Urologic Cancer: Endoscopic, Laparoscopic, and Robot-Assisted Surgery Management

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Methods and Technologies Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 March 2025 | Viewed by 10680

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Ishikawa, Japan
Interests: prostate cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The recent advances in robot-assisted urologic surgery have changed the quality of life for patients with urologic malignancy, such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer, with less invasive surgery, less blood loss, and better functional preservation. Importantly, the diagnostic value may also be changed by the recent developments in radical surgery. However, the impact of the development of such surgical modality is not fully assessed because of the paucity of data and short follow-up period. The comparison among radiologic, open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted surgery has not been sufficiently investigated. Moreover, transurethral and endoscopic approaches to cancer lesions have also been developed in this decade. This Special Issue calls for clinical studies and reviews on any topic in “Endoscopic, Laparoscopic, and Robot-Assisted Surgery Management”.

Dr. Kouji Izumi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • prostate cancer
  • urothelial cancer
  • kidney cancer
  • adrenal cancer
  • transurethral technique
  • ureteroscopy
  • ureteral stent
 

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1884 KiB  
Article
Local Endoscopic Treatment of Low-Grade Urothelial Tumors in the Upper Urinary Tract—Oncological Outcome of a Consecutive Single-Center Series of 118 Patients
by Sophie Bislev, Simone Buchardt Brandt, Sven Fuglsig and Jørgen Bjerggaard Jensen
Cancers 2024, 16(22), 3795; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16223795 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 488
Abstract
Background: Upper urinary tract urothelial tumors are mostly treated with the use of endoscopic laser ablation. The treatment is recommended when the tumor is low grade and non-invasive. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the oncological outcome of patients [...] Read more.
Background: Upper urinary tract urothelial tumors are mostly treated with the use of endoscopic laser ablation. The treatment is recommended when the tumor is low grade and non-invasive. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the oncological outcome of patients treated endoscopically for low-grade (LG) upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Methods: One hundred and eighteen consecutive patients with pTa LG UTUC initially treated with laser ablation from 2012–2022 at a single university hospital were included. Patient and tumor characteristics, treatment, and oncological outcomes were retrospectively registered from electronic medical journals. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier and Nelson–Aalen plots. Results: The median number of local recurrences was 2 with a median time to first recurrence of 5 months (IQR: 2–46). The 2-year share of patients having no recurrence was 28.8%. The risk of recurrence was highest within the first 3 years following initial treatment. Two-year survival function with no progression and preserved renal unit was 67.9%. The two-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were 84.2% and 97.1%. The 5-year OS and DSS were 59.1% and 94.1%. The median follow-up time for OS was 36 months (IQR: 20.3–58.8). Conclusions: In the patient series, we found that the risk of recurrence following laser ablation of LG UTUC was high; however, it was associated with a low risk of progression and high OS and DSS. Therefore, we conclude that treatment with laser ablation in patients with LG UTUC is safe, although frequent follow-up is needed to detect recurrence. Full article
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10 pages, 245 KiB  
Article
High BMI and Surgical Time Are Significant Predictors of Lymphocele after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
by Simon Gloger, Christian Wagner, Sami-Ramzi Leyh-Bannurah, Stefan Siemer, Madeleine Arndt, Jens-Uwe Stolzenburg, Toni Franz and Burkhard Ubrig
Cancers 2023, 15(9), 2611; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15092611 - 4 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1695
Abstract
Lymphoceles (LC) occur in up to 60% after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND). In 2–10%, they are symptomatic and may cause complications and require treatment. Data on risk factors for the formation of lymphoceles after RARP and PNLD remain sparse [...] Read more.
Lymphoceles (LC) occur in up to 60% after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND). In 2–10%, they are symptomatic and may cause complications and require treatment. Data on risk factors for the formation of lymphoceles after RARP and PNLD remain sparse in the urologic literature and are inconclusive to date. The underlying data of this secondary analysis were obtained from the prospective multi-center RCT ProLy. We performed a multivariate analysis to focus on the potential risk factors that may influence lymphocele formation. Patients with LC had a statistically significant higher BMI (27.8 vs. 26.3 kg/m2, p < 0.001; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2: 31 vs. 17%, p = 0.002) and their surgical time was longer (180 vs. 160 min, p = 0.001) In multivariate analysis, the study group (control vs. peritoneal flap, p = 0.003), BMI (metric, p = 0.028), and surgical time (continuous, p = 0.007) were independent predictors. Patients with symptomatic lymphocele presented with higher BMI (29 vs. 26.6 kg/m2, p = 0.007; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2: 39 vs. 20%, p = 0.023) and experienced higher intraoperative blood loss (200 vs. 150 mL, p = 0.032). In multivariate analysis, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 vs. < 30 kg/m2 was an independent predictor for the formation of a symptomatic lymphocele (p = 0.02). High BMI and prolonged surgical time are general risk factors for the development of LC. Patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 had a higher risk for symptomatic lymphoceles. Full article
10 pages, 474 KiB  
Article
Last Resort from Nursing Shortage? Comparative Cost Analysis of Open vs. Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomies with a Focus on the Costs of Nursing Care
by Philip Zeuschner, Carolin Böttcher, Lutz Hager, Johannes Linxweiler, Michael Stöckle and Stefan Siemer
Cancers 2023, 15(8), 2291; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15082291 - 14 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2444
Abstract
Despite perioperative advantages, robot-assisted surgery is associated with high costs. However, the lower morbidity of robotic surgery could lead to a lower nursing workload and cost savings. In this comparative cost analysis of open retroperitoneal versus robot-assisted transperitoneal partial nephrectomies (PN), these possible [...] Read more.
Despite perioperative advantages, robot-assisted surgery is associated with high costs. However, the lower morbidity of robotic surgery could lead to a lower nursing workload and cost savings. In this comparative cost analysis of open retroperitoneal versus robot-assisted transperitoneal partial nephrectomies (PN), these possible cost savings, including other cost factors, were quantified. Therefore, patient, tumor characteristics, and surgical results of all PN within two years at a tertiary referral center were retrospectively analyzed. The nursing effort was quantified by the local nursing staff regulation and INPULS® intensive care and performance-recording system. Out of 259 procedures, 76.4% were performed robotically. After propensity score matching, the median total nursing time (2407.8 vs. 1126.8 min, p < 0.001) and daily nursing effort (245.7 vs. 222.6 min, p = 0.025) were significantly lower after robotic surgery. This resulted in mean savings of EUR 186.48 in nursing costs per robotic case, in addition to savings of EUR 61.76 due to less frequent administrations of erythrocyte concentrates. These savings did not amortize the higher material costs for the robotic system, causing additional expenses of EUR 1311.98 per case. To conclude, the nursing effort after a robotic partial nephrectomy was significantly lower compared to open surgery; however, this previously unnoticed savings mechanism alone could not amortize the overall increased costs. Full article
