Evaluating post radical prostatectomy mechanisms of early continence.

BACKGROUND: To identify the periprostatic structures associated with early return of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: We compared total continence results between four different techniques of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Specifically, we studied 1-week and 1-month zero-pad continence rates of anterior (n = 60), posterior (n = 59), a novel hybrid posterior-anterior (n = 12), and transvesical (n = 12) approaches of RARP. Each technique preserved a unique set of periprostatic anatomic structures, thereby, allowing evaluation of the individual impact of preservation of nerves, bladder neck, and space of Retzius with associated anterior support structures on early continence. Urethral length was preserved in all approaches. The space of Retzius was preserved in posterior and transvesical approaches, while the bladder neck was preserved in posterior and hybrid approaches. Nerve sparing was done per preoperative oncological risk. For all patients, 24-h pad usage rates and 24-h pad weights were noted at 1 week and 1 month after catheter removal. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of early continence. Data were obtained from prospective studies conducted between 2015 and 2021. RESULTS: At 1 week, 15%, 42%, 45%, and 8% of patients undergoing anterior, posterior, hybrid, and transvesical RARP approaches, respectively, were totally continent (p = 0.003). These rates at 1 month were 35%, 66%, 64%, and 25% (p = 0.002), respectively. The transvesical approach, which preserved the space of Retzius but not the bladder neck, was associated with the poorest continence rates, while the posterior and hybrid approaches in which the bladder neck was preserved with or without space of Retzius preservation were associated with quickest urinary continence recovery. Bladder neck preservation was the only significant predictor of 1-week and 1-month total continence recovery in adjusted analysis, Odds ratios 9.06 (p = 0.001) and 5.18 (p = 0.004), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effect of the Retzius-sparing approach on early continence recovery maybe associated with bladder neck preservation rather than space of Retzius preservation.

Development and characteristics of a multidisciplinary colorectal cancer clinic.

BACKGROUND: Multidisciplinary cancer clinics deliver streamlined care and facilitate collaboration between specialties. We described patient volume and specialty service utilization, including surgery, of a multidisciplinary colorectal cancer clinic established at a tertiary care academic institution. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of adult patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma from 2012 to 2017. We performed a descriptive analysis of patient volume, percentage of rectal cancer patients, and the number of patients who saw and received surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation each year. RESULTS: Over 5 years, 1711 patients were served at the multidisciplinary clinic. Patient volume increased 37%, from n = 228 (annualized) to n = 312. The percentage of rectal cancer patients increased from 29% in 2013 to 42% in 2017. The highest rate of utilization was for surgery; 792 (46%) patients had surgery at the multidisciplinary clinic institution, and 510 (30%) received chemotherapy there. Out of 635 rectal cancer patients, 114 (18%) received radiation there. CONCLUSIONS: Over the five-year experience of a colorectal cancer-focused multidisciplinary clinic, overall patient volume increased by 37%. Over the study period, 63% of patients seen at the multidisciplinary clinic ultimately received at least one treatment modality at the clinic institution. Overall, the clinic's establishment resulted in the increased referral of complex patients.

