Robotic total and partial adrenalectomy: A step by step approach

Objective: While open adrenalectomy was performed for many years, minimally invasive adrenalectomy has become the gold-standard for surgical resection of adrenal masses owing to superior perioperative outcomes. The objective of this video is to describe our technique of performing robot-assisted total and partial adrenalectomy. Patients and surgical procedure: In this video, we use the case of a left-sided aldosteronoma to demonstrate our technique of a left robot-assisted total adrenalectomy and a large right-sided tumor with solid enhancing component and mass effect compressing the IVC to demonstrate a right robot-assisted total adrenalectomy. Additionally, we briefly highlight nuances of performing a partial adrenalectomy and the utility of ultrasound in this setting. Results: There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. All patients were discharged per our routine pathway on post-operative day one. Through our step-by-step video, we demonstrate our technical approach and tips to successfully perform a robotic total and partial adrenalectomy. Conclusion: Robot-assisted adrenalectomy is an effective and well-established option for the management of adrenal masses. The added dexterity and improved visualization provided by the robotic approach allows surgeons to provide patients with an effective, efficient, and oncologically appropriate operation with rapid convalescence

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Advancements in surgical technique and perioperative care

We reviewed the evolving strategies, practice patterns, and recent advancements aimed at improving the perioperative and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for the management of localized prostate cancer

Robotic partial nephrectomy for posterior tumors through a retroperitoneal approach offers decreased length of stay compared with the transperitoneal approach: A propensity-matched analysis

INTRODUCTION: We sought to compare surgical outcomes between transperitoneal and retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) for posterior tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using our multi-institutional RPN database, we reviewed 610 consecutive cases for posterior renal masses treated between 2007 and 2015. Primary outcomes were complications, operative time, length of stay (LOS), surgical margin status, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preservation. Secondary outcomes were estimated blood loss, warm ischemia time (WIT), disease recurrence, and disease-specific mortality. Due to significant differences in treatment year and tumor size between approaches, retroperitoneal cases were matched 1:4 to transperitoneal cases based on propensity scores using the greedy algorithm. Outcomes were compared between approaches using the chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: After matching, 296 transperitoneal and 74 retroperitoneal cases were available for analysis, and matched groups were well balanced in terms of treatment year, age, gender, race, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA) score, body mass index, tumor laterality, tumor size, R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to the collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar lines) score, and hilar location. Compared with transperitoneal, the retroperitoneal approach was associated with significantly shorter mean LOS (2.2 vs 2.6 days, p = 0.01), but longer mean WIT (21 vs 19 minutes, p = 0.01). Intraoperative (p = 0.35) and postoperative complications (p = 0.65), operative time (p = 0.93), positive margins (p = 1.0), and latest eGFR preservation (p = 0.25) were not significantly different between approaches. No differences were detected in the other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Among high-volume surgeons, transperitoneal and retroperitoneal RPN achieved similar outcomes for posterior renal masses, although with slight differences in LOS and WIT. Retroperitoneal RPN may be an effective option for the treatment of certain small posterior renal masses

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Using Robotic Bulldog Clamps

Robotically applying bulldog clamps was found to be a safe and feasible method of hilar occlusion during robotic partial nephrectomy

Pathological Staging of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Review of 300 Consecutive Cases

Aims: Pathological staging of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can be challenging compared to other cancer types, as invasion often manifests as finger‐like protrusions into vascular spaces or renal sinus tissue. Although prior studies have shown larger tumour size to be correlated highly with renal sinus invasion, prospective data on evaluating pathological stage are limited. We evaluated a large series reported by one urological pathologist. Methods and results: Three hundred consecutive specimens were reviewed. Tumours larger than 5 cm were routinely sampled extensively or grossly re‐reviewed when no extrarenal extension was identified on initial examination. Apparent multifocal disease was assessed critically for intravascular spread. Retrograde venous invasion was reported in 15 of 300 (5%) cases, 13 of 15 of which were clear cell RCC. Of a total of 163 specimens with clear cell histology, only five of 34 (15%) tumours 7 cm or larger were reported as pT2, all of which had an explanatory comment indicating the absence of definitive extrarenal spread. In contrast, 15 of 20 (75%) pT2 tumours were non‐clear cell histology (papillary, chromophobe and translocation‐associated). Comparing pT3a or higher tumours, the median tumour size in cases with retrograde venous invasion was 8.0 cm, compared to 6.2 cm in cases without retrograde venous invasion (P = 0.005). ConclusionsOur findings support that retrograde venous invasion should be considered carefully before diagnosing multifocal clear cell RCC, which is rare in the sporadic setting. In the absence of vascular invasion, multifocal clear cell papillary RCC can be a mimic. pT2 occurs more frequently with non‐clear cell histology (particularly papillary or chromophobe RCC).https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/merf2019basicsci/1002/thumbnail.jp

Solving clinical challenges in prostate cancer using the single-port robot system

