Prostatic Fossa Pseudoaneurysm After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP): A Case Report.

BACKGROUND RARP is an established procedure in treatment of localized prostate cancer. Hemorrhagic complications in the postoperative period are rare, but sometimes life-threatening. Adequate monitoring and prompt intervention in these unusual scenarios rely on clinical judgement and blood and imaging studies. Prostatic fossa pseudoaneurysm formation after RARP is very rare and its etiology is not well known; it may be related to small vessel trauma. It becomes apparent with the development of hematuria 1-6 weeks after surgery. CASE REPORT A 58-year-old man underwent RARP with extended lymph node dissection for intermediate-risk prostate cancer, with bilateral preservation of neurovascular bundles and puboprostatic ligaments. He was discharged on day 2 without complications. In the following 4 weeks he came to the Emergency Department 3 times with hematuria and acute urinary retention. Four weeks after surgery, a pelvic CT angiogram showed a 20-mm pseudoaneurysm in the prostatic fossa, which was embolized by percutaneous angiography, with resolution of symptoms. He was discharged soon thereafter. CONCLUSIONS This case study describes a patient with prostatic fossa pseudoaneurysm after RARP. It was diagnosed 1 month after surgery and effectively managed by percutaneous embolization. Despite being a very rare condition, it must be kept in mind, especially when postoperative hematuria develops 1-6 weeks after surgery. Use of a management algorithm including serial blood tests, CT angiogram, and percutaneous angiography can lead to early detection and avoid life-threatening hemorrhage and overall postoperative morbidity.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for a case of transition zone prostate cancer.

Standard treatment approaches for localized prostate cancer remain limited to active surveillance, radiotherapy, and radical prostatectomy. We present a case of transition zone prostate cancer that was treated with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, a procedure that is normally reserved for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Comparison of urinary incontinence following three different prostate apex disconnection techniques in transurethral thulium laser prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the incidence of urinary incontinence following transurethral thulium laser prostatectomy with three different prostate apex disconnection techniques: semi-separation, pre-separation, and post-separation. The findings aim to provide references for clinical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 74 patients treated with transurethral thulium laser prostatectomy for prostatic hyperplasia from April 2022 to March 2023. Complete clinical and follow-up data were available for 52 patients. Clinical and follow-up data were collected for these patients. A comparison was made of urinary incontinence following the three different types of prostate apex disconnection in transurethral thulium laser prostatectomy. RESULTS: In this study, the immediate postoperative urinary incontinence rate for transurethral thulium laser prostatectomy was 9.62% (5/52), the short-term incontinence rate was 11.54% (5/52), and the long-term incontinence rate was 9.62% (5/52). The immediate postoperative incontinence rates for semi-separation, pre-separation, and post- separation were 8.33% (1/12), 8.33% (2/24), and 12.5% (2/16), respectively. The short-term incontinence rates for semi-separation, pre-separation, and post-separation were 8.33% (1/12), 8.33% (2/24), and 18.75% (3/16), respectively. The long-term incontinence rates for semi-separation, pre-separation, and post-separation were 8.33% (1/12), 8.33% (2/24), and 12.5% (2/16), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of urinary incontinence following transurethral thulium laser prostatectomy was lower with semi-separation and pre-separation compared to post-separation.

