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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a minimally invasive nephron-sparing treatment for small (<4-cm) renal tumors. Post-RFA complications have been reported. We describe a patient who developed complete renal-pelvic obstruction after RFA. To our knowledge, this is the first such case to be reported and the second reported renal-unit loss as the result of collecting-system obstruction after RFA.

Background and Purpose: The use of laparoscopic surgery has been well established for the management of abdominal emergencies. However, the value of this technique for postoperative hemorrhage in urology has not been characterized. We present our favorable experience with laparoscopic exploration after urologic surgery and suggest guidelines for laparoscopic management of post-laparoscopy bleeding., Patients and Methods: Three patients who developed hemorrhage shortly after laparoscopic urologic surgery and were managed by laparoscopic exploration were identified from a series of 910 laparoscopic urologic procedures performed at our institution from October 2002 to June 2006., Results: Three patients, who were hemodynamically stable (two after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, one after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy), required prompt surgical exploration for postoperative hemorrhage not stabilized by blood transfusion (mean 2.7 units) at a mean of 19.4 hours after initial surgery. Clots were evacuated with a 10-mm suction-irrigator. Two patients were found to have abdominal-wall arterial bleeding and were managed with suture ligation. The third patient demonstrated diffuse bleeding from the prostatic bed, which was controlled with Surgicel and FloSeal. Bleeding was efficiently controlled in all patients, and none required post-exploration transfusion. The mean post-exploration hospital stay was 2.3 days., Conclusion: Significant hemorrhage after urologic laparoscopy is a rare event. We found laparoscopic exploration to be an excellent way to diagnose and correct such hemorrhage in certain patients. Early diagnosis with clinical and hematologic studies, a lowered threshold for surgical exploration, and specific operative equipment may decrease patient morbidity and the need for open surgical exploration.

Introduction: Radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion remains as one of the more complex urological procedures despite considerable progress in surgical technique. Increasing patient age, along with associated age-related comorbidities, may portend a poor outcome in those undergoing such complicated surgical procedures. Herein, we report our experience with radical cystectomy in the elderly population., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our RC results from 1995 to 2003. Patients >or = 80 years old were included in this analysis. Perioperative outcomes, as well as overall and disease-free survival were evaluated., Results: A total of 517 patients underwent RC with urinary diversion during this time period. Forty-nine (9.5%) patients were >or= 80 years old. Mean age and BMI were 83.4 years (range 80-94) and 27.1kg/m2 (range 17.4-39.0), respectively. Eighty-three percent of the patients had >or= 1 comorbidities and 67% had a significant smoking history. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 279 minutes and 985 ml, respectively. Thirty-two patients (76%) required blood transfusion in the perioperative period. Among patients found to have urothelial cancer a pathological analysis (36), 21 patients (58%) had < pT3a while 15 patients (42%) had >or= pT3b or >or= N1. Intraoperative complications (5%) included one large bowel injury and hypogastric artery laceration. Thirty- and 90-day mortality rates were 9.5% and 11%, respectively. Early and late postoperative complications were 57% and 17% and 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 44% and 36%, respectively., Conclusions: Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion in patients >or= 80 years old is related with significant short-term and long-term morbidity. Proper patient selection assessing performance status and psychosocial parameters appear to optimize survival outcomes. However, regardless of age, timely surgical management for localized disease control is essential for ultimate sustained disease-free survival.

Background: Renal-artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) is a well-described complication of trauma or percutaneous urologic procedures. Delayed bleeding from an RAP is rare after partial nephrectomy., Case Report: We present a 49-year-old woman who, 24 days after undergoing a laparoscopic right partial nephrectomy for a mesophytic 2.5-cm tumor, developed gross hematuria. Prompt CT imaging, followed by therapeutic angio-embolization of a third-order segmental renal artery with coils, treated the pseudoaneurysm successfully., Conclusions: Renal-artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare, potentially life-threatening, condition that often is difficult to diagnose and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Early use of selective angio-embolization minimizes morbidity and maximizes renal conservation. The etiology, diagnosis, and management are discussed.

Objectives: The intraoperative complexity of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for upper pole renal tumors is recognized. We report on the technical feasibility and operative outcomes of LPN for upper pole tumors (UPLPN) and lower pole tumors (LPLPN), and open partial nephrectomy (UPOPN) for upper pole tumors., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our database of LPNs performed by a single surgeon from October 2002 to February 2006. All solitary, upper and lower pole tumors in patients with a normal contralateral kidney were included. The perioperative outcomes were assessed. UPOPNs performed in the same institution by a separate surgeon were analyzed and compared separately with the UPLPN group., Results: Three groups, UPLPN (20 patients), LPLPN (33 patients), and UPOPN (24 patients), were analyzed. The UPLPN and LPLPN groups had similar perioperative outcomes. The intraoperative and postoperative major complications were also comparable between the UPLPN and LPLPN groups (17% versus 12%, P = 0.68 and 22% versus 6%, P = 0.07, respectively). The mean pathologic tumor size was larger (3.2 versus 2.3 cm, P = 0.05) and the mean operative time significantly shorter (187 versus 244 minutes, P = 0.02) in the UPOPN group than in the UPLPN group. The UPOPN group had a trend toward fewer intraoperative complications compared with the UPLPN group (4% versus 17%, P = 0.17). The final pathologic surgical margins were negative in all three groups., Conclusions: LPN for upper pole renal tumors is technically feasible and may have comparable outcomes to LPN for lower pole tumors. However, performing open nephron-sparing surgery is still the standard of care because it may offer fewer complications and reduce the risk of ischemic damage to the kidney.

