Comparative analysis of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy: the HUGO™ RAS system versus the DaVinci® Xi system.

BACKGROUND: Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy (RASP) has emerged as a promising alternative in the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). However, there is currently a lack of comparative studies evaluating different robotic platforms for performing RASP. Therefore, we aimed to compare perioperative and functional outcomes of RASP performed using the HUGO™ RAS System versus the DaVinci® Xi System. METHODS: Forty consecutive cases of RASP performed between May 2021 and March 2023 with the HUGO™ RAS and the DaVinci® Xi at OLV Hospital (Aalst, Belgium) were included in this retrospective study. All surgeries were performed by three experienced surgeons using the same approach. Baseline characteristics, peri-operative and functional outcomes were collected and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The population was equally divided between the two groups with 20 patients in each group. There were no significant differences in preoperative patient characteristics between the two groups, except for the presence of bladder stones prior to the surgery (p = 0.03). No significant differences in total operative time and console time between the two groups were reported (p = 0.3). No cases required conversion to open surgery or additional port placement. During one case performed with the HUGO™ RAS, a malfunctioning monopolar curved shear had to be replaced. However, there was no statistically significant differences in terms of technical robotic problems between the groups (p = 0.3). There was no significant difference between the two groups in perioperative and functional outcomes (all p ≥ 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe any statistically significant difference in perioperative and functional outcomes in case of RASP performed with the HUGO™ RAS System and with the DaVinci® Xi System. These findings provide compelling support for considering the HUGO™ RAS as a promising tool for robot-assisted procedures, thereby expanding the utilization of robotics for benign conditions.

Changes in serum PSA after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate are predictive for the future diagnosis of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: After Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate (EEP) for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), men remain at risk for prostate cancer (PCa). Significant PSA changes occur after enucleation, which interfere with later screening for PCa. It remains unclear which patients need further diagnostic investigations for PCa after EEP. The goal of this study was to identify an independent predictor for PCa diagnosis after Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) in patients whose HoLEP resection specimen did not show PCa. METHODS: Data of 773 patients who underwent HoLEP for BPO between 2010 and 2018 in a referral center were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were PCa detection in the HoLEP specimen or absence of post-operative PSA values. Patients were divided in a PCa group and Control group depending on whether or not PCa was detected during follow-up after HoLEP. The predictive value for future diagnosis of PCa of different forms of PSA-change after HoLEP was analyzed by multivariate Cox regression and ROC analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 24 (4.2%) patients developed PCa after HoLEP. At 5 year follow-up, the PCa-free survival rate was 85%. First post-operative PSA was an independent predictor of PCa diagnosis after HoLEP (HR 1.106, 95% CI 1.074-1.139, p < 0.001, ROC AUC 0.903) with an optimal cut-off value of 1.73 ng/ml (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 82.3%). CONCLUSIONS: For patients who underwent HoLEP for BPO, post-operative PSA after HoLEP is an independent predictor for future PCa diagnosis. When PSA is > 1.73 ng/ml within the first year after HoLEP, rigorous follow-up and diagnostic investigations for PCa are indicated.

Perioperative and oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted vs. open radical cystectomy in bladder cancer patients: A comparison of two high-volume referral centers.

OBJECTIVES: To examine perioperative and oncologic outcomes of open (ORC) and robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in bladder cancer (BCa) patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 368 consecutive patients with cT1-4 M0 BCa treated at two high-volume European centers between 2004 and 2013 were evaluated. Data on complications, operative time, blood loss, postoperative transfusion, reoperation, length of stay (LOS), positive margins, recurrence, cancer-specific mortality (CSM), and overall survival were evaluated. Uni- and multivariable regression analyses tested the impact of the surgical approach on perioperative and oncologic outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 230 (62.5%) and 138 (37.5%) patients were treated with ORC and RARC. In multivariable analyses RARC patients had higher odds of prolonged operative time and low-grade complications (all P ≤ 0.001). Patients treated with ORC had higher odds of blood loss >500 ml and prolonged LOS (all P ≤ 0.03). No differences were observed in high-grade complications and positive margins (all P ≥ 0.06). No differences were observed in 5-year recurrence-free and CSM-free survival rates between patients treated with ORC vs. RARC (57.1 vs. 54.2% and 61.9 vs. 73.5%; all P ≥ 0.3). This was confirmed in multivariable analyses, where the surgical approach was not associated with the risk of recurrence and CSM (all P ≥ 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Although ORC might be associated with a shorter operative time, RARC led to lower blood loss and shorter LOS. No differences exist in high-grade complications and positive margins. RARC and ORC provide similar oncologic control.

