【Objective】 To explore the learning curve of single-surgeon robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP), which provides a reference for physicians who intend to carry out RARP. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 65 prostate cancer patients who underwent RARP in our hospital during Sep.2022 and Dec.2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients’ median age was 67.5(58.1-82.4) years, median total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 15.6 (6.7-98.4) ng/mL, median body mass index (BMI) was 20.8(17.4-27.3) and preoperative clinical stage of tumor was T2aN0M0-T3bN1M0.The cumulative sum (CUSUM) method was used to fit the learning curves of machine installation time and operation time.According to the inflection points, the learning curves were divided into different learning stages, and the clinical data of patients at different learning stages were compared. 【Results】 The learning curve of RARP was 12 cases.The 65 cases were divided into three stages: 1st-12th cases in the learning stage, 13rd-43rd cases in the mastery stage, and 44th-65th cases in the proficiency stage.With the increase of the number of surgical cases, the median operation time [191(100-360) min vs. 116(83-165) min vs. 90(75-105) min] and median intraoperative blood loss [403(180-900) mL vs. 236(180-305) mL vs. 94(30-200) mL] in the three stages showed a gradual downward trend (P<0.05).The median machines installation time of the learning stage was significantly longer than that in the mastery stage and the proficiency stage [25(21-28) min vs. 12(11-15) min vs. 12(11-14) min] (P<0.05).The positive surgical marginrate (PSM) in the learning stage was significantly higher than that in the mastery stage and proficiency stage (41.7% vs.22.6% vs.22.7%) (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 For surgeons with rich experience in traditional laparoscopic surgery, the learning curve of RARP is about 12 cases, and after 43 cases, the operation time and intraoperative blood loss can be further reduced.

Anterior urethral stenosis involves multiple segments of urethra,and the etiology and local conditions are varied.There are various treatment methods,including minimally invasive treatment,urethroplasty,and so on.Minimally invasive procedures include urethral dilation and endourethrotomy.Urethroplasty includes free graft urethroplasty,pedicled flap urethroplasty,and end to end urethrostomy.There are also various options for surgical grafts,surgical incisions,and patch locations,which bring difficulties to urologists,especially those who do not specialize in urethral repair and reconstruction.In recent years,Kulkarni oral mucous urethroplasty and its modified technique have been applied to the treatment of anterior urethral stricture and achieved good results.Based on the discussion of the advantages,disadvantages and indications of two minimally invasive treatment and the three types of urethrinoplasty,this article details the key steps and surgical experience of the Kulkarni technique.

Objective:To investigate the effect of gracilis flap in repair of radiation-induced vesicovaginal fistula.Methods:The data of 18 patients with radiation-induced vesicovaginal fistula treated in the Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from March 2021 to August 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Their age was (57.3±10.4) years. All patients underwent radical surgery for cervical cancer, and received (24.6±2.8)(range from 20 to 30)times of radiotherapy after surger. The median time between the end of radiotherapy and the onset of vesicovaginal fistula was 14.0(7.8, 18.2)months. The median duration of fistula urine was 12.0(9.8, 18.0)months. All patients were required to use median 19.5(15.8, 27.5) pads per day before surgery. The life quality score(QOL)of 18 cases was median 5.0(5.0, 6.0) points. Three cases had performed laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair, two cases had underwent transvaginal vesicovaginal fistula repair, one case had underwent transvaginal and laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair successively, and the remaining 12 cases were new vesicovaginal fistulas. Two cases were combined with rectovaginal fistulas. All patients underwent the repair of vesicovaginal fistula with gracilis flap interposition in prone and folded knife position, by transvaginal route, the vesicovaginal fistula was mobilized and the two layers were closed, and the vascular pedicle gracilis flap of left inner leg was romoved under the skin tunnel to repair the vesicovaginal fistula. Meanwhile, two cases combined rectovaginal fistulas were repaired and closed the rectovaginal fistulas. The urinary catheters were removed at 3 weeks after the operation and urination was recorded.Results:All patients underwent smooth surgery in (96.6±13.2) minutes. The median follow-up was 13.0(9.8, 20.2)(range from 6 to 24)months. The median number of urine pads used per day in 18 patients was 2.0(1.0, 11.8), and significantly reduced ( P<0.01).QOL score was median 1.0(0, 4.2) point and significantly reduced ( P<0.01).Successful outcome was achieved in 12 patients with no leakage of urine in the vagina. Two cases developed urinary incontinence and required conservative treatment, but the curative effect was poor. Two cases still had vaginal urine leakage performed vesicovaginal fistula repair again. One case was successfully repaired without significant urine leakage.The other case still had significant urine leakage and the QOL score was 3 points. She refused further treatment for self-satisfied. Two cases still had vesicovaginal fistula and rectovaginal fistula after the surgery, and refused further surgery. Conclusions:Repair with gracilis flap interposition is a surgical method with few complications and reliable surgical effect for patients with radiation-induced vesicovaginal fistula.

