How long do we need to reach sufficient expertise with the avatera® robotic system?

PURPOSE

To investigate the learning curve in four basic surgical skills in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, and evaluate the approximate time needed to reach sufficient expertise in performing these tasks with the avatera® system.

METHODS

Twenty urology residents with no previous experience in dry-lab and robotic surgery were asked to complete four basic laparoscopic tasks (peg transfer, circle cutting, needle guidance, and suturing) laparoscopically and robotically. All participants were asked to complete the tasks first after watching the Uroweb educational material and, second, after undertaking a 2-hour training in robotic and laparoscopic dry-lab. Thereafter, all trainees continued to undertake 2-hour training programs until being able to complete the tasks with the avatera® robot at the desired time. Paired t test and one-way ANOVA test were used to analyze time differences between the groups.

RESULTS

Time needed to complete all tasks either robotically or laparoscopically was significantly less in the second compared to the first attempt for all Groups in each Task. In the robotic dry-lab, time needed to complete the tasks was significantly less than in the laparoscopic dry-lab. A significant effect of previous laparoscopic experience of the participants on the training time needed to achieve most of the goal times was detected.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study highlight the role of previous laparoscopic experience in the training time needed to achieve the performance time goals and demonstrate that the learning curve of basic surgical skills using the avatera® system is steeper than the laparoscopic one.

Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate with Thulium Fiber Laser (ThuFLEP). A retrospective single-center study

PURPOSE

The aim of the present, retrospective study was to describe our initial experience and early outcomes of Thulium Fiber Laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) with the use of the FiberDust™ (Quanta System, Samarate, Italy) in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia.

METHODS

From June 2022 to April 2023, all patients who underwent endoscopic enucleation of the prostate at Urology Department of the University Hospital of Patras were included. A single surgeon utilizing the same standardized operative technique performed all the surgeries. The primary endpoints included the uneventful completion of the operation, the surgical time and any minor or major complication observed intra- or post-operatively.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with benign prostate hyperplasia were treated with ThuFLEP. All the surgeries were completed successfully and uneventfully. The enucleation phase of the operation was completed in a mean time of 45±9.1 min, while the average time needed for the morcellation was 17.65±3.42 min. No significant complications were observed intra- or post-operatively. The average hemoglobin drop was calculated to be 0.94±0.71 g/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

All the operations were successfully and efficiently completed with the use of the FiberDust™ (Quanta System, Samarate, Italy) in ThuFLEP. Significant blood loss or major complications were not observed.

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.

Grafts in Peyronie's surgery without the use of prostheses: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Peyronie's disease (PD) is characterized by abnormal penile curvature, and various surgical methods have been developed using different graft materials. However, there is currently no universal agreement on which type of graft is the best. The objective of this review was to evaluate the available literature and identify the most effective graft material for penile curvature correction in PD. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The patients, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) approach was used to define the eligibility of studies. Two authors independently selected studies, evaluated them, and extracted data. Random-effect models using the DerSimonian-Laird method were used. Most studies were single-arm studies and had a high risk of bias. Buccal mucosa grafts (BMG) were found to result in the highest penile straightening rates and were associated with the least de novo erectile dysfunction. TachoSil grafts demonstrated a high success rate in straightening despite a higher mean preoperative curvature, while Tutoplast grafts had a higher incidence of postoperative erectile dysfunction. BMG had the highest percentage of postoperative penile straightening. Overall, the TachoSil graft showed the best performance when preoperative curvature is taken into account. Based on the available literature, BMG appear to be the most effective for penile curvature correction in PD, but this is offset by the requirement for low preoperative curvature. The TachoSil graft shows the best overall performance when preoperative curvature is considered. Comparative randomized clinical trials are still needed to determine graft superiority.

Replicating Florence Intracorporeal Neobladder Technique in Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate retrospectively the feasibility of Florence robotic intracorporeal neobladder technique in laparoscopic radical cystectomy.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy and Florence robotic intracorporeal neobladder between September 2021 and February 2023. Patients' characteristics, pathology data, perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and follow-up data were collected.

