Metastatic urothelial carcinoma to the liver with unknown primary tumor.

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP), a rare and aggressive clinical entity, accounts for approximately 3% of all malignancies. CUP with urothelial origin is even more unusual, with no other cases reported in the current literature. As imaging and other studies often do not reveal the tumor origin, the approach to CUP involves a focused search for the primary tumor, relying on guidance from immunohistochemical staining of biopsy specimens. Treatment consists of standard therapies directed at the most likely tumor origin.

Targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy during active surveillance: Effect on hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of targeted antibiotic prophylaxis using rectal swab cultures on hospitalization for infectious complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of men (1995-2016) with prostate cancer on active surveillance receiving annual TRUSP biopsies was surveyed to determine the incidence of hospitalization for suspected postbiopsy sepsis. We compared biopsy events (i.e., unique biopsies) in the era of empiric prophylaxis to those in the era of targeted prophylaxis based on culture. The effect of fluoroquinolone resistant organisms (FQ-R), and other demographic and clinical factors, on hospitalization was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1,167 men on active surveillance, 825 responded for a total of 3,361 biopsy events; 7 (0.79%) of 886 biopsies preceded by rectal swab culture resulted in hospitalization compared to 24 (0.97%) of 2,475 biopsies without culture (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.35-1.89, P = 0.63). Among 886 cultures performed, FQ-R organisms were identified in 194 (21.9%); 6 out of 194 (3.1%) biopsies with swabs positive for FQ-R resulted in admission compared to 1 out of 692 (0.14%) biopsies with fluoroquinolone sensitive swabs (OR = 22.1, 95% CI: 2.6-184.3, P<0.01). Smaller prostate volume at diagnosis was significantly associated with hospitalization (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.04-6.31) for<45 g vs. ≥45 g, P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Targeted antibiotic prophylaxis is not associated with a significant reduction in hospitalization for suspected post-TRUSP biopsy sepsis. FQ-R and prostate volume exhibited strong associations with risk of hospitalization and could be included in a risk-adapted approach to prophylaxis, but better prophylactic strategies are needed for patients identified to be at high risk of subsequent hospitalization.

New Prostate Cancer Grading System Predicts Long-term Survival Following Surgery for Gleason Score 8-10 Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The newly proposed five-tiered prostate cancer grading system (PCGS) divides Gleason score (GS) 8-10 disease into GS 8 and GS 9-10 on the basis of biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP) as an outcome. However, BCR does not necessarily portend worse survival outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the significance of distinguishing GS 8 versus 9-10 disease in terms of long-term survival outcomes for both the preoperative setting using biopsy (Bx) GS and the postoperative setting with RP GS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Of 23918 men who underwent RP between 1984 and 2014, there were 721 men with biopsy GS 8-10, and 1047 men with RP GS 8-10. OUTCOME MEASURES AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Clinicopathologic characteristics were compared between men with GS 8 and those with GS 9-10. We compared all-cause mortality (ACM) and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) risk between the groups using Cox regression and competing-risks analyses, adjusting for other perioperative variables and death from other causes as the competing event. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Compared to men with GS 8, men with GS 9-10 had later RP year and higher pathologic stage. Among men with Bx GS 8-10, 115 died (82 due to PC) with median follow-up of 3 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 1-7) for both overall and cancer-specific survival. Of men with RP GS 8-10, 221 died (151 due to PC) with median follow-up of 4 yr (IQR 2-8) and 4 yr (IQR 2-9) for overall and cancer-specific survival, respectively. PC-specific survival rates were significantly lower for men with GS 9-10 compared to men with GS 8 for both Bx (hazard ratio [HR] 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-3.30; p<0.01) and RP GS (HR 2.38, 95% CI 1.74-3.28; p<0.01). This association persisted in multivariable models after adjusting for perioperative variables. CONCLUSIONS: Men with GS 9-10 had higher ACM and PCSM rates compared to those with GS 8. GS 8 and GS 9-10 PC should be considered separately in both the preoperative and postoperative setting as suggested by the new PCGS. PATIENT SUMMARY: The prostate cancer grading system can predict mortality risk after radical prostatectomy (RP) for men with Gleason score 8-10 disease based on both biopsy and RP Gleason scores. There are significant differences in all-cause mortality and prostate cancer-specific mortality following surgery between men with Gleason score 8 and those with Gleason score 9-10 disease.

