Retzius sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: optimizing functional results

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to critically evaluate the existing body of evidence regarding the efficacy of Retzius-sparing radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) in achieving improved functional outcomes. Moreover, we explored possible strategies to further optimize functional outcomes.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review (PROSPERO ID CRD42024539915) was performed on 9th September 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only original articles in the English language reporting functional outcomes after RS-RARP were included.

RESULTS

Overall, the search string yielded 99 results on PubMed, 122 on Scopus, and 120 on Web Of Science. After duplicate exclusion, initial screening and eligibility evaluation, a total of 47 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, corresponding to a cohort of 13.196 patients. All studies reported continence recovery. RS-RARP appeared to achieve better and faster continence recovery compared to S-RARP. However, it should be noted that continence definition was heterogeneous and not based on validated condition-specific questionnaires. Seven (15%) studies provided for any sort of rehabilitation for urinary incontinence after RS-RARP. 22 studies analyzed potency recovery rates, showing no difference between RS-RARP and S-RARP. The evaluation of this outcome poses a great challenge due to the lack of standardized assessment tools and reporting methods. Only two studies reported on the consistent use of post-operative PDE5i as penile rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

The current review highlights the satisfactory functional results of Retzius-sparing robot assisted radical prostatectomy, which holds true irrespective of disease stage and prostate volume, with promising results even in patients previously treated for BPH or in the salvage setting. How can we optimize those results? The answer does not probably lie in further refinement of the surgical technique, but in giving greater attention to patient counselling and rehabilitation strategies in order to minimize regret and maximize satisfaction.

Membranous urethral length is the single independent predictor of urinary continence recovery at 12 months following Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

The influence of anatomical parameters on urinary continence (UC) after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) remains uncharted. Our objective was to evaluate their association with UC at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Data from patients who underwent RS-RARP were prospectively collected. Continence was defined as no pad use. Anatomic variables were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of UC at each time point. We included 158 patients with a median age of 60 years, most of whom had a localized tumor (≤ cT2). On multivariate analyses, at 3 months post-surgery, urinary incontinence (UI) rises with age, odds ratio (OR) 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.004-1.142] and with prostate volume (PV), OR 1.029 (95% CI 1.006-1.052); it reduces with longer membranous urethral length (MUL), OR 0.875 (95% CI 0.780-0.983) and with higher membranous urethral volume (MUV), OR 0.299 (95% CI 0.121-0.737). At 6 months, UI rises with PV, OR 1.033 (95% CI 1.011-1.056) and decreases with MUV, OR 0.1504 (95% CI 0.050-0.444). Significantly, at 12 months post-surgery, the only predictor of UI is MUL, OR 0.830 (95% CI 0.706-0.975), establishing a threshold associated with a risk of UI of 5% (MUL > 15 mm) in opposition to a risk of 25% (MUL < 10 mm). This single institutional study requires external validation. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective cohort study supporting MUL as the single independent predictor of UC at 12 months post-surgery. By establishing MUL thresholds, we enable precise patient counseling.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the avatera system™: a prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive, safe procedure preferred in the management of localized prostate cancer. In this study, we present our initial experience with the avatera™ system (avateramedical GmbH, Jena, Germany) in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

A total of fourteen patients underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using this newly introduced system in our department from June 2022 to October 2022. The primary endpoints of the study were the time and the successful completion of the operation, the hemoglobin drop and the presence of complications. The pathologic tumor stage and the presence of positive surgical margins were also recorded. Follow-up of the patients for the functional outcomes over a period of 3 months took place.

RESULTS

The completion of all the surgeries was successful. The median draping and docking times were 9.5 minutes (7-13) and 10 minutes (5-40), respectively. The median console time was 103.5 minutes (90-121). No conversion to laparoscopic or open prostatectomy was necessary. The median hemoglobin drop was 1.95 g/dL (0.3-2.7), while positive surgical margins were present in two patients postoperatively. No major complications or need for transfusion were noticed. Six months after the procedure, 78.6% of the participants were continent while 77.7% of the nerve-sparing patients reported erections adequate for intercourse.

CONCLUSIONS

All the operations were completed successfully without major complications or significant blood loss. The functional outcomes were acceptable according to the literature. Based on the early outcomes, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with the avatera™ system (avateramedical GmbH) could be considered feasible, safe, and efficient.

