Simplified urethral score system for predicting complex anterior urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To assess U-score individual values as urethral complex surgery predictors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including patients who received anterior urethroplasty from 2011 to 2019. U-score (etiology (1-2 points), number of strictures (1-2 points), anatomic location (1-2 points) and length (1-3 points)) was measured individually and globally. Surgical complexity was defined as low (anastomotic, buccal mucosal graft, and augmented anterior urethroplasty), and high complexity (double buccal mucosal graft, flap, and graft/flap combination). U-score components were included as complex surgery predictor and as main variable with individual probability values estimations and comparisons. Risk complex surgery probability groups were established. RESULTS: 654 patients were included. Mean age was 57.2 years. Low complexity surgery was performed in 464 patients (259 anastomotic, 144 graft, 61 augmented anterior urethroplasty) and high complexity was done in 190 (53 double buccal mucosa graft, 27 flap, 110 graft/flap comb.). In multivariate analysis length, number of strictures and location were predictors of complexity. Introducing U-Score as only variable in univariate model predicted an OR 8.52 (95%CI 6.1-11). Simplified U-score grouping set obtained by complex probability was: low risk (4-5 points), medium risk (6 points) and high risk of complexity (7-9 points) Predicted risk of complex surgery probability (95%CI) for low, median and high risk group were 1.6 (0-2.9), 19.1 (13.8-25.9) and 77.9 (61.6-88.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: U-score can be used as a tool to predict complex urethral surgery. We present a simplified U-score risk tool to assess individual complex anterior urethroplasty probability.

Safety and efficacy of urethroplasty based on age groups.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results and complications after urethroplasty based on patient age groups. As secondary objective, we analyzed the impact of operative complexity on each age group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that include male patients who underwent urethroplasty between January 2011 and December 2018. Data was obtained from the patients' electronic health records. Patients were grouped as follows: <60 years, 60-79 years and >80 years. Variables evaluated were history, comorbidities, previous surgeries and operative complexity. Restenosis-free survival and complications presented in each group were determined according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. The SPSS® program was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 783 patients were included, and the mean follow-up was 19 months. The estimated 2-year restenosis-free survival in the population under 60, 60-79 and over 80 years was 87, 87 and 93.9% (IC 95%), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the age group was not a predictor of restenosis. Complex surgery is the only predictor of recurrence, increasing the risk by 60% (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.05-2.56, p = 0.029). There was an overall complication rate of 30.8%, and 62% of these were Clavien ≤ II. We found no association between the frequency of complications and age. CONCLUSIONS: Urethroplasty is safe and effective regardless of age group. There are no statistically significant differences in outcomes and complications shown by the age group comparison. There were no significant differences when analyzing the impact of complex surgeries among the different age groups. The data indicate that age alone should not be taken as an absolute exclusion criterion for patients needing urethral reconstruction.

Safety and efficacy of urethroplasty based on age groups. / Seguridad y eficacia de la uretroplastia según grupos etarios.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results and complications after urethroplasty based on patient age groups. As secondary objective, we analyzed the impact of operative complexity on each age group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that include male patients who underwent urethroplasty between January 2011 and December 2018. Data was obtained from the patients' electronic health records. Patients were grouped as follows: < 60 years, 60-79 years and > 80 years. Variables evaluated were history, comorbidities, previous surgeries and operative complexity. Restenosis-free survival and complications presented in each group were determined according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. The SPSS® program was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 783 patients were included, and the mean follow-up was 19 months. The estimated 2-year restenosis-free survival in the population under 60, 60-79 and over 80 years was 87, 87 and 93.9% (IC 95%), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the age group was not a predictor of restenosis. Complex surgery is the only predictor of recurrence, increasing the risk by 60% (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.05-2.56, p = 0.029). There was an overall complication rate of 30.8%, and 62% of these were Clavien ≤ II. We found no association between the frequency of complications and age. CONCLUSIONS: Urethroplasty is safe and effective regardless of age group. There are no statistically significant differences in outcomes and complications shown by the age group comparison. There were no significant differences when analyzing the impact of complex surgeries among the different age groups. The data indicate that age alone should not be taken as an absolute exclusion criterion for patients needing urethral reconstruction.

