Laparoendoscopic Management of Midureteral Strictures

The incidence of ureteral strictures has increased worldwide owing to the widespread use of laparoscopic and endourologic procedures. Midureteral strictures can be managed by either an endoscopic approach or surgical reconstruction, including open or minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) techniques. Minimally invasive surgical ureteral reconstruction is gaining in popularity in the management of midureteral strictures. However, only a few studies have been published so far regarding the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic and robotic ureteral reconstruction procedures. Nevertheless, most of the studies have reported at least equivalent outcomes with the open approach. In general, strictures more than 2 cm, injury strictures, and strictures associated either with radiation or with reduced renal function of less than 25% may be managed more appropriately by minimally invasive surgical reconstruction, although the evidence to establish these recommendations is not yet adequate. Defects of 2 to 3 cm in length may be treated with laparoscopic or robot-assisted uretero-ureterostomy, whereas defects of 12 to 15 cm may be managed either via ureteral reimplantation with a Boari flap or via transuretero-ureterostomy in case of low bladder capacity. Cases with more extended defects can be reconstructed with the incorporation of the ileum in ureteral repair.ope

Robot-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy with the novel da Vinci single-site platform: Initial experience

PURPOSE: To report our initial clinical cases of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site (R-LESS) partial nephrectomy (PN) performed with the use of the novel Da Vinci R-LESS platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three patients underwent R-LESS PN from November 2013 through February 2014. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes were collected and intraoperative difficulties were noted. RESULTS: Operative time and estimated blood loss volume ranged between 100 and 110 minutes and between 50 and 500 mL, respectively. None of the patients was transfused. All cases were completed with the off-clamp technique, whereas one case required conversion to the conventional (multiport) approach because of difficulty in creating the appropriate scope for safe tumor resection. No major postoperative complications occurred, and all tumors were resected in safe margins. Length of hospital stay ranged between 3 and 7 days. The lack of EndoWrist movements, the external collisions, and the bed assistant's limited working space were noticed to be the main drawbacks of this surgical method. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience with R-LESS PN with the novel Da Vinci platform shows that even though the procedure is feasible, it should be applied in only appropriately selected patients. However, further improvement is needed to overcome the existing limitations.ope

Number of positive preoperative biopsy cores is a predictor of positive surgical margins (PSM) in small prostates after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of prostate size on positive surgical margin (PSM) rates after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and the preoperative factors associated with PSM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 1229 men underwent RARP by a single surgeon, from 2005 to August of 2013. Excluded were patients who had transurethral resection of the prostate, neoadjuvant therapy, clinically advanced cancer, and the first 200 performed cases (to reduce the effect of learning curve). Included were 815 patients who were then divided into three prostate size groups: 45 g (group 3). Multivariate analysis determined predictors of PSM and biochemical recurrence (BCR). RESULTS: Console time and blood loss increased with increasing prostate size. There were more high-grade tumours in group 1 (group 1 vs group 2 and group 3, 33.9% vs 25.1% and 25.6%, P = 0.003 and P = 0.005). PSM rates were higher in prostates of 20 ng/dL, Gleason score ≥7, T3 tumour, and ≥3 positive biopsy cores. In group 1, preoperative stage T3 [odds ratio (OR) 3.94, P = 0.020] and ≥3 positive biopsy cores (OR 2.52, P = 0.043) were predictive of PSM, while a PSA level of >20 ng/dL predicted the occurrence of BCR (OR 5.34, P = 0.021). No preoperative factors predicted PSM or BCR for groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: A preoperative biopsy with ≥3 positive cores in men with small prostates predicts PSM after RARP. In small prostates with PSM, a PSA level of >20 ng/dL is a predictor of BCR. These factors should guide the choice of therapy and indicate the need for closer postoperative follow-up.ope