Intermediate-term oncological and functional outcomes in prostate cancer patients treated with perineal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A single center analysis

Objective

In the last 10 years, robotic platforms allowed to resume of some alternative surgical approaches, including perineal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (p-RARP). Herein, we present in detail the oncological and functional outcomes of patients who underwent p-RARP with a median follow-up of 30 months.

Methods

Patients presenting low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer and prostate volume up to 60 mL who underwent p-RARP between November 2018 and November 2022 were selected. Baseline, intraoperative, pathological, and postoperative data were collected and then analyzed.

Results

Thirty-seven p-RARP cases were included. Such patients presented mean age of 62 years and a mean Charlson comorbidity index of 4. Body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 was reported by 24 (64.9%) patients, as well as 7 (18.9%) patients reported a past surgical history. Mean prostate volume and median prostate-specific antigen were 41 mL and 6.2 ng/mL, respectively. The median operative time was 242 min. The positive surgical margin rate was 45.9%. In terms of postoperative complications, 10 patients reported complications with any grade; however, a single case (2.7%) of major (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3) complication was observed. No patient with biochemical recurrence or distant metastasis was reported at 2 years of follow-up. Recovery of continence rates were 67.6%, 75.7%, and 92.9%, at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery, respectively.

Conclusion

p-RARP is a challenging but safe minimally invasive approach for selected patients with prostate cancer suitable for radical prostatectomy, showing outstanding functional recovery. Despite positive surgical margin rates being relatively high, no cases of biochemical recurrence or distant metastasis were reported after a median follow-up of 30 months.

How May Longer Console Times Influence Outcomes after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP)?

Longer operating time in radical prostatectomy may increase the risk of perioperative complications. Various factors such as cancer extent, the procedure's level of difficulty, habitus and previous surgeries may lengthen robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and therefore compromise outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

this study investigates the influence of operating time on outcomes after RARP in real life settings in a monocentric single surgeon study.

METHODS

a total of 500 sequential patients who were operated on between April 2019 and August 2022 were involved. Men were allocated to three groups short (n = 157; 31.4%), under or equal to 120 min; average (n = 255; 51%), between 121 and 180 min; long (n = 88; 17.6%), above 180 min console time. Demographic, baseline and perioperative data were analyzed and compared between groups. Univariate logistic regression was completed to investigate the association between console time and outcomes and to predict factors which may prolong surgery.

RESULTS

hospital stay and catheter days were significantly longer in group 3 with medians of 6 and 7 days (p < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Those findings were confirmed in univariate analysis, with p = 0.012 for catheter days and p < 0.001 for hospital stay. Moreover, major complications were higher in patients with longer procedures, at p = 0.008. Prostate volume was the only predictor of a prolonged console time (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

RARP is a safe procedure and most patients will be discharged uneventfully. Yet, a longer console time is associated with a longer hospital stay, longer catheter days and major complications. Caution has to be taken in the large prostate to avoid longer procedures, which may prevent postoperative adverse events.

Prostate Volume Influence on Postoperative Outcomes for Patients Undergoing RARP: A Monocentric Serial Analysis of 500 Cases

Elevated prostate volume is considered to negatively influence postoperative outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We aim to investigate the influence of prostate volume on readmissions and complications after RARP. Methods: A total of 500 consecutive patients who underwent RARP between April 2019 and August 2022 were included. Patients were dichotomized into two groups using a prostate volume cut-off of 50 mL (small and normal prostate (SNP) n = 314, 62.8%; large prostate n = 186, 37.2%). Demographic, baseline, and perioperative data were analyzed. The postoperative complications and readmission rates within 90 days after RARP were compared between groups. A univariate linear analysis was performed to investigate the association between prostate volume and other relevant outcomes. Results: Patients with larger prostates had a higher IPSS score, and therefore, more relevant LUTS at the baseline. They had higher ASA scores (p = 0.015). They also had more catheter days (mean 6.6 days for SNP vs. 7.5 days for LP) (p = 0.041). All oncological outcomes were similar between the groups. Although statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.062), a trend for minor complications in patients with larger prostates, n = 37/186 (19.8%) for the LP group vs. n = 37/314 (11.7%) in the SNP group, was observed. Namely, acute urinary retention and secondary anastomosis insufficiency. Major complications with an SNP (4.4%) and LP (3.7%) (p = 0.708) and readmissions with an SNP (6.25%) and LP (4.2%) (p = 0.814) were infrequent and distributed equally between the groups. In univariate analysis, prostate volume could solely predict a longer console time (p = 0.005). Conclusions: A higher prostate volume appears to have minimal influence on the perioperative course after RARP. It can prolong catheter days and increase the incidence of minor complications such as acute urinary retention. However, it might predict minor changes in operating time. Yet, prostate volume has less influence on major complications, readmissions, or oncological results.

