Akbar Ashrafi

Aquablation therapy for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: A single-centre experience in 47 patients

To report procedure process improvements and confirm the preserved safety and short‐term effectiveness of a second‐generation Aquablation device for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 47 consecutive patients at a single institution.

Contrast-Enhanced Transrectal Ultrasound for Follow-up After Focal HIFU Ablation for Prostate Cancer: Contrast-Enhanced TRUS After Focal Ablation for Prostate Cancer

The optimal strategy for imaging after focal therapy for prostate cancer is evolving. This series is an initial report on the use of contrast‐enhanced transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in follow‐up of patients after high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) hemiablation for prostate cancer. In 7 patients who underwent HIFU hemiablation, contrast‐enhanced TRUS findings were as follows: (1) contrast‐enhanced TRUS clearly showed the HIFU ablation defect as a sharply marginated nonenhancing zone in all patients; (2) contrast‐enhanced TRUS identified suspicious foci of recurrent enhancement within the ablation zone in 2 patients, facilitating image‐guided prostate biopsy, which showed prostate cancer; and (3) contrast‐enhanced TRUS findings correlated with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy histologic findings.

Robotic Management of Rectourethral Fistulas After Focal Treatment for Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVEnTo describe our management strategy for rectourethral fistula (RUF) after focal treatment for prostate cancer (PCa) using 2 cases as an example. Almost 50% of RUFs are associated with energy treatment modalities for PCa. The adjacent damage to healthy tissue along with limited pliability of it makes the success of the repair troublesome. There is no standardized approach for these scenarios.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnFor case 1, an 83-year-old man underwent cryotherapy for PCa. On postoperative day 14, he presented with urine per rectum. Cystoscopy confirmed the presence of an RUF. Urinary and fecal diversions were unsuccessful. Three months later, robotic surgical repair was performed. For case 2, an 85-year-old man underwent salvage therapy for PCa with high-intensity focused ultrasound after previous treatment with external beam radiation therapy. Two months postoperatively, he presented with urine per rectum. A computed tomography scan confirmed the presence of an RUF. Robotic surgical repair was subsequently performed.nnnRESULTSnBoth patients underwent robotic-assisted RUF repair, including salvage prostatectomy , rectal defect closure, and omental flap placement. In the first case, healthy urethra was present after the salvage prostatectomy, and the next step was completion of a vesicourethral anastomosis. In the second case, the next step was closure of the bladder neck and suprapubic tube placement due to the extensive tissue destruction the residual urethra. Success was confirmed with imaging studies and no reported symptoms at 9 and 4 months, respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe robotic system is useful for the treatment of a complicated RUF. The optimal reconstruction strategy depends on the ability to reach the distal urethra, the patients characteristics, and preferences.

Which Patients with Negative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Can Safely Avoid Biopsy for Prostate Cancer

Purpose: We sought to determine whether there is a subset of men who can avoid prostate biopsy based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and clinical characteristics. Materials and Methods: Of 1,149 consecutive men who underwent prostate biopsy from October 2011 to March 2017, 135 had prebiopsy negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging with PI-RADS™ (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) score less than 3. The detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer was evaluated according to prostate specific antigen density and prior biopsy history. Clinically significant prostate cancer was defined as Grade Group 2 or greater. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of nonclinically significant prostate cancer on biopsy. Results: The prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer detection rates were 38% and 18%, respectively. Men with biopsy detected, clinically significant prostate cancer had a smaller prostate (p = 0.004), higher prostate specific antigen density (p = 0.02) and no history of prior negative biopsy (p = 0.01) compared to the nonclinically significant prostate cancer cohort. Prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml/cc (p <0.001) and prior negative biopsy (p = 0.005) were independent predictors of absent clinically significant prostate cancer on biopsy. The negative predictive value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for biopsy detection of clinically significant prostate cancer improved with decreasing prostate specific antigen density, primarily in men with prior negative biopsy (p = 0.001) but not in biopsy naïve men. Of the men 32% had the combination of negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml/cc and negative prior biopsy, and none had clinically significant prostate cancer on repeat biopsy. The incidence of biopsy identified, clinically significant prostate cancer was 18%, 10% and 0% in men with negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging only, men with negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml/cc, and men with negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml/cc and negative prior biopsy, respectively. Conclusions: We propose that a subset of men with negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, prostate specific antigen density less than 0.15 ng/ml/cc and prior negative biopsy may safely avoid rebiopsy. Conversely prostate biopsy should be considered in biopsy naïve men regardless of negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, particularly those with prostate specific antigen density greater than 0.15 ng/ml/cc.

Robotic uterine-sparing vesicovaginal fistula repair

Introduction and hypothesisThe objective was to describe a technique for the robotic repair of complex vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) with uterine preservation.MethodsFrom 2015 to 2017, two patients underwent the procedure. Following placement of the patient in the lithotomy position, catheterization of the fistulous tract and laparoscopic omental harvesting is performed. Then, the robotic system is docked. A transverse incision was made in the peritoneum above the uterus was made to provide access to the bladder, the uterus is mobilized, and a cystotomy is performed to identify the structures. Subsequently, the cystotomy is extended toward the fistulous tract, the plane between the organs is dissected to proceed with the vaginal closure, the vagina is closed, the omental flap is interposed, and the bladder is closed.ResultsMean operative time (OT) was 219xa0min. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 75xa0ml. One of the patients had an intraoperative cervix canal injury that was identified and repaired. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was 1xa0day. A mean follow-up of 17 (±9.89) months showed no recurrence at cystoscopy or imaging evaluation.ConclusionsUterine-sparing VVF repair is feasible and safe. More studies are needed to assess equivalence compared with other procedures.

