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Background: During 2008, the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital became the first public hospital in Australia to have a da Vinci Surgical Robot purchased by government funding. The cost of performing robotic surgery in the public sector is a contentious issue. This study is a single centre, cost analysis comparing open radical prostatectomy (RRP) and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) based on the newly introduced pure case-mix funding model., Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for the first 100 RALPs and the previous 100 RRPs. Estimates of tangible costing and funding were generated for each admission and readmission, using the Royal Brisbane Hospital Transition II database, based on pure case-mix funding., Results: The average cost for admission for RRP was A$13 605, compared to A$17 582 for the RALP. The average funding received for a RRP was A$11 781 compared to A$5496 for a RALP based on the newly introduced case-mix model. The average length of stay for RRP was 4.4 days (2-14) and for RALP, 1.2 days (1-4). The total cost of readmissions for RRP patients was A$70 487, compared to that of the RALP patients, A$7160. These were funded at A$55 639 and A$7624, respectively., Conclusions: RALP has shown a significant advantage with respect to length of stay and readmission rate. Based on the case-mix funding model RALP is poorly funded compared to its open equivalent. Queensland Health needs to plan on how robotic surgery is implemented and assess whether this technology is truly affordable in the public sector., (© 2013 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery © 2013 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to present the feasibility and surgical outcome of robotic en bloc resection of the rectum and with prostate and seminal vesicle invaded by rectal cancer., Method: The details of three consecutive cases involving male patients in their forties, with locally invasive low rectal cancers are presented. The da Vinci robotic system was used by experienced colorectal and urological surgeons to perform en bloc resection of the rectum, prostate and seminal vesicles., Results: In the first case, coloanal and vesico-urethral anastomoses were performed, and the second included an end colostomy and vesico-urethral anastomosis. The bladder and bulbar urethra were also removed en bloc in the third case, with robotic intracorporeal ileal conduit formation and end colostomy. There was no major complication postoperatively. In the second patient there was a minor leakage at the vesico-urethral anastomosis. The third was readmitted the following week with a urinary infection which settled with intravenous antibiotics. In the first case, the circumferential resection margin was microscopically positive but the patient is currently free of recurrence after 14 months. In the second and third cases, all margins were clear., Conclusion: This the first report of the use of the da Vinci robotic system for pelvic exenteration in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer invading the prostate and seminal vesicles. The robot may have a potential role in selected patients requiring exenterative pelvic surgery particularly in men., (Colorectal Disease © 2013 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the Western world however there is ongoing debate about the optimal treatment strategy for localised disease. While surgery remains the most commonly received treatment for localised disease in Australia more recently a robotic approach has emerged as an alternative to open and laparoscopic surgery. However, high level data is not yet available to support this as a superior approach or to guide treatment decision making between the alternatives. This paper presents the design of a randomised trial of Robotic and Open Prostatectomy for men newly diagnosed with localised prostate cancer that seeks to answer this question., Methods/design: 200 men per treatment arm (400 men in total) are being recruited after diagnosis and before treatment through a major public hospital outpatient clinic and randomised to 1) Robotic Prostatectomy or 2) Open Prostatectomy. All robotic prostatectomies are being performed by one surgeon and all open prostatectomies are being performed by one other surgeon. Outcomes are being measured pre-operatively and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-surgery. Oncological outcomes are being related to positive surgical margins, biochemical recurrence +/- the need for further treatment. Non-oncological outcome measures include: pain, physical and mental functioning, fatigue, summary (preference-based utility scores) and domain-specific QoL (urinary incontinence, bowel function and erectile function), cancer specific distress, psychological distress, decision-related distress and time to return to usual activities. Cost modelling of each approach, as well as full economic appraisal, is also being undertaken., Discussion: The study will provide recommendations about the relative benefits of Robotic and Open Prostatectomy to support informed patient decision making about treatment for localised prostate cancer; and to assist in treatment services planning for this patient group., Trial Registration: ACTRN12611000661976.

