Efficacy of the Mercedes-Benz closure technique for vaginal reconstruction in female robot-assisted radical cystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Vaginal reconstruction using the posterior vaginal wall is required following radical cystectomy in women with resection of the uterus, adnexa, and anterior vaginal wall. Roll closure and clamshell closure are two widely known techniques. Of these, clamshell closure is recommended because roll closure has a high likelihood of breakdown or a resultant canal that is too narrow for sexual intercourse. In clamshell closure, however, folding the posterior vaginal wall anteriorly can be difficult. Therefore, we devised Mercedes-Benz closure, in which the vaginal wall is sutured from three directions to form a Mercedes-Benz shape, for anastomosis without tension on the vaginal wall. The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy of this alternative surgical technique for vaginal reconstruction.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients who underwent vaginal reconstruction following robot-assisted radical cystectomy were divided into two groups: 15 underwent clamshell closure and 11 underwent Mercedes-Benz closure. The patients' characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics, including age, body mass index, and prior abdominal surgery between the two groups. The median vaginal reconstruction time tended to be longer in the Mercedes-Benz closure group than in the clamshell closure group (35.0 vs. 27.0 min, p = 0.102). No complications associated with vaginal reconstruction were identified.

CONCLUSION

The surgical outcomes were comparable between Mercedes-Benz closure and clamshell closure. If vaginal reconstruction with clamshell closure is difficult, Mercedes-Benz closure is a valuable alternative technique.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Urological Applications and Outcomes

The introduction of robotic technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques has revolutionized the field of urological surgery over the last 25 years. Robotic technology has been proven to be both safe and efficacious in the management of several urological malignancies and benign urological conditions. While some robotic applications have been well established, others are still at varying stages of evolution. In comparison to conventional open approaches, the robot has been shown to enhance intraoperative visualization and precision, mitigate surgeon tremor, hasten post-operative recovery, and shorten length of hospital stay for certain indications. This technology has not yet been universally adopted, however, due to its relatively high cost, longer associated operative times, and limited outcomes data. We herein review the current applications, outcomes, and drawbacks of robotic technology within the field of urological surgery and speculate on the future directions and implications within the field.

Robotic total endoscopic double-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting--state of procedure development

OBJECTIVE

Robotic total endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) has been under development for 10 years. With increasing experience and technological improvement, double-vessel TECAB has become feasible. The aim of the present study was to compare the current outcomes of single- and double-vessel TECAB.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2011, 484 patients underwent TECAB by 4 surgeons at 2 institutions. The median patient age was 60 years (range, 31-90), and the median European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was 2 (range, 0-13). Single-vessel (n = 334) and double-vessel (n = 150) procedures were performed using the da Vinci, da Vinci S, and da Vinci Si robotic systems.

RESULTS

Compared with the single-vessel procedure, double-vessel TECAB required a longer operative time (median, 375 minutes; range, 168-795; vs median, 240; range, 112-605; P < .001) and had an increased conversion rate to a larger thoracic incision (31/150 [20.7%] vs 31/334 [9.3%]; P < .001). The median ventilation time was 10 hours (range, 0-288) for double-vessel versus 8 hours (range, 0-278) for single-vessel procedures (P = .006). The hospital stay was comparable, with 6 days (range, 2-27) for double-vessel TECAB and 6 days (range, 2-33) for single-vessel TECAB (P = .794). Perioperative mortality was 0.3% (1/334) with single-vessel TECAB and 2.0% (3/150) with double-vessel TECAB (P = .090). Freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebral events at 5 years was similar after double- and single-vessel TECAB (73.5% vs 83.1%, P = .150). The 5-year survival was 95.8% and 93.9% (P = .708).

CONCLUSIONS

Double-vessel TECAB appears feasible and reproducible. The operative times were longer and the conversion rates to a larger thoracic incision were greater than with single-vessel TECAB. Also, the postoperative ventilation time was longer. Other perioperative morbidity and mortality and the recovery time and long-term clinical outcomes, however, were comparable.

Ureteric duplication is not a contraindication for robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy and intracorporeal Studer pouch formation

The authors found that duplicated ureters was not a contraindication to robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy in this case.

Objectives:

Ureteric duplication is a rarely seen malformation of the urinary tract more commonly seen in females.

Materials and Methods:

We report 2 cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy (RALRCP) with bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection and intracorporeal Studer pouch formation in patients with duplicated right ureters.

Results:

Two male patients (53 and 68 years old) underwent transurethral resection of a bladder tumor that revealed high-grade muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma, with no metastases. We performed RALRCP and intracorporeal Studer pouch formation. A duplicated right ureter was observed during the procedures in both patients. Left ureter distal segment was spatulated 2cm long and anastomosed using running 4/0 Vicryl to the right ureter at its bifurcation where it forms a single lumen without spatulation. All 3 ureters were catheterized individually. A Wallace type uretero-ileal anastomosis was performed between the ureters and the proximal part of the Studer pouch chimney. Although ureteric frozen section analysis suggested ureteric carcinoma in situ in patient 1, postoperative pathologic evaluation was normal. Frozen section and final postoperative pathologic evaluations were normal in patient 2.

