Search

Background Robotic surgery was integrated into some healthcare systems despite there being few well designed, real-world studies on safety or benefit. This study compared the safety of robotic with laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, and open approaches in common robotic procedures. Methods This was a population-based, retrospective study of all adults who underwent prostatectomy, hysterectomy, pulmonary lobectomy, or partial nephrectomy in Ontario, Canada, between 2008 and 2018. The primary outcome was 90-day total adverse events using propensity score overlap weights, and secondary outcomes were minor or major morbidity/adverse events. Results Data on 24 741 prostatectomy, 75 473 hysterectomy, 18 252 pulmonary lobectomy, and 6608 partial nephrectomy operations were included. Relative risks for total adverse events in robotic compared with open surgery were 0.80 (95 per cent c.i. 0.74 to 0.87) for radical prostatectomy, 0.44 (0.37 to 0.52) for hysterectomy, 0.53 (0.44 to 0.65) for pulmonary lobectomy, and 0.72 (0.54 to 0.97) for partial nephrectomy. Relative risks for total adverse events in robotic surgery compared with a laparoscopic/thoracoscopic approach were 0.94 (0.77 to 1.15), 1.00 (0.82 to 1.23), 1.01 (0.84 to 1.21), and 1.23 (0.82 to 1.84) respectively. Conclusion The robotic approach is associated with fewer adverse events than an open approach but similar to a laparoscopic/thoracoscopic approach. The benefit of the robotic approach is related to the minimally-invasive approach rather than the platform itself.

Introduction: We aimed to assess the outcome of our series of simple prostatectomy using the open simple prostatectomy (OSP) and robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) approaches, at our institution. Methods: A retrospective chart review of men who underwent OSP and RASP at Western University, in London, ON. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. Results: From 2012–2020, 29 men underwent a simple prostatectomy at our institution. Eight patients underwent an OSP and 21 patients underwent a RASP. The median age was 69 years. Preoperative median prostate volume was 153 cm3 (range 80–432 cm3). The surgical indications were failed medical treatment, urinary retention, hydronephrosis, cystolithiasis, and recurrent hematuria. The median operative time was 137.5 minutes in OSP and 185 minutes in the robotic approach (p=0.04). Median estimated blood loss was 2300 ml (range 600–4000 ml) and 100 ml (range 50–400 ml) in the open and robotic procedures, respectively (p=0.4). The mean length of hospital stay was shorter in the RASP group, one day vs. three days (z=4.152, p

This report documents two instances of retained flexible ureteroscopes at the time of ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy in a healthy 37-year-old male and a 53-year-old male with a pelvic kidney. We describe maneuvers to remove the ureteroscope endoscopically in the first case, while the second case required conversion to open surgery for ureteroscope extrication.

The objective of this study is to investigate the determinants of prolonged operative time during robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP) after the learning curve period. Data were prospectively collected from consecutive patients with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer who underwent RARP at an academic institution from 2006 to 2012. The early learning curve period of 40 patients was excluded. Primary outcome was prolonged operative time, defined as greater than one standard deviation above the mean. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of prolonged operative time, and multivariable linear regression further quantified their impact. The mean age of the 440 men included in this cohort was 60 ± 7 years, with a PSA of 7 ± 3 and BMI and IIEF scores of 27 ± 3 and 17 ± 8, respectively. Seventy-one percent of patients had Stage 1 disease, the majority of which underwent bilateral (62%) or unilateral (21%) nerve-sparing prostatectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection (49%). The mean complete operative time was 187 ± 32 min. Multivariable logistic regression revealed four independent predictors of prolonged operative time: blood loss, pre-operative PSA, robot malfunction, and gland volume. Operative time was most strongly affected by procedure-specific variables, including robotic malfunction (32 min/malfunction) and blood loss (6.5 min/100 ml). Operative time was also affected to a lesser degree by patient-specific variables of PSA (10 min/10 ng/ml) and gland volume (3 min/10 cc). Robotic malfunction was the strongest predictor of prolonged operative time. Blood loss, PSA, and gland volume were also associated with prolonged operative time. Knowledge of these predictors may assist in surgical planning and improve resource utilization.

Introduction: Optimal clinical assessment and subsequent followup of patients with or suspected of having a hereditary renal cell carcinoma syndrome (hRCC) is not standardized and practice varies widely. We propose protocols to optimize these processes in patients with hRCC to encourage a more uniform approach to management that can then be evaluated.Methods: A review of the literature, including existing guidelines, was carried out for the years 1985‒2015. Expert consensus was used to define recommendations for initial assessment and followup.Results: Recommendations for newly diagnosed patients’ assessment and optimal ages to initiate followup protocols for von Hippel Lindau disease (VHL), hereditary papillary renal cancer (HPRC), hereditary leiomyomatosis with renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC), Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD), familial paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma syndromes (PGL-PCC), and tuberous sclerosis (TSC) are proposed.Conclusions: Our proposed consensus for structured assessment and followup is intended as a roadmap for the care of patients with hRCC to guide healthcare providers. Although the list of syndromes included is not exhaustive, the document serves as a starting point for future updates.

We present a clinical case of a 66-year-old female with a left ureteropelvic junction impacted renal calculi associated with a tortuous ureter. After a failed combined retrograde and antegrade endoscopic procedure, a robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteropyelostomy was successful.

Accurate Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate needle biopsy requires registering preoperative 3D TRUS or MR image, in which tumors and other suspicious areas are visible, to intraoperative 2D TRUS images. Such image registration is time-consuming while its real-time implementation is yet to be developed. To bypass this registration step, robotic needle biopsy systems can be used to place the US probe at the same position relative to the prostate during the 3D and 2D image acquisition to ensure similar prostate deformation. To have such similar deformation, only visual feedback is not sufficient as such feedback can be used to only guarantee that the whole prostate is within the field of view irrespective of the probe’s orientation. As such, contact pressure feedback can be utilized to ensure consistent minimum contact between the probe and prostate. A robotic system is proposed where a TRUS probe with pressure sensor array is used. The contact pressure can be measured during imaging and used to provide feedback in conjunction with an optimization algorithm for consistent probe positioning. The robotic system is driven by the feedback to position the probe such that pressure pattern of the sensors during 2D image acquisition is similar to the pressure pattern during 3D image acquisition. The proposed method takes into account the patient’s body movement expected during image acquisition. In this study, an in silico phantom is used where the simulated contact pressure distribution required in the optimization algorithm is obtained using a prostate finite element model. Starting from an arbitrary position where the probe contacts the phantom, this position was varied systematically until a position corresponding to maximum pressure pattern similarity between contact pressure patterns corresponding to the 2D and 3D imaging was achieved successfully. Results obtained from the in silico phantom study indicate that the proposed technique is capable of ensuring having only minimal relative prostate deformation between preoperative image acquisition and intraoperative imaging used for guiding needle biopsy, paving the way for faster and more accurate registration.

