Search

Background and Objectives: Radical prostatectomy (RP) stands as the predominant instigator of postoperative stress urinary incontinence. Techniques such as the preservation of the neurovascular bundles, bladder neck preservation, and ensuring longer postoperative urethral length have shown positive impacts on continence. The posterior reconstruction is another method that aids in early continence recovery. Anterior suspension as simulator of puboprostatic ligaments is another factor. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, between December 2014 and January 2020, employing a prospective, non-randomized comparative design. Data were meticulously gathered from 192 consecutive patients. The process of regaining continence was monitored at intervals of 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The main criterion for assessing the level of urinary continence was the number of pads used daily. Results: The distribution of overall continence rates in the BNP vs. no-BNP group at 3, 6 and 12 months was 86% vs. 60% (p < 0.0001), 89% vs. 67% (p < 0.0001), 93% vs. 83% (p = 0.022). Continence rates in non-posterior reconstruction group (10%, 22%, 34%, and 54% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months) were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.0001). The patients who underwent urethral suspension exhibited significantly higher rates of overall continence at 1 mo (73% vs. 29%, p < 0.0001), 3 mo (85% vs. 53%, p < 0.001), 6 mo (89% vs. 62%, p < 0.0001), 12 mo (95% vs. 76%, p < 0.0001), and 24 mo (93% vs. 81%, p = 0.007). Patients who underwent urethral suspension had a four-fold greater likelihood of regaining continence (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Patients who underwent urethral suspension or BNP or posterior reconstruction had higher continence rates. Only the urethral suspension was found to be a significant prognostic factor of continence recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractures of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine are common both in low- and high-energy injuries. Most of the fractures can be treated conservatively; however surgical intervention may be required in unstable injuries and those with spinal cord involvement. This article describes the biomechanics of the thoracic and thoracolumbar regions of the spine, explains the classification of the fracture and injury patterns and provides guidance on the decision-making for surgical management. Special considerations with regards to the approaches and length of fixation in each fracture pattern are mentioned. Categories such as fractures on the background of osteoporosis or ankylosing spondylitis are also covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Radical prostatectomy (RP) stands as the predominant instigator of postoperative stress urinary incontinence. Techniques such as the preservation of the neurovascular bundles, bladder neck preservation, and ensuring longer postoperative urethral length have shown positive impacts on continence. The posterior reconstruction is another method that aids in early continence recovery. Anterior suspension as simulator of puboprostatic ligaments is another factor. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, between December 2014 and January 2020, employing a prospective, non-randomized comparative design. Data were meticulously gathered from 192 consecutive patients. The process of regaining continence was monitored at intervals of 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The main criterion for assessing the level of urinary continence was the number of pads used daily. Results: The distribution of overall continence rates in the BNP vs. no-BNP group at 3, 6 and 12 months was 86% vs. 60% (p < 0.0001), 89% vs. 67% (p < 0.0001), 93% vs. 83% (p = 0.022). Continence rates in non-posterior reconstruction group (10%, 22%, 34%, and 54% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months) were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.0001). The patients who underwent urethral suspension exhibited significantly higher rates of overall continence at 1 mo (73% vs. 29%, p < 0.0001), 3 mo (85% vs. 53%, p < 0.001), 6 mo (89% vs. 62%, p < 0.0001), 12 mo (95% vs. 76%, p < 0.0001), and 24 mo (93% vs. 81%, p = 0.007). Patients who underwent urethral suspension had a four-fold greater likelihood of regaining continence (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Patients who underwent urethral suspension or BNP or posterior reconstruction had higher continence rates. Only the urethral suspension was found to be a significant prognostic factor of continence recovery.

