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Central European Journal of Urology 2020Simulation models have been found to be effective and valid for training in Urology. Due to increasing costs of surgical training, there is a need for low-cost... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Simulation models have been found to be effective and valid for training in Urology. Due to increasing costs of surgical training, there is a need for low-cost simulation models to enable Urology trainees to improve their skills.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A literature review was performed using the PubMed and Embase databases until March 2020. A total of 157 abstracts were identified using the search criteria, of which 20 articles were identified describing simulation models for Urology training. Articles reviewed described simulation models created from materials costing less than $150. Data was extracted from the relevant articles in order to critically assess each paper for validity, ease of construct and educational impact.
RESULTS
Models were found pertaining to suprapubic catheterization (6), cystoscopy (3), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (5), scrotal examination (1), circumcision (1), ureteroscopy (1), transurethral resection of the prostate and bladder (2), and open prostatectomy (1). 18/20 (90%) assessed for either face, content, or construct validity. None of the papers evaluated assessed for transferability of skills to performance in real patients.
CONCLUSIONS
A plethora of low-cost simulation models for urological procedures are described in the literature, many of which can be easily constructed from cheap and accessible materials. However there is a need for further efforts to validate or assess for transferability of skills to clinical practice.
PubMed: 33133668
DOI: 10.5173/ceju.2020.0122 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2020Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is widely used to surgically treat clinically localized prostate cancer. It is typically performed using an approach... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is widely used to surgically treat clinically localized prostate cancer. It is typically performed using an approach (standard RALP) that mimics open retropubic prostatectomy by dissecting the so-called space of Retzius anterior to the bladder. An alternative, Retzius-sparing (or posterior approach) RALP (RS-RALP) has been described, which is reported to have better continence outcomes but may be associated with a higher risk of incomplete resection and positive surgical margins (PSM).
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of RS-RALP compared to standard RALP for the treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer.
SEARCH METHODS
We performed a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases, trials registries, other sources of the grey literature, and conference proceedings, up to June 2020. We applied no restrictions on publication language or status.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included trials where participants were randomized to RS-RALP or standard RALP for clinically localized prostate cancer.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently classified and abstracted data from the included studies. Primary outcomes were: urinary continence recovery within one week after catheter removal, at three months after surgery, and serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes were: urinary continence recovery six and 12 months after surgery, potency recovery 12 months after surgery, positive surgical margins (PSM), biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS), and urinary and sexual function quality of life. We performed statistical analyses using a random-effects model. We rated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
Our search identified six records of five unique randomized controlled trials, of which two were published studies, one was in press, and two were abstract proceedings. There were 571 randomized participants, of whom 502 completed the trials. Mean age of participants was 64.6 years and mean prostate-specific antigen was 6.9 ng/mL. About 54.2% of participants had cT1c disease, 38.6% had cT2a-b disease, and 7.1 % had cT2c disease. Primary outcomes RS-RALP probably improves continence within one week after catheter removal (risk ratio (RR) 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41 to 2.14; I = 0%; studies = 4; participants = 410; moderate-certainty evidence). Assuming 335 per 1000 men undergoing standard RALP are continent at this time point, this corresponds to 248 more men per 1000 (137 more to 382 more) reporting continence recovery. RS-RALP may increase continence at three months after surgery compared to standard RALP (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.68; I = 86%; studies = 5; participants = 526; low-certainty evidence). Assuming 750 per 1000 men undergoing standard RALP are continent at this time point, this corresponds to 224 more men per 1000 (41 more to 462 more) reporting continence recovery. We are very uncertain about the effects of RS-RALP on serious adverse events compared to standard RALP (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.47 to 4.17; studies = 2; participants = 230; very low-certainty evidence). Secondary outcomes There is probably little to no difference in continence recovery at 12 months after surgery (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.04; I = 0%; studies = 2; participants = 222; moderate-certainty evidence). Assuming 982 per 1000 men undergoing