Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Research Articles

Da Vinci vs. Hugo RAS for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a prospective comparative single-center study.

To evaluate Hugo RAS against the Da Vinci system for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) in prostate cancer treatment. We compared outcomes of 150 patients with prostate cancer undergoing RARP with either Hugo or Da Vinci systems. Our analysis included operative, postoperative, pathological, and functional outcomes. Both groups had 75 patients. Baseline characteristics and tumor features were similar. Intraoperatively, Da Vinci had a shorter docking time (10.45 vs. 18.62min, p = 0.02), but total operative times were comparable (145.34 vs 138.95, p = 0.85). Hugo outperformed in neck dissection and lymphadenectomy times (22 vs 13.67min, p = 0.027 and 37.82 vs 45.77min, p = 0.025). Postoperative metrics like stay duration, catheter time, and complications showed no significant difference. Functional results, using IPSS and IIEF5, were similar between systems. Six Da Vinci patients (8%) and nine Hugo patients (12%) experienced social incontinence (p = 0.072). Pathological outcomes like T stage, Gleason Score, and nodes removed were alike. However, Hugo had more positive surgical margins (20% vs. 10.67%, p = 0.034). RARP outcomes using Hugo RAS were similar to the Da Vinci system in our study. More research and extended follow-up are required to ascertain long-term oncological and functional results.

Body mass weighted prostate-specific antigen levels, new markers to predict locally advanced prostate cancer after prostatectomy.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remains the most useful marker for screening, risk categorization, and follow-up in patients with prostate cancer. In the obese population, several studies have revealed that obesity may not only inversely interfere with the concentration of PSA, but also increase the risk of prostate cancer. Thus, we considered using the body mass weighted PSA levels, presented as serum PSA concentration multiplied by body weight or body mass index (BMI), instead of traditional PSA concentration, as potential markers to predict locally advanced prostate cancer after prostatectomy. We retrospectively collected and analyzed data acquired from a single institute at which robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was performed. A total of 174 patients underwent radical prostatectomy, and the collected data included age, PSA level, body weight, BMI, and pathology results. A total of 174 patients were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate by needle biopsy, and most (N = 165) were considered to have localized disease on preoperative multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging. After prostatectomy, 73% (N = 127) of the patients remained in the localized disease group (group A) and 27% (N = 47) of the patients were reclassified to the locally advanced prostate cancer (group B). The value of PSA was higher in group B (16.9 vs 11.2 ng/dL; p = 0.062), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. After using the numerical values of PSA × body weight and PSA × BMI, a statistically significant difference emerged between the two groups ( p = 0.0198 in PSA × BW; p = 0.0110 in PSA × BMI). The body mass-weighted PSA levels, instead of the traditional PSA concentration, may be better markers for predicting non-organ-confined disease after surgery. It may also be useful in screening and risk categorization.

Cribriform pattern 4/intraductal carcinoma of the prostate and persistent prostate-specific antigen after radical prostatectomy.

The objective of this study is to identify the effect of cribriform pattern 4 carcinoma/intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (CC/IDCP) on persistent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa). This retrospective study included 730 consecutive patients with localized PCa who underwent RARP at Mie University (n = 392) and Aichi Medical University (n = 338) between 2015 and 2021. Patients with clinically metastatic PCa (cN1 and cM1) and those who received neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy before biochemical recurrence were excluded. We evaluated the effects of CC/IDCP on persistent PSA levels after RARP. Persistent PSA was defined as PSA level ≥0.2ng/mL at 1 month postoperatively and consecutively thereafter. Using factors from logistic regression analysis, models were developed to predict persistent PSA levels. Approximately 6.3% (n = 46) of the patients had persistent PSA levels. Patients with biopsy CC/IDCP (bCC/IDCP) and pathological CC/IDCP (pCC/IDCP) based on RARP specimens were 11.6% (85/730) and 36.5% (267/730), respectively. Multivariate analysis of the prediction of persistent PSA levels using preoperative factors revealed that PSA density, percentage of positive cancer cores, biopsy grade group and bCC/IDCP were independent prognostic factors. Furthermore, multivariate analysis of the prediction of persistent PSA levels using postoperative factors, excluding pN1, revealed that pathological grade group, pCC/IDCP, seminal vesicle invasion and lymphovascular invasion were independent prognostic factors. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for predicting persistent PSA after RARP, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model with preoperative factors, postoperative factors, including pN1, and postoperative factors, excluding pN1, were 0.827, 0.833 and 0.834, respectively. bCC/IDCP predicted persistent PSA after RARP in the overall population, while pCC/IDCP predicted persistent PSA only when the pN1 population was excluded. This may be useful for predicting susceptible patients with worse outcomes.