Single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive update on the different techniques and outcomes of contemporary Single-Port (SP) Robotic Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) approaches. METHODS: A literature review was performed to identify cohort studies that have utilized the purpose-built SP robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, California) for RARP. All published approaches of SP-RARP were included in our review. Baseline clinical, perioperative, and postoperative oncological and functional outcomes were collected from the included studies. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies involving 1159 patients were identified. To date, five approaches of SP-RARP have been described, namely Transperitoneal, Extraperitoneal, Retzius-Sparing, Transperineal, and Transvesical. The surgical steps and clinical outcomes of the aforementioned approaches were discussed. While operating times were still faster in the Transperitoneal and Extraperitoneal cohorts, the novel and more regionalized Transvesical approach allowed for radical prostatectomy to be pursued in more patients with previous abdominal surgeries and contributed to significantly improved postoperative outcomes, including the earlier return of urinary continence and with most patients being discharged on the same day without any opioids. CONCLUSION: Based on the existing literature, the introduction of SP-RARP not only enriched the repertoire of minimally-invasive surgical treatment options for prostate cancer but also provided the opportunity for urologists to develop new techniques that can improve perioperative outcomes and postoperative quality of life. Given the limited number of patients and heterogeneity in the patient selection and reporting of postoperative outcomes, further research remains necessary to better understand the different benefits and improve patient selection algorithms for the different techniques.

Limited prognostic role of routine serum markers (AP, CEA, LDH and NSE) in oligorecurrent prostate cancer patients undergoing PSMA-radioguided surgery.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the prognostic role of pre-salvage prostate-specific membrane antigen-radioguided surgery (PSMA-RGS) serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (AP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who consecutively underwent PSMA-RGS for prostate cancer (PCa) oligorecurrence between January 2019 and January 2022 were selected. Biomarkers were assessed one day before surgery. Cox regression and logistic regression models tested the relationship between biochemical recurrence-free survival (BFS), 6- and 12-month biochemical recurrence (BCR), and several independent variables, including biomarkers. RESULTS: 153 consecutive patients were analyzed. In the univariable Cox regression analysis, none of the biomarkers achieved predictor status (AP: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03, 95% CI 0.99, 1.01; p = 0.19; CEA: HR = 1.73, 95% CI 0.94, 1.21; p = 0.34; LDH: HR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.01; p = 0.05; NSE: HR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.98, 1.06; p = 0.39). The only independent predictor of BFS was the number of positive lesions on PSMA PET (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.02, 1.30; p = 0.03). The number of positive lesions was confirmed as independent predictor for BCR within 6 and 12 months (BCR < 6 months: odds ratio [OR] = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0, 1.3; p = 0.04; BCR < 12 months: OR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0, 1.3; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The assessment of AP, CEA, LDH, and NSE before salvage PSMA-RGS showed no prognostic impact. Further studies are needed to identify possible predictors that will optimize patient selection for salvage PSMA-RGS.

[Antibacterial prophylaxis with fosfomycin at the time of the urethral catheter removal after radical prostatectomy (prospective randomized trial)].

AIM: To evaluate the effect of antibacterial prophylaxis using oral fosfomycin during the removal of a urethral catheter after radical prostatectomy on the development of urinary tract infection, severity of leukocyturia and bacteriuria, as well as the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center, non-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial was carried out. The main group included 40 patients, and the control group included 37 patients. In the group 1, patients received two doses of oral fosfomycin, 3 g, namely in the evening on the day of catheter removal (the first dose) and 48 hours after catheter removal (the second dose). In the group 2, patients did not receive any antibacterial prophylaxis after urethral catheter removal. The endpoints of the study were confirmed episodes of urinary tract infection within 1 month after removal of the urethral catheter, leukocyturia and bacteriuria in urinalysis/urine culture) and severity of the lower urinary tract symptoms assessed by IPSS questionnaire. RESULTS: In the group 2, urinary tract infection was noted in 17.1%, while in the group 2 only in 2.6% of patients (p=0.032). Leukocyturia and bacteriuria were significantly less common in the group receiving antibacterial prophylaxis with fosfomycin (18.4% vs. 48.6%, respectively; p=0.006). Positive urine culture was observed in 7.9% vs. 25.7%, respectively (p=0.035). Four weeks after removal of the urethral catheter, the average IPSS score was significantly higher in the group 2 (13.2 vs. 9.5 points; p=0.002). There were no cases of allergic reaction and pseudomembranous colitis associated with C. difficile in both groups. Diarrhea cured with sorbents was noted in 2 patients (5.2%) in fosfomycin group. CONCLUSION: Antibacterial prophylaxis using two oral doses of fosfomycin 3 g on the day of urethral catheter removal and 48 hours after catheter removal after radical prostatectomy appears to be an effective scheme that reduces the incidence of urinary tract infection and the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms, and is characterized by a minimal risk of adverse events. It is necessary to carried out further research and develop clear recommendations for antibacterial prevention in urological interventions requiring prolonged urethral catheterization.

