Search

With the implementation of da Vinci SP robot platform (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA), we described our initial experience with the da Vinci SP robot platform (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) for single-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP).This retrospective review included 30 consecutive patients with prostate biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer who underwent SP-RARP by a single surgeon between June and November 2020. SP-RARP was performed with a single-incision plus one method, in which the multichannel guide port was inserted directly with an additional assist port. We report our initial experience of perioperative and early functional outcomes.The mean operative time (SD), console time (SD), and blood loss were 142.8 (15.1) min, 109.9 (15.7) min, and 133.0 (72.9) mL, respectively. No intraoperative complications or blood transfusions were reported. Of the 30 patients, 21 (70.0%), 7 (23.3%) and 2 (6.7%) had stage pT2, pT3a and pT3b disease, respectively. Positive surgical margins were reported in 5 of the 30 (16.7%) patients in the final pathology report, including 2 of 21 (9.5%) with stage pT2 and 3 of 9 (33.3%) with ≥ pT3. At 12 weeks after SP-RARP, 80.0% of patients had achieved continence and the potency was 46.7%; 8 of 11 (72.7%) had sexual health inventory for men (SHIM) scores ≥ 17 and 6 of 19 (31.6%) had SHIM scores17.The SP platform for radical prostatectomy was technically safe and feasible. After overcoming the technical learning curve, this platform may provide high-quality outcomes comparable to those of multi-port platforms.

In this study, we prepared the platelet-derived growth factor-containing porous microspheres modified with heparin (PDGF/Hep-PMSs) and investigated their anti-inflammatory and tendon healing effects on rotator cuff (RC) tendinitis rabbit model. PDGF/Hep-PMSs suppressed the mRNA levels of six pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., MMP-3, MMP-13, COX-2, ADAMTS-5, IL-6, and TNF-α) in inflamed tenocytes. Long-term local delivery of PDGF/Hep-PMSs into tendon tissues of RC tendinitis decreased the mRNA levels of six pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased the mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. Anti-inflammatory effects of PDGF/Hep-PMSs might have contributed to enhance the collagen content, tenogenic markers, stiffness, and tensile strength of tendons, eventually leading to tendon restoration. Our findings suggest that the long-term local PDGF delivery of PDGF/Hep-PMSs have a great potential to enhance tendon healing of RC tendinitis by suppressing inflammation responses.

Objectives To assess the characteristics of pseudocapsule (PC) in localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by analyzing the rates of completeness of PC and pseudocapsular invasion and clinical and pathological risk factors of it. Materials and methods Between February 2013 and September 2015, data were gathered prospectively from 180 consecutive patients who underwent partial nephrectomy or radical nephrectomy at 3 institutions, and 161 were enrolled. Evaluated factors included age and sex; histologic factors such as tumor diameter, stage, tumor subtype, necrosis, and Fuhrman grade; and clinical factors such as RENAL score; and completeness of PC. Results Only 94 tumors (58.4%) were surrounded by a continuous PC completely, 62 (38.5%) were partially surrounded, and 5 (3.1%) had no PC. Overall, 56 PCs (34.8%) were free from invasion, 58 PCs (36.0%) had partial invasion of PC without parenchymal invasion, and 47 PCs (29.2%) had parenchymal invasion. Defining parenchymal invasion as true pseudocapsular invasion, histologic diameter, RCC subtype, and completeness of PC were significant predictors for parenchymal invasion on multivariate analysis ( P = 0.006, 0.046, and 0.002, respectively). Conclusions Rate of complete PC in RCC is relatively low in this study. The risk factors for pseudocapsular invasion were a histologic diameter greater than 4 cm, non–clear cell histology, and an incomplete PC. Surgeons must prepare for the possibility of a positive surgical margin if a tumor has at least one of these risk factors.

Introduction The aims of the present study were to compare the clinicopathologic characteristics between type 1 and type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) and to evaluate the effect of the subclassification of pRCC on the oncologic outcomes after surgery. Materials and Methods The records of 274 patients with pRCC in the Korean renal cell carcinoma (KORCC) database were included for evaluation. Of the 274 patients, 118 had type 1 pRCC and 156 had type 2 pRCC. The patient characteristics, including clinicopathologic parameters, were investigated, and the oncologic outcomes were evaluated. Results The mean patient age was significantly older in the type 2 pRCC group. Compared with type 1 pRCC tumors, type 2 pRCC tumors were more often localized to the renal hilum ( P = .030). Patients with type 2 pRCC had a greater incidence of Fuhrman grade 3 and 4 tumors than those with type 1 pRCC (78.8% vs. 22.8; P P = .008 and P = .007, respectively). At a mean follow-up period of 38.0 months (interquartile range, 11.8-57.3 months), the subclassification of pRCC did not influence the prognosis of patients with pRCC. Conclusion From the information available in the KORCC database, we identified significant differences in clinicopathologic variables, including age, Fuhrman grade, tumor location, tumor necrosis, and capsular invasion between type 1 and 2 pRCC. Although type 2 pRCC had more aggressive clinicopathologic characteristics, subclassification of pRCC did not affect the oncologic outcomes.

