Low Risk of Postoperative Hernia Following Single-port Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Report From the Single-port Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC)

Pfannenstiel Extraction Site Reduces Postoperative Extraction Site Hernias after Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

Introduction and Objectives: Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is associated with postoperative hernias at the extraction site, in the inguinal region, and at port sites. We explored hernia rates as well as risk factors for extraction site hernias after RARP based on specimen extraction location in this context. Patients and Methods: We queried a prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing RARP from November 2006 to June 2023. We collected demographic features, oncologic and pathologic data, 30-day postoperative complications, and postoperative hernia incidence. Specimens were extracted via a midline periumbilical or a Pfannenstiel incision at the conclusion of the case per surgeon preference. Clinically relevant hernias were defined as hernias identified by symptoms or exam findings rather than imaging alone. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors for postoperative extraction site hernias. Results: In total, 1465 patients underwent radical prostatectomy. Around 23.7% had specimen extraction via Pfannenstiel incision, whereas 76.3% were via extended midline periumbilical port. Patients with a Pfannenstiel extraction had a lower extraction site hernia rate (0.6% vs 7.4%) and clinically significant hernia rate (10.1% vs 14.5%, p = 0.04). On multivariable logistic regression, Hispanic race and Pfannenstiel extraction site were associated with significantly reduced odds of clinically relevant extraction site hernias. Conclusions: Use of a separate Pfannenstiel extraction site is associated with reduced risk of postoperative hernias for patients undergoing RARP. Surgeons should consider extracting the prostate via a Pfannenstiel incision during RARP given this potential benefit.

Incidence of Incisional Hernias after Single-Port Versus Multi-Port Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: To determine if single-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP) has higher rates of incisional hernias when compared with multi-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies (MP-RARP). Materials and Methods: A retrospective, single-institution review of all consecutive robotic prostatectomy cases between January 2017 and December 2022. Analyzed multi-port and single-port robotic prostatectomies performed by two high-volume surgeons. Measured primary outcome for the development of incisional hernias, as defined by computed tomography imaging and clinical documentation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the effect of the single-port approach on incisional hernia outcomes. Results: A total of 493 patients were included in the study (320 SP-RARPs and 173 MP-RARPs). The overall incisional hernia rate was 8.5% (SP-RARP 8.1% vs MP-RARP 9.2%, p = 0.669). A median follow-up time was 16.6 months and a median time from procedure to hernia diagnosis was 7.4 months. SP-RARP had shorter OR time than the MP-RARP (236 minutes vs 276 minutes, p < 0.001). Patients who developed hernias had higher body mass index (BMIs) than those who did not (30.7 vs 29, p = 0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with higher BMI (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.14) and a history of prior operation (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.71-4.29) were more likely to develop incisional hernias. Cox regression analysis accounting for the difference in follow-up period demonstrated that SP-RARP 3.4× more likely to develop incisional hernias than MP-RARP (hazard ratio 3.38, 95% CI 1.50-7.58). Conclusions: Patients with higher BMIs and prior history of abdominal surgeries are at increased risk of developing postoperative incisional hernias. SP-RARP procedures confer a higher risk of postoperative incisional hernias.

The impact of single-port robotic surgery: a survey among urology residents and fellows in the United States

Our aim was to investigate the perception and future expectations of Single-Port (SP) surgery among urology trainees in the United States. A 34-item online survey was distributed to urological residency and fellowship programs across the US, covering demographic profiles, SP training opportunities, perceived educational impact, and future perspectives. Descriptive analysis and multivariable linear regression were used to assess predictors of SP adoption. 201 surveys were completed (28.6% completion rate). Among institutions with an SP platform, about 50% have used it regularly for over 2 years, though often in less than 50% of procedures. While robotic simulators are commonly available, only 17% offer both multi-port and SP simulators, and structured pre-clinical SP training is limited. Approximately 30% of respondents expressed concerns over limited hands-on experience and a steeper learning curve with SP. Around 40% felt that their robotic surgery exposure was negatively impacted by SP's introduction. SP surgery's benefits are seen mostly in the immediate post-operative period and a significant number of respondents foresee a major role for SP in urology. However, proficiency in SP surgery is not seen as crucial for career advancement or job opportunities. Academic job aspirations, SP platform availability, and SP surgery workload are predictors of future SP implementation. Trainees increasingly recognize the clinical benefits of SP procedures but express concerns about the potential negative impact on hands-on experience. Training programs should more systematically integrate SP technology into curricula. There is a correlation between training in high-volume SP centers and future SP adoption.

Robot-assisted Single-port Radical Prostatectomy with the SHURUI SP and da Vinci SP Platforms: Comparison of the Technology, Intraoperative Performance, and Outcomes

Background and objective

The purpose-built SHURUI single-port (SP) robotic platform has recently been introduced for several procedures in urology, general surgery, and gynecology. However, comparative evidence on its performance in relation to earlier models such as the da Vinci SP is lacking. Our aim was to compare the step-by-step techniques and 1-yr outcomes for radical prostatectomy (RP) between the SHURUI SP and da Vinci SP robots.