Safety and complications of continuation of aspirin therapy in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic simple prostatectomy.

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of continued perioperative aspirin at the time of robotic assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP). We performed a retrospective review of our IRB approved institutional database of patients who underwent RASP between 2013 and 2022. Comparative groups included patients taking aspirin in the perioperative period and those not taking aspirin pre-operatively. The primary outcome was any post-operative bleeding related complication using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. Secondary outcomes included the identification of risk factors for increased blood loss in the entire study population, operative time, and blood transfusion requirement. 143 patients underwent RASP of which 55 (38.5%) patients continued perioperative aspirin therapy and 88 (61.5%) patients did not. Baseline demographics were similar between groups. Patients taking perioperative aspirin had a higher rate of hypertension (74.5% vs 58.0%, p = 0.04) and other cardiovascular disease (30.9% vs 11.4%, p = 0.007). Postoperative complications were similar between the groups (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3; p = 0.43). Median blood loss (150 cc vs 150 cc, p = 0.38), percentage drop in hemoglobin (13.4 vs 13.2, p = 0.94) and blood transfusion rate (3.6 vs 1.1, p = 0.56) were also similar between groups. The median blood loss was 150 ml for the whole study population. On regression analysis, neither aspirin nor any other variable was associated with increased blood loss (> 150 ml). Aspirin can be safely continued perioperatively in patients undergoing RASP without any risk of bleeding related complications, blood loss, or increased transfusion rate.

Modified Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for cases with anterior tumor: a propensity score-matched analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes between a modified Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (mRS-RARP) technique and conventional robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (Con-RARP) technique for cases with anterior prostate cancer (PCa), especially positive surgical margin (PSM) rates and urinary continence (UC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included 193 mRS-RARP and 473 Con-RARP consecutively performed by a single surgeon for anterior PCa. Perioperative complications, pathology, and continence were compared after propensity score matching using 9 variables. RESULTS: After matching (n = 193 per group), PSM were not significantly different in the two groups (16.1% in mRS-RARP group vs. 15.0% in Con-RARP group, p = 0.779). The UC at catheter removal and at 1-month was significantly higher in the mRS-RARP (24.9% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001; 29.0% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.001, respectively), but not at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups (p = 0.261, 0.832, and 0.683, respectively). CONCLUSION: mRS-RARP seems to be an oncologically safe approach for patients with anterior PCa. Compared with the conventional approach, mRS-RARP approach shows benefits in the short-term postoperative UC recovery.

ProtecT trial: What's new after 15 years of follow-up: Re: Hamdy FC and colleagues; N Engl J Med. 2023 Apr 27.

Recent results of ProtecT trial published after 15 years of follow-up demonstrate the absence of difference in prostate cancer-specific survival between active monitoring, radiotherapy, or prostatectomy for PSA-detected, localized prostate cancer patients. These results definitively confirm the essential role of active surveillance as the gold standard for men with low-risk and highly selected intermediate-risk prostate cancer. It underlines the importance of shared-decision making process with patients.

