Expanding the indications of robotic surgery in urology: A systematic review of the literature

Evaluation of the Toumai robotic system in partial nephrectomy and key system features

Robotic partial nephrectomy is a standard procedure in urology, but its widespread use is limited by the high cost and technical constraints of current systems. New robotic systems are being developed to enhance affordability and accessibility, expanding the availability of advanced robotic surgery to a broader range of healthcare facilities and patients. This study evaluates the feasibility and safety of the Toumai system in partial nephrectomy, examining its advanced features and their potential impact on surgical precision and operational efficiency. In this single center study, eleven patients underwent partial nephrectomy using Toumai. Primary endpoints were feasibility and safety, while secondary outcomes included perioperative outcomes. All surgeries were completed successfully without conversion, minimal complications, and no major equipment failures. The median operative time was 107 min, docking time was 8 min, and estimated blood loss was 50 ml. One off-clamp partial nephrectomy was successfully performed and median warm ischemia time was 9 min in the remaining cases. Postoperatively, renal function remained stable, and surgical margins were negative in all cases. These preliminary results suggest that partial nephrectomy can be safely performed using the Toumai robotic system. The system's advanced features, including sensory feedback, high-frequency response, and enhanced imaging technologies, likely contributed to favorable surgical outcomes with minimal complications. However, these initial findings warrant further validation through larger studies and longer follow-up.

Initial experience with the novel modular robotic system Carina in urology: a prospective study on safety feasibility and surgical settings

Robot-assisted surgery has transformed urology, but widespread adoption remains limited by the high cost, complex setup, and rigid system design. This prospective single-center study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the novel modular Carina in 19 upper and lower urinary tract surgeries. All cases were completed robotically without conversion, with one major complication. For partial nephrectomy (PN), median operative time (OT) was 120 min with 50 mL estimated blood loss (EBL), including one off-clamp PN completed in 77 min (EBL: 50 mL). Pyeloplasty had a median OT of 105 min (EBL: 50 mL), while radical prostatectomy (RP) achieved a median OT of 150 min (EBL: 50 mL). Radical cystectomy was completed in 301 min without major complications, and an uncomplicated postoperative course. Median docking times were 5 and 8 min for upper and lower tract surgeries, with negative margins and preserved renal function in all PN, and social continence post-RP. The Carina system demonstrates procedural safety and feasibility in complex urological procedures. The modular design may enhance workflow and space utilization, suggesting the potential for promising tool and broader clinical applications. Further validation with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up is needed.

Comparison of single-port versus multi-port robotic assisted partial nephrectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of perioperative and oncological outcomes

The safety and efficacy of single-port and multi-port robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (SP-RAPN and MP-RAPN, respectively) were assessed for treating partial nephrectomy in this study. A systematic review of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to June 2024 to compare studies on SP-RAPN and MP-RAPN. Primary outcomes included perioperative results, complications, and oncological outcomes. Eight studies involving 1014 patients were analyzed. For binary outcomes, comparisons were performed using odds ratios (OR), and for continuous variables, weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The search failed to discover significant meaningful variations in operating times (p = 0.54), off-clamp procedure (P = 0.36), blood loss (p = 0.31), positive surgical margins (PSMs) (p = 0.78), or major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3) (p = 0.68) between SP-RAPN and MP-RAPN. However, shorter hospital stays (WMD - 0.26 days, 95% CI - 0.36 to - 0.15; p < 0.00001) and longer warm ischemia times (WIT) (WMD 3.13 min, 95% CI 0.81-5.46; p = 0.008) were related to SP-RAPN, and higher transfusion rate (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.31-6.80; p = 0.009) compared to MP-RAPN. SP-RAPN performed better in terms of hospital stay but had slightly higher rates of transfusion, off-clamp procedures, and warm ischemia time (WIT) compared to MP-RAPN. As an emerging technology, preliminary research suggests that SP-RAPN is a feasible and safe method for carrying out a nephrectomy partial. However, compared to MP-RAPN, it shows inferior outcomes regarding (WIT) and transfusion rates.