Background: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has emerged in the last decade as an alternative to open radical prostatectomy for men with localized prostate cancer. The increased cost of this technique has been justified by its ability to reduce blood loss, and to provide improved vision, less postoperative pain and more rapid recovery from surgery, while maintaining satisfactory oncological and functional outcomes. Given the increasing diffusion of robotic surgical technology within Canada and its associated high capital and operating costs, we review the clinical outcomes and complications from 305 consecutive cases performed at our Canadian institution.Methods: A consecutive cohort of 305 patients with a mean follow up of 30 months was analyzed with institutional ethics approval. All patients were treated and reviewed postoperatively by a single surgeon (SP). The primary aim of the study was to assess the incidence and type of complications associated with RARP in a Canadian setting. Our prospective database captured preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative data and was maintained by an individual independent of the robotic program. We report complications categorized according to the Clavien system. Multiple complications seen in an individual were recorded separately for the purposes of our analysis.Results: Between April 2005 and October 2010, 305 patients underwent RARP at our institution. A total of 70 complications were identified, with 47 (67.1%) requiring only conservative or pharmacological management (Clavien I-II). Twenty-three patients were found to have a major complication (Clavien III-V). Of the 16 who required intervention under general anesthesia, 3 required emergency treatment and the remaining patients underwent elective surgery.Conclusions: RARP has been incorporated at our institution with an acceptably low rate of intra-operative and postoperative complications. We have found that the database was effective in providing patients with outcome-related information, which in turn helped us gain patient consent with regard to the institution-specific risks of RARP.

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of intravesical ropivacaine as part of a mulitimodal approach to the provision of analgesia after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 40 patients who were scheduled to undergo RARP for treatment of localized prostate cancer by a single surgeon (SP) were randomized 1:1 to receive either alkalinized intravesical ropivacaine or placebo (0.9% sodium chloride) at the completion of the vesicourethral anastomosis. A standardized general anesthetic was administered in each case. The primary outcome was a reduction in postoperative pain as assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS). The need for alternate analgesic agents was recorded. Adverse events related to the administration of intravesical ropivacaine were documented prospectively.No serious adverse events related to the administration of intravesical ropivacaine were identified. In the ropivacaine group, there was a significant reduction in the cumulative needed dose of ketoralac relative to placebo at 6 hours postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to pain scores or narcotic use at any time point.Intravesical administration of ropivacaine may be used safely in the context of RARP and is associated with a significant, albeit modest reduction in the need for supplementary analgesic agents, but did not result in a decrease in postoperative pain scores.

Objective To evaluate the impact of multiple transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies (TRUS-Bx) before radical prostatectomy (RP) on surgical outcomes. Materials and Methods Administrative databases were used to identify all patients who had a RP performed in the province of Ontario from April 1, 2002, to March 31, 2013. TRUS-Bx prior to RP were identified and patients were categorized as having one or more than one prior TRUS-Bx. The primary end point was a composite index of serious surgical complications. Secondary outcomes included oncological interventions, functional-related events, and general health service-related outcomes. Results Among 27,637 patients, 4780 (17.3%) had ≥2 biopsies performed before RP. The proportion of patients who experienced the composite end point was similar between those with one TRUS-Bx compared to those with ≥2 TRUS-Bx (1.05% vs 1.19%, OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.85-1.52). Patients with ≥2 biopsies were more likely to have a perioperative blood transfusion compared to patients with only 1 biopsy (15.5% vs 12.8%, OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15-1.37), while readmission rate and 30-day mortality were similar. The need for radiotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy within the first year after RP was higher in patients with a single biopsy. Patients with multiple TRUS-Bx were more likely to require post-RP urodynamic evaluation and bladder neck contracture-related interventions but were not at increased odds of surgery for incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Conclusion Perioperative outcomes after RP are similar between men with single or multiple TRUS-Bx, although multiple TRUS-Bx were associated with an increased odds of perioperative blood transfusion.

Introduction: The ability of academic (teaching) hospitals to offer the same level of efficiency as non-teaching hospitals in a publicly funded healthcare system is unknown. Our objective was to compare the operative duration of general urology procedures between teaching and non-teaching hospitals. Methods: We used administrative data from the province of Ontario to conduct a retrospective cohort study of all adults who underwent a specified elective urology procedure (2002–2013). Primary outcome was duration of surgical procedure. Primary exposure was hospital type (academic or non-teaching). Negative binomial regression was used to adjust relative time estimates for age, comorbidity, obesity, anesthetic, and surgeon and hospital case volume.Results: 114 225 procedures were included (circumcision n=12 280; hydrocelectomy n=7221; open radical prostatectomy n=22 951; transurethral prostatectomy n=56 066; or mid-urethral sling n=15 707). These procedures were performed in an academic hospital in 14.8%, 13.3%, 28.6%, 17.1%, and 21.3% of cases, respectively. The mean operative duration across all procedures was higher in academic centres; the additional operative time ranged from 8.3 minutes (circumcision) to 29.2 minutes (radical prostatectomy). In adjusted analysis, patients treated in academic hospitals were still found to have procedures that were significantly longer (by 10‒21%). These results were similar in sensitivity analyses that accounted for the potential effect of more complex patients being referred to tertiary academic centres.Conclusions: Five common general urology operations take significantly longer to perform in academic hospitals. The reason for this may be due to the combined effect of teaching students and residents or due to inherent systematic inefficiencies within large academic hospitals.

