Functional and Oncologic Outcomes Between Open and Robotic Radical Prostatectomy at 24-month Follow-up in the Swedish LAPPRO Trial

Pathologic and Short-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Prostate Cancer Patients Following Transvesical Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

PURPOSE

To study the pathologic and short-term oncological and survival outcomes following Transvesical Single-Port Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on prospectively collected data on 169 patients with low and intermediate-risks prostate cancer, who either underwent Single-Port Transvesical or Multi-Port Transperitoneal Radical Prostatectomy by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2022. Preoperative clinicopathologic characteristics, as well as final histopathology outcomes, were compared. Univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to evaluate the impact of the surgical approach on biochemical recurrence-free survival within 12 months.

RESULTS

Single-Port Transvesical and Multi-Port Transperitoneal Robotic Radical Prostatectomy were completed in 85 and 84 patients, respectively. Preoperative clinicopathologic features were similar between the 2 groups. In terms of histopathology outcomes, the 2 groups had identical final Gleason Grades, T stage, as well as the rates of adverse pathological features and positive surgical margins (P = >0.05). Despite the lower median number of nodes in the single-port cohort of 2 (0-5) compared to 6 (4-9) in the multi-port cohort (P = <0.001), there remained no statistically significant difference in the rates of lymph node invasion (P = 0.08). At a median follow-up of 12 months, there were no differences in the biochemical recurrence-free survival rates among both groups (P = 0.38). Univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis did not consider surgical approach to be an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence (HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.13-2.23, P = 0.39).

CONCLUSION

In well-selected patients, single-port transvesical robotic radical prostatectomy provided a similar short-term oncologic control as the multi-port approach with similar surgical margin status and 1-year biochemical recurrence rates.

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) Trifecta Learning Curve for Surgeons with Previous Experience in Laparoscopy

Background and Objectives: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a complex surgery with a steep learning curve (LC). No clear evidence exists for how previous laparoscopic experience affects the RARP LC. We report the LC of three surgeons with vast experience in laparoscopy (more than 400 procedures), analyzing the results of functional and oncological outcomes under the "Trifecta" concept (defined as the achievement of continence, potency, and oncological control free of biochemical recurrence). Materials and Methods: The surgical experience of the three surgeons from September 2021 to December 2022, involving 146 RARP consecutive patients in a single institution center, was evaluated prospectively. Erectile disfunction patients were excluded. ANOVA and chi-square test were used to compare the distribution of variables between the three surgeons. LC analysis was performed using the cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) technique to achieve trifecta. Results: The median age was 65.42 (±7.34); the clinical stage were T1c (68%) and T2a (32%); the biopsy grades were ISUP 1 (15.9%), ISUP 2 (47.98), and ≥ISUP 3 (35%). The median surgical time was 132.8 (±32.8), and the mean intraoperative bleeding was 186 cc (±115). Complications included the following: Clavien-Dindo I 8/146 (5.47%); II 9/146 (6.16%); and III 3/146 (2.05%). Positive margins were reported in 44/146 (30.13%). The PSA of 145/146 patients (99%) at 6 months was below 0.08. Early continence was achieved in 101/146 (69.17%), 6-month continence 126/146 (86%), early potency 51/146 (34.9%), and 6-month potency 65/146 (44%). Surgeons "a", "b", and "c" performed 50, 47, and 49 cases, respectively. After CUSUM analysis, the "Trifecta" LC peak was achieved at case 19 in surgeon "a", 21 in surgeon "b", and 20 in surgeon "c". Conclusions: RARP LC to accomplish "Trifecta" can be significantly reduced in surgeons with previous experience in laparoscopy and be achieved at around 20 cases.

Patient-reported Side Effects 1 Year After Radical Prostatectomy or Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: A Register-based Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Data on functional and psychological side effects following curative treatment for prostate cancer are lacking from large, contemporary, unselected, population-based cohorts.

OBJECTIVE

To assess urinary symptoms, bowel disturbances, erectile dysfunction (ED), and quality of life (QoL) 12 mo after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and radiotherapy (RT) using patient-reported outcome measures in the Swedish prostate cancer database.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a nationwide, population-based, cohort study in Sweden of men who underwent primary RARP or RT between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Absolute proportions and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression, with adjustment for clinical characteristics.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 2557 men underwent RARP and 1741 received RT. Men who underwent RT were older (69 vs 65 yr) and had more comorbidities at baseline. After RARP, 13% of men experienced incontinence, compared to 6% after RT. The frequency of urinary bother was similar, at 18% after RARP and 18% after RT. Urgency to defecate was reported by 14% of men after RARP and 34% after RT. At 1 yr, 73% of men had ED after RARP, and 77% after RT. High QoL was reported by 85% of men after RARP and 78% of men after RT. On multivariable regression analysis, RT was associated with lower risks of urinary incontinence (OR 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19-0.33), urinary bother (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.95), and ED (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.46-0.65), but higher risk of bowel symptoms (OR 2.86, 95% CI 2.42-3.39). QoL was higher after RARP than after RT (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.12-1.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term specific side effects after curative treatment for prostate cancer significantly differed between RARP and RT in this large and unselected cohort. Nevertheless, the risk of urinary bother was lower after RT, while higher QoL was common after RARP.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In our study of patients treated for prostate cancer, urinary bother and overall quality of life are comparable at 1 year after surgical removal of the prostate in comparison to radiotherapy, despite substantial differences in other side effects.

Radical Prostatectomy for Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients: Outcomes for a Large Contemporary Cohort and a Matched Comparison to Patients Without a Transplant

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

It is unknown whether renal transplant receipt (RTR) status can affect perioperative and oncological outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP). Our aim was to evaluate oncological and functional outcomes of RTR patients treated with RP for cN0M0 prostate cancer (PCa) via comparison with a no-RTR cohort.

METHODS

RTR patients who had undergone RP at seven European institutions during 2001-2022 were identified. A multi-institutional cohort of no-RTR patients treated with RP during 2004-2022 served as the comparator group. Propensity score matching (PSM) at a ratio of 1:4 was used to match no-RTR patients to the RTR cohort according to age, prostate-specific antigen, and final pathology features. We used Kaplan-Meier plots and multivariable Cox, logistic, and Poisson log-linear regression models to test the outcomes of interest.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

After PSM, we analyzed data for 102 RTR and 408 no-RTR patients. RTR patients experienced higher estimated blood loss (EBL), longer length of hospital stay (LOS) and time to catheter removal, higher postoperative complication rates, and a lower continence recovery rate (all p < 0.001). On multivariable analyses, RTR independently predicted unfavorable operative time (odds ratio [OR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-1.25), LOS (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.32-1.86), EBL (OR 2.24, 95% CI 2.18-2.30), and time to catheter removal (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.68-2.21), but not complications or continence recovery. There were no significant differences for any oncological outcomes (biochemical recurrence, local or systemic progression) between the RTR and no-RTR groups. While no PCa deaths were recorded, the overall mortality rate was significantly higher in the RTR group (17% vs 0.5%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Although RP is feasible for RTR patients, the procedure poses non-negligible surgical challenges, with longer operative time and LOS and higher EBL, but no major differences in terms of complications and continence recovery. The RTR group had similar oncological outcomes to the no-RTR group but significantly higher overall mortality related to causes other than PCa. Therefore, careful selection for RP is required among candidates with previous RTR.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Removal of the prostate for prostate cancer is possible in patients who have had a kidney transplant, and cancer control outcomes are comparable to those for the general population. However, transplant patients have a higher risk of death from causes other than prostate cancer and the prostate surgery is likely to be more challenging.