Purpose: We report a comparative monocentric study with a short and long-term follow-up with the aim to assess differences about urinary continence outcomes in patients treated with Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) with two different techniques: with anterior and posterior reconstruction and without any kind of reconstruction. Materials and methods: From January 2016 to September 2021, at the Department of Urology of the "F. Miulli" Hospital of Acquaviva delle Fonti, in Italy, 850 eligible patients underwent extraperitoneal RARP with anterior and posterior reconstruction and 508 without reconstructions. Results: In patients undergoing RARP with reconstructions 1 month after surgery the urinary continence was preserved in 287/850 patients (33.8%), 3 months after surgery in 688/850 (81%), 6 months in 721/850 (84.8%), 12 months in 734/850 (86.3%), 18 months in 671/754 (89%), 24 months in 696/754 (92.3%), 36 months in 596/662 (90%), 48 months in 394/421 (93.6%), 60 months in 207/212 (97.6%). In patients undergoing RARP without reconstruction 1 month after surgery urinary continence was preserved in 99/508 (19.4%), after 3 months in 276/508 (54.3%), 6 months in 305/508 (60%), 12 months in 329/508 (64.7%), 18 months in 300/456 (65.7%), 24 months in 295/456 (64.7%), 36 months in 268/371 (72.3%), 48 months in 181/224 (81%), 60 months in 93/103 (90.3%). Conclusion: In our case study, the RARP with anterior and posterior reconstruction technique is associated with a statistically significant higher rate (up to 48 months of follow-up) and a faster recovery of urinary continence compared to the technique without reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Posterior facetectomy or lateral mass resection is often used during cervical dumbbell tumor resection, jeopardizing the stability of cervical spine. The space after resection of one or more lateral masses, if left unfilled might hamper bone fusion and structural support. Purpose There were the aims to obtain the relevant morphometry of the lateral mass of the subaxial cervical spine (C3–C7) and to design a lateral mass prosthesis for the posterior reconstruction of the cervical spine. Methods The computed tomography (CT) scans of healthy volunteers were obtained. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software (Version 2020.1, Medixant, Poland) was used to measure the parameters of lateral mass, such as height, anteroposterior dimension (APD), mediolateral dimension (MLD), and facet joint angle. According to the parameters, a series of cervical lateral mass prostheses were designed. Cadaver experiment was conducted to demonstrate its feasibility. Results Twenty-three volunteers with an average age of 30.1 ± 7.1 years were enrolled in this study. The height of the lateral mass was 14.1 mm on average. The facet joint angle, APD, and MLD of the lateral mass averaged 40.1 degrees, 11.2 mm, and 12.2 mm, respectively. With these key data, a lateral mass prosthesis consisting of a column and a posterior fixation plate was designed. The column has a 4.0-mm radius, 41-degree surface angle, and adjustable height of 13, 15, or 17 mm. In the cadaver experiment, the column could function as a supporting structure between adjacent facets, and it would not violate the exiting nerve root or the vertebral artery. Conclusion This study provided a detailed morphology of the lateral mass of the subaxial cervical spine. A series of subaxial cervical lateral mass prostheses were designed awaiting further clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: posterior reconstruction; Retzius sparing RARP; prostate cancer; radical prostatectomy; continence recovery EN posterior reconstruction Retzius sparing RARP prostate cancer radical prostatectomy continence recovery 461 463 3 09/25/23 20231001 NES 231001 Abbreviations ESI erection sufficient for intercourse RARP robot-assisted radical prostatectomy RS Retzius-sparing Introduction Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the most common treatment approach for prostate cancer, representing more than 85% of radical prostatectomies performed [[1]]. Posterior reconstruction in Retzius-sparing "zero-clip" robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: "the Lisbon stitch" Posterior reconstruction, Retzius sparing RARP, prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy, continence recovery. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: To assess the effects of posterior musculofascial reconstruction robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (PR‐RALP) compared to no PR during standard RALP (S‐RALP) for the treatment of clinically localised prostate cancer. Patients and Methods: We performed a systematic search with no restrictions including randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing variations of PR‐RALP vs S‐RALP for clinically localised prostate cancer. The quality of evidence was assessed on outcome basis according to Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Our search identified 13 records of eight unique RCTs, of which six were published studies, and two were abstract proceedings. There were 1085 randomised patients, of whom 963 completed the trials. All patients had either cT1c or cT2 or cT3a disease. Results: A PR‐RALP may improve urinary continence 1 week after catheter removal compared to no PR (risk ratio [RR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90–1.73; I2 = 42%, five studies, 498 patients, low certainty of evidence [CoE]). A PR‐RALP may have little to no effect on urinary continence 3 months after surgery compared to no PR (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.84–1.14; I2 = 67%, six studies, 842 patients, low CoE). A PR‐RALP probably results in little to no difference in serious adverse events compared to no PR (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.29–1.92; I2 = 0%, six studies, 835 patients, moderate CoE). Conclusions: This review found evidence that PR‐RALP may improve early continence 1 week after catheter removal but not thereafter. Meanwhile, adverse event rates are probably not impacted and positive surgical margin rates are likely similar. There was no difference in our subgroup analysis for all outcomes with anterior reconstruction technique when combined with PR vs only PR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate urinary outcomes of pelvic construction and lateral capsule sparing techniques in robot-assisted radical cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder (RARC-OIN). Methods: A total of 107 male patients who underwent RARC-OIN during January 2017 and February 2021 in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Standard RARC-OIN with or without nerve sparing technique was performed in 44 patients (standard group), lateral prostate capsule sparing technique was performed in 20 patients (LCS group), combined pelvic reconstruction (CPR) technique including anterior suspension and posterior reconstruction were performed in 43 patients (CPR group). The urinary function was assessed by the use of pads and the Bladder Cancer Index (BCI). Continence was defined as the use of 0–1 pad during daytime or night-time. Results: There was no statistical difference between the three groups regarding demographic, perioperative, and pathological data. Continence rates were 6.8, 50.0 and 34.9% for daytime, 4.6, 40.0 and 32.6% for night-time in the standard group, LCS group and CPR group at 1 month post-operation, respectively. Continence rates were 34.1, 80.0 and 69.8% for daytime, 27.3, 75.0 and 65.1% for night-time in the standard group, LCS group and CPR group at 3 month post-operation, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in the daytime and night-time continence rates at 12 months. Conclusions: Lateral capsule-sparing and combined pelvic reconstruction techniques are feasible to improve early daytime and night-time continence rates in RARC with orthotopic neobladder. Clinical trial registration: The trial registration number: ChiCTR2100047606. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) has become the standard of surgical care in the USA and around the world. Over the past 18 years, we have performed 13,000 radical prostatectomies, and our surgical technique has evolved over time. We discuss this evolution and how it has helped us achieve optimal patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A posterior reconstruction (PR) might improve the fluidity and delicacy of the maneuvers related to the neovesico-urethral anastomosis during robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Our objective is to describe in detail the surgical steps of PR and to assess its feasibility and functional outcomes. The data regarding patients undergoing a totally intracorporeal RARC with neobladder and PR for high-grade and/or muscle-invasive urothelial cancer of the bladder at Karolinska University Hospital between October 2015 and November 2016 by a single surgeon (PW) were reviewed. Prior to the anastomosis, a modified posterior Rocco's repair involving the Denonvillier's fascia, the rhabdosphincter, and the posterior side of the ileal neobladder neck was performed. The steps are shown in a video at https://doi.org/10.1089/vid.2019.0029. The primary outcome was urinary continence; the secondary outcomes were urinary leakage, intermittent catheterization, and complications related to the reconstructive steps. Eleven male patients with a median age and BMI of 67 years and 24, respectively, underwent RARC with PR associated to the neovesico-urethral anastomosis. Overall and posterior reconstruction time were 300′ (195–320) and 6′ (4–7), respectively. The daytime and nighttime continence rates were 100% and 44% at 12 months, respectively; the median pad weight was 3.5 g and 108 g at daytime and nighttime, respectively. One urinary leakage from the urethrovesical anastomosis was treated conservatively. Two patients perform intermittent catheterization. The posterior reconstruction during RARC is safe and feasible, providing