Purpose: To evaluate a materials model for laparoscopic ultrasound identification and partial nephrectomy of kidney tumors. Methods: Five urology fellows performed laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) examination of the tumor model, and the time for identification was recorded. After identifying the tumor, they performed a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using the target tumor with measurement of operative parameters. They completed a questionnaire and rated the quality of the renal tumor model on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: The participants were able to identify 49 tumors by LUS (98%). The mean time to identify the renal tumors by LUS was 1.12 minutes±0.93 standard deviation (SD). A partial nephrectomy was successfully completed on 49 tumor models (98%). The mean resection time was 7.69 minutes±3.8 SD. All of the participants considered that this model was helpful in the practice of LPN. The fellows would recommend this model as a teaching tool for residents/fellows to perform tumor imaging ...

Introduction: Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard surgical therapy for men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Although generally considered safer, TURP experience is limited in Canada. Methods: Forty-three patients from 5 Canadian centres were randomized to TURP with either bipolar or monopolar platforms. Patients underwent baseline determinations of American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, peak urinary flow rate, postvoid residual bladder volume and transrectal ultrasound prostate volume. Primary outcome measures were improvement in AUA symptom score, quality of life assessment and bother assessment. Secondary outcomes included procedural times, duration of catheterization, length of hospitalization, complications and the degree of thermal artifact in tissue specimens. Patients were followed for 6 months. Results: Twenty-two patients were treated with bipolar and 21 with monopolar TURP. Preoperative demographics were not statistically different between groups. Postoperative data collection times were equivalent in AUA symptom, quality of life, bother and sexual function assessments. No differences were observed in the procedure time (60.7 min, bipolar vs. 47.4, monopolar) or the duration of urethral catheterization (1.5 days, bipolar vs. 1.1, monopolar). More patients in the bipolar group were discharged on the same day of surgery. There were no differences in the degree of tissue thermal artifact or complication rate. Conclusion: This trial suggests equivalent short-term outcomes for men undergoing monopolar or bipolar TURP.

The da Vinci(®) surgical system requires the use of electrosurgical instruments. The re-use of such instruments creates the potential for stray electrical currents from capacitive coupling and/or insulation failure. We used objective measures to report the prevalence and magnitude of such stray currents.Thirty-seven robotic instruments were tested using an electrosurgical unit (ESU) at pure coagulation and cut waveforms at four different settings. Conductive gel-coated instruments were tested at 40W, 80W, and maximum ESU output (coagulation 120W, cut 300W). The magnitude of stray currents was measured by an electrosurgical analyzer.At coagulation waveform in open air, 86% of instruments leaked a mean of 0.4W. In the presence of gel-coated instruments, stray currents were detected in all instruments with means (and standard deviation) of 3.4W (± 2), 4.1W (± 2.3), and 4.1W (± 2.3) at 40W, 80W, and 120W, respectively. At cut waveform in open air, none of the instruments leaked current, while gel-coated instruments leaked a mean of 2.2W (± 1.3), 2.2W (± 1.9) and 3.2W (± 1.9) at 40W, 80W, and 300W, respectively.All tested instruments in our study demonstrated energy leakage. Stray currents were higher during coagulation (high voltage) waveforms, and the magnitude was not always proportionate to the ESU settings. Stray currents have the potential to cause electrical burns. We support the programmed end of life of da Vinci instruments on the basis of safety. Consideration should be given to alternate energy sources or the adoption of active electrode monitoring technology to all monopolar instruments.

Background The optimum treatment of prostate cancer recurrence following radiation therapy (RT) remains controversial due to the lack of long-term data. Objective Our aim was to review the survival of patients who underwent salvage cryotherapy to the prostate gland for biopsy-proven recurrent prostate cancer and establish prognostic indicators. Design, setting, and participants A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients undergoing salvage cryotherapy at an academic urology unit for biopsy-proven locally recurrent prostate cancer after RT from 1995 to 2004. Patients' preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were reviewed and recorded. Intervention Two freeze-thaw cycles of transperineal cryotherapy were performed under transrectal ultrasound guidance by a single surgeon. Measurements The primary outcome was survival. Secondary outcomes were disease-free survival (DFS), metastasis-free survival, and progression to androgen-deprivation therapy. Results and limitations Of 187 patients, 176 had records available for follow-up (follow-up rate: 94%). Mean follow-up was 7.46 yr (range: 1-14 yr). Fifty-two patients were followed for >10 yr. DFS at 10 yr was 39%. Risk factors for recurrence were presalvage prostate-specific antigen (PSA), preradiation, and presalvage Gleason score. A PSA nadir >1.0 ng/dl was highly predictive of early recurrence. Conclusions Salvage cryotherapy led to an acceptable 10-yr DFS. Presalvage PSA and Gleason score were the best predictors of disease recurrence. A PSA nadir >1 ng/dl following cryotherapy indicated a poor prognosis, and recurrence of disease was universal in these patients.

Objective • To explore the usefulness of cumulative summation (CUSUM) graphs for monitoring positive surgical margin (PSM) rates during a surgeon's transition from open to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Patients and methods • Data were prospectively collected from patients undergoing RARP by a single surgeon. • Preoperatively all patients were either low or moderate risk under the D'Amico classification system. • A CUSUM graph was charted retrospectively to analyse the PSM rate in patients undergoing RARP for pathological stage T2 (pT2) disease. • Acceptable and unacceptable PSM rates were set at 10% and 15% respectively. Results • From a cohort of 226 patients, 158 patients with pT2 disease were selected. The mean (range) age of these patients was 59.2 (39-73) years, the median (range) Gleason score was 6 (4-9), the mean (range) PSA was 6.43 (0.52-17.5) ng/mL and the mean (range) prostate volume was 44 (18-120) cm(3). In all, 21 patients had PSMs (13%). • CUSUM graphs were produced and clearly demonstrated the change in PSM rate over time. Conclusion • CUSUM graphs are a novel and useful visual representation of the learning curve for surgeons. • PSM rates in patients with pT2 disease are a good outcome to monitor using CUSUM graphs as they are binary and lack the confounding factors associated with other outcomes such as continence and erectile dysfunction. • We advocate the use of CUSUM graphs as a method of quality assurance with the introduction of a robotics programme.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed medical condition in older men. As a consequence, acute urinary retention can occur in patients with preoperative prostate cancer. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy as a treatment modality for prostate cancer was designed to decrease operative morbidity and minimize long-term morbidity such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Three patients with prostate cancer coexisting with a BPH-related urinary retention managed with a clean intermittent catheterization (patient #1), and an indwelling Foley catheter (patients #2 and #3), were treated with a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. After the procedure, the patients were able to void spontaneously, with good urine flow and reasonable bladder emptying.