hinotoriTM vs. da Vinci®: propensity score-matched analysis of surgical outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

hinotori™ is a recently developed surgical robot system. The present study aims to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) by the hinotori™ system compared with those of the longer-established da Vinci® system. This study includes 100 consecutive patients who underwent RARP by da Vinci® and 60 patients who underwent RARP by hinotori™. To minimize imbalances of patient demographics between the two groups, 1:1 propensity score-matching was performed, and 43 patients each were assigned to the da Vinci® and hinotori™ groups after matching. In the propensity score-matched cohort, we could not find significant differences in patient demographics between the two groups. Surgical outcomes, operative time, and console time in the hinotori™ group were significantly longer than those in the da Vinci® group. Meanwhile, we could not find significant differences in other outcomes between the two groups, such as estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications, major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or 4) or length of hospital stay after surgery. The rate of positive cancer margin in the hinotori™ group was higher than that in the da Vinci® group, but significant difference could not be found between the two groups. Moreover, we could not find significant differences in urinary continence rates after surgery between the da Vinci® and hinotori™ groups. Our results suggest that the hinotori™ surgical robot system could provide comparable surgical outcomes to that of the da Vinci® system for patients undergoing RARP.

Pentafecta evaluation in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy by risk group.

OBJECTIVE: Radical prostatectomy is a therapeutic option in organ-confined prostate cancer. As the development of robotic systems progresses, the approach with this technology has begun to impact the functional and oncological outcomes of urological patients. The objective is to report the rate of pentafecta in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) stratified by risk groups. METHOD: Retrospective, observational, descriptive study from 2013 to 2020 that included 112 patients undergoing RARP. RESULTS: A rate of pentafecta at 12 months of follow-up of 35.7% (n = 40) was obtained. In the subanalysis by risk groups, at 1-year follow-up, was obtained an index of 43% (n = 26), 26% (n = 9) and 22% (n = 4) in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prostatectomy showed functional and oncological results similar to those reported in the literature with robotic approach, regardless of the risk group for prostate cancer.

OBJETIVO: La prostatectomía radical es la alternativa terapéutica de elección en el cáncer de próstata confinado al órgano. Conforme avanza el desarrollo de los sistemas robóticos, el abordaje con esta tecnología ha comenzado a impactar en los desenlaces funcionales y oncológicos de los pacientes urológicos. El objetivo es reportar el índice de pentafecta en pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical asistida por robot (PRRA) estratificados por grupos de riesgo. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo, de 2013 a 2020, que incluyó 112 pacientes sometidos a PRAR. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo un índice de pentafecta a 12 meses de seguimiento del 35.7% (n = 40). En el subanálisis por grupos de riesgo, al año de seguimiento, se obtuvieron unos índices del 43% (n = 26), el 26% (n = 9) y el 22% (n = 4) en los pacientes de bajo, intermedio y alto riesgo, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: La prostatectomía demostró resultados funcionales y oncológicos similares a lo reportado en la literatura con abordaje robótico independientemente del grupo de riesgo del cáncer de próstata.

Association Between Acute Kidney Injury and the Trendelenburg Position Angle During Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been widely adopted as the standard treatment for localized prostate cancer. RARP is safer and results in better oncological control than conventional open total prostatectomy. However, it has also been reported that acute kidney injury (AKI) can be caused by the use of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and a steep Trendelenburg position. We investigated the incidence of AKI after RARP and its relationship with the Trendelenburg position angle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients underwent RARP at our institution. They were divided into two groups: Those in which a Trendelenburg position with the head down at 20 degrees was employed (group A) and those in which a Trendelenburg position with the head down at 25 degrees was used (group B). To detect AKI, the serum creatinine concentration was measured at the following four points: Prior to surgery, on postoperative day 0 (immediately after RARP), and on postoperative days 1 and 6 after RARP. RESULTS: The incidence of AKI on POD 0 was lower in group B than in group A (p=0.0408). On POD 6, the renal function of all patients had improved to preoperative levels. Hypertension was a predictor of the incidence of AKI immediately after RARP. CONCLUSION: Although there was a significant Trendelenburg position angle-dependent difference in the incidence of AKI immediately after RARP, it was temporary. Hypertension is a predictor of AKI immediately after RARP. It is recommended that a 25-degree Trendelenburg position angle should be employed during RARP.

Revisiting the issue of "beach balls" in holmium laser enucleation of prostate: clinical and histological characterization.