Objective: To study the significance of inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) in patients with a history of bladder cancer., Methods: We surveyed our hospital database for patients who developed IPT during follow-up of bladder cancer. The original histologic blocks were reviewed and immunostained for vimentin, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK), and pancytokeratin., Results: Between the years 1988 and 2005, a total of 809 patients were registered in the database, and 16 patients (2%) developed IPT during follow-up. All patients had initial high-grade tumor. Immunostaining for vimentin was positive in all patients, ALK was negative in all patients, and pancytokeratin positive in only 2 patients. During follow-up, 12 patients (75%) developed tumor recurrence, 9 patients (56%) tumor progression, and 6 patients (37.5%) died of bladder cancer. Median period from the finding of IPT to tumor recurrence was 16 months, to progression 7 months, and to mortality 26 months., Conclusions: The finding of IPT in a patient with a history of bladder cancer is associated with a high risk of tumor recurrence, progression, and cancer-related mortality. Second- and possibly third-look bladder biopsies should be considered. The unique characteristics of IPT in patients with a history of bladder cancer suggest that this is a separate disease entity.

Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the second most common cancer in men in the United States (following only skin cancer) and accounts for 33% of all newly diagnosed male cancers. It is estimated that in 2007, 218,890 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 27,050 will die from this disease. While most currently diagnosed prostate cancers are localized, radical prostatectomy remains a gold standard treatment. Since its original description, radical retropubic prostatectomy has evolved over the last three decades to a precise, sophisticated procedure with minimal mortality, and excellent surgical outcomes. However, despite its efficacy, open surgical treatment is inherently associated with blood loss and significant pain. Due to these reasons, many men have sought other, less invasive forms of treatment. With its development in the late 1990s, minimally invasive surgery has significantly and irrevocably changed the surgical treatment of prostate cancer. Robotic-assisted technology has further propelled the utilization of the laparoscopic approach for radical prostatectomy, particularly for non-laparoscopic trained surgeons. The implementation of robotic technology has been rapid. Presently, 7 years after its approval by the FDA, many hospitals have established for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy programs. This trend will undoubtedly continue to grow as more surgeons become familiar with the procedure, more robotic systems become available, and increasingly mature data is published. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy allows patients the benefits of minimally invasive surgery with functional and oncological results comparable to those from open and standard laparoscopic procedures, we believe that this surgical approach will shortly evolve into the standard surgical approach for localized prostate cancer.

Objectives: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and radical nephrectomy (LRN) have been shown to be safe and effective treatment options for renal tumors. However, limited data are available regarding the long-term effect on postoperative renal function in patients undergoing LPN and LRN who have a normal preoperative serum creatinine (sCr) less than 1.5 mg/dL and a two-kidney system. We compared the long-term sCr in patients who were treated with LPN and LRN., Methods: From October 2002 to April 2006, a total of 93 and 171 patients with a single, unilateral, sporadic renal tumor, a normal contralateral kidney and sCr less than 1.5 mg/dL underwent LPN and LRN, respectively. Perioperative, pathologic data and sCr at least 6 months after surgery were compared between the two groups., Results: A total of 42 and 55 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up after LPN and LRN were evaluated. Tumors treated with LPN were significantly smaller (2.4 versus 5.4 cm, P <0.001) than those in the LRN group. The mean age, body mass index, sex, tumor location, and sCr (0.91 and 0.91 mg/dL, P = 0.93) were similar between the two groups. The mean operative time was longer for LPN (222 versus 182 minutes, P = 0.002) with a mean warm ischemia time of 37 minutes (range 13 to 55). The mean 6-month sCr was significantly greater for patients undergoing LRN (1.4 versus 1.0 mg/dL, P <0.001). Similarly, a greater number of LRN patients developed renal insufficiency (sCr 1.5 mg/dL or greater) compared with LPN (36.4% versus 0%, P <0.001)., Conclusions: Despite the warm ischemia and longer operative times, LPN preserves the kidney function better than LRN. In properly selected patients, LPN should be preferentially performed to prevent chronic renal insufficiency.

Purpose: It is generally accepted that simultaneous occlusion of the renal artery and vein during warm ischemia is more damaging than occlusion of the artery alone. Pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy may impair venous backflow, negating the benefits of clamping the artery alone. We evaluated the effect of laparoscopic vs open surgery on the recovery of renal function after clamping of the renal artery and vein, and the artery alone in a solitary kidney porcine model., Materials and Methods: Right laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed in 36 pigs. After a 12-day recovery period the animals were randomized into 3 groups, including 1) 120-minute warm ischemia with renal artery and vein occlusion, 2) 120-minute warm ischemia with artery alone occlusion and 3) control sham surgery. The groups were further subdivided into an open and a laparoscopic arm. Serum creatinine was assessed preoperatively, and on postoperative days 1, 3, 8 and 15., Results: Artery alone clamping resulted in a significantly lower serum creatinine increase on postoperative days 1 and 3 in the open arm compared to the laparoscopic arm. Compared to open renal artery and vein clamping the increase in serum creatinine for open artery alone clamping was also significantly lower on postoperative days 1 and 3. No significant difference in postoperative serum creatinine was found between the laparoscopic artery alone, and the renal artery and vein arms at any time point. No significant serum creatinine changes were observed in the control sham surgery group compared to preoperative values at all followup time points., Conclusions: In this porcine model clamping of the artery alone during open surgery better protected the kidney from warm ischemia compared to renal artery and vein occlusion. This benefit was not observed during laparoscopic surgery. We speculated that the presence of pneumoperitoneum causes at least partial occlusion of the renal vein, thus, negating the benefit of renal artery clamping only.