Prince and princesses: The current status of robotic surgery in surgical oncology

Robotic surgery has experienced a dramatic increase in utilization across general surgery over the last two decades, including in surgical oncology. Although urologists and gynecologists were the first to show that this technology could be utilized in cancer surgery, the robot is now a powerful tool in the treatment of gastrointestinal, hepato-pancreatico-biliary, colorectal, endocrine, and soft tissue malignancies. While long-term outcomes are still pending, short-term outcomes have showed promise for this technologic advancement of cancer surgery.

Robot-assisted versus open radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

The study aims to synthesize all available prospective comparative studies and reports the latest systematic analysis and updated evidence comparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with open radical prostatectomy (ORP) for perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were retrieved up to March 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective comparative studies were included, and weighted mean differences (WMD) and odds ratios (OR) were used to evaluate the pooled results. Twenty-one articles were included in the present meta-analysis. The results indicated that compared to ORP, RARP had longer operative time (OT) (WMD: 51.41 min; 95%CI: 28.33, 74.48; p < 0.0001), reduced blood loss (WMD: -516.59 mL; 95%CI: -578.31, -454.88; p < 0.00001), decreased transfusion rate (OR: 0.23; 95%CI: 0.18, 0.30; p < 0.00001), shorter hospital stay (WMD: -1.59 days; 95%CI: -2.69, -0.49; p = 0.005), fewer overall complications (OR: 0.61; 95%CI: 0.45, 0.83; p = 0.001), and higher nerve sparing rate (OR: 1.64; 95%CI: 1.26, 2.13; p = 0.0003), as well as was more beneficial to postoperative erectile function recovery and biochemical recurrence (BCR). However, no significant disparities were noted in major complications, postoperative urinary continence recovery, or positive surgical margin (PSM) rates. RARP was superior to ORP in terms of hospital stay, blood loss, transfusion rate, complications, nerve sparing, postoperative erectile function recovery, and BCR. It is a safe and effective surgical approach to the treatment of clinically localized PCa.

Impact of Preoperative Mental Health on Surgical Outcomes Following Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between preoperative mental health status and surgical outcomes following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

METHODS

This cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing RARP surgery for prostate cancer between October 2016 and May 2022 at a major public hospital in Sydney, Australia. The primary outcome was preoperative self-reported mental health status measured using the mental component score from the Short Form 36 survey. Other variables included patients' characteristics, surgical outcomes, postoperative quality of life, pain and decision regret. Data were analysed using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 266 men underwent RARP during the studied period. Of these, 242 patients (91%) completed the preoperative survey and were analyzed. Poorer preoperative mental health had significant univariate associations with younger age (P = .025), reduced access to economic resources (P = .043), diagnosis of a mental illness (P = .033), poorer mental health at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively (both P <.001), greater pain (P = .001), and higher decision regret (P = .001) 6 weeks following surgery. In the multivariate analysis, poorer preoperative mental health status was associated with younger age (P = .028) and poorer mental health at 6 weeks (P <.001) and 6 months (P = .025) postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

For patients undergoing RARP, poor preoperative mental health status was associated with younger age and poorer postoperative mental health. Future studies should investigate if targeted preoperative psychological interventions would improve postoperative mental health outcomes, specifically in younger men undergoing RARP.

[Oncological and functional results of focal treatment of localized prostate cancer with HIFU]

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, improved diagnosis of prostate cancer has allowed the development of focal therapy, in order to reduce the morbidity of treatments. Our study assesses the medium-term oncological and functional results of FocalOne® HIFU treatment in localized prostate cancer.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, multicentre study including patients with low- or intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer treated with Focal one HIFU between November 2014 and December 2019. The primary endpoint was the retreatment rate and subgroup analyses were performed to identify predictive factors of retreatment.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-seven patients were included with a median follow-up of 25.5 months. Seventy percent of patients had clinical stage T2, 64% had an ISUP score of 2 or 3 on initial biopsies and 38% were treated with hemi-ablation. Follow-up biopsies were performed in 76.6% of patients during follow-up with 21.8% having clinically significant cancers. The retreatment rate at 24 months was 37.2%, with positive biopsies being the primary criterion for retreatment. Patients with a PSA>8ng/mL had a significantly higher retreatment rate. Finally, morbidity remained acceptable with 5.8% of patients requiring reoperation for complications and 21% for de novo erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Our results are in agreement with those of the literature, seeming to indicate a lower morbidity of the focal treatment by HIFU compared to the radical treatments while offering an acceptable oncological control. Prospective randomized trials are ongoing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Robot-assisted versus three-dimensional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: 12-month outcomes of a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare functional and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) to three-dimensional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (3D-LRP) at 12 months after surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective randomised single-centre study of 145 consecutive men referred to radical prostatectomy in a tertiary referral centre in Finland. Patients were randomised 1:1 to the RALP (N = 75) and 3D-LRP (N = 70) groups. The primary outcome was urinary continence evaluated with the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite 26-item version (EPIC-26) incontinence domain score at 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included the use of protective pads at 12 months after surgery, EPIC-26 domain scores of irritative/obstructive, bowel, sexual and hormonal symptoms, positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Complication frequency within the 3-month period after surgery was evaluated according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Statistical significance between groups was analysed using Mann-Whitney, chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. The trial was terminated after interim analysis based on no statistically significant difference in EPIC-26 urinary incontinence domain scores. Altogether 145 patients of the target accrual of 280 patients were recruited.

RESULTS

Postoperative continence at 12 months after surgery according to the EPIC-26 incontinence domain was 79.25 in both groups (P = 0.4). Between group difference was -5.8 (95% confidence interval -15.2 to 3.6). There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of PSM or BCR between the two surgical modality groups.

CONCLUSION

We were unable to demonstrate a difference between the RALP and 3D-LRP groups for functional and oncological outcomes at 12 months after surgery.

Robotic-assisted surgery for prostatectomy - does the diffusion of robotic systems contribute to treatment centralization and influence patients' hospital choice?

BACKGROUND

Between 2008 and 2018, the share of robotic-assisted surgeries (RAS) for radical prostatectomies (RPEs) has increased from 3 to 46% in Germany. Firstly, we investigate if this diffusion of RAS has contributed to RPE treatment centralization. Secondly, we analyze if a hospital's use of an RAS system influenced patients' hospital choice.

METHODS

To analyze RPE treatment centralization, we use (bi-) annual hospital data from 2006 to 2018 for all German hospitals in a panel-data fixed effect model. For investigating RAS systems' influence on patients' hospital choice, we use patient level data of 4614 RPE patients treated in 2015. Employing a random utility choice model, we estimate the influence of RAS as well as specialization and quality on patients' marginal utilities and their according willingness to travel.

RESULTS

Despite a slight decrease in RPEs between 2006 and 2018, hospitals that invested in an RAS system could increase their case volumes significantly (+ 82% compared to hospitals that did not invest) contributing to treatment centralization. Moreover, patients are willing to travel longer for hospitals offering RAS (+ 22% than average travel time) and for specialization (+ 13% for certified prostate cancer treatment centers, + 9% for higher procedure volume). The influence of outcome quality and service quality on patients' hospital choice is insignificant or negligible.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, centralization is partly driven by (very) high-volume hospitals' investment in RAS systems and patient preferences. While outcome quality might improve due to centralization and according specialization, evidence for a direct positive influence of RAS on RPE outcomes still is ambiguous. Patients have been voting with their feet, but research yet has to catch up.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is pushing the boundaries: a national survey of frailty using the national surgical quality improvement program

Background

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been found to be comparable and, in some cases, favorable to open surgical approaches, while being used in a frailer population.

Objectives

We aimed to illustrate the trend in population frailty and compare morbidity and mortality postoperatively in patients who underwent RARP.