Rectourethral fistula (RUF) has been difficult to manage in urology due to its special anatomical location,complicated condition and uncertain prognosis. With the increasing incidence of prostate cancer,the incidence of RUF as a serious complication is also rising. Major treatment methods of RUF include conservative treatment and surgical treatment such as transabdominal approach,trans-perineal approach,trans-sphincter approach and trans-anal approach. However,there is no explicit treatment protocol. In recent years,the application of modified York-Mason technique has achieved good results. This article details the key steps and surgical experience of the technique.

【Objective】 To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transobturator bulbourethral suspension with modified four-armed pelvic sling for post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI). 【Methods】 The clinical data of 78 male PPI patients treated during Jan.2012 and Dec.2017 in our hospital were collected. The incontinence quality of life (I-QOL) score, daily use of urine pad, 1-hour urine pad test, residual urine volume (RUV), and maximum flow rate (Qmax) were assessed before and after surgery. 【Results】 The total success rate was 79.5%, of which the cure rate was 56.4% and the improvement rate was 23.1%. The preoperative I-QOL score was (54.6±3.9), daily use of urinary pad was (3.6±0.7), and increase in weight of the 1-hour urine pad test was (33.6±5.0) g. Three years after surgery, the I-QOL score was (80.4±5.7), daily use of a urinary pad was (1.9±0.4), and increase in weight of the 1-hour urine pad test was (7.4±1.3) g. Compared to preoperative status, the I-QOL score, daily use of urine pad, and increase in weight of the 1-hour urine pad test 3 years after surgery improved significantly (P<0.05). During the mean follow-up of (61.4±20.5) months, no significant changes in the I-QOL score, daily use of a urinary pad, 1-hour urinary pad test, RUV or Qmax were observed, and no complications occurred. 【Conclusion】 Transobturator bulbourethral suspension with modified four-armed pelvic sling is an effective and safe procedure to treat post-prostatectomy incontinence. The long-term efficacy is satisfactory.