Objective To identify differences in urodynamic parameters between female outpatients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and/or bladder pain syndrome (BPS) and severe overactive bladder (OAB). Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included 24 and 28 consecutive IC/BPS and severe OAB female patients, respectively. IC/BPS was defined based on the American Urological Association guideline, and severe OAB was defined based on baseline symptoms recorded in a voiding diary. Before treatment, symptom assessment using questionnaires and a 3-day voiding diary, as well as laboratory tests, were performed at the initial visit. The patients' baseline characteristics and urodynamic parameters were compared between the IC/BPS and severe OAB groups. Results The IC/BPS group showed fewer episodes of urge incontinence and shorter duration of symptoms than the severe OAB group ( P = .019, P = .017, respectively). Volumes at first sense, normal desire, strong desire, and maximal capacity during filling cystometry (MBC) were significantly higher in the severe OAB group than in the IC/BPS group ( P .001, P .001, P = .006, P .001, respectively). The IC/BPS and severe OAB groups showed significant differences in urodynamic parameters in terms of MBC and the volume discrepancy between MBC and maximal voided volume ( P .001, both). The receiver operating characteristic curve also showed an area under the curve of 0.760 and 0.783 for MBC and volume discrepancy, respectively (both P .001). Conclusion Data from our study suggest that combined with other clinical findings, urodynamic studies could provide useful information to differentiate between a diagnosis of IC/BPS or severe OAB.

Objective Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus. Ultrasound has been frequently used for evaluation of peripheral nerves. However, there are few studies that have evaluated multiple peripheral nerves in DPN. In this study, ultrasonographic features of multiple peripheral nerves in upper and lower extremities of DPN patients were investigated and compared with those of healthy controls. Methods This study was a case–control study that enrolled 20 patients with confirmed diagnosis of DPN and 20 healthy controls. The ultrasonography was performed on the sural, tibial, fibular, sciatic, median, ulnar, radial, and musculocutaneous nerves. Nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured at multiple points for each peripheral nerve. The CSAs were compared between DPN and control groups, and analyzed in relation to the clinical characteristics and electrophysiologic findings. Results The CSAs were significantly larger in the DPN group for sural nerve, fibular nerve at the fibular head level, median nerve at the carpal tunnel and mid-humerus level, ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel outlet and mid-humerus level, and radial nerve at the spiral groove. The CSAs of sural nerve, tibial nerve and median nerve were significantly correlated with electrophysiologic findings. The sural nerve CSA revealed significant correlation with HbA1c. Conclusions These results suggest that the ultrasonography can provide useful information in diagnosis and evaluation of DPN.

Urinary fistulas, abnormal openings of a urinary tract organ, are serious complications and conventional management strategies are not satisfactory. For more effective and non-invasive fistula repair, fluid tissue adhesives or sealants have been suggested. However, conventional products do not provide a suitable solution due to safety problems and poor underwater adhesion under physiological conditions. Herein, we proposed a unique water-immiscible mussel protein-based bioadhesive (WIMBA) exhibiting strong underwater adhesion which was employed by two adhesion strategies of marine organisms; 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (DOPA)-mediated strong adhesion and water-immiscible coacervation. The developed biocompatible WIMBA successfully sealed ex vivo urinary fistulas and provided good durability and high compliance. Thus, WIMBA could be used as a promising sealant for urinary fistula management with further expansion to diverse internal body applications.