Primary Whole-gland Cryoablation for Prostate Cancer: Biochemical Failure and Clinical Recurrence at 5.6 Years of Follow-up

We retrospectively evaluated complications and functional and oncologic outcomes of 94 consecutive men who underwent primary whole-gland cryoablation for localized prostate cancer (PCa) from 2002 to 2012. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed using a landmark starting at 6 mo of follow-up. In total, 75% patients had DAmico intermediate- (48%) or high- (27%) risk PCa. Median follow-up was 5.6 yr. Median time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir was 3.3 mo, and 70 patients reached PSA <0.2ng/ml postcryoablation. The 90-d high-grade (Clavien Grade IIIa) complication rate was 3%, with no rectal fistulas reported. Continence and potency rates were 96% and 11%, respectively. The 5-yr biochemical failure-free survival (PSA nadir+2ng/ml) was 81% overall and 89% for low-, 78% for intermediate-, and 80% for high-risk PCa (p=0.46). The median follow-up was 5.6 and 5.1 yr for patients without biochemical failure and with biochemical failure, respectively. The 5-yr clinical recurrence-free survival was 83% overall and 94% for low-, 84% for intermediate-, and 69% for high-risk PCa (p=0.046). Failure to reach PSA nadir <0.2ng/ml within 6 mo postcryoablation was an independent predictor for biochemical failure (p=0.006) and clinical recurrence (p=0.03). The 5-yr metastases-free survival was 95%. Main limitation is retrospective evaluation. Primary whole-gland cryoablation for PCa provides acceptable medium-term oncologic outcomes and could be an alternative for radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy. PATIENT SUMMARY: Cryoablation is a safe, minimally-invasive procedure that uses cold temperatures delivered via probes through the skin to kill prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Whole-gland cryoablation may offer an alternative treatment option to surgery and radiotherapy. We found that patients had good cancer outcomes 5 yr after whole-gland cryoablation, and those with a prostate-specific antigen value ≥0.2ng/ml within 6 mo after treatment were more likely to have PCa recurrence.

Contrast-Enhanced Transrectal Ultrasound in Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Purpose of ReviewContrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound (CeTRUS) is an emerging imaging technique in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and treatment. We review the utility and implications of CeTRUS in PCa focal therapy (FT).Recent FindingsCeTRUS utilizes intravenous injection of ultrasound-enhancing agents followed by high-resolution ultrasound to evaluate tissue microvasculature and differentiate between benign tissue and PCa, with the latter demonstrating increased enhancement. The potential utility of CeTRUS in FT for PCa extends to pre-, intra- and post-operative settings. CeTRUS may detect PCa, facilitate targeted biopsy and aid surgical planning prior to FT. During FT, the treated area can be visualized as a well-demarcated non-enhancing zone and continuous real-time assessment allows immediate re-treatment if necessary. Following FT, the changes on CeTRUS are immediate and consistent, thus facilitating repeat imaging for comparison during follow-up. Areas suspicious for recurrence may be detected and target-biopsied. Enhancement can be quantified using time-intensity curves allowing objective assessment and comparison.SummaryBased on encouraging early outcomes, CeTRUS may become an alternative imaging modality in prostate cancer FT. Further study with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are needed.

Transvesical robot-assisted simple prostatectomy with 360° circumferential reconstruction: step-by-step technique

To present the step‐by‐step technique of a 360° mucosal reconstruction after transvesical robot‐assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP).

Robotic Parastomal Hernia Repair With Biologic Mesh

INTRODUCTIONnParastomal hernia is a common and vexing problem after ileal conduit urinary diversion that can cause pain, bowel symptoms, and problems with the stoma appliance, resulting in leakage, odor, and impairment of quality of life. Historically, these hernias have been managed open surgically, which requires considerable dissection of the abdominal wall for mesh placement, and may also require relocating the stoma to the contralateral side. Further, open parastomal hernia repair can be a morbid procedure with recurrence rates of approximately 30%.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnWe present our technique of robotic parastomal hernia repair with a biologic mesh. We used a biologic mesh with the keyhole technique to avoid risk of erosion into the bowel segment. We present a case series of 3 patients undergoing robotic parastomal hernia repair. The illustrative case in the video is that of a 63-year-old obese woman with a parastomal hernia resulting in poor stoma appliance adhesion and bothersome urinary leakage.nnnRESULTSnRobotic repair was completed successfully without intraoperative complications in all 3 patients. The mean age was 72 years. Mean body mass index was 30 kg/m2. Mean operating time was 3.5 hours. Mean estimated blood loss was 7.5u2009mL. Mean length of hospital stay was 3 days. On follow-up, all 3 patients were asymptomatic with stoma appliance issues and had no recurrence.nnnCONCLUSIONnOur initial series suggests that robotic repair of parastomal hernia is safe and feasible with minimal morbidity and good short-term outcomes. Further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of our technique.