Purpose: To determine whether the presence of median lobe (ML) affects perioperative outcomes, positive surgical margin (PSM) rates, and recovery of urinary continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)., Patients and Methods: We analyzed 1693 consecutive patients undergoing RARP performed by a single surgeon. Patients were analyzed in two groups based on the presence or not of a ML identified during RARP. Perioperative outcomes, PSM rates, and recovery of urinary continence were compared between the groups. Continence was assessed using validated questionnaires, and it was defined as the use of "no pads" postoperatively., Results: A ML was identified in 323 (19%) patients. Both groups had similar estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, pathologic stage, complication rates, anastomotic leakage rates, overall PSM rates, and PSM rate at the bladder neck. The median overall operative time was slightly greater in patients with ML (80 vs 75 min, P<0.001); however, there was no difference in the operative time when stratifying this result by prostate weight. Continence rates were also similar between patients with and without ML at 1 week (27.8% vs 27%, P=0.870), 4 weeks (42.3% vs 48%, P=0.136), 12 weeks (82.5% vs 86.8%, P=0.107), and 24 weeks (91.5% vs 94.1%, P=0.183) after catheter removal. Finally, the median time to recovery of continence was similar between the groups (median: 5 wks, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.41-5.59 vs median: 5 wks, CI 4.66-5.34; log rank test, P=0.113)., Conclusion: The presence of a ML does not affect outcomes of RARP performed by an experienced surgeon.

Objectives: To describe a technical modification during robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) aiming to decrease perioperative blood loss, shorten the length of hospital stay and eliminate the need of postoperative continuous bladder irrigation. To describe perioperative outcomes, pathological findings and functional outcomes of our single-surgeon series using this technique., Methods: We analysed six consecutive patients who underwent RASP using our technical modification between February and September 2010. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy was performed in all cases and revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia in two cases and benign prostatic hyperplasia plus chronic prostatitis in four cases. The mean estimated prostate volume in the TRUS was 157 ± 74 (range 90-300) mL and the average preoperative International Prostate Symptom score was 19.8 ± 9.6 (10-32). Two patients were in urinary retention before surgery. Our technique of RASP includes the standard operative steps reported during open and laparoscopic simple prostatectomy; however, with the addition of some technical modifications during the reconstructive part of the procedure. Following the resection of the adenoma, instead of performing the classical 'trigonization' of the bladder neck and closure of the prostatic capsule, we propose three modified surgical steps: plication of the posterior prostatic capsule, a modified van Velthoven continuous vesico-urethral anastomosis and, finally, suture of the anterior prostatic capsule to the anterior bladder wall., Results: The patients' average age was 69 ± 4.9 (63-74) years; the mean estimated blood loss was 208 ± 66 (100-300) mL and the mean operative time was 90 ± 17.6 (75-120) min. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 without the need of continuous bladder irrigation at any time after RASP. No blood transfusion or perioperative complications were reported. The mean weight of the surgical specimen was 145 ± 41.6 (84-186) g. Histopathological evaluation revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia plus chronic prostatitis in five patients and prostatic adenocarcinoma (Gleason score 3+3, pT1a) with negative surgical margins in one patient. The mean serum prostate-specific antigen level decreased from 7 ± 2.5 (4.2-11) ng/mL preoperatively to 1.05 ± 0.8 (0.2-2.5) after RASP. Significant improvement from baseline was reported in the average International Prostate Symptom score (average preoperative vs postoperative, 19.8 ± 9.6 vs 5.5 ± 2.5, P= 0.01) and in mean maximum urine flow (average preoperative vs postoperative 7.75 ± 3.3 vs 19 ± 4.5 mL/s, P= 0.019) at 2 months after RASP. All patients were continent (defined as the use of no pads) at 2 months after RASP., Conclusions: Our modified technique of RASP is a safe and feasible option for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by large prostatic adenomas. Potential advantages of our technique include reduced blood loss, lower blood transfusion rates and shorter length of hospital stay with no need of postoperative continuous bladder irrigation. Larger series with longer follow-up are necessary to determine long-term outcomes in comparison to open simple prostatectomy or to the standard technique of RASP., (© 2011 THE AUTHORS. BJU INTERNATIONAL © 2011 BJU INTERNATIONAL.)