PURPOSE: To clinically and histologically characterize prostatic nodules resistant to morcellation ("beach balls," BBs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed a consecutive cohort of 559 holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) procedures performed between January 2020 and November 2023. The BBs group comprised 55 men (10%) and the control group comprised 504 men (90%). The clinical, intraoperative, outcome, and histologic data were statistically processed for the prediction of the presence of BBs and their influence on the perioperative course and outcome. RESULTS: The BBs group in comparison to the controls was older (75 vs 73 years, respectively, p = 0.009) and had higher rates of chronic retention (51 vs 29%, p = 0.001), larger prostates on preoperative abdominal ultrasound (AUS) (140 vs 80 cc, p = 0.006E-16), longer operating time (120 vs 80 min, p = 0.001), higher weights of removed tissue (101 vs 60 gr, p = 0.008E-10), higher complication rates (5 vs 1%, p = 0.03), and longer hospitalization (p = 0.014). A multivariate analysis revealed that larger prostates on preoperative AUS and older age independently predicted the presence of BBs which would prolong operating time. ROC analyses revealed that a threshold of 103 cc on AUS predicted BBs with 94% sensitivity and 84% specificity. BBs were mostly characterized histologically by stromal component (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: BBs are expected in older patients and cases of chronic retention. Prostatic volume is the most reliable predictor of their presence. They contribute to prolonged operating time and increased risk of complications. The predominantly stromal composition of the BBs apparently confers their resistance to morcellation.

Extended pelvic lymph node dissection in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is an independent risk factor for major complications.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the major postoperative complication rate after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to identify related risk factors. A consecutive series of patients who underwent RARP between September 2016 and May 2021, with or without extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) were analyzed for postoperative complications that occurred within 30 days following surgery. Potential risk factors related to complications were identified by means of a multivariate logistic analysis. Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed for the occurrence of major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher) on a per patient level. A multivariate logistic regression with risk factors was performed to identify contributors to complications. In total, 1280 patients were included, of whom 79 (6.2%) experienced at least 1 major complication. Concomitant ePLND was performed in 609 (48%) of patients. The majority of all complications were likely related to the surgical procedure, with anastomotic leakage and lymphoceles being the most common. Upon multivariate analysis, performing ePLND remained the only significant risk factor for the occurrence of major complications (OR 2.26, p = 0.001). In contrast to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy alone, the combination with extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) has a substantial risk of serious complications. Since the ePLND is performed mainly for staging purpose, the clinical contribution of the ePLND has to be reconsidered with the present use of the PSMA-PET/CT.

Development of risk-score model in patients with negative surgical margin after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

A total of 739 patients underwent RARP as initial treatment for PCa from November 2011 to October 2018. Data on BCR status, clinical and pathological parameters were collected from the clinical records. After excluding cases with neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapies, presence of lymph node or distant metastasis, and positive SM, a total of 537 cases were eligible for the final analysis. The median follow-up of experimental cohort was 28.0 (interquartile: 18.0-43.0) months. We identified the presence of International Society of Urological Pathology grade group (ISUP-GG) ≥ 4 (Hazard ratio (HR) 3.20, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.70-6.03, P < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.00-4.12, P = 0.049), perineural invasion (HR 10.7, 95% CI 1.45-79.9, P = 0.020), and maximum tumor diameter (MTD) > 20 mm (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.01-3.70, P = 0.047) as significant factors of BCR in the multivariate analysis. We further developed a risk model according to these factors. Based on this model, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year BCR-free survival were 100%, 98.9%, 98.9% in the low-risk group; 99.1%, 94.1%, 86.5% in the intermediate-risk group; 93.9%, 84.6%, 58.1% in the high-risk group. Internal validation using the bootstrap method showed a c-index of 0.742 and an optimism-corrected c-index level of 0.731. External validation was also carried out using an integrated database derived from 3 other independent institutions including a total of 387 patients for the final analysis. External validation showed a c-index of 0.655. In conclusion, we identified risk factors of biochemical failure in patients showing negative surgical margin after RARP and further developed a risk model using these risk factors.

