Perioperative and functional outcomes following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: Descriptive analysis of Indian study group on partial nephrectomy database.

Introduction: There is an unmet need for high-quality data for Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in the Indian population. Indian study group on partial nephrectomy (ISGPN) is a consortium of Indian centers contributing to the partial nephrectomy (PN) database. The current study is a descriptive analysis of perioperative and functional outcomes following RAPN. Methods: For this study, the retrospective ISGPN database was reviewed, which included patients who underwent RAPN for renal masses at 14 centers across India from September 2010 to September 2022. Demographic, clinical, radiological, perioperative, and functional data were collected and analyzed. Ethics approval was obtained from each of the participating centers. Results: In this study, 782 patients were included, and 69.7% were male. The median age was 53 years (interquartile range [IQR 44-62]), median operative time was 180 min (IQR 133-240), median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (IQR 50-200), mean warm ischemia time was 22.7 min and positive surgical margin rates were 2.5%. The complication rate was 16.2%, and most of them were of minor grade. Trifecta and pentafecta outcomes were attained in 61.4% and 60% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: This is the largest Indian multi-centric study using the Indian Robotic PN Collaborative database to evaluate the outcomes of robot-assisted PN, and has proven its safety and efficacy in the management of renal masses.

Robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for post-chemotherapy residual mass in testicular cancer: Long-term experience from a tertiary care centre.

Objectives: To present our intermediate to long-term oncological and functional outcomes of robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RA-RPLND) in post-chemotherapy (PC) residual mass in testicular cancers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest single-centre experience of RA-RPLND for in such setting. Methods: Prospectively maintained database of carcinoma testis patients undergoing RA-RPLND from February 2012 to September 2021 was reviewed. Patient demographics, tumour stage and risk groups and chemotherapy details were recorded. Intraoperative details and post-operative complications were also noted. Pathological outcomes included were lymph node yield and histopathology report. Further, follow-up was done for recurrence and antegrade ejaculation status. Results: Total of 37 cases were done for PC residual masses. International germ cell cancer collaborative group good, intermediate and poor risk proportion was 18 (48.6%), 14 (37.8%) and 5 (13.5%), respectively. Bilateral full template dissection, unilateral modified template dissection and residual mass excision was performed in 59.5% (22/37), 35.1% (13/37) and 5.4% (2/37) patients, respectively. The median size of the excised residual mass was 3.45 cm interquartile range (IQR 2-6 cm), with the largest being 9 cm. The median lymph nodal yield was 19. The most common histology was necrosis (n = 24, 65%), followed by teratoma (n = 11, 30%) and viable malignancy (n = 2, 5%). Antegrade ejaculation was reported in 32 patients (86.4%). After a median follow-up of 41 (IQR 14-64) months, only one patient had a recurrence. Conclusions: RA-PC-RPLND is thus a safe, feasible and oncologically effective option for selected patients. With increasing experience, larger masses can also be dealt with efficiently.

Robotic re-exploration for post-operative in house complications following robotic pelvic uro-oncologic surgery: Initial experience, tips and tricks.

Purpose: Despite widespread acceptance of robotics in urology, literature on using the minimally invasive approach for management of post robotic surgical complications is limited. Here we describe our experience with tips and tricks for robotic re-exploration of post-operative in house complications following robotic pelvic uro-oncologic surgery. Methods: A retrospective query of prospectively maintained database was done for all patients who underwent robotic - radical cystoprostatectomy (RCP, 437 patients) and radical prostatectomy (RP, 649 patients), from Jan 2015 or March 2021. Clinical details were collected for all who underwent a second robotic procedure during the same hospital admission for any complication related to the primary surgery. Results: Following RCP, 5 patients were re-explored for intestinal obstruction. Surgery was successfully completed in all with a median console time of 80 minutes. Median time to the passage of flatus and discharge from hospital following relook surgery was 3 and 6 days, respectively. Following RP, 3 patients underwent robotic re-exploration (two for reactionary hemorrhage, one for rectal injury). All three cases were managed with a median console time of 75 minutes. Robotic re-exploration was accomplished without extending the skin incision of the index surgery and we did not find an increased incidence of infectious or wound related complications. Conclusion: Robotic re-exploration for select post robotic urologic pelvic oncology surgery complications in the immediate and early post-operative period is feasible in the hands of experienced surgeons. Our experience can help others adopt robotics in such scenarios.

Trifecta and pentafecta outcomes following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in a multi-institutional cohort of Indian patients.