Objective: Patients who desire or require surgical management for prostate cancer, but are poor candidates for multi-port robotic surgery, can present a clinical challenge. Use of single port (SP) robotic technology may help overcome these challenges. We present our initial experience with robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using the da Vinci SP robot for prostate cancer in patients who would otherwise not be good surgical candidates for conventional multi-port transabdominal robotic surgery. Patients and surgical procedure: Fourteen of 41 patients who underwent SP-RARP from November 2020 to February 2022 for biopsy confirmed, organ-confined prostate adenocarcinoma at a single tertiary care institution qualified for inclusion in our study due to specific considerations posing challenges for conventional multiport transperitoneal RARP. Perioperative metrics, pathologic findings and functional outcomes were collected prospectively. The accompanying video shows two cases demonstrating our transvesical and extraperitoneal approaches to SP-RARP. Results: All patients underwent successful procedures without need to convert to multi-port robotic or open approach. Most patients had prior abdominal surgery (13/14, 93%) including aborted multi-port RARP (2), hernia repairs (5), bowel diversions (3), and peritoneal dialysis catheters (2) among others. Most underwent extraperitoneal (9/14, 64%) followed by transvesical (5/14, 36%) approach. There were no intraoperative complications and one Clavien III post-operative complication. Positive margin rate was 29%, most of which were microscopic (≤3 mm, 3/4, 75%). Eighty-five percent of patients had undetectable nadir PSA. Conclusions: Our initial experience using the SP robot suggests that this technology can facilitate surgery for prostate cancer patients who might otherwise not be considered surgical candidates. Operative outcomes are not compromised despite a smaller incision and working space. We have found the SP system to be a valuable tool for carefully selected patients

Pilot evaluation of a perfused robot-assisted partial nephrectomy procedural simulation platform for single port robotic retroperitoneal approaches

Objective: In this study our objective was to develop a simulation platform for use cases in Laparoendoscopic Single Site (LESS) Surgery intended for patient-specific rehearsal prior to Robot-assisted Partial nephrectomy procedures. Patients and Surgical Procedure: This represents a simulation platform requiring no patients, although the fabrication process allows for the platform to be patient-specific. Tissue phantom 3D models were developed from de-identified CT imaging fulfilling the criteria of tumors located in the posterior lower pole of the kidney. Results: Respondents completed surveys on platform novelty and effectiveness. Agreement on simulator novelty was unanimously positive (100% agree or better). Performance evaluations reached a minimum of 80% agreement for all categories, with zero respondents. Conclusions: We have developed a highly realistic simulation platform for use in single-port robot-assisted partial nephrectomy that can be produced in a patient specific manner, which we believe will be highly useful for trainees as well as experts attempting to transfer skills to the newer platform

Impact of Hospital Teaching Status on Healthcare Utilization, Length of Stay (LOS), and Cost of Hospitalization of Radiation Cystitis (RC) in the United States

Background: Limited data exist regarding in-hospital use of resources, LOS, and cost of RC-associated admissions in teaching hospital (TH) versus nonteaching hospital (NTH) settings. The goal of this study was to address the above void in literature. Methods:We focused on 13,272 admissions for RC between 2008-2014 within the National Inpatient Sample. Patients with concurrent diagnosis of other bladder conditions (n=914) were excluded. ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes were used to study inpatient procedures performed during admission. Type of admissions, receipt of a procedure, type of procedures performed, LOS, and total inflation-adjusted cost were then compared between TH and NTH. Complex survey chi-squared test and analysis of variance procedures were used to account for the NIS sampling design. Results: Of the 12,358 assessable records, 49% were at THs. Patients were more commonly admitted to emergency department at NTH (85%) compared to TH (80%; p\u3c0.001). Weekend admissions were more common at NTH (24%) compared to TH (21%) (p=0.004). Receipt of a procedure during admission was higher in TH (65%) compared to NTH (60%; p\u3c0.001). Number of procedure codes recorded was higher in TH (\u3e= 2 codes; 28.9% in TH vs 24.5% in NTH; p \u3c0.001. More complex procedures like cystectomy were almost exclusively performed at TH (cystectomy 2.4% in TH vs 0.4% in NTH admissions; p \u3c0.001), whereas there was no difference in procedures like blood transfusion (TH 34%; NTH 33%; p=0.3), suprapubic cystostomy (TH 1.3%; NTH 1.4%; p=0.8), and transurethral procedures (TH 14%; NTH 16%; p=0.06). Despite statistically significant difference in LOS between the two groups (Median days (IQR): TH 5 (3-9); NTH 5 (3-8); p\u3c0.001) the difference was not clinically significant. Cost of admission was higher in TH (10,377$TH; 8504$ NTH; p\u3c0.001). Conclusions: In the United States, patients with RC are more frequently admitted to the emergency department in NTH. Patients admitted to TH receive a procedure more often, receive a higher number of procedures, and more complex procedures, compared to NTH. This explains higher cost of admission in TH. Further research is needed to study the readmission rates and outcomes of patients treated in both types of health systems to know the best practices that can reduce morbidity and readmissions.https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/merf2019qi/1021/thumbnail.jp