good continence rates. It supported a careful suturing of the anastomosis as well as an uncomplicated catheter placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebral fractures are very common and primarily affect the thoracolumbar spine as the result of an isolated injury or in polytrauma patients. The majority of these fractures can be treated non-operatively. Surgical stabilization of thoracolumbar fractures may be indicated after high-energy trauma or in the multiply injured patient. Surgery aims to provide a stable spinal column to allow early mobilization and optimize neurological outcome. This article considers the principles of clinical assessment and decision-making in the surgical management of thoracolumbar fractures. The AO spine thoracolumbar classification system can be used to guide treatment because the choice of surgical strategy depends on the biomechanics of the injury. Most injuries can be stabilized through a posterior approach but anterior column reconstruction can be performed, either as a stand-alone procedure or in order to support a posterior stabilization. The use of minimally invasive techniques is discussed. Interventional spinal technologies for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We present our experience with a novel three-layer two-step posterior reconstruction (PR) technique using peritoneum during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) to improve recovery of postoperative urinary continence. Methods: Forty-eight patients with localized prostate cancer were enrolled in this study and were divided randomly into two groups, which were treated by the standard PR technique (standard PR group; n = 24) or the three-layer PR technique using peritoneum (three-layer PR group; n = 24) during RARP. We prospectively analyzed the continence rate by the 1-hour pad test. All patients underwent urethrocystography at 6 days postoperatively to evaluate position of vesicourethral junction. Pelvic MRI was also performed at 6 months postoperatively for anatomical evaluation. Results: Four weeks after RARP, the urinary continence rate was significantly higher in the three-layer PR group (57%) than in the standard PR group (26%, p = 0.036). Urethrocystography demonstrated that the postoperative craniocaudal distance from the symphysis pubis to the level of the vesicourethral junction was significantly shorter in the three-layer PR group than in the standard PR group ( p < 0.01), suggesting that there was less tension on the vesicourethral anastomosis after three-layer PR. MRI confirmed that three-layer PR provided firmer reinforcement of the structures, supporting the posterior aspect of the urethral sphincter complex. Conclusions: This prospective comparative study might suggest that three-layer two-step PR using peritoneum during RARP is a simple and feasible method seeming to improve early recovery of postoperative continence compared with standard two-step PR, although larger multicenter randomized controlled trials will be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a widespread option for the treatment of patients with clinically localised prostate cancer. Modifications in the surgical technique may help to further improve functional outcomes. Objective To assess the outcome of early catheter removal 48 h after surgery, as opposed to standard catheter removal 6 d after surgery following RARP, using a newly developed surgical technique for posterior reconstruction and anastomosis (Aalst technique). Design, setting, and participants Patients scheduled for RARP were prospectively scheduled for early catheter removal at postoperative d 2 (group A, n = 37) and standard catheter removal at postoperative d 6 (group B, n = 37). Surgical procedure RARP was performed using the Da Vinci Si system. The Aalst technique for the urethro-vesical anastomosis including posterior reconstruction was used as previously described. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The primary endpoint was spontaneous voiding after catheter removal. Secondary endpoints were rate of anastomotic urinary leakage after catheter removal, presence and severity of urethral, perineal, and abdominal pain, as well as patient's bother after catheter removal using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Rate and severity of urinary incontinence after catheter removal were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-MLUTS) questionnaire. Results and limitations There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to baseline and perioperative parameters, as well as pathological features; however, significantly more patients underwent bilateral nerve-sparing procedures in group A (34 vs 23, p = 0.008). After catheter removal, patients in both groups showed spontaneous voiding, whereas only 11% and 8% of the patients in group A and group B experienced urinary retention after catheter removal ( p = 0.7). Patients in group B had significantly higher maximum flow rates, but lower voided volumes after catheter removal