Modified anterior approach preserving Retzius space versus standard anterior approach robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A matched-pair analysis

Objective

To compare our initial perioperative and postoperative outcomes of the modified anterior approach (MA) with Retzius space preservation robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with the standard anterior approach (SA) RARP.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 116 patients with RARP completed by the same surgeon between September 2019 and March 2022. They were divided into SA-RARP group (77 cases) and MA-RARP group (39 cases). Propensity score matching was performed using eight preoperative variables, including age, BMI, preoperative PSA, biopsy Gleason score, prostate volume, D'Amico risk classification, SHIM, and clinical T stage. Functional outcome was assessed by urine pad count and SHIM after surgery, and oncological outcome was assessed by statistics of postoperative pathological findings as well as follow-up postoperative PSA. The median follow-up was 13 months and 17 months for MA-RARP and SA-RARP groups respectively.

Results

Propensity score matching was performed 1:1, and baseline data were comparable between the two groups after matching. Comparison of postoperative data: MA-RARP group had less mean EBL than SA-RARP group (200 vs 150 ml, p = 0.033). PSM did not differ between groups (p = 1). In terms of urinary control recovery, the MA-RARP group showed significant advantages in urinary control recovery at 24 h, 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after catheter removal, respectively (48.6% vs 5.7%, p < 0.001; 80% vs 22.9%, p < 0.001; 94.3% vs 51.4%, p < 0.001; 100% vs 74.3%, p = 0.002). This advantage gradually disappeared 6 months or more after surgery. The median time to recovery of sexual function was shorter in the MA-RARP group (165 vs 255 d, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

MA-RARP is safe and reliable, and can achieve better early urinary control function and sexual function recovery while achieving the primary tumor control goal.

Challenging cases in high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between enlarged prostate, bulky median lobe (BML) or prior benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery and perioperative functional, and oncological outcomes in high-risk (HR) prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP).

METHODS

320 HR-PCa patients treated with RS-RARP between 2011 and 2020 at a single high-volume center. The relationship between prostate volume, BML, prior BPH surgery and perioperative outcomes, Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade ≥ 2 90-day postoperative complications, positive surgical margins (PSMs), and urinary continence (UC) recovery was evaluated respectively in multivariable linear, logistic and Cox regression models. Complications were collected according to the standardized methodology proposed by EAU guidelines. UC recovery was defined as the use of zero or one safety pad.

RESULTS

Overall, 5.9% and 5.6% had respectively a BML or prior BPH surgery. Median PV was 45 g (range: 14-300). The rate of focal and non-focal PSMs was 8.4% and 17.8%. 53% and 10.9% patients had immediate UC recovery and CD ≥ 2. The 1- and 2-yr UC recovery was 84 and 85%. PV (p = 0.03) and prior BPH surgery (p = 0.02) was associated with longer operative time. BML was independent predictor of time to bladder catheter removal (p = 0.001). PV was independent predictor of PSMs (OR: 1.02; p = 0.009). Prior BPH surgery was associated with lower UC recovery (HR: 0.5; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

HR-PCa patients with enlarged prostate have higher risk of PSMs, while patients with prior BPH surgery have suboptimal UC recovery. These findings should help physicians for accurate preoperative counseling and to improve surgical planning in case of HR-PCa patients with challenging features.