Introduction: The literature on studies reporting trifecta or pentafecta outcomes following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in Indian patients is limited. The primary aim of this study was to report and evaluate the factors predicting trifecta and pentafecta outcomes following RAPN in Indian patients using the multicentric Vattikuti collective quality initiative (VCQI) database. Methods: From the VCQI database for patients who underwent RAPN, data for Indian patients were extracted and analyzed for factors predicting the achievement of trifecta and pentafecta following RAPN. Trifecta was defined as the absence of complications, negative surgical margins, and warm ischemia period shorter than 25 min or zero ischemia. Pentafecta covers all the trifecta criteria as well as >90% preservation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and no stage upgrade of chronic kidney disease at 12 months. Results: In this study, among 614 patients, the trifecta was achieved in 374 patients (60.9%) and pentafecta was achieved in 24.2% of the patients. Patients who achieved trifecta had significantly higher mean age (54.1 vs. 51.0 years, P = 0.005), body mass index (BMI) (26.7 vs. 26.03 kg/m2, P = 0.022), and smaller tumor size (38.6 vs. 41.4 mm, P = 0.028). The preoperative eGFR (84.2 vs. 91.9 ml/min, P = 0.012) and renal nephrometry score (RNS) (6.96 vs. 7.87, P ≤ 0.0001) were significantly lower in the trifecta group. Comparing patients who achieved pentafecta to those who did not, we noted a statistically significant difference between the two groups for tumor size (36.1 vs. 41.5 mm, P = 0.017) and RNS (6.6 vs. 7.7, P = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, BMI and RNS were associated with trifecta outcomes. Similarly, only RNS was identified as an independent predictor of pentafecta. Conclusions: RNS and BMI were independent predictors of the trifecta. At the same time, RNS was identified as an independent predictor of pentafecta following RAPN.

Prostate cancer detection using magnetic resonance imaging-transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsy: A retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided systematic prostate biopsy is conventionally used for the diagnosis of carcinoma prostate (CaP). However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided biopsies have been shown to have superior diagnostic performance. MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy improves the detection by combining the systematic and the targeted biopsies (TB). In this study, we evaluated the role of fusion biopsy in the detection of CaP as well as clinically significant carcinoma prostate (CsCaP). Methods: In this retrospective study, the patients who underwent fusion biopsy from January 2016 to July 2022 were evaluated. Patients underwent multiparametric MRI and the suspicious lesions were reported as per the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) version 2. The clinical, imaging, and biopsy parameters were recorded and evaluated. Results: A total of 330 patients with PIRADS ≥3 underwent MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy and prostate cancer was detected in 187 patients (56.67%). With an increase in the PIRADS score, there was a significant rise in the detection of CaP (P < 0.001) and CsCaP (P < 0.0000001). Prostatitis was observed in 13%-18.1% of the patients with a lesion on MRI irrespective of the PIRADS score. The systematic and TB were comparable for the detection of CaP (P = 0.88) and CsCaP (P = 0.26). With a prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) cutoff of 0.15 ng/mL/cc and 0.22 ng/mL/cc, biopsy could be safely avoided in 14.2% and 20.3% of the patients, missing only 0.3% of CaP and 0.9% of CsCaP, respectively. Different subgroups based on PSA levels, prostate volume, lesion dimension, and PIRADS score did not show a significant difference between the systematic and the targeted cores for the detection of CsCaP. Conclusion: This single center study of MRI-TRUS fusion prostate biopsy shows that in men with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer a pre-biopsy MRI and MRI-TRUS fusion combined systematic and targeted prostate biopsy improves the detection of prostate cancer and CsCaP. Patients with a PIRADS 3 lesion with a PSA density <0.22 can safely avoid prostate biopsy, without a significant risk of missing clinically significant prostate cancer.

Surgical and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted versus laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for upper-tract urothelial carcinoma: A single-center comparative analysis.