Objectives: To determine whether ischemia preconditioning (IPC) confers resilience to subsequent renal warm ischemia (WI) in a single-kidney porcine model., Methods: After right nephrectomy was performed, 20 female pigs were randomized to 5 groups: group 1: 60 minutes IPC followed by 90 minutes WI; group 2: 25 minutes IPC followed by 90 minutes WI; group 3: no IPC and 90 minutes WI; group 4: 60 minutes IPC, no WI; and group 5: no IPC, no WI (sham control procedure). Ischemia preconditioning was performed for 60 minutes (4 minutes clamping followed by 11 minutes reperfusion) or 25 minutes (10 minutes clamping followed by 15 minutes reperfusion). Serum creatinine values were obtained preoperatively and on postoperative day (POD) 1, 3, 8, and 15., Results: Mean serum creatinine values were comparable between groups on POD 1, with the exception of group 1, which was significantly worse than group 5 (control). On POD 3, renal function was similar between groups 1 and 2, and both were significantly worse than groups 4 and 5. On POD 8, renal dysfunction in group 1 was significantly worse than in group 3. All four animals from group 1 were killed after POD 8 because of overwhelming renal insufficiency., Conclusions: Ischemia preconditioning did not suggest increased renal resilience to the kidney after subsequent prolonged WI. Our results further suggest that the protection provided by IPC in smaller animals is not appreciated in a larger-animal, single-kidney model. The additive effect of further ischemic insults was more deleterious to the remaining renal unit.

Purpose: Renal cell carcinoma invading the perinephric fat is classified as a stage T3a tumor in the 2002 TNM version. Based on long-term followup we examined the prognostic significance of this definition., Materials and Methods: We evaluated the outcome in 237 consecutive patients with localized renal cell carcinoma operated on between January 1985 and December 1997. Median followup was 8 years. Disease-free survival was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Based on this we proposed and tested a new TNM system against the 2002 TNM version., Results: Tumor recurrence was diagnosed in 48 patients (20.2%) at a median of 21.5 months. Diameter based analysis of stage T3a revealed that this was an inhomogeneous group that included patients with small tumors and an excellent prognosis along with patients with large tumors and a poor prognosis. Based on this information we initiated a modified TNM staging system that ignores perinephric fat invasion. In the proposed staging system stage T1a includes tumors 4 cm or less and stage T1b includes tumors more than 4 but 7 cm or less. Stage T2 is divided into T2a-tumors greater than 7 but 10 cm or less and T2b-tumors greater than 10 cm. Stage T3a is reserved for renal vein tumor invasion. The proposed TNM performed better than the 2002 version using the Nagelkerke R(2) test (0.439 vs 0.359), and the Hosmer and Lemeshow test (0.335 vs 0.191)., Conclusions: The current definition of stage T3a renal cell carcinoma embraces an inhomogeneous group of patients with marked differences in prognosis. We believe that tumor invasion into the perinephric fat does not necessarily predict aggressive biological behavior.

