following catheter removal were 32/50 (64%) in Rs-RARP group and 26/50 (52%) in S-RARP group (p = 0.224). The continence recovery rate was 48/50 (96%) in Rs-RARP group and 46/50 (92%) in the S-RARP group at 12 months follow-up (p = 0.400). Total nerve-sparing surgery was enforced in 36/50 (72%) patients for group 1 and 35/50 (70%) patients for group 2. Potency recovery was 27/43 (62.8%) in Rs-RARP and 30/44 (68.2%) for S-RARP at 12 months follow up (p = 0.597). Surgical margin positivity was detected in 6/50 (12%) cases in the Rs-RARP group and in 4/50 (8%) cases in the S-RARP (p = 0.444). CONCLUSIONS: Functional and oncological results are not negatively affected in the first 50 cases for a surgeon who is experienced in S-RARP before transition to the Rs-RARP method.

Predicting Strict Trifecta Outcomes after Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Comparison of RENAL, PADUA, and C-Index Scores.

Nephrometry scores are designed to characterize tumors and stratify the surgical complexity. It remains unclear as to which nephrometry score can accurately predict the surgical outcomes. We aimed to assess the utility of radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness, anterior/posterior, location (RENAL), preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomic classifications (PADUA), and centrality index (C-index) nephrometry scores for predicting the strict Trifecta achievement from a single institution series robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). We retrospectively identified the prospectively maintained robotic surgery database records of 91 patients who underwent RAPN between June 2015 and September 2020 in Antalya Training and Research Hospital. The main outcome of the study was the achievement of strict Trifecta (negative surgical margin, no major urologic complications, warm ischemia time ≤25 min, and ≥85% preservation of estimated glomerular filtration rate). A multivariable analysis was performed to identify the factors of strict Trifecta success. The mean patient age was 55.82 ± 13.37 years with a median clinical tumor size of 3.5 cm (IQR 2.5-4.9). The median RENAL, PADUA, and C-index score were 7(IQR 6-8), 8(IQR 7-10), and 2.01(IQR 1.64-2.72), respectively. A strict Trifecta could be achieved in 54 patients (59.3%). Clinical tumor size (P = 0.011), RENAL risk groups (low:reference; intermediate; P = 0.040; high; P = 0.009), PADUA risk groups (low:reference; intermediate; P = 0.044; high; P = 0.001) and C-index risk groups (low:reference; high; P = 0.015) were the independent predictors of strict Trifecta attainment in the multivariate analysis. None of the nephrometry scores were a superior predictor compared to other nephrometry scores in comparative analysis. RENAL, PADUA, and C-index scores were all independent predictors of a strict Trifecta achievement. Our comprehensive comparison of the three scores identified that none of the nephrometry scores proved to be inferior to others nephrometry scores.

Assessment of changes in penile sensation by electrophysiological study after radical prostatectomy: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the changes in penile sensation by electrophysiological tests in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and to demonstrate the role of dorsal penile nerve injury in postoperative erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six volunteer patients who were eligible for RP were included in the study. Preoperative penile sensory electromyography and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire were done for each patient. Erectile function assessment and electrophysiological evaluation of penile sensation were repeated at postoperative 3rd and 6th months. RESULTS: Postoperative IIEF-5 scores and electromyography values were significantly lower than preoperative findings (p < 0.05). The IIEF-5 scores in the nerve sparing-RP (NS-RP) group were significantly higher than the non-nerve sparing-RP (NNS-RP) group in the postoperative period. Nerve conduction velocity values in the NS-RP group were also higher than the NNS-RP group at the postoperative 3rd and 6th months. However, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent RP have decreased penile sensation due to cavernous nerve damage and a possible dorsal penile nerve injury. The decrease of penile sensation may be associated with postoperative erectile dysfunction.