Assessing the Feasibility and Safety of the Toumai® Robotic System in Urologic Surgery: Initial Experience

Introduction: Robotic surgery using da Vinci surgical system has gained prominence in urology; emerging robotic platforms are expanding its applications and increasing affordability. We assess the feasibility and safety of a novel system, the Toumai® robotic system in various urological surgeries. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the first affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou university. Twenty consecutive patients underwent renal and prostatic surgery with the Toumai. The study assessed technical feasibility (conversion rate) and safety (perioperative complications) of the procedures as primary outcomes. Secondary endpoints included key surgical perioperative outcomes: functional and oncologic results. The Endoscopic Surgical System operates within a master-slave protocol, comprising a Surgeon Console, Patient Platform, and Vision Platform. Results: Seventeen patients underwent various nephrectomy procedures and three underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). There was no conversion to alternative surgical approach; a single (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3b) complication occurred, and no readmission was recorded within 30 days. The median operative time was 120, 140, and 210 minutes for partial nephrectomy (PN), radical nephrectomy, and RP, respectively. Off-clamp PN was performed in one case, and the warm ischemia time in the remaining two case was 18 minutes. The median docking time was 22 minutes for nephrectomy and 20 minutes for RP; no major robotic malfunction was encountered. At 3-month follow-up, no tumor recurrence was recorded, renal function was well preserved, and the continence status was satisfactory. Conclusions: We present the initial clinical utilization of an innovative robotic platform. Complex urological surgeries were successfully completed without conversions and with minimal complications. Further investigations are warranted to confirm these initial findings.

Da Vinci vs. Hugo RAS for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a prospective comparative single-center study

PURPOSE

To evaluate Hugo RAS against the Da Vinci system for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) in prostate cancer treatment.

METHODS

We compared outcomes of 150 patients with prostate cancer undergoing RARP with either Hugo or Da Vinci systems. Our analysis included operative, postoperative, pathological, and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

Both groups had 75 patients. Baseline characteristics and tumor features were similar. Intraoperatively, Da Vinci had a shorter docking time (10.45 vs. 18.62 min, p = 0.02), but total operative times were comparable (145.34 vs 138.95, p = 0.85). Hugo outperformed in neck dissection and lymphadenectomy times (22 vs 13.67 min, p = 0.027 and 37.82 vs 45.77 min, p = 0.025). Postoperative metrics like stay duration, catheter time, and complications showed no significant difference. Functional results, using IPSS and IIEF5, were similar between systems. Six Da Vinci patients (8%) and nine Hugo patients (12%) experienced social incontinence (p = 0.072). Pathological outcomes like T stage, Gleason Score, and nodes removed were alike. However, Hugo had more positive surgical margins (20% vs. 10.67%, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

RARP outcomes using Hugo RAS were similar to the Da Vinci system in our study. More research and extended follow-up are required to ascertain long-term oncological and functional results.

Single-Port vs Multiport Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Several centers have reported their experience with single-port robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (SP-RAPN); however, it is uncertain if utilization of this platform represents an improvement in outcomes compared to multiport robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (MP-RAPN). To evaluate this, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes between SP-RAPN and MP-RAPN. Methods: For relevant articles, three electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched from their inception until January 1, 2023. A meta-analysis has been reported in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 and assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews (AMSTAR) guidelines. The odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (MD) were applied for the comparison of dichotomous and continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Of the 374 retrieved abstracts, 29 underwent full-text review, and 8 studies were included in the final analysis, comprising a total cohort of 1007 cases of RAPN (453 SP-RAPN cases and 554 MP-RAPN cases). Compared to MP-RAPN, the SP-RAPN group had a significantly longer ischemia time (MD = 4.6 minutes, 95% CI 2.8 to 6.3, p < 0.001), less estimated blood loss (MD = -12.4 mL, 95% CI -24.6 to -0.3, p = 0.045), higher blood transfusion rate (OR = 2.97, 95% CI 1.33 to 6.65, p = 0.008), and higher postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6 months (MD = 4.9 mL/min, 95% CI 0.2 to 9.7, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in other outcomes between the two approaches, including the intraoperative complication, overall postoperative complication, minor postoperative complication (Clavien-Dindo I - II), major postoperative complication (Clavien-Dindo III-V), conversion to radical nephrectomy, pain score on day #1, pain score on discharge, morphine milligram equivalent usage, hospital stay, positive surgical margins, and postoperative eGFR. Conclusions: SP-RAPN represents an emerging technique using a novel platform. Initial studies have demonstrated that SP-RAPN is a safe and feasible approach to performing partial nephrectomy, although with inferior outcomes for ischemia time and blood transfusion rates. Further studies will be necessary to define the best usage of SP-RAPN within the surgeon's armamentarium.