Population-Based Analysis of Adherence to Postdischarge Extended Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Colorectal Resection.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of venous thromboembolism after colorectal surgery remains challenging. National guidelines endorse thromboembolism prophylaxis for 4 weeks after colorectal cancer resection. Expert consensus favors extended prophylaxis after IBD surgery. The actual frequency of prescription after resection remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess prescription of extended, postdischarge venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after resection in Michigan. DESIGN: This is a retrospective review of elective colorectal resections within a statewide collaborative receiving postdischarge, extended-duration prophylaxis. SETTING: This study was conducted between October 2015 and February 2018 at an academic center. PATIENTS: A total of 5722 patients (2171 with colorectal cancer, 266 with IBD, and 3285 with other). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We compared the prescription of extended, postdischarge prophylaxis over time, between hospitals and by indication. RESULTS: Of 5722 patients, 373 (6.5%) received extended-duration prophylaxis after discharge. Use was similar between patients undergoing surgery for cancer (282/2171, 13.0%) or IBD (31/266, 11.7%, p = 0.54), but was significantly more common for both patients undergoing surgery for cancer or IBD in comparison with patients with other indications (60/3285, 1.8%, p < 0.001). Use increased significantly among patients with cancer (6.8%-16.8%, p < 0.001) and patients with IBD (0%-15.1%, p < 0.05) over the study period. For patients with other diagnoses, use was rare and did not vary significantly (1.5%-2.3%, p = 0.49). Academic centers and large hospitals (>300 beds) were significantly more likely to prescribe extended-duration prophylaxis for all conditions (both p < 0.001), with the majority of prophylaxis concentrated at only a few hospitals. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the lack of assessment of actual adherence, small number of observed venous thromboembolism events, small sample of patients with IBD, and restriction to the state of Michigan. CONCLUSIONS: The use of extended-duration venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after discharge is increasing, but remains uncommon in most hospitals. Efforts to improve adherence may require quality implementation initiatives or targeted payment incentives. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B193. ANÁLISIS POBLACIONAL DE LA ADHERENCIA A LA PROFILAXIS ANTI-TROMBÓTICA EXTENDIDA (TEV) EN PACIENTES DE ALTA LUEGO DE UNA RESECCIÓN COLORECTAL.: La prevención del tromboembolismo venoso después de cirugía colorrectal sigue siendo un desafío. Las guías nacionales han aprobado la profilaxia del tromboembolismo durante cuatro semanas luego de una resección de cáncer colorrectal. El consenso de expertos favorece la profilaxia extendida solamente después de la cirugía por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. La frecuencia real de prescripción después de la resección colorrectal sigue siendo desconocida.Evaluar la prescripción de profilaxia prolongada de tromboembolismo venoso después del alta luego de una resección colorrectal en Michigan.Revisión retrospectiva de las resecciones colorrectales electivas seguidas de una profilaxia de larga duración con el apoyo de todo el estado (MI).Este estudio se realizó entre octubre de 2015 y febrero de 2018 en un solo centro académico.Un universo de 5722 pacientes operados (2171 por cáncer colorrectal, 266 por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, 3285 por otros diagnósticos).Se comparó la prescripción de profilaxia prolongada después del alta según la duración, los hospitales y la indicación.De 5722 pacientes, 373 (6.5%) recibieron profilaxia de duración prolongada después del alta. El uso fue similar entre pacientes sometidos a cirugía por cáncer (282/2171, 13.0%) o enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (31/266, 11.7%, p = 0.54), pero fue significativamente más común para ambos en comparación con pacientes con otras indicaciones (60/3285, 1.8%, p < 0.001). El uso aumentó significativamente entre pacientes con cáncer (6.8% a 16.8% (p < 0.001)) y en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (0% a 15.1%, p < 0.05) durante el período de estudio. Para pacientes con otros diagnósticos, su utilización fue rara y no varió significativamente (1.5% a 2.3%, p = 0.49). Los centros académicos y los grandes hospitales (>300 camas) tenían mayor probabilidad de prescribir la profilaxia de duración extendida en todas las afecciones (ambas p < 0.001), pero la mayoría de las profilaxis se concentraron el algunos pocos grandes hospitales.Este estudio estuvo limitado por la falta de evaluación de actuales adherentes, por el pequeño número de eventos tromboembólicos venosos observados, por la pequeña muestra de pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y debido a ciertas restricciones en el estado de Michigan.El uso de profilaxia para el tromboembolismo venoso de duración prolongada después del alta está en aumento, pero su uso sigue siendo poco frecuente en la mayoría de los hospitales. Los esfuerzos para mejorar la adherencia al tratamiento pueden requerir iniciativas de mejoría en la calidad o incentivos específicos de reembolso. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B193. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).

PSMA-targeted Radiotracers versus 18F Fluciclovine for the Detection of Prostate Cancer Biochemical Recurrence after Definitive Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background National guidelines endorse fluorine 18 (18F) fluciclovine PET/CT for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa) in men with biochemically recurrent PCa. The comparative performance between fluciclovine and gallium 68 or 18F prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT, a newer examination, is unclear. Purpose To compare the detection of biochemical recurrence using fluciclovine versus PSMA-targeted radiotracers in patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level less than 2 ng/mL. Materials and Methods With use of the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy, or PRISMA-DTA, guidelines, a systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE databases between 2012 and 2019 was performed. Studies of fluciclovine PET/CT or PSMA PET/CT in biochemical recurrence were identified. PSA levels, clinical data, and reference standards were obtained when available. A random-effects model was applied to pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) around the prevalence of a positive examination, stratified according to PSA tier. Results Quantitative analysis included 482 patients (median age, 67 years; interquartile range, 67-67 years) in six fluciclovine studies and 3217 patients (median age, 68 years; interquartile range, 67-70 years) in 38 PSMA studies. Pooled detection rates for PSMA and fluciclovine were 45% (95% CI: 38%, 52%) and 37% (95% CI: 25%, 49%), respectively, for a PSA level less than 0.5 ng/mL (P = .46); 59% (95% CI: 52%, 66%) and 48% (95% CI: 34%, 61%) for a PSA level of 0.5-0.9 ng/mL (P = .19); and 80% (95% CI: 75%, 85%) and 62% (95% CI: 54%, 70%) for a PSA level of 1.0-1.9 ng/mL (P = .01). A reference standard was positive in 703 of 735 patients (96%) in the PSMA cohort and 247of 256 (97%) in the fluciclovine cohort. Conclusion Patient-level detection rates for biochemically recurrent prostate cancer were greater for prostate-specific membrane antigen-targeted radiotracers than fluciclovine for prostate specific antigen levels of 1.0-1.9 ng/mL. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Surgical Complications and Their Repercussions.