Introduction: We retrospectively compared surgical and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted (RA) radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in patients of upper-tract urothelial carcinoma with a cohort of patients who underwent the same procedure using a laparoscopic approach. Methods: Data of 63 consecutive patients who underwent RNU with bladder cuff excision (BCE) from 2011 to 2022 at a single tertiary care institution was retrospectively retrieved from the electronically maintained institutional database. Twenty-six cases underwent RNU with a laparoscopic approach, whereas 37 were done by RA approach. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and pathologic details and survival analyses were reported and compared. The tetrafecta of RNU, which include the performance of a BCE, lymphadenectomy, no positive surgical margin, and no major surgical complication, was also reviewed. Results: The mean age and body mass index of the robotic and laparoscopic groups were 61.5 years versus 62.7 years and 23.8 versus 24.9 kg/m2, respectively (P = 0.710 and 0.309). The Charlson Comorbidity Index and upper-tract tumor site distribution were comparable between the groups. There was no significant difference in the distribution of T stage, N stage, presence of multifocality, or lymphovascular invasion between the two groups. Although the rate of concomitant carcinoma in situ was higher in laparoscopic cohort, 42.8% versus 10.8% in robotic cohort (P = 0.004). The laparoscopic group had higher blood transfusion rates (50 vs. 13.5%, P = 0.002) and longer median hospital stays (7 vs. 4 days, P = 0.000). The median follow-up time was 21.5 versus 27 months in the laparoscopic and robotic groups. The RA group was significantly better in the achievement of the tetrafecta outcomes. The 5-year urinary bladder recurrence-free survival (UB RFS) and elsewhere RFS between the laparoscopic and robotic cohorts were 65% versus 72% and 56% versus 70%, respectively (P = 0.510 and 0.190). The laparoscopic cohort had worse 5-year cancer-specific survival and overall survival (64% vs. 90% and 58% vs. 74%, P = 0.04 and 0.08). Conclusion: The robotic approach to RNU and BCE has significantly lower transfusion rates, lower hospital stays, and significantly better cancer-specific survival rates.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes following transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a propensity-matched analysis of VCQI database.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcomes following retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPRAPN) and transperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (TPRAPN). METHODS: With this Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative (VCQI) database, study propensity scores were calculated according to the surgical access (TPRAPN and RPRAPN) for the following independent variables, i.e., age, sex, side of the surgery, RENAL nephrometry scores (RNS), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine. The study's primary outcome was the comparison of trifecta between the two groups. RESULTS: In this study, 309 patients who underwent RPRAPN were matched with 309 patients who underwent TPRAPN. The two groups matched well for age, sex, tumor side, polar location of the tumor, RNS, preoperative creatinine and eGFR. Operative time and warm ischemia time were significantly shorter with RPRAPN. Intraoperative blood loss and need for blood transfusion were lower with RPRAPN. There was a significantly higher number of intraoperative complications with RPRAPN. However, there was no difference in the two groups for postoperative complications. Trifecta outcomes were better with RPRAPN (70.2% vs. 53%, p < 0.0001) compared to TPRAPN. We noted no significant change in overall results when controlled for tumor location (anteriorly or posteriorly). The surgical approach, tumor size and RNS were identified as independent predictors of trifecta on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: RPRAPN is associated with superior perioperative outcomes in well-selected patients compared to TPRAPN. However, the data for the retroperitoneal approach were contributed by a few centers with greater experience with this technique, thus limiting the generalizability of the results of this study.

Perioperative outcomes following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcomes following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in patients with age ≥ 70 years to age < 70 years. METHODS: Using Vattikuti Collective quality initiative (VCQI) database for RAPN we compared perioperative outcomes following RAPN between the two age groups. Primary outcome of the study was to compare trifecta outcomes between the two groups. Propensity matching using nearest neighbourhood method was performed with trifecta as primary outcome for sex, body mass index (BMI), solitary kidney, tumor size and Renal nephrometery score (RNS). RESULTS: Group A (age ≥ 70 years) included 461 patients whereas group B included 1932 patients. Before matching the two groups were statistically different for RNS and solitary kidney rates. After propensity matching, the two groups were comparable for baselines characteristics such as BMI, tumor size, clinical symptoms, tumor side, face of tumor, solitary kidney and tumor complexity. Among the perioperative outcome parameters there was no difference between two groups for operative time, blood loss, intraoperative transfusion, intraoperative complications, need for radical nephrectomy, positive margins and trifecta rates. Warm ischemia time was significantly longer in the younger age group (18.1 min vs. 16.3 min, p = 0.003). Perioperative complications were significantly higher in the older age group (11.8% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.041). However, there was no difference between the two groups for major complications. CONCLUSION: RAPN in well-selected elderly patients is associated with comparable trifecta outcomes with acceptable perioperative morbidity.

Perioperative outcomes following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for complex renal masses: A Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database study.