Objectives To evaluate the modalities of electrocautery, holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser, hydrodissection, and combined holmium:YAG laser with hydrodissection applied to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in a porcine model. Methods A total of 16 Yorkshire pigs were divided into 4 equal groups (electrocautery, hydrodissection, holmium:YAG laser, and combined hydrodissection/holmium:YAG laser) and underwent unilateral LPN. The total operative time, partial nephrectomy time, hemostasis modality, and intraoperative complications were recorded. The pre- and postoperative hemoglobin was measured. Abdominal computed tomography was performed 2 weeks postoperatively. Representative specimens from each arm were examined for histologic findings. Results The mean total operative time and the time to perform partial nephrectomy was lower for the combined hydrodissection/holmium:YAG laser arm (66 minutes and 13 minutes, respectively) compared with the electrocautery arm (93 and 30 minutes, respectively), holmium:YAG laser-only arm (77 and 19 minutes, respectively), and hydrodissection-only arm (129 and 35 minutes, respectively). The mean decrease in hemoglobin was the least for the combined hydrodissection/holmium:YAG laser arm (5.3 g/L) followed by the holmium:YAG-only (15.3 g/L), hydrodissection-only (16.8 g/L), and electrocautery (35.5 g/L) arms, respectively. The histologic examination demonstrated an increased depth of tissue injury in the electrocautery arm. Conclusions In a porcine model, the combined use of the hydrodissection/holmium:YAG laser to perform LPN had the shortest operative time and the lowest decrease in hemoglobin and appears to warrant additional clinical evaluation in human trials for LPN.

New surgical teaching methods are continuously being developed to overcome the learning curves of new advanced surgical procedures. The learning curve is recognized in most minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery. The development of complex skills-training models and simulators, although in its infancy, has started to facilitate the transfer of these skills to novice surgeons without increasing the risk to patients' safety. Robotic surgery, whether in the specialties of urology, general surgery, or cardiac surgery, has become the ideal platform to integrate simulators for teaching purposes. Its different interface requires the surgeon to acquire more advanced skills compared with conventional open or laparoscopic surgery. However, simulators can allow the naïve surgeon to develop these skills and pass the learning curve without the medico-legal implications of surgical training, limitations in trainee working hours, and ethical considerations of learning basic skills on humans.

Ureteral stents may cause significant morbidity, including pain, dysuria, hematuria, and infection. New biomaterials, coatings, and designs have been studied in an attempt to reduce stent-related symptoms, but to date, the ideal comfortable stent has not been developed. In order to facilitate development of a stent that will mold and change with patient movement, we examined stent and ureteral movement with changes in patient body position.Four women and two men with a median age of 60.5 +/- 7.7 years who underwent shockwave lithotripsy and insertion of a ureteral stent were enrolled. Static radiographs were performed with the patients in four positions: supine, standing, sitting, and bending forward. Differences in stent position were analyzed digitally relative to fixed bony reference points to determine ureteral movement.The renal stent curl was most cephalad when the patient was supine and moved caudally an average of 2.5 +/- 1.5 cm when the patient stood up. The absolute vertical length of the stent was greatest when the patient was supine (31.1 +/- 1.2 cm) and shortened with standing (28.3 +/- 2.3 cm) and sitting (26.6 +/- 1.5 cm). The bladder curl moved an average of 2.3 +/- 1.2 cm vertically with patient movement.By measuring stent position, we were able to quantify the range of motion of the ureter during changes in body position. Stent movement appears to be a combination of bowing in the proximal ureter and moving within the bladder. Future stent designs may take this into account to decrease stent-related symptoms.

The gold standard treatment for supravesical urothelial carcinoma has been open radical nephroureterectomy based on the premise that this cancer is a field defect. However, nephroureterectomy is an extensive procedure that may not be tolerated by all patients. Percutaneous and ureteroscopic approaches have been utilized in an attempt to avoid the potential morbidity associated with traditional open surgery. This review provides an update on percutaneous management of upper-tract urothelial transitional-cell cancer based on a review of the pertinent literature.

Ureteral stents are a significant source of pain and discomfort for many urologic patients. A novel approach to addressing this problem is the intravesical instillation of a selected pharmacologic agent after stent insertion. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of intravesical instillation of various agents in reducing ureteral stent-associated discomfort in patients requiring a stent after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL).In this double-blind prospective trial, 42 patients were randomized to receive intravesical instillation of one of three agents (oxybutynin, alkalinized lidocaine, or ketorolac) or a control solution (0.9% sodium chloride) immediately after stent insertion at time of SWL. The four groups of patients were demographically similar. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected prospectively and analyzed statistically. The primary outcome measure was reduction in ureteral stent symptoms, and the secondary outcome measure was the safety of intravesical instillation of each agent through assessment of drug-related adverse events.There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, nor were there any serious side effects attributable to any of the intravesically instilled agents. There was a statistically significant decrease in stent-related discomfort at the 1-hour time point in the group of patients who received intravesical ketorolac compared with the control group.Intravesical instillation represents a novel approach to the problem of ureteral stent-related discomfort. From our results, ketorolac appears to be the most effective intravesical agent in reducing stent-related patient discomfort, and we have established that intravesical instillation of ketorolac is safe in humans.