PURPOSE: Surgical complications have a significant impact on intended quality of care. The aim of our study was to identify factors that contribute to the propagation of additional postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 1-year period, we prospectively identified and retrospectively reviewed data on all patients who experienced a surgical complication within 30 days of their procedure. A complication was defined as any deviation from the expected postoperative course and was described using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Data reviewed included length of stay (LOS), Clavien grade, readmission status, and management of the complication. Surgeries were stratified into retroperitoneal, pelvic, and endoscopic procedures. The association between complications and Clavien grade was measured using Spearman rank-order correlation. The probability of subsequent complications and readmission was measured using exact logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 4414 patients who underwent a urologic procedure, 191 (4.3%) had at least one complication. One hundred thirty-four (70%) of these patients had more than one complication, 84 (44%) had more than three complications, and 12 (6.3%) had up to a seventh complication. LOS was affected by the severity of the initial complication. Patients with initial Clavien grades 1, 2, 3a, 3b, and 4 had an LOS of 3.75, 4.17, 4.21, 4.94, and 8.58 days, respectively. Variables associated with the risk of developing a second complication included diabetes mellitus, longer operative times (OR 1.83), and greater estimated blood loss (OR 1.32). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical patients with an initial complication are at higher risk for multiple subsequent postoperative complications. Complications are associated with an extended LOS and higher readmission rates. Diabetes, longer operative time, and greater blood loss were identified as risk factors for multiple complications.

Long-term renal functional outcomes of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Preservation of renal function is the major benefit of partial over radical nephrectomy. We evaluated patients undergoing minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN) to better understand factors predicting long-term renal function. METHODS: We identified 358 patients who underwent MIPN for confirmed renal cell carcinoma between 1998 and 2011 with a serum creatinine level at least 1 year postoperatively. Exposure variables included demographic, clinical, and perioperative information. The primary outcome was clinically significant progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) class, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreasing from >60 to<60, from 30 to 60 to <30, or from 15 to 30 to<15. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 39 months. Only 7 patients had a solitary kidney. A total of 47 patients (13%) had CKD class progression. The estimates for remaining free of CKD class progression at 5, 7, and 10 years were 86.98%, 75.45%, and 53.54%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, lower preoperative eGFR (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98), larger tumor size (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01-1.48), and longer ischemia time (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05) were associated with CKD class progression. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant progression of CKD occurs in a minority of patients 5 years after MIPN, but in almost one-half, it occurs 10 years after surgery. Lower preoperative eGFR and larger tumor size are associated with greater incidence of CKD progression. Longer ischemia time, even when most patients had 2 kidneys and when controlling for other factors, nonetheless increased the risk of CKD progression, although this may be a marker of other unmeasured variables.

Tumor enucleation vs sharp excision in minimally invasive partial nephrectomy: technical benefit without impact on functional or oncologic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To present the benefits and utility of tumor enucleation as an alternative technique to sharp excision during minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN). METHODS: We retrospectively compared enucleation and sharp excision during MIPN, with the aim of determining benefits and limitations of enucleation in this setting. RESULTS: Among 602 patients undergoing MIPN at our institution, 86 and 516 underwent enucleation and sharp excision, respectively, as determined by the surgeon. The nephrometry score was greater in the enucleation vs sharp excision group (mean, 6.7 vs 6.3), but all other preoperative parameters were similar. The mean ischemia and operative times were 4 and 32 minutes shorter in the enucleation group, respectively, likely owing to less frequent entry into renal sinus (21% vs 41%) and need for tumor bed suturing (41% vs 62%), compared with those in the sharp excision group. There was no association with blood loss, positive margins, urine leak, blood transfusion, major complications, renal function, recurrence, or survival. CONCLUSION: Enucleation appears to provide the benefits of reduced surgical entry into the renal sinus, less need for tumor bed suturing, and shorter operative time, without any impact on functional or oncologic outcomes. Given favorable preoperative radiography and intraoperative findings, enucleation is a useful technique for patients undergoing MIPN.

