Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Symptomatic Lymphoceles Following Radical Prostatectomy Depend Upon Size and Presence of Infection

The efficacy of peritoneal flap fixation on symptomatic lymphocele formation following robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pelvic lymphocele is the most common complication after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), of which symptomatic lymphocele (sLC) ranges up to 10% and is associated with poorer perioperative outcomes. Peritoneal flap fixation (PFF) is a promising intraoperative modification to reduce sLC formation but the clinical evidence failed to reach consistency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies comparing postoperative sLC occurrence with or without PFF after RARP with PLND were identified through a systematic literature search via MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL up to July 2023. Outcome data of sLC occurrence (primary) and major perioperative events (secondary) were extracted. Mean difference and risk ratio with 95% CI were synthesized as appropriate for each outcome to determine the cumulative effect size.

RESULTS

Five RCTs and five observatory studies involving 3177 patients were finally included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. PFF implementation significantly reduced the occurrence of sLC (RR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.24-0.50), and the specific lymphocele-related symptoms, without compromised perioperative outcomes including blood loss, operative time, and major nonlymphocele complications. The strength of the evidence was enhanced by the low risk of bias and low inter-study heterogeneity of the eligible RCTs.

CONCLUSION

PFF warrants routine implementation after RARP with PLND to prevent or reduce postoperative sLC formation.

A Peritoneal Purse-String Suture Prevents Symptomatic Lymphoceles in Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

The retzius-sparing approach for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been increasingly adopted. Symptomatic lymphoceles are a widespread complication of RARP with pelvic lymph node dissection. Here, we present a new technique, the peritoneal purse-string suture (PPSS), that seems to reduce the rate of symptomatic lymphoceles following retzius-sparing RARP with extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND).

METHODS

The radical prostatectomy and bilateral lymphadenectomy are performed through three separate peritoneal openings. The PPSS uses a single suture in a way similar to a purse-string suture; the openings of both lymphadenectomy fields are widened, and the rectovesical opening from the prostatectomy is simultaneously closed. This report retrospectively evaluates the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of two consecutive patient cohorts undergoing RARP with ePLND by a single surgeon between May 2015 and June 2019, one cohort prior to introducing PPSS as control (n = 145) and the other after introducing PPSS (n = 91).

RESULTS

The two study groups were comparable on baseline characteristics, except ASA. There were no Clavien-Dindo grade IV-V complications, and comparable rates of grade I-III complications. The difference in postoperative lymphocele formation was 22% in PPSS versus 27% in the control group (p = 0.33). The rate of symptomatic lymphoceles was significantly lower in the PPSS group (3% vs. 10%, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

The PPSS is a feasible procedure that reduces symptomatic lymphoceles in patients undergoing RARP with a retzius-sparing approach.

Robot-Assisted Treatment of Symptomatic Lymphocele Postradical Prostatectomy and Lymphadenectomy in the Era or Robotic Surgery: Narrative Review

Background: Pelvic lymphnode dissection (PLND) is an integral part of surgical treatment for localized intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer. The most common complication of PLND is lymphocele formation. In the majority of cases the development of lymphoceles is clinically asymptomatic but in case of symptomatic/infected lymphocele an active treatment is required. The aim of this article is to analyse the current evidence on the treatment of symptomatic/infected lymphocele trough robotic approach. Materials and Methods: The search was applied to PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases with following terms: "lymphocele", "symptomatic", "infected", "robot-assisted AND radical prostatectomy", "robot-assisted", "treatment". Results: The search identified three series focusing on the treatment by robot-assisted approach of symptomatic and/or infected lymphocele. The main and most frequent reason for performing the robotic treatment was an infected lymphocele, the median time from robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and PLND to robotic treatment of lymphocele was 118 days (range 30-240). Robot-assisted treatment was successful in all reports. Conclusions: The drainage of lymphocele with the robot-assisted approach appeared safe, feasible, and with satisfactory outcomes for the definitive treatment of symptomatic/infected lymphocele.

Wound Complication Rates after Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection: Contemporary Analysis of the NSQIP Database

BACKGROUND

Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) is used for diagnosis and treatment in penile cancer (PC), vulvar cancer (VC), and melanomas draining to the inguinal lymph nodes. However, ILND is often characterized by its morbidity and high wound complication rate. Consequently, we aimed to characterize wound complication rates after ILND.

STUDY DESIGN

The NSQIP database was queried for ILND performed from 2005 to 2018 for melanoma, PC, or VC. Thirty-day wound complications included wound disruption and superficial, deep, and organ-space surgical site infection. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with covariates, including cancer type, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3, BMI ≥30, smoking history, diabetes, operative time, and concomitant pelvic lymph node dissection.

