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Massimiliano Spaliviero

Publications and source records attributed to Massimiliano Spaliviero.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Improved hemostasis during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using gelatin matrix thrombin sealant.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether using a biologic hemostatic sealant facilitates hemostasis during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Secure and durable parenchymal hemostasis is a critical requirement during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. METHODS: Since September 1999, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has been performed in more than 300 patients by a single surgeon, duplicating open surgical principles. Recently, from patient 225 onward, we modified our technique by incorporating topical application of a gelatin matrix thrombin sealant (FloSeal) to cover the partial nephrectomy bed before sutured renorrhaphy over a Surgicel bolster. The impact of FloSeal on reducing hemorrhagic complications was evaluated by comparing two sequential groups of patients: group 1 consisted of 68 patients in whom FloSeal was not used (patients 156 to 224) and group 2 consisted of 63 patients in whom it was used (patients 225 to 288). RESULTS: Groups 1 (no FloSeal) and 2 (FloSeal) were comparable in tumor size, number of central tumors, and performance of pelvicaliceal suture repair (84% versus 92%; P = 0.16). Intraoperative variables were also comparable in terms of mean warm ischemia time (36.1 versus 37.2 minutes; P = 0.55), blood loss (150 versus 106 mL; P = 0.36), operative time, and hospital stay. However, the FloSeal group had significantly fewer overall complications (37% versus 16%; P = 0.008) and tended toward a lower rate of hemorrhagic complications (12% versus 3%), although this did not achieve statistical significance (P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have shown that adjunctive use of gelatin matrix thrombin sealant substantially enhances parenchymal hemostasis and has decreased our procedural and hemorrhagic complications to levels comparable with contemporary open partial nephrectomy series. This gelatin matrix-thrombin tissue sealant is now a routine part of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy at our institution.

Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable↗

Dismembered percutaneous endopyeloplasty: a new procedure.

PURPOSE: We recently described a novel technique of percutaneous non-dismembered endopyeloplasty (Fenger type). Herein, we extend this transrenal technique further and report percutaneous dismembered endopyeloplasty (Anderson-Hynes type). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five pigs with unilateral ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction created 3 to 6 weeks earlier, percutaneous dismembered endopyeloplasty was performed. Percutaneous transrenal access to the UPJ was obtained, and the UPJ was completely dismembered from within the renal pelvis through the solitary percutaneous tract. The dismembered proximal ureter was circumferentially mobilized, and in two animals, the UPJ segment was completely excised and removed. A spatulated end-to-end endopyeloplasty anastomosis (Anderson-Hynes) was created transrenally with 5 to 10 interrupted sutures using a novel nephroscopic suturing device (Sew-Right SR-5; LSI Solutions, Rochester, NY). In two animals, the entire percutaneous procedure was performed with CO2 insufflation instead of fluid irrigation. RESULTS: The technique was developed in three pigs. Subsequently, two pigs were treated and sacrificed at 2 and 5 weeks. All UPJs were dismembered successfully, and a precisely sutured mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis was created. Intraoperative bleeding was negligible, and the operative time ranged from 3 to 5 hours, with the majority of the time dedicated to transrenal retroperitoneal dissection of the scarred, fibrotic UPJ. Carbon dioxide insufflation was efficacious because it minimized fluid extravasation and tissue edema and additionally enhanced visibility. Postoperative pyelograms revealed an adequately funneled UPJ, with good flow into the distal ureter. The two survival animals had minimal apparent morbidity from the procedure, and retrograde pyelograms at euthanasia revealed a patent anastomosis without extravasation. A 6F catheter easily crossed the reconstructed UPJ at autopsy in all animals. CONCLUSIONS: Dismembered percutaneous Anderson-Hynes endopyeloplasty is technically feasible and is promising. Further technical experience and additional functional outcome analysis in the survival model are necessary. With the technique described herein, we introduce the concept of percutaneous intrarenal reconstructive surgery (PIRS), wherein advanced intrarenal and retroperitoneal dissection with reconstruction can be performed endourologically, further broadening the horizons of conventional percutaneous techniques.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Laparoscopic retropubic simple prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Open retropubic simple prostatectomy is occasionally performed for symptomatic, large volume benign prostatic hyperplasia. We describe the technique of laparoscopic simple retropubic prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since August 2001 at our 2 institutions laparoscopic simple retropubic prostatectomy has been performed in 17 patients with symptomatic significant prostatomegaly on transrectal ultrasonography (60 gm or greater, mean 93). Essential aspects of our 5 port technique are transverse cystotomy just proximal to the prostatovesical junction, subcapsular plane development, prostatic adenomectomy, prostatic fossa trigonization and prostatic capsule suture repair. Demographic, perioperative and outcome data were recorded. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 156 minutes (range 85 to 380), blood loss was 516 ml (range 100 to 2,500), hospital stay was 48 hours (range 15 to 110), and Foley catheter duration was 6.3 days (range 3 to 7). Mean specimen weight on pathological examination was 72 gm (range 32 to 120). Five patients (29%) required blood transfusion. Complications occurred in 3 patients (19%), that is intraoperative hemorrhage, catheter clot obstruction and duodenal ulcer bleeding in 1 each. All patients reported complete continence during a followup period of 1 month to 2 years. Considerable improvement from baseline was noted in American Urological Association score (preoperative vs postoperative 24.5 vs 9.9) and the maximum urine flow rate (preoperative vs postoperative 7 vs 22.8 cc per minute). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic simple retropubic prostatectomy for large benign prostate hyperplasia is feasible. Our initial experience is presented.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Renal cryoablation: outcome at 3 years.