Outcomes of robotic modified Freyer's prostatectomy in an Australian patient cohort

Introduction

The study aims to demonstrate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of robotic simple prostatectomy (RSP) using the modified Freyer's approach in an Australian patient cohort. Although RSP is performed in several Australian centres, there is a paucity of published Australian data.

Methods

We reviewed prospectively collected perioperative and outcomes data for patients who underwent a robotic modified Freyer's prostatectomy (RMFP) from June 2019 to March 2022. Statistics were completed using SPSS statistics v27.0 and reported as mean and range with a p value of <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

There were 27 patients who underwent RMFP over the study period with a mean age of 67 years and prostate volume of 159.74 cc (100-275). The mean console time was 168 min (122-211), blood loss of 233 ml (50-600) and average length of hospital stay of 3.8 days (3-8). The preoperative versus postoperative outcome means were as follows: serum prostate-specific antigen was 9.69 versus 1.2 ng/mL, IPPS score was 17.1 versus 1.25, quality of life (QOL) score 3.4 versus 0.4, postvoid residual volume: 223.6 versus 55.9 ml, Q-max 7.86 versus 29.6 ml/s. These were all statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean weight of resected tissue was 74 g (43-206) with 25 patients having benign histopathology and two being diagnosed with prostate cancer (Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 and 3 + 4 = 7). No patients returned to theatre or required a blood transfusion.

Conclusions

Data from our patient cohort demonstrate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of RMFP for benign prostatic hyperplasia in an Australian patient cohort. Our outcomes compare favourably with published studies on RSP.

Analysis of the effect of holmium laser flexible ureteroscopic intrapelvic drainage in the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts

Objective

To explore the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of holmium laser flexible ureteroscopic intrapelvic drainage in the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts.

Methods

From September 2012 to February 2019, a total of 18 patients, aged from 28 to 62 (mean±standard deviation [SD]: 46.50±9.14) years, were diagnosed with parapelvic renal cysts and treated by holmium laser flexible ureteroscopic intrapelvic drainage. There were 10 males and eight females. All of the parapelvic renal cysts were unilateral, and two cases were complicated with pyelolithiasis. The diameters of the cysts ranged from 4.1 cm to 8.2 cm.

Results

All the patients completed the operation successfully in one stage without conversion to open surgery; in two cases, it was difficult to find the cysts during the operation, and the localization was completed by B-ultrasound and percutaneous injection of methylene blue. The mean operative time was 33.89 (SD: 9.68; range: 22-54) min, and the mean hospitalization time was 2.67 (SD: 0.91; range: 2-5) days. Three months and 6 months of follow-up were performed after surgery. The cysts disappeared in 13 (72%) cases, and the diameter of the cysts in five (28%) cases decreased by more than 50%.

Conclusion

Holmium laser flexible ureteroscopic intrapelvic drainage in the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts is simple, safe, and effective, and can be used as the first choice for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts.

The Availability, Cost, Limitations, Learning Curve and Future of Robotic Systems in Urology and Prostate Cancer Surgery

Robot-assisted surgical systems (RASS) have revolutionised the management of many urological conditions over the last two decades with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) now being considered by many to be the preferred surgical approach. Intuitive Surgical has dominated the market during this time period with successive iterations of the da Vinci model. The expiration of patents has opened the RASS market and several new contenders have become available or are currently in development. This comprehensive narrative review aims to explore the merits of each robotic system as well as the evidence and barriers to their use. The newly developed RASS have increased the versality of robotic surgical systems to a wider range of settings through advancement in technology. The increased competition may result in an overall reduction in cost, broadening the accessibility of RASS. Learning curves and training remain a barrier to their use, but the situation appears to be improving through dedicated training programmes. Outcomes for RARP have been well investigated and tend to support improved early functional outcomes. Overall, the rapid developments in the field of robot-assisted surgery indicate the beginning of a promising new era to further enhance urological surgery.

Embracing robotic surgery in low- and middle-income countries: Potential benefits, challenges, and scope in the future

Robotic surgery has applications in many medical specialties, including urology, general surgery, and surgical oncology. In the context of a widespread resource and personnel shortage in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), the use of robotics in surgery may help to reduce physician burnout, surgical site infections, and hospital stays. However, a lack of haptic feedback and potential socioeconomic factors such as high implementation costs and a lack of trained personnel may limit its accessibility and application. Specific improvements focused on improved financial and technical support to LMICs can help improve access and have the potential to transform the surgical experience for both surgeons and patients in LMICs. This review focuses on the evolution of robotic surgery, with an emphasis on challenges and recommendations to facilitate wider implementation and improved patient outcomes.