The Impact of Downgrading from Biopsy Gleason 7 to Prostatectomy Gleason 6 on Biochemical Recurrence and Prostate Cancer Specific Mortality.

PURPOSE: Gleason score is one of the most important prognostic indicators for prostate cancer. Downgrading from biopsy Gleason score 7 to radical prostatectomy Gleason score 6 occurs commonly and yet to our knowledge the impact on survival outcomes is unknown. We examined biochemical recurrence and prostate cancer specific mortality risk in a large cohort evaluated by a single group of expert urological pathologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 23,918 men who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution between 1984 and 2014, 10,236 with biopsy and radical prostatectomy Gleason score 6 or 7 without upgrading were included in analysis. The cohort was divided into 3 groups, including group 1-biopsy and radical prostatectomy Gleason score 6 in 6,923 patients (67.6%), group 2-Gleason score 7 downgraded to radical prostatectomy Gleason score 6 in 648 (6.3%) and group 3-biopsy and radical prostatectomy Gleason score 7 in 2,665 (26.0%). Biochemical recurrence and prostate cancer specific mortality risks were compared using Cox regression and competing risk analyses adjusting for clinicopathological variables. RESULTS: At a median followup of 5 years (range 1 to 29), 992 men experienced biochemical recurrence and 95 had died of prostate cancer. Biochemical recurrence-free survival in downgraded cases (group 2) was better than in group 3 cases, which had Gleason score 7 on biopsy and radical prostatectomy (p <0.001), but worse than group 1 cases, which had Gleason score 6 on biopsy and radical prostatectomy (p <0.001). Downgrading was independently associated with biochemical recurrence (adjusted HR 1.87, p <0.0001) but not with prostate cancer specific mortality (adjusted HR 1.65, p = 0.636). CONCLUSIONS: Downgrading from biopsy Gleason score 7 to radical prostatectomy Gleason score 6 was an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence but not prostate cancer specific mortality, likely due to the presence of minor amounts of Gleason pattern 4.

Use of 3-dimensional printing technology and silicone modeling in surgical simulation: development and face validation in pediatric laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric laparoscopy poses unique training challenges owing to smaller workspaces, finer sutures used, and potentially more delicate tissues that require increased surgical dexterity when compared with adult analogs. We describe the development and face validation of a pediatric pyeloplasty simulator using a low-cost laparoscopic dry-laboratory model developed with 3-dimensional (3D) printing and silicone modeling. DESIGN AND SETTING: The organs (the kidney, renal pelvis, and ureter) were created in a 3-step process where molds were created with 3D modeling software, printed with a Spectrum Z510 3D printer, and cast with Dragon Skin 30 silicone rubber. The model was secured in a laparoscopy box trainer. A pilot study was conducted at a Canadian Urological Association meeting. A total of 24 pediatric urology fellows and 3 experienced faculty members then assessed our skills module during a minimally invasive surgery training course. Participants had 60 minutes to perform a right-side pyeloplasty using laparoscopic tools and 5-0 VICRYL suture. Face validity was demonstrated on a 5-point Likert scale. PARTICIPANTS AND RESULTS: The dry-laboratory model consists of a kidney, a replaceable dilated renal pelvis and ureter with an obstructed ureteropelvic junction, and an overlying peritoneum with an inscribed fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery pattern-cutting exercise. During initial validation at the Canadian Urological Association, participants rated (out of 5) 4.75 ± 0.29 for overall impression, 4.50 ± 0.41 for realism, and 4.38 ± 0.48 for handling. During the minimally invasive surgery course, 22 of 24 fellows and all the faculty members completed the scoring. Usability was rated 4 or 5 by 14 participants (overall, 3.6 ± 1.22 by novices and 3.7 ± 0.58 by experts), indicating that they would use the model in their own training and teaching. Esthetically, the model was rated 3.5 ± 0.74 (novices) and 3.3 ± 0.58 (experts). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a pediatric pyeloplasty simulator by applying a low-cost reusable model for laparoscopic training and skills acquisition. The model's usability, realism, and feel are good, it can be imaged under common modalities, and it shows promise as an educational tool.

