Robotic assisted laparoscopic simple suprapubic prostatectomy--The Smith Institute for Urology experience with an evolving technique

Objective:Despite a multitude of minimally invasive surgical options available for benign prostatic enlargement,open simple prostatectomy(OSP)remains the standard for large prostates(typically greater than 100 g).OSP,however,is associated with significant morbidity.Recently,a few reports touting robotic application to simple prostatectomy have been published.Herein,we reviewed our series of robotic assisted laparoscopic simple suprapubic prostatectomy(RALSSP)and detailed modifications in our technique as our experience increased.Methods:All RALSSP cases performed between January 2013 and January 2014 were reviewed for demographics,pre-operative features,and perioperative outcomes.All parameters were tabulated and mean values were calculated.Student’s t-test was utilized with p<0.05 deemed significant.Details regarding surgical technique were reviewed and highlighted.Results:Fifteen patients underwent RALSSP during this period.Mean age of these men was 68.7 years.Mean body mass index(BMI)was 28.5 kg/m^2.American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)score was on average 2.6.Average International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS)was 16.2 with the majority of men experiencing some adverse clinical sequela of such benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).For those patients not in retention,preoperative post-void residual(PVR)was 428 mL.All patients underwent successful RALSSP without need for conversion or need for blood transfusion.Mean estimated blood loss(EBL)was 290 mL.Five patients underwent other concurrent procedures(e.g.,cystolithotomy).Mean length of hospital stay(LOS)was 2.4 days and only five patients required continuous bladder irrigation(CBI)postoperatively.Postoperative PVR improved to a mean of 33 mL and IPSS improved to 4.5(p<0.001).No major complications were identified.Adaptation of low transverse cystotomy,utilization of a robotic tenaculum in the#3 arm with its control by a surgeon on a second console,and the utilization of mucosal advancement have all subjectively aided in performance of RALSSP and perioperative outcomes.Conclusion:RALSSP allows for feasible performance of prostate adenoma enucleation with low risk of blood transfusion,short LOS,and significant improvement in IPSS and PVR;all while maintaining a minimally invasive approach.The use of a robotic tenaculum controlled by the secondary console and the mucosal advancement facilitate excellent outcomes and may play a role in minimizing hematuria and need for CBI.

Successful robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for giant renal hilum angiomyolipoma through the retroperitoneal approach: A case report

BACKGROUND Giant renal angiomyolipomas(AMLs)may lead to complications including flank pain,hematuria,hypertension,retroperitoneal hemorrhage and even death.Giant AMLs which grow around renal hilar vessels and the ureter are rare.Most previous reports on the treatment of giant renal AMLs have focused on open surgery or a transperitoneal approach,with few studies on the retroperitoneal approach for large AMLs.We here report a case of giant renal hilum AML successfully treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery the retroperitoneal approach,with a one-year follow-up.CASE SUMMARY A 34-year-old female patient was diagnosed with renal AML 11 years ago and showed no discomfort.The tumor gradually increased in size to a giant AML over the years,which measured 63 mm×47 mm×90 mm and was wrapped around the right hilum.Therefore,a robotic laparoscopic partial nephrectomy(LPN)via the retroperitoneal approach was performed.The patient had no serious postoperative complications and was discharged soon after the operation.At the one-year follow-up,the patient's right kidney had recovered well.CONCLUSION Despite insufficient operating space via the retroperitoneal approach,LPN for giant central renal AMLs can be completed using a well-designed procedure with the assistance of a robotic system.