Comparison of Retzius-sparing versus standard robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

We aim to compare the first year oncological and functional outcomes of Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (Rs-RARP) and standard robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-eight patients who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy between 2018-2019 were included. We compared the minimum one-year follow-up results of patients who underwent Rs-RARP or RARP in terms of oncological and functional outcomes. Potency was assessed with the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score and was defined as an erection sufficient for penetration. Continence was defined as the absence of urinary incontinence with no safety pad. Patients were evaluated in the first month of follow-up and subsequently, every three months.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients in Rs-RARP and 42 patients in the RARP group were enrolled. Catheter removal time was shorter in the Rs-RARP group (12 vs. 14 days, p = 0.001). At the 1st month visit, 41 patients (%89) were continent (no pads) in the Rs-RARP group while 25 patients (%59) were continent in the RARP group (p = 0.001). Patients who underwent Rs-RARP achieved faster recovery of urinary continence (Log-rank, p = 0.001). After one year of follow-up, 43 patients (93%) in Rs-RARP group and 38 patients (90%) in RARP group were continent (p = 0.6). Potency rates were 38.7% in Rs-RARP and 34.4% in RARP group (p = 0.28). There were no cases of biochemical recurrence in any group.

CONCLUSIONS

Rs-RARP is a feasible technique, providing early return of continence. However, overall continence rates were similar at the end of the one-year follow-up.

Impact of Prostate Size on the Outcomes of Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

Prostate size can vary widely among men regardless of whether they have prostate cancer or not. Many studies reported very conflicting results regarding the impact of prostate size on the outcome of radical prostatectomy. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic to investigate the impact of prostate size on the operative, functional and oncological outcomes of radical prostatectomy. In general, a smaller prostate can be associated with fewer surgical complications, but with a higher chance of positive surgical margins. This can be useful when counseling patients before surgery.

Abstract

Background: The impact of prostate size on the radical prostatectomy outcome is not clear. Several published reports have shown conflicting results. Objectives: To investigate the effect of prostate size on the surgical, functional and oncological results of radical prostatectomy. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out in accordance with the PRISMA criteria. Finally, we investigated the research that reported on the impact of prostate size on radical prostatectomy outcome. The Review Manager (RevMan) software version 5.4 was utilized for statistical analysis. Results: Eighteen studies including 12,242 patients were included. Estimated blood loss was significantly less with smaller prostates (Z = 3.01; p = 0.003). The complications rate was 17% with larger prostates, compared to 10% for smaller prostates (Z = 5.73; p < 0.00001). Seventy-three percent of patients with a smaller prostate were continent within one month, compared to 64% with a larger prostate (Z = 1.59; p = 0.11). The rate of positive surgical margins was significantly higher with smaller prostates (20.2% vs. 17.8%). (Z = 2.52; p = 0.01). The incidence of biochemical recurrence was higher with smaller prostates (7.8% vs. 4.9%) (Z = 1.87; p = 0.06). Conclusion: Larger prostate size is associated with more blood loss and a higher rate of complications. However, the oncological outcome is better, compared to that in patients with smaller prostates. The impact of the size on the functional outcome is not clear.

A propensity score-matching study on retzius-sparing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: Evidence of continence advantage in the early learning curve

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the outcome of retzius-sparing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) compared with conventional RARP in the early learning curve.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with prostate cancer who underwent RS-RARP were included to compare against conventional RARP of the same period. Propensity-score matching was performed based on age, prostate size, nerve-sparing approach, and final pathological risk categories. All patients were re-admitted to undergo trial without Foley catheter from post-operative day 7-10. Clinical follow-up was performed with monitoring of continence (day 0, 3 months, and the latest continence during the study period) and surveillance of PSA level.

RESULTS

Between July 2017 and August 2019, 24 consecutive patients received RS-RARP in our centre. Propensity score matching was performed with the best matched 24 controls receiving conventional RARP. Overall median follow-up duration was 15.5 months. A majority of the patients belonged to the intermediate-risk group, with most of them harbouring pT2 disease (RS-RARP: 87.5%; conventional RARP: 79.2%). More patients in RS-RARP group achieved day-0 continence (33.3% vs 0%, p = 0.002) and 3-month continence (66.7% vs 12.5%, p = 0.001). During the whole study period, more RS-RARP achieved continence with 0 pad (91.7% vs 66.7%, p = 0.033). The mean months to continence is shorter in RS-RARP group (4.0 months vs 13.6 months, p = 0.002). No statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to surgical margins, post-operative PSA detection, and the use of adjuvant radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

RS-RARP showed better continence rates when compared to conventional RARP even during the learning curve phase.

