Peritoneal Flap for Lymphocele Prophylaxis Following Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy with Lymph Node Dissection: The Randomised Controlled Phase 3 PELYCAN Trial

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic lymphoceles (SLCs) after transperitoneal robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) are common. Evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the impact of peritoneal flaps (PFs) on lymphocele (LC) reduction is inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

To show that addition of PFs leads to a reduction of postoperative SLCs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

An investigator-initiated, prospective, parallel, double-blinded, adaptive, phase 3 RCT was conducted. Recruitment took place from September 2019 until December 2021; 6-month written survey-based follow-up was recorded. Stratification was carried out according to potential LC risk factors (extended PLND, diabetes mellitus, and anticoagulation) and surgeons; 1:1 block randomisation was used. Surgeons were informed about allocation after completion of the last surgical step.

INTERVENTION

To create PFs, the ventral peritoneum was incised bilaterally and fixated to the pelvic floor.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary endpoint was SLCs. Secondary endpoints included asymptomatic lymphoceles (ALCs), perioperative parameters, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

In total, 860 men were screened and 551 randomised. Significant reductions of SLCs (from 9.1% to 3.7%, p = 0.005) and ALCs (27.2% to 10.3%, p < 0.001) over the follow-up period of 6 mo were observed in the intention-to-treat analysis. Operating time was 11 min longer (p < 0.001) in the intervention group; no significant differences in amount (80 vs 103, p = 0.879) and severity (p = 0.182) of postoperative complications (excluding LCs) were observed. The survey-based follow-up might be a limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest RCT evaluating PF creation for LC prevention and met its primary endpoint, the reduction of SLCs. The results were consistent among all subgroup analyses including ALCs. Owing to the subsequent reduction of burden for patients and the healthcare system, establishing PFs should become the new standard of care.

PATIENT SUMMARY

A new technique-creation of bilateral peritoneal flaps-was added to the standard procedure of robotic-assisted prostatectomy for lymph node removal. It was safe and decreased lymphocele development, a common postoperative complication and morbidity. Hence, it should become a standard procedure.

[Description of a vaginoplasty technique using a peritoneal flap harvested by coelioscopic approach for male-to-female gender affirmations (MtF)]

AIM

The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive description of the peritoneal flap technique in male-to-female (MtF) gender affirmation surgery, particularly in cases of insufficient depth after penile inversion vaginoplasty.

RESULTS

Our short-term results reveal that the peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, adapted from the Davydov procedure, has shown significant potential for improving functional and aesthetic outcomes, including the creation of a self-lubricating neovagina. However, the complexity of the procedure requires advanced surgical expertise and appropriate postoperative care. Patient selection also plays an essential role as not all patients are ideal candidates for this procedure.

CONCLUSION

Despite its promises, the widespread adoption of the peritoneal flap technique in male-to-female (MtF) gender affirmation surgery is hindered by several challenges, including the need for specialized training and potential postoperative complications. Thus, this technique should be considered as an alternative or complement to traditional methods, depending on individual patient factors. Further research and extensive clinical trials are needed to better understand its potential and limitations in order to enhance the arsenal of effective surgical options for MtF gender affirmation surgery.

Parietal Peritoneal Flap for Post-radiation Bladder Injury Repair

Inadvertent bladder injuries during pelvic surgery are not uncommon. Repair of these cystotomies are generally easy. However, post-radiation, the urinary bladder becomes contracted, friable and difficult to heal. Injuries in this setting present a treatment dilemma especially when there is absence of viable native tissue such as omentum for tissue buttress. The authors report a case of parietal peritoneal flap for post-radiation bladder injury repair based on twigs from the inferior epigastric vessels. This flap being easy to perform is believed to be a viable alternative to musculocutaneous flaps especially in the emergency setting.

Modified Technique of Doubly Folded Peritoneal Flap Interposition in Transabdominal Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair: Our Experience of 36 Cases

PURPOSE

Correction of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) using interpositional flaps is an established procedure. In open repair, omental flap gives good results. However, its availability in all the cases is questionable. We utilized our technique of doubly folded peritoneal flap and assessed the outcome of the repair.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study included 36 cases of open VVF repair, performed during 2010-2019. Preoperative clinical examination, cystoscopy, and imaging were performed routinely. Open transvesical repair as described by O'Conor was performed and doubly folded peritoneal flap was utilized. Intra- and postoperative parameters were recorded. The outcome was assessed after 21 days of catheter removal. A minimum of 6 months of follow-up was done.

RESULTS

Mean age was 44 ± 18 years, and 97.2% of VVF were iatrogenic, mainly after hysterectomy (75.0%) and caesarean section (22.2%). Fistula size ranged from 0.6 to 5.5 cm. Five cases had multiple fistulas and 3 cases were recurrent. Mean flap length and width were 8.0 ± 2.4 and 5.1 ± 1.1 cm, respectively. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 94 ± 15 min and 155 ± 45 mL, respectively. Fourteen of 36 patients developed complications of Clavien-Dindo grade I/II. Thirty-five out of 36 cases (97.2%) were cured and remained dry for 6 months after surgery. Three cases reported de-novo urgency and were treated medically. Satisfaction level was good in 91.2% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Transvesical repair using doubly folded peritoneal flap provides an excellent and durable outcome. It is a suitable alternative to the omental interpositional flap.

Comparison of peritoneal closure versus non-closure in laparoscopic trans-abdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with coated mesh

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal closure during laparoscopic trans-abdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair has been the standard of care to prevent bowel obstruction due to adhesions generated by contact with mesh. However, with newer coated meshes, leaving the peritoneal layer open may be safe. While many studies compare methods of peritoneal flap closure, there is a deficit of literature reporting the outcomes of non-closure.

METHODS

A retrospective comparison of peritoneal flap closure versus non-closure during primary laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair with coated mesh was performed for all patients at Baystate Medical Center meeting inclusion criteria between January 2005 and August 2016. Primary outcome was any procedure-related adverse outcome following repair. Secondary outcomes included operative time, resolution of pre-operative pain and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, and hernia recurrence.

RESULTS

Of 231 patients, 55 (24%) underwent peritoneal flap closure and 176 (76%) underwent non-closure. Demographic, comorbidity, and hernia characteristics were comparable between groups with the exception of obesity (p = 0.01), current smoking status (p = 0.05) and hernia side [p = 0.04 (left), 0.0003 (right)]. Mean operative time was higher in the closure group than non-closure (98.1 ± 37.1 min vs. 76.8 ± 32.9, p < 0.0001). No cases were converted to open. Average follow-up was 21.6 ± 23.8 months. Ninety-three percent of closure patients had documented resolution of pre-operative pain versus 94.0% of non-closure (p = 0.81). The closure group experienced a higher percentage of post-operative complications, though this did not reach significance (5.5 vs. 2.3%; p = 0.36). Compared to the closure group, the non-closure groups experienced similar post-operative pain (3.6 vs. 1.2%; p = 0.24) and recurrence rate (1.8 vs. 4.0%; p = 0.68). There were no bowel obstructions, surgical site infections, unplanned readmissions, or unplanned re-operations.

CONCLUSIONS

Equivalent patient outcomes were seen for both procedure types post-operatively and during follow-up. Operative times were significantly shorter for non-closure patients. Larger study population and longer follow-up is necessary to evaluate true long-term complication rates in flap non-closure.