The associations of RENAL, PADUA and C-index nephrometry scores with perioperative outcomes and postoperative renal function in minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the utility of the radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness, anterior/posterior, location (RENAL); preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomic evaluation (PADUA), and centrality index (C-index) scores for the outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients who underwent PN with contrast-enhanced preoperative imaging from January 2015 to June 2018 were identified. The RENAL, PADUA, and C-index scores were assigned. The correlation between these scoring systems and perioperative and long-term renal functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were included in the study (58 men and 20 women; age, 58±11.4 years). Median warm ischemia time (WIT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and operation time (OT) were 26 min, 115 mL, and 140 min, respectively. The RENAL score was related to WIT, EBL, and OT (p<0.001, p=0.003, and p=0.023, respectively). The PADUA score was associated with WIT, EBL, and OT (p<0.001, p=0.013, and p=0.005, respectively). The C-index score was correlated with WIT, EBL, and OT (p<0.001, p=0.010, and p=0.001, respectively). The C-index score also correlated with the percentage change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (p=0.037). However, on univariable and multivariable regression analyses, only WIT significantly affected the postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction. CONCLUSION: The RENAL, PADUA, and C-index scores were significantly associated with perioperative outcomes of PN. In addition, the C-index score was correlated with long-term renal functional outcomes.

Long-term outcomes of minimally invasive surgeries in partial nephrectomy. Robot or laparoscopy?

BACKGROUND: To compare long-term oncological and renal functional outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy for small renal masses. METHODS: A total of 103 patients who underwent laparoscopic (n = 31) and robotic (n = 72) partial nephrectomy between April 2015 and November 2018 were included in the study. Perioperative parameters, long-term oncological and functional outcomes were compared between the laparoscopic and robotic groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in terms of age, tumour size, RENAL and PADUA scores, pre-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and presence of chronic hypertension and diabetes (P = .479, P = .199, P = .120 and P = .073, P = .561, and P = .082 and P = .518, respectively). Only estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group in operative parameters (158.23 ± 72.24 mL vs. 121.11 ± 72.17 mL; P = .019), but transfusion rates were similar between the groups (P = .33). In the laparoscopic group, two patients (6.5%) required conversion to open, while no conversion was needed in the robotic group (P = .89). There were no differences in terms of positive surgical margin and complication rates (P = .636 and P = .829, respectively). No significant differences were observed in eGFR changes and post-operative new-onset chronic kidney disease at 1 year after the surgery (P = .768, P = .614, respectively). The overall mean follow-up period was 36.07 ± 13.56 months (P = .007). During the follow-up period, no cancer-related death observed in both group and non-cancer-specific survival was 93.5% and 94.4% in laparoscopic and robotic groups, respectively (P = .859). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, perioperative and long-term oncological and functional outcomes seems to be comparable between laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomies.

S100B level and cognitive dysfunction after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy procedures: a prospective observational study / Nível de S100B e disfunção cognitiva após prostatectomia radical laparoscópica assistida por robô: estudo observacional prospectivo

Abstract Background: The present study investigated the association between Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) and increased serum S100B level after Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP). Methods: The study included 82 consecutive patients who underwent RALRP. Serum S100B levels were determined preoperatively, after anesthesia induction, and at 30 minutes and 24 hours postoperatively. Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological testing preoperatively, and at 7 days and 3 months postoperatively. Results: Twenty four patients (29%) exhibited POCD 7 days after surgery, and 9 (11%) at 3 months after surgery. Serum S100B levels were significantly increased at postoperative 30 minutes and 24 hours in patients displaying POCD at postoperative 7 days (p = 0.0001 for both) and 3 months (p = 0.001 for both) compared to patients without POCD. Duration of anesthesia was also significantly longer in patients with POCD at 7 days and 3 months after surgery compared with patients without POCD (p = 0.012, p = 0.001, respectively), as was duration of Trendelenburg (p = 0.025, p = 0.002, respectively). Composite Z score in tests performed on day 7 were significantly correlated with duration of Trendelenburg and duration of anesthesia (p = 0.0001 for both). Conclusions: S100B increases after RALRP and this increase is associated with POCD development. Duration of Trendelenburg position and anesthesia contribute to the development of POCD. Trial Registry Number: Clinicaltrials.gov (N° NCT03018522).

