Oscar Schatloff

Systematic review of methods for reporting combined outcomes after radical prostatectomy and proposal of a novel system: the survival, continence, and potency (SCP) classification.

CONTEXT Although oncologic results remain the main outcome assessment for radical prostatectomy (RP), there is a need to include both urinary continence and potency recovery in the assessment of success for this procedure. Unfortunately, the widely used trifecta system does not weigh these outcomes differently. Moreover, the trifecta system-and even more so, the recently described pentafecta system-is only applicable in preoperatively continent and potent patients who receive bilateral nerve-sparing RP, and thus it is not an appropriate reporting tool for the majority of patients undergoing RP. OBJECTIVE Perform a systematic review to evaluate critically the trifecta and pentafecta models and describe a novel system that can be used to report the most relevant intermediate- and long-term outcomes after RP. This system has increased generalizability by being applicable to all patients undergoing RP. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A literature search was performed in March 2011 using the Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The Medline search included only a free-text protocol using the terms radical prostatectomy, trifecta, and pentafecta across the Title and Abstract fields of the records. Subsequently, the following limits were used: humans, gender (male), and language (English). The searches of the Embase and Web of Science databases used the same free-text protocol and the same keywords, applying no limits. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Eleven original articles reported trifecta outcomes, and only one original article used the pentafecta model. These systems were correctly applied in only 28-62% of treated patients. A mean of 57% (range: 20-83%) of patients achieved continence and potency without prostate-specific antigen failure after RP. All the original articles were surgical series (level 4 evidence). The new proposed system categorizes the three outcomes using the letter S for biochemical disease-free survival, the letter C for urinary continence, and the letter P for potency recovery. This SCP system can be applied to all patients who undergo RP and is thus analogous to the use of the TNM system for classifying disease stage. Moreover, the SCP system allows us to distinguish four different clinical scenarios: (1) oncologic and functional success, (2) oncologic success and functional failure, (3) oncologic failure and functional success, and (4) oncologic and functional failure. CONCLUSIONS The proposed novel SCP system offers the opportunity to appropriately classify all patients who undergo RP according to the oncologic and functional outcomes of relevance to them on an individual basis. We contend that this systems greater generalizability may make it more useful than the currently used trifecta and pentafecta systems, though its validation remains to be performed.

Factors Affecting Return of Continence 3 Months After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Analysis From a Large, Prospective Data by a Single Surgeon

PURPOSE In this study we identified preoperative or intraoperative factors responsible for the early return of continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using data from a high volume center. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 1,299 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy performed by a single surgeon from January 2008 to June 2010 were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Patients were categorized according to whether they regained continence (no pad and no urinary leakage) within 3 months and variables were then compared. A self-administered validated questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) was used for assessment of continence status and time to recovery. RESULTS Within 3 months after surgery 86.3% of patients (1,121/1,299) had recovered continence. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that only age (p <0.001, hazard ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99) and performance of a nerve sparing procedure were independent predictors. After adjusting for age, the hazard ratio was 1.61 (95% CI 1.25-2.07, p <0.001) for partial nerve sparing and 1.44 (1.13-1.83, p = 0.003) for bilateral nerve sparing compared to the nonnerve sparing group. Median time (95% CI) to the recovery of continence was prolonged in the nonnerve sparing group compared to nerve sparing counterparts at 6 (5.12-6.88), 4 (3.60-4.40) and 5 weeks (4.70-5.30) in the nonnerve sparing, partial nerve sparing and bilateral nerve sparing groups, respectively, with log rank p <0.01. CONCLUSIONS Findings from our analysis indicate that the likelihood of postoperative urinary control was significantly higher in younger patients and when a nerve sparing procedure was performed.

Critical review of ' pentafecta ' outcomes after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy in high-volume centres

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

Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: A Multi-institutional Experience

OBJECTIVE To report a 6-year multi-institutional experience and outcomes with robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RLP) for the repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS Between June 2002 and October 2008, 168 adult patients from 3 institutions underwent RLP for UPJO. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data were performed after institutional review board approval. Diagnosis was by intravenous urogram or computed tomography scan and diuretic renogram. All patients underwent RLP through a 4-port laparoscopic technique. Demographic, preoperative, operative, and postoperative endpoints for primary and secondary repair of UPJO were measured. Success was defined as a T½ of <20 minutes on diuretic renogram and symptom resolution. Pain resolution was assessed by subjective patient reports. RESULTS Of 168 patients, 147 (87.5%) had primary repairs and 21 (12.5%) had secondary repairs. Of the secondary repairs, 57% had a crossing vessel etiology. Mean operative time was 134.9 minutes, estimated blood loss was 49 mL, and length of stay was 1.5 days. Mean follow-up was 39 months. Overall, 97.6% of patients had a successful outcome, with a 6.6% overall complication rate. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this review represents the largest multi-institutional experience of RLP with intermediate-term follow-up. RLP is a safe, efficacious, and viable option for either primary or secondary repair of UPJO with reproducible outcomes, a high success rate, and a low incidence of complications.