Design and Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set was used to select patients who underwent RARP between the years 2011-2019. Age, frailty indicators, surgical characteristics, and perioperative morbidity and mortality were compared between the years 2011-2019 using the chi-square test (χ²) for categorical variables and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for continuous variables.

Results

Our patient population consisted of 66,683 patients who underwent RARP. There was an increase in mean age and frailty indicated by an increase in 5-item frailty score ⩾2, metabolic syndrome index = 3, and American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) class ⩾3 between the years 2011-2019 (p < 0.001). Whereas the rate of mortality and morbidity, indicated by postoperative Clavien-Dindo grade ⩾4 and major morbidity, remained the same over the same period (p > 0.264). Furthermore, operative time and length of stay decreased over the same period (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

RARP is being performed on more frail patients, with no added morbidity or mortality.

Optimizing Nerve Sparing in Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Comparative Investigation of Traditional and Modified Endopelvic Fascia Preservation Techniques

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men. In 2000, Abbou performed the first robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, and radical prostatectomy has developed rapidly. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a valuable therapeutic option for the management of localized Pca.

Objective

To present the functional outcome of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using traditional and modified endopelvic fascia preservation methods in a single center in Vietnam.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed a series of 65 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer from 2020 to 2023. All of those were operated by DaVinci Si system robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Twenties patients were applied with a modified nerve-sparing technique, intrafascial dissection, and lateral prostatic fascia preservation, leaving the lateral tissue, including the neurovascular bundle, untouched and covered. We used the traditional approach, intrafascial nerve-sparing with open endopelvic fascia and lateral prostatic fascia in 45 cases. Patients were followed up to 12 months to assess the continence and erectile function by using IIEF-5 and EPIC questionnaires.

Results

The study sample included 65 cases; the mean patient age was 64.21 ± 6.68, erection rate after surgery at six months in bilateral NS was 36.58% (15/41) in the traditional group, and 68.42% (13/19) in the modified group (p=0.028). The patient did not recover erectile ability in the group of elderly patients (>65 years old) and unilateral nerve-sparing group. The continence rate six months after surgery was 86.66 % in the conventional group and 85% in the modified group, with no significant difference between the two groups. In the potency group, the IIEF-5 score was 13 ± 4.9, and the EPIC-26 score was 62.20 ± 10.04. Erectile ability in the modified group was better than the traditional group at six months after surgery.

Conclusion

Our results showed better potency recovery in the modified group. These results should be tested in future research with randomized studies.

Feasibility, Safety, and Functional Outcomes of Pelvic Hypothermia Induced Using a Rectal Cooling Device During Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Phase I/II Trial

Introduction: Radical prostatectomy (RP) is one of the standard treatments for localized prostate cancer. However, in terms of functional outcomes, there are aspects that still need improvements. We designed this prospective phase I/II clinical trial to assess the safety, clinical feasibility, and functional outcomes of hypothermic robot-assisted RP (RARP). Material and Methods: Twenty patients with preoperative total 5-item International Index of Erectile Function scores ≥12 points, scheduled for RARP, were enrolled in the study. Pelvic hypothermia was induced using an endorectal cooling device (BelloCool System). The primary outcome was the completion rate of the planned hypothermic RARP. Secondary outcomes included the drop in neurovascular bundle (NVB) temperature, adverse (including device-related) events, continence, and potency recoveries, and postoperative quality of life. Contemporaneous patients (propensity score-matched for baseline characteristics) who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the control group. Results: The completion rate of the planned hypothermic surgery was 100%. The nadir NVB temperature was 24.9 [22.4, 28.2]°C, which was 10.2 [7.0, 13.1]°C lower than the nadir core body temperature. There was no device-related adverse event, and bowel function was well preserved for the whole follow-up period. At 12 months postoperatively, potency and continence recovery rates were higher in the hypothermic group than in the control group (40% vs 15%, p = 0.027 and 95% vs 80%, p = 0.167, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed faster recovery rate of potency in the hypothermic group (hazard ratios = 3.46, log-rank p < 0.01). Conclusions: Hypothermic RARP using the BelloCool™ endorectal cooling system is safe and feasible. A large-population-based randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the potential for a benefit in continence and potency recovery.

Comparison of single-port and multi-port Retzius-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Dissemination of robotic surgical technology for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has yielded advancements including the Retzius-sparing (RS) approach and the single-port (SP) platform. The safety and feasibility of each individual advancement have been evaluated, yet there is a lack of literature comparing SP RS-RALP to conventional multi-port (MP) RS-RALP. All patients who underwent RS-RALP at our institution between January 2019 and February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding baseline patient and tumor characteristics, operative characteristics, and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed using the Fisher's exact test and two-tailed unpaired t tests. 62 patients were evaluated: 31 received SP RS-RALP and 31 received MP RS-RALP. Differences in patient age, BMI, and initial PSA were not observed. Lower median lymph node yield (SP: 4 vs MP: 12, p < 0.01), lower estimated blood loss (SP: 111.2 vs. MP 157.8 mL, p < 0.01), shorter operative time (SP: 207.7 vs. MP: 255.9 min, p < 0.01) and decreased length of stay (SP: 0.39 vs. MP: 1.23 days, p < 0.01) were observed in the SP RS-RALP cohort. No differences in positive surgical margins, complications, or biochemical recurrence rates were observed. SP RS-RALP is non-inferior to MP RS-RALP in terms of both perioperative and early oncologic outcomes. Despite the small sample size, the SP platform is a safe and feasible option for RS-RALP and confers potential benefits in the form of shorter operative time and reduced length of stay.

Patients Regret Their Choice of Therapy Significantly Less Frequently after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy as Opposed to Open Radical Prostatectomy: Patient-Reported Results of the Multicenter Cross-Sectional IMPROVE Study

Patient’s regret (PatR) concerning the choice of therapy represents a crucial endpoint for treatment evaluation after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCA). This study aims to compare PatR following robot-assisted (RARP) and open surgical approach (ORP). A survey comprising perioperative-functional criteria was sent to 1000 patients in 20 German centers at a median of 15 months after RP. Surgery-related items were collected from participating centers. To calculate PatR differences between approaches, a multivariate regressive base model (MVBM) was established incorporating surgical approach and demographic, center-specific, and tumor-specific criteria not primarily affected by surgical approach. An extended model (MVEM) was further adjusted by variables potentially affected by surgical approach. PatR was based on five validated questions ranging 0−100 (cutoff >15 defined as critical PatR). The response rate was 75.0%. After exclusion of patients with laparoscopic RP or stage M1b/c, the study cohort comprised 277/365 ORP/RARP patients. ORP/RARP patients had a median PatR of 15/10 (p < 0.001) and 46.2%/28.1% had a PatR >15, respectively (p < 0.001). Based on the MVBM, RARP patients showed PatR >15 relative 46.8% less frequently (p < 0.001). Consensual decision making regarding surgical approach independently reduced PatR. With the MVEM, the independent impact of both surgical approach and of consensual decision making was confirmed. This study involving centers of different care levels showed significantly lower PatR following RARP.

Significance of postoperative membranous urethral length and position of vesicourethral anastomosis for short-term continence recovery following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

We assess whether short-term recovery of urinary incontinence following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is associated with postoperative membranous urethral length (MUL) and position of vesico-urethral anastomosis (PVUA).

METHODS

Clinical variables including PVUA and pre-and postoperative MUL were evaluated in 251 patients who underwent RARP from August 2019 to February 2021. Continence recovery was defined as no pad or one security liner per day assessed by patient interview at least 6 months follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess variables associated with continence recovery at 3 months after the operation.