Objective:To summarize the ideal strategy for the treatment of female hypospadias.Methods:The data of 12 female patients with hypospadias admitted to the Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from December 2011 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients was (31.0±16.6) years old (7-67 years old). Among them, 3 cases had a history of pelvic fracture trauma, 3 cases had a history of birth trauma, and the remaining 6 cases had no history of trauma and surgery. Among them, there were 6 cases of congenital hypospadias and 6 cases of acquired hypospadias. The clinical manifestations were urinary incontinence in 6 cases and dysuria in 6 cases. Examination of the normal position of the external opening of the genital urethra did not show the opening of the urethra, but moved down to different parts of the anterior wall of the vagina. All patients underwent urethral lengthening. For congenital hypospadias, the urethral plate is used to cut the coiled tube during the operation to prolong the urethra. For acquired hypospadias, the stenotic urethra was enlarged and lengthened with a labial pedicled flap coil. The subcutaneous fat pad of the labia majora was mobilized and transferred to the outside of the newly constructed urethra to prevent the occurrence of urethro-vaginal fistula and increase the pressure of the urethra. Five patients with significant urinary incontinence underwent bladder neck reconstruction at the same time. Anatomical success of the procedure was defined as the appearance of a normal-shaped external urethral opening beneath the clitoris. Functional success was defined as the absence of moderate to severe urinary incontinence after surgery, and the maximum urinary flow rate was >15ml/s during the 12-month follow-up period.Results:All operations were successfully completed. All patients had no perioperative complications, and were followed up for 18-96 months, with an average of 57.3±32.5 months. All patients were able to urinate spontaneously after operation, 4 cases of urinary incontinence disappeared, and 2 cases improved significantly; 4 cases of patients with strenuous urination urinated smoothly. The remaining 2 cases still complained of dysuria after operation, which was solved by subsequent urethral dilatation. The anatomical repair success rate was 100.0%(12/12) and the functional success rate was 83.3% (10/12).Conclusions:Urethral lengthening is an effective method for female hypospadias. The pedicled fat pad helps to increase urethral pressure and prevent fistulas. For female patients with hypospadias and severe urinary incontinence, bladder neck reconstruction is an ideal method. of the technique.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of pedicled bladder muscle flap in the repair of urinary tract obstruction.Methods:The data of 26 patients with urinary tract obstruction admitted to Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from March 2016 to June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 14 males and 12 females, with the age ranged from 2 to 75 years old. Refractory bladder neck obstruction after prostatic hyperplasia surgery in 12 cases, with the age of (70.0±3.5) years old.They all experienced at least 2 times of transurethral stenosis incisionor resection. Transpubic cystostomy tube was placed in 9 patients. Posttraumatic pelvic fractures lead to bladder neck atresia and urethral injury in 6 girls, with the age of (10.5±2.1) years old. The bladder neck atresia and urethral obliteration length was 1-2 cm determined by urethrography. Eight cases suffered ureteral strictures after gynecological myomectomy or ureteroscopy holmium laser lithotripsy(4 cases of each type), including two males and six females, with the age of (55.0±3.2) years old. The length of ureteral stricture or defect was 5-6 cm determined by intravenous urography(IVU) or CT urography(CTU). The patients with bladder neck obstruction underwent the following surgery: The "Y" incision of the bladder and stenosis of the prostate urethra was performed and the pedicled bladder muscle flap was inserted into the normal urethral mucosa to complete the Y-V plasty. In the 6 girl patients, pedicled bladder muscle flap(2-4 cm) augmented reconstruction were performed. All above 18 patients, whose urethral catheter was indwelled for 3-4 weeks, urinary flow rate and urethroscopy examination were performed to evaluate the effect of surgery 4 weeks and 3 months after the operation. As the 8 cases with ureteral strictures, the pedicled bladder muscle flap (7-8 cm) ureteroplasty was performed and the ureteral stent was retained for 4 weeks. Ultrasonography and IVU/CTU were performed 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. The patency of the ureteral lumen and whether it is accompanied by hydronephrosis, lower back pain, and urinary tract infection were assessed.Results:All patients underwent pedicled bladder muscle flap reconstructive surgery successfully and no serious complications occurred postoperatively. The patients were followed up for (8.2± 2.2) months. As urethral catheters were removed, 10 patients with refractory neck obstruction could return to normal urination with the urinary flow Q max (17.2±2.8)ml/s, while 2 patient had dysuria and were treated with regular urethral dilatation. The catheter was removed 4 weeks after the reconstructive surgery in 6 girls with bladder neck atresia and urethral injury after posttraumatic pelvic fracture. Five could successfully urinate with the urinary flow Q max of (16.7±1.1)ml/s, and one girl had urinary incontinence, waiting for further operation.The ureteral stent was removed after ureteroplasty in 8 patients. CTU and IVU examination showed no ureters with obstruction.No one had low back pain, discomfort, or urinary tract infection. Conclusions:The reconstruction using the pedicled bladder muscle flap was a convenient, minimally invasive and effective technique for the management of adjacent lower ureters, bladder neck, and proximal urethra.

Objective:To investigate the effect of modified York-Mason technique on urethrorectal fistula after radical prostatectomy.Methods:A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 20 patients with urethrorectal fistula after radical prostatectomy admitted to Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from May 2016 to October 2022 was conducted. Patients’ average age was (76.6±4.2) years. The etiology was rectal injury during radical prostatectomy. Patients present urine leakage from the anus during micturition. 2 cases also had bladder neck stenosis, and 1 case had urinary incontinence.3 cases had radiotherapy history because of prostate cancer. The average duration of urethrorectal fistula was (1.8±2.3)years. Preoperative imaging confirmed the presence of contrast agent flowing from the bladder neck into the rectum. Three suspicious patients also underwent CT three-dimensional reconstruction. Urethroscopy revealed a depression at the bladder neck in five cases. Anorectal examination in five cases showed the formation of gas bubbles in the lower anterior wall of the rectum, along with a concave anterior wall. The distance from the fistula to the anal margin was (6.0±2.1) cm, with fistula diameters ≥1 cm in twelve cases, <1 cm in eight cases. Twelve patients had previously undergone cystotomy, and seventeen patients had undergone colostomy. The modified York-Mason procedure was adopted for all 20 cases. The patients were under general anesthesia and placed in the prone jackknife position, with the buttocks spread and fixed to the sides to expose the anus. An 8 cm-long incision was made from two points near the sacrococcygeal joint to the anal edge, representing the modified York-Mason approach. After dividing the anal sphincter muscle, both sides were marked using 3-0 chromium thread for subsequent anal reconstruction. The urethrorectal fistula was exposed, and the urethral side of the fistula was sutured with 4-0 absorbable thread, while the anterior rectal wall side was sutured with 3-0 absorbable thread. In cases of bladder neck stenosis, urethral internal incision was performed, and a urethral catheter was retained for 3 weeks postoperatively. Perianal incision drainage tubes were removed after three days. Patients had colostomy repair could eat the day after surgery, while those who didn’t were fast for five days and received intravenous nutrition.Results:All 20 cases in this group were successfully completed without complications during surgery. Follow-up ranged from 10 to 48 months after surgery. Seventeen (17/20)cases had unobstructed urination, with a maximum urine flow rate >15 ml, and no urine leakage from the anus. Postoperative urethrography and cystourethroscopy showed there were no urethrorectal fistulas in 15 cases. None of the patients experienced fecal incontinence after the surgery, except for three patients with a history of radiotherapy who continued to experience anal leakage. One patient underwent a second modified York-Mason procedure and achieved complete recovery three months after the second surgery. Another patient had anal discharge, and the fistula healed after two weeks of urethral catheter retention. One patient refused further treatment due to advanced age and frailty but still had anal leakage. Another patient experienced regular urethral dilation for urination difficulties, while one patient continued to have urinary incontinence.Conclusions:The modified York-Mason technique could be an effective method for urethrorectal fistula after radical prostatectomy with high success rate and few side effects.

