In this study, robotic techniques seem less traumatic overall than open surgery, as OMC had higher postoperative CRP levels than RALC-EUD. The higher CRP levels in RALC-IUD may be more reflective of the urinary diversion technique than the true tissue trauma.

No abstract

Introduction: Surgeries, such as radical cystectomy (RC), induce a systemic inflammatory response (SIR). SIR plays an important role in controlling the human immune system. This study aims at comparing the SIR in robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy (RALC) to open mini-laparotomy cystectomy (OMC) with a urinary diversion (UD). Comparison was based on immunologic markers of SIR, thus quantifying the degree of tissue trauma. Materials and Methods: Forty-two male patients underwent RC with an ileal conduit. Either OMC RC (OMC; n = 20), RALC with extracorporeal UD (RALC-EUD; n = 13), or RALC with intracorporeal UD (RALC-IUD; n = 9) was performed. Blood samples were obtained preoperatively (PREOP), immediately after surgery (POD0), 24 (POD1) and 48 h (POD2) postoperatively. Clinical parameters were collected from medical records. Results: Estimated blood loss and blood transfusion volume was higher in OMC (p's < 0.001). The operative time was longer in RALC groups (p < 0.001). On POD0, interleukin (IL)-6 showed significant lower level in RALC-IUD compared to OMC (p = 0.016). IL-10 level was higher at POD0 (p = 0.029) and POD1 (p = 0.038) in OMC vs. RALC-EUD. MCP-1 levels for RALC-IUD were significantly lower compared to RALC-EUD (p = 0.027). Conclusions: This study found that postoperative SIR was overall less pronounced in RALC, thus depicting reduced tissue trauma. No major clinical differences between RALC-IUD and -EUD were found.

No abstract

The expression of aquaporins (AQPs) in the fetal porcine urinary tract and its relation to gestational age has not been established. Tissue samples from the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder and urethra were obtained from porcine fetuses. Samples were examined by RT-PCR (AQPs 1-11), QPCR (AQPs positive on RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry. Bladder samples were additionally examined by Western blotting. RNA was extracted from 76 tissue samples obtained from 19 fetuses. Gestational age was 60 (n=11) or 100 days (n=8). PCR showed that AQP1, 3, 9 and 11 mRNA was expressed in all locations. The expression of AQP3 increased significantly at all four locations with gestational age, whereas AQP11 significantly decreased. AQP1 expression increased in the ureter, bladder and urethra. AQP9 mRNA expression increased in the urethra and bladder, but decreased in the ureter. AQP5 was expressed only in the urethra. Immunohistochemistry showed AQP1 staining in sub-urothelial vessels at all locations. Western blotting analysis confirmed increased AQP1 protein levels in bladder samples during gestation. Expression levels of AQP1, 3, 5, 9 and 11 in the urinary tract change during gestation, and further studies are needed to provide insights into normal and pathophysiological water handling mechanisms in the fetus.