Background and Purpose: Several experienced practitioners of open surgery with limited or no laparoscopic background have adopted robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) as an alternative to open radical prostatectomy (RRP), demonstrating outcomes comparable to those in large RRP and laparoscopic prostatectomy series. Thus, the significance of prior laparoscopic skills seems unclear. The learning curve, with respect to operative time and complications, in the hands of a devoted laparoscopic surgeon has not been critically assessed. We evaluated the learning curve of a highly experienced laparoscopic surgeon in achieving expertise with RLRP., Patients and Methods: We prospectively evaluated 150 consecutive patients undergoing RLRP by a single surgeon between March 2003 and September 2005. The first 25 cases were performed with the assistance of a surgeon experienced in open RRP. Data were compared for the first, second, and third groups of 50 cases. Demographic data were similar for the three groups. Urinary and sexual function data were evaluated subjectively and objectively using the RAND-36v2 Survey and the UCLA PCI preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively., Results: The mean operative time, blood loss, and conversion rate decreased significantly with increasing experience. All open conversions occurred during the first 25 cases. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were similar among groups. Although the differences were not significant, urinary and sexual function recovery improved with experience., Conclusion: The RLRP learning curve for a fellowship-trained laparoscopic surgeon seems to be similar to that of laparoscopically naive yet experienced practitioners of open RRP. The RLRP is safe and reproducible and even during the learning curve can produce results similar to those reported in large RRP series. The importance of assistance by an experienced open RRP surgeon during the learning curve cannot be overemphasized.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) is increasingly becoming an alternative to open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. RLRP has been associated with low morbidity, short convalescence and comparable oncologic and functional outcomes. We report our initial experience of 300 consecutive cases with selective use of interfascial nerve preservation (IFNP)., Methods: Between February 2003 and September 2005, 300 consecutive men underwent RLRP at our institution. Patients were followed prospectively with validated questionnaires., Results: Mean operative time was 282 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 273 ml. The intra-operative complication rate was 2.3% with no mortality. Return to baseline (RTB) urinary function and subjective continence at 12 months were 71% and 90.2%, respectively. RTB sexual function and subjective potency at 12 months were 53% and 80.4%, respectively. Overall, the positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was 20.9%: 15.1% for pT2 and 52.1% for pT3 disease and 93.1% had an undetectable PSA (<0.1 ng/mL) with a mean follow-up of 17.3 months. Fifty-four percent of PSMs occured in a poster-lateral (PL) location. Retrospectively, IFNP was performed in 86.5% and 62.5% of pT2 and pT3 PSMs, respectively. Pathologic-T3 PSMs were found to occur significantly more often in a PL location when ipsilateral IFNP was performed when compared to non-IFNP (73% vs 33%, p=0.05)., Conclusions: IFNP appears to result in favorable return of potency, however, postero-lateral PSMs appear to occur more frequently with this technique. Proper patient selection for robotic surgery and nerve-preservation appears to be critical in order to reduce PSM and optimize the oncologic efficacy of this technology.

Purpose: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is a complex procedure frequently reserved for small, peripherally located renal tumors. Deep, infiltrating lesions often necessitate collecting system repair (CSR), mandating further intracorporeal suturing and reconstruction. We compared our experience with LPN where CSR was and was not required after tumor resection., Patients and Methods: Between October 2002 and December 2005, 84 patients underwent LPN. Tumor excision with pelvicaliceal system injury occurred in 52 patients, whereas 32 patients required no CSR. Perioperative and pathologic data were compared in the two groups., Results: Tumors with CSR were larger (mean 2.9 cm v 2.1 cm for non-CSR procedures; P = 0.001) and had larger pathologic specimen weights (mean 58.2 g v 21.8 g; P = 0.05). Blood loss (mean 210 mL) and hospital stay (mean 2.7 days) were similar in the two groups. Warm ischemia time (WIT) (mean 36.6 v 27.7 minutes; P < 0.001) and operative time (mean 238 v 207 minutes; P = 0.03) were longer in the CSR group. The intraoperative hemorrhage rate (7.7% v 9.4%; P = 0.34) and rate of conversion to open surgery (7.7% v 9.4%; P = 0.29) were similar, as were the incidences of postoperative bleeding (7.7% v 3.1%; P = 0.28) and urinary leakage (1.9% v 0; P = 0.62)., Conclusion: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy involving CSR is a technically demanding procedure that necessitates longer WIT and overall surgical time. However, when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon, comparable complication rates and blood loss are observed. Technical variations for hemostasis, such as argon-beam coagulation and FloSeal and the use of the LapraTy clip for pelvicaliceal and parenchymal suture repair may facilitate LPN for more deeply invasive tumors.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy, reliability, and performance of the LapraTy clip (LTc) as a substitute for knot tying during reconstructive surgery in a porcine model., Methods: Twenty-four farm pigs were divided in two groups, each undergoing two surgical procedures: group A, transperitoneal laparoscopic cavotomy and small-bowel enterotomy with repair, and group B, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and cystotomy with repair. In all animals LTc were used to replace knot tying. Tissue specimens were harvested and examined at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively to assess success of reconstruction and tissue reaction., Results: There were no major complications. Animals in group A showed no clinical signs of caval obstruction. No intraperitoneal collections or significant narrowing were noted at the enterotomy sites. Animals in group B showed no evidence of fluid collections around the partially resected kidneys or the cystotomy sites, and all repairs were intact. Pathologic examination revealed that all LTc were encapsulated by fibroblasts and giant cells typical of a foreign body-type granulomatous reaction. No evidence of clip migration into the epithelium was noted in any of the tissues examined., Conclusions: In an animal model, the LTc is a safe and efficient alternative to knot tying during laparoscopic reconstructive surgery. We are currently evaluating the clinical applicability of the LTc in a variety of urologic conditions. We believe that other surgical specialties should evaluate this device as well.

Background and Purpose: The LapraTy clip (LTc) is a useful tool for supplementing knot-tying during reconstructive laparoscopic surgery. However, data regarding its safety and efficacy are scarce. We critically assessed the in-vitro performance of the LTc over different sizes of two suture materials commonly used during reconstructive procedures., Materials and Methods: The gliding resistance (GR) of one or two LTcs was tested on various sizes of both Polysorb and Prolene sutures. The GR of each suture was then compared with its breaking strength. Forces were measured using a Vernier Force Sensor., Results: The GR of one LTc was significantly lower than the breaking strength of all Polysorb and Prolene suture sizes with the exception of 7-0 Prolene, with which the suture broke before the LTc slipped off. When two LTcs were placed sequentially, the GR increased significantly compared with a single LTc and was equal to or greater than the breaking strength for Polysorb 3-0 to 5-0 and Prolene 3-0 to 6-0. The percentage of GR over breaking strength was inversely related to suture size and was significantly greater with Prolene than with the Polysorb suture of the same size., Conclusions: Our results provide a better understanding of the resistive force an LTc offers before slipping and therefore failing. The results observed with Prolene sutures are encouraging and must be further investigated in an animal study to confirm the safety of the LTc when used during reconstructive procedures.