in comparison with patients in group A (21 ml/s vs 10 ml/s, p ≤ 0.001 and 170 ml vs 200 ml, p ≤ 0.001, respectively). ICIQ-MLUTS questionnaire and VAS scores showed no significant differences between the groups at any time point. Conclusions The Aalst technique allows the removal of catheters 2 d after RARP and results in spontaneous voiding. Early removal showed no increased rate of urinary leakage, no negative impact on short-term continence and on perineal, urethral or penile pain, and no increase in urinary retention rates. Future studies have to confirm these results with longer follow-up including detailed parameters on return to daily activity. Patient summary We provide evidence that it is possible to remove the bladder catheter as early as 2 d after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy without any negative effects on voiding and pain parameters. Thus, leaving the hospital early without a catheter in place could represent a significant and relevant benefit for the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The introduction of robotics revolutionized prostate cancer surgery because the magnified three-dimensional vision system and wristed instruments allow microsurgery to be performed. The advantages of robotic surgery could lead to improved continence outcomes in terms of early recovery compared with the traditional surgical methods. Objective To describe the total anatomical reconstruction (TAR) technique during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Primary endpoint: evaluation of the continence rate at different time points. Secondary endpoint: evaluation of urine leakage and anastomosis stenosis rates related to the technique. Design, setting, and participants June, 2013 to November, 2014; prospective consecutive series of patients with localized prostate cancer (cT1-3, cN0, cM0). Surgical procedure RARP with TAR was performed in all cases. Lymph node dissection was performed if the risk of lymph nodal metastasis was over 5%, according to the Briganti updated nomogram. Measurements Preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and pathological variables were analyzed. Enrolled patients were arbitrarily divided into three groups according to a time criterion. The relationships between the learning curve and the trend of the above-mentioned variables were analyzed using LOESS analysis. Continence was rigorously analyzed preoperatively and at 24 h, 1 wk, 4 wk, 12 wk, and 24 wk after catheter removal. Results and limitations In total, 252 patients were analyzed. The continence rates immediately after catheter removal and at 1 wk, 4 wk, 12 wk, and 24 wk after RARP were 71.8%, 77.8%, 89.3%, 94.4%, and 98.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the nerve sparing technique, D’Amico risk groups, lymph node dissection, and prostate volume were involved in the early recovery of urinary continence. One ileal perforation requiring reoperation was recorded. The transfusion rate was 0.8%. Thirty-one (12.3%) postoperative complications were recorded up to 6 mo after surgery. Among these, eight acute urinary retentions (3.2%) and three urine leakages (1.2%) were recorded. There was a lack of randomization and comparison with other techniques. Both anatomical dissection of the prostatic apex and TAR were used. The results may not be generalized to low-volume centers. Conclusions The TAR technique showed promising results in the early recovery of urinary continence, as well as watertight anastomosis and a low rate of urine leakage. The oncologic results were not affected. Comparative studies are needed to support the quality of reported results. Patient summary On the basis of our findings, it seems that the risk of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy can be lowered via meticulous anatomical reconstruction using a robotic system. Comparative studies are required to support the reported results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To develop a modified technique of 'total pelvic floor reconstruction' during non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and to determine its effect on postoperative urinary outcomes. Methods A total of 128 patients who underwent non-nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were evaluated, including 81 with total pelvic floor reconstruction and 47 with non-total pelvic floor reconstruction. Nerve-sparing cases were excluded. Urinary outcomes were assessed with self-administrated questionnaires ( Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique included two concepts involving posterior and anterior reconstructions. In posterior reconstruction, Denonvilliers' fascia was approximated to the bladder neck and the median dorsal raphe by slipknot. The anterior surface of the bladder-neck was approximated to the anterior detrusor apron and the puboprostatic ligament collar for anterior reconstruction. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in the patients' characteristics, and in perioperative and oncological outcomes. In the total pelvic floor reconstruction group, the continence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were 45.7%, 71.4%, and 84.6%, respectively. In the non-total pelvic floor reconstruction group, the continence rates were 26.1%, 46.8% and 60.9%, respectively. The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique resulted in significantly higher continence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, respectively (all P < 0.05). The mean interval to achieve continence was significantly shorter in the total pelvic floor reconstruction group (mean 7.7 months) than in the non-total pelvic floor reconstruction group (mean 9.8 months; P = 0.0003). Conclusion The total pelvic floor reconstruction technique allows preservation of the blood supply to the urethra and physical reinforcement of the pelvic floor. Therefore, this technique is likely to improve urinary continence outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The surgical strategy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) accompanying local kyphosis is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to compare and evaluate the outcomes of two types of surgery for CSM accompanying local kyphosis: (1) laminoplasty alone (LP) and (2) posterior reconstruction surgery (PR) in which we corrected the local kyphosis using a pedicle screw or lateral mass screw. Methods: Sixty patients who presented with local kyphosis exceeding 5° were enrolled. LP and PR were each performed on a group of 30 of these patients; 30 CSM patients without local kyphosis, who had undergone LP, were used as controls. The follow-up period was 2 years or longer. Preoperative local kyphosis angles in LP and PR were 8.3° ± 4.4° and 8.8° ± 5.7°, respectively. Preoperative C2-7 angles in LP, PR and controls were −1.7° ± 9.6°, −0.4° ± 7.2° and −12.0° ± 5.6°, respectively. The recovery rate of the JOA score, local kyphosis angle and C2-7 angle at post-op and follow-up were compared between the groups. Results: The recovery rate of the JOA score in the LP group (32.6 %) was significantly worse than that in the PR group (44.5 %) and that of controls (53.8 %). Local kyphosis angles in the PR and LP groups at follow-up were 4.0° ± 8.6° and 8.0° ± 6.0°, respectively. However, although the C2-7 angle at follow-up was improved to −11.1° ± 12.7° in PR, and maintained at −11.6° ± 6.2° in controls, it deteriorated to 0.5° ± 12.7° in LP. Conclusions: The present study is the first to compare the outcomes between LP alone and PR for CSM accompanying local kyphosis. It revealed that PR resulted in a better clinical outcome than did LP alone. This result may be due to reduction of local kyphosis, stabilization of the unstable segment, and/or the maintenance of C2-7 angle until follow-up in the PR group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a widely used treatment method for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Posterior reconstruction of urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA) is one of the techniques that provides early recovery of urinary continence after surgery. Changes in the technique of performing posterior reconstruction of UVA may contribute to further improvement of functional results., Aim: To evaluate the functional results of early removal of the urethral catheter (after 3 days) after RARP using a modified surgical technique of performing posterior reconstruction of UVA compared with the standard catheterization time (7 days after surgery)., Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent RARP were randomly assigned to early catheter removal (3 days after surgery, main group, n=15) and standard catheterization time (7 days after surgery, control group, n=15). RARP was performed using the Da Vinci Si system. The primary end point was the rate of spontaneous voiding after catheter removal. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of urine leakage into the paravesical tissue during retrograde cystography, as well as complications according to the Clavien-Dindo system. The frequency and severity of stress urinary incontinence after catheter removal was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF)., Results: There were no significant differences between groups in terms of baseline and perioperative parameters. After removal of the catheter, no acute urinary retention was observed in both groups. Also, there were no cases of urine leakage into the paravesical tissue during retrograde cystography. The ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire showed no significant differences between the groups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery., Conclusions: The method of modified posterior reconstruction allows to remove the urethral catheter 3 days after RARP. Early removal of the urethral catheter did not adversely affect the early recovery of urinary continence, the quality of UVA, and did not increase the incidence of acute urinary retention. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed.