PURPOSE: We report intermediate term oncological followup data on 56 patients undergoing laparoscopic renal cryoablation, of whom each completed a 3-year followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since September 1997, 56 patients undergoing laparoscopic renal cryoablation have completed a followup of 3 years each. The postoperative followup protocol comprised serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1 day, months 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24, and yearly thereafter for 5 years. Computerized tomography guided needle biopsy of the cryolesion was performed 6 months postoperatively and repeated if MRI findings were abnormal. Followup data were obtained prospectively. RESULTS: For a mean renal tumor size of 2.3 cm mean intraoperative size of the created cryolesion was 3.6 cm. Sequential mean cryolesion size on MRI on postoperative 1 day, and at 3 and 6 months, and 1, 2 and 3 years was 3.7, 2.8, 2.3, 1.7, 1.2 and 0.9 cm, representing a 26%, 39%, 56%, 69% and 75% percent reduction in cryolesion size at 3 and 6 months, and 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. At 3 years 17 cryolesions (38%) had completely disappeared on MRI. Postoperative needle biopsy identified locally persistent/recurrent renal tumor in 2 patients. In the 51 patients undergoing cryotherapy for a unilateral, sporadic renal tumor 3-year cancer specific survival was 98%. There was no open conversion, kidney loss, urinary fistula, dialysis requirement, or perirenal or port site recurrence in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: Three-year outcomes following renal cryoablation are encouraging. Longer term (5-year) data are necessary to determine the proper place of renal cryotherapy among minimally invasive, nephron sparing options.

Adult↗

Water jet assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without hilar clamping in the calf model.

PURPOSE: Hemostasis represents a primary challenge during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). We typically clamp the renal artery/vein en bloc and perform LPN expeditiously under warm ischemia conditions. We evaluated Helix Hydro-jet assisted LPN without renal hilar vascular control in the survival calf model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Staged bilateral LPN using the Hydro-jet was performed without renal hilar vessel control in 10 survival calves (20 kidneys). Parenchymal hydrodissection was performed with a high velocity, ultracoherent saline stream at 450 psi through a small nozzle with integrated suction at the tip. The denuded intrarenal parenchymal blood vessels were precisely coagulated with a BIClamp bipolar instrument and transected. Followup involved biochemical, radiological and histopathological evaluation at designated sacrifice intervals of 1 and 2 weeks, and 1, 2 and 3 months, respectively. RESULTS: All LPNs were completed successfully without open conversion. Of 20 LPNs 18 (90%) were performed without hilar clamping. Pelvicaliceal suture repair was necessary in 5 of 10 chronic kidneys (50%). Mean Hydro-jet(R) partial nephrectomy time was 63 minutes (range 13 to 150), mean estimated blood loss was 174 cc (range 20 to 750) and mean volume of normal saline used for hydro-dissection was 260 cc (mean 50 to 1,250). No animal had a urinary leak. Histological sections from the acute specimen revealed a thin (1 mm) layer of adherent coagulum at the amputation site with minimal thermal artifact. At 2 weeks a layer of adherent fibro-inflammatory pseudomembrane with giant cell reaction was seen. CONCLUSIONS: In this more stringent and robust survival calf model Hydro-jet assisted LPN can be performed without hilar vessel control, thus, completely avoiding warm ischemia. This approach has the potential to decrease the level of technical difficulty inherent in LPN.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for cystic masses.