Bladder neck sparing during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Six-year experience

OBJECTIVE:

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in developed countries. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the standard surgical treatment for patients with organ-confined disease and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) procedures get more popular in the past 20 years. The most important factor of continence after RP is the preservation of the functional sphincter mechanisms. Tunc et al. described the novel bladder neck preserving technique in RALRP in 2015. The purpose of this study is to present our long-term results of our novel technique during RALP performed by single surgeon (LT).

METHODS:

In this study, 331 patients who went under procedure RALP between January 2012 and December 2017 analyzed retrospectively. Bladder neck sparing technique was performed for all patients used by a four-armed da Vinci robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). Quality of life (QoL) scores were assessed before RALP, after urethral catheter removal, and at the 1^st month after RALP used by SF-12 QoL questionnaire. Patients without urine leakage during coughing or sneezing, as well as those who stayed totally dry, were considered as continent. Those who used more than 1 protective pad per day and/or had urine leakage during coughing, sneezing, or during the night were considered incontinent.

RESULTS:

The mean operation time, docking time, and anastomosis time were 76.9±28.9, 7.2±2.2, and 18±3.1 min, respectively. Estimated blood loss was 51.6±22.9 ml. The mean hospital stay was 2.2±0.8 days. The mean duration of the catheter was 7.1±1.3 days. After catheter removal, 310 (93.6%) of patients were continent immediately. During follow-up, 318 (96%) were continent after 1 month and 329 (99.3%) were totally continent after 1 year. No patient received surgical treatment for stress incontinence.

CONCLUSION:

Since we have defined bladder neck sparing technique, we have realized that our technique is very effective with our long-term results. Our novel technique provided very early continence at the time of catheter removal after RALP within short-term follow-up in addition to favorable oncologic results.

The Effect of Adverse Patient Characteristics on Perioperative Outcomes in Open and Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Objective: To analyze the effect of adverse preoperative patient and tumor characteristics on perioperative outcomes of open (ORP) and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 656 patients who underwent ORP or RARP according to intraoperative blood loss (BL), operation time (OR time), neurovascular bundle preservation (NVBP) and positive surgical margins (PSM). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for impaired perioperative outcomes.

Results: Of all included 619 patients, median age was 66 years. BMI (<25 vs. 25-30 vs. ≥30) had no influence on blood loss. Prostate size >40cc recorded increased BL compared to prostate size ≤ 40cc in patients undergoing ORP (800 vs. 1200 ml, p < 0.001), but not in patients undergoing RARP (300 vs. 300 ml, p = 0.2). Similarly, longer OR time was observed for ORP in prostates >40cc, but not for RARP. Overweight (BMI 25-30) and obese ORP patients (BMI ≥30) showed longer OR time compared to normal weight (BMI <25). Only obese patients, who underwent RARP showed longer OR time compared to normal weight. NVBP was less frequent in obese patients, who underwent ORP, relative to normal weight (25.8% vs. 14.0%, p < 0.01). BMI did not affect NVPB at RARP. No differences in PSM were recorded according to prostate volume or BMI in ORP or RARP. In multivariable analyses, patient characteristics such as prostate volume and BMI was an independent predictor for prolonged OR time. Moreover, tumor characteristics (stage and grade) predicted worse perioperative outcome.

Conclusion: Patients with larger prostates and obese patients undergoing ORP are at risk of higher BL, OR time or non-nervesparing procedure. Conversely, in patients undergoing RARP only obesity is associated with increased OR time. Patients with larger prostates or increased BMI might benefit most from RARP compared to ORP.

