Intrafascial nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy with a laparoscopic robot-assisted extraperitoneal approach: early oncological and functional results

Transversal approach via a bladder neck and prostate combined longitudinal incision versus standard approach of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Transversal approach for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy via a bladder neck and prostate combined longitudinal incision (L-RALP) is a novel surgical method for patients with respectable prostate cancer.

METHODS

There were 669 patients with prostate cancer underwent L-RALP or S-RALP which identified from April 2016 to April 2020. The perioperative outcomes, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP) scores, sexual function and urinary control ability were included and compared between two groups.

RESULTS

In the 669 patients, 277 of them were included into the final analysis. 151 patients received S-RALP and 126 received L-RALP. Baseline features were balanced. Patients in the S-RALP group had significantly shorter average surgical time (135.93 vs 150.04 min; p < 0.001) than those in L-RALP group. Intraoperative bleeding volume, early postoperative complications rates, postoperative catheter removal time and hospital stays were comparable between two groups. There was no difference in biochemical recurrence at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months of follow-up. Of note, the urinary control function recovers of patients in the L-RALP group was significantly better than those in the S-RALP group. Moreover, patients in the L-RALP group had much better results of EPIC-CP (including urinary control and total score) than those in the S-RALP group at 6 week and 3, 6, 12 and 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Both S-RALP and L-RALP were safe and effective with similar long-term clinical outcomes in patients with respectable prostate cancer. Patients received L-RALP had significantly better postoperative outcomes including urinary control, and recovery period.

Mucosal coaptation technique for early urinary continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a comparative exploratory study

Introduction

Urinary incontinence is a troublesome complication following radical prostatectomy. Various robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We describe our technique (Santosh-PGI) of urethral and urinary bladder mucosa coaptation for early continence following RARP.

Material and methods

We performed a prospective comparative study of patients planned for RARP between July 2018 and December 2019 at our centre. A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study protocol. Following prostatectomy, patients were alternatively assigned into two groups. In one group, urethral and urinary bladder coaptation sutures were placed in a purse string manner using 3-0 Monocryl sutures and none in the another group. All patients underwent standard end to end vesico-urethral anastomosis as described by Van Velthoven. The urinary catheter was removed on day 10 after surgery. All patients were evaluated on day 1, 30 and 90 after catheter removal.

Results

The two groups, each with 20 patients, were comparable in terms of age, clinical staging and D’Amico risk classification. The operative time, blood loss and surgical margin positivity were comparable. Following catheter removal, 75% of patients in Group A (Mucosal coaptation) and 50% in Group B (Standard technique) were continent (p = 0.264). At 30 and 90 days, 90% and 95% in Group A and 60% and 80% in Group B reported continence respectively (p-0.078). Four patients in group B reported bothersome incontinence at 90 days follow-up.

Conclusions

Urethral and urinary bladder mucosal coaptation is a simple innovative technique for early continence following RARP.

Oncological safety of intrafascial nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy compared with conventional process: a pooled review and meta-regression analysis based on available studies

Background

Intrafascial prostatectomy was a modified technique from the conventional nerve-sparing surgery in order to improve patients’ post-surgical continence and erectile function; however, ongoing controversy exists regarding the oncological safety of this technique. In this study we aimed to provide a critical and pooled analysis based on published literatures regarding the oncological outcomes after intrafascial nerve-sparing prostatectomy.

Methods

Database searches were performed for published articles till June 2018 on PubMed. Three reviewers screened fulfilled papers and extracted data independently. Main outcome was the positive surgical margins (PSMs) rates stratified by pathological stages. We performed both one-arm and comparative meta-analysis to evaluate the oncological safety of intrafascial technique. Moreover, we built meta-regression models to assess the confounding factors.