RESULTS

All operations were successfully completed laparoscopically. The median total operative time was 343 minutes, and the median estimated blood loss was 169.5 mL. No intraoperative complications were observed. The median hospitalization time was 7days, while the median time to regular diet was 3days. Clavien Dindo Grade < III complications appeared in five patients within 30days postoperation. No other complications were noted over the 90days follow-up. Organ-confined disease was confirmed in 11 patients and locally advanced disease in three patients. At 3months follow-up, eight and four patients were daytime and night-time continent, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Replicating Florence robotic intracorporeal neobladder in laparoscopic radical cystectomy is safe, feasible, and repeatable, based on the encouraging perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes of our study. However, further prospective studies on a larger scale are required to prove its long-term results.

Feasibility study of a novel robotic system for transperitoneal partial nephrectomy: An in vivo experimental animal study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of partial nephrectomy with the use of the novel robotic system in an in vivo animal model.

METHODS

Right partial nephrectomy was performed in female pigs by a surgical team consisting of one surgeon and one bedside assistant. Both were experienced in laparoscopic surgery and trained in the use of the novel robotic system. The partial nephrectomies were performed using four trocars (three trocars for the robotic arms and one as an assistant trocar). The completion of the operations, set-up time, operation time, warm ischemia time (WIT) and complication events were recorded. The decrease in all variables between the first and last operation was calculated.

RESULTS

In total, eight partial nephrectomies were performed in eight female pigs. All operations were successfully completed. The median set-up time was 19.5 (range, 15-30) minutes, while the estimated median operative time was 80.5 minutes (range, 59-114). The median WIT was 23.5 minutes (range, 17-32) and intra- or postoperative complications were not observed. All variables decreased in consecutive operations. More precisely, the decrease in the set-up time was calculated to 15 minutes between the first and third attempts. The operative time was reduced by 55 minutes between the first and last operation, while the WIT was decreased by 15 minutes during the consecutive attempts. No complications were noticed in any operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the newly introduced robotic system, all the advantages of robotic surgery are optimized and incorporated, and partial nephrectomies can be performed in a safe and effective manner.

Recurrent miscarriage and male factor infertility: diagnostic and therapeutic implications. A narrative review

Introduction

Recurrent miscarriage is defined as 2 or more failed clinical pregnancies, typically known as repeated pregnancy loss, occurring before 20 gestational weeks, and further categorized into primary and secondary types. It represents a common and distressing condition to deal with in the field of reproductive medicine, usually affecting <5% of couples, with up to 50% of cases lacking a clearly defined aetiology. The epidemiology also varies depending on maternal age. Remarkably, the situation significantly afflicts expecting parents, whereas maternal factors, such as age and previous pregnancy loss rate, are commonly reported as risk factors. Although previously underestimated, existing evidence suggests the male factor is a possible cause of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Material and methods

A non-systematic literature review was conducted in the PubMed and Scopus databases for articles written in English investigating the possible association of the male factor in recurrent pregnancy loss. The eligible studies were synthesized in a narrative review format upon discussion and consensus among the authors after being previously independently assessed and selected.

Results

Lifestyle, obesity, genetic predisposition, chromosomal anomalies, endocrine dysfunction, anatomical abnormalities, immunological factors, infections, and oxidative stress can result in poor embryo development and recurrent miscarriage. Although professional organizations currently recognize male gender as a possible risk factor, specific recommendations on the diagnostic and therapeutic field are still lacking, and the condition necessitates a high level of suspicion and case-by-case management.

Conclusions

In this review, we delve deeper into the contribution of the male factor in the concept of recurrent miscarriage.

Transfer of acquired practical skills from dry lab into live surgery using the avatera robotic system: An experimental study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the transfer of the practical skills of robot-assisted surgery acquired in the dry-lab into a real live experimental setting for performing upper and lower urinary tract surgeries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An in vivo experimental study design was utilized. Six urology trainees and fellows; two 2nd year trainees with no previous exposure to laparoscopic surgery (Group 1), two 4th year residents with medium exposure to laparoscopic surgery (Group 2) and two fellows trained to perform laparoscopic surgeries (Group 3) performed ureteral reimplantation into the bladder, pyeloplasty, and radical nephrectomy on three female pigs under general anesthesia. Prior to performing the requested procedures, each participant completed 10-14 h dry-lab robotic training acquiring skills in basic surgical tasks, such as suturing, cutting and needle passage. The recorded variables were the successful completion of the procedures, the console time, and the time to perform different steps and major complications.

