No abstract

We examined the safety and feasibility of transitioning from open radical cystectomies to robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomies in a community-based, non-tertiary health care setting. A retrospective review and analysis of our most recent 14 unselected consecutive patients who underwent open cystectomy was compared to our first 14 unselected consecutive patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy. Perioperative and pathologic outcomes were reviewed to determine the safety and oncologic equivalence of the two procedures. From 2003 to 2010, 14 consecutive patients underwent an open cystectomy and from 2010 to 2012 another 14 consecutive patients underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy. The operative time was significantly longer in the robotic group (6 h 23 min vs. 4 h 28 min; p < 0.05) and intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower compared with the open radical cystectomy (ORC) group (470 ml vs. 942 ml; p < 0.05). Regarding complications, 21 % of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) patients experienced major complications versus 14 % of ORC patients. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in complication rates or length of hospital stay between the ORC and RARC groups. No pathologic differences were noted between the two groups and lymph node counts were similar in the two groups, with the median numbers being 11.9 and 9.5 in RARC and ORC, respectively. RARC can be accomplished in a community-based, non-tertiary health care setting without compromising perioperative or pathologic outcomes during the institution of this minimally invasive procedure.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a well described acute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with a likely autoimmune basis characterized by progressive ascending muscle paralysis. Classically, GBS is attributed to antecedent upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. We present the first case of GBS after Robotically Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy using the daVinci® Surgical System.

Mission Statement: “Cancer survivors sharing clinical trial experiences to increase awareness and knowledge in the search for prevention and cure.” Vision Statement: Our goal is to increase the awareness of cancer clinical trials available in West Michigan. The Patient Advisory Committee for Clinical Research was formed to capture the passion that clinical trial participants possess in searching for a cure for a disease that has personally affected them. Fear often accompanies a cancer diagnosis. The vision is to replace fear with the knowledge that is brought through clinical trials. The Patient Advisory Committee for Clinical Research's objective is to make cancer clinical trials information available and increase general public awareness of this treatment option. Citation Format: Patrick W. Gavin. Cancer clinical trials: Real answers, real options, real miracles, right here in West Michigan. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B64.