Results

We retrieved a total of 117 records after electronic search, of which 21 studies were finally included in this review. There were 15 controlled studies and 6 surgical series. Our one-arm meta-analysis demonstrated that the total PSM rates after intrafascial techniques ranging from 2.2 to 35%, with a pooled rate of 14.5% on average (480 of 3151 patients, 95% confidence interval[CI]: 11.2–17.5%). Meta-regression model showed that patients’ age, pT2 cancer percentage and Selection Score of Oncological Safety (SSOS) were significantly associated with total PSM rate; moreover, each 1 point of SSOS could decrease the total PSM rate by 1.3% on average. Comparative meta-analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference between intra- and inter-fascial group regarding PSM rates.

Conclusions

With stringent case selection and when performed by experienced surgeons, intrafascial prostatectomy could offer an acceptable or, at least, equivalent PSM rate compared with the conventional interfascial approach. Preoperative SSOS more than 7 points could be considered as an indication of intrafascial radical prostatectomy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12894-019-0476-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Intrafascial nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy improves patients' postoperative continence recovery and erectile function: A pooled analysis based on available literatures

BACKGROUND

Intrafascial nerve-sparing prostatectomy has been currently applied based on the updated anatomic understanding of periprostatic cavernous nerves, in order to provide patients better postoperative recovery of continence and potency. The aim of our study is to perform a pooled analysis of available literatures regarding the functional outcomes following intrafascial nerve-sparing technique.

METHODS

The authors performed database searches of articles published till October 2017 on PubMed using following keywords across the "title" and "abstract" field of the records: intrafascial, veil, curtain dissection, high anterior release, incremental nerve sparing, and radical prostatectomy. Fulfilled papers were screened and data were extracted independently by 3 reviewers. Main outcome was the postoperative continence and potency rate stratified by follow-up durations. Both 1-arm and comparative meta-analyses were performed and meta-regression models were conducted to evaluate the confounding factors.

RESULTS

Using the electronic search strategy, a total of 71 records were retrieved and 20 studies were finally included, of which 6 were surgical series and 14 were controlled studies. Our 1-arm meta-analysis summarized the pooled continence rates after intrafascial prostatectomy were 59.4%, 76.2%, 89.9%, and 92.2% at postoperative follow-up of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Regardless of the variance in potency definition, the pooled potency rates after intrafascial prostatectomy were 42.2%, 54.2%, and 72.2% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Comparative analysis showed that the intrafascial group offered better continence rates at 1, 3, and 6 months with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.38 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73-3.26), 1.82 (95% CI: 1.18-2.82), and 2.19 (95% CI: 1.43-3.34) as compared with the interfascial group. Moreover, potency rate in the intrafascial group was higher at 12 months than in the interfascial group, with an OR of 2.44 (95% CI: 1.35-4.42).

CONCLUSION

Based on the limited evidence, our study demonstrated that intrafascial nerve-sparing prostatectomy could provide patients with earlier recovery of continence and better erectile function compared with conventional interfascial approach, but physiological mechanisms about this technique still need further study.

[Functional results and treatment of functional dysfunctions after radical prostatectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the functional results and treatment of functional dysfunctions after radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Bibliography search was performed from the database Medline (National Library of Medicine, Pubmed) selected according to the scientific relevance. The research was focused on continence, potency, les dyserections, couple sexuality, incontinence, treatments of postoperative incontinence, dysrection and trifecta.