Obesity is not associated with increased operative complications in single-site robotic partial nephrectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of high body mass index (BMI) on outcomes following robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (R-LESS) robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 83 Korean patients who had undergone robotic partial nephrectomy from 2006 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. The subjects were stratified into two groups according to WHO definitions for the Asian population, consisting of 56 normal range (BMI=18.5-24.99 kg/m²) and 27 obese (≥25 kg/m²) patients. Outcome measurements included Trifecta achievement and the perioperative and postoperative comparison between high and normal BMI series. The measurements were estimated and analyzed with SPSS version 17. RESULTS: Tumor's complexity characteristics (R.E.N.A.L. score, tumor size) of both groups were similar. No significant differences existed between the two groups with regard to operative time (p=0.27), warm ischemia time (p=0.35) estimated blood loss (p=0.42), transfusion rate (p=0.48) renal function following up for 1 year, positive margins (p=0.24) and postoperative complication rate (p=0.34). Trifecta was achieved in 5 (18.5%) obese and 19 (33.9%) normal weight patients, respectively (p=0.14). In multivariable analysis, only tumor size was significantly correlated with the possibility of Trifecta accomplishment. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that R-LESS RPN can be effectively and safely performed in patients with increased BMI, since Trifecta rate, and perioperative and postoperative outcomes are not significantly different in comparison to normal weight subjects.ope

Endophytic tumours do not constitute a barrier to robotic partial nephrectomy

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Current status of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy

Robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy is increasingly carried out in an attempt to improve the cosmetic outcome of minimally-invasive procedures. However, the actual role of this novel technique remains to be determined. The present article reviews evidence and examines updates of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy outcomes reported in more contemporary studies. A comprehensive online systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria recommendations was carried out in January 2014, identifying data from 2008 to 2014 regarding robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy. The majority of medical evidence to date is based on case reports or retrospective studies. Current studies show that robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy is a feasible procedure carried out in an acceptable length of operative time, and resulting in a desirable cosmetic outcome and less postoperative pain. However, comparable studies show that robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy is inferior to the conventional approach, especially with regard to warm ischemia time. Furthermore, the numerous limitations that exist with the utilization of the current commercial single-site devices make robotic laparoendoscopic single-site PN more challenging and more complicated for surgeons compared with conventional procedures. Further significant improvements, along with more studies, are required in order to develop the ideal robotic laparoendoscopic single-site robotic platform and overcome the current limitations. For the time being, robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy procedures could be applicable in patients with low tumor size and complexity, and should not be routinely applied in all cases.ope

Renal function is the same 6 months after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy regardless of clamp technique: analysis of outcomes for off-clamp, selective arterial clamp and main artery clamp techniques, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year

OBJECTIVE: To compare the renal functional outcomes, with >1 year of follow-up, of patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) performed with different clamping techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The peri-operative data of patients undergoing RAPN performed with different clamping techniques were retrospectively analysed (group 1: off-clamp, n = 23; group 2: selective clamp, n = 25; group 3: main artery clamp, n = 114). The main outcome measures were postoperative serum creatinine level, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and percentage change in eGFR, the data for which were collected at periodic intervals during the first 12 months and annually thereafter, in addition to late eGFR value. Only patients with >1 year of follow-up were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of groups 2 and 3 were similar, while patients in group 1 had smaller sized tumours and lower tumour complexity. The median follow-up periods were 45 (group 1), 20 (group 2) and 47 (group 3) months. The median clamping times were 24.8 min in the main artery clamp and 18 min in the selective artery clamp groups. Group 2 had greater median blood loss volume (100 vs 500 vs 200 mL for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; P < 0.01) and a longer length of hospital stay (3 vs 4 vs 3 days for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; P = 0.02). No significant differences were found among the groups with regard to transfusion rates, positive surgical margin rates, complications, recurrence or mortality rates. Groups 1 and 2 had significantly less deterioration of postoperative renal function during the first 3 months after surgery (P = 0.04; percent change in eGFR -1.5, -2 and -8% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively), but this beneficial outcome was not observed after 6 months or for the latest eGFR measurement (P = 0.48; latest percent change in eGFR -3, -6 and -3.5% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). In regression analysis, baseline eGFR, type of clamp procedure and tumour complexity score were predictive of normal renal function 7 days after surgery, while only baseline eGFR and age could predict it 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Off-clamp and selective artery clamp techniques result in superior short-term renal functional outcomes compared with the main artery clamp approach; however, after the 6th postoperative month, there were no significant differences regarding the functional outcome among the above surgical techniques, as long as the warm ischaemia time was 20-30 min.ope