Robot-assisted excision of a pararectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a patient with previous ileal neobladder.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract with surgical resection remaining the cornerstone of therapy. Pararectal lesions are considered to be technically difficult and pose in some cases a challenge. We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first robotic-assisted pararectal GIST excision. A 43-year-old man was referred to our center with pararectal GIST recurrence, despite treatment with targeted therapy. Eleven years ago, he underwent extensive abdominal surgery including cystoprostatectomy with ileal neobladder diversion due to GIST resection in the rectoprostatic space. Robot-assisted surgical resection was successfully performed without the need for temporary colostomy. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and the pathology report confirmed a GIST recurrence with negative surgical margins and pelvic lymph nodes free of any tumor. Robotic-assisted pelvic surgery can be extended to incorporate excision of pararectal GISTs, as a safe, less invasive surgical alternative with promising oncological results and minimal injury to adjacent structures.

Robot-assisted renal surgery: current indications and results.

Robotic technology is the natural evolution and simplification of traditional laparoscopy. Robotic surgery has the same benefits of traditional laparoscopic surgery in terms of cosmetic results, pain control and short in-hospital stay. However, magnified three-dimensional vision and the use of fully articulated wristed-instruments allow to increase the precision control. Recently, robotic surgery has been even more used in urology. In fact, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is currently the most common treatment used for localized prostate cancer in the United States. Perioperative and functional outcomes resulted significantly better after RARP. As a consequence of the diffusion of RARP, other urological procedures were performed using the robotic approach. Particular attention has been paid to the use of robotic surgery for the treatment of benign and malignant renal diseases. In 2002 the first robot-assisted pyeloplasty was performed followed by the first robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. This last procedure had widespread a lot in the last years and it can currently be considered as the main alternative to the traditional open partial nephrectomy. Finally, the evolution of technology and surgeon skills allowed us to consider the less invasive approaches also for renal transplantation surgery and vena cava tumor thrombectomy. The objective of this review was to analyze current indications and outcomes of robot-assisted procedures for the treatment of benign and malignant renal diseases.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: tips, tricks and pitfalls.

In the last decade, we have assisted to the progressive standardization of the surgical technique of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). This article describes in details our current surgical technique to perform nerve-sparing RARP. Specifically, we took in consideration the tips, tricks and pitfalls of each step of RARP according to our experience.

Influence of steep Trendelenburg position and CO(2) pneumoperitoneum on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory homeostasis during robotic prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The steep (40 degrees ) Trendelenburg position optimizes surgical exposure during robotic prostatectomy. The goal of the current study was to investigate the combined effect of this position and CO(2) pneumoperitoneum on cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory homeostasis during these procedures. METHODS: Physiological data were recorded during the whole surgical procedure in 31 consecutive patients who underwent robotic endoscopic radical prostatectomy under general anaesthesia. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, Sp(o(2)), Pe'(co(2)), P(Plat), tidal volume, compliance, and minute ventilation were monitored and recorded. Arterial samples were obtained to determine the arterial-to-end-tidal CO(2) tension gradient. Continuous regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (Sct(o(2))) was determined by near-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: Although patients were in the Trendelenburg position, all variables investigated remained within a clinically acceptable range. Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) decreased from 77 mm Hg at baseline to 71 mm Hg (P=0.07), and Sct(o(2)) increased from 70% to 73% (P<0.001). Pe'(co(2)) increased from 4.12 to 4.79 kPa (P<0.001) and the arterial-to-Pe'(co(2)) tension difference increased from 1.06 kPa in the normal position to a maximum of 1.41 kPa (P<0.001) after 2 h in the Trendelenburg position. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the prolonged steep Trendelenburg position and CO(2) pneumoperitoneum was well tolerated. Haemodynamic and pulmonary variables remained within safe limits. Regional cerebral oxygenation was well preserved and CPP remained within the limits between which cerebral blood flow is usually considered to be maintained by cerebral autoregulation.

Pulmonary gas exchange is well preserved during robot assisted surgery in steep Trendelenburg position.