With evolving radio frequency technology, the clinical application of radio frequency ablation (RFA) has been actively investigated in the treatment for small renal tumors. We present our intermediate patient outcomes after RFA.Since January 2001, 17 patients with a total of 24 hereditary renal tumors ranging from 1.2 to 2.85 cm were treated with RFA using the 200 W Cool-tip RF System (Radionics, Burlington, Massachusetts) under laparoscopic (9) or percutaneous (8) guidance and had a minimum 1-year followup. A percutaneous approach was considered unsuitable if kidney tumors were contiguous to bowel, ureter or large vessels. Treatment eligibility criteria included an average tumor diameter of less than 3.0 cm, tumor growth during 1 year and solid appearance with contrast enhancement (HU change greater than 20) on computerized tomography (CT). Postoperative followup consisted of CT with and without intravenous contrast, and renal function assessment at regular intervals.Median patient age was 38 years (range 20 to 51). At a median followup of 385 days (range 342 to 691), median tumor or thermal lesion diameter decreased from 2.26 to 1.62 cm (p = 0.0013), and only 1 lesion (4%), which was located centrally near the hilum, exhibited contrast enhancement (HU change greater than 10) on CT at 12 months. Of the 15 renal tumors ablated laparoscopically, 13 were in direct contact with the bowel and 2 were abutting the ureter, necessitating mobilization before RFA. Laparoscopic ultrasound was used to guide radio frequency electrode placement and monitor the ablation process in these cases. Operative time and intraoperative blood loss (mean +/- standard mean of error) were 243 +/- 29 minutes and 67 +/- 9 cc, respectively. In 1 patient whose ureter was adherent to the tumor a ureteropelvic junction obstruction developed after laparoscopic RFA, requiring open repair.At the minimum 1-year followup 23 of 24 ablated tumors lacked contrast uptake on CT, meeting our radiographic criteria of successful RFA treatment. RFA treatment of small renal tumors using the Radionics system appears to result in superior treatment outcomes compared to those of earlier series with lower radio frequency power generators. A high wattage generator might attain more consistent energy deposition with subsequent cell death in the targeted tissue due to less convective heat loss.

There has been a paucity of long-term followup reports of cryoablation for prostate cancer. In particular, little is known regarding the long-term histological results following salvage cryoablation. We report serial biopsy results of up to 43 months on 106 patients who underwent cryoablation after radical radiotherapy failed.A total of 110 cryoablation procedures were done in 106 patients for biopsy proven, clinically localized radiation failure. Postoperatively transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy (usually 4 cores) was done at approximately 3, and/or 6, 12 and 24 months, and thereafter as indicated by prostate specific antigen, which was measured every 6 months.Of 818 biopsy cores a total of 23 (2.8%) from 15 patients (14.2%) were positive. Of the positive cores 73.9% were found within year 1 following cryoablation. Residual viable prostate glands and stroma were found in 42.4% and 27.4% of patients, respectively, at various time points. The frequency of various histological features, the most common being necrosis and fibrosis, was tabulated from the serial biopsy histology reports.The results of serial biopsies have improved our understanding of the histopathological changes as well as the capabilities and limitations of salvage cryoablation. The biopsy positivity rate is acceptable, although the finding of persistent viable prostatic tissue in a substantial proportion of patients implies that vigilant long-term followup is mandatory.

Introduction: We propose a novel classification system with a validation study to help clinicians identify and typify commonly seen variants of the puboprostatic ligaments (PPL).Methods: A preliminary dissection of 6 male cadavers and a prospective dataset of over 300 robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (RARP) recorded on video were used to identify 4 distinct ligament types. Then the prospectively collected database of surgical videos was used to isolate images of the PPL from RARP. Over 300 surgical videos were reviewed and classified with 1 to 5 pictures saved for reference of the type of PPL. To validate the new classification system, we selected 5 independent, blinded expert robotic surgeons to classify 100 ligaments based on morphology into a 4-type system: parallel, V-shaped, inverted V-shape, and fused. One week later, a subset of 25 photographs was sent to the same experts and classified. Statistical analyses were performed to determine both the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the proposed system.Results: Inverted V-shaped ligaments were noted most frequently (29.97%), parallel and V-shaped ligaments were found at 19.19% and 11.11%, respectively and fused ligaments were noted less frequently (6.06%). There was good intra-rater agreement (κ = 0.66) and inter-rater agreement (κ = 0.67) for the classification system.Conclusions: This classification system provided standardized descriptions of ligament variations that could be adopted universally to help clinicians categorize the variants. The system, validated by several blinded expert surgeons, demonstrated that surgeons were able to learn and correctly classify the variants. The system may be useful in helping to predict peri- and postoperative outcomes; however, this will require further study.

Purpose: Abdominal wall adhesions at laparoscopy may predispose patients to access related injuries and increase the complexity of the procedure. We have observed concern from referring physicians regarding the safety of laparoscopy in patients who previously underwent surgery because of the risk of abdominal adhesions. To assess the risk of adhesions at laparoscopy a retrospective cohort study was performed.Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent a transperitoneal urological laparoscopic procedure in a 6-year period at our institution were included in this study. A chart review was performed to obtain demographic/surgical data and identify preoperative risk factors for adhesions, such as previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, radiation and/or intra-abdominal inflammatory disease. Operative videotapes were reviewed to determine the presence and location of adhesions. Standard statistical analyses were performed.Results: During the study period 127 patients underwent transperitoneal laparo...

Purpose: Adrenal cortical sparing surgery is a relatively new approach to adrenal tumors. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a technically feasible but challenging operation. We describe the use of intraoperative ultrasound to facilitate laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in a population with a hereditary predisposition to multifocal pheochromocytoma.Materials and Methods: All patients underwent a history, physical examination, serum and urine catecholamine determinations, abdominal computerized tomography-magnetic resonance imaging and metaiodobenzylguanidine scan. The adrenal gland was exposed using a standard 3 or 4 port approach. Intraoperative ultrasound was performed using a 7.5 MHz. 10 mm. transducer placed through a 12 mm. port. After imaging the whole gland and adjacent structures partial adrenalectomy was performed based on intraoperative ultrasound images using a harmonic scalpel or alternatively using a cut and sew technique that provided a 5 mm. margin. Tumors were removed intact and s...