Robotic partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumors: complications and functional and oncologic outcomes during a 4-year median period of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the renal functional outcome, the oncologic safety, and the occurrence of complications after robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN) for completely endophytic tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 45 patients with completely endophytic tumors, 116 patients with mesophytic, and 64 patients with exophytic masses who underwent RPN were retrospectively analyzed. Perioperative, oncologic, and functional data were evaluated and analyzed with SPSS, version 18. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were similar among the groups. The median follow-up of the endophytic, the mesophytic, and the exophytic groups were 48, 43, and 38 months, respectively. Endophytic masses were more likely to be malignant and have a higher overall tumor complexity, estimated by the RENAL score (9 vs 8 vs 5.5; P <.01; P = .02). We did not detect any statistically significant differences among the groups regarding blood loss volume, transfusion rates, length of stay, and intraoperative and postoperative complications (P = .49, .25, .87, .42, and .20, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in the estimated glomerular filtration rate percentage change on the first postoperative day (P = .02), but this significance was not observed after the first week. The patients in the endophytic group showed a tendency toward increased rates of positive surgical margins compared with the mesophytic and exophytic groups (P = .06). However, there were not any significant differences regarding the recurrence-free survival rates (P = .335) and the overall mortality rates (P = .570) according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis. CONCLUSION: In experienced institutes, RPN for entirely intraparenchymal masses is a feasible procedure in terms of complication rates, functional and oncologic outcomes during an intermediate-term period of follow-up.ope

Prognostic impact of time to undetectable prostate-specific antigen in patients with positive surgical margins following radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article was to determine the impact of time to undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with a positive surgical margin (PSM) following radical prostatectomy (RP). A PSM is an independent predictor of BCR; however, not all patients develop BCR later on. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,117 consecutive prostate cancer patients who underwent RP without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy from July 2005 to December 2009. Of these, 516 (46.2 %) patients without PSMs, and 214 (19.2 %) patients with PSMs who later achieved undetectable PSA, defined as <0.01 ng/ml, were identified. Patients with PSMs were stratified according to time to undetectable PSA dichotomized at 6 weeks and compared with patients without PSMs. Patients with PSMs who did not achieve undetectable PSA were excluded. BCR was defined as two consecutive increases of post-undetectable PSA ≥0.2 ng/ml. RESULTS: During the median follow-up of 58.2 months, patients with PSMs who achieved undetectable PSA in <6 weeks had comparable 5-year BCR-free survival rates to those without PSMs; however, patients with PSMs who achieved undetectable PSA in ≥6 weeks showed significantly lower rates compared with both patients without PSMs (59.2 vs 74.3 %; p < 0.001) and patients with PSMs who achieved undetectable PSA in <6 weeks (59.2 vs 78.8 %; p = 0.004). Among patients with PSMs, multivariate analysis revealed time to undetectable PSA at ≥6 weeks and seminal vesicle invasion to be independent predictors of BCR. No perioperative factors were associated with undetectable PSA at ≥6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PSMs who achieve undetectable PSA in <6 weeks show comparable risks of BCR to patients with negative surgical margins.ope

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) reduces postoperative wound pain without a rise in complication rates

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term functional outcomes and pain scale scores of patients who underwent laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS)- robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) to those who underwent conventional RAPN (C-RAPN), as LESS surgery is increasingly being adopted by urologists worldwide to reduce morbidities and scarring associated with surgical interventions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 167 consecutive patients who had RAPN were identified from our Institutional Review Board-approved computerised database between October 2006 to July 2012. Patients were stratified into two groups: 80 patients who underwent C-RAPN and 79 who underwent LESS-RAPN. RESULTS: The LESS-RAPN group had a longer warm ischaemia time [WIT, mean (sd) 26.5 (10.5) vs 19.8 (13.1) min; P = 0.001] and total operation time [TOT, mean (sd) 210.3 (83.4) vs 183.1 (76.1) min; P = 0.033] when compared with the C-RAPN group. While, the LESS-RAPN group and C-RAPN group were not significantly different for the number of patients with negative surgical margins [77 (96.2%) vs 73 (91.4%); P = 0.194), absolute change in postoperative renal function [mean (sd) -6.5 (16.7)% vs -7.6 (16.7)%; P = 0.738) and postoperative complications rate [12 (15.0%) vs 10 (12.6%); P = 0.279). Furthermore, the LESS-RAPN group had lower visual analogue pain scale (VAPS) scores at discharge [mean (sd) 2.1 (1.3) vs 1.7 (1.0); P = 0.048]. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a significantly longer WIT and TOT, the functional outcomes of LESS-RAPN were comparable to those of C-RAPN for tumours of similar mean sizes and complexities, without any detriments in oncological and complications outcomes. On discharge, patients who underwent LESS-RAPN also reported lower pain levels as one of the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. With the development of instrumentation specifically designed for single-site surgery, LESS could be more easily conducted in patients who are interested in improved quality of life outcomes.ope