INTRODUCTION: During robot assisted hysterectomies and prostatectomies, surgical exposure demands the application of a CO2 pneumoperitoneum with a very steep Trendelenburg position (40 degrees). The extent to which oxygenation and ventilation might be compromised intra-operatively remains poorly documented. METHODS: Dead-space ventilation and venous admixture were determined in 18 patients undergoing robot assisted hysterectomy (n = 6) or prostatectomy (n = 12). Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane in O2 or O2/air, with the inspired O2 fraction left at the discretion of the attending anesthesiologist. Controlled mechanical ventilation was used, but 15 min after assuming the Trendelenburg position and up until resuming the supine position pressure controlled ventilation was used. Dead-space ventilation and venous admixture were determined using Bohr's formula and Nunn's iso-shunt diagram, respectively, at the following 7 stages of the procedure: 15 min after induction; 5 min after applying the CO2 pneumoperitoneum (intra-abdominal pressure 12 mm Hg) but while still supine; 5, 60, and 120 min after assuming the Trendelenburg positioning; and 5 and 15 min after reassuming the supine position. RESULTS: Venous admixture did not change. Dead-space ventilation increased after Trendelenburg positioning, and returned to baseline values after resuming the supine position. However, individual patterns varied widely. DISCUSSION: The lung has a remarkable yet incompletely understood capacity to withstand the effects of a CO2 pneumoperitoneum and steep Trendelenburg position during general anesthesia. While individual responses vary and should be monitored, effects on dead-space ventilation and venous admixture are small and should not be an obstacle to provide optimal surgical exposure during robot assisted prostatectomy or hysterectomy.

[Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy]. / Roboterassistierte laparoskopische radikale Zystektomie.

Recent reports have demonstrated that robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy is technically feasible. However, wide-spread acceptance of this promising technique is limited due to long operating times and lacking long-term data especially on oncological outcome. After establishing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (n=250) we report technical and functional results of a large series of patients undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy with the da Vinci surgical system (DVSS).27 patients (24 males) underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with the DVSS (Intuitive Surgical) between Jan 2004 and Dec 2006. Indications for cystectomy were muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) or leiomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder (n=24) and bladder shrinking following prior radiotherapy for TCC (n=3). A pelvic lymphadenectomy was routine part of the procedure. Urinary diversions were ilieal conduits (n=19) and ileal neobladders (n=8). Mean operating time was 340 minutes (range 150-450) with a mean blood loss of 301 mL (range 50-550). The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved during lymphadenectomy was 23. Surgical margins were negative except in one case. After a mean follow-up of 10.2 months, 2 perioperative (anastomotic leakage, adhesions) and 3 postoperative complications (ileus, intestinal fistula) occurred. 6/7 patients reported satisfying erectile function following nerve-sparing surgery. Day-time continence was completely restored after a mean 3.5 months in 7/8 patients.Robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy is a safe procedure. Satisfying functional and oncological short-term results can be achieved within acceptable operating time limits.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy: initial experience on 27 consecutive patients.

Recent reports have demonstrated that robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy is technically feasible. We report technical and functional results of a large series of patients undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy with the da Vinci surgical system (DVSS). A total of 27 patients (24 males) underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with the DVSS (intuitive surgical) between January 2004 and December 2005. Indications for cystectomy were muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) or leiomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder (n = 24) and bladder shrinking following prior radiotherapy for TCC. A pelvic lymphadenectomy was a routine part of the procedure. Urinary diversions were ilieal conduits (n = 19) and ileal neobladders (n = 8). Mean operating time was 340 min (range 150-450) with a mean blood loss of 301 ml (range 50-550). The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved during lymphadenectomy was 23. Surgical margins were negative except in one case. After a mean follow-up of 10.2 months, two perioperative (anastomotic leakage, adhesions) and three postoperative complications (ileus, intestinal fistula, urinary tract obstruction) occurred. Six out of seven patients reported satisfying erectile function following nerve-sparing surgery. Day-time continence was completely restored after a mean 3.5 months in seven of eight patients. Robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy is a safe procedure. Satisfying functional and oncological short-term results can be achieved within acceptable operating time limits.

Major intra-abdominal complications following extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

A retroperitoneal bleeding is an unusual complication of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), which can be treated in a conservative way most of the time. However, an intra-abdominal bleeding after ESWL is extremely rare, which can cause life-threatening situations and requires an immediate intervention. Probably, only patients with a certain tissue fragility or connective tissue disorder are at risk to develop such an intra-abdominal bleeding. We present a case of a serious intra-abdominal bleeding due to a rupture of the vena mesenterica superior in an Ehlers-Danlos patient, evoked by an ESWL.

Transurethral prostatectomy: a long-term follow-up study of 166 patients over 80 years of age.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, the medical records of 166 patients over 80 years of age (80-99 years, mean age 82 years) who underwent transurethral prostatectomy (TURP) for clinically benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were reviewed in order to evaluate the morbidity and mortality rates in this special group of patients. The mean follow-up was 60 months (6-85 months). RESULTS: According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists operative risk classification, 147 (88.5%) patients were found to be of groups ASA III and IV. All patients had at least one serious associated medical disease. Early complications occurred in 25.9% (n = 43) of patients. Late significant urology complications were noted in 13.2% (n = 22) of patients. Reoperation was carried out in 4.2% (n = 7) of cases. Two patients died within 30 days after the operation (1.2%). During the period of follow-up 43 patients died. Comparing the survival curve (according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis) of our group with the expected survival rate of the age-matched overall population, no statistical difference could be observed. CONCLUSION: Being aware of the limits of a retrospective study, we believe that TURP as a treatment for BPH in patients over the age of 80 years has a satisfactory outcome with an acceptable morbidity and mortality rate.