Targeted microwave ablation for prostate cancer (FOSTINE1b): a prospective 'ablate-and-resect' study.

To assess histopathological outcomes, as well as feasibility and safety of targeted microwave ablation (TMA) via the Trinity® system (KOELIS, La Tronche, France). Prospective, single-institution, interventional Phase IIa study with an 'ablate-and-resect' design. In all, 11 patients diagnosed with localised prostate cancer (PCa) underwent TMA via the Trinity system under conscious sedation in an outpatient setting using a single transrectal TATO® 18-G antenna with different treatment regimens. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) were conducted at 7 days and 1 month after TMA, respectively. Nine patients received RARP, and two patients chose to withdraw their consent following TMA. These men chose an active surveillance protocol upon confirmation of a low-risk prostate cancer diagnosis. Functional outcomes and adverse events were evaluated at baseline and follow-up visits using validated questionnaires. Prostate volumetry and confirmation of necrosis were carried out through MRI and whole-mount histopathological examination. The TMA was successfully executed, and all patients were discharged on the same day. No severe adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Grade ≥3) were reported at the 7-day and 1-month follow-up visits. Additionally, no declines were observed in urinary, sexual and ejaculation functional outcomes. T1-weighted MRI revealed clear and well-defined ablation zones. The RARP was executed without difficulty, particularly during the dissection of the posterior plane. As a result, no intraoperative complications were encountered. Histopathological assessment on surgical specimens confirmed the absence of viable cells, indicating complete necrosis of the ablative zone if a power intensity >10 W was used during TMA. Ablation zone volumetry revealed no notable distinctions between the three-dimensional segmentation of the virtual ablation zone at TMA (median volume: 2 mL) and MRI (median volume: 1.923 mL). Conversely, a significant reduction was noted in the surgical specimen (median volume: 0.221 mL). Targeted microwave ablation via the Trinity system for localised PCa treatment proves to be a secure and feasible procedure, with complete necrosis evidence within the ablation zone on surgical specimens.

Anorectal function and symptoms 6 months after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a single-center study.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a common procedure for the treatment of localised prostate cancer. Anorectal symptoms such as fecal incontinence (FI), rectal urgency or disturbed defecation have been reported after the operation. Anorectal function is dependent on the integrity of anal and pelvic nerves and muscles, rectal sensory function as well as rectal reservoir function. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential influence of RALP on anorectal physiological function and bowel symptoms. In this pilot study, 29 patients with localised prostate cancer scheduled for RALP were included. Anorectal physiology was used to measure rectal sensitivity and reservoir function as well as anal sphincter pressures. Bowel symptoms were measured by a bowel function questionnaire and a 2-week bowel function diary. Measurements were done before the operation and repeated at 6 months after the operation. The study observed a significant postoperative increase in rectal sensory threshold for rectal balloon distention, from 20 to 40 mmHg, P < 0.001. This change is indicative of a decrease in rectal sensation after RALP. There were no other statistical significant differences in any of the physiological tests performed. Importantly, there was no change in any of the bowel symptoms after surgery. This study showed that RALP may lead to impaired rectal sensory function. This finding did not, however, seem to have any influence on the patients´ postoperative clinical bowel function.

Predictors of surgical difficulty according to surgical proficiency in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a standard treatment for localized prostate cancer. We previously reported that a large amount of pelvic visceral fat and a small working space, as measured by three-dimensional image analysis, were significantly associated with prolonged console time in RARP, and these factors could be alternatives to the more clinically practical body mass index (BMI) and pelvic width (PW), respectively. Herein, we further investigated whether surgical proficiency affected surgical difficulty as measured by console time. Medical records of 413 patients who underwent RARP between 2014 and 2020 at our institution were reviewed. Surgeons who had experience with over and under 100 cases were defined as "experienced" and "non-experienced," respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors that prolonged console time. The median console times for RARP by experienced and non-experienced surgeons were 87.5 and 149.0min, respectively; a difficult case was defined as one requiring time greater than the median. Among inexperienced surgeons, higher BMI (p < 0.001, odds ratio: 1.89) and smaller PW (p = 0.001, odds ratio: 1.86) were significant factors that increased console time; the complication rate was increased in patients with these factors. However, these factors did not significantly affect the console time or complication rate among experienced surgeons. This study demonstrates that experienced surgeons may be able to overcome obesity- and small workspace-related surgical difficulties. The current analysis may provide useful information regarding unpredictable surgical risks and identify suitable cases for novices.

A 3‐month mark to urinary continence, after robotic radical prostatectomy—Is it possible?

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectivesUrinary incontinence (UI) remains a significant concern after radical prostatectomy. As a part of a nursing follow‐up, we evaluate quality‐of‐life (QoL) which includes UI recovery. Patients proposed to Retzius‐sparing robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RS‐RARP) have a bundle of appointments starting pre‐operatively and continuing after surgery 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. In these, we started a urinary rehabilitation programme (URP) performing Kegel Exercises, adaptative and behavioural strategies. The objective is to evaluate timeline until urinary continence recovery after RS‐RARP, since this is one of the most asked question by our patients.Materials and MethodsBetween July 2017 and April 2020 we conducted a prospective observational single‐centre study with a total of 208 patients submitted to RS‐RARP. We applied the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite‐26 (EPIC‐26) questionnaire pre and postoperatively at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, and studied UI by evaluating pad count measured in the 3rd question. The inclusion criteria are: patients that did not have adjuvant or salvage treatments during the follow up; have all pre‐ and post‐operative evaluations; who were continent pre‐operatively; and started the URP. A total of 72 patients were included. We have considered the criteria of no pad use for continence recovery. Every patient provided written informed consent for study inclusion, approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (Approval 07.07.2017).ResultsPreliminary analysis of enrolled patients reveals that 57 (79,16%) recovered continence during the 12 months period. By 3‐month mark, we observed that 42 (73,68%) patients were continent; 7 (12,28%) recovered continence at 6‐month mark; 4 (7,02%) recovered continence at 9‐month mark and 4 (7,02%) recovered continence 1 year after surgery. We further analysed the total number of pads used daily by the 15 patients (20,83%) that had UI at 12‐month mark: 13 patients (86,67%) reported using 1 pad a day and 2 patients (13,33% or 2,77% of all studied population) reported using 3 or more pads a day.ConclusionThe preliminary results demonstrate a gradual improvement in UI over the first year, with a significant number of patients recovering at 3‐month mark. These positive results are most probably consequences of both the surgical approach and the URP. Is required a sub‐group analysis to further delineate factors impacting continence recovery, aiding in postoperative rehabilitation care plans that will impact positive outcome on QoL associated with a fast UI recovery. For the latter, digital tools to conduct patient reported outcomes are necessary to ascertain the extent of impact in QoL. Furthermore, we need to rethink remote strategies to improve patient compliance as a significant number of them were excluded for not attending on‐site nursing appointments.

Assessing vacuum erectile devices effect on post‐radical prostatectomy erectile function

AbstractIntroduction and ObjectiveRadical prostatectomy, as a treatment for prostate cancer, could lead to erectile dysfunction (ED) which affects the sexuality of patients and may have significant psychological impact and in quality of life. Vacuum erectile devices (VED) have emerged as a non‐invasive solution to aid post‐prostatectomy ED recovery. This study aims to assess the gains in erectile function (EF) with VED usage in patients submitted to Retzius‐sparing robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RS‐RARP) at 6‐ and 12‐months post‐surgery.Materials and MethodsBetween January 2022 and September 2022 our center performed 46 RS‐RARP, these patients had pre‐ and post‐operative evaluations every 3 months during the first‐year post‐surgery, led by urology nursing team. If ED was identified and/or patient reported intention to improve EF a penile rehabilitation programme (PRP) that included VED usage was recommended. We conducted a prospective observational single‐center study where EF was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) at 6‐ and 12‐months post‐surgery. We compared the results of patients that had IIEF‐5 score &lt;15 at 6‐month mark and started using VED, with IIEF‐5 score at 12‐month mark. The inclusion criteria are: patients that did not have adjuvant or salvage treatments during the follow up; have post‐operative evaluations with IIEF‐5 at 6 and 12 months and started PRP. A total of 43 patients were included. We have considered ED rehabilitation if the patient had at least 5 points gain on IIEF‐5 score at 12 months versus IIEF‐5 at 6 months. Every patient provided written informed consent for study inclusion, approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (Approval 07.07.2017).ResultsFrom the total of patients included, 22 had an IIEF‐5 score &lt;15 at 6‐month mark. We recommended VED to 7 patients and 4 used a VED regularly. Regarding patients that used VED, 3 had better IIEF‐5 score at 12‐month mark comparing to 6‐month mark, with an average gain of 7,75 in IIEF‐5 score. Regarding the total of patients (n = 43), 16 still had IIEF‐5 score &lt;15 at 12‐month mark.ConclusionThis observational study underscores the potential benefits of VED in aiding EF recovery post RS‐RARP. Regular use of VED demonstrated significant improvement in IIEF‐5 score at 12‐month mark. Our findings suggest that integrating VED into the post RS‐RARP rehabilitation care plan could serve as an effective strategy for patients that do not respond effectively to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Study limitations are small sample of patients that used VED and not having a stablished VED protocol. Further controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings and explore long‐terms effects.

One-year outcomes of same-day-discharge robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

One-year outcomes of same-day-discharge robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Faster both in operative time and functional recovery by the extraperitoneal daVinci SP-based robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a propensity score matching analysis compared to transperitoneal multiport counterpart.

We aim to investigate the peri-operative outcomes after extraperitoneal single-port based robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (eSP-RARP) utilizing the da Vinci SP system compared to conventional transperitoneal multi-port counterparts (tMP-RARP), in an era when pelvic lymph node dissection (PNLD) was omitted for the node-negative case. With exclusion criteria of volume + 50g, suspicious rectal invasion, and node-positive disease given relatively weak grasping power and limited range of motion from the current SP system, 50 consecutive patients (Since December 2021) with localized prostate cancer underwent eSP-RARP by a single urologist maintaining identical surgical technique for 100 consecutive tMP-RARP cases (Since December 2020). Given initial selection criteria, each group was matched to a 1:1 ratio based on the risk-stratification parameters and the prostate volume. The operative time, which was maintained in each group during the study period, was significantly faster in eSP-RARP groups than in tMP-RARP (149.2 vs. 163.2min, p = 0.025), while the weight of the removed specimen (27.1 vs. 29.0g, p = 0.420) and margin positivity (14.7% vs. 11.7% in pT2, p = 0.812) were similar. The gas-out (1.5 vs. 1.88days, p = 0.003) and solid diet dates (2.26 vs. 3.22days, p < 0.001) were faster in the eSP-RARP group. The single-pad continence dates (30.5 vs. 51.9days, p = 0.145) and zero-pad continence dates (105.5 vs. 146.2days, p = 0.210) were identical. 90-day single-pad continence rate was 92% vs. 82% (p = 0.142, 52% vs. 56% in zero-pad continence). Based on these, daVinci SP-based RARP restored bowel function faster with shorter operative time through an extraperitoneal approach than the conventional transperitoneal multi-port counterpart while maintaining similar incontinence outcomes in cases without a routine PNLD.

Is it safe to defer prostate cancer treatment? Assessing the impact of surgical delay on the risk of pathological upstaging after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

IntroductionWe sought to investigate whether surgical delay may be associated with pathological upstaging in patients treated with robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Materials and methodsConsecutive firstly-diagnosed PCa patients starting from March 2020 have been enrolled. All the patients were categorized according to EAU risk categories for PCa risk. Uni- and multivariate analysis were fitted to explore clinical and surgical predictors of pathological upstaging to locally advanced disease (pT3/pT4 – pN1 disease). ResultsOverall 2017 patients entered the study. Median age at surgery was 68 (IQR 63–73) years. Overall low risk, intermediate risk, localized high risk and locally advanced disease were recorded in 368 (18.2 %), 1071 (53.1 %), 388 (19.2 %) and 190 (9.4 %), respectively. Median time from to diagnosis to treatment was 51 (IQR 29–70) days. Time to surgery was 56 (IQR 32–75), 52 (IQR 30–70), 45 (IQR 24–60) and 41 (IQR 22–57) days for localized low, intermediate and high risk and locally advanced disease, respectively. Considering 1827 patients with localized PCa, at multivariate analysis ISUP grade group ≥4 on prostate biopsy (HR: 1.30; 95 % CI 1.07–1.86; p = 0.02) and surgical delay only in localized high-risk disease (HR: 1.02; 95 % CI 1.01–1.54; p = 0.02) were confirmed as independent predictors of pathological upstaging to pT3-T4/pN1 disease at final histopathological examination. ConclusionsIn localized high-risk disease surgical delay could be associated with a higher risk of adverse pathologic findings.

Identifying risk factors for hypoxemia during emergence from anesthesia in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) has emerged as an effective treatment for prostate cancer with obvious advantages. This study aims to identify risk factors related to hypoxemia during the emergence from anesthesia in patients undergoing RALP. A cohort of 316 patients undergoing RALP was divided into two groups: the hypoxemia group (N = 134) and the non-hypoxemia group (N = 182), based on their postoperative oxygen fraction. Comprehensive data were collected from the hospital information system, including preoperative baseline parameters, intraoperative data, and postoperative recovery profiles. Risk factors were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. The study showed that 38.9% of patients had low preoperative partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) levels. Several clinical parameters showed significant differences between the hypoxemia group and the non-hypoxemia group, including weight (P < 0.0001), BMI (P < 0.0001), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.044), history of emphysema and pulmonary alveoli (P < 0.0001), low preoperative PaO2 (P < 0.0001), preoperative white blood cell count (P = 0.012), preoperative albumin (P = 0.048), intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.043), intraoperative CO2 accumulation (P = 0.001), duration of surgery (P = 0.046), postoperative hemoglobin level (P = 0.002), postoperative hypoxemia (P = 0.002), and early postoperative fever (P = 0.006). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed BMI (adjusted odds ratio = 0.696, 95% confidence interval 0.612-0.719), low preoperative PaO2 (adjusted odds ratio = 9.119, 95% confidence interval 4.834-17.203), and history of emphysema and pulmonary alveoli (adjusted odds ratio = 2.804, 95% confidence interval 1.432-5.491) as independent factors significantly associated with hypoxemia on emergence from anesthesia in patients undergoing RALP. Our results demonstrate that BMI, lower preoperative PaO2, and a history of emphysema and pulmonary alveolar disease are independent risk factors associated with hypoxemia on emergence from anesthesia in patients undergoing RALP. These findings provide a theoretical framework for surgeons and anesthesiologists to facilitate strategies to mitigate postoperative hypoxemia in this unique patient population.

Assessing the value of a pelvic drain for urinary leak after robotic radical prostatectomy

AbstractAimThe value of post‐operative pelvic drain placement after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for the purpose of diagnosing post‐operative complications is undetermined. The aim of this study was to assess the yield of pelvic drain outputs in predicting post‐operative early‐onset urinary leaks from a vesicourethral anastomosis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 204 consecutive patients who underwent RARP in our institution between 2018 and 2022. The daily outputs of the drain and the urinary catheter were measured, and patients with early‐onset anastomotic urinary leak were compared with those who were free of any leak. The association between post‐operative drain output and the presence of urinary leak was investigated by regression analyses.ResultsPost‐operative early‐onset leak was present in six patients (3.4%) whose baseline characteristics were not different from those of patients with no leak. The median pelvic drain output on post‐operative day 1 (D‐POD1) was 80 mL (interquartile range [IQR] 51–150 mL) and 122 mL (IQR 62–200 mL) on D‐POD2. The median D‐POD1 of patients with a leak was significantly higher than those without one (250 mL vs 80 mL, respectively; P &lt; .001). The threshold to predict an anastomotic urinary leak was 227 mL on D‐POD1 (area under the curve 0.88; P &lt; .001), and an association between D‐POD1 &gt;227 mL and the presence of urinary leak (odds ratio 35; P &lt; .001) was found.ConclusionsPelvic drain output on POD1 can predict early‐onset urinary leak. Given the relatively low rate of this complication via a robotic approach, however, we consider that, unless otherwise indicated, the routine placement of a pelvic drain may be safely avoided.

Comparison of perioperative and functional outcomes of single-incision versus standard multi-incision robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a prospective, controlled, nonrandomized trial

To compare perioperative and functional outcomes between improved (port-free) single-site robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (pf-ssRARP) and standard multi-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (MPRARP). A total of 372 consecutive patients underwent RARAP using the da Vinci Si® robotic surgical system. Group I (n = 210) included patients undergoing pf-ssRARP and Group II (n = 162) included patients undergoing MPRARP. Demographics and perioperative data including postoperative recovery outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups. Overall mean operative time was significantly shorter with the pf-ssRARP compared to the MPRARP (p < 0.05). The length of hospitalization after the pf-ssRARP was shorter (p < 0.05). In Group I, the positive surgical margin rate was 15.2%; while in Group II, the positive margin rate was 33.3% (p < 0.05). The rate of instant urinary continence was significantly higher in Group I than in Group II (p < 0.05). The percentage of urinary continence was higher in the pf-ssRARP than in the MPRARP, at 6 months post-surgery (p < 0.05) and 9 months post-surgery (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportion of erectile function in the pf-ssRARP and MPRARP groups at the time of reaching the endpoint of this study (p > 0.05). The two groups were comparable in terms of total hospitalization costs (p < 0.05). The improved (port-free) single-site robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a practical and easy technique to implement in clinical practice. Extraperitoneal implementation of the modified technique requires only a small incision, no special PORT, no additional auxiliary foramen creation, increased postoperative aesthetics and reduced hospitalization costs, and a high percentage of early postoperative urinary control recovery.

COMPARISON OF ROBOTIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY VS LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY ON PROSTATE CANCER PATIENT: A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Prostate cancer constitutes 3.8 of all cancer-related deaths in men. Radical prostatectomy stands as a standard surgical treatment for prostate cancer. Robot-assisted systems have emerged aiming to simplify the intricacies of complex laparoscopic procedures. Specifically, robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has been proposed as a means to expedite the learning curve, potentially leading to quicker reductions in operative time compared to traditional laparoscopic techniques (LRP). This study aims to serve a comprehensive systematic review to compare laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) on prostate cancer based on literatures of the last 10 years. Methods: The review adhered to PRISMA 2020 standards and analyzed full-text English literature from 2014 to 2024. It excluded editorials, review papers from the same journal, and submissions lacking a DOI. Literature sources included PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Result: A total of 655 articles were retrieved from online databases (PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink and Google Scholar). After three rounds of screening, five articles directly relevant to the systematic review were selected for full-text reading and analysis. Conclusion: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) offers advantages such as quicker recovery and comparable safety to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Studies show better urinary continence and potency outcomes with RARP. While PSM rates vary between RARP and LRP, further research is needed to understand their impact on recurrence. Despite challenges like the lack of tactile sensation in RARP, it remains a popular choice for prostate cancer treatment.