RESULTS

Radical prostatectomy is an elaborate and challenging procedure when carcinological risk balances with functional results. Despite recent developments in surgical techniques, post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence (pRP-UI) continues to be one of the most devastating complications, which affects 9-16% of patients. Sphincter injury and bladder dysfunction are the most common causes or pRP-UI. The assessment of severity of pRP-UI that affects the choice of treatment is still not well standardized but should include at least a pad test and self-administered questionnaires. The implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter AMS800 remains the gold standard treatment for patients with moderate to severe pRP-UI. The development of less invasive techniques such as the male sling of Pro-ACT balloons has provided alternative therapeutic options for moderate and slight forms of pRP-UI. Most groups now consider the bulbo-urethral compressive sling as the treatment of choice for patients with non-severe pRP-UI. The most appropriate second-line therapeutic strategy is not clearly determined. Recent therapies such as adjustable artificial urinary sphincters and sling and stem cells injections have been investigated. Maintenance of a satisfying sex life is a major concern of a majority of men facing prostate cancer and its treatments. It is essential to assess the couple's sexuality before treating prostate cancer in order to deliver comprehensive information and consider early therapeutic solutions adapted to the couple's expectations. Active pharmacological erectile rehabilitation (intracavernous injections or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors [PDE5i] on demand, during in the month following surgery) or passive (daily PDE5i after surgery) might improve the quality of erections especially in response to PDE5i. Unimpaired aspects of sexual response (orgasm) may, when the erection is not yet recovered, represent an alternative allowing the couple to preserve intimacy and complicity. Androgen blockade is a major barrier to maintain or return to a satisfying sex. Trifecta is a simple tool to present in one way the results of radical prostatectomy: in case of bilateral neurovascular preservation, Trifecta is 60% whatever the surgical approach.

CONCLUSION

Radical prostatectomy is an elaborate and challenging procedure when carcinological risk balances with functional results. Various treatments of postoperative incontinence and dysrections exist. Functional disorders after surgery have to be treated to ameliorate quality of life of patients.

Prevention and management of post prostatectomy erectile dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with prostate cancer (PC) following radical prostatectomy (RP). Review the available literature concerning prevention and management strategies for post-RP erectile function (EF) impairment in terms of preoperative patient characteristics, intra and postoperative factors that may influence EF recovery, and postoperative treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). A literature search was performed using Google and PubMed database for English-language original and review articles, either published or e-published up to July 2013. The literature still demonstrates a great inconsistency in the definition of what is considered normal EF both before and after RP. Thus, using validated psychometric instruments with recognized cut-offs for normalcy and severity during the pre- and post-operative evaluation should be routinely considered. Therefore, a comprehensive discussion with the patient about the true prevalence of postoperative ED, the concept of spontaneous or pharmacologically-assisted erections, and the difference between “back to baseline” EF and “erections adequate enough to have successful intercourse” clearly emerge as key issues in the eventual understanding of post-RP ED prevention and promotion of satisfactory EF recovery. Patient factors (including age, baseline EF, comorbid conditions status), cancer selection (non- vs. uni- vs. bilateral nerve-sparing), type of surgery (i.e., intra vs. inter vs. extrafascial surgeries), surgical techniques (i.e., open, laparoscopic and robotically-assisted RP), and surgeon factors (i.e., surgical volume and surgical skill) represent the key significant contributors to EF recovery. A number of preclinical and clinical data show that rehabilitation and treatment in due time are undoubtedly better than leaving the erectile tissue to its unassisted postoperative fate. The role of postoperative ED treatment for those patients who received a non-nerve-sparing RP was also extensively discussed. Optimal outcomes are achieved mainly by the careful choice of the correct patient for the correct type of surgery. Despite a plethora of potential rehabilitative approaches, they should be only considered as “strategies”, since incontrovertible evidence of their effectiveness for improving natural EF recovery is limited. Conversely, numerous effective therapeutic options are available for treating post-RP ED.

Pharmacologic and surgical therapies for sexual dysfunction in male cancer survivors

The recent recognition that many men experience sexual dysfunction following their diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary cancers, has led to the development multiple varied strategies that attempt to restore or preserve that function. In this manuscript we review the understanding of why it happens, highlight novel management strategies and discuss the concept of penile rehabilitation (PR) following prostate cancer (PCa) treatment, glans preserving strategies among men diagnosed with penile cancer and address the controversial issue of testosterone therapy in men with PCa.