Introduction: Outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) depend on tumor complexity, surgeon experience and patient profile among other variables. We aimed to study the perioperative outcomes of RAPN for patients with complex renal masses using the Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative (VCQI) database that allowed evaluation of multinational data. Methods: From the VCQI, we extracted data for all the patients who underwent RAPN with preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical (PADUA) score of ≥10. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to ascertain predictors of trifecta (absence of complications, negative surgical margins, and warm ischemia times [WIT] <25 min or zero ischemia) outcomes. Results: Of 3,801 patients, 514 with PADUA scores ≥10 were included. The median operative time, WIT, and blood loss were 173 (range 45-546) min, 21 (range 0-55) min, and 150 (range 50-3500) ml, respectively. Intraoperative complications and blood transfusions were reported in 2.1% and 6%, respectively. In 8.8% of the patients, postoperative complications were noted, and surgical margins were positive in 10.3% of the patients. Trifecta could be achieved in 60.7% of patients. Clinical tumor size, duration of surgery, WIT, and complication rates were significantly higher in the group with a high (12 or 13) PADUA score while the trifecta was significantly lower in this group (48.4%). On multivariate analysis, surgical approach (retroperitoneal vs. transperitoneal) and high PADUA score (12/13) were identified as predictors of the trifecta outcomes. Conclusion: RAPN may be a reasonable surgical option for patients with complex renal masses with acceptable perioperative outcomes.

Outcomes in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for imperative vs elective indications.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare peri-operative outcomes of patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for imperative vs elective indications. PATIENT AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a multinational database of 3802 adults who underwent RAPN for elective and imperative indications. Laparoscopic or open partial nephrectomy (PN) were excluded. Baseline data for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score and PADUA score were examined. Patients undergoing RAPN for an imperative indication were matched to those having surgery for an elective indication using propensity scores in a 1:3 ratio. Primary outcomes included organ ischaemic time, operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), rate of blood transfusions, Clavien-Dindo complications, conversion to radical nephrectomy (RN) and positive surgical margin (PSM) status. RESULTS: After propensity-score matching for baseline variables, a total of 304 patients (76 imperative vs 228 elective indications) were included in the final analysis. No significant differences were found between groups for ischaemia time (19.9 vs 19.8 min; P = 0.94), operating time (186 vs 180 min; P = 0.55), EBL (217 vs 190 mL; P = 0.43), rate of blood transfusions (2.7% vs 3.7%; P = 0.51), or Clavien-Dindo complications (P = 0.31). A 38.6% (SD 47.9) decrease in Day-1 postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed in the imperative indication group and an 11.3% (SD 45.1) decrease was observed in the elective indication group (P < 0.005). There were no recorded cases of permanent or temporary dialysis. There were no conversions to RN in the imperative group, and seven conversions (5.6%) in the elective group (P = 0.69). PSMs were seen in 1.4% (1/76) of the imperative group and in 3.3% of the elective group (7/228; P = 0.69). CONCLUSION: We conclude that RAPN is feasible and safe for imperative indications and demonstrates similar outcomes to those achieved for elective indications.

A Walk with Lu-177 PSMA: How Close we Have Reached from Bench to Bedside?

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a natural sequela in advanced prostate cancer following resistance to standard treatment regimes, where patients develop with rising PSA, bone pains, and high disease volume. Further palliative treatment is the need of the hour for ensuring disease control and quality of life. In recent times, many novel methods have been evolved for these patients. Endo-radioligand therapy with Lutetium 177 prostate-specific membrane antigen 617 (Lu-177 PSMA) based on the Theranostic concept has emerged as a promising tool among these. We present here the current status of Lu177-PSMA for mCRPC patient and future directions.

Predicting intra-operative and postoperative consequential events using machine-learning techniques in patients undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative database study.

OBJECTIVE: To predict intra-operative (IOEs) and postoperative events (POEs) consequential to the derailment of the ideal clinical course of patient recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative is a multi-institutional dataset of patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephectomy for kidney tumours. Machine-learning (ML) models were constructed to predict IOEs and POEs using logistic regression, random forest and neural networks. The models to predict IOEs used patient demographics and preoperative data. In addition to these, intra-operative data were used to predict POEs. Performance on the test dataset was assessed using area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) and area under the precision-recall curve (PR-AUC). RESULTS: The rates of IOEs and POEs were 5.62% and 20.98%, respectively. Models for predicting IOEs were constructed using data from 1690 patients and 38 variables; the best model had an AUC-ROC of 0.858 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.762, 0.936) and a PR-AUC of 0.590 (95% CI 0.400, 0.759). Models for predicting POEs were trained using data from 1406 patients and 59 variables; the best model had an AUC-ROC of 0.875 (95% CI 0.834, 0.913) and a PR-AUC 0.706 (95% CI, 0.610, 0.790). CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the ML models in the present study was encouraging. Further validation in a multi-institutional clinical setting with larger datasets would be necessary to establish their clinical value. ML models can be used to predict significant events during and after surgery with good accuracy, paving the way for application in clinical practice to predict and intervene at an opportune time to avert complications and improve patient outcomes.