RESULTS

Continence recovery rates at 3 and 6 months were 75% and 84%, respectively. Lower BMI (< 25 kg/m²) (p = 0.040), longer preoperative MUL (≥ 9.5 mm) (p = 0.013), longer postoperative MUL (≥ 9 mm) (p < 0.001), higher PVUA (< 14.5 mm) (p = 0.019) and shorter operating time (< 170 min) (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with continence recovery at 3 months in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative MUL (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.90-7.40, p < 0.001) and higher PVUA (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07-3.82, p = 0.032) were independent factors for continence recovery. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the multivariate analysis, with urinary continence recovery rates found to have increased in turn with rates of 43.7% versus 68.2% versus 85.0% (p < 0.001) at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

PVUA and postoperative MUL were significant factors for short-term continence recovery. Preservation of urethral length might contribute to continence recovery after RARP.

Comparison of surgical approaches to radical prostatectomy in our series beyond oncological and functional outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compared to those of open (ORP) and laparoscopic (LRP) surgery. The interest lies fundamentally in the quality-of-life (QoL) evaluation, postoperative recovery, and personal satisfaction of patients with the intervention (PS) beyond oncological and functional outcomes.

METHODS

Six hundred eighty-five RPs were performed in our center between 2011-2018 (17,8% ORP, 22,2% LRP and 60% RARP). Patients were prospectively assessed through follow-up until April 2020 and a multiple questionnaire at 12-months post-RP that included ICIQ-SF, SHIM, IPSS, IQL and questions about pain, postoperative recovery and PS. Also baseline and postoperative patient- and treatment-related data were collected, and binomial logistic regressions were performed for the 1 vs.1 comparisons (ORP vs. RARP and LRP vs. RARP).

RESULTS

RARP patients have overall fewer comorbidities, less tumor aggressiveness, more operative time requirements and more positive surgical margins than ORP and LRP patients. Nevertheless, RARP outperforms ORP in: hospital stay (days) (OR 0,86; 95% CI: 0,80-0,94), hemoglobin loss (OR 0,38; 95% CI: 0,30-0,47), transfusion rate (OR 0,18; 95% CI: 0,09-0,34), early complications (p = 0,001), IQL (OR 0,82; 95% CI: 0,69-0,98), erectile function (OR 0,41; 95% CI: 0,21-0,79), pain control (OR 0,82; 95% CI: 0,75-0,89), postoperative recovery (p < 0,001) and choice of a different approach (OR 5,55; 95% CI: 3,14-9,80). RARP is superior to LRP in: urinary continence (OR 0,55; 95% CI: 0,37-0,82), IPSS (OR 0,96; 95% CI: 0,93-0,98), IQL (OR 0,76; 95% CI: 0,66-0,88), erectile function (OR 0,52; 95% CI: 0,29-0,93), postoperative recovery (p = 0,02 and 0,004), PS (p = 0,005; 0,002; and 0,03) and choice of a different approach (OR 7,79; 95% CI: 4,63-13,13).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our study globally endorse a positive effectiveness of RARP over ORP and/or LRP, both on functional issues, postoperative recovery, QoL and PS. Oncologic results should still be improved.

Learning curve for robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a large prospective multicentre study

OBJECTIVE

Differences in outcome after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer can partly be explained by intersurgeon differences, where degree of experience is one important aspect. This study aims to define the learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) regarding oncological and functional outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Out of 4003 enrolled patients in the LAPPRO trial, 3583 met the inclusion criteria, of whom 885 were operated on by an open technique. In total, 2672 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer from seven Swedish centres were operated on by RALP and followed for 8 years (LAPPRO trial). Oncological outcomes were pathology-reported surgical margins and biochemical recurrence at 8 years. Functional outcomes included patient-reported urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction at 3, 12 and 24 months. Experience was surgeon-reported experience before and during the study. The relationship between surgeon experience and functional outcomes and surgical margin status was analysed by mixed-effects logistic regression. Biochemical recurrence was analysed by Cox regression, with robust standard errors.

RESULTS

The learning curve for positive surgical margins was relatively flat, with rates of 21% for surgeons who had performed 0-74 cases and 24% for surgeons with > 300 cases. Biochemical recurrence at 4 years was 11% (0-74 cases) and 13% (> 300 cases). Incontinence was stable over the learning curve, but erectile function improved at 2 years, from 38% (0-74 cases) to 53% (> 300 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the learning curve for surgeons performing RALP showed that erectile function improved with increasing number of procedures, which was not the case for oncological outcomes.

Cost-utility analysis on robot-assisted and laparoscopic prostatectomy based on long-term functional outcomes

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) is one of the standard treatment options for prostate cancer. However, controversy still exists on its added value. Based on a recent large-sample retrospective cluster study from the Netherlands showing significantly improved long-term urinary functioning after RARP compared to Laparoscopic RP (LRP), we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of RARP compared to LRP. A decision tree was constructed to measure the costs and effects from a Dutch societal perspective over a ~ 7 year time-horizon. The input was based on the aforementioned study, including patient-reported consumption of addition care and consumed care for ergonomic issues reported by surgeons. Intervention costs were calculated using a bottom-up costing analysis in 5 hospitals. Finally, a probabilistic-, one-way sensitivity- and scenario analyses were performed to show possible decision uncertainty. The intervention costs were €9964 for RARP and €7253 for LRP. Total trajectory costs were €12,078 for RARP and €10,049 for LRP. RARP showed higher QALYs compared to LRP (6.17 vs 6.11). The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) was €34,206 per QALY gained, in favour of RARP. As a best-case scenario, when RARP is being centralized (> 150 cases/year), total trajectory costs decreased to €10,377 having a higher utilization, and a shorter procedure time and length of stay resulting in an ICUR of €3495 per QALY gained. RARP showed to be cost-effective compared to LRP based on data from a population-based, large scale study with 7 years of follow-up. This is a clear incentive to fully reimburse RARP, especially when hospitals provide RARP centralized.

Functional and quality of life outcomes of localised prostate cancer treatments (ProtecT study)

Objective

To investigate the functional and quality of life (QoL) outcomes of treatments for localised prostate cancer and inform treatment decision‐making.

Patients and Methods

Men aged 50–69 years diagnosed with localised prostate cancer by prostate‐specific antigen testing and biopsies at nine UK centres in the Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) trial were randomised to, or chose one of, three treatments. Of 2565 participants, 1135 men received active monitoring (AM), 750 a radical prostatectomy (RP), 603 external‐beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with concurrent androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) and 77 low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (BT, not a randomised treatment). Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) completed annually for 6 years were analysed by initial treatment and censored for subsequent treatments. Mixed effects models were adjusted for baseline characteristics using propensity scores.

Results

Treatment‐received analyses revealed different impacts of treatments over 6 years. Men remaining on AM experienced gradual declines in sexual and urinary function with age (e.g., increases in erectile dysfunction from 35% of men at baseline to 53% at 6 years and nocturia similarly from 20% to 38%). Radical treatment impacts were immediate and continued over 6 years. After RP, 95% of men reported erectile dysfunction persisting for 85% at 6 years, and after EBRT this was reported by 69% and 74%, respectively (P < 0.001 compared with AM). After RP, 36% of men reported urinary leakage requiring at least 1 pad/day, persisting for 20% at 6 years, compared with no change in men receiving EBRT or AM (P < 0.001). Worse bowel function and bother (e.g., bloody stools 6% at 6 years and faecal incontinence 10%) was experienced by men after EBRT than after RP or AM (P < 0.001) with lesser effects after BT. No treatment affected mental or physical QoL.