Background: Widespread use of prostate-specific antigen screening has resulted in younger and healthier men being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Their demands and expectations of surgical intervention are much higher and cannot be adequately addressed with the classic trifecta outcome measures., Objective: A new and more comprehensive method for reporting outcomes after radical prostatectomy, the pentafecta, is proposed., Design, Setting, and Participants: From January 2008 through September 2009, details of 1111 consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy performed by a single surgeon were retrospectively analyzed. Of 626 potent men, 332 who underwent bilateral nerve sparing and who had 1 yr of follow-up were included in the study group., Measurements: In addition to the traditional trifecta outcomes, two perioperative variables were included in the pentafecta: no postoperative complications and negative surgical margins. Patients who attained the trifecta and concurrently the two additional outcomes were considered as having achieved the pentafecta. A logistic regression model was created to evaluate independent factors for achieving the pentafecta., Results and Limitations: Continence, potency, biochemical recurrence-free survival, and trifecta rates at 12 mo were 96.4%, 89.8%, 96.4%, and 83.1%, respectively. With regard to the perioperative outcomes, 93.4% had no postoperative complication and 90.7% had negative surgical margins. The pentafecta rate at 12 mo was 70.8%. On multivariable analysis, patient age (p=0.001) was confirmed as the only factor independently associated with the pentafecta., Conclusions: A more comprehensive approach for reporting prostate surgery outcomes, the pentafecta, is being proposed. We believe that pentafecta outcomes more accurately represent patients' expectations after minimally invasive surgery for prostate cancer. This approach may be beneficial and may be used when counseling patients with clinically localized disease., (Copyright © 2011 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Posterior reconstruction (PR) of the rhabdosphincter has been previously described during retropubic radical prostatectomy, and shorter times to return of urinary continence were reported using this technical modification. This technique has also been applied during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP); however, contradictory results have been reported., Objective: We describe here a modified technique for PR of the rhabdosphincter during RARP and report its impact on early recovery of urinary continence and on cystographic leakage rates., Design, Setting, and Participants: We analyzed 803 consecutive patients who underwent RARP by a single surgeon over a 12-mo period: 330 without performing PR and 473 with PR., Surgical Procedure: The reconstruction was performed using two 6-in 3-0 Poliglecaprone sutures tied together. The free edge of the remaining Denonvillier's fascia was identified after prostatectomy and approximated to the posterior aspect of the rhabdosphincter and the posterior median raphe using one arm of the continuous suture. The second layer of the reconstruction was then performed with the other arm of the suture, approximating the posterior lip of the bladder neck and vesicoprostatic muscle to the posterior urethral edge., Measurements: Continence rates were assessed with a self-administrated, validated questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) at 1, 4, 12, and 24 wk after catheter removal. Continence was defined as the use of "no absorbent pads." Cystogram was performed in all patients on postoperative day 4 or 5 before catheter removal., Results and Limitations: There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to patient age, body mass index, prostate-specific antigen levels, prostate weight, American Urological Association symptom score, estimated blood loss, operative time, number of nerve-sparing procedures, and days with catheter. In the PR group, the continence rates at 1, 4, 12, and 24 wk postoperatively were 28.7%, 51.6%, 91.1%, and 97%, respectively; in the non-PR group, the continence rates were 22.7%, 42.7%, 91.8%, and 96.3%, respectively. The modified PR technique resulted in significantly higher continence rates at 1 and 4 wk after catheter removal (p = 0.048 and 0.016, respectively), although the continence rates at 12 and 24 wk were not significantly affected (p = 0.908 and p = 0.741, respectively). The median interval to recovery of continence was also statistically significantly shorter in the PR group (median: 4 wk; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.39-4.61) when compared to the non-PR group (median: 6 wk; 95% CI: 5.18-6.82; log-rank test, p=0.037). Finally, the incidence of cystographic leaks was lower in the PR group (0.4% vs 2.1%; p=0.036). Although the patients' baseline characteristics were similar between the