Abstract: Context: In 2001, Rocco et al. described a surgical technique whose aim was the reconstruction of the posterior musculofascial plate after radical prostatectomy (RP) to improve early return to urinary continence. Since then, many surgeons have applied this technique—either as it was described or with some modification—to open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted RP. Objective: To review the outcomes reported in comparative studies analysing the influence of reconstruction of the posterior aspect of the rhabdosphincter after RP. The main outcome evaluated was urinary continence at 3–7 d, 30–45 d, 90 d, 180 d, and 1 yr after catheter removal. Evidence acquisition: A systematic review of the literature was performed in November 2011, searching the Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A “free-text” protocol using the terms posterior reconstruction of the rhabdosphincter, posterior rhabdosphincter, and early continence was applied. Studies published only as abstracts and reports from meetings were not included in this review. One thousand seven records were retrieved from the Medline database, 1541 from the Embase database, 1357 from the Scopus database, and 1041 from the Web of Science database. The authors reviewed the records to identify studies comparing cohorts of patients who underwent RP with or without restoration of the posterior aspect of the rhabdosphincter. Only papers evaluating use of this technique as the only technical modification among the groups were included. A cumulative analysis was conducted using Review Manager v.5.1 software (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). Evidence synthesis: Eleven studies were identified in the literature search, including two randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which were negative studies. The cumulative analysis of comparative studies showed that reconstruction of the posterior musculofascial plate improves early return of continence within the first 30 d after RP (p =0.004), while continence rates 90 d after surgery are not affected by use of the reconstruction technique. The statistical significance of the reconstruction seems to decrease when higher continence rates are reported. Use of posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction does not seem to be related to positive surgical margin (PSM) rates or with complications like acute urinary retention (AUR) and bladder neck stricture (BNS). Some studies suggested lower anastomotic leakage rates with the posterior musculofascial plate reconstruction technique. Conclusions: The role of reconstruction of the posterior musculofascial plate in terms of earlier continence recovery is encouraging but still controversial. Methodological flaws and poor surgical standardisation seem to be the major causes. In two RCTs and one parallel (not randomised) group trial, posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction offered no significant advantage for return of early continence after RP. No significant complications related to the posterior musculofascial plate reconstruction technique have been reported so far. A multicentre RCT is necessary to clarify the possible role of the technique in terms of earlier continence recovery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The adoption of robotic technology in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) could lead to improvement in outcomes., Objective: To evaluate feasibility, to compare functional outcomes, and to assess the economic benefits of removing catheter on the postoperative day (POD) 3 versus POD 5 after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)., Design, Setting, and Participants: From September 2016 to May 2017, patients selected to undergo RARP for clinically localized PCa at a high-volume center were prospectively randomized into group 1 (POD 3; n=72) versus group 2 (POD 5, n=74)., Intervention: All patients underwent RARP with anatomical posterior and anterior reconstruction., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: The primary endpoint was to compare acute urinary retention (AUR) and urinary leakage rate in the two groups. The secondary endpoints were early and mid-term postoperative functional outcomes assessed through questionnaires (ICIQ-MLUTS, IPSS), early continence rate, and postoperative pain/discomfort (visual analog scale score). The economic impact of early catheter removal was also assessed., Results and Limitations: AUR was reported in two (1.4%) cases, one for each study group (p=0.9). One case of vesicourethral leakage was reported (0.7%) in group 1. Urethral discomfort and pain at discharge was significantly higher in group 2 (p=0.03). In our clinical practice, POD 3 catheter removal approach would determine a saving of approximately €80 000 and 405 d of hospitalization yearly. The main limitation is the small sample size., Conclusions: Early catheter removal after RARP does not lead to an increase in perioperative complications. No negative effect on early and mid-term functional outcomes was observed. A significant impact on saving economic resources was reported., Patient Summary: We demonstrated that early catheter removal has no negative effect on spontaneous voiding, complications, or urinary continence recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy., (Copyright © 2018 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.