Is the learning curve of the urology resident for conventional radical prostatectomy similar to that of staff initiating robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

INTRODUCTION: The superiority of the functional results of robot-assisted radical prostatectomyis still controversial. Despite this, it is known that minimally invasive surgery obtains better results when analyzing blood loss, blood transfusion and length of stay, for example. Several studies have analyzed the impact of the resident physician's involvement on the results of urological surgeries. The simple learning curve for robot-assisted radical prostate surgery is estimated to be around 10 to 12 cases. Learning curve data for robotic surgeons is heterogeneous, making it difficult to analyze. Rare studies compare the results of a radical prostatectomy of an inexperienced surgeon starting his training in open surgery, with the results of the same surgeon, a few years later, starting training in robotic surgery. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the results of open radical prostatectomy surgeries (ORP) performed by urology residents, comparing them to the results of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), performed by these same surgeons, after completing their training in urology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a retrospective analysis of the cases of only 3 surgeons was performed. 50 patients underwent ORP (group A). The surgeons who operated on the ORP patients were in the 3rd and final year of the urology residency program and beginners in ORP surgery, but with at least 4 years of experience in open surgery. The same surgeons, already trained urologists, began their training in robotic surgery and performed 56 RARP surgeries (group B). For the comparative analysis, data were collected on age, number of lymph nodes removed, surgery time, hospitalization time, drain volume, drain permanence time, indwelling bladdercateter (IBC) permanence time, positive surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, risk classification (ISUP), intra and postoperative complications, urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The console used was the Da Vinci Si, from Intuitive®. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test verified that the data did not follow normality, the Levene test guaranteed homogeneity, and the Mann-Whitney test performed the comparative analysis of the quantitative data. For the analysis of qualitative data, the Chi-square test was used for nominal variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal variables. Additionally, the Friedman test analyzed whether there was an improvement in the perception of UI or ED over the months, for each group individually (without comparing them), and the post-hoc Durbin-Conover test, for the results with statistically significant difference. We used a p-value < 0.05, and the Jamovi® program (Version 2.0). RESULTS: there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for age, number of lymph nodes removed, positive surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, risk classification and urinary incontinence. Additionally, we observed that the surgical time was longer in group B. On the other hand, the length of stay, drain volume, drain time, IBC time, complication rate and levels of erectile dysfunction in the third and sixth months were higher in group A, when compared to group B. We also observed that there was no evolutionary improvement in ED over the months in both groups, and that there was a perception of improvement in UI from the 1st to the 3rd month in group A, and from the 1st to the 6th month, and from the 3rd to the 12th month, in group B. CONCLUSION: the learning curve of RARP is equivalent to the curve of ORP. In general, the results for the robotic group were better, however, the functional results were similar between the groups, with a slight tendency of advantage for the robotic arm.