Conclusion

Treatment decision‐making for localised prostate cancer can be informed by these 6‐year functional and QoL outcomes.

Variation across operating sites in urinary and sexual outcomes after radical prostatectomy in localized and locally advanced prostate cancer

PURPOSE

The extent of variation in urinary and sexual functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RPE) between prostate cancer (PC) operating sites remains unknown. Therefore, this analysis aims to compare casemix-adjusted functional outcomes (EPIC-26 scores incontinence, irritative/obstructive function and sexual function) between operating sites 12 months after RPE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of a cohort of 7065 men treated with RPE at 88 operating sites (prostate cancer centers, "PCCs") between 2016 and 2019. Patients completed EPIC-26 and sociodemographic information surveys at baseline and 12 months after RPE. Survey data were linked to clinical data. EPIC-26 domain scores at 12 months after RPE were adjusted for relevant confounders (including baseline domain score, clinical and sociodemographic information) using regression analysis. Differences between sites were described using minimal important differences (MIDs) and interquartile ranges (IQR). The effects of casemix adjustment on the score results were described using Cohen's d and MIDs.

RESULTS

Adjusted domain scores at 12 months varied between sites, with IQRs of 66-78 (incontinence), 89-92 (irritative/obstructive function), and 20-29 (sexual function). Changes in domain scores after casemix adjustment for sites ≥ 1 MID were noted for the incontinence domain (six sites). Cohen's d ranged between - 0.07 (incontinence) and - 0.2 (sexual function), indicating a small to medium effect of casemix adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Variation between sites was greatest in the incontinence and sexual function domains for RPE patients. Future research will need to identify the factors contributing to this variation.

TRIAL REGISTRY

The study is registered at the German Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.drks.de/drks_web/ ) with the following ID: DRKS00010774.

The role for MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation in the continuum of prostate cancer care

Prostate cancer continues to have a negative impact on the duration and quality of life for males and their families. MRI is transforming the pathway of prostate cancer detection, diagnosis, staging, and surveillance, backed by multiple Level 1 studies and robust reporting standards. This evolving paradigm of MRI-directed care is now being expanded to include in-bore MRI-guided prostate tissue ablation techniques, which reduce the burden of genitourinary complications associated with standard-of-care treatments, without sacrificing cancer control. The workflow for MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation relies on intraprocedural MRI guidance for treatment planning, automated and physician-monitored treatment delivery, and post-treatment assessment at both immediate and long-term time points. Our early experience has identified several procedure refinements, and aligns with early evidence from prospective clinical studies using transurethral ultrasound ablation for treatment of patients with either primary or recurrent disease. Driven by quantitative real-time imaging, MRI-guided ablative interventions provide rich datasets for developing technical refinements and predictive models that will progressively improve patient outcomes as these novel techniques become part of a new standard-of-care.

Functional and Oncological Outcomes After Open Versus Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy for Localised Prostate Cancer: 8-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Radical prostatectomy reduces mortality among patients with localised prostate cancer. Evidence on whether different surgical techniques can affect mortality rates is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate functional and oncological outcomes 8 yr after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We enrolled 4003 patients in a prospective, controlled, nonrandomised trial comparing RALP and RRP in 14 Swedish centres between 2008 and 2011. Data for functional outcomes were assessed via validated patient questionnaires administered preoperatively and at 12 and 24 mo and 8 yr after surgery.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary endpoint was urinary incontinence. Functional outcomes at 8 yr were analysed using the modified Poisson regression approach.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Urinary incontinence was not significantly different at 8 yr after surgery between RALP and RRP (27% vs 29%; adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90-1.23). Erectile dysfunction was significantly lower in the RALP group (66% vs 70%; aRR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.99). Prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) was significantly lower in the RALP group at 8 yr after surgery (40/2699 vs 25/885; aRR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34-0.93). Differences in oncological outcomes were mainly seen in the group with high D'Amico risk, with a lower risk of positive surgical margins (21% vs 34%), biochemical recurrence (51% vs 69%), and PCSM (14/220 vs 11/77) for RALP versus RRP. The main limitation is the nonrandomised design.

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective multicentre controlled trial, PCSM at 8 yr after surgery was lower for RALP in comparison to RRP. A causal relationship between surgical technique and mortality cannot be inferred, but the result confirms that RALP is oncologically safe. Taken together with better short-term results reported elsewhere, our findings confirm that implementation of RALP may continue.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our study comparing two surgical techniques for removal of the prostate for localised prostate cancer shows that a robot-assisted minimally invasive technique is safe in the long term. Together with previous results showing some better short-term effects with this approach, our findings support continued use of robot-assisted surgery.

Examination of Necessity for Pelvic Drain Placement After Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Pelvic drain (PD) placement is commonly performed after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), but the need for PD placement is unclear. This study aimed to assess the need for PD placement after RARP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study analysed the effect of PD placement on postoperative complications in patients who underwent RARP between 2009 and 2018. All patients prior to October 1, 2016 had a PD placed; those after did not.

RESULTS

Of the 308 study patients, 231 received a PD (PD group) and 77 did not (ND group). The incidence of ileus, urinary tract infection and anastomotic leak did not differ significantly between the groups; nor did the incidence of asymptomatic and symptomatic lymphocele at 2 weeks and 1 year after surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node dissection is a predictor of asymptomatic lymphocele development two weeks after surgery.

CONCLUSION

PD placement is not necessary after RARP.

Comparison of Acute and Chronic Surgical Complications Following Robot-Assisted, Laparoscopic, and Traditional Open Radical Prostatectomy Among Men in Taiwan

IMPORTANCE

Few studies have evaluated long-term surgical complications in patients with prostate cancer (PC) who receive open radical prostatectomy (ORP), laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), or robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

OBJECTIVE

To examine the perioperative and postoperative surgical complications among patients with PC who underwent ORP, LRP, or RARP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study included patients who received a diagnosis of resectable PC and underwent RP between January 1 and December 31, 2015. Participants were enrolled in the Taiwan Cancer Registry. The index date was the date of surgery, and the follow-up duration was the period from the index date to December 31, 2018. Data analysis was performed in September 2020.

EXPOSURES

ORP, LRP, or RARP.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Two multivariate mixed models accounting for hospital clusters were fitted to ascertain the association of RARP with treatment outcomes (ie, hospital stay, blood transfusion, postoperative pain, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and hernia); general linear regression models were used for continuous outcomes, the amount of blood transfused, and hospital stay, and logistic regression models were used for analyzing postoperative outcomes and surgical complications.

RESULTS

Of the 1407 patients included in this study, 315 (22.4%) received ORP (mean [SD] age, 66.4 [6.8] years), 276 (19.6%) received LRP (mean [SD] age, 66.8 [6.4] years), and 816 (58.0%) received RARP (mean [SD] age, 66.1 [6.7] years). Mean (SD) follow-up in the full cohort was 36.7 (4.6) months. No statistically significant differences were observed in age, clinical tumor stage, pathological tumor stage, Gleason score, Gleason grade group, preoperative prostate-specific antigen concentration, D'Amico risk classification, and hospital level. A shorter hospital stay was observed for patients undergoing RARP vs those undergoing ORP (mean [SE] difference, -1.64 [0.22] days; P < .001) and LRP (mean [SE] difference, -0.57 [0.23] days; P = .01). Patients undergoing RARP had lower odds of receiving a blood transfusion (RARP vs ORP: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.17-0.36; RARP vs LRP: aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.91). For postoperative pain, RARP was associated with a decrease in the odds of moderate to severe postoperative pain for as long as 12 weeks compared with both ORP and LRP (eg, RARP vs LRP at week 12: aOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.19-0.85; P = .02). The aORs for RARP vs those for ORP and LRP in the third year after RP were, for erectile dysfunction, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.45-0.92) and 0.60 (95% CI, 0.36-0.98), respectively; for urinary incontinence, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.65-0.99) and 0.60 (95% CI, 0.42-0.86), respectively; and for hernia, 0.51 (95% CI, 0.31-0.84) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.46-0.92), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, undergoing RARP was associated with fewer acute and chronic postoperative complications than undergoing ORP or LRP.