PURPOSE: Although laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) has emerged as an effective treatment option in select patients with a solid renal tumor, scant data are available on cystic renal tumors. We report our experience with LPN in 50 patients with a cystic renal lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 284 patients undergoing LPN at our institution since August 1999 preoperative computerized tomography identified a suspicious cystic lesion in 50 (17.6%) (group 1). Data were retrospectively compared with those on 50 matched, consecutive patients undergoing LPN for a solid renal mass (group 2). All patients with Bosniak II/IIF cysts were advised to undergo watchful waiting. Surgery was offered if the cyst changed in character or if that was the patient preference. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 3 cm in group 1 and 2.6 cm in group 2 (p = 0.07). Groups 1 and 2 were comparable in regard to perioperative parameters. In patients with Bosniak II (9), IIF (4), III (12) and IV (21) cysts final histopathology revealed renal cell carcinoma in 22%, 25%, 50% and 90%, respectively. All 100 patients had a negative surgical margin. No patient in group 1 had intraoperative puncture/spillage of the cystic tumor. In group 1 during a mean followup of 14 months (range 1 month to 3 years) 1 patient had retroperitoneal recurrence at 1 year despite negative surgical margins during initial LPN. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical outcomes of LPN for suspicious cystic masses are similar to those of LPN for solid tumors. However, extreme caution and refined laparoscopic technique must be exercised to avoid cyst rupture and local spillage.

Aged↗

Potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without hilar clamping in the survival calf model.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) with hilar clamping represents the various challenges associated with warm ischemia. We tested the feasibility, and acute and chronic outcomes of LPN using a potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser without vascular hilar clamping in the survival calf model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six Jersey calves weighing 76 to 94 kg underwent a total of 12 staged bilateral transperitoneal laser LPNs of the mid/lower pole using an 80 W KTP laser, including left kidney chronic LPN with 1-month followup in 6 and right kidney acute LPN with immediate sacrifice in 6. Two techniques (ablative vaporization in 5 subjects and wedge resection in 7) were evaluated. Renal parenchymal resection and hemostasis were achieved only with the laser without any adjunctive hemostatic sutures or bioadhesives. Retrograde pyelography, renal arteriography and histological analyses were performed. RESULTS: All 12 procedures were successful performed laparoscopically without open conversion and 11 (92%) were done without hilar clamping. Mean total operative time was 2.9 hours (range 1.5 to 5) and mean blood loss was 119 cc (range 25 to 300). Mean lasing time was 56 minutes (range 20 to 100) with an average energy use of 54 kJ. Mean preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (10.38 and 10.52 gm/dl) and serum creatinine (0.46 and 0.4 gm/dl, respectively) were similar. At 1-month followup there was no evidence of urinary leakage or arteriovenous fistula. CONCLUSIONS: This initial study of laparoscopic KTP laser partial nephrectomy without hilar clamping confirms its technical feasibility in most cases and good short-term outcomes. This success of laser LPN in the robust survival calf model with its human-sized kidney holds promise for future clinical application.

Animals↗

Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: patient selection and perioperative outcomes.