RESULTS

All procedures were completed successfully by all groups except the pyeloplasty by group 1 which was complicated by bleeding from the renal vein, and the procedure was abandoned. Group 3 achieved shorter console time for all successfully completed procedures and for separate surgical steps compared to all groups, followed by Group 2. The slowest group for all procedures and steps analyzed was Group 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further clinical evidence is needed, the robotic-assisted urological procedures and the most challenging steps could be performed safely and effectively after proper training in the dry lab under mentor supervision according to our study.

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: initial experience with the novel avatera system

PURPOSE

This pilot study was designed to interpret the technically specific features of the avatera robotic system and present our initial experience with this novel platform in robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP).

METHODS

A single-center prospective study was conducted including all patients who underwent RAP with the avatera robotic system from June 2022 to October 2022 in our Department. Transperitoneal robot-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty was performed in all cases. The trocar placement and the surgical technique were similar in all patients. The successful completion of the procedures, operation time (including draping, docking and console time), decrease in hemoglobin postoperatively, and presence of any complications were the study's primary endpoints.

RESULTS

In total, nine patients underwent RAP using the avatera system. All procedures were successfully completed. The draping of the robotic unit was completed in a median time of 10 min (range 7-15), while the median docking time was 17 min (range 10-24). The median console time was 88 min (range 78-116) and no complications were noticed. The median hemoglobin drop was calculated to 0.7 g/dL (range 0.4-1). During the mean follow-up of 9.33 ± 2.78 months, no late postoperative complications were noticed.

CONCLUSION

The early outcomes of the use of the novel avatera system in RAP are presented. All operations were successfully completed with safety and efficacy, without complications or significant blood loss.

How Safe Are the Laparoscopic and Robotic Graspers? Evaluation of the Novel Avatera Robotic Surgical System: An Acute In Vivo Study on a Porcine Model

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the tissue injury caused by the force applied by the roboticassisted graspers of avatera robotic surgical system on bowel tissue.

METHODS

An experimental in vivo porcine model with 1 pig was conducted. After a standard transperitoneal setup of the avatera robotic surgical system, different laparoscopic and robotic graspers were used on the bowel with maximum force applied each time. Robotic atraumatic grasper, laparoscopic right angle grasper, laparoscopic curved grasper, and laparoscopic atraumatic grasper were used. After using all graspers, the pig was sacrificed. The bowel segments were resected and sent for histological analysis.

RESULTS

The pathologist reported that all the graspers caused signs of acute inflammation without any irreversible damage or signs compatible with ischemia of the tissue. No significant difference in histology was observed between the graspers.

CONCLUSION

No permanent damage was caused by graspers, except for acute, reversible inflammation. Concluding, the avatera grasper could be safe to use on bowel segments, independent of the applied pressure.

Location of ureteral access sheath in the ureter. Does it affect the fluid flow in different calyces?

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate outflow variation in different locations of the pyelocaliceal system with the use of different ureteral access sheath (UAS) sizes and different UAS positioning.

Material and methods

The experimental setup included an anaesthetised porcine model, a 7.5-Fr ureteroscope with a 200-μm laser fibre inserted in the working channel, a hand-held pumping irrigating system, and UAS of different sizes, namely: 9.5/11.5 Fr, 12/14 Fr, and 14/16 Fr. Each UAS was placed just below the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) or in the mid-ureter. The ureteroscope was placed in the renal pelvis, upper and lower calyces, and outflow measurements were obtained with 3-second interval pumping for one minute in every experimental setup.

Results

The UAS positioning in the mid-ureter was associated with significantly higher outflow rates in the lower calyx (p = 0.041). While the UAS was below the UPJ, we observed a trend of lower outflow rate in the lower calyx, which was completely inverted when the UAS was in the mid-ureter. Increasing the UAS size from 9.5/11.5 Fr to 12/14 Fr led to a significant increase in outflow in the renal pelvis and upper calyx (p = 0.007), but not in the lower calyx. A further increase to 14/16 Fr did not produce increased flow.

Conclusions

Different locations of the pyelocaliceal system have different fluid mechanics during fURS. In the renal pelvis and upper calyx increasing the diameter of the UAS improved the outflow, whereas in the lower calyx the position of the UAS seems to be the most relevant factor. These variables should be considered when performing fURS, especially with high-power laser lithotripsy.

