Early clinical experience with water-jet dissection (hydro-jet) during nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy

Saline-assisted fascial exposure (SAFE) technique to improve nerve-sparing in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

To provide a summary of our initial experience and assess the impact of the Saline-Assisted Fascial Exposure (SAFE) technique on erectile function (EF), urinary continence, and oncological outcomes after Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2021 to July 2022, we included patients with a baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score of ≥17 and a high probability of extracapsular extension (ECE), ranging from 21% to 73%, as per the Martini et al. nomogram. A propensity score matching was carried out at a ratio of 1:2 between patients who underwent RALP + SAFE (33) and RALP alone (66). The descriptive statistical analysis is presented. The SAFE technique was performed using two approaches, transrectal guided by micro-ultrasound or transperitoneal. Its principle entails a low-pressure injection of saline solution in the periprostatic fascia to achieve an atraumatic dissection of the neural hammock. Potency was defined as a SHIM score of ≥17 and continence as no pads per day.

RESULTS

At follow-up intervals of 6, 13, 26, and 52 weeks, the SHIM score differed significantly between the two groups, favouring the RALP + SAFE (P = 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.01, respectively). These results remained significant when the mean SHIM score was assessed. As shown by the cumulative incidence curve, EF rates were higher in the RALP + SAFE compared to the RALP alone group (log-rank P < 0.001). The baseline SHIM and use of the SAFE technique were independent predictors of EF recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the SAFE technique led to better SHIM scores at 6, 13, 26, and 52 weeks after RALP in patients at high risk of ECE who underwent a partial NS procedure.

Feasibility Study to Determine if Microfracture Surgery Using Water Jet Drilling Is Potentially Safe for Talar Chondral Defects in a Caprine Model

OBJECTIVE

Surgical microfracture is considered a first-line treatment for talar osteochondral defects. However, current rigid awls and drills limit access to all locations in human joints and increase risk of heat necrosis of bone. Using a flexible water jet instrument to drill holes can improve the reachability of the defect without inducing thermal damage. The aim of this feasibility study is to determine whether water jet drilling is potentially safe compared with conventional microfracture awls by studying side effects and perioperative complications, as well as the quality of cartilage repair tissue.

DESIGN

Talar chondral defects with 6-mm diameter were created bilaterally in 6 goats (12 samples). One defect in each goat was treated with microfracture created with conventional awls, the contralateral defect was treated with holes created with 5-second water jet bursts at a pressure of 50 MPa. Postoperative complications were recorded and after 24 weeks analyses were performed using the ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) macroscopic score and modified O'Driscoll histological score.

RESULTS

Several practical issues using the water jet in the operating theatre were noted. Water jet drilling resulted in fibrocartilage repair tissue similar to the repair tissue from conventional awls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that water jet drilling gives adequate fibrocartilage repair tissue. Furthermore, the results highlight essential prerequisites for safe application of surgical water jet drilling: stable water pressure, water jet beam coherence, stable positioning of the nozzle head when jetting, and minimizing excessive fluid extravasation.

Hydro-Jet Dissection of the Cavernous Nerves Preserves Erection Function in a Radical Prostatectomy Animal Model

Background

Postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a prevalent consequence of radical prostatectomy (RP) that significantly impacts patient quality of life. Water-jet technology is widely used for dissection in neurosurgical procedures but novel to urologic surgery.

Aim

To establish the impact of hydro-jet dissection (HJD) of the cavernous nerves (CN) on postoperative erectile function in an animal model of RP-induced ED.

Methods

32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to 4 groups: Sham surgery (n = 8), bilateral HJD of CN (n = 8), blunt CN injury (n = 8), or stretch CN injury (n = 8). After 4 weeks, erectile function was assessed by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP), and penile tissues were harvested for immunohistologic studies.

Main Outcome Measure

The peak ICP and the area under the curve were calculated for each group. Immunohistologic studies were performed for α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase on cross-sections of penile tissue.

Results

Rats in the HJD group demonstrate a significantly higher mean peak ICP and area under the curve compared with both CN injury groups (P = .001). Postoperative erectile function in the HJD group returned to baseline function. Preservation of α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase was observed in the HJD group compared with the other surgical trauma groups.

Clinical Implications

Hydro-jet dissection used in an RP animal model maintains erectile function and offers a potential benefit that warrants further human studies.

Strengths & Limitations

This is a novel animal study comparing a new technology to established CN dissection techniques. This study uses an animal model, which may not completely translate to post-RP ED in humans.

Conclusion

Hydro-jet dissection of the CN during RP in an animal model is associated with significantly better postoperative erectile function when compared with other CN injury. Clinical studies are needed to further investigate the putative benefit of HJD on erectile function in patients undergoing RP.

Campbell JD, Alenezi H, DeYoung LX, et al. Hydrojet Dissection of the Cavernous Nerves Preserves Erection Function in a Radical Prostatectomy Animal Model. Sex Med 2019;7:104–110.

Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph-Node Dissection with the Waterjet Is Technically Feasible and Safe in Testis-Cancer Patient

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The acceptance of open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for stage I and II nonseminomatous testicular cancer has decreased because of the intraoperative and postoperative morbidity of the procedure. Laparoscopic RPLND is a minimally invasive and safe alternative for low-stage germ-cell tumors. It is, however, technically demanding and should therefore be performed only in experienced centers. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the waterjet technique for laparoscopic RPLND.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A series of 18 patients with clinical stage I testis cancer (group A) and 7 patients who had received chemotherapy for stage II disease (group B) underwent laparoscopic RPLND at our institution. The procedure was performed identically to the open approach using the modified template according to Weissbach and associates. The waterjet was used for removal of lymphatic tissue from the aorta and the vena cava, as well as from the sympathetic trunk.

RESULTS

The operation was completed in all patients without conversion to open surgery. The mean operating time was 232 +/- 48 minutes. The waterjet was able to remove lymphatic tissue easily and atraumatically. At pressures of 20 bar, the lymph-node capsule remained completely intact, thus avoiding tumor-cell spread. Antegrade ejaculation could be preserved in all patients, who, to date, show no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The waterjet allows the safe and complete removal of lymphatic tissue, leaving vulnerable anatomic structures intact. It can decrease the learning curve of laparoscopic RPLND and contribute to better acceptance of this procedure.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: functional and oncological outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has become an accepted alternative to open surgery, however data on the functional and oncological outcome are still lacking. In this study we present an analysis based on a survey of the current literature and the first 500 patients treated with the Heilbronn technique. Additionally, we compare the results of laparoscopy with those of open radical prostatectomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

We conducted an extensive MEDLINE search of laparoscopic and open radical prostatectomy from 1999 through 2003, focusing on the last 3 years. The articles as well as our own results were analyzed with respect to continence, potency, positive margins, prostatic specific antigen failure, and clinical progression. No significant differences were found between the laparoscopic and open approach with respect to overall continence at 12 months (60-94% versus 61-98%) or at 3 months (51-63% versus 62-69%), varying from 4.1% at pT2, 12% at pT3 to 19% at pT4 stages. We found no significant differences between the two techniques in the recovery of potency (34-67% versus 31-79%), if one excludes the selected series of Walsh with a mean age of 57 years. Furthermore, we did not detect any significant differences in positive margins and short-term prostatic specific antigen recurrence (3 years).

SUMMARY

At centers of expertise, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is able to provide similar functional and oncological results as its open counterpart, however with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.