PURPOSE: We compared the results of transperitoneal (T) and retroperitoneal (R) approaches to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in regard to perioperative outcomes and technical considerations, thereby, identifying patient selection guidelines for each approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The choice of approach was dictated primarily by tumor location, that is TLPN for anterior or lateral lesions and RLPN for posterior or posterolateral lesions. The approaches differed primarily by the hilar control technique. During TLPN en bloc hilar control was achieved with a Satinsky clamp, while during RLPN individual vessel control was obtained with bulldog clamps. RESULTS: In a 3-year period 100 TLPNs and 63 RLPNs were performed for renal tumor. Of posterior tumors 77% were managed by RLPN, whereas 97% of anterior tumors were managed by TLPN. TLPN was associated with significantly larger tumors (3.2 vs 2.5 cm, p <0.001), more caliceal suture repairs (79% vs 57%, p = 0.004), longer ischemia time (31 vs 28 minutes, p = 0.04), longer operative time (3.5 vs 2.9 hours, p <0.001) and longer hospital stay (2.9 vs 2.2 days, p <0.01) than RLPN. Blood loss, perioperative complications, postoperative serum creatinine, analgesic requirements and histological outcomes were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We perform TLPN for all anterior or lateral tumors as well as for large or deeply infiltrating posterior tumors that require substantive resection (heminephrectomy). The limited retroperitoneal space makes RLPN technically more challenging but provides superior access to posterior and particularly posteromedial lesions. When feasible, we prefer to perform laparoscopic partial nephrectomy by the transperitoneal approach because of its larger working area and superior instrument angles for intracorporeal renal reconstruction.

Adolescent↗

The impact of warm ischaemia on renal function after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

UNLABELLED: Authors from Cleveland assessed the impact of warm ischaemia on renal function, using their large database of laparoscopic partial nephrectomies for tumour. While agreeing that renal hilar clamping is essential for precise excision of the tumour, and other elements of the operation, the authors indicate that warm ischaemia may potentially damage the kidney. However, they found that there were virtually no clinical sequelae from warm ischaemic of up to 30 min. They also found that advancing age and pre-existing renal damage increased the risk of postoperative renal damage. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of warm ischaemia on renal function after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for tumour, and to evaluate the influence of various risk factors on renal function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were analysed from 179 patients undergoing LPN for renal tumour under warm ischaemic conditions, with clamping of the renal artery and vein. Renal function was primarily evaluated in two groups of patients: 15 with tumour in a solitary kidney, who were evaluated by serial serum creatinine measurements; and 12 with two functioning kidneys undergoing unilateral LPN, and evaluated by renal scintigraphy before and 1 month after LPN to quantify differential renal function. Also, in all 179 patients, mean serum creatinine data at baseline, 1 day after LPN, at hospital discharge, and at the last follow-up were provided as supportive evidence. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of various risk factors on renal function after LPN, i.e. patient age, baseline serum creatinine, tumour size, solitary kidney status, duration of warm ischaemia, pelvicalyceal suture repair, urine output and intravenous fluids during LPN. RESULTS: In the group of patients with a solitary kidney the mean warm ischaemia time was 29 min, kidney parenchyma excised 29%, and serum creatinine at baseline, discharge, the peak after LPN and at the last follow-up (mean 4.8 months) 1.3, 2.3, 2.8, and 1.8 mg/dL, respectively. One patient (6.6%) required temporary dialysis. In the second group, assessed by renal scintigraphy, the function of the operated kidney was reduced by a mean of 29%, commensurate with the amount of parenchyma excised. For all 179 patients, a combination of age > or = 70 years and a serum creatinine level after LPN of > or = 1.5 mg/dL correlated with a higher serum creatinine after LPN. On logistic regression, baseline serum creatinine and solitary kidney status were the only variables significant for serum creatinine status after LPN. CONCLUSIONS: The bloodless field provided by renal hilar clamping is important for precise tumour excision, pelvicalyceal suture repair and securing parenchymal haemostasis during LPN. However, renal hilar clamping causes warm ischaemia. These data indicate that the clinical sequelae of warm ischaemic renal injury of approximately 30 min are minimal. Advancing age and pre-existing azotaemia increase the risk of renal dysfunction after LPN, especially when the warm ischaemia exceeds 30 min.

Adult↗

GST, NAT, SULT1A1, CYP1B1 genetic polymorphisms, interactions with environmental exposures and bladder cancer risk in a high-risk population.