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: early learning curve experience in three continents

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of surgical experience on peri-operative, functional and oncological outcomes during the first 50 Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RsRARP) cases performed by surgeons naïve to this novel approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the initial cases operated by 14 surgeons in 12 different international centres. Pre-, peri- and postoperative features of the first 50 patients operated by each surgeon in all the participating centres were collected. The effect of surgical experience on peri-operative, functional and oncological outcomes was firstly evaluated after stratification by level of surgical experience (initial [≤25 cases] and expert [>25 cases]) and after using locally weighted scatterplot smoothing to graphically explore the relationship between surgical experience and the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

We evaluated 626 patients. The median follow-up was 13 months in the initial group and 9 months in the expert group (P = 0.002). Preoperative features overlapped between the two groups. Shorter console time (140 vs 120 min; P = 0.001) and a trend towards lower complications rates (13 vs 5.5%; P = 0.038) were observed in the expert group. The relationship between surgical experience and console time, immediate urinary continence recovery and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 complications was linear, without reaching a plateau, after 50 cases. Conversely, a non-linear relationship was observed between surgical experience and positive surgical margins (PSMs).

CONCLUSIONS

In this first report of a multicentre experience of RsRARP during the learning curve, we found that console time, immediate urinary continence recovery and postoperative complications are optimal from the beginning and further quickly improve during the learning process, while PSM rates did not clearly improve over the first 50 cases.

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy versus open retropubic radical prostatectomy: a prospective comparative study with 19-month follow-up

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to compare the surgical outcomes of retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORP).

METHODS

We included patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent RS-RARP or ORP and met our inclusion criteria. We compared the perioperative, oncological, and continence outcomes between both surgical approaches. Continence function was assessed using the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form. Continence was defined as using 0-1 safety pad per day. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive rises in serum PSA more than 0.2 ng/mL. Events of local recurrence, distant metastasis, and cancer death were reported and compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

Between 1 June 2013 and 1 October 1 2016, 184 men were enrolled, of whom 125 underwent RS-RARP and 59 underwent ORP. Baseline demographic and pathological characteristics were similar between both groups (P>0.05). Patients in RS-RARP group had significantly lower blood loss, fewer transfusion rates, lower VAS score, and shorter hospital stay than patients in ORP group (P<0.05). Major complications (≥grade 3b) did not differ between both groups (P=0.121). Positive surgical margins were 28.8% and 24.8% in ORP and RS-RARP, respectively (P=0.494). The BCR free-survival rates in ORP and RS-RARP at 1-year was 87.3% and 92.3%, respectively (Log-rank, P=0.740). At 1-, 6-, and 12-month after surgery, 42.4%, 79.7%, and 84.7% of men undergoing ORP were continent, compared with 72.8%, 90.4%, and 92% undergoing RS-RARP, respectively. Men in RS-RARP group achieved faster recovery of urinary continence compared to men in ORP group (Log-rank, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RS-RARP had better perioperative outcomes and faster recovery of urinary continence compared with ORP. Short-term oncological outcomes were comparable between both surgical approaches.

Retzius-sparing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Leads to Durable Improvement in Urinary Function and Quality of Life Versus Standard Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Without Compromise on Oncologic Efficacy: Single-surgeon Series and Step-by-step Guide

BACKGROUND

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) has been shown to improve continence. However, questions remain regarding feasibility and generalizability of technique and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of 140 consecutive standard robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (S-RARP) versus RS-RARP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 70 S-RARPs were performed followed by 70 RS-RARPs. Demographic, pathologic, and functional outcomes were compared preoperatively and through 12 mo. Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP) was used to compare functional outcomes. Logistic and linear regression analyses were utilized to analyze variables associated with EPIC-CP urinary incontinence and overall quality of life (QOL) scores, and oncologic outcomes. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze incontinence at 12 mo.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

RS-RARP versus S-RARP.

MEASUREMENTS

Patient and tumor characteristics (age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Gleason group, clinical stage, and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score), perioperative outcomes (console time, estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, and length of stay), oncologic outcomes (positive surgical margin [PSM], and biochemical recurrence), overall and 12-mo continence rates (zero pads and zero to one safety pad), time to continence, potency (erection sufficient for sexual activity), EPIC-CP urinary incontinence, sexual function, and overall QOL scores.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Median follow-up for S-RARP versus RS-RARP was 46.3 versus 12.3 mo. RS-RARP versus S-RARP had improved overall continence rates at total follow-up (95.7% vs 85.7%, p = 0.042) and 12-mo follow-up (97.6% vs 81.4%, p = 0.002), and faster return to continence (zero to one safety pad, 44 vs 131 d, p < 0.001). RS-RARP EPIC-CP urinary incontinence and overall QOL scores remained significantly better at 12 mo. There were no differences in overall PSM rates, although RS-RARP had lower rates of nonfocal PSMs. There were no differences in sexual function. In multivariate analysis, RS-RARP was significantly associated with improved 12-mo EPIC-CP urinary incontinence and improved QOL scores, but was not associated with PSM or biochemical recurrence. Limitations include retrospective study design and unequal follow-up; however, significantly better RS-RARP continence at 12 mo is striking despite fewer patients attaining 12-mo follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