A Tale of Two Cancers: A Current Concise Overview of Breast and Prostate Cancer

Cancer is a global issue, and it is expected to have a major impact on our continuing global health crisis. As populations age, we see an increased incidence in cancer rates, but considerable variation is observed in survival rates across different geographical regions and cancer types. Both breast and prostate cancer are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although cancer statistics indicate improvements in some areas of breast and prostate cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, such statistics clearly convey the need for improvements in our understanding of the disease, risk factors, and interventions to improve life span and quality of life for all patients, and hopefully to effect a cure for people living in developed and developing countries. This concise review compiles the current information on statistics, pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatments associated with breast and prostate cancer.

Robotic pyelolithotomy in a solitary pelvic kidney complicated with fulminant Clostridium difficile: a case report

Background

Robotic-assisted surgeries have gradually become the standard of care for many procedures, especially in the field of urology. Despite the widespread use of robotic assistance in surgeries, data on its postoperative complications are extremely limited. We detail a rare presentation of fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis requiring surgical intervention in a patient with a solitary ectopic pelvic kidney who underwent a robotic-assisted pyelolithotomy. Highlights of the most recent management recommendations for C. difficile infection are also presented.

Case presentation

A 26-year-old Caucasian woman who underwent a robot-assisted pyelolithotomy of a pelvic kidney developed tachycardia, leukocytosis, and severe diarrhea 2 days following surgery. Because of her long history of antibiotic use, her severe symptoms were concerning for C. difficile colitis. This was confirmed by a C. difficile toxin test and a computed tomography scan. She was given recommended antibiotics, but her condition progressively deteriorated. The patient developed fulminant colitis and toxic megacolon, for which she underwent an exploratory laparotomy with subtotal abdominal colectomy and ileostomy creation on the twelfth day of her hospitalization. She fully recovered and was discharged 3 weeks after her subtotal colectomy.

Conclusion

Although robotic surgeries have been shown to have several advantages, risk of postsurgical complications remains. We present a rare case of fulminant C. difficile colitis that complicated a robotic-assisted pyelolithotomy. Active prevention, early detection, and optimization of management are essential to preventing unfavorable outcomes.

Market potentials of robotic systems in medical science: analysis of the Avatera robotic system

PURPOSE

To evaluate the potential opportunities and possible competitiveness of Avatera robotic system (ARS) (Avateramedical, Germany), and perform predictive cost-analysis for its implementation and dissemination.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Our study employed a projective quantitative research design. SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis was used to map ARS internal competencies towards external contexts, and potential opportunities and risks in the robotic market. The ARS purchase and procedural costs were evaluated in two different scenarios.

RESULTS

In the first scenario, setting the purchase cost of the Avatera at around $1.3-1.5 million, a total $400 procedural cost reduction compared to the RAS performed with the da Vinci Xi can be calculated. In the second scenario, with a purchase cos of the ARS of $700.000-800.000 and considering a 5-year period with an annual ARS volume of 500 procedures, only an additional $300 will be attributed to the robot itself. Our projections revealed that for an effective competition the purchase cost of ARS should range between $700.000 and $800.000 during the initial phase of market entry. The marketing strategy of the ARS should be oriented towards countries without any robotic system in operational use, followed by countries where the competition intensity in the marketplace is low.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of new robotic systems will greatly affect and reshape the market of robotic surgery. The ARS has all the technical capacity ensuring the performance of high-quality surgical procedures. A fast spread and implementation of the ARS could be expected should the purchase and maintenance costs be kept low.

Robotic Freyer's prostatectomy: Operative technique and single-center experience

Introduction:

Transurethral resection of prostate replaced open surgery and remained the gold standard in surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Holmium laser enucleation and bipolar resection of prostate managed even larger glands. Open simple prostatectomy remains an option for large glands and concurrent pathologies. Minimally invasive laparoscopic simple prostatectomy lacks general acceptance. Surgeons have now started exploring the robotic platform due to its advantages. Herein, we present the technique and initial outcomes of robotic Freyer's prostatectomy (RFP).

Materials and Methods:

Thirteen transperitoneal RFPs were performed using the DaVinci Xi platform. We evaluated perioperative characteristics and functional outcomes.

