Jean V. Joseph

Training, credentialing, proctoring and medicolegal risks of robotic urological surgery: recommendations of the society of urologic robotic surgeons.

PURPOSE With the exponential growth of robotic urological surgery, particularly with robot assisted radical prostatectomy, guidelines for safe initiation of this technology are a necessity. Currently no standardized credentialing system exists to our knowledge to evaluate surgeon competency and safety with robotic urological surgery performance. Although proctoring is a modality by which such competency can be evaluated, other training tools and guidelines are needed to ensure that the requisite knowledge and technical skills to perform this procedure have been acquired. We evaluated the current status of proctoring and credentialing in other surgical specialties to discuss and recommend its application and implementation specifically for robot assisted radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the literature on safety and medicolegal implications of proctoring and the safe introduction of surgical procedures to develop recommendations for robot assisted radical prostatectomy proctoring and credentialing. RESULTS Proctoring is an essential mechanism for robot assisted radical prostatectomy institutional credentialing and should be a prerequisite for granting unrestricted privileges on the robot. This should be differentiated from preceptoring, wherein the expert is directly involved in hands-on training. Advanced technology has opened new avenues for long-distance observation through teleproctoring. Although the medicolegal implications of an active surgical intervention by a proctor are not clearly defined, the role as an observer should grant immunity from malpractice liability. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of guidelines and proctoring recommendations is necessary to protect surgeons, proctors, institutions and, above all, the patients who are associated with the institutional introduction of a robot assisted radical prostatectomy program. With no current guidelines we anticipate this article will serve as a catalyst of interorganizational discussion to initiate regulatory oversight of surgeon certification and proctorship.

Robotic Extraperitoneal Radical Prostatectomy: An Alternative Approach

PURPOSE Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with or without a robot has been increasingly performed worldwide, primarily using a transperitoneal approach. We report our experience with daVinci(R) robot assisted extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 325 patients underwent robot assisted extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer at our center during a 2-year period. Perioperative data, and oncological and functional results were prospectively recorded. RESULTS Perioperative demographics included mean age, PSA and Gleason score, which were 60 years (range 42 to 76), 6.6 ng/ml (range 0.6 to 26) and 6 (range 5 to 9), respectively. Preoperative clinical stage was 81%, 16% and 3% for T1c, T2a and T2b, respectively. Average total operative time was 130 minutes (range 80 to 480). Intraoperative data included a mean blood loss of 196 cc with no open conversions. Bilateral, unilateral and nonnerve sparing prostatectomy was performed in 70%, 24% and 6% of patients, respectively. Of the patients 96% were discharged home within 8 to 23 hours of surgery. Pathological stage was pT2a, pT2b, pT3a and pT3b in 18%, 63%, 14% and 5% of all radical prostatectomy specimens, respectively, with an overall positive surgical margin rate of 13%. Two of 92 patients had positive nodal disease after lymph node dissection. Continence and erectile function were measured. CONCLUSIONS The extraperitoneal approach offers the advantages of improved dexterity and visualization of the robot, while avoiding the abdominal cavity and potential associated morbidity. As surgeons gain more experience with this new technology, the extraperitoneal approach simulating the standard open retropubic technique is likely to gain popularity.

Tissue elasticity properties as biomarkers for prostate cancer

In this paper we evaluate tissue elasticity as a longstanding but qualitative biomarker for prostate cancer and sonoelastography as an emerging imaging tool for providing qualitative and quantitative measurements of prostate tissue stiffness. A Kelvin-Voigt Fractional Derivative (KVFD) viscoelastic model was used to characterize mechanical stress relaxation data measured from human prostate tissue samples. Mechanical testing results revealed that the viscosity parameter for cancerous prostate tissue is greater than that derived from normal tissue by a factor of approximately 2.4. It was also determined that a significant difference exists between normal and cancerous prostate tissue stiffness (p < 0.01) yielding an average elastic contrast that increases from 2.1 at 0.1 Hz to 2.5 at 150 Hz. Qualitative sonoelastographic results show promise for cancer detection in prostate and may prove to be an effective adjunct imaging technique for biopsy guidance. Elasticity images obtained with quantitative sonoelastography agree with mechanical testing and histological results. Overall, results indicate tissue elasticity is a promising biomarker for prostate cancer.

Robot‐assisted vs pure laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: are there any differences?

To compare our experience of pure laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RAP).

Quantitative characterization of viscoelastic properties of human prostate correlated with histology.

Quantification of mechanical properties of human prostate tissue is important for developing sonoelastography for prostate cancer detection. In this study, we characterized the frequency-dependent complex Youngs modulus of normal and cancerous prostate tissues in vitro by using stress relaxation testing and viscoelastic tissue modeling methods. After radical prostatectomy, small cylindrical tissue samples were acquired in the posterior region of each prostate. A total of 17 samples from eight human prostates were obtained and tested. Stress relaxation tests on prostate samples produced repeatable results that fit a viscoelastic Kelvin-Voigt fractional derivative (KVFD) model (r(2)>0.97). For normal (n = 8) and cancerous (n = 9) prostate samples, the average magnitudes of the complex Youngs moduli (|E*|) were 15.9 +/- 5.9 kPa and 40.4 +/- 15.7 kPa at 150 Hz, respectively, giving an elastic contrast of 2.6:1. Nine two-sample t-tests indicated that there are significant differences between stiffness of normal and cancerous prostate tissues in the same gland (p < 0.01). This study contributes to the current limited knowledge on the viscoelastic properties of the human prostate, and the inherent elastic contrast produced by cancer.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK 1) staining and molecular analysis in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours of the bladder: a preliminary clinicopathological study of nine cases and review of the literature