Extended pelvic lymph node dissection during robotic prostatectomy: antegrade versus retrograde technique.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with extended lymphadenectomy (ePLND) is the gold standard for surgical treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). Recently, the en-bloc ePLND has been proposed but no studies reported on the standardization of the technique. The aim of the study is to describe different standardized en-bloc ePLND, the antegrade and the retrograde ePLND, and to compare their surgical and oncological outcomes. MATERIALS & METHODS: From January 2018 to September 2019, all patients subjected to RARP plus ePLND by one single surgeon were enrolled. ePLND was performed in a retrograde fashion by starting laterally to the medial umbilical ligament from the internal inguinal ring proceeding towards the ureter, or in an antegrade way by starting from the ureter at its crossing with the common iliac artery and proceeding towards the femoral canal. Patients' demographic data, clinical and surgical data were collected. Each en-bloc ePLND was categorized as "efficient" or "inefficient" by the operator, as surrogate of surgeon's satisfaction. RESULTS: Antegrade and retrograde ePLND were performed in 41/105 (group A) and 64/105 (group R) patients, respectively. The two groups (A vs R) had similar median (IQR) number of lymph nodes retrieved [20 (16.25-31.5) vs 19 (15-26.25); p = 0.18], ePLND time [33.5 (29.5-38.5) min vs 33.5 (26.5-37.5) min; p = 0.4] and post-operative complications [8/41 (19.5%) vs 9/64 (14.1%); p = 0.61]. In group A, 3/41 (7.3%) clinically significant lymphoceles were reported, while 1/64 (1.6%) in group R (p = 0.3). 33/41 (80.5%) and 28/64 (44%) procedures were scored as efficient 59 in group A and R, respectively (p = 0.01). On multivariate regression, only BMI (B = 0.93; 95% CI 0.29-1.56; p = 0.005) was associated with a longer ePLND time. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that antegrade and retrograde en-bloc extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) have comparable surgical and oncologic outcomes, supporting the importance of standardizing the procedure rather than focusing on the direction. Although both techniques aligned with current evidence regarding lymph node invasion and complications, the antegrade approach was subjectively perceived as safer due to early isolation of critical anatomical landmarks. Encouragement for the use of en-bloc ePLND, regardless of direction, is emphasized to improve prostate cancer staging accuracy and procedural standardization.

Marked variations in medical provider and out-of-pocket costs for radical prostatectomy procedures in Australia.

Objectives Unwarranted clinical variations in radical prostatectomy (RP) procedures are frequently reported, yet less attention is given to the variations in associated costs. This issue can further widen disparities in access to care and provoke questions about the overall value of the procedure. The present paper aimed to delve into the disparities in hospital, medical provider and out-of-pocket costs for RP procedures in Australia, discussing plausible causes and potential policy opportunities. Methods A retrospective cohort study using Medibank Private claims data for RP procedures conducted in Australian hospitals between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 was undertaken. Results Considerable variations in both medical provider and out-of-pocket costs were observed across the country, with variations evident between different states or territories. Particularly striking were the discrepancies in the costs charged by medical providers, with a notable contrast between the 10th and 90th percentiles revealing a substantial difference of A$9925. Hospitals in Australia exhibited relatively comparable charges for RP procedures. Conclusions Initiatives such as enhancing transparency regarding individual medical provider costs and implementing fee regulations with healthcare providers may be useful in curbing the variations in RP procedure costs.

Implementation of single-port robotic urologic surgery: experience at a large academic center.

The Single-Port (SP) robotic system is increasingly being implemented in the United States, allowing for several minimally invasive urologic procedures to be performed. The present study aims to describe our single-center experience since the adoption of the SP platform. We retrospectively collected and analyzed consecutive SP cases performed at a major teaching hospital in the Midwest (Rush University Medical Center) from December 2020 to December 2023. Demographic variables were collected. Surgical and pathological outcomes were analyzed in the overall cohort and for each type of procedure. The study timeframe was divided into two periods to assess the evolution of SP technical features over time. In total, 160 procedures were performed, with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) being the most common (49.4%). Overall, 54.4% of the procedures were extraperitoneal, with a significantly higher adoption of this approach in the second half of the study period (30% vs 74.3%, p < 0.001). A "plus one" assistant port was adopted in 38.1% of cases, with a shift towards a "pure" single-port surgery in the most recent procedures (21.1% vs 76.7%, p < 0.001). The median LOS was 33.5 h (30-48), with a rate of any grade and CD ≥ 3 postoperative complications of 9.4% and 2.5%, respectively, and a 30-day readmission rate of 1.9%. SP robotic surgery can be safely and effectively implemented for various urologic procedures. With increasing experience, the SP platform allows shifting away from transperitoneal procedures, potentially minimizing postoperative pain, and shortening hospital stay and postoperative recovery.