The impact of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum on robotic-assisted radical cystectomy and intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of low intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in improving postoperative recovery in Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion (ICUD). METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of 49 bladder cancer patients offered RARC/ICUD with standard (12 mmHg, n = 24) or low IAP (8 mmHg, n = 25). Outcomes of interest included length of procedure (LoP), estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, margin positivity rates, time to first flatus (TtFF), time to first bowel movement (TtFBM), ileus and small bowel obstruction (SBO) rates, time to safe discharge (TtSD), postoperative hospital stay (PHS) and pain levels on a postoperative day (POD) 1 and 3. Perioperative complications were recorded using the Clavien-Dindo system. RESULTS: Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics, LoP, EBL and margin positivity rates were similar between groups. No transfusions were recorded. Median (IQR) TtFF, TtFBM and TtSD were significantly longer in Group 1 vs Group 2 (4 (1) vs 2 (1), 7 (3) vs 6 (2) and 8.5 (5.75) vs 5.0 (1), respectively). PHS and rates of postoperative ileus and SBO were lower in Group 2, however not statistically significant. Severe pain was uncommon in both groups but moderate/severe pain was significantly higher in Group 1 (95.8% vs 48% on POD1 and 62.5% vs 16% on POD3). No significant intraoperative complications were recorded and ≥ Grade 3 postoperative complications at 30 and 90 days were similar. CONCLUSION: With limitations, Low-IAP RARC can be safely offered to RARC/ICUD patients and leads to faster bowel recovery, and shorter time to safe discharge compared to standard pneumoperitoneum.

Case report of ureteric transection of lower moiety in high-speed road traffic collision.

Ureteric injuries from blunt trauma are rare in adults requiring prompt diagnosis and management. To our knowledge this is the second case report of a complete transection of the ureter due to blunt injury at the pelvi-ureteric junction in an adult. Following a high-speed road traffic collision, a 26-year-old female with bilateral duplex kidneys was admitted with complete transection of the lower moiety of her right collecting system confirmed on computed tomography Urogram. This was repaired successfully with a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique in keeping with European Association of Urology guidelines. A 3-month follow-up MAG 3 renogram indicated adequate drainage from the right kidney with no evidence of obstruction. This successful outcome demonstrates a laparoscopic repair is achievable and favourable, improving post-operative recovery and reduction of inpatient length of stay. We recommend that a laparoscopic approach should be attempted unless laparotomy is indicated for other injuries.

Endoscopic surgical simulation using low-fidelity and virtual reality transurethral resection simulators in urology simulation boot camp course: trainees feedback assessment study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to study trainees' feedback and rating of models for training transurethral resection of bladder lesions (TURBT) and prostate (TURP) during simulation. METHODS: The study was performed during the ''Transurethral resection (TUR) module" at the boot camp held in 2019. Prior to the course, all trainees were required to evaluate their experience in performing TURBT and TURP procedures. Trainees simulated resection on two different models; low-fidelity tissue model (Samed, GmBH, Dresden, Germany) and virtual reality simulator (TURPMentor, 3D Systems, Littleton, US). Following the completion of the module, trainees completed a questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale to evaluate their assessment of the models for surgical training. RESULTS: In total, 174 simulation assessments were performed by 56 trainees (Samed Bladder-40, Prostate-45, TURPMentor Bladder-51, Prostate-37). All trainees reported that they had performed < 50 TUR procedures. The Samed model median scores were for appearance (4/5), texture (5/5), feel (5/5) and conductibility (5/5). The TURPMentor median score was for appearance (4/5), texture and feel (4/5) and conductibility (4/5). The most common criticism of the Samed model was that it failed to mimic bleeding. In contrast, trainees felt that the TURPMentor haptic feedback was inadequate to allow for close resection and did not calibrate movements accurately. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that both forms of simulators (low-fidelity and virtual reality) were rated highly by urology trainees and improve their confidence in performing transurethral resection and in fact complement each other in providing lower tract endoscopic resection simulation.

Design, implementation, and evaluation of a novel curriculum to teach transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): a 3-year experience of urology simulation bootcamp course.

OBJECTIVES: To present the three-year experience of the multi-component TURP module at Urology Simulation Bootcamp Course (USBC) and demonstrate trainee's competence progression and satisfaction. METHODS: During the USBC, a 4-h TURP module was developed and consisted of (a) familiarisation and assembly of resectoscope instrument, (b) didactic lecture on TURP operative techniques and postoperative complications, (c) learning hands-on resection on validated simulators [Samed, GmBH, Dresden, Germany; TURP Mentor™, Simbionix, Israel], and (d) practicing clot evacuation using the Ellik bladder Evacuator. Trainee's level of instrument knowledge, operative competence, and confidence were assessed pre- and post-course. Trainee's feedback was also collected. RESULTS: One hundred thirty trainees participated in the USBC between 2016 and 2018. Eighty-seven percent of trainees scored themselves as 1-3 (low confidence in resection) on a 5-point Likert scale. Trainees significantly improved in their ability to perform resectoscope assembly for resection, coagulation and incision by 33.6% (p < 0.001), 28.1% (p < 0.001) and 34.0% (p < 0.001), respectively. There was a significant improvement in scores in itemised technical skill on the TURP simulator following completion of the TURP module (Mean difference = 3.4 points, 95% CI 2-4, p < 0.001). Ninety-one percent of trainees agreed that the TURP module was useful for their development in urological training. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that it is feasible to develop and implement a focussed module for teaching TURP with significant improvement in learning. Trainee feedback suggests that they were highly satisfied with the teaching provided and models used. This style of training can be implemented for other common surgical procedures.

Is it the End for Urologic Pelvic Laparoscopic Surgery?

AIM: To scrutinize the rapid development of robotic versus traditional laparoscopic technique in pelvic urologic surgery. INTRODUCTION: In the last few decades, advances in research and development have led to tremendous progress in medical diagnostics and treatment of disease. Minimally invasive surgery has moved from experimental to becoming the dominant form of surgical management across the surgical specialties. Laparoscopy is nowadays used widely in abdominal surgery, from simple diagnostic laparoscopy to complex colorectal and gynecologic cancer procedures. METHODS: A literature search of electronic databases (PubMed, Medscape, Embase) using the key words: "pelvic laparoscopy, urologic oncology, robotic surgery, minimally invasive access" was performed for all relevant articles in the English language. Data were extrapolated from the abstracts alone to avoid subjective bias in drawing conclusions. RESULTS: Telemedicine and telesurgery, the diagnostic and operative process is conducted from a distance. The surgeon uses computer-assisted surgery away from the bedside via a robotic system and performs the surgical task at hand. In pelvic urological cancer surgery the use of robotic technique expands to female and reconstructive procedures as well. The leap forward is so massive, that traditional laparoscopic surgery is starting to be considered less, with a growing number of organizations being now more interested in developing a robotic service. Minimally invasive surgical techniques aim to improve surgical outcome in conjunction with delivery of high-quality patient care. Quality studies demonstrating superiority and cost effectiveness are lacking, however. CONCLUSIONS: Although tremendous accomplishments took place over a few years, there is still a lot of ground to be covered in standardizing the learning process and evaluating the outcome from the application of new technologies in the field of robotic pelvic surgery.