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) is being increasingly offered for the management of renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). Specimen removal may be performed through a small or hand-port incision or by specimen morcellation. Limited studies exist addressing the accuracy of histopathologic diagnosis in morcellated renal tumors. Because of concerns about the lack of a diagnosis secondary to the morcellation process, we performed premorcellation needle biopsies to obtain nondisrupted tissue for pathologic analysis. Herein, we compare the histopathologic diagnosis achieved via needle biopsy prior to morcellation with that of the final specimen.Following successful laparoscopic resection, specimens were entrapped in a Lapsac. Needle biopsies were performed manually through the mouth of the Lapsac, and morcellation was then done in some patients using manual and mechanical methods. The histopathologic diagnoses in the needle biopsy specimens and the morcellated material were compared.Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with specimen morcellation was performed in 15 patients. Nine patients had premorcellation needle biopsies. Eight of these biopsies had sufficient tissue for diagnosis of RCC. This finding correlated with final diagnosis from the morcellated material. Perinephric fat invasion was identified in three morcellated specimens.Needle biopsy prior to specimen morcellation confirmed the histologic diagnosis of the morcellated specimen. This finding suggests that such histopathology material is adequate for diagnosis and may make premorcellation needle biopsy redundant.

The management of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continues to evolve. With the advent of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN), minimally invasive approaches to kidney cancer have developed. Laparoscopic resection of locally advanced RCC yields a similar cancer-control rate with the advantage of decreased morbidity. Although cytoreductive LRN is a technically challenging procedure, it may be completed safely in selected patients. Further prospective study of the role of LRN for advanced RCC is warranted.

Instrument failure that leads to a foreign body is an unusual event that may be minimized by inspection of the instruments for metal fatigue prior to use., The modern cystoscope is the result of the advancement in technology in numerous areas and is an invaluable tool that allows the urologist to perform a number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Although various degrees of endoscope failure have been widely reported, instrument breakage that leads to a foreign body has not. While performing a bladder neck stricture incision for a 72-year-old male patient with a previous radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer and a resulting bladder neck stricture, we documented a major 17-French cystoscope malfunction and a resulting foreign body that was retrieved from the bladder using a 22-French scope and alligator forceps.

Cryoablation has become a popular treatment option for the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs) in patients who are not ideal surgical candidates. This relatively new therapy continues to be studied in terms of its efficacy and safety. Intermediate- and long-term data published over the past year suggest comparable rates of oncological control for established extirpative options (partial and radical nephrectomy). Studies evaluating its safety profile show a decreased rate of major and minor complications, as compared with surgery. Cryoablation also offers excellent preservation of kidney function and is a viable treatment option in patients with preexisting renal compromise. The purpose of the present review is to summarize current literature on cryoablation therapy in the management of SRMs, with emphasis on studies published over the past year.

Advances in the pharmacotherapeutic options available to treat erectile dysfunction over the past decade have transformed the field of impotence. The initial foray into this field with intracavernous injections of papaverine rapidly expanded the number of men seeking attention for priapism, a previously rare clinical condition. The recent widespread use and acceptance of oral agents for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, with a reduced incidence of priapism has decreased the number of men at risk for injection-related prolonged erections. The use of recreational drugs (cocaine) and perineal trauma leading to presentations of priapism seem to be rising in incidence. The urologist remains the consultant-specialist ultimately responsible for these men and should be cognizant of the array of treatments described for this condition. Early determination of the state of corporal oxygenation is essential and will define the optimal management approach. A wide range of medical conditions and risk factors may be etiologic and should be elicited from the patient at the initial interview. Low-flow ischemic priapism requires a rapid resolution, often achieved through use of alpha-agonists orally or by direct injection into the penile circulation, whereas nonischemic priapism can be treated more conservatively. Research into this condition has only recently been initiated. Through greater understanding of the pathophysiology of priapism, the clinician may become armed with etiology-specific medical alternatives providing timely detumescence for men with prolonged erections.

The reported incidence of seminal vesicle anomalies is low, and it usually occurs in association with other genitourinary anomalies, thus frequently diagnosed by a cluster of fertility, pain or obstructive symptoms. We present a case of a clinically silent seminal vesicle fusion encountered during a robotic assisted radical prostatectomy. Awareness of potential congenital anomalies is crucial for surgeons, to prevent surgical complications or adverse outcomes as a result of the altered anatomy.

Purpose: We review the long-term results of renal autotransplantation as a form of nephron sparing renal denervation for patients with the loin pain-hematuria syndrome.Materials and Methods: From 1985 to 1997, after exclusion of other urological, nephrological and psychiatric causes for severe intractable flank pain and recurrent hematuria, 22 patients with severe debility and heavy narcotic dependency underwent 26 renal autotransplantations for pain control. Postoperative pain relief, narcotic use, level of function in daily activities and status of the autograft were assessed.Results: Median and mean followup was 78.5 and 84.7 months (range 30 to 138), respectively. There were 2 technical failures. Pain recurred within 2 years after 6 procedures, of which 3 resulted in transplant nephrectomy and 3 were managed with a reduced analgesic requirement. Of the 16 patients with minimum 5 years of followup 12 (75%) were pain-free after surgery with 3 additional patients pain-free after transplant nephre...

We report the surgical management of an expanding 2.5-cm left-sided renal artery aneurysm using a robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. Using the da Vinci surgical robotic system, we resected the aneurysm, and the anterior-inferior branch of the renal artery was reconstructed with an end-to-end anastomosis. The operative time was 360 minutes, hospitalization length of stay was 3 days, and postoperative analgesic requirements were minimal. Follow-up imaging and functional analysis demonstrated resolution of the aneurysm and preservation of renal function. This technique highlights the ability of surgical robotics to expand indications for minimally invasive surgery in complex cases.

by Al-Hathal and colleagues, they report a positive mar gin rate of 25.7% for T2 disease and 43.3% for T3 dis ease, respectively. This is likely related to the “aggressive nerve sparing” in the patient population that was mostly in intermediate- and high-risk disease. Admittedly, they only performed 9 wide excisions and, as such, performed nerve sparing in men with high-risk disease regardless of potency status. Overall, these results are similar to population-based data from Ontario, 7 but again, we must continually strive for better results. 8 Preservation of potency at the expense of

