Learning curve for radical retropubic prostatectomy

The learning curve of bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy: a prospective study

Varicocele occurs in 15% of general male population and in 35% of infertile men. Since 1992, surgical correction with laparoscopic varicocelectomy is the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic patients or patients with abnormal seminal analysis. The learning curve for this frequently performed procedure has not yet been described. In the present study, we investigated the learning curve of a single urologist in training performing his first 21 laparoscopic varicocelectomies using qualitative and quantitative tools to evaluate his performance during the process. Our results show that 14 bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomies are enough to achieve the plateau of the learning curve.

Aumento da Incidência de Recidiva Bioquímica após Prostatectomia Radical em Centro de Formação em Urologia Oncológica no Brasil: Doenças mais Avançadas estão sendo submetidas à Cirurgia?

Introdução: O câncer de próstata e a neoplasia maligna mais incidente em homens, representando 29% dos diagnósticos da doença no Brasil, segundo o Instituto Nacional de câncer Jose Alencar Gomes da Silva (INCA). Esse câncer e suspeito em alterações do toque retal e/ou do nível sérico do antígeno prostático especifico (PSA) total, sendo o diagnóstico definitivo feito por estudo histopatológico. Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre parâmetros clínicos e anatomopatológicos após prostatectómica radical com recidiva bioquímica ao longo do seguimento. Método: Estudo retrospectivo observacional dos parâmetros clínicos (idade, PSA inicial, toque retal, classificação histopatológica da International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), escala de D’Amico e estádio clínico) e anatomopatológicos (grau ISUP da peça cirúrgica, margens cirúrgicas, extensão extracapsular tumoral e presença de linfonodos acometidos), de 177 pacientes submetidos a prostatectomia radical em serviço de uro-oncologia de junho/2010-maio/2018. Resultados: A recidiva bioquímica ocorreu em 44,1% dos casos no tempo de seguimento médio de 34,9 meses. A análise univariada demonstrou PSA inicial >9 ng/mL, toque retal alterado, classificação patológica ISUP 4 e 5, risco D’Amico alto e estagio clinico TNM T3 como fatores diretamente associados a recidiva bioquímica. As margens cirúrgicas foram positivas em 46,3%; em 47,7%, identificou-se extensão extraprostática tumoral. Linfonodos positivos em 10,9% e vesículas seminais comprometidas ocorreram em 21,8%. Conclusão: Fatores clinico-patológicos podem ser preditores de recidiva bioquímica. Nesses casos, foi identificado padrão clinico pré-tratamento supostamente mais agressivo em comparação a literatura em geral. Além disso, deve-se considerar a curva de aprendizado dos cirurgiões em formação no serviço, o que pode resultar em maiores taxas de margens cirúrgicas positivas.

Robotic radical prostatectomy: difficult to start, fast to improve? Influence of surgical experience in robotic and open radical prostatectomy

Purpose

The assistance of robotic systems raises the concern of whether there is an improved learning in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compared to open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORP).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 1438 patients who underwent ORP (n = 735) or RARP (n = 703). For each procedure, the level of experience of three different surgeons was summarized. Perioperative and pathological parameters reflecting surgical performance were compared between both learning curves. RARP data were influenced by new introduction of the robotic system.

Results

The median patient age at surgery was 66 years (IQR 42–80). Patients in the RARP group were younger (p < 0.001) and had a lower oncological risk (p < 0.001). Inexperienced RARP surgeons had a higher pT2-PSM rate and lower lymph node yield (13.8 ± 4.7 vs. 14.7 ± 4.8; p = 0.03) than inexperienced ORP surgeons. After 100 procedures, RARP and ORP surgeons had the same pT2-PSM rate (8% vs. 8%; p = 0.8) and lymph node yield (15.4 ± 5.4 vs. 15.4 ± 5.1; p = 1.0). In multivariate analysis for ORP, surgical inexperience (≤ 100 cases) was an independent predictor of a longer operating time (OR 9.0; p < 0.001) and higher amount of blood loss (OR 2.9; p < 0.001). For RARP, surgical inexperience (≤ 100 cases) was a predictor of a longer operating time (OR 3.9; p < 0.001), higher amount of blood loss (OR 1.9; p = 0.004), higher pT2-PSM rate (OR 1.6; p = 0.03), and lower lymph node yield (OR 0.6; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Surgical experience has a relevant impact on perioperative and pathological parameters RARP has a higher initial pT2-PSM rate and lower lymph node yield than ORP. This is relevant for patient selection for novice teaching in RARP.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00345-021-03763-w.

Relationship between robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy and retropubic radical prostatectomy in the learning curve of a single surgeon as a novice in radical prostatectomy: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

We compared the learning curve and pathologic and functional outcomes of retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed during the same time period by a novice to identify how the two surgical types affect each other.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 480 men who underwent RRP or RARP for prostate cancer between January 2008 and December 2012. Operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, urinary continence and potency recovery, and complications were compared. Scatter-graphs were drawn using locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS).