Methods

Data were retrieved from two prospectively maintained databases. The SHURUI SP robot was used to perform RP in 34 patients in China (September 2021 to August 2022); the da Vinci SP robot was used to perform 100 consecutive RP cases in the USA (June 2019 to October 2020). A comparative analysis was conducted before and after 1:1 propensity score matching for age, body mass index, American Urological Association symptom score, prostate size, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, biopsy grade group, and D'Amico risk group. Intraoperative performance and short-term oncological and continence outcomes were compared between the groups. Biochemical recurrence was defined as two consecutive postoperative PSA levels >0.2 ng/ml. Continence was defined as full recovery of urinary control without the use of pads. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate continence recovery curves, and a log-rank test for trend was used to detect ordered differences in continence recovery between the SHURUI SP and da Vinci SP groups after surgery.

Key findings and limitations

For the matched SHURUI and da Vinci groups, median age (69 vs 69 yr), median PSA (8.4 vs 7.1 ng/ml), and the proportion of patients with low-risk (33.3% vs 29.6%), intermediate-risk (66.7% vs 63%), and high-risk disease (0% vs 7.4%) were comparable (all p > 0.05). All surgeries were successfully accomplished without conversion. A higher percentage of cases in the SHURUI group involved extraperitoneal access (81.5% vs 0%; p < 0.001) and a pure SP approach (25.9% vs 0%; p = 0.01), while a higher percentage of cases in the da Vinci group had nerve-sparing surgery. The median total operative (215 vs 110 min; p < 0.001) and median console time (162 vs 75 min; p < 0.001) were significantly longer in the SHURUI group. No intraoperative or major postoperative complications were observed in either group. Rates of positive surgical margins (18.5% vs 14.8%; p = 1.0) and extraprostatic extension (14.8% vs 29.6%; p = 0.19) were similar. At median follow-up of 13.5 versus 15.9 mo, none of the patients had experienced biochemical recurrence. At 1 yr after surgery, the continence rate was 96.3% in both groups.

Conclusions

Despite differences in driving mechanisms between the two SP robotic systems, RP can be performed safely and effectively with the SHURUI RP robot during the initial learning phase, with similar short-term oncological and continence outcomes to those with the da Vinci SP robot.

Patient summary

We compared two surgical robots (SHURUI SP and da Vinci SP) used to perform robotic surgery to remove the prostate through a single keyhole incision instead of multiple incisions. Our results show comparable technology and similar surgical and short-term cancer control outcomes for the two robots.

Perioperative Complications of Single-Port and Multiport Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Single Institutional Comparison Analysis

Background: Following its introduction in 2018, the Single-Port (SP) robotic platform has been increasingly utilized for various approaches of robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP). Despite the demonstrable benefits in enhancing postoperative outcomes, there has been limited evidence on its perioperative morbidity, especially when compared to the gold-standard multiport (MP). This study sought to compare the perioperative morbidity between SP and MP-RARP. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 911 patients who underwent RARP between January 2015 and May 2023. At our institution, SP-RARP has been performed since October 2018 with Extraperitoneal and Transvesical (TV) techniques. To reduce the risk of selection bias, only MP-RARP cases performed before October 2018 were included. Baseline clinicodemographic and perioperative parameters were collected. Perioperative complications were classified in accordance to the Clavien-Dindo system with postoperative complications and readmission reported within 90 days of surgery. Statistical analysis was performed with R Packages for Statistical Computing with descriptive statistics as presented. Results: Of the 484 SP and 322 MP-RARP cases included in our analysis, one intraoperative complication was reported, which pertained to a small enterotomy during TV SP-RARP. Postoperative complications were identified in 14.5% and 14.6% of SP and MP-RARP cases (p = 0.989), respectively. Major complication represents 4.1% of the SP and 3.4% of MP cohorts. The 90-day rates of hospital readmission following SP and MP-RARP were 5.6% and 4.9%, respectively (p = 0.717). Limitations of this study included the retrospective single surgeon, single institution nature of our series that also included the early learning curve experience associated with the novel SP platform. Conclusion: This comparative study provided evidence highlighting the low rates of perioperative complication and readmission following SP-RARP that were comparable to the Transperitoneal MP approach. The low morbidity associated with SP-RARP supports its wider application as an addition to the contemporary minimally invasive surgical armamentariums for prostate cancer.

Single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

To provide a comprehensive update on the different techniques and outcomes of contemporary Single-Port (SP) Robotic Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) approaches.

METHODS

A literature review was performed to identify cohort studies that have utilized the purpose-built SP robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, California) for RARP. All published approaches of SP-RARP were included in our review. Baseline clinical, perioperative, and postoperative oncological and functional outcomes were collected from the included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies involving 1159 patients were identified. To date, five approaches of SP-RARP have been described, namely Transperitoneal, Extraperitoneal, Retzius-Sparing, Transperineal, and Transvesical. The surgical steps and clinical outcomes of the aforementioned approaches were discussed. While operating times were still faster in the Transperitoneal and Extraperitoneal cohorts, the novel and more regionalized Transvesical approach allowed for radical prostatectomy to be pursued in more patients with previous abdominal surgeries and contributed to significantly improved postoperative outcomes, including the earlier return of urinary continence and with most patients being discharged on the same day without any opioids.

CONCLUSION

Based on the existing literature, the introduction of SP-RARP not only enriched the repertoire of minimally-invasive surgical treatment options for prostate cancer but also provided the opportunity for urologists to develop new techniques that can improve perioperative outcomes and postoperative quality of life. Given the limited number of patients and heterogeneity in the patient selection and reporting of postoperative outcomes, further research remains necessary to better understand the different benefits and improve patient selection algorithms for the different techniques.