RS-RARP significantly improves early and long-term continence without compromising oncologic outcomes and leads to overall improved QOL.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is an emerging technique for robotic radical prostatectomy that improves urinary function and quality of life without compromising cancer control.

The association between prostate weight and positive surgical margins in prostate cancer: A meta-analysis

There have been some conflicting claims whether larger prostate weight (PW) reduces the risk of positive surgical margins (PSMs). This study aims to examine the associations between PW and PSMs. PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane library were systematically retrieved. Relative risks (RRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were synthesised utilising random-effect models. Ultimately, 22 cohort studies met criteria were enrolled in this meta-analysis, of which 18 studies reporting the RR of the highest VS lowest category of PW yielded the combined RR of PSMs of 0.61 (95% CI 0.50-0.74). Subgroup analysis showed that geographic region and surgical modalities were considered as potential confounders of influence of PW on PSMs. The nonlinear dose-response relationship demonstrated that PSM risk decreased by 1% (RR = 0.99, 95% CI, 0.98-0.99) for every one gram increment in PW. This study suggests PW has a negative association with risk of PSMs, and having a appropriate PW is very important.

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy vs the standard approach: a systematic review and analysis of comparative outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the current evidence on Retzius-sparing (RS)-robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to compare its oncological, peri-operative and functional outcomes with those of standard retropubic RARP (S-RARP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After establishing an a priori protocol, a systematic electronic literature search was conducted in January 2019 using the Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid) and Cochrane databases. The search strategy relied on the 'PICO' (Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome) criteria and article selection was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Only studies reporting the oncological and functional outcomes of RARP (as determined by type of procedure [RS-RARP vs S-RARP]) were considered for inclusion. Risk of bias and study quality were assessed. Finally, peri-operative and functional outcomes were recorded and analysed.

RESULTS

A shorter operating time was associated with RS-RARP (weighted mean difference [WMD] 14.7 min, 95% confidence interval [CI] -28.25, 1.16; P = 0.03), whereas no significant difference was found in terms of estimated blood loss (WMD 1.45 mL, 95% CI -31.18, 34.08; P = 0.93). Also, no significant difference between the two groups was observed for overall (odds ratio [OR] 0.86, 95% CI 0.40, 1.85; P = 0.71) and major (Clavien >3; OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.30, 2.57) postoperative complications; however, the likelihood of positive surgical margins (PSMs) was lower for the S-RARP group (rate 15.2% vs 24%; OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.12, 2.60; P = 0.01). The cumulative analysis showed a statistically significant advantage for RS-RARP in terms of continence recovery at 1 month (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.16, 5.53; P = 0.02), as well as at 3 months (OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.23, 6.68; P < 0.001), 6 months (OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.88, 6.91; P = 0.001), and 12 months (OR 7.29, 95% CI 1.89, 28.13; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Our analysis confirms that RS-RARP is a safe and feasible alternative to S-RARP. This novel approach may be associated with faster and higher recovery of continence, without increasing the risk of complications. One caveat might be the higher risk of PSMs, and this can be regarded as a current pitfall of the technique, probably related to an expected learning curve.

Pain and discomfort after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a comparative study between suprapubic cystostomy and urethral catheter as urinary drainage

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate differences in discomfort, complications and functional results after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) according to different urinary drainage: suprapubic tube (SPT) and standard urethral catheter (UC).