Conclusions:

Duplicated ureters might be underdiagnosed on CT. The presence of a duplicated ureter is not a contraindication to RALRCP and intracorporeal Studer pouch formation. The da Vinci-S surgical robot is very safe for performing this complicated procedure. Frozen section analysis of ureters during radical cystectomy for bladder cancer might not reliably diagnose the pathologic condition and might overestimate the disease in the ureters.

Robot-assisted nerve-sparing radical cystectomy with bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) and intracorporeal urinary diversion for bladder cancer: initial experience in 27 cases

OBJECTIVE

• To report the outcomes of 27 patients whom we performed robot-assisted radical cystoprostatectomy and cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (Studer pouch and ileal conduit) for bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Between December 2009 and December 2010, we performed RARC in 25 men (intrafascial bilateral [22], unilateral [one], non-neurovascular bundle [NVB] sparing [two]), NVB-sparing RARC with anterior pelvic exenteration in two women, bilateral extended robot-assisted pelvic lymph node dissection (RAPLND) (25), intracorporeal Studer pouch (23), ileal conduit (two), and extracorporeal Studer pouch (two) construction. • Patient demographics, operative and postoperative variables, pathological variables, complications (according to modified Clavien system) and functional outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

• The mean (sd, range) operative duration, intraoperative estimated blood loss and mean lymph node (LN) yield were 9.9 (1.4, 7.1-12.4) h, 429 (257, 100-1200) mL and 24.8 (9.2, 8-46), respectively. • The mean (sd, range) hospital stay was 10.5 (6.8, 7-36) days, there was one perioperative death (3.7%), lodge drains were removed at a mean of 11.3 (5.6, 9-35) days and surgical margins were negative in all but one patient who had pT4b disease. • The postoperative pathological stages were: pT0 (five), pTis (one), pT1 (one), pT2a (five), pT2b (three), pT3a (six), pT3b (two), pT4a (three) and pT4b (one). • Positive LNs and incidental prostate cancer were detected in six and nine patients, respectively and at a mean follow-up of 6.3 (2.9, 1.8-11.3) months, three patients died from metastatic disease and one from cardiac disease. • According to the modified Clavien system, there were nine minor (Grade 1 and 2) and four major (Grade 3-5) complications in the perioperative (0-30 days) period; four minor and three major complications in the postoperative (31-90 days) period. Of the available 18 patients, 11 were fully continent, four had mild and two had severe day-time incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

• Bilateral NVB-sparing RARC with RAPLND and intracorporeal Studer pouch or ileal conduit reconstruction are complex procedures with acceptable morbidity, excellent short-term surgical and pathological outcomes and satisfactory functional results. • Studies with more patients and longer follow-ups are required to evaluate the feasibility of these RA totally intracorporeal complex procedures.

Robotic cystectomy: surgical technique

OBJECTIVE

• The aim of this report is to describe our surgical technique of robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with totally intracorporeal urinary diversion in patients with urinary bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• A total of 45 patients (7 women and 38 men) with high-grade and/or muscle-invasive urothelial cancer of the bladder underwent RARC and intracorporeal urinary diversion at our department. • Orthotopic ileal neobladder was performed in 36 patients and ileal conduit was performed in 9 patients.

RESULT

• Except in two patients that operation was converted to open surgery during the reconstruction of the orthotopic neobladder, the procedure was performed totally intracorporeal. • The operations time, estimated blood loss and length for hospital stay were decreased over the time.

CONCLUSION

• RARC with totally intracorporeal urinary diversion is feasible.

Robotic-assisted reconstructive urology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The use of robotic surgery in reconstructive urology has steadily increased since the year 2000. Articles in the MEDLINE database (from January 2000 to May 2011) identified using the Boolean search: robotic or robot-assisted and reconstructive surgery and urology. In addition, the reference lists of previously published articles on robotic-assisted reconstructive surgery were checked for additional studies. This review will summarize the current advances in robotic-assisted reconstructive urology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Even though many advocate the introduction of robot-assisted technique in reconstructive urology, relatively few studies have been published. Researchers do report shorter hospital stays and less blood loss than are reported for patients operated on with open reconstructive techniques and also report acceptable short-term outcomes.

SUMMARY

The current literature shows that complex robot-assisted urological reconstructive surgical procedures may be used for both children and adults. With appropriate experience, this technique offers the expected advantages of decreased blood loss and transfusion rate, reduced analgesic requirements, and early hospital discharge in comparison with the open approach. However, robotic-assisted reconstructive urologic surgery needs to be evaluated in larger randomized studies with long-term follow-up.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) may reduce morbidity after cystectomy. Descriptions of the surgical techniques of RARC with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder or ileal conduit are sparse and oncologic and functional outcome data have not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

We present our technique with RARC and intracorporeal urinary diversion (neobladder or ileal conduit) and present oncologic and functional outcomes, as well as complication rates.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Single-hospital institution case-series from 2004 to 2009 including 45 selected patients (38 male, 7 female) with high-grade and/or muscle-invasive urothelial cancer of the bladder.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

We performed RARC; pelvic lymph node dissection using three different templates; and a totally intracorporeal urinary diversion, either orthotopic neobladder (n=36) or ileal conduit (n=9).