Tadalafil therapy for erectile dysfunction following prostatectomy

Erectile dysfunction is a major complication affecting the quality of life of patients and partners after radical prostatectomy. Evolving evidence suggests that early penile rehabilitation may provide better erectile function after surgery. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors are routinely considered a first-line treatment option in most algorithms for penile rehabilitation owing to their efficacy, ease of use, wide availability and minimal morbidity. Tadalafil is a long-acting, potent PDE-5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction, with demonstrated effect in animal studies at preserving penile smooth muscle content and prevention of fibrosis of cavernosal tissue. This article evaluates the existing literature on tadalafil and critically analyzes its impact on erectile function following radical prostatectomy.

Histological evaluation of nerve sparing technique in robotic assisted radical prostatectomy

Introduction:

The objective of this study is to compare intrafascial nerve-sparing (NS), interfascial NS and non-NS prostatecomy specimens to assess the feasibility of NS technique in Robot-assisted radical prostatectomies (RARP).

Materials and Methods:

The records of the first 43 consecutive patients (86 prostatic sides (lobe) who underwent NS RARP (6 intrafascial NS, 46 interfacial NS, 34 non-NS) were reviewed and histopathological examinations were performed. The presence and distribution of periprostatic neurovascular structures were histologically evaluated using mid-gland section of each prostate lobe in the prostatectomy specimen and it was immunostained with the S-100 antibody for quantitative analysis of nerves.

Results:

The average number of nerve fibers per prostatic half was 37.2 ± 20.6. The number of resected peri-prostatic nerves counted was 13.7 ± 13.5, 30.5 ± 15.0 and 50.4 ± 20.4 in intrafascial NS, interfascial NS and non-NS specimens, respectively. The difference in the number of nerve bundle counts in the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patients with urinary continence at 6 months after surgery had significantly less number of nerve fibers resected with the prostate than the incontinence group (P = 0.013) and the number of nerve fibers resected in the potent group were lower than in the impotent group but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.057).

Conclusions:

Our study showed that NS RARP could be performed according to surgeons’ intention (intrafascial, interfascial or non-NS) and urinary continence significantly correlated to the number of nerve fibers resected with the prostate.

Extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Initial experience

OBJECTIVES

To report our initial experience and technique of performing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) with the extraperitoneal approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-seven patients, between September 2010 to January 2012, were included in the study. All patients underwent extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Patients were placed supine with only 10-15(0) Trendelenburg tilt. The extraperitoneal space was developed behind the posterior rectus sheath. A five-port technique was used. After incision of endopelvic fascia and ligation of the deep venous complex, the rest of the procedure proceeded along the lines of the transperitoneal approach.

RESULTS

The mean patient age, prostate size and Gleason score were 67 ± 1.8 years, 45 ± 9.55 g and 6, respectively. The mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 6.50 ng/mL. The mean time required for creating extraperitoneal space, docking of robot and console time were 22, 7 and 94 min, respectively. The mean time to resume full oral feeds was 22 ± 3.45 h. There were no conversions from extraperitoneal to transperitoneal or open surgery in our series. Pathological stage was pT1, pT2a and pT3b in 11 (40.74%), 14 (51.85%) and two (7.4%) patients, respectively. Two patients had positive surgical margins and two had biochemical recurrence at the last follow-up. Our mean follow-up was 12 ± 3.30 (2-17) months. The overall continence rate was 83.33% and 92.4% at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Extraperitoneal RALP is an efficacious, minimally invasive approach for patients with localized carcinoma of the prostate.

Use of a hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose adhesion barrier on the neurovascular bundle and prostatic bed to facilitate earlier recovery of erectile function after robot-assisted prostatectomy: an initial experience

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose (HACM) in facilitating early recovery of erectile function (EF) after radical prostatectomy, we report our initial experience of HACM use on the neurovascular bundle (NVB) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2008 and 2010, 459 consecutive patients who underwent RARP with bilateral nerve-sparing technique were included in this study. Patients were classified into two groups: HACM (group 1; n=162) and non-HACM (group 2; n=287). HACM was delivered to the anatomic location of the NVB after prostate removal. We retrospectively analyzed the surgical outcomes including EF, continence, and perioperative complications.