Analysis of meatal location in 500 men: wide variation questions need for meatal advancement in all pediatric anterior hypospadias cases.

The high incidence (70%) of anterior hypospadias, mostly without penile curvature, in our pediatric hypospadias patients led us to study the meatal location in normal men to investigate if meatal advancement in all patients with anterior hypospadias can be justified when the wide variation of meatal locations in normal men is considered. The location of the external meatus was analyzed in 500 men (mean age 57 years) with classification of the meatal position in relation to the tip of the glans and corona. Quality of erections and sexual intercourse, presence or absence of penile curvature, urinary stream and ability to void in a standing position were assessed in an interview. Of the 500 men only 275 (55%) were normal with the meatus in the distal third of the glans, while 65 (13%) had anterior hypospadias (glanular in 49, coronal in 15 and subcoronal in 1). In 160 men (32%) the urethral meatus was located in the mid third of the glans. Analyzing coronal and subcoronal hypospadias further, all but 6 patients were not aware of any penile anomaly, all but 1 homosexual patient have fathered children and only 1 had penile curvature (subcoronal hypospadias). However, all patients participated in sexual intercourse without problems and were able to void in a standing position with a single stream. In our study of 500 "normal" men the meatal location varied widely with only 55% of all meatus at the tip of the glans and significant hypospadias in patients without complaints about cosmetic or functional aspects. We believe that these observations might question the need for meatal advancement in cases of anterior hypospadias without associated penile curvature.

Antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicocele in childhood and adolescence.

OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of antegrade scrotal sclerotherapy (ASS) for the treatment of varicocele in teenagers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 38 patients (mean age 14.9 years, range 12-18) with left-sided varicocele. Three patients had a grade 1 varicocele, 22 were grade 2 and 13 were grade 3. ASS was performed under local anaesthesia on an out-patient basis. RESULTS: ASS was accepted by all patients except one. There were no peri-operative problems and only one patient developed post-operative epididymitis. During 9 to 15 months of follow-up (mean 11 months), only two patients developed persistence of a lower grade of varicocele. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates that ASS is a safe and successful out-patient procedure for the treatment of varicocele in teenagers.

Maximum androgen deprivation prior to radical retropubic prostatectomy in patients with stage T3 adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Eighty-two patients with stage T3 carcinoma of the prostate were treated for 3 months prior to radical retropubic prostatectomy with a luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone analogue and an antiandrogen. Based on digital rectal examination (DRE), reduction of prostate and tumor size was noted in all cases. Ultrasound demonstrated a decrease in prostatic volume between 0 and 62.5% (median 32%). Prostate-specific antigen levels (PSA, Hybritech) decreased substantially (mean PSA of 29.5 ng/ml before to a mean PSA of 1.3 ng/ml after hormonal treatment). Pathologically, only 15 patients (18.3%) had organ-confined disease (stage pT2), 44 (53.7%) had stage pT3 tumors and 22 (26.8%) had positive lymph nodes. In 1 surgical specimen (1.2%), no residual tumor was identified. In 5 patients with nodal metastasis and 13 patients with seminal vesicle invasion, PSA levels after pretreatment were below 0.5 ng/ml. Compared to the preoperative needle biopsy, a decrease in the histological grade was found in only 7 tumors, while an increase was noted in 26. DRE, ultrasound and PSA suggest a downstaging of stage T3 prostate cancer after 3 months of maximum androgen deprivation. This cannot be confirmed pathologically. Prospective studies with this treatment regimen should concentrate on a possible benefit concerning local and distant cancer control and survival.

Rheumatoid nodules located in the penis of a methotrexate-treated patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

A case is reported in which a patient with a rheumatoid factor-negative rheumatoid arthritis developed rheumatoid nodules in the penis during treatment with methotrexate. The development of rheumatoid nodules in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis patients is extremely rare. An acceleration of rheumatoid nodules in methotrexate-treated rheumatoid arthritis patients is reported in literature. Regarding the case reported here, we propose a causal relationship between methotrexate-treatment and the development of rheumatoid nodules in our patient. Methotrexate should not be the preferential treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis developing rheumatoid nodules and suffering from vasculitis.