Robot-Assisted Radical Nephrectomy Using the Novel Avatera Robotic Surgical System: A Feasibility Study in a Porcine Model

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and intraoperative technical parameters of the new robot-assisted surgical system Avatera by performing bilateral nephrectomy in a live porcine model. Materials and Methods: Six pigs underwent bilateral robot-assisted radical nephrectomy using the Avatera robotic system (RS). The operations were performed by experienced open (Group 1) and laparoscopic (Group 2) surgeons. The operating time, docking time, set-up time, and console time were evaluated. Data regarding intraoperative complications (major or not), injury of adjacent organs, and technical difficulties during the operation were also recorded. Results: Robot-assisted bilateral nephrectomy was completed effectively in all sample pigs. The docking time and set-up time were similar among the two groups, whereas the console time and operating time were significantly longer for the open surgeon group. Two intraoperative minor complications occurred in the open surgeon's group. An inadvertent damage of the renal vein occurred in two cases and the bleeding was controlled effectively. Other than the initial two cases, the estimated blood loss was <50 mL in both groups. Injury of the adjacent organs was not noticed. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that radical nephrectomy using the Avatera robotic surgical system is technically feasible, safe, and valid in pigs. Our results warrant the application of the Avatera RS in other urologic procedures, collecting data for further clinical trials.

The feasibility of robot-assisted radical cystectomy: an experimental study

PURPOSE

To investigate the feasibility of the avatera system for performing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) followed by intracorporeal reconstruction of ileal neobladder.

METHODS

Six anesthetized female pigs were used to perform RARC and formation of the intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder. Three surgeons with different level of expertise in the use of robotic systems performed RARC after a short instructional lecture and a 2-h hands-on training. The urinary diversion phase was performed only by the experienced surgeon. The successful completion of the procedure, operative time for demolitive and reconstructive phases, intraoperative blood loss and malfunction of the robotic system were evaluated.

RESULTS

An improvement of the operative time was observed for each surgeon. The experienced surgeon, the fellow and the resident improved their time by 11, 15, and 22 min, respectively, between the first and the second RARC performed. The most significant time difference was demonstrated by the resident, who had no previous experience in using robotic systems. The time difference between the first and the last orthotopic ileal neobladder creation for the experienced surgeon was 51 min.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility of avatera system for performing complex surgical procedure such as RARC with intracorporeal neobladder formation was demonstrated by this experimental study. No major bleeding or severe malfunctions were observed during the procedures. Significant improvement in operative time was demonstrated with the increasing experience from 1st to 6th case.

Vitamins as primary or adjunctive treatment in infertile men with varicocele: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the usage and the efficacy of vitamins as primary or adjuvant treatment in infertile men with varicocele.

METHODS

A systematic search in PubMed, the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Cochrane Library with the terms (varicocele) AND (vitamins) was performed. We searched for studies: a) reporting the administration of vitamins (individually or as part of a complex) in men with varicocele and infertility, b) primarily or adjuvant to invasive treatment, and c) reporting the impact on semen parameters and/or pregnancy rates. Exclusion criteria were animal, adolescent and non-English studies, grey literature and trials reporting abstracts only.

RESULTS

Seven studies were identified eligible for qualitative analysis. All studies were randomised except one (case series). Vitamins were administered dominantly as part of antioxidant complex and only two studies used vitamins (C and E, respectively) as sole agent. In two studies, vitamin monotherapy resulted in improvement in semen quality, but the effect on pregnancy rates is unknown. One study reported no efficacy of adjuvant multivitamin treatment after embolisation in terms of both semen quality and pregnancy rates. Finally, four studies reported a positive effect of vitamins on semen parameters after varicocelectomy, but the effect on pregnancy rates is conflicting; one study reported improved pregnancy rates with adjuvant treatment, two studies did not evaluate the pregnancy rates, and in one study the outcome was unclear due to missing data.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamins have been used mostly as part of an antioxidant panel for the management of infertile men with varicocele. Most studies have found a positive impact on semen parameters in selected men with varicocele and infertility, as primary or adjuvant treatment. However, the clinical benefit of vitamins administration on pregnancy rate is under-evaluated and should be the target of future research.