Results:

Median patient age was 67.8 years and the mean prostate volume was 105.8 ml. The median International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and American Urological Association quality of life (AUA-QoL) score was 19.6 and 5.3. There were no intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. The mean console time and estimated blood loss were 107.30 min and 92.5 ml, respectively. One patient required redo-surgery by robotic technique due to urine leak (Clavien-Dindo Grade 3b complication). Mean hospital stay and catheter duration were 4.9 days and 5.2 days, respectively. Change (preoperative vs. postoperative) in IPSS (19.6 vs. 4.67 points), maximum flow rate (6.8 vs. 15.1 ml/s), AUA-QoL score (5.3 vs. 2.2 points) and PVR (179.4 vs 7.1 ml) were significant (P < 0001).

Conclusions:

RFP is a safe and effective option for managing BPH, especially for large glands. It confers minimally invasive surgery benefits with good functional outcomes.

Robotic-assisted excision of a juxta renal retroperitoneal schwannoma

Retroperitoneal schwannoma is a rare benign tumor of the peripheral nerve Schwann sheath. We, herein, report the case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with vague abdominal pain. Computed tomography imaging revealed a retroperitoneal mass that is medial to the right kidney. The patient underwent robotic excision of the tumor with the pathology revealing schwannoma. We report this case due to the scarcity of this disease entity, especially at this location and to emphasize the indication and value of robotic technology in different pathological processes retroperitoneally.

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Removal of a Large Primary Retroperitoneal Mature Cystic Teratoma in an Adult

Mature teratomas are unique and generally benign neoplasms. They are derived from embryonic tissues and typically located within the gonadal region. Primary retroperitoneal teratomas are uncommon in adults and often challenging to treat, given their location and size. Here, we offer a rare case of a large primary retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma, detected on abdominal ultrasound during the work-up of abdominal bloating and nausea and treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic excision in a 58-year-old male. In this report, we sought to describe the evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of this condition, as well as review the associated literature.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes for Radical Nephrectomy Based on Surgical Approach for Masses Greater than 10cm

Introduction and Objective Robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy (RRN) is increasingly utilized as an alternative to laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) but there are concerns over costs and objective benefit. In the setting of very large renal masses (>10 cm), comparison between techniques is limited and it is unclear whether a robotic approach confers any perioperative benefit over LRN or open radical nephrectomy (ORN). In this study, perioperative outcomes of RRN, LRN, and ORN for very large renal masses are compared. Methods Using the National Cancer Database, patients were identified who underwent radical nephrectomy for kidney tumors >10 cm diagnosed from 2010-2015. Patients were analyzed according to surgical approach. Perioperative outcomes, including conversion to open, length of stay, readmission rates, positive surgical margins, and 30 and 90-day mortality were compared among cohorts. Results A total of 9288 patients met inclusion criteria (RRN = 842, LRN = 2326, ORN = 6120). Compared to ORN, recipients of RRN or LRN had similar rates of 30-day readmission and 30- and 90-day mortality. Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in RRN (-1.73 days ±0.19; p<0.0001) and LRN (-1.40 days ±0.12; p<0.0001) compared to ORN. LRN had a higher rate of conversion to open compared to RRN (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.10-1.98; p=0.0087). Conversion to open from RRN or LRN added 1.3 additional days of inpatient stay. Over the study period, RRN use increased from 4.1% to 14.8%, LRN from 20.9% to 25.6%, while ORN use decreased from 75% to 59.6%. Conclusions Minimally invasive approaches are increasingly utilized in very large renal masses. RRN has lower rates of conversion to open but produces comparable perioperative outcomes to LRN. Minimally invasive approaches have a shorter length of inpatient stay but otherwise report similar surgical margin status, readmission rates, and mortality rates compared to open radical nephrectomy.