Tobacco smoking and occupation are major risk factors of bladder cancer via exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aromatic amines. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1, T1 and P1 are involved in the detoxification of PAH reactive metabolites. Two N-acetyltransferase isozymes, NAT2 and NAT1, have major roles in catalyzing the N-acetylation and O-acetylation of aromatic amines. Cytochrome p450 1B1 (CYP1B1) and sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1) are also involved in the metabolism of PAHs and aromatic amines. It is hypothesized that the genetic polymorphisms of these metabolic enzymes have an effect on the individual susceptibility to bladder cancer in particular by interacting with relevant environmental exposures. A hospital-based case-control study among men in Brescia, Northern Italy recruited 201 incidence cases and 214 controls from 1997-2000. Occupational exposures were blindly coded by occupational physicians. Genotyping of polymorphisms were carried out with PCR-RFLP method. Unconditional multivariate logistic regression was applied to model the association between genetic polymorphisms and bladder cancer risk. Effect modifications by age of onset, smoking and occupational exposures to PAHs and aromatic amines were evaluated. We also conducted an analysis of interaction between genetic factors. GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype were associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-2.56) and 1.74 (95% CI = 1.02-2.95), respectively. The effect of GSTM1 null was seen particularly in heavy smokers, and there was a combined effect with occupational exposure of aromatic amines (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.08-7.10). We observed a trend (p-value < 0.01) of increasing cancer risk comparing subjects with normal GSTM1 and T1 activity to subjects with one (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.16-2.85) or both null genotypes (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.27-5.23). NAT2 slow acetylator was associated with marginally increased risk of bladder cancer (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 0.99-2.27), and the OR for the joint effect with occupational exposure of aromatic amines was 3.26 (95% CI = 1.06-9.95). SULT1A1 Arg213His polymorphism showed a marginal protective effect. These findings suggest that individual susceptibility to bladder cancer may be modulated by GSTM1, GSTT1 and NAT2 polymorphisms.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic injury and repair of obturator nerve during radical prostatectomy.

A 61-year-old man with bilateral Gleason score 7 (3+4) clinical Stage T1c prostate cancer was treated with laparoscopic bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical prostatectomy. The left obturator nerve was inadvertently transected during left obturator lymph node dissection and repaired by laparoscopic reapproximation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Laparoscopic radical adrenalectomy with adrenal vein tumor thrombectomy: technical considerations.

PURPOSE: We describe the technique of adrenal vein tumor thrombectomy during laparoscopic radical adrenalectomy for cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a heterogeneous 7 cm left adrenal mass an adrenal vein thrombus was detected intraoperatively. Laparoscopic ultrasonography was used to delineate precisely the tumor thrombus and its extension into the left main renal vein. The left renal artery and vein were transiently controlled with atraumatic vascular clamps. The renal vein was incised and the intact tumor thrombus was removed en bloc with the radical adrenalectomy specimen. The renal vein was suture repaired with 4-zero prolene and the kidney was revascularized. RESULTS: Renal warm ischemia time was 21 minutes, blood loss was 300 cc and operative time was 6.2 hours. Pathological evaluation revealed a 7.5 cm 68 gm adrenal cortical cancer with tumor thrombus. Soft tissue and adrenal vein margins were negative for cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical adrenalectomy with en bloc adrenal vein tumor thrombectomy can be exclusively performed intracorporeally, while respecting oncological principles. Essential technical steps include wide margin excision of the adrenal gland, intraoperative ultrasonography, renal vascular control, en bloc tumor thrombectomy and renal venous suture repair in a bloodless field.

Adrenalectomy↗

Real-time transrectal ultrasonography during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We describe the technical aspects of real-time transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) monitoring and guidance during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Furthermore, we describe the TRUS visualized anatomy of periprostatic structures during LRP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 25 consecutive patients undergoing transperitoneal LRP, baseline preoperative, real-time intraoperative and immediate postoperative TRUS evaluations were performed. To define periprostatic anatomy precisely TRUS measurements were obtained with specific reference to the neurovascular bundle (NVB), prostate apex, membranous urethra, bladder neck, rectal wall and any cancer nodule. Conventional gray scale, power Doppler, harmonic imaging and 3-dimensional ultrasound functions were used. RESULTS: Real-time TRUS navigation facilitated 3 technical aspects of LRP. 1) It identified the correct plane between the posterior bladder neck and prostate base, allowing quick laparoscopic identification of the vasa and seminal vesicles. 2) It identified the occasional, difficult to see distal protrusion of the prostate apex posterior to the membranous urethra, thus enhancing apical dissection with negative margins. 3) It provided visualization of any hypoechoic nodule abutting the prostate capsule, alerting the laparoscopic surgeon to perform wide dissection at that location. TRUS measured various anatomical parameters including i) the mean distance +/-SD between the NVB and the lateral edge of the prostate a) at apex (1.9 +/- 0.9 mm), b) base (2.5 +/- 0.8 mm) and c) tip of seminal vesicle (4.0 +/- 1.6 mm), ii) the dimensions of the NVB a) before (4.5 x 3.9 mm), b) after (4.2 x 3.6 mm) nerve sparing LRP and c) after nonnerve sparing LRP (0.9 x 0.9 mm), iii) arterial blood flow resistive index within NVB a) before (0.83 +/- 0.04), b) after (0.84 +/- 0.03) nerve sparing LRP and c) after nonnerve sparing LRP (0), iv) and the length of membranous urethra a) before (12.2 +/- 1.1 mm) and b) after (11.7 +/- 1.0 mm) surgery. Focal distortion of the prostate surface by an exophytic nodule was visualized on TRUS in 3 patients, necessitating ipsilateral nerve resection at LRP and contributing to negative surgical margins. CONCLUSIONS: This initial experience suggests that real-time intraoperative TRUS guidance may enhance anatomical performance of LRP. This improved understanding of periprostatic anatomy has the potential to improve functional and oncological outcomes. Such corroboration is awaited.

Humans↗

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for large (greater than 7 cm, T2) renal tumors.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy has emerged as a standard of care in appropriate candidates with clinical stage T1 renal tumors (7 cm or less). Herein we present our experience with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for clinical stage T2 tumors (greater than 7 cm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy between September 1997 and July 2003 were retrospectively subdivided into group LAPT1-166 with tumor size 7 cm and group LAPT2-65 with tumor size greater than 7 cm. Also, group LAPT2 was compared with a group of 34 contemporary, comparable patients undergoing open radical nephrectomy for tumor greater than 7 cm (group OPENT2). RESULTS: Compared with group LAPT1, group LAPT2 had younger patients, larger tumors and greater blood loss (100 vs 200 ml) (each p <0.001). Importantly operative time, analgesic requirements, hospital stay, and convalescence and complication rates were comparable. Group LAPT2 and group OPENT2 patients had similar sized tumors (9.2 and 9.9 cm, respectively) but shorter operative time (p = 0.03), lesser blood loss (p <0.001), shorter hospital stay (p <0.001) and more rapid convalescence (p = 0.02) occurred in LAPT2. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for stage T2 renal masses (greater than 7 cm) is feasible and efficacious. Laparoscopic nephrectomy offers the advantages of decreased blood loss, shorter hospital stay and more rapid recovery over open radical nephrectomy for comparable tumors greater than 7 cm. Although surgical outcomes are comparable with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for smaller tumors (7 cm or less), adequate laparoscopic experience is necessary before performing radical nephrectomy for large T2 tumors.

Aged↗

Robot-assisted urologic procedures.

Surgical robotics, the result of the combined efforts of engineers, computer scientists, entrepreneurs, and surgeons, has enabled the surgeon to execute precise technical maneuvers while seated at a remote console. The capability to perform sophisticated surgical operations by means of a robot is today's reality. The combination of laparoscopy and robotics has the potential to enhance operative performance and the outcomes of laparoscopy, and expand the clinical application of laparoscopy while reducing patient morbidity. In this article, we review initial pioneering and laboratory research, early clinical investigations, and current clinical applications of robotics in urologic surgery.

Humans↗