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10 pages, 569 KiB  
Article
Sutureless Purely Off-Clamp Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Avoiding Renorrhaphy Does Not Jeopardize Surgical and Functional Outcomes
by Aldo Brassetti, Leonardo Misuraca, Umberto Anceschi, Alfredo Maria Bove, Manuela Costantini, Maria Consiglia Ferriero, Salvatore Guaglianone, Riccardo Mastroianni, Giulia Torregiani, Marco Covotta, Gabriele Tuderti and Giuseppe Simone
Cancers 2023, 15(3), 698; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15030698 - 23 Jan 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1702
Abstract
To compare outcomes of sutureless (SL) vs. renorrhaphy (RR) off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy (ocRPN), we retrospectively analyzed procedures performed at our center, from January 2017 to April 2021, for cT1-2N0M0 renal masses. All the patients with a minimum follow-up < 1 month were [...] Read more.
To compare outcomes of sutureless (SL) vs. renorrhaphy (RR) off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy (ocRPN), we retrospectively analyzed procedures performed at our center, from January 2017 to April 2021, for cT1-2N0M0 renal masses. All the patients with a minimum follow-up < 1 month were excluded from the analysis. The trifecta rate defined surgical quality. Any worsening from chronic kidney disease (CKD) I-II to ≧ IIIa (from IIIa to ≧ IIIb, and from IIIb to ≧ IV) was considered as significant stage migration (sCKDsm). A 1:1 propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis minimized baseline imbalances between SL and RR cohorts in terms of age, gender, ASA score, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), tumor size, and RENAL score. Logistic regression analyses identified predictors of trifecta achievement. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis assessed the impact of RR on significant chronic kidney disease sCKDsm-free survival (SMFS), while Cox regression analyses identified its predictors. Overall, 531 patients were included, with a median tumor size of 3.5 cm (IQR: 2.7–5); 70 (13%) presented with a cT2 mass. An SL approach was pursued in 180 cases, but 10 needed conversion to RR. After PSM analysis, patients receiving SL showed a higher trifecta rate (94% vs. 84%; p = 0.007). SMFS probabilities were comparable at KM analysis (log-rank = 0.69). Age (OR: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.95–0.99; p = 0.01), a RENAL score ≧ 10 (OR: 0.29; 95%CI: 0.15–0.57; p < 0.001), and RR (OR: 0.34; 95%CI: 0.17–0.67; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of trifecta achievement. Age (OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 1.003–1.07; p = 0.03) and baseline eGFR (OR: 0.99; 95%CI: 0.97–0.99; p = 0.05) independently predicted sCKDsm. Compared to RR, our experience seems to show that the SL approach significantly increased the probabilities of achieving the trifecta in the observed group of cases. Full article
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9 pages, 783 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy and Cryoablation in Elderly Patients with Renal Cancer
by Shohei Kawaguchi, Kouji Izumi, Renato Naito, Suguru Kadomoto, Hiroaki Iwamoto, Hiroshi Yaegashi, Takahiro Nohara, Kazuyoshi Shigehara, Kotaro Yoshida, Yoshifumi Kadono and Atsushi Mizokami
Cancers 2022, 14(23), 5843; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14235843 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1439
Abstract
Advances in imaging technologies have increased the opportunities for treating small-diameter renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) in the elderly. This retrospective study based on real-world clinical practice compared perioperative complications, preoperative and postoperative renal function, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival in elderly patients with [...] Read more.
Advances in imaging technologies have increased the opportunities for treating small-diameter renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) in the elderly. This retrospective study based on real-world clinical practice compared perioperative complications, preoperative and postoperative renal function, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival in elderly patients with RCC who had undergone robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) or percutaneous cryoablation (PCA). A total of 99 patients (aged ≥70 years), including 50 and 49 patients in the RAPN and PCA groups, respectively, were analyzed. In the entire cohort, Clavien–Dindo grade ≥3 complications occurred in only one patient who had undergone RAPN. Renal function was significantly lower in the postoperative period than in the preoperative period in both the RAPN and PCA groups. The recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates were worse in the PCA group than in the RAPN group, albeit not significantly. RAPN was considered a safe and effective method for treating RCCs in elderly patients. Moreover, although the recurrence rate was slightly higher in the PCA group than in the RAPN group, PCA was deemed to be a safe alternative, especially for treating patients in whom general anesthesia poses a high risk. Full article
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11 pages, 2091 KiB  
Article
Does Bladder Cancer with Inchworm Sign Indicate Better Prognosis after TURBT?
by Ryunosuke Nakagawa, Kouji Izumi, Renato Naito, Suguru Kadomoto, Hiroaki Iwamoto, Hiroshi Yaegashi, Shohei Kawaguchi, Takahiro Nohara, Kazuyoshi Shigehara, Kotaro Yoshida, Yoshifumi Kadono and Atsushi Mizokami
Cancers 2022, 14(23), 5767; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14235767 - 23 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1617
Abstract
Background: Inchworm sign is considered to be a characteristic finding in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Nevertheless, pathologically diagnosed muscle invasive bladder cancers (MIBCs) are occasionally diagnosed from tissue obtained by transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in patients with inchworm sign. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Inchworm sign is considered to be a characteristic finding in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Nevertheless, pathologically diagnosed muscle invasive bladder cancers (MIBCs) are occasionally diagnosed from tissue obtained by transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in patients with inchworm sign. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the factors related to muscle invasive status in bladder cancer associated with inchworm sign and the role of inchworm sign in tumor outcomes following TURBT. Results: Of the 109 patients with inchworm sign, 94 (86.2%) and 15 (13.8%) were NMIBC and MIBC, respectively. Non-papillary tumors (hazard ratio (HR): 9.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.07–44.10; p < 0.01) and tumors located in the bladder neck (HR: 7.73, 95% CI: 1.83–32.76; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of MIBC in bladder cancer with inchworm sign. Furthermore, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival were compared between patients with NMIBC with and without inchworm sign; however, no significant differences were found. In patients with NMIBC with inchworm sign, positive urine cytology was a prognostic factor for RFS (HR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.04–3.48; p = 0.04). Conclusions: In bladder cancer with inchworm sign, 86.2% were NMIBC. Even in the case of inchworm sign, the presence of a non-papillary tumor or a bladder neck tumor before TURBT should be noted because of the possibility of MIBC. In this study, the inchworm sign was not a prognostic factor in patients with NMIBC. Full article
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Review