Predictors of Patient-Reported Incontinence at Adjuvant/Salvage Radiotherapy after Prostatectomy: Impact of Time between Surgery and Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Baseline urinary incontinence (UI) strongly modulates UI recovery after adjuvant/salvage radiotherapy (ART/SRT), inducing clinicians to postpone it "as much as possible", maximizing UI recovery but possibly reducing efficacy. This series aims to analyze the trend of UI recovery and its predictors at radiotherapy start.

METHODS

A population of 408 patients treated with ART/SRT enrolled in a cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02803086) aimed at developing predictive models of radiation-induced toxicities. Self-reported UI and personality traits, evaluated by means of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire - Revised (EPQ-R) questionnaires, were assessed at ART/SRT start. Several endpoints based on baseline ICIQ-SF were investigated: frequency and amount of urine loss (ICIQ3 and ICIQ4, respectively), "objective" UI (ICIQ3 + 4), "subjective" UI (ICIQ5), and "TOTAL" UI (ICIQ3 +4 + 5). The relationship between each endpoint and time from prostatectomy to radiotherapy (TTRT) was investigated. The association between clinical and personality variables and each endpoint was tested by uni- and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

TTRT was the strongest predictor for all endpoints (p-values ≤ 0.001); all scores improved between 4 and 8 months after prostatectomy, without any additional long-term recovery. Neuroticism independently predicted subjective UI, TOTAL UI, and daily frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

Early UI recovery mostly depends on TTRT with no further improvement after 8 months from prostatectomy. Higher levels of neuroticism may overestimate UI.

Long-term functional outcomes after robot-assisted prostatectomy compared to laparoscopic prostatectomy: Results from a national retrospective cluster study

BACKGROUND

Despite multiple studies evaluating the effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP), there is no definitive conclusion about the added value of RARP. A retrospective cluster study was conducted to evaluate long-term sexual and urinary functioning after RARP and Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (LRP) based on real-world data from 12 Dutch hospitals.

METHODS

Data was collected from patients who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2012. A mixed effect model was used to evaluate differences between groups on urinary and sexual functioning (EPIC-26). Additionally, a regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between these functional outcomes and, among others, hospital volume.

RESULTS

1370 (65.1%) patients participated, 907 underwent RARP and 463 LRP, with a median follow-up time of 7.08 years (SD = 0.98). The RARP group showed a statistically and clinically significant better urinary functioning compared to the LRP group (p = 0.002). RARP showed also a shorter procedure time (p=<0.001), reduced blood loss (p=<0.001), and a higher chance of neurovascular bundle preservation (39.8% vs 29.1%; p=<0.01).

CONCLUSION

RARP resulted in better long-term urinary function compared to LRP. Based on the results from this study, guidelines concerning the preferred surgery type and the position on reimbursement may change, especially when RARP proves to be cost-effective.

Single Port Transvesical Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: Initial Clinical Experience and Description of Technique

OBJECTIVE

To describe our surgical technique and early results for the single port (SP) transvesical robotic radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci SP surgical system.

PATIENTS & METHODS

Twenty patients underwent SP radical prostatectomy through a transvesical approach. Through a 3 cm suprapubic incision, the bladder was incised and a GelPOINT mini system was used for floating docking. Through the gel port, the dedicated SP robotic port, a 12 mm assistant port, and a flexible suction tubing were introduced.

RESULTS

All cases were completed successfully without need for extra ports or conversion. No intraoperative complications were recorded. Median (IQR) total robotic time was 119 (99-127) minutes. Median (IQR) estimated blood loss was 135 (100-162) mL. Median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 4.4 (3.9-22.2) hours. None of the patients required opioids use after discharge. Median (IQR) time with a Foley catheter after surgery was 4 (4-6) days and 75% of the patients had immediate continence within 48 hours after Foley catheter removal. 85% were totally continent within 10 days after catheter removal. Three patients (15%) had positive surgical margins (all focal) on pathology. Two patients had transvesical lymph node dissection with 4 and 15 lymph nodes negative on final pathology.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated the feasibility of SP robotic transvesical radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection using a dedicated SP robotic platform. Favorable perioperative outcomes were seen, along with low complication rate, same day discharge, elimination of opioid requirement, and high rate of immediate recovery of continence as well as a low positive margin rate.

Variation in Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing Rates and Prostate Cancer Treatments and Outcomes in a National 20-Year Cohort

IMPORTANCE

The diagnostic activity for prostate cancer has increased during the past decades. However, the benefit and harm of the increased diagnostic activity have not been quantified in detail for a country or a large region.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify the association between increases in diagnostic activity driven by prostate-specific antigen testing and incidence of prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and mortality.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used the Proxy-Based Risk-Stratified Incidence Simulation Model-Prostate Cancer to examine observed data on all Swedish men with prevalent prostate cancer and compare them with a corresponding, hypothetical, simulated scenario with more restrictive diagnostic activity. All men aged 40 to 100 years living in Sweden during the time period 1996 to 2016 with incident and prevalent prostate cancer were included. The second scenario is the corresponding, hypothetical, simulated scenario where diagnostic activity remained constant as of 1996 (the beginning of the prostate-specific antigen testing era) throughout the study period.

EXPOSURES

High or low diagnostic activity for prostate cancer.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Incidence of prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment (deferred treatment, curative treatment, and hormonal treatment), and prostate cancer mortality.

RESULTS

During the study period from 1996 to 2016, 188 884 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer at a median (interquartile range) age of 71 (64-77) years. Compared with the low-diagnostic activity scenario, in the high-diagnostic activity scenario, the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer was 48% higher (423 vs 286 [95% CI, 271-302] per 100 000 men per year), 148% more men were diagnosed with low- or intermediate-risk cancer (221 vs 89 [95% CI, 73-105] per 100 000 men per year), and 108% more men received curative treatment (152 vs 73 [95% CI: 66-85] per 100 000 men per year). There were up to 15% fewer prostate cancer deaths in the scenario with high-diagnostic activity (incidence rate ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.82-0.88).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study's results suggest that increased prostate-specific antigen testing and diagnostic activity are associated with a larger number of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer, predominately with low- and intermediate-risk disease. The increased diagnostic activity was associated with a 2-fold increase in curative treatment and a modest decrease in mortality.

Reducing the Risk of Postoperative Complications After Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Cancer Patients: Results of an Audit and Feedback Intervention Following the Implementation of Prospective Data Collection

BACKGROUND

Prospective data collection for perioperative outcomes might increase awareness of surgical results obtained for patients with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). This would prompt the implementation of measures aimed at reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of an audit and feedback process aimed at identifying the most common complications after RARP and at implementing measures to improve outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Overall, 415 patients treated with RARP by a high-volume surgeon were included. Perioperative outcomes for 187 patients treated between September 2016 and December 2017 were prospectively collected at 30 d according to the European Association of Urology guideline recommendations (group 1). An audit and feedback process was implemented in January 2018 whereby the most common complication (anastomotic leak) was identified and measures aimed at improving outcomes (changes in the anastomotic technique) were implemented. The outcomes for group 1 were then compared to 228 patients treated after implementation of the modified surgical technique (group 2).

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

A novel technique for posterior reconstruction and urethrovesical anastomosis was introduced.

MEASUREMENTS

Perioperative outcomes included blood loss, operative time, length of stay, and 30-d postoperative complications. Logistic regression models tested the effect of the novel surgical technique on anastomotic leaks.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 97 patients (23%) experienced postoperative complications at 30 d. The rate of anastomotic leaks was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 1 (3.1% vs 9.6%; p < 0.01). Similarly, overall and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 complication rates were lower in group 2 versus group 1 (17% vs 31%, and 6% vs 20%; both p ≤ 0.001). In multivariable analyses, treatment after implementation of changes in the anastomotic technique independently predicted a lower risk of complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-0.89) and of anastomotic leaks (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.17-0.97). The lack of randomization represents the main limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of changes in the urethrovesical anastomosis technique arising from increased awareness of surgical outcomes reduced the risk of anastomotic leaks. These findings highlight the importance of audit and feedback processes using a standardized method for reporting surgical morbidity.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Increased awareness of surgical outcomes prompted us to change our technique for connecting the bladder to the urethra during robot-assisted surgery to remove the prostate in patients with prostate cancer. These changes resulted in significant improvements in surgical outcomes.

Urinary continence recovery and oncological outcomes after surgery for prostate cancer analysed by risk category: results from the LAParoscopic prostatectomy robot and open trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate urinary continence (UC) recovery and oncological outcomes in different risk-groups after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed 2650 men with prostate cancer from seven open (n = 805) and seven robotic (n = 1845) Swedish centres between 2008 and 2011 in a prospective non-randomised trial, LAPPRO. UC recovery was defined as change of pads less than once in 24 h. Information was collected through validated questionnaires. Rate of positive surgical margins (PSM) and biochemical recurrence (BCR), defined as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) > 0.25 mg/ml, were recorded. We stratified patients into two risk groups (low-intermediate and high risk) based on the D'Amico risk classification system.

RESULT

Among men with high-risk prostate cancer, we found significantly higher rates of UC recovery up to 24 months after RRP compared to RALP (66.1% vs 60.5%) RR 0.85 (CI 95% 0.73-0.99) while PSM was more frequent after RRP compared to RALP (46.8% vs 23.5%) RR 1.56 (CI 95% 1.10-2.21). In the same group no significant difference was seen in BCR. Overall, however, BCR was significantly more common after RRP compared to RALP at 24 months (9.8% vs 6.6%) RR 1.43 (Cl 95% 1.08-1.89). The limitations of this study are its non-randomized design and the relatively short time of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that men with high-risk tumour operated with open surgery had better urinary continence recovery but with a higher risk of PSM than after robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. No significant difference was seen in biochemical recurrence.  TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN06393679.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy-impact of a mentorship program on oncological outcomes during the learning curve

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The learning curve for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is estimated to be about 50-200 cases. This study will evaluate the benefit of a mentorship programme after completing a mini-fellowship in RARP by an experienced surgeon who previously trained in open and laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

Our study was a retrospective comparative analysis of RARP performed by a single consultant urologist. A retrospective chart review of the first 120 cases was performed. The 120 patients were divided into three groups of 40 cases. For the first 40 cases, an appropriately qualified mentor was present. The peri-operative and oncological outcomes were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS

Operative times significantly decreased with experience (250 min vs 234 min vs 225 min, p < 0.05). Complication rates, estimated blood loss, and length of stay were similar between all groups. There was a higher rate of positive margins in the final group (20% vs 17.5% vs 32.5%, p < 0.5). There was a greater number of pT3 tumours in group 3 (42%, n = 17) compared to groups 1 and 2 (20%, n = 8, and 22.5%, n = 9) which may account for the higher rate of positive margins in this group.

CONCLUSION

In the transition of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon to robotic surgery, we showed that there is a benefit of a mentorship programme after a mini-fellowship in reducing the impact of the learning curve on patient outcomes. Ongoing mentorship may be of benefit in cases where a high volume of tumour is suspected and should be avoided in the early part of the learning curve to maximise oncological outcomes.

Historical Considerations and Surgical Quality Improvement in Robotic Prostatectomy

Laparoscopic prostatectomy was technically challenging and not widely adopted. Robotics led to the widespread adoption of minimally invasive prostatectomy, which has been used heavily, supplanting the open and traditional laparoscopic approach. The benefits of robotic prostatectomy are disputed. Data suggest that robotic prostatectomy outcomes have improved over time.

Surgeon heterogeneity significantly affects functional and oncological outcomes after radical prostatectomy in the Swedish LAPPRO trial

Objectives

To evaluate how surgeon heterogeneity – the variation in outcomes between individual surgeons – influences functional and oncological outcomes after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) and retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), and to assess whether surgeon heterogeneity affects the comparison between RALP and RRP.

Patients and Methods

Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Robot Open (LAPPRO) is a prospective, controlled, non‐randomized trial performed at 14 Swedish centres with 68 operating surgeons. A total of 4003 men with localized prostate cancer were enrolled between 2008 and 2011. The endpoints were urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction (ED) and recurrence at 24 months after surgery. Logistic regression models were built to evaluate surgeon heterogeneity and, secondarily, surgeon‐specific factors were added to the models to investigate their influence on heterogeneity and the comparison between RALP and RRP.

Results

Among surgeons who performed at least 20 surgeries during the study period (n=25), we observed statistically significant heterogeneity for incontinence (P = 0.001), ED (P < 0.001) and rate of recurrent disease (P < 0.001). The significant heterogeneity remained when analysing only experienced surgeons with a stated experience of at least 250 radical prostatectomies (n=12). Among all participating surgeons (n=68), differences in surgeon volume explained 42% of the observed heterogeneity for incontinence (P = 0.003), 11% for ED (P = 0.03) and 19% for recurrence (P = 0.01). Taking surgeon volume into account when comparing RALP and RRP had a significant impact on the results. The effect was greatest for functional outcomes, and the additional adjustments for the surgeons' previous experience changed whether the difference between techniques was statistically significant or not. The surgeons’ annual volume had the greatest effect on the recurrence rate.

Conclusions

There was a large degree of heterogeneity among surgeons regarding both functional and oncological outcomes and this had a significant impact on the results when comparing RALP and RRP. Some of the observed heterogeneity was explained by differences in surgeon volume. Efforts to decrease heterogeneity are warranted and variation among surgeons must be accounted for when conducting comparative analyses between surgical techniques.

[Stereotaxic radiotherapy of primary extracranial tumors]

Stereotactic radiotherapy is a fundamental change from the conventional fractionated radiotherapy and represents a new therapeutic indication. Stereotactic radiotherapy is now a standard of care for inoperable patients or patients who refuse surgery. The results are encouraging with local control and survival rates very high in selected populations. The rate of late toxicity remains acceptable. Good tolerability makes it appropriate even for elderly and frail patients. In these fragile patients or in certain specific clinical situations, different surgical, radiotherapy or interventional radiology attitudes can be discussed on a case-by-case basis. These situations are considered in this article for the pulmonary, hepatic and prostatic localizations.

Risk of Recurrent Disease 6 Years After Open or Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in the Prospective Controlled Trial LAPPRO

Background

Conclusive evidence of superiority in oncological outcome for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) over retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) is lacking.

Objective

To compare RALP and RRP regarding recurrent disease and to report the mortality rate 6 yr after surgery.

Design, setting, and participants

A total of 4003 men with localized prostate cancer were enrolled between 2008 and 2011 in Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Robot Open (LAPPRO)— a prospective, controlled, nonrandomized trial performed at 14 Swedish centers.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Data were collected at visits and by patient questionnaires at 3, 12, and 24 mo, and through a structured telephone interview at 6 yr. Cause of death was retrieved from the National Cause of Death Register in Sweden. The modified Poisson regression approach was used for analyses.

Results and limitations

After adjustment for patient-, tumor-, and surgeon-related confounders, no statistically significant difference was observed between RALP and RRP in biochemical recurrence rate (14 vs 16%, relative risk [RR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–1.06) or in not cured endpoint (22% vs 23%, RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.6–1.11). Stratified by D’Amico risk group, a significant benefit for RALP existed for recurrent disease in high-risk patients (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26–0.86, p = 0.02). All-cause mortality was 3% (n = 96). Prostate cancer–specific mortality was 0.6% (n = 21) overall, 0.3% (n = 8) after RALP, and 1.5% (n = 13) after RRP. The nonrandomized design is a limitation.

Conclusions

No significant difference was observed for cancer recurrence rate between RALP and RRP 6 yr after surgery. However, in a subgroup analysis, we found a significant benefit for RALP regarding recurrence rate in the high-risk group. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to make a firm conclusion and to evaluate a possible survival benefit.

Patient summary

In general, the oncological outcome is comparable between robotic and open radical prostatectomy 6 yr after surgery. For high-risk patients, our findings indicate that there is an advantage for robotics, but further studies with longer follow-up time is needed to make a firm conclusion.

Single-night stay for open radical prostatectomy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an enhanced care pathway on length of stay (LOS) for open radical prostatectomy (RP) given that robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is not available to all patients in Canada.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all RPs performed. An enhanced care pathway was established for RPs in 2011. Patients were compared in the period before (2005-2010) and after (2011-2019) the introduction of the pathway.

RESULTS

During the study period, 581 RPs were performed by a single surgeon with a median followup of 66.9 months (range 3-176). A total of 211 (36.3%) RPs were performed from 2005-2010, while 370 (63.9%) were performed from 2011-2019. The median age at RP was 65 years (range 44-81). Following the introduction of an enhanced care pathway, there were significant decreases in intraoperative blood loss (350 ml vs. 200 ml; p=0.0001) and the use of surgical drains (90% vs. 9.5%; p=0.0001). The median LOS over the whole study period was one day (range 1-7), which significantly decreased with the enhanced care pathway (3 vs. 1 day; p=0.0001). Since introducing the enhanced care pathway in 2011, 344 (93%) patients were discharged day 1 following surgery. There were no differences in post-discharge presentations to the emergency department (5.7% vs. 9%; p=0.15) or 30-day readmission rates (3.8% vs. 3.8%; p=1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

A single-night stay for open RP is safe and achievable for most patients. A dedicated, multifaceted pathway is required to attain targets for a safe and timely discharge.

Risk of erectile dysfunction after modern radiotherapy for intact prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent side effect of prostate cancer treatment. We hypothesized that the previously reported rates of ED may have improved with the advent of modern technology. The purpose of this project was to evaluate modern external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy techniques to determine the incidence of radiotherapy (RT) induced ED.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature published between January 2002 and December 2018 was performed to obtain patient reported rates of ED after definitive external beam radiotherapy, ultrafractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, and brachytherapy (BT) to the prostate in men who were potent prior to RT. Univariate and multivariate analyses of radiation dose, treatment strategy, and length of follow-up were analyzed to ascertain their relationship with RT-induced ED.

RESULTS

Of 890 articles reviewed, 24 met inclusion criteria, providing data from 2714 patients. Diminished erectile function status post RT was common and similar across all studies. The median increase in men reporting ED was 17%, 26%, 23%, and 23%, 3DCRT, IMRT, low dose rate BT, and SBRT, respectively, at 2-year median follow-up.

CONCLUSION

ED is a common side effect of RT. Risk of post-RT ED is similar for both LDR brachytherapy and external beam RT with advanced prostate targeting and penile-bulb sparing techniques utilized in modern RT techniques.

Robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of urologic cancers: recent advances

INTRODUCTION

As the medical field is moving toward personalized and tailored approaches, we entered the era of precision surgery for the management of genitourinary cancers1. This is facilitated by the implementation of new technologies, among which robotic surgery stands out for the significant impact in the surgical field over the last two decades.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the latest evidence on robotic surgery for the treatment of urologic cancers, including prostate, kidney, bladder, testis, and penile cancer. Functional and oncologic outcomes, new surgical techniques, new imaging modalities, and new robotic platforms are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Robotic surgery had a growing role in the management of genitourinary cancers over the past 10 years. Despite a lack of high-quality evidence comparing the effectiveness of robotic to open surgery, the robotic approach allowed a larger adoption of a minimally invasive surgical approach, translating into lower surgical morbidity and shorter hospital stay. New robotic platforms might allow to explore novel surgical approaches, and new technologies might facilitate surgical navigation and intraoperative identification of anatomical structures, allowing a more tailored and precise surgery. It is an exciting time for robotic surgery, and upcoming technological advances will offer better outcomes to urologic cancer patients.

Economic evaluation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy compared to open radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment in Ontario, Canada

INTRODUCTION

Recent health technology assessments (HTAs) of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in Ontario and Alberta, Canada, resulted in opposite recommendations, calling into question whether benefits of RARP offset the upfront investment. Therefore, the study objectives were to conduct a cost-utility analysis from a Canadian public payer perspective to determine the cost-effectiveness of RARP.

METHODS

Using a 10-year time horizon, a five-state Markov model was developed to compare RARP to open radical prostatectomy (ORP). Clinical parameters were derived from Canadian observational studies and a recently published systematic review. Costs, resource utilization, and utility values from recent Canadian sources were used to populate the model. Results were presented in terms of increment costs per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. A probabilistic analysis was conducted, and uncertainty was represented using cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEACs). One-way sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Future costs and QALYs were discounted at 1.5%.

RESULTS

Total cost of RARP and ORP were $47 033 and $45 332, respectively. Total estimated QALYs were 7.2047 and 7.1385 for RARP and ORP, respectively. The estimated incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) was $25 704 in the base-case analysis. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000 and $100 000 per QALY gained, the probability of RARP being cost-effective was 0.65 and 0.85, respectively. The model was most sensitive to the time horizon.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this analysis suggest that RARP is likely to be cost-effective in this Canadian patient population. The results are consistent with Alberta's HTA recommendation and other economic evaluations, but challenges Ontario's reimbursement decision.

Lessons learned from 12,000 robotic radical prostatectomies: Is the journey as important as the outcome?

Robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a standardized treatment for localized prostate cancer, which provides better functional outcomes and similar oncological outcomes compared to open approaches. Here, we share our experience of 12,000 RARPs by describing the outcomes of the procedure in terms of positive surgical margin (PSM), continence, and potency as well as by presenting our detailed surgical technique with recent modifications. On cancer control, the PSM rates were 5.8% and 26.1% in T2 and T3, respectively. On the premise of not compromising oncologic outcomes, a tailored approach to individual patients is essential. Even if an extracapsular extension is suspected, neurovascular bundle (NVB) tailoring can be applied using an anatomical landmark to preserve maximal nerve tissue with a negative margin. We developed a nomogram as a useful tool for deciding the degree of tailoring. For improvements of functional outcomes, we used athermal retrograde early release with a toggling technique, wherein the nerve dissection from the bottom helps with blood loss and allows for smooth NVB releasing. Additionally, we recently performed a new minimal apical dissection/lateral prostatic fascia preservation technique. As a result, our 1-week continence rate was 37% and the 6-week rate was 77.6%. In addition, the potency rates in our study were 69%, 82%, and 92% at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively (preoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores >21 & bilateral full nerve spared).