Oncologic Equipoise Between Robotic and Open Radical Cystectomy

Purpose: Our objective was to establish the incidence of positive surgical margins, recurrence patterns, and recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in a large cohort of patients undergoing robotic (robot-assisted radical cystectomy [RARC]) and open radical cystectomy (ORC). Materials and Methods: We performed a large retrospective cohort study at a high-volume academic tertiary referral center. Patients were those who underwent RC for bladder cancer from 2005 to 2017. Patients were allocated to ORC or RARC by patient and surgeon choice. Propensity matching and a multivariable analysis were performed to determine factors predictive of RFS and OS after RC. All analyses were done with SAS 9.4. Results: The study included 1885 patients, 13.5% of whom underwent RARC. There was no difference in positive soft tissue surgical margins (2.4% in ORC and 1.2% in RARC). There were no differences in recurrence patterns, nor in the severity of pathology distribution between the two cohorts. Peritoneal carcinomatosis was seen in 1.1% of ORC and 0.8% in RARC. Shorter RFS was associated with younger age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.05, p < 0.001), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.14-1.75, p = 0.002), higher pathologic stage (stage ≥T₂ HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.91-3.16, p < 0.001), lymph node positivity at cystectomy (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.50-2.47, p < 0.001), and positive surgical margins (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.09-2.05, p = 0.01). RFS and OS did not differ by surgical approach (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.83-1.30), p = 0.75 and (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.67-1.19), p = 0.43, respectively. Conclusion: The data from this study support continued use of RARC as a safe oncologic procedure, with similar outcomes to ORC.

3D-printed models and virtual reality as new tools for image-guided robot-assisted nephron-sparing surgery: a systematic review of the newest evidences

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nowadays, kidney cancer surgery has been focusing on a patient-tailored management, expanding the indication to nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Starting from computer tomography images, 3D models can be created, allowing a never experienced before understanding of surgical anatomy. Once obtained the models can be printed or virtually visualized with the aid to assist the surgeon in preoperative planning and simulation or intraoperative navigation. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the preoperative and intraoperative impact of 3D printed and virtual imaging for robotic NSS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Ten articles were found to meet the inclusion criteria and reviewed. An 'intermediate' score was assessed to the overall articles' quality. A moderate/high risk of bias was recorded for all the studies.

SUMMARY

3D-printed models were considered to be more useful during both preoperative simulations and patients' counseling. These models guaranteed a better comprehension of anatomical structures and surgical procedure. Costs and quality of the materials available represent the two main limits of this developing technology.Instead, in a virtual reality setting the preoperative planning was enhanced by using 3D virtual models in a mixed reality environment. Intraoperatively, the possibility to overlap the 3D model to real anatomy allowed augmented reality procedures. This technology is still a 'newborn' and is constantly evolving, expanding day by day the range of its potential applications.

The Hidden Curriculum: Strategies for Preparing Residents for Practice

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this paper was to identify areas of importance in modern urology education that are not currently emphasized in current urological curricula.

RECENT FINDINGS

We identified curricular deficits in robotic surgical simulation, transgender health, leadership, business management, and social media training. Few practicing urologists feel comfortable managing transgender-specific needs, and most training programs do not adequately address transgender health. Urology programs also do not sufficiently emphasize topics in leadership, business management, or appropriate social media usage. With respect to simulation, while it is currently included in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) program requirements, it is currently under-utilized for training in robotic surgery. It is important for urologists to receive adequate training for the modern practice landscape. Where knowledge gaps among early practicing urologists arise, programs should adapt their curricula to address them.

Improvement of Urinary Incontinence, Life Impact, and Depression and Anxiety With Modified Pelvic Floor Muscle Training After Radical Prostatectomy

Prostate cancer ranks second among male cancers in the United States in terms of death rate. Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) is now offered as the standard surgical procedure performed for radical prostatectomy. Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction were common complications after RAS prostatectomy. Patients felt ill-prepared after surgery, resulting in negative impacts on their quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle exercise is prioritized for patients with mild-to-moderate incontinence. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using resistance band pelvic floor muscle exercise for patients after RAS prostatectomy. A preexperimental single-group study was conducted for this study. A total of 43 patients completed the program. Urinary incontinence scale, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were assessed at 0.5 months, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after urinary catheter removal. The results revealed that urinary incontinence, life impact, and depression and anxiety improved significantly as time went on. This study suggests that using simple and easy-to-learn resistance band pelvic floor muscle exercise program at home can benefit patients financially and reduce travel time.