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27 pages, 9590 KiB  
Review
Posterior Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: An Anatomical Essay and Surgical Update
by Bogdan Ovidiu Feciche, Vlad Barbos, Alexandru Big, Daniel Porav-Hodade, Alin Adrian Cumpanas, Silviu Constantin Latcu, Flavia Zara, Alina Cristina Barb, Cristina-Stefania Dumitru, Talida Georgiana Cut, Hossam Ismail and Dorin Novacescu
Cancers 2024, 16(22), 3841; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16223841 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Posterior retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (PRLA) has emerged as a revolutionary, minimally invasive technique for adrenal gland surgery, offering significant advantages over traditional open approaches. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive update on PRLA, focusing on its anatomical foundations, surgical technique, and [...] Read more.
Posterior retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (PRLA) has emerged as a revolutionary, minimally invasive technique for adrenal gland surgery, offering significant advantages over traditional open approaches. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive update on PRLA, focusing on its anatomical foundations, surgical technique, and clinical implications. We conducted an extensive review of the current literature and surgical practices to elucidate the key aspects of PRLA. The procedure leverages a unique “backdoor” approach, accessing the adrenal glands through the retroperitoneum, which necessitates a thorough understanding of the posterior abdominal wall and retroperitoneal anatomy. Proper patient selection, meticulous surgical planning, and adherence to key technical principles are paramount for successful outcomes. In this paper, the surgical technique is described step by step, emphasizing critical aspects such as patient positioning, trocar placement, and adrenal dissection. PRLA demonstrates reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to open surgery, while maintaining comparable oncological outcomes for appropriately selected cases. However, the technique presents unique challenges, including a confined working space and the need for surgeons to adapt to a posterior anatomical perspective. We conclude that PRLA, in the right clinical setting, offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional adrenalectomy approaches. Future research should focus on expanding indications and refining techniques to further improve patient outcomes. Full article
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