Robotic-assisted laparoscopic extended pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate cancer: surgical technique and experience with the first 99 cases

BACKGROUND: To date, there is still a paucity of data in the literature on robotic-assisted laparoscopic extended pelvic lymph node dissection (RALEPLND) in patients with prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: To assess the technical feasibility of RALEPLND and to present our surgical technique. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From April 2006 to March 2008, we performed RALEPLND in 99 patients prior to robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Indications for RALEPLND were a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >/=10 ng/ml or a preoperative Gleason score >/=7. The data were evaluated retrospectively. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: The transperitoneal approach was used in all cases. In order to gain optimal access to the common iliac bifurcation, the five trocars were placed in a more cephalad position than in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy without RALEPLND. After identification of important landmarks, the lymphatics covering the external iliac vein, the obturator lymphatic packet, and the lymphatics overlying the internal iliac artery were removed on both sides. MEASUREMENTS: The total lymph node yield, the frequency of lymph node metastases, and the complication rate. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median patient age was 64 yr (range: 45-78). The median preoperative PSA level was 7.7 ng/ml (range: 1.5-84.6). The median number of lymph nodes harvested was 19 (range: 8-53). In 16 patients (16%), we found lymph node metastasis. Complications occurred in seven patients (7%). CONCLUSIONS: RALEPLND is feasible, and its lymph node yield is well in the range of open series. The robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach in itself does not seem to limit a surgeon's ability to perform a complete extended pelvic lymph node dissection

Long-Term Oncological Efficacy of Retroperitoneoscopic Radical Nephrectomy of Localized Renal Cell Cancer pT1-3 (≤12 cm)

Investigation of oncological efficacy in retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy (RRN) of patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Consecutive patients undergoing RRN for localized stage pT1-3 RCC in 2 tertiary care centers in Switzerland were evaluated. Excellent long-term oncological efficacy was found. Our long-term follow-up validates the survival outcome from comparable literature after conventional open or laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Prostate cancer remains a significant health problem worldwide and is the second highest cause of cancer-related death in men. While there is uncertainty over which men will benefit from radical treatment, considerable efforts are being made to reduce treatment related side-effects and in optimising outcomes. This article reviews the development and introduction of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP), the results to date, and the possible future directions of RALP

Same patient, new stone composition: amprenavir urinary stone

We report here the first case to add amprenavir to the growing list of antiretroviral drugs associated with urinary stones. The first reported case of a nelfinavir urinary stone was reported in 2002 in a 37-year-old HIV-infected woman. In September 2007, the same female patient was referred to our department with recent onset of right flank pain and recurrent urinary tract infections. Abdominal computed tomography revealed three obstructing stones in the distal right ureter, another stone in the right renal pelvis with hydronephrosis and a stone in the left kidney. After stone retrieval, analysis of the stone by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry revealed a stone composition of 95% unmodified amprenavir and 5% ritonavir