METHODS

Prospective, comparative, consecutive, non-randomized study. In all patients with a water-tight anastomosis, no hematuria, obesity, previous suprapubic surgery or history of bladder cancer, a SPT (two-way Foley 14-Fr catheter) was positioned instead of a Foley 18-Fr UC. One week after surgery, an institutional self-compiled questionnaire was administered. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of UC or SPT and were compared concerning pain, perioperative results, complications, functional outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients with UC and 135 with SPT agreed to participate to the study. Median postoperative pain score was 3 (IQR: 2-5) in UC and 3 (IQR: 1-5) in SPT group (P=0.324); urinary drain-related pain scores were 3 (IQR: 1-5) in UC and 1 (IQR: 0-3) in SPT groups (P<0.001); catheter removal related scores were 1 (IQR: 0-3) and 1 (IQR: 1-3) (P=0.317), respectively. Lastly, 17.8% (UC) and 31.1% (SPT) wore a protection (small or medium pad) while the urinary drainage was in place (P=0.061). No differences related to complications were found (P=0.085); 7.9% of patients in UC group and 4.2% in SPT group (P=0.178) used pads one year after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated suprapubic tube to be more comfortable than transurethral catheter after RARP, with a possible advantage concerning anastomotic postoperative problems.

Retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy vs. conventional robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy appears to have better continence rates when compared to conventional robotic assisted radical prostatectomy, however, concern with high positive surgical margin rates exist.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate evidence comparing functional and oncological outcomes of retzius sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy and conventional robotic assisted radical prostatectomy.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The systematic review was performed in accordance with the Cochrane guidelines and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Bibliographic databases searched were PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane central register of controlled trials-CENTRAL (in The Cochrane library-issue 1, 2018). We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The search retrieved 137 references through electronic searches of various databases. Six were included in the review. RS-RALP was associated with better early continence rates (≤ 1 month) (moderate quality evidence) (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.27, 2.32, p 0.0005) and at 3 months (low quality evidence) (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03, 1.88, p 0.03). Time to continence recovery, number of pads used and pad weight are better with RS-RALP. Based on very low quality evidence, RS-RALP did not alter 6 and 12 months continence rates. Based on very low quality evidence, RS-RALP did not alter T2 positive margin rates (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.91, 3.06, p 0.10) and T3 positive margin rates (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.68, 1.70, p = 0.75). Short-term biochemical free survival appears to be similar between the two approaches. Based on low-quality evidence, RS-RALP did not alter overall and major complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS

RS-RARP appears to have earlier continence recovery when compared to Con-RARP which does not come at a significant oncologic cost. Whilst there was a trend towards higher PSM rates with RS-RALP, this did not achieve statistical significance. Furthermore this trend appeared to be less pronounced with T3 disease, where the PSM rates are almost similar.

Predictors for immediate recovery of continence following Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a case-control study

PURPOSE

We evaluated urinary continence in a series of consecutive patients who underwent Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) to identify the preoperative predictors of the return to immediate urinary continence.

METHODS

110 consecutive patients who underwent RS-RARP for clinically localized prostate cancer were retrospectively collected. Patients reported freedom from using safety pad (0 pad/day) within 7 days after removal of urinary catheter were defined as immediate urinary continent.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients (77.27%) were immediate urinary continent after RS-RARP. Patients with immediate urinary continence were significantly younger (66.92 ± 5.73 vs. 69.68 ± 4.99 years, p = 0.031) than those who were incontinent. Furthermore, the prostate volume was significantly smaller (30.90 vs. 44.60 ml, p = 0.001) and preoperative international prostate symptom score (IPSS) was significantly lower (Mild 76.5% vs. 24.0%, Moderate 20.0% vs. 32.0%, and Severe 3.5% vs. 44.0%, p = 0.000) in patients with immediate urinary continence compared with those who were not. On univariable regression analysis, patient's age (OR 0.907, p = 0.035), prostate volume (OR 0.935, p = 0.000), moderate (OR 0.196, p = 0.007), and severe IPSS (OR 0.025, p = 0.000) (compared with mild IPSS) were independent adverse predictors of immediate urinary continence. On multivariable analysis, prostate volume (OR 0.955, p = 0.032) and severe preoperative IPSS (OR 0.044, p = 0.000) (compared with mild IPSS) were independent adverse predictors of immediate urinary continence after RS-RARP.

CONCLUSIONS

RS-RARP hastens the recovery of urinary continence after surgery. Prostate volume and severe preoperative IPSS were independent adverse predictors of the return to immediate urinary continence.