standard RALP are continent at this time point, this corresponds to 10 more men per 1000 (29 fewer to 39 more) reporting continence recovery. We are very uncertain about the effect of RS-RALP on potency recovery 12 months after surgery (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.80; studies = 1; participants = 55; very low-certainty evidence). RS-RALP may increase PSMs (RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.20; I = 0%; studies = 3; participants = 308; low-certainty evidence) indicating a higher risk for prostate cancer recurrence. Assuming 129 per 1000 men undergoing standard RALP have positive margins, this corresponds to 123 more men per 1000 (25 more to 284 more) with PSMs. We are very uncertain about the effect of RS-RALP on BCRFS compared to standard RALP (hazard ratio (HR) 0.45, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.60; I = 32%; studies = 2; participants = 218; very low-certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Findings of this review indicate that RS-RALP may result in better continence outcomes than standard RALP up to six months after surgery. Continence outcomes at 12 months may be similar. Downsides of RS-RALP may be higher positive margin rates. We are very uncertain about the effect on BCRFS and potency outcomes. Longer-term oncologic and functional outcomes are lacking, and no preplanned subgroup analyses could be performed to explore the observed heterogeneity. Surgeons should discuss these trade-offs and the limitations of the evidence with their patients when considering this approach.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Kallikreins; Laparoscopy; Male; Margins of Excision; Middle Aged; Organ Sparing Treatments; Penile Erection; Postoperative Complications; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatectomy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 32813279
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013641.pub2 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2020Contemporary minimally invasive surgical (MIS) treatment options of patients with male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in men with prostate glands >80 mL include... (Review)
Review
Contemporary minimally invasive surgical (MIS) treatment options of patients with male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in men with prostate glands >80 mL include Holmium Laser Enucleation Prostate (HoLEP), Thulium laser VapoEnucleation Prostate (ThuVEP), and Laparoscopic (LSP) or Robotic-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy (RASP). Implementing new laser technologies is costly, and the steep learning curve of these laser techniques limit their wide range use. This promoted the use of LSP and RASP in centers with readily established laparoscopy or robotic surgery programs. The aim of this study is to review case and comparative series of RASP. We systematically reviewed published data from 2008 to 2020 on RASP and have identified 26 non-comparative and 9 comparative case series. RASP has longer operation time but less time spent in hospital and less blood loss. The outcomes of improvements in symptom score, post-voiding residual urine (PVR), postoperative PSA decline, complications, and cost are similar when compared to open and laser enucleation techniques. These outcomes position RASP as a viable MIS treatment option for patients with male LUTS needing surgical treatment for enlarged prostates. Nevertheless, prospective, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with multicenter and large sample size are needed to confirm the findings of this systematic review.
PubMed: 32527020
DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061798 -
Minerva Urologica E Nefrologica = the... Oct 2020Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is getting more and more popular becoming the most common radical prostatectomy technique. Unfortunately, a not negligible...
INTRODUCTION
Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is getting more and more popular becoming the most common radical prostatectomy technique. Unfortunately, a not negligible proportion of patients in whom RARP is performed experience urinary incontinence. We aimed to systematically review the current literature evidence on urinary incontinence conservative treatment after RARP.
EDIDENCE AQUISITION
A systematic literature review search using PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed in December 2019. PRISMA guidelines have been adopted. Population consisted of patients with urinary incontinence after RARP (P), conservative intervention was considered of interest (I). No comparator was considered mandatory (C). Outcomes of interest were the recovery of continence and quality of life (O).
EVIDEDENCE SYNTHESIS
Six studies were included. Four of them investigated the use of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). PFMT improved pelvic muscle strength. Continence recovery was faster when guided PFMT was adopted. Moreover, two studies tested the effect of solifenacin on urinary incontinence. One of them, a randomized clinical trial, failed to show shorter time to continence in solifenacin group compared to placebo.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of pads is associated with a detrimental effect on quality of life thus active treatments for UI post-RARP are warranted. PFMT has the main advantage to shorten the time for recovery. The use of solifenacin seems to not offer striking advantages in UI following RARP. Future studies should focus on testing the efficacy of these treatments when used after robotic vs. open radical prostatectomy.