MEASUREMENTS

Perioperative variables, pathology data, early and late complication rates, urinary continence, potency, and cancer-specific survival were evaluated as outcome measures.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Median patient age, operative time, estimated blood loss, and lymph node yield were 62 yr (range: 37-79), 477 min (range: 325-760), 550 ml (range: 200-2200), and 19 (range: 10-52), respectively. Nine patients were diagnosed with positive lymph nodes. Surgical margins were clear in all but one patient. Early complications occurred in 18 patients (40%). Median postoperative stay was 9 d (range: 4-78), and median postoperative follow-up time was 25 mo. Four patients died due to metastatic disease. The study is limited by a relative small sample size and no comparative group.

CONCLUSIONS

RARC with totally intracorporeal urinary diversion is technically feasible with good intermediate-term oncologic results. This is a nonrandomised study including a limited number of patients with a restricted follow-up time, however, and so precautions must be considered when interpreting the outcomes.

Predictors, causes, and consequences of conversions in robotically enhanced totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft surgery (TECAB), using the da Vinci telemanipulator, has become a reproducible operation at dedicated centers. As in every endoscopic operation, conversion is an important and probably inevitable issue.

METHODS

We performed robotic TECAB in 326 patients (age, 60 years; range, 31 to 90 years); 242 were single-vessel and 84 were multivessel TECAB.

RESULTS

Forty-six of 326 patients (14%) were converted to a larger incision (minithoracotomy, n = 5; sternotomy, n = 41). Left internal mammary artery injury (n = 7), epicardial injury (n = 4), balloon endoocclusion problems (n = 7), and anastomotic problems (n = 18) were common reasons for conversions. Conversion rate was significantly less for single-vessel versus multivessel TECABs (10% versus 25%; p = 0.001). Non-learning-curve case (7% versus 21%; p < 0.001) and transthoracic assistance (11% versus 22%; p = 0.018) were associated with lower conversion rates. In multivariate analysis, learning-curve case was the only independent predictor of conversion (p = 0.005). Conversion translated into increased packed red blood cell transfusion in the operating room (3 versus 0 units; p < 0.001), longer ventilation time (14 versus 8 hours; p < 0.001), and intensive care unit stay (45 versus 20 hours; p = 0.001). Hospital mortality was 0.6% in this series, with 1 patient in the conversion group (2.2%) and 1 patient in the nonconverted group (0.4%; not significant). Five-year survival was 98% in nonconverted patients and 88% in converted patients (p = 0.018). There was no difference in freedom from angina or freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebral events.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion in TECAB is primarily learning curve-dependent and associated with increased morbidity, but does not significantly affect hospital mortality. Both nonconverted and converted patients show good long-term survival, which is comparable to patients undergoing open sternotomy coronary artery bypass grafting. Long-term freedom from angina or freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebral events is not influenced by conversion.

Robotic surgery in urologic oncology: gathering the evidence

In less than a decade, the widespread application of robotic technology to the field of urologic oncology has permanently altered the way urologists approach malignancy. The short-term benefits of minimally invasive surgery using robotic assistance (i.e., decreased blood loss, improved convalescence and ergonomic appeal), as well as a broad marketing campaign, have helped the technology gain traction in the field of urology. Although the long-term benefits of its use in urologic surgery are less clear and the costs of robotic surgery are consistently greater than those of other approaches, the numbers of prostate, kidney and bladder cancer cases continue to rise. Identifying transferable surgical processes of care that matter most for each of the robotic cases in urologic oncology (e.g., prostatectomy, cystectomy and partial nephrectomy) is a next step toward broadly improving the quality of urologic cancer care. To this end, urologic professional societies and their surgeons should aim to identify underwriters for and participate in large clinical registries and surgical quality collaboratives.

Does extended lymphadenectomy preclude laparoscopic or robot-assisted radical cystectomy in advanced bladder cancer?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Open radical cystectomy with an appropriate bilateral lymph node dissection (LND) is currently the standard treatment for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Approximately 25% of patients with stages T1-T4 N0 M0 harbour metastatic lymph nodes at the time of radical cystectomy. Results from open high volume radical cystectomy series suggest that a more extended LND provides the best survival outcomes and the lowest local recurrence rates. Currently, there is controversy whether laparoscopic or robot-assisted extended LND at radical cystectomy is technically feasible and whether it can provide oncological control equivalent to open LND series at the time of radical cystectomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Laparoscopic LND is technically demanding and requires prolonged operation time. Most studies to date indicate that fewer nodes are removed than with an open approach, putting a question mark to this surgical approach from an oncological point of view. Limited data on lymph node yield using a robot-assisted approach are available; however, several series found similar results as in open series.

SUMMARY

At present, there is no conclusive evidence showing that laparoscopic LND gives similar results than open LND. Robot-assisted LND is still in its learning curve and more patient series are needed.