Massimiliano Spaliviero

The impact of warm ischaemia on renal function after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Authors from Cleveland assessed the impact of warm ischaemia on renal function, using their large database of laparoscopic partial nephrectomies for tumour. While agreeing that renal hilar clamping is essential for precise excision of the tumour, and other elements of the operation, the authors indicate that warm ischaemia may potentially damage the kidney. However, they found that there were virtually no clinical sequelae from warm ischaemic of up to 30 min. They also found that advancing age and pre‐existing renal damage increased the risk of postoperative renal damage.

Does Size Really Matter? The Impact of Prostate Volume on the Efficacy and Safety of GreenLight HPS™ Laser Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of GreenLight HPS™ laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in patients with different prostate volumes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between July 2006 and February 2011, 207 consecutive patients were identified from a prospectively maintained urologic database. Based on preoperative prostate volume measured by transrectal ultrasonography, patients were stratified into two groups: ≥ 80 cc (group 1, n=57) and < 80 cc (group 2, n=150). Transurethral PVP was performed using a 120W GreenLight HPS side-firing laser system. American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS), quality-of-life (QoL) score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR) volume were measured preoperatively and at 1 and 4 weeks and 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. RESULTS Among the preoperative parameters evaluated, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the incidence of preoperative urinary retention (1: 24.6%; 2: 7.3%), serum prostate-specific antigen level (1: 4.5 ± 2.7; 2: 1.8 ± 1.9 ng/mL), QoL (1: 4.2 ± 1.1; 2: 4.7 ± 0.9), and mean prostate volume (1: 118.1 ± 37.9; 2: 48.5 ± 15.5 cc), while AUASS, Qmax, and PVR were similar (P>0.05) between groups. Significant differences (P<0.05) in laser use (1: 22.8 ± 13.3; 2: 10.4 ± 6.4 minutes) and energy usage (1: 152.7 ± 90.6; 2: 70.9 ± 44.8 kJ) were also noted. Clinical outcomes (AUASS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR) showed immediate and stable improvement from baseline (P<0.05) within each group, but no significant differences between the two groups were observed during the follow-up period (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse events was low and similar in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that prostate volume has little effect on the efficacy and safety of GreenLight HPS laser PVP, and that this technique remains a viable surgical option for BPH, irrespective of preoperative prostate volume.

Laparoscopic cryotherapy for renal tumors.

In an effort to decrease operative morbidity, energy based ablative procedures have triggered considerable interest in the treatment of select, small (<3 cm) renal tumors. Renal cryoablation for small renal tumors is a well-studied energy based ablative procedure that shows considerable promise as an alternative to partial nephrectomy. Cryoablation is minimally invasive and has demonstrated acceptable intermediate-term results. In this article we review key laboratory research and current clinical series of renal cryoablation.

Intermediate Outcomes of GreenLight HPS™ Laser Photoselective Vaporization Prostatectomy for Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE GreenLight HPS™ laser photoselective vaporization prostatectomy (PVP) is a treatment option for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. We review our experience using the 120 W GreenLight HPS laser system. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively evaluated our experience with GreenLight HPS laser PVP. All patients who failed medical therapy underwent GreenLight HPS laser PVP (C.W.). All had American Urological Association Symptom Score, Quality of Life score, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, American Society of Anesthesiologists risk score, serum prostate-specific antigen, maximum flow rate, and postvoid residual determinations and volumetric measurements with transrectal ultrasonography. Transurethral PVP was performed using a GreenLight HPS side-firing laser system. RESULTS 170 consecutive patients were identified, having a mean age of 67.4±9.5 years. The mean prostate volume was 65.3±36.7  mL and mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.3±0.7. Mean laser time, operating time, and energy usage were 14.1±10.5 minutes, 33.5±24.7 minutes, and 95.0±72.3  kJ, respectively. All were outpatient procedures with 100 (58.8%) patients catheter-free at discharge. 35 (20.5%) and 26 (15.3%) patients had follow-up of 24 and 36 months, respectively. Eight (4.7%) patients developed a urinary tract infection. No bladder neck contracture or urethral stricture were reported. American Urological Association Symptom Score, Quality of Life, maximum flow rate, and postvoid residual showed immediate and stable improvement from baseline (p<0.05) that has been durable to 36 months. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men score did not change postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Our intermediate results suggest that GreenLight HPS laser PVP is safe, effective, and durable for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Third Prize: Synchronized Real-Time Ultrasonography and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Scan Navigation During Percutaneous Renal Cryoablation in a Porcine Model

AIM To investigate the accuracy of percutaneous cryoablation for kidney tumors performed under combined real-time ultrasonography (US) and three-dimensional (3D) CT scan navigation in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS After percutaneously injecting 2 to 6 tumor mimic lesions in 11 pigs, a CT scan was performed and digital data were saved into a navigation system (Real-Time Virtual Sonography [RVS]) that allows 3D reconstruction and synchronization with real-time US images. The cryoprobe was guided percutaneously into the kidney tumor mimic, and ice ball formation was monitored continuously during cryoablation using the RVS system. Kidneys were harvested and sent for gross pathologic and histopathologic analysis at days 0, 15, and 30 postoperatively. RESULTS Thirty-five renal tumor mimics were created and treated by percutaneous cryotherapy; tumor mimic locations were as follows: 16 tumors (46%) in the lower pole, 14 (40%) in the central region, and 5 (14%) in the upper pole. Eleven tumor mimics (31%) were intraparenchymal, and 24 (69%) subcapsular. The synchronization between the CT scan 3D reconstructed images and real-time US was successful in all cases. The mean tumor size was 2 cm (range, 1.2-4 cm). Mean cryonecrosis size was 3.3, 3.7, and 2.8 cm at days 0, 15, and 30, respectively. Three (8.5%) positive margins were found on the macroscopic and microscopic analysis. CONCLUSIONS RVS imaging system synchronizing real-time US with preoperative CT scan is a feasible and safe technique for percutaneous probe ablation of kidney tumors.

Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed solid organ tumor among men in the United States Radical prostatectomy is widely considered as the gold standard definitive treatment option for localized prostatic cancer, with excellent long-term (15-yr) cure rates. Therapeutic goals of radical prostatectomy are cancer cure, early return of continence, and preservation of sexual function. The anatomical radical retropubic prostatectomy described by Walsh (1) has gained acceptance as the standard open surgical technique

Robot-Assisted Urologic Procedures

Surgical robotics, the result of the combined efforts of engineers, computer scientists, entrepreneurs, and surgeons, has enabled the surgeon to execute precise technical maneuvers while seated at a remote console. The capability to perform sophisticated surgical operations by means of a robot is todays reality. The combination of laparoscopy and robotics has the potential to enhance operative performance and the outcomes of laparoscopy, and expand the clinical application of laparoscopy while reducing patient morbidity. In this article, we review initial pioneering and laboratory research, early clinical investigations, and current clinical applications of robotics in urologic surgery.