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours (IMFT) may arise at any anatomical site, including lung, soft tissues, retroperitoneum and bladder. Although morphologically similar, these lesions encompass a spectrum of entities with differing aetiology, ranging from reactive/regenerative proliferations to low-grade neoplasms with a risk of local recurrence, but no significant metastatic potential. Vesical IMFT usually presents as a polypoid mass with a pale firm cut surface and can be of considerable size, mimicking a malignant tumour clinically and radiologically. Its good outcome, however, warrants conservative surgical excision, emphasising the importance of identification and distinction from malignant tumours of the bladder that may require more radical surgery and/or adjuvant therapy. We conducted a preliminary retrospective, comparative immunocytochemical study of 20 bladder tumours, including nine IMFTs, five spindle cell (sarcomatoid) carcinomas, two rhabdomyosarcomas, two leiomyosarcomas and two neurofibromas. The results confirmed IMFT positivity for smooth muscle actin, desmin and cytokeratin in 78–89% cases, resulting in potential confusion with sarcomatoid carcinoma or leiomyosarcoma. In contrast, cytoplasmic anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK 1) staining was present in eight IMFT (89%), but was not seen in any other lesion examined. The ALK 1 staining was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridisation, with translocation of the ALK gene present in 15–60% tumour cells in four of six IMFT examined, but not in four cases of sarcomatoid carcinoma or three of leiomyosarcoma. In conclusion, ALK 1 staining may be of value in the distinction of vesical IMFT from morphologically similar entities, and often reflects ALK gene translocations in these lesions.

Robotic and laparoscopic surgery: Cost and training

Robotic prostatectomy training as part of mainstream surgical training will be difficult. The primary problems revolve around the inconsistencies of standard sugery. Many surgeons are still in the learning curve, as is the understanding of the true capabilities of the robot. The important elements of robotic surgery actually enhance basic laparoscopic techniques. The prostate has been shown to be an organ where this new technology has a niche. As we move toward cross specialty use the robot although extremely expensive, may be the best way to train the laparoscopic surgeon of the future.

URETHROPLASTY FOR REFRACTORY ANTERIOR URETHRAL STRICTURE

PURPOSE We present our results managing anterior urethral strictures previously treated with urethroplasty and/or urethrotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS During a 32-month period 69 males 10 to 76 years old (mean age 36) underwent treatment for anterior urethral stricture, including 32 (46%) and 26 (38%) previously treated with urethroplasty and urethrotomy, respectively. In 11 patients (16%) no previous procedures had been done. Anastomotic and dorsal patch urethroplasty was performed for bulbar stricture in 13 and 14 cases, respectively, while in 4 a penile skin flap was placed for penile stricture and in 38 a 2-stage procedure was done with urethral substitution using buccal mucosa or post-auricular skin grafts. Patients were followed with ascending urethrography at 3 weeks, and 12 and 18 months as well as with uroflowmetry. Symptoms were assessed for 6 months to 4 years. RESULTS Only 1 stricture recurred in patients treated with anastomotic or patch urethroplasty, or a skin flap. Of the patients scheduled for a 2-stage procedure stage 1 revision was required due to graft scarring or stenosis at the urethrostomy site in 21% and stage 2 revision was required in 23%. Other complications in this series included fistula in 3% of cases, wound infection in 3% and post-void dribbling in 12%. CONCLUSIONS Overall early results are good in our urethroplasty series in patients with a previously instrumented urethra. Patients should be advised of the possible need for multiple revisions of planned staged procedures. The increased rate of revision in these staged procedures compared with the excellent outcome of 1-stage procedures appears to be inherent in this operation in patients with multiple previous procedures rather than due to surgeon experience.

Impact of Ureteral Stent Diameter on Symptoms and Tolerability

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Indwelling double-pigtail ureteral stents are frequently associated with debilitating symptoms. A randomized study was performed to evaluate the effect of stent diameter (4.7F v. 6F) on symptoms and tolerability. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between February and October 2000, 46 consecutive patients undergoing ureteroscopy for stone disease were randomly assigned to receive either a 4.7F (group I) or a 6F (group II) ureteral stent following the procedure. The patients were asked to leave their stents in place for minimum of 7 days. Pain and irritative urinary symptoms in the two groups were compared according to a scale ranging from 0 (none) to 5 (severe). The two groups were also compared for stone size and location, rigid v. flexible ureteroscopy, anesthesia, stent migration, and ureteral dilation. RESULTS There were no differences between the groups in terms of pain (P = 0.28) or irritative symptoms (P = 0.37). There was a tendency for stents in group I to migrate distally and dislodge more often than those in group II (32% v 10%). CONCLUSIONS When stent insertion following ureteroscopy is deemed necessary, a minimum diameter of 6F is recommended.

Statin use and the risk of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy: a meta‐analysis of eight cohort studies

Whats known on the subject? and What does the study add?