Purpose: Slings have gained widespread popularity for stress urinary incontinence. Commonly used sling materials include TVT, SPARC and Stratasis. To our knowledge no long-term comparative in vivo studies assessing the tensile strength of these materials have been reported. We examined tensile properties during a 1-year period after in vivo implantation in a rat model., Materials and Methods: A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats had 1 x 2 cm strips of TVT, SPARC and Stratasis implanted on the inner abdominal wall. The animals were grouped for sacrifice at 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, at which time the tape materials along with their associated fibrotic tissue were removed. Tensile properties were analyzed., Results: The initial control mean break load for TVT, SPARC and Statasis was 0.717, 0.453 and 0.298 kg, respectively (p=0.001). At 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months TVT had a mean break load of 0.525, 0.678, 0.696, 0.568 and 0.522 kg, respectively. During the same intervals SPARC had a mean break load of 0.516, 0.596, 0.450, 0.514 and 0.496 kg, respectively. Stratasis had a mean break load of 0.147, 0.183, 0.132, 0.062 and 0.070 kg, respectively., Conclusions: TVT has tensile properties comparable to those of SPARC and each is superior to Stratasis. These differences in tensile properties of the mesh material along with the fibrous reaction may have clinical implications in terms of the success of pubovaginal slings made with such materials.

Objectives: To determine the effect of prostate weight (PW) on robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) outcomes. The effect of PW on surgical and pathologic outcomes has been reviewed in open and laparoscopic prostatectomy series. Little is known about its effects during RLRP., Methods: From February 2003 to November 2005, 375 men underwent RLRP. Patients were divided into four groups on the basis of the pathologic PW: group 1, less than 30 g; group 2, 30 g or more to less than 50 g; group 3, 50 g or more to less than 80 g; and group 4, 80 g or larger. The groups were compared prospectively. Continence and sexual function were assessed using validated questionnaires., Results: Of the 375 patients, 20, 201, 123, and 31 had a PW of less than 30 g, 30 g or more to less than 50 g, 50 g or more to less than 80 g, and 80 g or larger, respectively. A significant difference was found in age and prostate-specific antigen values among the four groups (P <0.001). No significant differences in operative time, estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, hospital stay, length of catheterization, and complication incidence were observed among the four groups. The overall rate of positive surgical margins was significantly different among the groups (P = 0.002), demonstrating a trend of increasing positive surgical margins with a lower PW. Within the patients with Stage pT2, a significant increase in positive surgical margins was found with lower PWs (P = 0.026). The objective return of baseline and subjective sexual and urinary function, as determined by questionnaire scores, was not affected by the PW., Conclusions: RLRP can be performed safely and with similar perioperative outcomes in men, regardless of the PW. We found a significant inverse relationship between surgical margin status and PW, specifically in those with Stage pT2 disease.

Purpose: Complete urethral reconstruction in women is an extreme challenge for urologists. We report a new approach to this challenging procedure, using a modified neurovascular pudendal thigh flap (Singapore flap) for neo-urethral reconstruction in two patients at our institution., Materials and Methods: A Singapore flap was raised and transposed to the vagina in two patients with destroyed urethras following several previous uro-gynecologic procedures. In one case, the flap was tubularized distally and anastomosed proximally to the bladder neck. In the second case, the flap served to cover a urethroplasty inlay., Results: We are presently reporting mainly on the surgical technique. At 24 and 27 months respectively, the two flaps are viable and appear to fulfill their designated roles. The first case developed bladder neck stricture 2 months after surgery, and urethral dilation was performed successfully. Urinary incontinence still remains an issue in one of these two patients, and further continence procedures have been used., Conclusions: It has been found that the neurovascular pudendal thigh flap, initially described for vaginal reconstruction, is an attractive technique to aid in complete female neo-urethral reconstruction. Further follow-up of patients is necessary to address the issue of continence.

Objectives: The effects of renal warm ischemia (WI) in an acute versus a chronic single kidney model have not been investigated. Previously, we reported full recovery of renal function after 90 minutes of WI in a single-kidney porcine model. Here, we sought to assess the effects of WI on renal function in an acute versus chronic solitary kidney in the porcine model., Methods: A total of 32 pigs weighing 60 to 80 lb were randomized into four groups. Group 1 (acute model) underwent nephrectomy followed by 90-minute immediate WI clamping of the contralateral renal hilum. Group 2 (control for group 1) underwent nephrectomy followed by contralateral sham renal pedicle surgery. Group 3 (chronic model) underwent nephrectomy followed 12 days later by 90-minute WI clamping of the contralateral renal hilum. Group 4 (control for group 3) underwent nephrectomy followed 12 days later by contralateral sham renal pedicle surgery. Serum creatinine and the glomerular filtration rate were assessed preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, 8, and 15. All procedures were performed laparoscopically., Results: The acute model showed a significantly greater increase in serum creatinine and lower glomerular filtration rate nadir compared with the chronic model on postoperative days 1, 3, and 8. By postoperative day 15, the serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate were comparable between the acute and chronic groups after WI., Conclusions: Renal dysfunction in the acute model was significantly more profound during the initial 8 days after WI compared with that in the chronic model. These results validate our acute single kidney porcine model as a practical and cost-effective model when performing renal ischemia research.