Postoperative urinary extravasation does not impact anterior urethroplasty surgical outcomes: a Latin American large cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of postoperative urinary extravasation (POUE) following anterior urethroplasty, to analyze factors associated with its occurrence, and to study the impact of POUE on surgical success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including all male patients who have undergone a urethroplasty at our center between 2011 and 2018. Subjects with posterior location stricture, those who did not undergo routine radiographic follow-up, or patients with inadequate follow-up were excluded. Urinary extravasation was defined as presence of evident contrast extravasation on the postoperative voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Impact was determined as "need-for-reoperation". Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to determine clinical and demographic variables associated with occurrence of extravasation and postoperative stricture. RESULTS: A total of 783 men underwent a urethroplasty and 630 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Urinary extravasation prevalence was 12.2%, and there was a "need-for-reoperation" in 1.1% of cases. On uni- and multivariate analysis, greatest stricture length (HR: 1.07 (1-1.2), p = 0.05) and penile urethral location (HR: 2.29 (1.1-4.6), p = 0.021) showed to be POUE predictors. POUE did not show to be a risk factor for postoperative stricture (HR: 1.57, 95% CI (0.8-3), p = 0.173). However, reoperation group  showed to be a risk factor (HR: 6.6, 95% CI 1.4-31, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of POUE was 12.2%. Stricture length and penile urethral strictures were POUE predictors. POUE occurrence with successful conservative management did not appear to have impact on urethroplasty outcomes as it did not predict re-stricture. POUE was reoperation cause in 1.1% of total cases.

The role of radical prostatectomy as an initial approach for the treatment of high-risk prostate cancer. / Papel de la prostatectomía radical como abordaje inicial en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata de alto riesgo.

CONTEXT: The treatment of high-risk prostate cancer requires a multimodal approach to improve control of the disease. There is still no consensus as to the initial strategy of choice. The aim of this study is to review the results of radical prostatectomy as first step in management of patients with high-risk disease. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: A search was conducted on PubMed of English and Spanish texts. We included those studies that reported the results of radical prostatectomy in patients with high-risk prostate cancer, as well as those that compared radical prostatectomy with other treatment alternatives. The last search was conducted in November 2015. SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: The advantages of radical prostatectomy include a better pathological analysis, more accurate staging, better local control of the disease and better follow-up and adjuvant therapy strategies. When compared with external radiation therapy plus hormonal blockade, the patients who underwent prostatectomy had greater chances of healing and longer cancer-specific survival. The patients who most benefit from this approach are younger, have fewer comorbidities and no evidence of organ metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The available scientific evidence to date is not without bias and confounders; however, they appear to favour radical prostatectomy as the initial approach of choice for high-risk prostate cancer.

Surgical approach to vesicourethral anastomotic stricture following radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Vesicourethral anastomotic stricture following prostatectomy is uncommon but represents a challenge for reconstructive surgery and has a significant impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to relate our experience in managing vesicourethral anastomotic strictures and present the treatment algorithm used in our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive, retrospective study in which we assessed the medical records of 45 patients with a diagnosis of vesicourethral anastomotic stricture following radical prostatectomy. The patients were treated in the same healthcare centre between January 2002 and March 2015. Six patients were excluded for meeting the exclusion criteria. The stricture was assessed using cystoscopy and urethrocystography. The patients with patent urethral lumens were initially treated with minimally invasive procedures. Open surgery was indicated for the presence of urethral lumen obliteration or when faced with failure of endoscopic treatment. Urinary continence following the prostatectomy was determinant in selecting the surgical approach (abdominal or perineal). RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients treated for vesicourethral anastomotic stricture were recorded. The mean age was 64.4 years, and the mean follow-up was 40.3 months. Thirty-three patients were initially treated endoscopically. Seventy-five percent progressed free of restenosis following 1 to 4 procedures. Twelve patients underwent open surgery, 6 initially due to obliterative stricture and 6 after endoscopic failure. All patients progressed favourable after a mean follow-up of 29.7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic surgery is the initial treatment option for patients with vesicourethral anastomotic strictures with patent urethral lumens. Open reanastomosis is warranted when faced with recalcitrant or initially obliterative strictures and provides good results.

Incidence of positive surgical margins after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: Does the surgeon's experience have an influence on all pathological stages?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical and surgical features of patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) at our institution, and the impact of the surgeon's experience in the oncological results related to pathological stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of 300 RARP consecutively performed by the same urologist was conducted. Patients were divided into 3 groups of 100 patients in chronological order, according to surgery date. All patients had organ-confined clinical stage. Variables which could impact in positive margins rates were analyzed. Finally, positive surgical margins (PSM) in regard to pathological stage and surgeon's experience were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in variables which could impact in PSM rates. The overall PSM rate was 21%, with 28% in the first group, 20% in the second, and 16% in the third (P = .108). Significant lineal decreasing tendency was observed (P = .024). In pT2 patients, the overall PSM rate was 16.6%, with 27%, 13.8%, and 7.3% in each group respectively (P = .009). A significant difference was found between group 1 and group 3 (P = .004). In pT3 patients, the surgeon's experience was not significantly associated with margin reductions with an overall PSM rate of 27.7% (28.2%, 28.6%, and 26.7% in each group respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and surgical features in our patients did not vary over time. We found a significant reduction of PSM related to surgeon's experience in pT2 patients. Contrariwise, the margin status remained stable despite increasing experience in pT3 patients.