The treatment of vesicovaginal fistula after radiotherapy is difficult. Surgical repair is challenging and the success rate is low. The gracilis flap is widely used in the repair surgery of the perineal region, while it is rarely reported for the repair of vesicovaginal fistula domestically. This article reports a case of vesicovaginal fistula after radiotherapy treated with gracilis flap tamponade. The patient was admitted to the hospital because of continuous vaginal leakage of urine for more than 3 years. Digital vaginal examination and urethroscopy showed that a fistula with a diameter of about 3 cm located at the bladder triangle leading to the vagina. The patient had history of cervical cancer surgery and 23 times of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. She underwent vesicovaginal fistula repair with gracilis muscle flap. The urethral catheter was removed 3 weeks after the operation. The patient could urinate normally without vaginal leakage. After 10 months of follow-up, there was no vaginal leakage of urine and patient remains continent.

Objective:To compare the outcomes of combined lingual mucosal graft with buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty and combined lingual mucosal graft with ADM (acellular dermal matrix) urethroplasty for the treatment of repair failed hypospadias.Methods:From February 2017 to February 2019, 26 patients with failed hypospadias repairs were treated with combined lingual mucosal graft with buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (14 cases in Group A), and combined lingual mucosal graft with ADM urethroplasty (12 cases in Group B). The mean age of Group A was (29.5±1.2) years (range 18.0-41.0 years), and (26.5±0.8) years (range 20.0-38.0 years) in Group B. The previous operation times was mean (3.6±0.7)(range 2-5 times) and (4.6±0.8)(range 3-5 times) in Group A and Group B respectively. Operation method: All patients were nasally intubated, the remaining curvature was corrected, the fibrous tissue or scar was removed, and the defected urethra was measured. In Group A, the lingual mucosa was spread and fixed to the corpora cavernosa over the midline as the urethral plate, the buccal mucosa was covered the lingual mucosa as ventral urethra, both the mucosa lateral edges was sutured. In Group B, the lingual mucosa was harvested and fixed to the corpora cavernosa the same as in Group A, the ADM was made appropriate length and width, covered and sutured with the lingual mucosa. The lingual mucosa was harvested mean (5.0±0.2)cm(range 4-6cm)long, mean (1.2±0.2)cm (range 1.0-1.5cm)wide and mean (5.0±0.2)cm(range 5-6cm)long, mean (1.2±0.2)cm (range 1.0-1.5cm)wide in Group A and Group B respectively( P<0.05). In Group A, the buccal mucosa was harvested mean (4.1±0.2)cm(range 3.5-5.5cm)long, mean (1.2±0.2)cm wide. Criteria for successful repair of hypospadias were set as: ①The appearance of the penis is nearly normal; ②The penis curvature was corrected; ③Urethra orifice in normal position; ④Urine flow line is normal. The outcomes of the two groups were analyzed and compared, statistical analysis was done using SPSS 18.0 software. Results:The mean follow-up time was (16.3±1.6)(8-24) months. The age, number of preoperative surgeries, number of previous oral mucous membranes, and length of urethral defects were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in A and B( P>0.05). The length of oral mucosa was harvested during the operation between group A and Group B were statistically significant differences( P<0.05). The incidence of oral complications in group A and B: Oral pain 7/14, 1/12; The feeling of tension in mouth 8/14, 1/12; The numbness in the oral 8/14, 1/12, A and Group B were statistically significant differences( P<0.05). The incidence of urethral complications in group A and Group B: the urethra fistula 1/14, 4/12; the urethral stricture 2/14, 6/12, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups ( P<0.05). Penile curvature 2/14, 1/12, ( P>0.05). The success rate was 12/14 and 5/12 in Group A and B respectively, with statistical difference( P<0.05). Conclusions:Combined lingual mucosal graft with buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty could be a good choice for repeated failed hypospadias repairs. Combined lingual mucosal graft with ADM urethroplasty has many complications and less success, should be performed in caution.