Resumo Introdução: O presente estudo investigou a associação entre Disfunção Cognitiva Pós-Operatória (DCPO) e aumento do nível sérico de S100B após Prostatectomia Radical Laparoscópica Assistida por Robô (PRLAR). Métodos: O estudo incluiu 82 pacientes consecutivos submetidos à PRLAR. Os níveis séricos de S100B foram determinados: no pré-operatório, após indução anestésica, e aos 30 minutos e 24 horas do pós-operatório. A função cognitiva foi avaliada com testes neuropsicológicos no pré-operatório, no 7° dia pós-operatório (7 DPO) e aos 3 meses após a cirurgia (3 MPO). Resultados: Observamos 24 pacientes (29%) com DCPO no 7 DPO e 9 pacientes com DCPO (11%) após 3 meses da cirurgia. Quando comparados com os pacientes sem DCPO, os níveis séricos de S100B estavam significantemente aumentados aos 30 minutos e às 24 horas do pós-operatório nos pacientes que apresentaram DCPO no 7 DPO (p= 0,0001 para os dois momentos) e 3 meses após a cirurgia (p= 0,001 para os dois momentos) A duração anestésica também foi significantemente maior em pacientes com DCPO no 7 DPO e 3 MPO em comparação com pacientes sem DCPO (p= 0,012, p= 0,001, respectivamente), assim como a duração da posição de Trendelenburg (p= 0,025, p= 0,002, respectivamente). O escore Z composto nos testes realizados no 7 DPO foi significantemente correlacionado com a duração da posição de Trendelenburg e a duração da anestesia (p= 0,0001 para ambos). Conclusão: S100B aumenta após PRLAR e o aumento está associado ao desenvolvimento de DCPO. A duração anestésica e o tempo decorrido em posição de Trendelenburg contribuem para o desenvolvimento de DCPO. Número de registro do estudo: Clinicaltrials.gov (n° NCT03018522)

[S100B level and cognitive dysfunction after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy procedures: a prospective observational study]. / Nível de S100B e disfunção cognitiva após prostatectomia radical laparoscópica assistida por robô: estudo observacional prospectivo.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the association between Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) and increased serum S100B level after Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP). METHODS: The study included 82 consecutive patients who underwent RALRP. Serum S100B levels were determined preoperatively, after anesthesia induction, and at 30 minutes and 24 hours postoperatively. Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological testing preoperatively and at 7 days and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (29%) exhibited POCD 7 days after surgery, and 9 (11%) at 3 months after surgery. Serum S100B levels were significantly increased at postoperative 30minutes and 24 hours in patients displaying POCD at postoperative 7 days (p = 0.0001 for both) and 3 months (p = 0.001 for both) compared to patients without POCD. Duration of anesthesia was also significantly longer in patients with POCD at 7 days and 3 months after surgery compared with patients without POCD (p = 0.012, p = 0.001, respectively), as was duration of Trendelenburg (p = 0.025, p = 0.002, respectively). Composite Z score in tests performed on day 7 were significantly correlated with duration of Trendelenburg and duration of anesthesia (p = 0.0001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: S100B increases after RALRP and this increase is associated with POCD development. Duration of Trendelenburg position and anesthesia contribute to the development of POCD. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov (N° NCT03018522).