We sought to evaluate post-operative return of urinary and sexual function in men undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP). Prospective assessment of urinary continence and sexual function was performed in patients undergoing RLRP. Subjective assessment involved the use of the validated RAND-36 Item Health Survey/UCLA Prostate Cancer Index questionnaire. Questionnaires were completed pre-operatively and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Subset analyses were performed to assess the effect of age on functional outcomes. A total of 338 consecutive patients underwent RLRP between February 2003 and August 2005. Included patients for evaluation comprised of 21, 129, and 150 patients, aged <50, 50-59, and ≥60 years old, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis demonstrated that younger men (<60 years) achieved subjective continence significantly earlier than older age group (≥60 years) (P = 0.02). Continence rates, however, equalized among all age groups at 1 year follow-up. Younger men (<50 years) also demonstrated a quicker and greater return of sexual function (P = 0.01), which persisted through assessment at 1 year post-operatively. Our results suggest that younger men may have an earlier return of continence and potency when compared to men > 60 years. Despite this finding, continence outcomes appear to be equal among age groups after 1 year of follow-up. Moreover, men < 60 years continue to report superior potency outcomes compared to men > 60 years at 1 year post-operatively. Such findings are valuable in counseling patients undergoing RLRP.

Purpose: We assessed the safety and efficacy of microparticulate ice slurry for laparoscopic hypothermia during renal ischemia in a single kidney porcine model., Materials and Methods: A total of 18 farm pigs were randomized to 3 groups of 6 each. All groups underwent initial right laparoscopic nephrectomy, followed by 1 of 3 procedures on the left kidney. Group 1 underwent 90-minute hilar clamping under warm ischemia, group 2 underwent 90-minute hilar clamping under cold ischemia using laparoscopically delivered microparticulate ice slurry and control group 3 underwent hilar dissection, no clamping and no microparticulate ice slurry. Body and renal cortical temperatures were measured. Serum creatinine and the glomerular filtration rate were assessed preoperatively, and on postoperative days 1, 3, 8 and 15., Results: Average time to achieve a renal temperature of 20C or less was 9.7 minutes and it remained constant during the 90-minute cold ischemia time. Mean serum creatinine was significantly higher in the warm ischemia group than in the cold ischemia and control groups on postoperative days 1 and 3. Additionally, mean serum creatinine in the cold ischemia and control groups was similar at all time points. The mean glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in the warm ischemia group than in the cold ischemia and control groups on postoperative days 1, 3 and 8. The mean glomerular filtration rate in the cold ischemia group was lower than in the control group on postoperative day 1, while it was similar on postoperative days 3, 8 and 15., Conclusions: In the porcine model laparoscopic renal hypothermia achieved with microparticulate ice slurry was safe and efficient. It significantly decreased renal dysfunction secondary to an ischemic insult with no adverse effects or complications associated with microparticulate ice slurry use.

Background and Objectives: Pyeloplasty, whether open or laparoscopic, has been the mainstay of treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). A nonstented pyeloplasty has only been reported in the pediatric literature. Herein, to the best of our knowledge, we report the first published experience with laparoscopic stentless pyeloplasty (LSP) in the adult population., Methods: Patients with a normal contralateral kidney who underwent a laparoscopic pyeloplasty were included in this study. A dismembered pyeloplasty was performed without the placement of a ureteral stent. Functional Tc-99m MAG3 renal-scan data were compared with results at 4 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Perioperative complications and long-term follow-up were prospectively gathered., Results: To date, 5 patients have undergone LSP with a mean follow-up of 15.7 months. Mean age and body mass index of this group were 42.8 years and 29.3 kg/m(2), respectively. Mean operative time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay were 196 minutes, 58 mL, 1.6 days, respectively. Three patients had right-sided UPJO, and 2 patients had left UPJO. No patient had undergone previous surgery for UPJO. All patients had a ureteral stent in place at the time of surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. Only one patient complained of flank pain on POD1. No obstruction or urinary extravasation was seen on retrograde pyelography, but a ureteral stent was placed. During our follow-up, all patients had complete resolution of their symptoms. Postoperative renal scans demonstrated improved urinary drainage in all patients., Conclusion: Our initial experience suggests that in experienced hands, LSP may be an effective method for treating UPJO.

