Improved Outcomes Utilizing a Valveless-Trocar System during Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP).

Introduction: To evaluate the effect of valveless trocar system (VTS) on intra-operative parameters, peri-operative outcomes, and 30-day postoperative complications in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Methods: A total of 200 consecutive patients undergoing Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon were prospectively evaluated using either the valveless trocar (n = 100) or standard trocars (n = 100). Patient demographics, intra-operative parameters, length of stay, presence or absence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, analog pain score at 0-6 hours, 6-12 hours, 12-18 hours, and >24 hours, and 30-day postoperative complications were analyzed.

Robot-Assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane Block: Description of the Technique and Comparative Analysis.

Background: Several randomized clinical trials have shown the efficacy of percutaneous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in decreasing pain after open and minimally invasive surgeries. We postulated that TAP block could be performed by a robot-assisted transperitoneal approach and provide postoperative pain control equivalent to local anesthetic port infiltration.

Objective: To compare different indicators of postoperative pain between robot-assisted TAP and local anesthetic port infiltration in patients who had undergone robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Selective Arterial Clamping Versus Hilar Clamping for Minimally Invasive Partial Nephrectomy.

Partial nephrectomy has become an accepted treatment of cT1 renal masses as it provides improved long-term renal function compared to radical nephrectomy (Campbell et al. J Urol. 182:1271-9, 2009).

A synopsis of drugs currently in preclinical and early clinical development for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among men and significantly impacts quality of life by causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Current medical therapies are not always adequate in controlling LUTS or slowing disease progression, and there is unmet need for new effective therapeutic options.

Areas Covered: The authors review the standard current medical therapies for BPH which include the use of α-1 blockers, 5-α reductase inhibitors, combination therapy and PDE inhibitors.