Purpose This study aimed to compare the clinical and microbiological characteristics between acute bacterial prostatitis and transrectal biopsy-related acute prostatitis. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 135 patients hospitalized for acute prostatitis in three urological centers between 2004 and 2013. Acute bacterial prostatitis was diagnosed according to typical symptoms, findings of physical examination, and laboratory test results. Clinical variables, laboratory test results, and anti-microbial susceptibility results were reviewed. Patients were classified into the spontaneous acute prostatitis group (S-ABP) or biopsy-related acute prostatitis (Bx-ABP) for comparison of their clinical, laboratory, and microbiological findings. Results The mean age of all patients was 61.7 ± 12.9 years. Compared with S-ABP patients, Bx-ABP patients were significantly older, had larger prostate volumes, higher PSA values, higher peak fever temperatures, and higher incidence of septicemia and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Overall, of the 135 patients, 57.8% had positive bacterial urine and/or blood cultures. Bx-ABP patients had a higher incidence of bacterial (urine and/or blood) positive cultures compared to S-ABP patients (66.7% versus 55.6%). Escherichia coli was the predominant organism in both groups, but it was more common in Bx-ABP (88.9%) than in S-ABP (66.7%). Extended spectrum beta-lactamase -producing bacteria accounted for 64.7% of culture-positive patients in the Bx-ABP group compared to 13.3% in the S-ABP group. Conclusions Bx-ABP patients showed a higher incidence of septicemia and antibiotic-resistant bacteria than S-ABP patients. These results have important implications for the management and antimicrobial treatment of Bx-ABP, which may well deserve to be considered a distinct prostatitis category.

Purpose A robotic virtual reality simulator (Mimic dV-Trainer) can be a useful training method for the da Vinci surgical system. Herein, we investigate several repetitive training schedules and determine which is the most effective. Methods A total of 30 medical students were enrolled and were divided into 3 groups according to the training schedule. Group 1 performed the task 1 hour daily for 4 consecutive days, group II performed the task on once per week for 1 hour for 4 consecutive weeks, and group III performed the task for 4 consecutive hours in 1 day. The effects of training were investigated by analyzing the number of repetitions and the time required to complete the “Tube 2” simulation task when the learning curve plateau was reached. The point at which participants reached a stable score was evaluated using the cumulative sum control graph. Results The average time to complete the task at the learning curve plateau was 150.3 seconds in group I, 171.9 seconds in group II, and 188.5 seconds in group III. The number of task repetitions required to reach the learning curve plateau was 45 repetitions in group I, 36 repetitions in group II, and 39 repetitions in group III. Therefore, there was continuous improvement in the time required to perform the task after 40 repetitions in group I only. There was a significant correlation between improvement in each trial interval and attempt, and the correlation coefficient (0.924) in group I was higher than that in group II (0.899) and group III (0.838). Conclusion Daily 1-hour practice sessions performed for 4 consecutive days resulted in the best final score, continuous score improvement, and effective training while minimizing fatigue. This repetition schedule can be used for effectively training novices in future.

Objectives To determine whether chewing gum during the postoperative period facilitates the recovery of bowel function and has different efficacy according to operative method used in patients with radical cystectomy. Methods From July 2007 to September 2009, we randomized open radical cystectomy (ORC) patients into Group AI (ORC without gum chewing) and Group AII (ORC with gum chewing). Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) patients were randomized into Group BI (RARC without gum chewing) and Group BII (RARC with gum chewing). Results A total of 32 ORC (17 Group AI and 15 Group AII) and 28 RARC (13 Group BI and 15 Group BII) patients were completed. The patient's perioperative data between the control (AI + BI) and chewing gum (AII + BII) group showed no differences. The median time to flatus and to bowel movement were significantly reduced in chewing gum group compared with the control patients: 57.1 vs. 69.5 hours 76.7 vs. 93.3 hours. In the ORC patients, decrease in time to flatus and bowel movement were observed in gum chewing (AII) group than control (AI) group: 64.3 vs. 80.3 hours 83.8 vs. 104.2 hours. In RARC patients, decrease in time to flatus and bowel movement were found in gum chewing (BII) group than control (BI) group: 48.8 vs. 60.3 hours 69.1 vs. 84.6 hours. No adverse effects were observed with chewing gum. Conclusions Chewing gum had stimulatory effects on bowel motility after cystectomy and urinary diversion. Chewing gum was safe and could be used for postoperative ileus regardless of the operative method (ORC or RARC).