Objectives: To report our initial experience of 100 patients with robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Continued technological advances have expanded our armamentarium of minimally invasive devices and techniques to offer our patients. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has been adopted at many centers., Methods: This was a nonrandomized prospective study evaluating our initial 100 patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The follow-up data were obtained prospectively using the validated Rand 36-item health survey, version 2, and the University of California, Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Patients who required open conversion were excluded from the outcome analysis. Patients who received a sural nerve graft were excluded from the operative analysis., Results: The average age and body mass index of all patients were 58.4 years (range 42 to 70) and 28.5 kg/m2 (range 18.1 to 50.6), respectively, with a median follow-up of 12 months. The average prostate-specific antigen level was 6.07 ng/mL. Seven patients required conversion to an open technique, and four underwent sural nerve grafting. The positive surgical margin rate was 16% (15 of 92). Using the Rand 36-item health survey, version 2, and the University of California, Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index health surveys, the average percentage of return to baseline urinary function was 52%, 70%, 79%, and 84% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The overall average percentage of return to baseline sexual function was 51%, 58%, 66%, and 80% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively., Conclusions: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a safe and efficient method for achieving prostate cancer control even during the initial learning curve for this procedure.

Purpose: We describe surgical modifications in radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) which have significantly reduced the incidence of bladder neck contractures (BNC)., Materials and Methods: Between March 1994-July 2005, 977 men underwent a RRP by a single surgeon. Group I comprised 548 patients operated upon July 1994-December 1999, without the modifications described below. Group II comprised 429 men operated upon January 2000-December 2004, with the following surgical modifications: 1) reconstruction of the bladder neck (BN) to a diameter of 28 French; 2) placement of the posterior (6 o'clock) vesicourethral suture on mild traction before placing this suture into the bladder, allowing inspection and, if necessary, replacement of any of the previously placed sutures; 3) bladder displacement when tying the vesicourethral sutures which allows the sutures to be tied under direct vision and prevents incorporation of extraneous tissue. Data were retrospectively analyzed., Results: Demographic data were comparable between groups. In group I, 31/548 (5.7%) developed a BNC compared to 1/429 (0.2%) in Group II, p < 0.001. Urinary continence (no pads/maximum of one light pad for security in 24 hours) at 12 months in the 32 patients who developed a BNC was worse when compared to patients who did not develop a BNC (58% versus 80%, p = 0.003). After excluding the patients who developed a BNC, continence rates were comparable between both groups. The positive margin rate at the BN was not adversely affected by these modifications., Conclusions: Simple, easily applied modifications to the management of the BN and vesicourethral anastomosis can substantially reduce the incidence of BNC.

Objectives: Intracorporeal knot tying during urologic reconstructive surgery is one of the most technically challenging skills of laparoscopic surgery. We describe our experience using the Lapra-Ty clip to substitute for knot tying., Methods: Our technique for minimizing knot tying entails the use of the Lapra-Ty clip during closure of the collecting system and renal parenchyma for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, the vesicourethral anastomosis during robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and the collecting system during laparoscopic pyeloplasty. From October 2002 to July 2005 at our institution, 75 patients underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, 300 underwent robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and 14 underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty. We reviewed the charts retrospectively for intraoperative and postoperative parameters related to the use of these clips., Results: In the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy group, the mean tumor size, warm ischemia time, and estimated blood loss was 2.53 cm, 30.1 minutes, and 189 mL, respectively. Two postoperative urine leaks (2.7%) developed, and 3 patients experienced postoperative bleeding (4%). In the robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group, the mean operative time was 295 minutes and the mean estimated blood loss was 303.6 mL. Only 3 patients had a urine leak (1%), and 4 patients had bladder neck contracture (1.3%). With regard to the laparoscopic pyeloplasty group, the mean operative time and estimated blood loss was 224 minutes and 36 mL, respectively. No intraoperative complications or urinary leaks occurred., Conclusions: Using the Lapra-Ty clip, we have safely and efficiently supplemented knot tying in patients undergoing reconstructive laparoscopic surgery.

Metachronous presentation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the ureter is extremely rare. We report a solitary metachronous metastatic RCC in the contralateral ureter 14 months after right radical nephrectomy for Fuhrman grade 2 pT3a clear cell disease after the patient re-presented with gross hematuria. The proximal left ureteral lesion was excised followed by ileal-ureteral interposition. Pathologic examination confirmed metastatic RCC. To date, only 51 cases of metastatic RCC to the ureter have been reported, with only 6 occurring metachronously in the contralateral ureter. Also, we report the presence of focal extramedullary hematopoiesis occurring within this metastatic lesion.

Inverted papilloma of the ureter is a rare entity, often mistaken for malignancy during work-up. As such, many of these patients have been unnecessarily treated with nephroureterectomy. Herein, we describe a novel laparoscopic approach for the treatment of a ureteral inverted papilloma. To our knowledge, this approach is the first application of laparoscopy for the treatment of this lesion.