RESULTS

At 6 months after surgery, EF recovery rate was 28.5% in group 1 and 17.4% in group 2 (P=0.006). In a subgroup analysis consisting of 225 patients with a preoperative International Index of Erectile Function Short Survey (IIEF)-5 score ≥20, the difference in EF recovery at 6 months was significant with 62.8% in group 1 and 27.0% in group 2 (P=0.002), respectively. HACM use was an independent predictor for EF recovery at 6 months after surgery (odds ratio, 2.735; 95% confidence interval, 1.613-4.638; P<0.001). Age and preoperative IIEF-5 were also independent predictors. No differences in continence at 6 months or perioperative complications were found between the two groups. EF recovery was not different between the two groups after 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

HACM use around the NVBs is safe and facilitates early recovery of EF after nerve-sparing RARP. HACM use is more effective in patients with normal preoperative sexual function.

Extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Comparison with transperitoneal technique

AIM: To determine peri-operative, oncological, functional and safety profiles of extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (eRARP) vs transperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (tRARP) in a single centre.

METHODS: A total of 120 consecutive patients underwent 50 eRARP and 70 eRARP operations respectively by the same surgical team. Peri-operative and post-operative outcomes including blood loss, hospitalization, complications (Clavien grade), positive surgical margin (PSM) rates, continence and erectile function were compared. The performance of eRARP required several technical modifications. These included development of Retzius’ space by balloon insufflation, laparoscopic dissection of lateral extensions of this area; caudal port positioning; cranial digital stripping of peritoneum for sucker port and lodging the bagged prostate specimen adjacent to the lateral assistant port to permit space for urethro-vesical anastomosis.

RESULTS: Robotic console times were shorter with eRARP vs tRARP (145.1 min vs 198.3 min, P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in blood loss, PSM rates (eRARP 17.7% vs tRARP 22%) or complications (eRARP 8.5% vs tRARP 8%). A drain was used in all patients after tRARP and in 25/70 eRARP cases. Length of hospital stay was shorter after eRARP (mean 1.94 d vs 3.6 d, P < 0.0002). There were no differences between techniques in continence or potency at 6 mo. eRARP required several technical modifications: development of Retzius’ space by balloon insufflation, laparoscopic dissection of lateral extensions of this area; caudal port positioning; and lodging the bagged prostate specimen adjacent to the lateral assistant port to permit space for urethro-vesical anastomosis.

CONCLUSION: eRARP demonstrated advantages in surgical times, hospital stay and equivalence in PSM rates, complications and functional outcomes. eRARP is a useful alternative to tRARP especially in patients with adhesions, pre-existing inguinal hernias, or those unable to withstand steep Trendelenburg position.

Extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a single-center experience beyond the learning curve

OBJECTIVES

To report our surgical technique and outcomes after extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

At Henri Mondor's Hospital, we performed the first RALRP in 2001 and started to perform routinely RALRP since 2006. Preoperative characteristics, perioperative parameters, functional and oncological outcomes were collected in a prospective database and studied. All parameters were tested in patients undergoing RALRP beyond the learning curve of each surgeon. The overall cohort included 792 patients.

RESULTS

RALRP offers interesting results in terms of hospital stay, operative time, and blood loss. The overall rate of complications was low, especially concerning the rates of anastomosis' complications. An extraprostatic extension was seen in 42.8 % of specimens. The overall rate of positive margins was 30.7 % of specimens. In our cohort, after a mean follow-up of 19 months, 8.7 % of PSA failure has been reported. The rate of continence was 77.4 % at 6 months and 96.8 % at 2 years. The rate of potency was 17 % at 3 months and 60.9 % at 2 years. The 2-year rate was 86.7 % in case of intrafascial dissection. A trifecta outcome was achieved in 44 and 53 % of men at 12 and 24 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The extraperitoneal approach confers interesting results in terms of perioperative parameters as previously described in series using a transperitoneal approach. Functional outcomes in terms of continence and potency recovery after extraperitoneal seem equivalent to those reported after transperitoneal RALRP. Longer follow-up is warranted to confirm our favorable mid-term oncologic outcomes.