Patients with a cortical small (≤4 cm) renal mass often are not candidates for or choose not to undergo surgery. The optimal management strategy for such patients is unclear.A decision-analytic Markov model was developed from the perspective of a third party payer to compare the quality-adjusted life expectancy and lifetime costs for 67-year-old patients with a small renal mass undergoing premanagement decision biopsy, immediate percutaneous radiofrequency ablation or percutaneous cryoablation (without premanagement biopsy), or active surveillance with serial imaging and subsequent ablation if needed.The dominant strategy (most effective and least costly) was active surveillance with subsequent cryoablation if needed. On a quality-adjusted and discounted basis, immediate cryoablation resulted in a similar life expectancy (3 days fewer) but cost $3,010 more. This result was sensitive to the relative rate of progression to metastatic disease. Strategies that employed radiofrequency ablation had decreased quality-adjusted life expectancies (82-87 days fewer than the dominant strategy) and higher costs ($3,231-$6,398 more).Active surveillance with delayed percutaneous cryoablation, if needed, may be a safe and cost-effective alternative to immediate cryoablation. The uncertainty in the relative long-term rate of progression to metastatic disease in patients managed with active surveillance versus immediate cryoablation needs to be weighed against the higher cost of immediate cryoablation. A randomized trial is needed directly to evaluate the nonsurgical management of patients with a small renal mass, and could be limited to the most promising strategies identified in this analysis.

Introduction: The da Vinci surgical system requires the use of electrosurgical instruments. The re-use of such instruments creates the potential for stray electrical currents from capacitive coupling and/or insulation failure with subsequent injury. The morbidity of such injuries may negate many of the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. We sought to evaluate the rate and nature of electrosurgical injury (ESI) associated with this device. Methods: The Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database is administered by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and reports adverse events related to medical devices in the United States. We analyzed all incidents in the context of robotic surgery between January 2001 and June 2011 to identify those related to the use of electrosurgery. Results: In the past decade, a total of 605 reports have been submitted to the FDA with regard to adverse events related to the da Vinci robotic surgical platform. Of these, 24 (3.9%) were related to potential or actual ESI. Nine out of the 24 cases (37.5%) resulted in additional surgical intervention for repair. There were 6 bowel injuries of which only one was recognized and managed intra-operatively. The remainder required laparotomy between 5 and 8 days after the initial robotic procedure. Additionally, there were 3 skin burns. The remaining cases required conservative management or resulted in no harm. Conclusion: ESI in the context of robotic surgery is uncommon but remains under-recognized and under-reported. Surgeons performing robot assisted surgery should be aware that ESI can occur with robotic instruments and vigilance for intra- and post-operative complications is paramount.

A reusable laparoscopic instrument consisting of a flexible deployment ring and a barrel was fabricated, and an impermeable sac was sutured to the flexible ring before entrapment of the specimen and morcellation. The laparoscopic specimen entrapment device facilitated placement of large renal tumors within a sac for morcellation.

Purpose: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is being performed more commonly. To our knowledge intentional resection of the diaphragm during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for large renal tumors has not yet been described. We detail the laparoscopic management of diaphragmatic resection.Materials and Methods: From March 1996 to February 2001, 36 patients underwent cytoreductive laparoscopic radical nephrectomy at our institution in preparation for systemic immunotherapy. Charts and operative tapes were reviewed and cases were identified in which diaphragmatic resection was performed for locally invasive tumors.Results: In 3 patients a portion of the diaphragm was dissected via laparoscopy during debulking nephrectomy. All patients had renal cell carcinoma with documented metastatic disease. The diaphragm was repaired laparoscopically using intracorporeal suturing techniques in 2 of the 3 patients and a chest tube was placed in all 3. Transient systolic hypotension and hypercarbia in 1 case resolved with m...

To evaluate a materials model for laparoscopic guided cryotherapy or radiofrequency tissue ablation (RFA) of kidney tumors through expert surgeon assessment.During the inaugural American Urological Association 2010 Tissue Ablative course content, validity testing of a renal tumor model was undertaken. Five expert faculty in cryotherapy and RFA techniques for renal tumors performed laparoscopic ultrasonography (US) examination of the tumor model. They performed US guided placement and activation of the treatment probe into the tumor of the model. They completed a questionnaire and rated the quality of the renal tumor model on a 5 point Likert scale.All of the subjects assigned a score of 5 of 5 on the Likert scale regarding the ability to identify the tumor with US, were able to deploy the ablative probe into the model under US guidance, and would recommend the use of this teaching model to residents or fellows. They thought that this tumor model was appropriate for teaching laparoscopic US imaging of a renal tumor during ablative treatment procedures, teaching and practicing laparoscopic US-guided cryotherapy, and teaching and practicing laparoscopic US-guided RFA.We have developed a unique model that simulates small kidney tumors that can be used for training surgeons in ablative techniques.

We compared laparoscopic and robotic pyeloplasty to identify factors associated with procedural efficacy.We conducted a retrospective multicenter trial incorporating 865 cases from 15 centers. We collected perioperative data including anatomical and procedural factors. Failure was defined subjectively as pain that was unchanged or worse per medical records after surgery. Radiographic failure was defined as unchanged or worsening drainage on renal scans or worsening hydronephrosis on computerized tomography. Bivariate analyses were performed on all outcomes and multivariate analysis was used to assess factors associated with decreased freedom from secondary procedures.Of the cases 759 (274 laparoscopic pyeloplasties with a mean followup of 15 months and 465 robotic pyeloplasties with a mean followup of 11 months, p0.001) had sufficient data. Laparoscopic pyeloplasty, previous endopyelotomy and intraoperative crossing vessels were associated with decreased freedom from secondary procedures on bivariate analysis, with a 2-year freedom from secondary procedures of 87% for laparoscopic pyeloplasty vs 95% for robotic pyeloplasty, 81% vs 93% for patients with vs without previous endopyelotomy and 88% vs 95% for patients with vs without intraoperative crossing vessels, respectively. However, on multivariate analysis only previous endopyelotomy (HR 4.35) and intraoperative crossing vessels (HR 2.73) significantly impacted freedom from secondary procedures.Laparoscopic and robotic pyeloplasty are highly effective in treating ureteropelvic junction obstruction. There was no difference in their abilities to render the patient free from secondary procedures on multivariate analysis. Previous endopyelotomy and intraoperative crossing vessels reduced freedom from secondary procedures.

