Implementation of surgical rehearsal utilizing patient specific hydrogel kidney phantoms prior to complex renal cancer surgery: a pilot study.

Introduction: With the advancement of surgical technology, the opportunity to integrate novel surgical preparation is imperative to improve patient outcomes and enhance safety.

Methods: Patient specific perfused kidney phantoms including the tumor, parenchyma, artery, vein, and calyx were fabricated using 3D-printing and hydrogel injection molding from scans of 25 patients scheduled for robotic partial-nephrectomy (RAPN). Models are validated for anatomical accuracy, mechanical, functional properties and surrounded by the other models of relevant anatomy in a body cast for a simulated surgical rehearsal.

Can preoperative planning using IRIS™ three-dimensional anatomical virtual models predict operative findings during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy?

Objective: To evaluate the predictive validity of IRIS™ (Intuitive Surgical®, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) as a planning tool for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) by assessing the degree of overlap with intraoperative execution.

Methods: Thirty-one patients scheduled for RAPN by four experienced urologists were enrolled in a prospective study. Prior to surgery, urologists reviewed the IRIS™ three-dimensional model on an iphone Operating System (iOS) app and completed a questionnaire outlining their surgical plan including surgical approach, and ischemia technique as well as confidence in executing this plan.

Do Skills Naturally Transfer Between Multiport and Single-Port Robotic Platforms? A Comparative Study in a Simulated Environment.

With introduction of the da Vinci single-port (SP) system, we evaluated which multiport (MP) robotic skills are naturally transferable to the SP platform. Three groups of urologists: Group 1 (5 inexperienced in MP and SP), Group 2 (5 experienced in MP without SP experience), and Group 3 (2 experienced in both MP and SP) were recruited to complete a validated urethrovesical anastomosis simulation using MP followed by SP robots. Performance was graded using both GEARS and RACE scales.

Problem-solving skills training in adult cancer survivors: Bright IDEAS-AC pilot study.

Purpose: Cancer patients experience significant distress and burden of decision-making throughout treatment and beyond. These stressors can interfere with their ability to make reasoned and timely decisions about their care and lead to low physical and social functioning and poor survival. This pilot study examined the impact of offering Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) to adult cancer survivors to help them and their caregivers cope more successfully with post-treatment decision-making burden and distress.

Utilizing head-mounted eye trackers to analyze patterns and decision-making strategies of 3D virtual modelling platform (IRIS) during preoperative planning for renal cancer surgeries.

Purpose: IRIS provides interactive, 3D anatomical visualizations of renal anatomy for pre-operative planning that can be manipulated by altering transparency, rotating, zooming, panning, and overlaying the CT scan. Our objective was to analyze how eye tracking metrics and utilization patterns differ between preoperative surgical planning of renal masses using IRIS and CT scans.

Methods: Seven surgeons randomly reviewed IRIS and CT images of 9 patients with renal masses [5 high complexity (RENAL score ≥ 8), 4 low complexity (≤ 7)].

Application of IRIS Three-Dimensional Anatomical Models As Preoperative Surgical Planning Tools in the Management of Localized Renal Masses.

The use of volume-rendered images is gaining popularity in the surgical planning for complex procedures. IRIS™ is an interactive software that delivers three-dimensional (3D) virtual anatomical models. We aimed to evaluate the preoperative clinical utility of IRIS for patients with ≤T2 localized renal tumors who underwent either partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN).

Multi-institutional validation of a perfused robot-assisted partial nephrectomy procedural simulation platform utilizing clinically relevant objective metrics of simulators (CROMS).

Objective: To conduct a multi-institutional validation of a high-fidelity, perfused, inanimate, simulation platform for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) using incorporated clinically relevant objective metrics of simulation (CROMS), applying modern validity standards.

Materials And Methods: Using a combination of three-dimensional (3D) printing and hydrogel casting, a RAPN model was developed from the computed tomography scan of a patient with a 4.2-cm, upper-pole renal tumour (RENAL nephrometry score 7×).

Robot-assisted Synchronous Bilateral Nephrectomy for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Stepwise Description of Technique.

Objective: To describe our technique of robot-assisted synchronous bilateral nephrectomy (RASBN) for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

Methods: Given prior abdominal surgery/transplant in most patients, we prefer an open cut-down access to place a 12 mm port 10 cm infraumbilically. Four (8 mm) robotic ports are then placed under vision in a fan distribution along the umbilical level.

Incorporation and validation of clinically relevant performance metrics of simulation (CRPMS) into a novel full-immersion simulation platform for nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (NS-RARP) utilizing three-dimensional printing and hydrogel casting technology.

Objectives: To incorporate and validate clinically relevant performance metrics of simulation (CRPMS) into a hydrogel model for nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (NS-RARP).

Materials And Methods: Anatomically accurate models of the human pelvis, bladder, prostate, urethra, neurovascular bundle (NVB) and relevant adjacent structures were created from patient MRI by injecting polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels into three-dimensionally printed injection molds. The following steps of NS-RARP were simulated: bladder neck dissection; seminal vesicle mobilization; NVB dissection; and urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA).

Should Platelet-Rich Plasma or Stem Cell Therapy Be Used to Treat Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and unfortunately lacks disease-modifying treatments. This has led to a growing demand for more effective nonoperative treatment options. Platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cell therapy offer the potential to modify the natural course of knee osteoarthritis using cell-based technology.