Topics: Conservative Treatment; Humans; Male; Postoperative Complications; Prostatectomy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 32432436
DOI: 10.23736/S0393-2249.20.03782-0 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Apr 2020Several studies have assessed the safety and feasibility of single port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using different and custom built robotic-assisted... (Review)
Review
Several studies have assessed the safety and feasibility of single port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using different and custom built robotic-assisted technology. In part due to the non-standardized nature of these approaches, single site robotic prostatectomy has not been widely adopted. With the recent approval of the da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale CA) Single Port (SP) platform, there has been a renewed interest in single site robotic-assisted prostatectomy and several institutions have begun reporting their initial experiences with this technique. In this systematic review, we sought to assess and summarize the literature regarding patient outcomes for single site robotic-assisted prostatectomy and evaluate its role in surgical treatment of prostate cancer. This systematic review was structured using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies describing the use of any robotic platform, including da Vinci Si, Xi or SP platforms for robotic single-port or single site radical prostatectomy between 2000 and July 15, 2019 were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. Studies were excluded if they included combined cases with other organ resection, represented use in a non-clinical setting (such as a cadaveric model), or described results for a simple prostatectomy technique. Data was extracted by two authors with concerns resolved by consensus. Primary outcomes were mean operative times, estimated blood loss (mL), and hospital length of stay (days). Secondary outcomes included intraoperative conversion to open surgery, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Variables of interest included sample size (n), mean age (years), mean prostate size (mL), prostate specific antigen (PSA, ng/mL), Gleason score, clinical and pathological TNM staging [American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC)], lymph nodes (n) and perioperative complications as available. A total of 217 studies were reviewed by title and abstract, with 28 selected for full-text review; ultimately, 12 studies were included, with available data from 145 patients. Primary outcomes and preoperative characteristics varied greatly amongst patients and across studies. One patient (0.7%) required conversion to a multi-port approach and there were no conversions to an open technique. No intraoperative complications were reported, and no Clavien grade III or greater postoperative complications have been described in the initial 81 radical prostatectomies performed with the SP platform. Single Port techniques appear to represent a safe and feasible approach for performing the minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. The current available literature on the single port radical prostatectomy is weak and consists of single center studies with small sample sizes, short-term follow up and limited functional data. More rigorous multi-center trials with standardized metrics for reporting functional outcomes as well as long-term cancer specific survival are necessary to validate these initial studies.
PubMed: 32420205
DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.05 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Dec 2019The influence of a previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on the outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) is still controversial. Therefore, we performed...
BACKGROUND
The influence of a previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on the outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) is still controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes of RP with or without a previous TURP.
METHODS
We conducted a computerized literature search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library and included 15 retrospective studies evaluating RPs with or without a previous TURP in this meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies, including 6,840 cases, were analyzed. RP after a previous TURP were related to smaller prostate volumes (WMD: -6.93 cm; 95% CI, -10.89 to -2.97; P<0.001), lower preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (WMD: -1.51; 95% CI, -2.49 to -0.53; P=0.002), longer operative times (WMD: 13.22 min; 95% CI, 4.55 to 21.89 min; P=0.003), more blood loss (WMD: 55.38 mL; 95% CI, 12.35 to 98.41 mL; P=0.01), higher overall complication rates (OR =1.98; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.08; P=0.002), longer hospital stays (WMD: 1.16 days; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.67; P<0.001), longer duration of catheter (WMD: 0.60 days; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.64; P<0.001), higher positive surgical margin rates (OR =1.30; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.55; P=0.004), lower complete continence rates at 3 months (OR =0.67; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.81; P<0.001), 6 months (OR =0.52; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.88; P=0.01), 12 months (OR =0.59; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.74; P<0.001), and lower potency rates at 12 months (OR =0.62; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.77; P<0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that open RP after previous TURP could achieve better outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
RP after a previous TURP leads to worse perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes. For these patients an open procedure is recommended. Due to the low number of studies and known biases, further large-scale studies are needed to support this result.
PubMed: 32038968
DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.13 -
Robotic Surgery (Auckland) 2019Robotic surgery has been increasingly used in fashioning various surgical anastomoses. Our aim was to collect and analyze outcomes related to anastomoses performed using... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Robotic surgery has been increasingly used in fashioning various surgical anastomoses. Our aim was to collect and analyze outcomes related to anastomoses performed using a robotic approach and compare them with those done using laparoscopic or open approaches through meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted for articles comparing robotic with laparoscopic and/or open operations (colectomy, low anterior resection, gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), pancreaticoduodenectomy, radical cystectomy, pyeloplasty, radical prostatectomy, renal transplant) published up to June 2019 searching Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Clinical Trials and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies containing information about outcomes related to hand-sewn anastomoses were included for meta-analysis. Studies with stapled anastomoses or without relevant information about the anastomotic technique were excluded. We also excluded studies in which the anastomoses were performed extracorporeally in laparoscopic or robotic operations.
RESULTS
We included 83 studies referring to the aforementioned operations (4 randomized controlled and 79 non-randomized, 10 prospective and 69 retrospective) apart from colectomy and low anterior resection. Anastomoses done using robotic instruments provided similar results to those done using laparoscopic or open approach in regards to anastomotic leak or stricture. However, there were lower rates of stenosis in robotic than in laparoscopic RYGB (p=0.01) and in robotic than in open radical prostatectomy (p<0.00001). Moreover, all anastomoses needed more time to be performed using the robotic rather than the open approach in renal transplant (p≤0.001).