The incidence of incisional hernia after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has not been described previously. We report our prospective data in an attempt to identify factors that may predispose to this important complication.The information contained in our prospectively collected RARP database was used to assess the incidence and predisposing factors for incisional hernia post-RARP in a single surgeon series of 250 patients.The incidence of incisional hernia in our series was 4.8% (12 of 250 patients). Statistical analysis demonstrated a higher rate of incisional hernias in patients for whom the supraumbilical incision for specimen retrieval was closed with a continuous, rather than interrupted suture. Incisional hernia is associated with a significantly longer length of hospital stay.Urologists should be aware that incisional hernia is an important postoperative complication after RARP. Closure of linea alba with a nonabsorbable suture using an interrupted technique may help to minimize the incidence of this morbid complication.

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is becoming increasingly utilized for localized renal tumors. We have applied this procedure to patients with metastatic disease for cytoreduction prior to systemic immunotherapy. Advantages of the laparoscopic approach include decreased parenteral narcotic requirement and decreased time to initiate systemic therapy. Herein, we describe the procedure with some technical pearls learned in our early experience.

Introduction Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is becoming the preferred surgical treatment option for management of organ‐confined prostate cancer. Although not a contraindication, previous pelvic surgery can make RARP challenging. Presence of a three‐piece inflatable penile prosthesis, with a perivesical pelvic reservoir, has the potential to induce steric hindrance making RARP difficult. Aim The main purpose of this publication is to report our experience with RARP in patients with previously inserted three‐piece inflatable penile prostheses. Methods Two patients with previously inserted AMS 700 penile prosthesis and with organ‐confined, biopsy proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent RARP. We describe intraoperative findings, surgical technique, oncologic and functional outcomes. Results Both patients underwent safe and successful RARP with out any complications. Surgical margins were not affected with pelvic reservoir‐sparing technique. In both patients, the penile prosthesis remained functional postoperatively. Conclusions RARP can be safely performed in patients with previously inserted three‐piece inflatable penile prosthesis. Nontraumatic handling of the pelvic reservoir is mandatory to preserve prosthesis' integrity. Erdeljan P, Brock G, and Pautler SE. Robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy in patients with preexisting three‐piece inflatable penile prosthesis. J Sex Med 2011;8:306–309.

Introduction: Previous studies of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) have suggested that obesity is a risk factor for worse perioperative outcomes. We evaluated whether body mass index (BMI) adversely affected perioperative outcomes. Methods: A prospective database of 153 RARP (single surgeon) was analyzed. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2; normal BMI < 25 kg/m2; and overweight as 25 to 30 kg/m2. Two separate analyses were performed: the first 50 cases (the initial learning curve) and the entire cohort of 153 RARP. Results: In the initial cohort of 50 cases (14 obese patients), there was no statistically significant difference with regards to operative times, port-placement times and estimated blood loss (EBL). Length of stay (LOS) was longer in the obese group (4.3 vs. 2.9 days); BMI remained an independent predictor of increased LOS on multivariate linear regression analysis (p = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative outcomes of leak rates, margin rates and incisional herniae. In the entire cohort, when comparing obese patients to those with a normal BMI, there was no statistically significant difference in operative times, EBL, LOS, or immediate postoperative outcomes. However, on multivariate linear regression analysis, BMI was an independent predictor of increased operative time (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Obese patients do not have an increased risk of blood loss, positive margins or the postoperative complications of incisional hernia and leak during the learning curve. They do, however, have slightly longer operative times; we also noted an increased LOS in our first 50 cases. Introduction : Des etudes anterieures sur la prostatectomie radicale assistee par robot (PRAR) ont laisse entendre que l’obesite etait un facteur de risque de complications perioperatoires. Nous avons evalue si l’indice de masse corporelle (IMC) affectait de facon negative les resultats de l’operation. Methodologie : Une base de donnees prospective comptant 153 PRAR (effectuees par un seul chirurgien) a ete analysee. On a defini l’obesite comme un IMC ≥ 30 kg/m2, un IMC normal etant < 25 kg/m2, et un IMC entre 25 et 30 kg/m2 representant un surplus de poids. Deux analyses distinctes ont ete realisees : les 50 premiers cas (courbe d’apprentissage initiale) et la cohorte entiere des 153 patients ayant subi une PRAR. Resultats : Dans la cohorte initiale de 50 cas (dont 14 patients obeses), on n’a note aucune difference significative sur le plan statistique en ce qui concerne la duree de l’operation, le temps requis pour installer l’acces vasculaire et la perte de sang approximative. La duree du sejour etait plus longue dans le groupe des patients obeses (4,3 contre 2,9 jours), et l’IMC est demeure un facteur independant de prediction d’une duree prolongee du sejour lors de l’analyse de regression lineaire multivariee (p = 0,002). Aucune difference significative sur le plan statistique n’a ete notee dans les resultats postoperatoires quant aux taux de fuite, aux taux de marges positives et aux hernies incisionnelles. Dans toute la cohorte, on n’a note aucune difference significative sur le plan statistique entre les patients obeses et les patients dont l’IMC etait normal en ce qui a trait a la duree de l’operation, la perte de sang, la duree du sejour et les resultats postoperatoires immediats. Neanmoins, l’IMC s’est revele un facteur de prediction independant d’une duree prolongee de l’operation lors de l’analyse de regression lineaire multivariee (p = 0,007). Conclusion : Les patients obeses ne courent pas un risque plus eleve de perte de sang, de marges positives ou de complications postoperatoires comme une hernie incisionnelle ou une fuite pendant la periode de la courbe d’apprentissage du chirurgien. Ils necessitent toutefois une operation legerement plus longue; une duree plus longue du sejour a aussi ete notee chez les 50 premiers cas.