We report a rare case of vascular injury secondary to a damaged Hot Shearstrade mark tip cover. Two 1 mm holes in the tip cover resulted in perforations in the obturator and external iliac veins during pelvic node dissection. Bleeding was controlled with bipolar coagulation and a 5 mm metal clip in the obturator and iliac vein, respectively. The rest of the procedure was completed uneventfully. Frequent integrity assessment of this accessory is necessary. Its function is important in order to carry out safe dissection in proximity to delicate structures. When injuries arise from areas not directly involved in the dissection, immediate inspection of the instruments should be mandatory.
Humans ; Iliac Vein/*injuries ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostatectomy/*adverse effects/instrumentation/methods ; Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery ; Robotics/instrumentation

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a rapidly evolving technique for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. In the United States, over 65% of radical prostatectomies are robot-assisted, although the acceptance of this technology in Europe and the rest of the world has been somewhat slower. This article reviews the current literature on RARP with regard to oncological, continence and potency outcomes-the so-called 'trifecta'. Preliminary data appear to show an advantage of RARP over open prostatectomy, with reduced blood loss, decreased pain, early mobilization, shorter hospital stay and lower margin rates. Most studies show good postoperative continence and potency with RARP; however, this needs to be viewed in the context of the paucity of randomized data available in the literature. There is no definitive evidence to show an advantage over standard laparoscopy, but the fact that this technique has reached parity with laparoscopy within 5 years is encouraging. Finally, evolving techniques of single-port robotic prostatectomy, laser-guided robotics, catheter-free prostatectomy and image-guided robotics are discussed.
Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatectomy ; adverse effects ; instrumentation ; methods ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; surgery ; Quality of Life ; Robotics ; methods ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Incontinence ; etiology

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) using the da Vinci surgical system is now in widespread use in many countries where economic conditions allow the installation of this expensive technology. Controversy has surrounded the procedure since it was first performed in 2000, with many critics highlighting the lack of evidence to support its use. However, despite the lack of level I evidence, many large studies of patients have confirmed that the procedure is feasible and safe, with low morbidity. Available longer-term oncological data seem to show that outcomes from the robotic approach at least match those of traditional open radical prostatectomy. Functional outcomes also seem satisfactory, although randomized controlled trials are lacking. This paper reviews the current status of RALRP with respect to perioperative data and complications and oncologic and functional outcomes.
Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; trends ; Male ; Prostatectomy ; adverse effects ; instrumentation ; methods ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; surgery ; Robotics ; methods ; trends ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Incontinence ; etiology