Long-term oncologic outcomes of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy for renal-cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term oncologic outcomes and survival estimates associated with minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN) and to determine factors associated with those outcomes and survival estimates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-institution, retrospective review was performed on all patients undergoing MIPN for renal-cell carcinoma between 1998 and 2011 with minimum 1-year follow-up. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess associations between demographic, perioperative, and tumor factors with recurrence and survival. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Of 417 patients undergoing MIPN, median overall and oncologic follow-up were 3.3 and 2.9 years, respectively. The mean patient age was 63 years (standard deviation [SD]± 13.4). The mean tumor size was 2.9 cm (SD ± 1.48). Only 6.7% of patients had a pathologic stage T2 or greater. There was only one cancer-related death. Estimates for overall survival at 2, 5, and 10 years were 95.6%, 89.1%, and 70.7%, respectively. Estimates for recurrence-free survival (any recurrence) at 2, 5, and 10 years were 98.2%, 93.5%, and 88.3%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, only tumor stage was associated with recurrence, and only patient age and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were associated with overall survival. Technical aspects of the procedure, such as positive margins or use of enucleation, did not influence recurrence or survival. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer recurrence after MIPN, in a cohort of patients with mostly pT1 tumors, is rare. Recurrence and overall survival are associated with nonmodifiable factors rather than technical ones.

Temporalis muscle morphomics: the psoas of the craniofacial skeleton.

BACKGROUND: The psoas muscle has been shown to predict patient outcomes based on the quantification of muscle area using computed tomography (CT) scans. The accuracy of morphomic analysis on other muscles has not been clearly delineated. In this study, we determine the correlation between temporalis muscle mass, psoas muscle area, age, body mass index (BMI), and gender. METHODS: Temporalis and psoas muscle dimensions were determined on all trauma patients who had both abdominal and maxillofacial CT scans at the University of Michigan between 2004 and 2011. Age, BMI, and gender were obtained through chart review. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relative relationship between morphomic data of the temporalis and psoas muscles and the ability of such information to correspond with clinical variables, such as BMI, age, and gender. RESULTS: A total of 646 patients were included in the present study. Among the 249 (38.5%) women and 397 (61.5%) men, the average age was 49.2 y. Average BMI was 27.9 kg/m². Total psoas muscle area directly correlated with mean temporalis muscle thickness (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). There was an indirect correlation between age and psoas muscle area (r = -0.52, P < 0.001) and temporalis muscle thickness (r = -0.36, P < 0.001). Neither psoas nor temporalis measurements correlated strongly with BMI (r = 0.18, P < 0.001; r = 0.14, P = 0.002), although stronger correlations were found in a more "frail," subgroup as defined by a BMI of <20 (r = 0.59, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that dimensions of the temporalis muscle can be quantified and may serve as a proxy for age. Going forward, we aim to assess the utility of temporalis and psoas morphomics in predicting complication rates among trauma patients admitted to the hospital to predict outcomes in the future.

Urethrocutaneous fistula after use of Tegress bulking agent: Case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of a 68-year-old man who presented with a urethrocutaneous fistula after off-label use of Tegress (C. R. Bard, Inc., Murray Hill, NJ) Urethral Implant for post-prostatectomy incontinence. He was treated for prostate cancer with an open radical retropubic prostatectomy and adjuvant external beam radiation therapy. He was treated unsuccessfully for stress incontinence with a Tegress Urethral Implant and presented to our clinic initially with extrusion of the material urethrally. Four years later he re-presented with a large bullous skin lesion on his suprapubic area. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and retrograde urethral cystogram demonstrated a urethrocutaneous fistula. Subsequent cystoscopy revealed the calcified extruded material in the same location as the site of Tegress injection. The patient underwent simple cystectomy with ileal diversion. He recovered well postoperatively. This appears to be the first reported case of urethrocutaneous fistula after use of a Tegress Urethral Implant for post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence.