Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Initial outcomes of 500 cases

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to present our experience of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was a retrospective review of 500 patients who underwent RARP between March 2015 and July 2021 in our clinic. A transperitoneal approach was used in all patients. All patients had clinically organ-confined prostate cancer (≤ cT2c).

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 64.6 ± 5.7 years. The median PSA was 11.4 ng/dL (range 0.3-92.7). The mean operative time was 183.5 min. Positive surgical margin rate was 19.4%. During a mean follow-up of 23.5 months, 96 patients (19.2%) received adjuvant radiotherapy due to the biochemical recurrence and 28 patients (16%) with lymph node positivity received early adjuvant hormone therapy. Considering the continence rates, 69% of the patients were total continence in the 3^rd month, while this rate increased to 83 in the 6^th month and 91% in the 12^th month.

CONCLUSION

RARP is a safe and feasible method for experienced centers with patient comfort, surgeon comfort, and successful oncological and functional results.

Autologous transobturator midurethral sling

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe a novel transobturator midurethral sling surgery technique by using rectus abdominis fascia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 54-year-old woman complaining of urinary leakage during effort was diagnosed as pure stress urinary incontinence after detailed questioning, pelvic examination, uroflowmetry and measurement of residual urine volume. She was anxious about complications related to synthetic meshes. However, she was not interested in relatively morbid surgeries such as colposuspension and pubovaginal sling. Autologous transobturator midurethral sling was discussed with the patient. The patient approved the surgery and the surgery was planned. A 5 cm rectus fascia was harvested via suprapubic incision and non-absorbable stay sutures were placed on its' both edges. Anterior vaginal incision together with paravaginal dissection was performed, as in classical transobturator sling surgery. Groin puncture and blind dissection of adipose tissue was performed. C-shaped trocars were inserted, and advanced through groin punctures and brought up to midurethral incision by finger guidance. Stay sutures were transported via C-shaped trocars to the groin puncture in both sides. Graft was positioned on the midurethral part without any tension and stay sutures were tied to create a tissue bridge on obturator membrane. Incisions were closed and vaginal tampon was placed. Patient was discharged at the first postoperative day.

RESULTS

At postoperative third and sixth months, patient was totally dry and did not have any voiding complaints. Small abdominal and vaginal incisions were clean, as well.

CONCLUSION

Autologous transobturator midurethral sling surgery is a safe, effective and feasible surgical option for stress urinary incontinence in the era which mesh-related concerns are rising. Studies with larger volume and long-term follow up periods are needed.