Intrafascial dissection significantly increases positive surgical margin and biochemical recurrence rates after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

INTRODUCTION

Improved visualization and magnification in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) has tempted many urologists to dissect the neurovascular bundle closer to the prostate following the layers of the pseudo-capsule of the prostate. This might bear a higher risk of decreased tumor control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An analysis of a consecutive series of 186 patients who underwent RALRP at our institution was performed. The outcome of patients with intrafascial nerve-sparing (INS) was compared with the outcome of patients who underwent interfascial, extrafascial or no nerve-sparing (non-INS).

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients (43.0%) received INS. The overall R1 rate was 27.9%. For pT2 tumors the rate of R1 was 33.8% in INS versus 14.8% in non-INS (odds ratio 2.936, 95% confidence interval 1.338-6.443, p = 0.007). Recurrence-free survival was significantly shorter in INS (p = 0.05; hazard ratio 3.791).

CONCLUSION

The intrafascial dissection technique for RALRP bears a high risk of incomplete resection in localized prostate cancer resulting in unfavorable outcome.

Prevention and management of postprostatectomy sexual dysfunctions. Part 1: choosing the right patient at the right time for the right surgery

CONTEXT

Sexual dysfunction is common in patients following radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa).

OBJECTIVE

To review the available literature concerning prevention and management strategies for post-RP erectile function (EF) impairment in terms of preoperative patient characteristics and intra- and postoperative factors that may influence EF recovery.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search was performed using Google and PubMed database for English-language original and review articles either published or e-published up to November 2011.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The literature demonstrates great inconsistency in what constitutes normal EF before surgery and what a man may consider a normal erection after RP. The use of validated psychometric instruments with recognised cut-offs for normalcy and severity during the pre- and postoperative evaluation should be routinely considered. Therefore, a comprehensive discussion with the patient about the true prevalence of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED), the concept of spontaneous or pharmacologically assisted erections, and the difference between "back to baseline" EF and "erections adequate enough to have successful intercourse" clearly emerge as key issues in the eventual understanding of the prevention of ED and promotion of satisfactory EF recovery post-RP. Patient factors (including age, baseline EF, and status of comorbid conditions), cancer selection (unilateral vs bilateral nerve sparing), type of surgery (ie, intra- vs inter- vs extrafascial surgeries), surgical techniques (ie, open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted RP), and surgeon factors (ie, surgical volume and surgical skill) represent the key significant contributors to EF recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The complexity of the issues discussed throughout this review culminates in the simple concept that optimal outcomes are achieved by the careful choice of the correct patient for the correct type of surgery.

Evolution of endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE): technique and outcome

Endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE) is a well-established and standardized technique for treating patients with localized prostate cancer. Nevertheless, the procedure is continuously being refined with the expansion of anatomical knowledge. The development of a nerve-sparing approach and improvements in currently used equipment are expected to yield better results in cosmesis and convalescence without sacrificing the procedure's established benefits in terms of potency, continence and oncological management. In this study, the technique and its evolution are presented in detail, along with an analysis of its clinical efficacy. We also consult the literature to compare EERPE to transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and we also discuss new technical advancements regarding the use of robotic assistance during EERPE.

Accuracy of high resolution (1.5 tesla) pelvic phased array magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in staging prostate cancer in candidates for radical prostatectomy: results from a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of pelvic phased array MRI in staging prostate cancer (CaP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively collected data over 12 months on CaP patients who underwent preoperative MR imaging with a pelvic phased array before radical prostatectomy. MR images were analyzed prospectively by 2 radiologists. MR imaging findings were then correlated with pathologic findings.