RESULTS

A total of 1,099 patients had an ILND with 92, 115, and 892 ILNDs performed for PC, VC, and melanoma, respectively. Wound complications occurred in 161 (14.6%) patients, including 12 (13.0%), 17(14.8%), and 132 (14.8%) patients with PC, VC, and melanoma, respectively. Median length of stay was 1 day (interquartile range 0 to 3 days), and median operative time was 152 minutes (interquartile 83 to 192 minutes). Readmission rate was 12.7%. Wound complications were associated with longer operative time per 10 minutes (odds ratio 1.038, 95% CI 1.019 to 1.056, p < 0.001), BMI ≥30 (odds ratio 1.976, 95% CI 1.386 to 2.818, p < 0.001), and concomitant pelvic lymph node dissection (odds ratio 1.561, 95% CI 1.056 to 2.306, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Predictors of wound complications after ILND include BMI ≥30, longer operative time, and concomitant pelvic lymph node dissection. There have been efforts to decrease ILND complication rates, including minimally invasive techniques and modified templates, which are not captured by NSQIP, and such approaches may be considered especially for those with increased complication risks.

Lymphatic Interventions in the Cancer Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The incidence of lymphatic leakage (iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic) is growing in cancer population due to the increased complexity of the surgical procedures and improved overall survival in cancer patients. The purpose of this article is to review the contemporary approach in the field of percutaneous lymphatic embolization in cancer patients with lymphatic leaks.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since the advent of intranodal lymphangiography in 2011 alongside with the MR and CT lymphangiography, the accuracy of diagnosis of the lymphatic diseases has significantly improved significantly. These advancements have triggered a revival of minimally invasive lymphatic interventions. Lymphatic embolization is expanding from the classic indication, thoracic duct embolization, to other lymphatic disorders (chylous ascites, lymphoceles, liver lymphorrhea, protein-losing enteropathy). The growth of lymphatic research and the standardization of the lymphatic interventions require a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach between physicians and researchers.

Clinical Importance of a Peritoneal Interposition Flap to Prevent Symptomatic Lymphoceles after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) including pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the current state of the art in surgical therapy of localized prostate cancer with intermediate or high risk. PLND in particular is associated with morbidity inherent to this method; the rate of symptomatic lymphoceles (sLCs), for example, ranges up to 10%.

OBJECTIVE

Various intraoperative modifications have been developed with the aim of reducing the sLC rate. Based on current studies, a peritoneal interposition flap (PIF) appears to be one of the most effective methods for this purpose. Under the criteria of a systematic review, 5 retrospective studies have been identified until now, 4 of which showed a positive effect of PIF on the sLC rate.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 1,308 patients were included in the aggregated analysis of these 5 studies. The amount of sLCs was 1.3% (8/604) and 5.7% (40/704) in the PIF and standard groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The resulting odds ratio (OR) was 0.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-0.99), taking in-to account a noteworthy heterogeneity of the 5 studies (Q = 9.47, p = 0.05; I2 = 58%). In addition, a prospective randomized and blinded study (Pianoforte trial) with corresponding sLC rates of 8.3% (9/108) versus 9.7% (12/124) (p = 0.820) exists. In this study, the OR was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.34-2.10, p = 0.722).

CONCLUSION

Despite positive results from retrospective studies with indirect evidence, the role of the PIF in the reduction of sLC in RARP could not be conclusively assessed yet. The results of the first prospective randomized study do not show a positive effect of PIF, declaring a research gap for further studies with direct evidence.

Retzius Sparing Prostatectomy Effect on Symptomatic Lymphocele Rates

OBJECTIVE

To compare symptomatic lymphocele rates between standard and Retzius sparing prostatectomy approaches.

METHODS

From September 18, 2019 to July 15, 2020, robot assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies by 2 surgeons (1 using SP and other Xi) at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Symptomatic lymphoceles were diagnosed after the patient represented to the hospital with symptoms attributable to lymphocele and confirmed by abdominal CT scan. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio (1.2).

RESULTS

There were 81 prostatectomies performed during the study period. Of these, 50 were Retzius sparing and 31 were standard approach. The 2 groups were similar in age, BMI, grade group, nerves spared, and T stage. Retzius sparing prostatectomies had higher lymph node yield and were more often performed with Xi multiport. Symptomatic lymphoceles were entirely present in the Retzius sparing group, occurring in 18% of cases at a mean time of 34 days after surgery. Retzius sparing approach was a significant predictor of lymphocele occurrence with an odds ratio of 23.77 (95% CI, 2-3725).

CONCLUSION

Retzius sparing prostatectomy was a significant predictor of symptomatic lymphoceles. Most of these cases required IR drainage and IV antibiotics as treatment. This is likely due to impairment of lymph reabsorption as the peritoneal lining remains approximated during Retzius sparing prostatectomy.