Prostate size ≥ 100g and its association with long-term outcomes of Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

It is unknown whether perioperative and functional outcomes of Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) may be affected by large prostate sizes (PS). All patients treated with RS-RARP were identified and compared according to PS. The definition of PS relied on the prostatic weight at final pathology (PS < 100g vs ≥ 100g). Multivariable logistic regression models tested immediate and 12-month urinary continence recovery (UCR, namely, 0-1 safety pad per-day), and positive surgical margins (PSM). Multivariable Poisson log-linear regression analyses tested operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and length of stay (LOS). The analyses relied on the database of a high-volume European institution (2010-2022). Of 1,555 overall patients, 1503 (96.7%) had a PS < 100g and 52 (3.3%) had a PS ≥ 100g. No differences were recorded in LOS (3days), and intraoperative (1.9 vs 2.3%) as well as postoperative complications (13 vs 12%; all p values > 0.05). No significant difference was recorded in PSM (25 vs 23%, p = 0.6). In patients with PS ≥ 100g vs < 100g, immediate UCR rate was 42 vs 64% (p = 0.002), and 12-month UCR rate was 87 vs 88% (p = 0.3). PV ≥ 100g independently predicted worse immediate UCR (odds ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.30-0.98, p = 0.044), but not worse 12-month UCR (p = 0.3) or higher PSM (p = 0.7). PV ≥ 100g independently predicted longer OT (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.10-1.15, p < 0.001) and higher EBL (IRR 1.26, 95% CI 1.24-1.28, p < 0.001), but not longer LOS (p = 0.3). RS-RARP is a valid option for prostate cancer treatment, even in case of very large prostates. Specifically, no significant association was recognized between PS ≥ 100g and PSM or 12-month UCR.

Single Port Radical Prostatectomy as a Viable Option for Highly Complex Patients: A Single Center Experience

ObjectiveTo explore the safety and feasibility of the Da Vinci® Single-Port (SP) platform in Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (SP-RARP), aiming to provide a viable option for patients with surgical and medical complexities that might otherwise limit their access to common minimally invasive technique. MethodsData from 60 medically and surgically highly complex patients undergoing SP-RARP between December 2018 and December 2023 were analyzed. Variables included patient characteristics, surgical history, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata® 17.0. ResultsFifty-three percent of cases had a hostile abdomen (HA) (≥1 major abdominal surgery), and 47% were medically highly complex (American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3, Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥5 and a Body Mass Index ≥30). The extraperitoneal approach was used in 56% of HA cases and 68% of MHC cases. Intraoperative complications occurred in 12%, exclusively with the transperitoneal approach in HA cases. Postoperative complications (Clavien Dindo ≥3) were 6% and 14%, respectively, with no significant difference between approaches. Same-day discharge was possible in 44% of HA cases and 54% of MHC cases, with significant statistical differences favoring the extraperitoneal approach in both groups. ConclusionSP-RARP, particularly the extraperitoneal approach, is a viable option for highly complex and challenging cases, providing acceptable oncological and functional outcomes. Prospective studies are crucial for further validating the safety and feasibility of SP-RARP in this patient population.

Prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential: a case report and literature review.