Preclinical Evaluation of the Versius Surgical System, a New Robot-assisted Surgical Device for Use in Minimal Access Renal and Prostate Surgery

BACKGROUND

Minimal access surgery (MAS) is well-established in urological surgery. However, MAS is technically demanding and associated with a prolonged learning curve. Robot-assisted laparoscopy has made progress in overcoming these challenges.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a new robot-assisted surgical system (the Versius Surgical System; CMR Surgical, Cambridge, UK) for renal and prostate procedures in a preclinical setting, at the IDEAL-D phase 0.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Cadaveric sessions were conducted to evaluate the ability of the system to complete all surgical steps required for a radical nephrectomy, prostatectomy, and pelvic lymph node dissection. A live animal (porcine) model was also used to assess the surgical device in performing radical nephrectomy safely and effectively. Procedures were performed by experienced renal and prostate surgeons, supported by a full operating room team.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Surgical access and reach were evaluated by the lead surgeon using a visual analogue scale. The precise surgical steps conducted to make the assessment that the procedures could be completed fully were recorded, as well as instruments used (including manual laparoscopic instruments) and endoscope angle.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

In total, all 24 procedures were completed successfully in cadavers by eight different lead surgeons. Positioning of the ports and bedside units reflected the lead surgeon's preferred laparoscopic set-up and enabled good surgical access and reach, as quantified by a median visual analogue score of ≥6.5. Radical nephrectomies performed in pigs were all completed successfully, with no device- or non-device-related intraoperative complications recorded. Testing in human cadavers and pig models balances the bias introduced by each model; however, it is impossible to completely replicate the experience and performance of the robot for surgery in live humans.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first preclinical assessment of the Versius Surgical System for renal and prostate procedures. The safety and effectiveness of the system have been demonstrated and warrant progressive assessment in a clinical setting utilising the IDEAL-D framework.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this report, we looked at the usability of a new robot-assisted surgical device for renal and prostate surgery by testing the system in cadavers and pigs. We found that a number of different surgeons and operating team personnel were able to use the system to successfully complete the procedures under evaluation. We conclude that the system is ready to be tested in live human studies.

Development of Male External Urethral Sphincter and Tissue-Resident Stem/Progenitor Cells in Rats

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostate surgery is primarily caused by urethral sphincter damage. There are few effective therapeutic approaches for male SUI due to both insufficient study of the structure of the external urethral sphincter (EUS) and incomplete understanding of the resident EUS stem/progenitor cells. The goals of this study were to localize and to determine the distribution of tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells in the male EUS throughout EUS development and to understand the anatomic temporal patterns of the EUS. Newborn Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with the thymidine analogue, 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU), and the EUS was harvested at five time points (1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks postinjection). The tissue was then processed for EdU staining and immunofluorescence staining for stem cell markers Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. We counted the EdU+ label-retaining cells (LRCs) at each time point and colocalized with each stem cell marker, also we isolated and cultured the cells in vitro. The results revealed that the number of EdU+ LRCs in each EUS cross-section decreased over time and that the LRCs were located immediately under the basal membrane of laminin, densely adherent to the muscle fibers. In addition, the thickness of the striated muscle layer developed much faster than the smooth muscle layer during EUS development. By 4 weeks, the structure of the EUS layers was well differentiated. The EUS resident stem/progenitor cells were isolated with MACS® MicroBeads system, and myogenesis was confirmed. In this study, we defined both the time-course development of the EUS and the distribution of resident stem/progenitor cells. This information is crucial for forthcoming studies regarding male micturition and for development of novel therapeutic approaches for postoperative male SUI.

The role of robotic surgery in the management of renal tract calculi

The role of robotic assisted surgery in contemporary urolithiasis management is in its infancy. The mainstay in the management of renal tract calculi remains ureterorenoscopy (URS), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). However, in rare clinical circumstances, such as large impacted pelvic and ureteric calculi, endo-urological techniques may not be adequate. Furthermore, patient may have a synchronous pathology such as pelvi-ureteric obstruction which preferably should be concurrently treated with the renal calculi in a single sitting. Robotic assisted laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RALU), robotic assisted laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (RPL) with or without concurrent pyeloplasty and Robotic assisted laparoscopic anatrophic nephrolithotomy have all been described for complex stones. Additionally, technical challenges with a flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) have led to the development of robotic assisted flexible ureteroscopes. In the article we summarize the role of robotic assisted surgery in complex renal tract calculi.