RESULTS

Operation time reached the lowest point in the 90th case in RRP and the 200th case in RARP. EBL showed a similar pattern, reaching the lowest point in the 95th case in RRP and the 230th case in RARP. The lowest points for both operation time and EBL took about 3 years to reach for both surgical types. PSM rate was not significantly different (P = 0.807). No pads were required at 6 and 12 months in 55.6% and 66.9% of patients in RRP, respectively, but in 79.6% and 88.4% of patients in RARP. The potency recovery rates were 59.1% in RRP and 70.9% in RARP at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

When RRP and RARP were begun contemporaneously by a novice, they showed similar learning curve patterns. The direct tactile feedback in RRP and the magnified field of view and detailed techniques in RARP help improve surgical skills complementarily to attain proficiency in both surgical types.

[Musculoskeletal disorders among urologists-is there an association with open pelvic surgery? : Results of a national survey]

BACKGROUND

In urology, the health implications of open pelvic surgery (OPS) on the patient have been the subject of numerous studies. However, health effects on the surgeon have not yet been sufficiently considered. The present study investigates the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders in urological surgeons and their activity in OPS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From the point of view of occupational physiology, exemplary operations in OPS were examined using the key indicator method (KIM). In addition, a web-based survey among German clinicians was carried out. From the collected variables, models for the prediction of the endpoints pain and disc herniation (DH) were generated by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Risk assessment of the operations with KIM could show that OPS presents a significantly increased physical workload and thus potential physical overstraining. Of the 605 participants in the survey, 35.4% were urologists performing OPS, 32.0% were urologists not performing OPS and 32.6% were gastroenterologists (control groups). Activity in OPS had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.09 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.72-1.66, p = 0.69) for predicting pain, and an OR of 1.14 for prediction of DH CI: 0.66-1.94; p = 0.64). Statistically significant factors influencing the perception of pain were BMI, gender and work ability index (WAI), whereas age and WAI were significant for the occurrence of DH.

CONCLUSION

Our survey could not show that surgeons practicing OPS have a significantly increased rate of musculoskeletal disorders or, in particular, an increased rate of DH in comparison to the control groups. Nevertheless, the rate of reported complaints among all clinicians surveyed is high, and the random risk assessment of the examplary OPS operations could also demonstrate the risk of physical overstraining. Further considerations should therefore be made as to how reduce the strain on the musculoskeletal system.

The influence of previous robotic experience in the initial learning curve of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Introduction:

This study analyzed the impact of the experience with Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) on the initial experience with Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (LRP) by examining perioperative results and early outcomes of 110 patients. LRPs were performed by two ro-botic fellowship trained surgeons with daily practice in RALP.

Patients and Methods:

110 LRP were performed to treat aleatory selected patients. The patients were divided into 4 groups for prospective analyses. A transperitoneal approach that simulates the RALP technique was used.

Results:

The median operative time was 163 minutes (110-240), and this time significantly decreased through case 40, when the time plateaued (p=0.0007). The median blood loss was 250mL. No patients required blood transfusion. There were no life-threatening complications or deaths. Minor complications were uniformly distributed along the series (P=0.6401). The overall positive surgical margins (PSM) rate was 28.2% (20% in pT2 and 43.6% in pT3). PSM was in the prostate apex in 61.3% of cases. At the 12-month follow-up, 88% of men were continent (0-1 pad).

Conclusions:

The present study shows that there are multiple learning curves for LRP. The shallowest learning curve was seen for the operative time. Surgeons transitioning between the RALP and LRP techniques were considered competent based on the low perioperative complication rate, absence of major complications, and lack of blood transfusions. This study shows that a learning curve still exists and that there are factors that must be considered by surgeons transitioning between the two techniques.

Risk factors of perioperative complications in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy: A ten-year experience

Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) has been one of the most effective treatments for prostate cancer. This study is designed to identify the related predictive risk factors for complications in patients following RRP. Between 2000 and 2012 in Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 421 cases undergoing RRP for localized prostate cancer by one surgeon were included in this retrospective analysis. We reviewed various risk factors that were correlated with perioperative complications, including patient characteristics [age, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities], clinical findings (preoperative PSA level, Gleason score, clinical stage, pathological grade), and surgeon's own clinical practice. Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was used to explain comorbidities. The total rate of perioperative complications was 23.2% (98/421). There were 45/421 (10.7%), 28/421 (6.6%), 24/421 (5.7%) and 1/421 (0.2%) in grade I, II, III, IV respectively, and 323/421 (76.8%) cases had none of these complications. Statistical analysis of multiple potential risk factors revealed that BMI >30 (P=0.014), Charlson score ≥1 (P<0.001) and surgical experience (P=0.0252) were predictors of perioperative complications. Age, PSA level, Gleason score, TNM stage, operation time, blood loss, and blood transfusion were not correlated with perioperative complications (P>0.05). It was concluded that patients' own factors and surgeons' technical factors are related with an increased risk of development of perioperative complications following radical prostatectomy. Knowing these predictors can both favor risk stratification of patients undergoing RRP and help surgeons make treatment decisions.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy outcome data: how should surgeon's performance be reported? A retrospective learning curve analysis of two surgeons

Objective

To document the learning curve for the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) procedure and discuss the optimal usage of prospectively documented outcome data for reporting a surgeon’s performance.