Compromised mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis in transgenic mice results in defective protein lipoylation and energy disequilibrium.

A mouse model with compromised mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis has been engineered in order to assess the role of this pathway in mitochondrial function and overall health. Reduction in the expression of mitochondrial malonyl CoA-acyl carrier protein transacylase, a key enzyme in the pathway encoded by the nuclear Mcat gene, was achieved to varying extents in all examined tissues employing tamoxifen-inducible Cre-lox technology. Although affected mice consumed more food than control animals, they failed to gain weight, were less physically active, suffered from loss of white adipose tissue, reduced muscle strength, kyphosis, alopecia, hypothermia and shortened lifespan. The Mcat-deficient phenotype is attributed primarily to reduced synthesis, in several tissues, of the octanoyl precursors required for the posttranslational lipoylation of pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes, resulting in diminished capacity of the citric acid cycle and disruption of energy metabolism. The presence of an alternative lipoylation pathway that utilizes exogenous free lipoate appears restricted to liver and alone is insufficient for preservation of normal energy metabolism. Thus, de novo synthesis of precursors for the protein lipoylation pathway plays a vital role in maintenance of mitochondrial function and overall vigor.

A phantom model as a teaching modality for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a materials model for laparoscopic ultrasound identification and partial nephrectomy of kidney tumors. METHODS: Five urology fellows performed laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) examination of the tumor model, and the time for identification was recorded. After identifying the tumor, they performed a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using the target tumor with measurement of operative parameters. They completed a questionnaire and rated the quality of the renal tumor model on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The participants were able to identify 49 tumors by LUS (98%). The mean time to identify the renal tumors by LUS was 1.12 minutes ± 0.93 standard deviation (SD). A partial nephrectomy was successfully completed on 49 tumor models (98%). The mean resection time was 7.69 minutes ± 3.8 SD. All of the participants considered that this model was helpful in the practice of LPN. The fellows would recommend this model as a teaching tool for residents/fellows to perform tumor imaging by LUS and for practicing LPN in a simulated environment. CONCLUSION: We have developed a unique model that simulates small kidney tumors that can be used for training surgeons in the clinical skills of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Preliminary assessment of a renal tumor materials model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a materials model for laparoscopic guided cryotherapy or radiofrequency tissue ablation (RFA) of kidney tumors through expert surgeon assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the inaugural American Urological Association 2010 Tissue Ablative course content, validity testing of a renal tumor model was undertaken. Five expert faculty in cryotherapy and RFA techniques for renal tumors performed laparoscopic ultrasonography (US) examination of the tumor model. They performed US guided placement and activation of the treatment probe into the tumor of the model. They completed a questionnaire and rated the quality of the renal tumor model on a 5 point Likert scale. RESULTS: All of the subjects assigned a score of 5 of 5 on the Likert scale regarding the ability to identify the tumor with US, were able to deploy the ablative probe into the model under US guidance, and would recommend the use of this teaching model to residents or fellows. They thought that this tumor model was appropriate for teaching laparoscopic US imaging of a renal tumor during ablative treatment procedures, teaching and practicing laparoscopic US-guided cryotherapy, and teaching and practicing laparoscopic US-guided RFA. CONCLUSION: We have developed a unique model that simulates small kidney tumors that can be used for training surgeons in ablative techniques.

Fused video and ultrasound images for minimally invasive partial nephrectomy: a phantom study.

The shift to minimally invasive abdominal surgery has increased reliance on image guidance during surgical procedures. However, these images are most often presented independently, increasing the cognitive workload for the surgeon and potentially increasing procedure time. When warm ischemia of an organ is involved, time is an important factor to consider. To address these limitations, we present a more intuitive visualization that combines images in a common augmented reality environment. In this paper, we assess surgeon performance under the guidance of the conventional visualization system and our fusion system using a phantom study that mimics the tumour resection of partial nephrectomy. The RMS error between the fused images was 2.43mm, which is sufficient for our purposes. A faster planning time for the resection was achieved using our fusion visualization system. This result is a positive step towards decreasing risks associated with long procedure times in minimally invasive abdominal interventions.