RESULTS

Overall, 101 patients were included with a mean PSA level of 8 (range 1.8-30). Reader 1 (AUC 0.895, 95% CI 0.791-0.999) had a higher performance than reader 2 (AUC 0.687, 95% CI, 0.555-0.819) and than DRE (AUC 0.728, 95% CI, 0.599-0.857) in discriminating T2 from T3 CaP (P = 0.01). The κ-index of inter-observer agreement was 0.56. A model that combines MRI findings, DRE, PSA, and Gleason score was the most competitive for staging (AUC 0.895, 95% CI, 0.791-0.999). For the multivariate analysis, 3 criteria were significantly associated with extracapsular extension: asymmetry of the neuro-vascular bundles (P = 0.001), asymmetric enhancement of neurovascular bundles (P = 0.02), and bulging of the capsule (P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

Pelvic phased array MRI presented satisfying results in its ability to adequately stage CaP and notably in detecting the extracapsular extension of tumors. It is likely to provide reliable information but rather in the hands of an experienced radiologist.

Realistic anatomical prostate models for surgical skills workshops using ballistic gelatin for nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy and fruit for simple prostatectomy

Purpose

Understanding of prostate anatomy has evolved as techniques have been refined and improved for radical prostatectomy (RP), particularly regarding the importance of the neurovascular bundles for erectile function. The objectives of this study were to develop inexpensive and simple but anatomically accurate prostate models not involving human or animal elements to teach the terminology and practical aspects of nerve-sparing RP and simple prostatectomy (SP).

Materials and Methods

The RP model used a Foley catheter with ballistics gelatin in the balloon and mesh fabric (neurovascular bundles) and balloons (prostatic fascial layers) on either side for the practice of inter- and intrafascial techniques. The SP model required only a ripe clementine, for which the skin represented compressed normal prostate, the pulp represented benign tissue, and the pith mimicked fibrous adhesions. A modification with a balloon through the fruit center acted as a "urethra."

Results

Both models were easily created and successfully represented the principles of anatomical nerve-sparing RP and SP. Both models were tested in workshops by urologists and residents of differing levels with positive feedback.

Conclusions

Low-fidelity models for prostate anatomy demonstration and surgical practice are feasible. They are inexpensive and simple to construct. Importantly, these models can be used for education on the practical aspects of nerve-sparing RP and SP. The models will require further validation as educational and competency tools, but as we move to an era in which human donors and animal experiments become less ethical and more difficult to complete, so too will low-fidelity models become more attractive.

Robot-assisted extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a review of the current literature

Prostate cancer remains a significant health problem worldwide and is the second highest cause of cancer-related death in men. While there is uncertainty over which men will benefit from radical treatment, considerable efforts are being made to reduce treatment related side-effects and in optimizing outcomes. The current gold standard treatment for localized prostate cancer remains open radical prostatectomy. Since the early 1990s, several teams have tried to explore less invasive surgical access. The first robotically assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) case was reported in 2000. Enhancement of the ergonomics and optimization of the surgical vision provided by the robotic interface are some of the reasons that explain the worldwide wide spread of RALP. Although this procedure accounted for the vast majority of radical prostatectomies performed in United States, its diffusion is still limited in Europe. The cost for robot purchase and maintenance are obvious limiting factors for its expansion. According to the literature, the operating time and the blood loss are, once the learning curve is completed, similar to those of open or laparoscopic procedures. Hospital stay and time before bladder catheter removal are shorter compared with other approaches. Intermediate oncologic and functional outcomes do not show difference with the open or laparoscopic results. Given that these data are encouraging, the limited follow-up with RALP does not allow drawing any definitive statement in comparison with conventional techniques. The aim of our study was to underline the perioperative, oncologic, and functional outcomes of all extraperitoneal RALP series published.