groups, the patients were not preoperatively randomized and unknown confounding factors may have influenced the results., Conclusions: Our modified PR combines the benefits of early recovery of continence reported with the original PR technique with a reinforced watertight closure of the posterior anastomotic wall. Shorter interval to recovery of continence and lower incidence of cystographic leaks were demonstrated with our PR technique when compared to RARP with no reconstruction., (Copyright © 2010 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: • To evaluate early trifecta outcomes after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed by a high-volume surgeon., Patients and Methods: • We evaluated prospectively 1100 consecutive patients who underwent RARP performed by one surgeon. In all, 541 men were considered potent before RARP; of these 404 underwent bilateral full nerve sparing and were included in this analysis. • Baseline and postoperative urinary and sexual functions were assessed using self-administered validated questionnaires. • Postoperative continence was defined as the use of no pads; potency was defined as the ability to achieve and maintain satisfactory erections for sexual intercourse >50% of times, with or without the use of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors; Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive PSA levels of >0.2 ng/mL after RARP. • Results were compared between three age groups: Group 1, ≤ 55 years, Group 2, 56-65 years and Group 3, >65 years., Results: • The trifecta rates at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after RARP were 42.8%, 65.3%, 80.3%, 86% and 91%, respectively. • There were no statistically significant differences in the continence and BCR-free rates between the three age groups at all postoperative intervals analysed. • Nevertheless, younger men had higher potency rates and shorter time to recovery of sexual function when compared with older men at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months after RARP (P < 0.01 at all time points). • Similarly, younger men had higher trifecta rates at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after RARP compared with older men (P < 0.01 at all time points)., Conclusion: • RARP offers excellent short-term trifecta outcomes when performed by an experienced surgeon. • Younger men had higher overall trifecta rates when compared with older men at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after RARP., (© 2010 THE AUTHORS. JOURNAL COMPILATION © 2010 BJU INTERNATIONAL.)

Background: Perioperative complications following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) have been previously reported in recent series. Few studies, however, have used standardized systems to classify surgical complications, and that inconsistency has hampered accurate comparisons between different series or surgical approaches., Objective: To assess trends in the incidence and to classify perioperative surgical complications following RARP in 2500 consecutive patients., Design, Setting, and Participants: We analyzed 2500 patients who underwent RARP for treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) from August 2002 to February 2009. Data were prospectively collected in a customized database and retrospectively analyzed., Intervention: All patients underwent RARP performed by a single surgeon., Measurements: The data were collected prospectively in a customized database. Complications were classified using the Clavien grading system. To evaluate trends regarding complications and radiologic anastomotic leaks, we compared eight groups of 300 patients each, categorized according the surgeon's experience (number of cases)., Results and Limitations: Our median operative time was 90min (interquartile range [IQR]: 75-100min). The median estimated blood loss was 100ml (IQR:100-150ml). Our conversion rate was 0.08%, comprising two procedures converted to standard laparoscopy due to robot malfunction. One hundred and forty complications were observed in 127 patients (5.08%). The following percentages of patients presented graded complications: grade 1, 2.24%; grade 2, 1.8%; grade 3a, 0.08%; grade 3b, 0.48%; grade 4a, 0.40%. There were no cases of multiple organ dysfunction or death (grades 4b and 5). There were significant decreases in the overall complication rates (p=0.0034) and in the number of anastomotic leaks (p<0.001) as the surgeon's experience increased., Conclusions: RARP is a safe option for treatment of clinically localized PCa, presenting low complication rates in experienced hands. Although the robotic system provides the surgeon with enhanced vision and dexterity, proficiency is only accomplished with consistent surgical volume; complication rates demonstrated a tendency to decrease as the surgeon's experience increased., (Copyright © 2010 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is an evolving minimally