İlter Tüfek

Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Versus Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: Comparison of Outcomes

PURPOSE We report our initial experience with laparoscopy- and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) operations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between November 2003 and April 2009, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) was performed in 20 patients (hand-assisted procedure in one patient) and RAPN in 11 patients. Transperitoneal approach was used in both groups. RESULTS The patient demographics were similar in both groups. The groups were statistically comparable for body mass index (BMI), gender, and American Society of Auesthesiologists (ASA) scores. The mean tumor size was 32.1 mm (range 20-41 mm) in the RAPN group and 31.45 mm (range 15-70 mm) in the LPN group. The operative time was 226 minutes (range 120-420) in the LPN group and 185 minutes (range 120-270) in the RAPN group; the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). The mean warm ischemia time was significantly shorter in the RAPN group (27.3 minutes for the RAPN group and 35.8 for the LPN group) (p = 0.02). The mean estimated blood loss was 286.4 mL in the RAPN group and 387.5 mL in the LPN group (p = 0.3). One patient (5%) had focal positive margin in the LPN group. No patient had positive surgical margins in the RAPN group. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, we found that RAPN and LPN are feasible and safe operations in T1 renal tumors. The advantages for RAPN are excision of the tumor under three-dimensional vision and easy suturing with the articulated instruments of the robotic system. The cost and the need for two experienced laparoscopic surgeons are the disadvantages of robotic surgery. Larger randomized studies are needed to evaluate whether RAPN has any advantages over LPN.

BLADDER INVOLVEMENT IN BEHCET'S SYNDROME

PURPOSE We report our clinical experience with Behçets syndrome and bladder involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS From April 1991 through July 1996, 7 men and 1 woman 25 to 53 years old with Behçets syndrome were evaluated for lower urinary tract symptoms (7) or hematuria (1). Of 8 patients 5 had neurological involvement. Evaluation consisted of history, physical examination, urinalysis and urine culture, excretory urography, urodynamic studies, urethrocystoscopy, bladder biopsies and histopathological examination. RESULTS Cystoscopy revealed bladder ulcer in 1 patient and an indurated, hypervascular lesion in another with bilateral hydronephrosis. The most common urodynamic finding was detrusor overactivity. Of 4 patients with poor compliance 1 had additional sphincteric deficiency. Common histopathological features were moderate and marked thickening of bladder vessel walls. Lymphocytic vascular reaction was present in 2 patients and lymphocytic vasculitis in 1. Clamshell augmentation ileocystoplasty was performed in 3 patients, including 1 who also underwent a sphincter enhancement procedure. The remaining 5 patients received various nonsurgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS Various types of voiding dysfunction relating to bladder and sphincteric components in both phases of micturition can be seen in Behçets syndrome. Voiding dysfunction can be due to either neurological or direct bladder involvement. Augmentation ileocystoplasty is a good treatment option for Behçets syndrome with severe bladder involvement.

Anterior and posterior reconstruction technique and its impact on early return of continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Urinary incontinence is a significant cause of morbidity after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Several techniques have been developed to improve continence rates. In this study, we compared the continence rates of patients who underwent RARP with total reconstruction and without reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between March 2005 and September 2009, 245 patients underwent RARP at our institution. The initial 120 patients (control group) underwent standard RARP without reconstruction and the last 125 patients (reconstruction group) underwent a total reconstruction technique, which included an anterior and posterior reconstruction. Patients were followed for 1, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks after the operation. Continence was defined with strict criteria-no usage of pads and no leakage of urine. RESULTS In the reconstruction group, the continence rates at, 1, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks postoperatively were 71%, 72%, 80%, 84%, 86%, and 91%, respectively; in the control group, the continence rates were 23%, 49%, 76%, 80%, 85%, and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSION The overall continence rates were similar in both groups at 52 weeks of follow-up. Patients in the total reconstruction group, however, had higher early continence rates compared with patients in the control group. The total reconstruction procedure is an efficient way to achieve an early return to continence.

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Bladder Diverticulectomy Combined with Photoselective Vaporization of Prostate: A Case Report and Review of Literature

PURPOSE Open surgery, endoscopic technique, and standard laparoscopic technique are surgical options for the management of bladder diverticuli. In this article, we report robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy (RABD) and photoselective vaporization of prostate (PVP) in the same patient sequentially. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of RABD combined with PVP. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 63-year-old patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia and a secondary large bladder diverticulum underwent sequential PVP and RABD. Cystoscopic examination revealed obstructing prostate lobes and a large diverticulum at posterior wall of bladder. After completion of PVP procedure, a 16F urethral catheter was inserted into the diverticulum via outer sheath of optic urethrotome and another 16F urethral catheter was left in bladder for urinary drainage. A transperitoneal approach was preferred. The diverticulum was distended with saline infusion via the Foley catheter inside the diverticulum. The distended diverticulum was seen easily and dissected from the surrounding tissue. The bladder was closed in two separate layers. RESULTS Total operative time, including diverticulectomy with PVP procedure, was 230 minutes, and console time was 90 minutes. The length of stay was 7 days. CONCLUSIONS There has been always concern about the high intravesical pressures secondary to irrigant instillation that may disrupt the bladder repair. To avoid this problem we combined robotic diverticulectomy with PVP. Because of hemostatic properties of potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser, we did not encounter with bleeding after prostatectomy procedure. Moreover, we did not use irrigation, and the suture line of the bladder was kept safe. Therefore, we recommend to use greenlight laser in combined prostate and RABD operations. RABD is a feasible and safe procedure. RABD and PVP can be performed safely in the same patient sequentially.