The effect of peritoneal re-approximation on lymphocele formation in transperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of peritoneal re-approximation at the end of the procedure in transperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (tRARP) and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy (ePLND) on operative, oncologic, and symptomatic lymphocele rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 79 patients were included in the study who underwent tRARP and bilateral ePLND performed by two different experienced surgeons. One of the surgeons performed the peritoneal re-approximation (Group 1, n=41) and the other did not re-approximate the peritoneum (Group 2, n=38) at the end of the procedure in tRARP and ePLND. Operative parameters and symptomatic lymphocele rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the preoperative parameters age, body mass index, and preoperative prostate-specific antigen values (p>0.05). The perioperative parameters were as follows: the operation time and estimated blood loss (EBL) was less, and the number of removed lymph nodes was higher in Group 2. However, only the difference in the EBL was statistically significant (p=0.03). Hospitalization time, symptomatic lymphocele, intervention requiring lymphocele, and complication rates were found to be less in Group 2, but only hospitalization time was statistically significant (p=0.04). Pathological parameters were similar for both groups. There was a significant correlation between lymph node positivity and the presence of symptomatic lymphocele in the correlation analysis (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: It has been shown in this study that the re-approximation of the peritoneum does not provide any additional benefit in terms of complications. Considering that this process also increases the operation time and lymphocele formation, we think there is no need for re-approximation after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Single-center experience of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) series for bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between October 2016 and June 2019, overall 57 patients (50 men, 7 women) were included in the study. Patient demographics, operative data, and postoperative pathological outcomes were evaluated. Patients who had a history of pelvic or Professional surgery due to other concurrent malignancy, radiation therapy, or lacked data were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64.72±9.09 years. The mean operation time, intraoperative estimated blood loss, and hospitalization time were 418.58±85.66 minutes, 313.00±79.16mL, and 13.44±5.25 days, respectively. The postoperative pathological stages were reported as pT0 (n=8), pTis (n=4), pT1 (n=4), pT2 (n=22), pT3a (n=11), pT3b (n=2), pT4a (n=4), pT4b (n=1), and other (n=1). The mean lymph node (LN) yield was 23.45±9.43. Positive LNs were found in 16 (28.1%) patients. Surgical margins were positive in 3 (5.26%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 15.42±8.31 months. According to the modified Clavien-Dindo system, minor (Clavien 1-2) and major (Clavien 3-5) complications occurred in 18 (31.58%) and 9 (15.78%) patients during the early (0-30 days) period and in 4 (7.02%) and 5 (8.77%) patients in the late (31-90 days) period. CONCLUSION: RARC and ePLND are complex but safe procedures with acceptable morbidity and excellent surgical and oncologic outcomes in muscle-invasive or high-risk bladder tumors.

Atypical Early Recurrence after Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: Port-Site Metastasis.

Port-site metastasis (PSM) have gained importance due to increasing number of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). To the best of our knowledge, there are 13 cases in the literature, with only one reporting, treatment modality and oncological outcome. There is no consensus about the treatment for PSM developing after RARC. Here, we report a PSM occurring in the early period after RARCand recommend a treatment modality.

When should the evaluation of erectile function be done before radical prostatectomy?

The aim of this study is to assess the erectile function of patients before and after transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy comparatively in order to determine the appropriate time to evaluate erectile function before radical prostatectomy. A total of 44 patients underwent transrectal ultrasound biopsy. We used the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire to assess all the patients. In total, 44 volunteered patients were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire before the biopsy and at 4 weeks after the transrectal ultrasound biopsy. A total of 50% of patients were potent before the biopsy was done. A month after the biopsies, erectile dysfunction was reported by 29 of 44 patients (66%) as mild in 10 (22.7%), as mild-moderate in 14 (31.8%), as moderate in 4 (9.1%), and severe in 1 (2.3%). The differences were statistically significant in the first month of the biopsy (p < 0.05). The effect of prostate biopsy upon the erectile function is non-negligible. However, this situation is temporary and transient. Therefore, it is recommended that the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire is to be administered prior to prostate biopsy rather than before surgical treatment.