Introduction Several recent studies have investigated the changes of multifidus muscles in patients with chronic neck pain. Also, the longus coli muscle, one of the deep cervical flexor muscles, showed smaller cross sectional area (CSA) in patients with chronic neck pain in comparison with healthy people. To our knowledge, there is no study investigating the association between morphological features of cervical paravertebral muscles in electrodiagnosed cervical radiculopathy patients. In this study, we investigate the change in CSA and composition of the cervical flexor and multifidus muscles using the digital data from MRIs of patients with electrodiagnosed cervical radiculopathy. Methods Twenty-four patients with unilateral cervical radicular pain who had cervical MRI and EMG examinations between 1 January 2015 and 2016 were retrospectively analysed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) patients with the symptoms of unilateral cervical pain or referral to one upper limb, (2) diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy in EMG. Exclusion criteria included: (1) a history of cervical surgery; (2) a history of spinal fracture or injuries; (3) primary or metastatic spinal tumor. Axial slice at the level of C4-5 mid disc level image was selected to calculate the muscle CSA, with their maximal CSAs. Total CSA and functional CSA measurements of the bilateral longus colli, sternocleidomastoid and multifidus muscles were measured by using Image J (version 1.43, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland). All muscle measurements were acquired by one investigators. Functional CSA measurement was obtained by using threshold method (including only pixels within lean muscle tissue range). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS® v. 15. Results The baseline characteristics of the study participants are shown in Table 1. There was no significant difference in total CSA in longus colli, sternocleidomastoid and multifidus muscles between involved and uninvolved groups. Data analysis showed significant difference between the functional CSA of the lognus colli muscle the involved/uninvolved sides (Table 2). Also, there is significant difference in the ratio of longus colli musle (functional longus colli muscle CSA/total longus colli muscle CSA) between the involved and uninvolved sides (P Conclusion This is the study to show via MRI assessment that patients with cervical radiculopathy have smaller ipsilateral functional CSA of the longus colli muscle LCM in comparison with uninvolved side. Consideration of these muscles in MRI could be helpful in the diagnosis and prognosis of cervical radiculopathy.

Introduction Deep branch of the ulnar nerve (DBUN) study using ultrasound has just begun with the development of high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) technology. In this study, we would like to present the safe-zone data that can be used to accurately locate the DBUN using HRUS. So it could be used as reference for various procedures such as acupuncture and botox injection. Methods We performed HRUS with high-frequency probes (5–12 MHz). In both hands of 10 healthy volunteers (n = 20), the cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured at medial side of the hook of the hamate bone. Depth from the skin and distance from the tip of the hook of the hamate were also measured. Same data were measured from 1 patient who was diagnosed as DBUN neuropathy which was confirmed by electromyography study. Results DBUN was clearly observed in the medial wall of the hook of the hamate bone in all subjects. The mean CSA value of healthy volunteers was 1.4 ± 0.2 mm 2 , the depth from the skin was 7.4 ± 1.1 mm, and the distance from the tip of the hook of the hamate bone was 6.0 ± 0.8 mm. The depth from the skin of DBUN neuropathy patient was 9.6 mm and the distance from the hook of the hamate was 7.1 mm, which was not significantly different from healthy volunteers, but CSA was significantly increased to 2.9 mm 2 . Conclusion This study provides data that can predict the location of the DBUN, which will help avoid complications when performing various injection procedures on the hand. In addition, HRUS could be helpful for diagnosis of DBUN neuropathy.

A novel conjugated molecule, C 60 -mercaptophenylanthrylacetylene (C 60 -MPAA) has been self-assembled on a gold surface to form a highly ordered monolayer. The electrochemical properties of this molecule in solution or in a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) were investigated using cyclic voltammetry. A stable cathodic photocurrent was observed from a photoelectrochemical cell using the C 60 -MPAA SAM modified gold as the working electrode in the presence of methyl viologen (MV 2+ ) as electron carrier. The quantum yield (14%) of the cell was obtained at a bias of −100 mV versus Ag/AgCl under the illumination of monochromatic light at 400 nm. The dependence of photocurrent on the potential bias applied to the self-assembled monolayer modified Au electrode indicated that electron flow from C 60 -MPAA to the counter electrode through the electron carriers.

Second harmonic generation efficiencies of a number of fused ring heterocyclic compounds bearing a nitro group were measured using the Kurtz powder method. Among them, 5-nitroindole has the highest SHG efficiency, 20 times as high as that of urea reference. Several 5-nitroindole derivatives were synthesized in the hope of improving the SHG efficiency. None of the derivatives, however, exhibited higher SHG efficiency than the mother compound. X-ray crystal structures of some of these compounds as well as that of 5-nitroindole itself were determined. In the crystal structure of 5-nitroindole the angle (θ) between the molecular charge transfer axis and the polar axis of the crystal is 52.72 °, which is close to the optimum value 54.74 ° predicted by theory. On the other hand, crystal structures of l,2-dimethyl-5-nitroindole and 1-ethyl-5-nitroindole revealed θ values far from the optimum one, which is consistent with their low SHG efficiencies.