Retrograde versus antegrade nerve sparing during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: which is better for achieving early functional recovery?

BACKGROUND Although the retrograde approach to nerve sparing (NS) aimed at maximizing NS during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been described, its significant benefits compared to the antegrade approach have not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of NS approaches on perioperative, pathologic, and functional outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Five hundred one potent (Sexual Health Inventory for Men [SHIM] score >21) men underwent bilateral full NS and were followed up for a minimum of 1 yr. After propensity score matching, 344 patients were selected and were then categorized into two groups. SURGICAL PROCEDURE RARP with antegrade NS (n=172) or RARP with retrograde NS (n=172). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Functional outcomes were assessed using validated questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Positive margin rates were similar (11.1% vs 6.9%; p=0.192), and no correlation with the NS approach was found on regression analysis. At 3, 6, and 9 mo, the potency rate was significantly higher in the retrograde approach (65% vs 80.8% and 72.1% vs 90.1% and 85.3% vs 92.9%, respectively). The multivariable model indicated that the NS approach was an independent predictor for potency recovery at 3, 6, and 9 mo, along with age, gland size, and hyperlipidemia. After adjusting for these predictors, the hazard ratio (HR) for the retrograde relative to the antegrade approach was 2.462 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.482-4.089; p=0.001) at 3, 4.024 (95% CI, 2.171-7.457; p<0.001) at 6, and 2.145 (95% CI, 1.019-4.514; p=0.044) at 9 mo. Regarding continence, the recovery rates at each time point and the mean time to regaining it were similar, and the method of NS had no effect on multivariable analysis. The absence of randomization is a major limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS In patients with normal erectile function who underwent bilateral full NS, a retrograde NS approach facilitated early recovery of potency compared to that with an antegrade NS approach without compromising cancer control.

Percutaneous transhepatic lithotripsy with the holmium: YAG laser for the treatment of refractory biliary lithiasis.

Fourteen patients who failed at least 1 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograpy attempt underwent Holmium laser biliary lithotripsy between 2003 and 2007. Ten had prior biliary surgeries, 7 harbored multiple stones, and 6 had common bile duct strictures. Mean age at surgery was 63.6 years (50 to 80 y), biggest stone burden 30 mm, mean operative time 58.4 minutes (24 to 105), and stone free rate 85.7%. One patient had postoperative bleeding from the choledochostomy tube that eventually resolved spontaneously and 3 patients had postoperative cholangitis managed conservatively. Neither conversions to open surgery nor mortality was recorded. Two patients were diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma missed by previous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograpy. After a mean follow-up of 18.9 months (2 to 43) no de novo strictures were recorded. Percutaneous choledochoscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique to treat complex biliary stone disease and may preclude high-risk open biliary tract surgery.

Overall rate, location, and predictive factors for positive surgical margins after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer.

We report the overall rate, locations and predictive factors of positive surgical margins (PSMs) in 271 patients with high-risk prostate cancer. Between April 2008 and October 2011, we prospectively collected data from patients classified as D′Amico high-risk who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Overall rate and location of PSMs were reported. Stepwise logistic regression models were fitted to assess predictive factors of PSM. The overall rate of PSMs was 25.1% (68 of 271 patients). Of these PSM, 38.2% (26 of 68) were posterolateral (PL), 26.5% (18 of 68) multifocal, 16.2% (11 of 68) in the apex, 14.7% (10 of 68) in the bladder neck, and 4.4% (3/68) in other locations. The PSM rate of patients with pathological stage pT2 was 8.6% (12 of 140), 26.6% (17 of 64) of pT3a, 53.3% (32/60) of pT3b, and 100% (7 of 7) of pT4. In a logistic regression model including pre-, intra-, and post-operative parameters, body mass index (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.19, P= 0.029), pathological stage (pT3b or higher vs pT2; OR: 5.14; 95% CI: 1.92-13.78; P = 0.001) and percentage of the tumor (OR: 46.71; 95% CI: 6.37-342.57; P< 0.001) were independent predictive factors for PSMs. The most common location of PSMs in patients at high-risk was the PL aspect, which reflects the reported tumor aggressiveness. The only significant predictive factors of PSMs were pathological outcomes, such as percentage of the tumor in the specimen and pathological stage.