invasive treatment of for localized prostate cancer. We present our experience of 1500 consecutive cases with an analysis of perioperative outcomes., Patients and Methods: Fifteen hundred consecutive RALPs were performed by a single surgeon (VRP). Following Institutional Review Board approval, clinical coordinators performed prospective intraoperative and postoperative data collection. Functional outcomes were assessed using validated self-administered questionnaires., Results: Mean OR time from skin incision to fascial closure (the time that the surgeon was present) was 105 minutes (55-300). Mean EBL was 111 cc (50-500). Ninety-seven percent of patients were discharged home on postoperative day 1. The overall complication rate was 4.3% with no mortalities. The positive margin rate (PMR) was 9.3% overall. PMR was 4% for pT2, 34% for T3 and 40% for pathologic stage T4., Conclusions: Our initial series represents one of the largest published series for perioperative outcomes of robotic assisted prostatectomy. Our data demonstrates the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Purpose: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is growing in popularity as a treatment option for prostate cancer. As a new technology, little is known regarding the reliability of the da Vinci robotic system. Intraoperative robotic equipment malfunction may force the surgeon to convert the procedure to an open or pure laparoscopic procedure, or possibly even abort the procedure. We report the first large-scale, multi-institutional review of robotic equipment malfunction., Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the rate of perioperative robotic malfunction during RALP. High-volume, experienced surgeons were asked to complete this evaluation based on the analysis of their data. Questions included the overall number of RALPs performed, the number of equipment malfunctions, the number of procedures that had to be converted or aborted, and the part of the robotic system that malfunctioned., Results: Eleven institutions participated in the study with a median surgeon volume of 700 cases, accounting for a total case volume of 8240. Critical failure occurred in 34 cases (0.4%) leading to the cancellation of 24 cases prior to the procedure, and the conversion to two laparoscopic and eight open procedures. The most common components of the robot to malfunction were the arms and optical system., Conclusions: Critical robotic equipment malfunction is extremely rare in institutions that perform high volumes of RALPs, with a nonrecoverable malfunction rate of only 0.4%.

Cancer of the prostate is the most common malignancy diagnosed in the male genitourinary tract. Although a number of treatment options are available for early prostate cancer, the gold standard of treatment remains retropubic radical prostatectomy. However, robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) has become a forerunner in treatment options, yielding comparable medium-term perioperative and functional outcomes. For this our team utilized MEDLINE, searching for publications on perioperative and functional outcomes related to robotic prostatectomy. Robotic-assisted prostatectomy has allowed urologists to enter the realm of minimally invasive surgery by incorporating open surgery maneuvers into a laparoscopic environment. To date, RALP perioperative and functional outcomes are comparable to the gold standard; the collection of long-term data is needed in order to establish its true efficacy.

Objectives: To present a contemporary review of the functional outcomes following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy based on published postoperative erectile function and urinary continence data., Methods: A review of the available literature on Medline and PubMed databases was performed., Results: Factors affecting erectile function include age, preoperative SHIM scores, co-morbidities and nerve sparing techniques. Large robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) series like the Vattikuti Institute's and Ohio State University's demonstrate early potency outcomes: 70% and 80% of patients, respectively, who underwent bilateral nerve sparing and had a pre-operative SHIM score > 17, regained potency after a follow-up of 12 months. This has also been reproduced by smaller series, where 43% of patients achieved potency within 3 months postop and 68%, 79% of patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral nerve sparing, respectively, were able to have intercourse with or without PDE5 inhibitors after 12 months follow-up. Postoperative continence rates after RALP for larger series are 76%-92% and 95. 2%-98% while that for smaller series range from 76% and 89% at 3 and 12 months, respectively., Conclusions: RALP is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that produces functional outcomes comparable to contemporary results of both open and laparoscopic prostatectomy.