Purpose: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) and The American Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) general objectives mandate that all residents be competent to independently perform select surgical procedures. Unfortunately, no objective standardized measures presently exist for surgical training assessment. Operative logs have been implemented to quantify the number of cases the resident has been exposed to, however, these do not assess their degree of involvement or aptitude. An analysis of what exactly a resident performs, and how well, per case may assist in measuring their training progress. Herein, we evaluate a questionnaire to quantify the level of resident participation in radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and assess whether resident perception of how much involvement in a case correlates with staff surgeons., Methods and Materials: Identical, self-administered questionnaires were distributed simultaneously to the resident and staff urologist upon completion of radical prostatectomy. The questionnaire comprised of 14 items, which were completed independently by the resident and the staff urologist. The items assessed which of the 14 specific surgical steps were actually performed by the resident. An analysis was performed to assess the level of agreement., Results: Among all cases performed between June 2002 and July 2003, 64 RRPs performed by two surgeons had completed questionnaires by both resident and staff. Twenty-one (32.8%) cases were performed with a senior resident (R4) and 43 (67.2%) cases were performed with a chief resident (R5). Twenty (31.3%) cases involved pelvic lymph node dissection. Resident performance of key surgical steps, namely dorsal venous ligation, urethral division, lateral pedicle dissection and urethrovesical anastamosis was 59.4%, 62.5%, 84% and 59.4% respectively. Global level of agreement between staff and resident responses was 94.9% (71.4%-100%)., Conclusion: Our results suggest that there exists good agreement between resident perception of their level of involvement in RRP and staff validation. As such, a residents' assessment of their participation is likely to be accurate. Designation of performance of key operative steps into logs may be more relevant than recording simple exposure to index cases. Attempts at measuring quality of key operative steps in the future may be beneficial.

Objectives: To assess outcomes of robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) in overweight and obese patients, defined as those with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 30 kg/m2 and greater than 30 kg/m2, respectively., Methods: This was a nonrandomized study evaluating all of our RLRP patients. Patients were divided into three groups: BMI of 25 kg/m2 or less (group 1), BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 and less than 30 kg/m2 (group 2), and BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more (group 3). Patients were evaluated prospectively with the validated Rand 36-Item Health Survey (version 2) and with the University of California, Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index questionnaire., Results: Between February 2003 and November 2004, 150 RLRPs were performed at our center. Average follow-up was 8 months. Groups 1, 2, and 3 had 39, 65, and 46 patients, respectively. Average BMIs for all three groups were statistically different (P < 0.01). When compared with group 1, open conversion rates, hospital stay, positive margin, and complication rates were not statistically different for groups 2 or 3. Operative time (P < 0.004) and estimated blood loss (P < 0.03), however, were statistically greater for group 3 compared with group 1. Transfusion rate was highest in group 2 (P = 0.04 compared with group 1). Prostate weights were also statistically greater in groups 2 (P = 0.003) and 3 (P = 0.02) compared with group 1. Overall, BMI did not increase perioperative and postoperative morbidity., Conclusions: Robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is safe in overweight and obese patients and might be the surgical management of choice in this subset of patients. Further long-term follow-up with more patients is required to verify this initial observation.

Objectives: To compare our experience with synchronous bilateral adrenalectomy using laparoscopic and open techniques. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the reference standard for management of benign unilateral adrenal pathologic findings., Methods: This was a nonrandomized retrospective chart review of 12 known patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy, comparing five laparoscopic and seven open procedures. One urologic surgeon performed all laparoscopic cases, and one general surgeon performed all open procedures., Results: All patients had Cushing's disease or syndrome. The average patient age was 47.4 years (range 24 to 71) and 42.4 years (range 19 to 70), with an average body mass index of 38.2 kg/m2 and 36.0 kg/m2 for the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively. The operating time was on average 60 minutes longer for the laparoscopic group. No open conversions were necessary. The median blood loss (100 versus 500 mL, P < 0.01) and hematocrit drop (8.5% versus 12.6%, P = 0.05) were lower for the laparoscopic group. The transfusion rates and hospital stay trended lower in the laparoscopic group (20% versus 57% and 3 versus 8.5 days, respectively). Specimen weights for both the right and left glands trended larger for the laparoscopic group. The complication rates were similar between groups at 60% for the laparoscopic versus 71% for the open groups., Conclusions: Simultaneous laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy is safe and effective. Compared with the open approach, it resulted in decreased blood loss, lower transfusion rate, and a trend toward a shorter hospital stay, although the operating time was longer. The laparoscopic approach should be the treatment of choice for bilateral adrenalectomy.

Ureteral strictures in transplanted renal units are initially managed by balloon dilation and indwelling stents. When endourologic management fails, ureteroneocystostomy or pyeloureteral anastomosis to the native ureter is the treatment of choice. Nevertheless, such procedures are not always successful. We present what we believe to be the first two North American cases of silicone-polyester artificial ureters (pyelovesical bypass graft) after failed endourologic or open management of ureteral strictures after renal transplantation. After 12 and 15 months of follow-up, the renal function was stable, with no evidence of obstruction. Long-term follow-up is needed to monitor the rate of late encrustation and obstruction.

Introduction: We present the first reported case demonstrating an association of mucocolpos and bladder exstrophy., Materials: A term baby girl presented with bladder exstrophy and underwent a successful primary bladder closure and ureteral reimplantation. Subsequently, she presented with a fluid-filled pelvic mass which was found to be a mucocolpos., Results: Surgical drainage of the collection was required., Conclusion: Mucocolpos should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass in a patient with bladder exstrophy.

Introduction: Since its description by Ulmsten, the TVT procedure has been proven to be safe and well tolerated. Bleeding and hematoma formation, although rare, can occur. Both conservative and surgical managements of this complication have been described., Materials: We report the first case in which a pelvic branch of the obturator artery was embolized using angiography., Results: Our patient was spared surgical exploration and retained the TVT tape., Conclusion: Angiography with vessel embolization, when available, should be considered in the treatment of TVT-procedure retropubic hemorrhages.