Post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis: Feasibility and outcomes of initial cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience and short-term results in post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RA-RPLND) for advanced testicular cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected data of 5 patients who underwent post-chemotherapy RA-RPLND between August 2017 and May 2018. All patients had a diagnosis of non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) of testis and received three or four cycles of BEP chemotherapy for their clinical stage IIC disease before the surgery. Perioperative parameters (operation time, estimated blood loss and intraoperative complications) and postoperative findings (change in hematocrit, duration of hospitalization and postoperative complications) were noted. Pathological outcomes and postoperative radiological imaging in the 3rd month were investigated. RESULTS: RA-RPLND was completed successfully in all patients, and none of them required conversion to open surgery or early intervention. The median operation time was 309 minutes (range, 275-360), and median estimated blood loss was 180 mL (range, 150-210). One patient required postoperative transfusion of 1U red blood cells. The histologic examination of the specimens revealed necrosis in 3, and mature teratoma in 2 patients. The median hospitalization time after surgery was 2 days. During a median follow-up of 10 months (range 7-12), there were no retroperitoneal recurrences or distant metastasis in radiological imaging. No major complication (Clavien ≥3) or death occurred. The only minor complication was transfusion of red blood cells in one patient (Clavien 2) and the overall complication rate was 20 percent. CONCLUSION: Post-chemotherapy RA-RPLND appears to be a feasible and oncologically safe procedure with acceptable operative morbidity. However, this technique should be applied in centers highly experienced in robotic surgery, considering that RPLND is a surgery with fatal complications.

Does Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Affect Renal Intravascular Parameters and Glomerular Filtration Rate?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the effects of intra-abdominal pressure and steep Trendelenburg position on the intrarenal vascular parameters and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the first 24 hours of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) surgery. METHODS: We prospectively studied 31 men who underwent RARP for prostate cancer in our clinic between September and December 2017. Preoperative color Doppler ultrasonographic (CDUS) measurements of renal intravascular parameters were obtained 24 hours before the operation. Similarly, postoperative CDUS measurements were performed 24 hours after RARP. Preoperative serum creatinine (Cr) level and eGFR were noted. On the postoperative first day, serum Cr levels were checked and eGFR was calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of men was 61.9 years, and the mean operation time was 268.5 minutes. No significant differences between preoperative and postoperative intrarenal vascular parameters were observed (P > .05). Serum creatinine was significantly increased (P = .019), but eGFR did not change statistically significant after RARP (P = .144). While the change in the mean resistive index (ΔRI) was affected by intravenous (i.v.) infused fluid volume and renal width; the change in the mean pulsatility index (ΔPI) was only affected by renal width. Also, the change in the mean peak systolic velocity (ΔPSV) was related to age, i.v. infused fluid volume, and renal parenchymal thickness. Finally, the change in the mean end-diastolic velocity (ΔEDV) was related to age and renal width. CONCLUSION: Renal functions and intrarenal vascular parameters return to baseline levels 24 hours after RARP.

Outcomes of infants undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty: A single-center experience.

PURPOSE:: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children less than 12 months of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: The records of 20 infants, who had pelviureteric junction obstruction and subsequently underwent LP from January 2013 to November 2016 with at least 1 year of follow-up, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients demographics, the results of preoperative and postoperative imaging studies, perioperative details, complications, and results were noted. RESULTS:: The mean age of 20 infants was 4.75 months. The gender of cases was 5 females (25%) and 15 males (75%). Of that, 13 (65%) laparoscopic pyeloplasties were in left side and 7 (35%) were in right side. No cases needed open conversation. Aberrant crossing vessel was observed in three patients (15%). The mean operation time was 79.35 min (45-128 min). The mean hospital stay was 2.9 ± 0.308 days (2-3 days). There were complications in three children (15%); two patients developed stent migration and one child had fever over 38°. Three children with complications did not require a second intervention. In one child, the kidney was non-functioning in follow-up and nephrectomy was performed. The anteroposterior diameter significantly reduced. Preoperative mean value was 24.305 ± 5.6157 and postoperative mean value was 15.40 ± 6.030 (p = 0.000, p < 0.05). There was a significant degree of improvement in renal split function for all patients. Preoperative mean values were 45.53 ± 11.512, while postoperative values were 47.850 ± 13.347 (p = 0.029, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:: Although there are doubts about the reliability and efficacy of results for pyeloplasty in children less 12 months, many studies including this study show that laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an effective and reliable method for infants.