The current state and the future of robotic surgery in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery

In this article, we review the current uses and future directions of robotic surgery in the field of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Pelvic surgery is ideal for the use of surgical robots, which provide improved visualization and ease of suturing deep within the pelvis. Robots have been successfully used for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, in procedures such as sacrocolpopexy, sacrohysteropexy, and uterosacral ligament plication. Surgeons have used the robotic successfully to treat various etiologies of female pelvic pain including fibroids, endometriosis, and nerve entrapment. Robotic repair of iatrogenic injury has been described with excellent outcomes and avoidance of conversion to open surgery in the event of an injury caused using the robotic platform. While more data is needed on this topic, there has been increasing interest in using the robot for urologic reconstruction including repair of vesico-vaginal fistula, cystectomy, augmentation cystoplasty, and continent and non-continent diversions. Recently the use of the robot has been described in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in females, with robotic placement of an artificial urinary sphincter. While robotic surgery is associated with increased cost, the outcomes of robotic surgery in female urology are promising. More studies that properly evaluate the benefits of robotic surgery as compared to open and laparoscopic approaches are needed.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic augmentation ileocystoplasty and excision of an intraperitoneal mass: a case report

Objective

This case is reported to introduce an advanced surgical technique and share our experience with surgeons.

Methods

A 53-year-old man was admitted to the Department of Urology of The Second Xiangya Hospital with complaints of frequent urination and dysuria in June 2018. He had been diagnosed with genitourinary tuberculosis and left renal dysfunction at another hospital and had undergone left nephrectomy 6 months previously. At our institution, intravenous urography showed a normally functioning right solitary kidney. Computed tomography indicated a high-density mass in the abdominal cavity. At the patient’s request, robot-assisted laparoscopic augmentation ileocystoplasty and excision of the intraperitoneal mass was performed.

Results

The surgery was performed using a completely intracorporeal technique. The procedure was completed in 240 minutes, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 11. At the 2-month follow-up, ultrasound examination showed that the maximal bladder capacity had increased to 1000 mL. Intravenous urography revealed no urine leakage, and filling of the bladder was satisfactory.

Conclusions

With the development of robot-assisted surgery, robotic surgery can be successfully used for less frequently performed operations.

Robot-assisted and laparoscopic vs open radical prostatectomy in clinically localized prostate cancer: perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes: A Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes and cost of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) comparing with open radical prostatectomy (ORP) in men with clinically localized prostate cancer through all prospective comparative studies.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed in August 2018 using the Pubmed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies including patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were eligible for study inclusion. Cumulative analysis was conducted using Review Manager v. 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Two RCTs and 9 prospective studies were included in this systematic review. There were no significant differences between RARP/LRP and ORP in overall complication rate, major complication rate, overall positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, ≤pT2 tumor PSM rate, ≥pT3 tumor PSM rate. Moreover, RARP/LRP and ORP showed similarity in biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate at 3, 12, 24 months postoperatively. Urinary continence and erectile function at 12 months postoperatively between RARP and ORP are also comparable. RARP/LRP were associated with significantly lower estimated blood loss [mean difference (MD) -749.67, 95% CI -1038.52 to -460.82, P = .001], lower transfusion rate (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.30, P < .001) and less hospitalization duration (MD -1.18, 95% CI -2.18 to -0.19, P = .02). And RARP/LRP required more operative time (MD 50.02, 95% CI 6.50 to 93.55, P = .02) and cost.

CONCLUSION

RARP/LRP is associated with lower blood loss, transfusion rate and less hospitalization duration. The available data were insufficient to prove the superiority of any surgical approach in terms of postoperative complications, functional and oncologic outcomes.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty versus laparoscopic pyeloplasty for pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in the paediatric population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Owing to the improved vision and instrument manipulation in robot-assisted procedures, we sought to evaluate the comparative outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) in a paediatric patients with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO).

Methods

We conducted a systemic literature search of online sources, including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and respective bibliographic reference lists. Success rate, operative time, hospital length of stay, postoperative complication rate and re-intervention rate were our primary outcomes. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effects models.

Results

We identified 14 observational studies reporting a total of 2254 paediatric patients with PUJO, who underwent LP (n = 1021) or RALP (n = 1233). Our analysis demonstrated that RALP was associated with a significantly higher success rate [odds ratio (OR) 2.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-5.83, p = 0.03] and shorter length of hospital stay [mean difference (MD) -1.49; 95% CI -2.22 to -077; p < 0.0001] compared with LP. Moreover, nonsignificant reductions in postoperative complications (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.36-1.02; p = 0.06) and re-intervention (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.15-1.21; p = 0.11) were found in favour of RALP. There was no difference in procedure time between the two approaches (MD -0.15; 95% CI -30.22 to 29.93, p = 0.99).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis of observational studies demonstrated that RALP is safe and may have higher success rate compared with the more traditional laparoscopic approach in a paediatric population. Moreover, it may be associated with lower postoperative complications and re-intervention rates. Evidence from randomized trials is required.