Is Postoperative Arteriovenous Fistula Still a Concern After En Bloc Stapling of the Renal Hilum During Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

PURPOSE To report our experience with en bloc stapling of the renal hilum during laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) and nephroureterectomy and to compare it with separate stapling performed during the same period at the same institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 125 laparoscopic nephrectomies and nephroureterectomies performed between November 2003 and September 2006 for benign and malignant conditions. The main outcome was assessment of complications, with special emphasis on postoperative arteriovenous fistula. Secondary outcomes included operative blood loss and operative time. Statistical analysis was performed using two-sided parametric, nonparametric, or categorical tests as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P < or = 0.05. RESULTS The transperitoneal approach and 2.5 mM vascular titanium clips were used in all cases. En bloc stapling (group 1) was performed in 65 patients and individual stapling (group 2) in 60. There was a significantly higher proportion of right-side surgeries in group 1 than in group 2 (51 vs 25%, P = 0.05). Overall complications were 31% vs 32%, P = 0.91; mean operative time (confidence interval [CI]) 130 (95% 119, 141) vs 125 min (95% 115, 136), P = 0.3; and mean operative blood loss (CI) 100 (95% 39, 160) vs 135 mL (95% 76, 193), P = 0.33 did not differ for groups 1 and 2, respectively. After a median follow-up (interquartile range) of 25 (24.7) vs 30 (30.0) months, P = 0.14, no cases of arteriovenous fistula were detected. CONCLUSIONS En bloc stapling of the renal hilum is as safe and effective as individual stapling. Arteriovenous fistula after LN does not seem to be a concern with the use of modern inorganic titanium staplers.

Does Surgeon Subjective Nerve Sparing Score Predict Recovery Time of Erectile Function Following Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy?

INTRODUCTION During robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the quality of nerve sparing (NS) was usually classified by laterality of NS (none, unilateral, and bilateral) or degree of NS (none, partial, and full). Recently, side-specific NS have been more frequently performed, but previous NS grading system might not reflect the differential NS in each side. AIM Herein, we assessed whether a subjective NS score (NSS) incorporating both degree of NS and NS laterality can predict the time to potency recovery following RARP. METHODS Data were analyzed from 1,898 patients who had left and right neurovascular bundle sparing quality scores and at least one year of follow-up after RARP was performed between January 2008 and October 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cox proportional hazard method analyses were used to determine predictive factors for early recovery. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess subjective NSS in an effort to predict time to potency recovery. Subjective NSSs were compared to a model based on the three grades according to laterality and degree. RESULTS Time to potency recovery showed a statistically significant difference in favor of higher NSS by the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis (NSS 0 vs. NSS 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10; P < 0.01). The regression model indicated that the statistical significance of the subjective NSS covering the differential NS is not different from that of the conventional three-grade scales, while it has a higher R(2). The regression equation with subjective NSS was as follows: Log (Time) = 5.163 - (0.035 × SHIM Score) + 0.028 Age - (0.101 × Subjective NSS). CONCLUSION The subjective NSS can reflect NS degree for each side based on the visual cues. Regression model can be used to help inform the patient about the time to postoperative potency regain, which is an important patient concern following RARP.

Modified urethrovesical anastomosis during robot-assisted simple prostatectomy: Technique and results

Background Despite significant developments in transurethral surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia, simple prostatectomy remains an excellent option for patients with severely enlarged glands. The objective is to describe our results of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) with a modified urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA). Methods From May 2011 to February 2014, RASP with UVA was performed in 34 patients by a single surgeon (O.C.) using the da Vinci S-HD surgical system. The UVA was performed between the bladder neck and urethral margin using the Van Velthoven technique. Demographic, perioperative, and outcome data were recorded. Complications were recorded with the Clavien–Dindo system. Results The mean (standard deviation) age was 68 years (62–74 years). The median preoperative prostate volume (interquartile range) was 117 cc (99–146 cc). Operative time was 96 minutes (78–126 minutes), estimate blood loss was 200 mL (100–300 mL), and two (5.8%) patients required a blood transfusion. No conversion to open surgery was needed. The median specimen weight on pathological examination was 76 g (58–100 g). The average hospital stay was 2.2 days (1–4 days) and average Foley catheter time was 4.6 days (4–6 days). No intraoperative complications were recorded. There were seven (20.5%) postoperative complications, most of them Clavien less than or equal to Grade II. Conclusion The results of our study show that RASP with UVA is a feasible, secure, and reproducible procedure with low morbidity. Additional series with larger patient cohorts are needed to validate this approach.