Materials and methods

Using prospectively collected data from the first series of patients to undergo LRP by two surgeons in the same institution, linear and logistic regression multivariate analyses per 25 patients were carried out to graphically represent the surgical learning curve for operative time, blood loss, complications, length of stay (LOS), and positive margins. Surgeon A carried out 275 operations between 2003–2009; Surgeon B carried out 225 between 2008–2012.

Results

Learning curves showing continuous improvement of each of the above outcomes were demonstrated for both cohorts. For surgeon A, a plateau was observed for LOS and T2 positive margins after 100 and 150 surgeries respectively. No such plateau was observed for surgeon B.

Conclusion

On documenting these learning curves and discussion of the reporting methods used, we concluded that the most informative outcome measure, with the least potential observer bias was T2 positive margins. Whether as a single measure or in combination with others, this has potential for use as an objective outcome representative of improvement in a surgeon’s skill over time.

Analysis of the learning curve for transurethral resection of the prostate. Is there any influence of musical instrument and video game skills on surgical performance?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the learning curve for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) among urology residents and study the impact of video game and musical instrument playing abilities on its performance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study was performed from July 2009 to January 2013 with patients submitted to TURP for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Fourteen residents operated on 324 patients. The following parameters were analyzed: age, prostate-specific antigen levels, prostate weight on ultrasound, pre- and postoperative serum sodium and hemoglobin levels, weight of resected tissue, operation time, speed of resection, and incidence of capsular lesions. Gender, handedness, and prior musical instrument and video game playing experience were recorded using survey responses.

RESULTS

The mean resection speed in the first 10 procedures was 0.36 g/min and reached a mean of 0.51 g/min after the 20(th) procedure. The incidence of capsular lesions decreased progressively. The operation time decreased progressively for each subgroup regardless of the difference in the weight of tissue resected. Those experienced in playing video games presented superior resection speed (0.45 g/min) when compared with the novice (0.35 g/min) and intermediate (0.38 g/min) groups (p=0.112). Musical instrument playing abilities did not affect the surgical performance.

CONCLUSION

Speed of resection, weight of resected tissue, and percentage of resected tissue improve significantly and the incidence of capsular lesions reduces after the performance of 10 TURP procedures. Experience in playing video games or musical instruments does not have a significant effect on outcomes.

Learning curves for urological procedures: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To determine the number of cases a urological surgeon must complete to achieve proficiency for various urological procedures.

PATIENT AND METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched for studies published up to December 2011. Studies pertaining to learning curves of urological procedures were included. Two reviewers independently identified potentially relevant articles. Procedure name, statistical analysis, procedure setting, number of participants, outcomes and learning curves were analysed.

RESULTS

Forty-four studies described the learning curve for different urological procedures. The learning curve for open radical prostatectomy ranged from 250 to 1000 cases and for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from 200 to 750 cases. The learning curve for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has been reported to be 40 procedures as a minimum number. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy has a documented learning curve of 16-30 cases, depending on which outcome variable is measured. Irrespective of previous laparoscopic experience, there is a significant reduction in operating time (P = 0.008), estimated blood loss (P = 0.008) and complication rates (P = 0.042) after 100 RALPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The available literature can act as a guide to the learning curves of trainee urologists. Although the learning curve may vary among individual surgeons, a consensus should exist for the minimum number of cases to achieve proficiency. The complexities associated with defining procedural competence are vast. The majority of learning curve trials have focused on the latest surgical techniques and there is a paucity of data pertaining to basic urological procedures.

[Surgical risk of transfusion in a French Universitary Hospital]

INTRODUCTION

Immunohaematology examinations are usually prescribed preoperatively according to more or less standardized protocols. We wanted to assess the relevance of these protocols on the basis of factual data: an overview of the rate of transfusions carried out as part of surgery within the HCL in 2009.

STUDY DESIGN

The list of patients operated in 2009 in the HCL (IPOP by Cristalnet) has been combined with the list of patients transfused in the same time period (CTS server, Inlog). The percentage of patients transfused during the stay, and the percentage of patients transfused on the day of the intervention itself were determined for each type of surgery. The study focused on 13,571 patients affected by 44 surgeries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Six hundred and thirty-three patients were transfused, 45% of them the day of the intervention. The risk of needing to carry out a transfusion depends on the risk to the patient and surgery. For example, the total hip arthroplasty transfusion risk is 11.9% when it's programmed against 37.8% in emergency surgery. The transfusion risk of knee arthroscopies, osteosynthesis of wrist fracture, carpal canal surgeries and of appendectomies, thyroidectomies, herna repair surgeries are below 0.5%. The transfusion risk of colectomy is 18.1%. Thus, new recommendations for good clinical practices on the relevance of settled surgery-preoperative immunohematologic exams can be established.

CONCLUSION

The emergency degree of the transfusion must be taken into account for such recommendation. Each hospital should perform its own cartography to justify its own protocols.