Long-term results of Burch colposuspension

Background : We aimed to determine the long‐term results of Burch colposuspension.

The Use of a Laparoscopic Bulldog Clamp to Control the Dorsal Vein Complex During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Novel Technique

PURPOSE To describe a novel technique to control dorsal vein complex (DVC) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). PATIENTS AND METHODS We have been using a laparoscopic bulldog clamp to control DVC before apical dissection and urethral division. Data of 50 patients who underwent DVC control with laparoscopic bulldog clamp (group 1) were retrospectively compared with 50 consecutive patients in whom DVC was controlled with suture ligation (group 2). In the bulldog and suture groups, 30 and 31 patients underwent concomitant bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), respectively. Operative and anastomosis time, estimated blood loss (EBL), apical surgical margin positivity, and early continence rates were evaluated. RESULTS Patients in the bulldog group had significantly shorter operative time compared with patients in the suture group (146.8 vs 178.4 min, P=0.0005). Anastomosis time was significantly shorter in the bulldog group (12.3 vs 15.5 min, P=0.002). There was no difference in EBL between the groups (185 vs 184.2 mL). Immediate, postoperative first and third month continence rates were 62% vs 44%, 74% vs 60%, 90% vs 74% in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Although continence rates were better in favor of the bulldog group at each evaluation period, the difference did not reach statistical difference. None of the patients in both groups had apical surgical margin positivity. CONCLUSIONS The use of a laparoscopic bulldog clamp to control DVC was associated with shorter operation and anastomosis time and a trend toward quicker recovery of continence. This technique provides clear vision during apical dissection and urethral division while potentially minimizing the external sphincteric trauma. Prospective randomized trials are needed for better evaluation of this technique.

Rapid Communication: Removal of UroLume Endoprosthesis Using Holmium:YAG Laser

A potential complication of UroLume endoprosthesis is migration, which may necessitate removal of the stent. Stent removal may be associated with complications such as urethral injury, bleeding, and external sphincter trauma. We report a patient in whom a holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser was used to cut the UroLume endoprosthesis into fragments, which led to easy and uneventful stent removal.

The Impact of Local Anesthetic Volume and Concentration on Pain During Prostate Biopsy: A Prospective Randomized Trial

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of equivalent doses of local anesthetic administered at different concentrations and volumes on pain scores in patients undergoing prostate biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study was a single-center, randomized trial. A total of 120 patients were randomized into two groups with 60 patients in each group. In group 1, 2.5 mL of 2% lidocaine (low volume-high concentration) and in group 2, 5 mL of 1% lidocaine (high volume-low concentration) was injected just lateral to the junction between the prostate base and seminal vesicle on each side under ultrasonographic guidance. Patients were given an 11 point visual analog scale (VAS) to evaluate the level of pain encountered during transrectal ultrasonographic (TRUS) probe insertion, injection of the local anesthetic, and the biopsy procedure. RESULTS In both groups, TRUS probe insertion was the most painful stage of the procedure. With regard to local anesthetic injection, the VAS pain score was significantly lower in group 1 (1.56 vs. 2.41, P=0.001). Concerning sampling of the prostate, group 1 had a significantly lower VAS pain score compared with group 2 (1.71 vs. 2.48, P=0.008). Neither major complications nor side effects related to local anesthetic absorption occurred in both groups. CONCLUSION Low volume-high concentration lidocaine administration provides superior analgesia compared with high volume-low concentration lidocaine during transrectal biopsy of the prostate.

Robot-Assisted Bladder Diverticulectomy with Concurrent Management of Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Introduction: Robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy (RABD) through a technique for easier identification of diverticulum along with concomitant management of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) utilizing a combination of transurethral prostatectomy (TUR-P) and photoselective vaporization of prostate (PVP) is presented. Materials and Methods: Between 2008 and 2015, 9 patients underwent RABD with concurrent treatment of BOO. Diverticula were identified by a technique of catheterizing the diverticulum and the bladder simultaneously and individually. Results: Mean patient age was 62 ± 9.8 and prostate volume was 70 ± 26 ml. Mean time for endourological procedure was 77 ± 35, mean console and total operative times were 108 ± 38 and 186 ± 56 min, respectively. Mean estimated blood loss was 71 ± 37 ml. All diverticula were excised and BOO treated successfully. Bladder irrigation was not necessary in any patient. Mean hospitalization and catheter removal time was 5 ± 3 and 8 ± 3 days, respectively. No complications were observed. Conclusions: BOO is the main cause of acquired bladder diverticula and is largely due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Concomitant performance of TUR-P and PVP along with RABD is feasible and safe. Individual catheterization of the diverticulum and bladder facilitates the identification of diverticulum even in the presence of multiple diverticula.

The Use of a Bulldog Clamp to Control the Dorsal Vein Complex During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Optimal control of the dorsal venous complex (DVC) is a critical step in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). If DVC is not controlled properly, bleeding may occur during the apical dissection. On the other hand, if it is controlled well, a bloodless field is attained and, thus, a precise apical dissection and urethral division is possible. Suture ligation is the most common technique used for dorsal vein control, while some authors recommend using an endovascular stapler. Recently, athermal division and selective suture ligation technique has been reported for DVC control. We describe a new technique: Use of a bulldog clamp to control the DVC during RARP. The control of the DVC with a bulldog clamp allows a bloodless field with precise apical dissection and provides preservation of maximum urethral length while avoiding sphincteral injury.