Prostatic stromal tumors, encompassing prostatic sarcoma and stromal tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), represent an exceedingly rare category of prostatic diseases, with a prevalence of less than 1%. We present a rare case involving a man in his early 40s diagnosed with STUMP. Despite presenting with normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations, the patient experienced persistent dysuria and gross hematuria for >7 months, leading to an initial misdiagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Persistent symptoms prompted further investigation, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealing a suspicious lesion on the left side of the prostate, initially thought to be malignant. Transrectal prostatic biopsy subsequently confirmed the presence of mucinous liposarcoma, with no medical history of diabetes, coronary heart disease, or hypertension. The treatment approach comprised robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, culminating in a postoperative pathological definitive diagnosis of STUMP. This case underscores the indispensable role of early MRI in the diagnostic process, highlighting the necessity of detailed pathological examination for a conclusive diagnosis. Our report aims to illuminate the diagnostic challenges and potential treatment pathways for STUMP, emphasizing its consideration in the differential diagnosis of prostatic tumors to advance clinical outcomes in this rare but important condition.

Impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic on robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and urologists' treatment behaviors: A single tertiary center retrospective study.

To assess whether the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected the outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and urologists' treatment behaviors. We retrospectively examined the medical records of 208 patients who had undergone RARP between August 2017 and December 2022. We compared the rate of preoperative androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), waiting period for RARP, patients' baseline characteristics and quality of life (QOL), proportion of adverse pathology on the RARP specimen, rate of Gleason grade group upgrading from biopsy to the RARP specimen, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence-free survival between the pre-pandemic and pandemic groups. The rate of preoperative ADT was significantly higher during than before the COVID-19 pandemic (13.7% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.002). The baseline physical and mental QOL scores did not differ significantly between the groups. The proportion of D'Amico low-risk patients was significantly lower (13.6% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.005) and waiting period for RARP was significantly shorter (median 3.5 months vs. 4.0 months, p = 0.016) in the pandemic group than in the pre-pandemic group. There was no significant difference in the proportion of adverse pathology between the groups (p = 0.104); however, the upgrading rate was significantly higher in the pre-pandemic group (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in PSA recurrence-free survival between the groups (log-rank, p = 0.752). The COVID-19 pandemic did not adversely affect the oncologic outcomes of RARP and QOL before RARP. However, it caused urologists to increase the use of preoperative ADT and to reserve RARP for higher-risk cases.

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Performed with the Novel Hugo™ RAS System: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Surgical, Oncological, and Functional Outcomes.

Background/Objectives: to assess surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed using the novel Hugo™ RAS system. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases. Eligible papers included studies involving adult males undergoing RARP with the Hugo™ RAS platform, with at least ten patients analyzed. The pooled analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Results: Quantitative analysis was conducted on 12 studies including 579 patients. The pooled median docking time, console time, and operative time were 11 min (95% CI 7.95-14.50; I2 = 98.4%, ten studies), 142 min (95% CI 119.74-164.68; I2 = 96.5%, seven studies), and 176 min (95% CI 148.33-203.76; I2 = 96.3%, seven studies), respectively. The pooled median estimated blood loss was 223 mL (95% CI 166.75-280.17; I2 = 96.5%, eleven studies). The pooled median length of hospital stay and time to catheter removal were 2.8 days (95% CI 1.67-3.89; I2 = 100%, ten studies) and 8.3 days (95% CI 5.53-11.09; I2 = 100%, eight studies), respectively. The pooled rate of postoperative CD ≥ 2 complications was 4.1% (95% CI 1-8.5; I2 = 63.6%, eleven studies). The pooled rate of positive surgical margins and undetectable postoperative PSA were 20% (95% CI 12.6-28.5; I2 = 71.5%, nine studies) and 94.2% (95% CI 87.7-98.6; I2 = 48.9%, three studies), respectively. At three months, a pooled rate of social continence of 81.9% (95% CI 73.8-88.9; I2 = 66.7%, seven studies) was found. Erectile function at six months was 31% in one study. Conclusions: despite the preliminary nature of the evidence, this systematic review and pooled analysis underscores the feasibility, safety, and reproducibility of the Hugo™ RAS system in the context of RARP.