CONCLUSION
Robotic anastomoses provide equal outcomes with laparoscopic and open ones in most operations, with a few notable exceptions.
PubMed: 31921934
DOI: 10.2147/RSRR.S186768 -
Minerva Urologica E Nefrologica = the... Feb 2020In the past years several reviews have analysed different aspects of surgical techniques for patients with LUTS due to BPE however none of them have concentrated on...
INTRODUCTION
In the past years several reviews have analysed different aspects of surgical techniques for patients with LUTS due to BPE however none of them have concentrated on large prostates treatment exclusively. Moreover, none of the reviews have focused on level 1 evidence which is essential to avoid bias and wrong conclusions. With this knowledge in mind, aim of the present review is to analyze the available randomized clinical trials assessing the management of patients with big prostates (>80 cc).
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic review of the literature using the Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases for relevant articles published until January 2019 was performed using both the Medical Subjects Heading and free test protocols. The search was conducted by combining the following terms: "Enucleation," "Prostate," "Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia," "Holmium," "laser," "adenomectomy," "Randomized clinical trial," "Big" "large" "prostate," ">80," "≥80," "transurethral resection of prostate," "Thulium," "Diode," "laparoscopy," "robotic," "Plasmakinetic," "green light" "532 nm" "YAG" "Lower Urinary tract symptoms". Only randomized clinical trials were included in the analysis.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Overall 9 RCTs were retrieved with most of them reporting data at 1 year. The present trials compared enucleation, vaporization and open techniques between each other. In terms of perioperative outcomes all the techniques had similar operative times and resected weight however catheterization time and hospital stay were better in endoscopic techniques when compared to open surgery. In terms of functional outcomes (IPSS, QMAX and PVR) none of the techniques was proven superior to the other. When considering complications open procedures carried a higher risk of transfusions while no technique was proven superior to the others in terms of transient urge urinary incontinence, bladder neck contracture and reintervention. Only one trial was retrieved reporting five years data confirming the safety, efficacy and durability of simple prostatectomy SP and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate at five years.
CONCLUSIONS
According to our review no technique may be considered better than the other when treating large adenomas. Studies are still lacking to prove long term efficacy and future studies should clarify the role of prostatic artery embolization and minimally invasive simple prostatectomy in the management of prostates larger than 80 mL.
Topics: Humans; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male
PubMed: 31619035
DOI: 10.23736/S0393-2249.19.03589-6 -
BMJ Open Aug 2019To assess the efficacy and safety of green-light laser photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
Comparison of photoselective green light laser vaporisation versus traditional transurethral resection for benign prostate hyperplasia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and prospective studies.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of green-light laser photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library until October 2018.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials and prospective studies comparing the safety and efficacy of PVP versus TURP for LUTS manifesting through BPH.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Perioperative parameters, complications rates and functional outcomes including treatment-related adverse events such as International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual (PVR), quality of life (QoL) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).
RESULTS
22 publications consisting of 2665 patients were analysed. Pooled analysis revealed PVP is associated with reduced blood loss, transfusion, clot retention, TUR syndrome, capsular perforation, catheterisation time and hospitalisation, but also with a higher reintervention rate and longer intervention duration (all p<0.05). No significant difference in IPSS, Qmax, QoL, PVR or IIEF at 3, 24, 36 or 60 months was identified. There was a significant difference in QoL at 6 months (MD=-0.08; 95% CI -0.13 to -0.02; p=0.007), and IPSS (MD = -0.10; 95% CI -0.15 to -0.05; p<0.0001) and Qmax (MD=0.62; 95% CI 0.06 to 1.19; p=0.03) at 12 months, although these differences were not clinically relevant.
CONCLUSION
PVP is an effective alternative, holding additional safety benefits. PVP has equivalent long-term IPSS, Qmax, QoL, PVR, IIEF efficacy and fewer complications. The main drawbacks are dysuria and reintervention, although both can be managed with non-invasive techniques. The additional shortcoming is that PVP does not acquire histological tissue examination which removes an opportunity to identify prostate cancer.
Topics: Color; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Laser Therapy; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Prostatism; Quality of Health Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Transurethral Resection of Prostate
PubMed: 31439603
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028855