Clinical Proof-of-concept of a Novel Platform Utilizing Biopsy-derived Live Single Cells, Phenotypic Biomarkers, and Machine Learning Toward a Precision Risk Stratification Test for Prostate Cancer Grade Groups 1 and 2 (Gleason 3 + 3 and 3 + 4).

Objective: To examine the ability of a novel live primary-cell phenotypic (LPCP) test to predict postsurgical adverse pathology (P-SAP) features and risk stratify patients based on SAP features in a blinded study utilizing radical prostatectomy (RP) surgical specimens.

Methods: Two hundred fifty-one men undergoing RP were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter (10), and proof-of-concept study in the United States. Fresh prostate samples were taken from known areas of cancer in the operating room immediately after RP.

Pleural coccidioidomycosis presenting as spontaneous pneumothorax.

is a fungus endemic to Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico which can be asymptomatic or result in a well-defined clinical syndrome of community-acquired pneumonia. On rare occasion, coccidioidomycosis may have atypical presentations as in our patient, a 25-year-old man admitted with a 2-month history of progressive dyspnoea and cough. He was found to have a large right-sided pneumothorax with exudative pleural effusion which did not resolve following thoracentesis.

Institutional Learning Curve Associated with Implementation of a Magnetic Resonance/Transrectal Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy Program Using PI-RADS™ Version 2: Factors that Influence Success.

Introduction: We assessed the institutional learning curve associated with adopting fusion biopsy using PI-RADS™ (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System) Version 2 (v2) to detect clinically significant prostate cancer, defined as Gleason 7 or greater in men with prior negative biopsies, and identified patient and technical factors that predict success in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer.

Methods: A total of 113 consecutive patients with at least 1 prior negative biopsy and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging examination of the prostate with a PI-RADS 3 or greater index lesion underwent fusion biopsy at a single academic center previously naïve to fusion biopsy technology. Outcomes include detection rates for Gleason 6 cancer, clinically significant prostate cancer and any cancer.

Antibiogram Directed Prophylaxis for Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: An Application of Recommendations in the Setting of High Fluoroquinolone Escherichia coli Resistance.

Introduction: We investigated local resistance patterns to guide antibiotic use for the prevention of infections associated with transrectal prostate biopsy with ultrasound guidance.

Methods: Per the AUA (American Urological Association) recommendations (2014 and 2016) for transrectal prostate biopsy with ultrasound guidance prophylaxis, local antibiogram resistance was reviewed. Rates of Escherichia coli fluoroquinolone resistance were between 20% and 28%.

The role of urinary cytology when diagnostic workup is suspicious for upper tract urothelial carcinoma but tumour biopsy is nonconfirmatory.

Introduction: We sought to determine the value of obtaining preoperative urinary cytology when diagnostic workup of an upper tract mass is suspicious for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), but biopsy fails to confirm the diagnosis.

Methods: Using billing code data, 239 patients were identified as having undergone radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) by 16 urologists from September 29, 1998 to July 31, 2015. Of this group, 19 adult patients had a presumed preoperative diagnosis of UTUC in a native kidney, at least three months of followup, no history of concurrent radical cystectomy with RNU, and negative/non-diagnostic tissue biopsy.

Cost-Effectiveness of Extended Duration Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in High Risk Urological Oncology Surgical Patients.

Introduction: Major urological oncology surgery carries a significant risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism events, resulting in major morbidity, possible mortality and substantial costs. We determined the incremental cost-effectiveness for in-hospital and low molecular weight heparin extended duration prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism prevention in patients at high risk following major urological oncology surgery.

Methods: A decision analytical model was developed to compare inpatient hospital costs, venous thromboembolism incidence within 365 days and outcomes associated with extended duration prophylaxis for 4 prophylaxis strategies.

Quality Improvement in Cystectomy Care with Enhanced Recovery (QUICCER) study.

Objectives: To determine if patients managed with a cystectomy enhanced recovery pathway (CERP) have improved quality of care after radical cystectomy (RC), as defined by a decrease in length of hospital stay (LOS) without an increase in complications or readmissions compared with those not managed with CERP.

Subjects And Methods: The Quality Improvement in Cystectomy Care with Enhanced Recovery (QUICCER) study was a non-randomized quasi-experimental study. Data were collected between June 2011 and April 2015.

Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Repair of Vesicovaginal Fistula: A Single-center Experience.

Objective: To describe our surgical technique and outcomes with robot-assisted laparoscopic repair of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) in 10 patients.

Methods: From November 2010 to April 2014, a total of 10 patients with VVF underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic VVF repair. The principles of VVF repair were followed.

Bladder Neck Urothelial Carcinoma: A Urinary Bladder Subsite Carcinoma With Distinct Clinicopathology.

To evaluate the clinicopathology of carcinomas originating in the urinary bladder neck, 316 cystectomies for urinary bladder carcinoma performed between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2013, were analyzed. Clinicopathological parameters were compared between bladder neck carcinomas (BNCs) and non-BNCs. Among the 316 cystectomies were 19 BNCs and 297 non-BNCs.

Effectiveness and safety of extended-duration prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in major urologic oncology surgery.

Purpose: To examine the association between extended-duration prophylaxis (EDP), low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis for 28 days after surgery for urologic cancer in patients at high risk of developing a venous thromboembolism (VTE), the risk of VTE, and the complications resulting from VTE prophylaxis.

Materials And Methods: The cohort included 332 patients at high risk for VTE who were surgically treated for urologic cancer from June 2011 to June 2014. Adherence to VTE prophylaxis protocol, VTEs, and complications within 365 days from surgery were tracked.