United in Fight against prOstate cancer (UFO) registry: first results from a large, multi-centre, prospective, longitudinal cohort study of advanced prostate cancer in Asia.

OBJECTIVES: To document the management of advanced prostate cancer including diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and care, in real-world practice in Asia using the United in Fight against prOstate cancer (UFO) registry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We established a multi-national, longitudinal, observational registry of patients with prostate cancer presenting to participating tertiary care hospitals in eight Asian countries. A total of 3636 eligible patients with existing or newly diagnosed high-risk localised prostate cancer (HRL), non-metastatic biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (M0), or metastatic prostate cancer (M1), were consecutively enrolled and are being followed-up for 5 years. Patient history, demographic and disease characteristics, treatment and treatment decisions, were collected at first prostate cancer diagnosis and at enrolment. Patient-reported quality of life was prospectively assessed using the European Quality of Life-five Dimensions, five Levels (EQ-5D-5L) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Prostate Cancer questionnaires. In the present study, we report the first interim analysis of 2063 patients enrolled from study start (15 September 2015) until 18 May 2017. RESULTS: Of the 2063 enrolled patients, 357 (17%), 378 (19%), and 1328 (64%) had HRL, M0 or M1 prostate cancer, respectively. The mean age at first diagnosis was similar in each group, 56% of all patients had extracapsular extension of their tumour, 28% had regional lymph node metastasis, and 53% had distant metastases. At enrolment, 62% of patients had at least one co-morbidity (mainly cardiovascular disease or diabetes), 91.8% of M1 patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of <2 and the mean EQ-5D-5L visual analogue score was 74.6-79.6 across cohorts. Treatment of M1 patients was primarily with combined androgen blockade (58%) or androgen-deprivation therapy (either orchidectomy or luteinising hormone-releasing hormone analogues) (32%). Decisions to start therapy were mainly driven by treatment guidelines and disease progression. Decision to discontinue therapy was most often due to disease progression (hormonal drug therapy) or completion of therapy (chemotherapy). CONCLUSION: In the UFO registry of advanced prostate cancer in Asia, regional differences exist in prostate cancer treatment patterns that will be explored more deeply during the follow-up period; prospective follow-up is ongoing. The UFO registry will provide valuable descriptive data on current disease characteristics and treatment landscape amongst patients with prostate cancer in Asia.

Is 177Lu-PSMA an effective treatment modality for mCRPC patients with bone and visceral metastasis?

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the clinical outcome of lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen (177Lu-PSMA) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients with visceral metastasis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ten patients of mCRPC with visceral metastasis were enrolled for one cycle of 177Lu-PSMA therapy. Number of efficacy and safety parameters, e.g., prostate-specific antigen (PSA), visual analog scale (VAS) and analgesic quantification scale (AQS), hemoglobin (Hb), total leukocytes counts (TLC), platelets, creatinine, & total bilirubin, were assessed and compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The progression-free survival (PFS) curve was computed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was also plotted for 177Lu-PSMA dose. P≤0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Liver (80%), lung (30%), adrenal (10%), and peritoneum (10%) were the sites of visceral metastasis in our study. On PSA response assessment, 10%, 60%, and 30% of the patients had partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease, respectively. Forty percent of the patients had improvement in the VAS, while 50% had improvement in the AQS score. Median PFS was 24 weeks in our study. A cut-off of 4.88GBq of 177Lu-PSMA was the best-predicted progression with 66.67% sensitivity and 100% specificity on ROC analysis. Thirty percent of the patients showed grade 3 anemia. No other significant toxicity was seen. CONCLUSION: Lutetium-177-PSMA was a reasonable palliative treatment option with limited toxicity for these end-stage mCRPC patients with visceral metastasis with adequate PSA stabilization. A synergistic drug amalgamation may be an ideal way to boost the outcome in the future.

Comparing Outcomes of Robotic and Open Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Carcinoma of the Penis.

PURPOSE: We compared outcomes between robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy and open inguinal lymph node dissection in patients without bulky nodal metastasis in a tandem contemporary cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained hospital registry of 51 patients who underwent robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy and 100 treated with open inguinal lymph node dissection from 2012 to 2016 for groins without bulky nodal metastasis and who had a minimum 9-month followup. Complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification, and nodal yield and disease recurrence during followup were assessed. Elastic net regression was used to select variables associated with major complications (Clavien 3a or greater) for multivariable analysis of plausible factors, including patient age, diabetes, body mass index, smoking, nodal stage, surgery type, sartorius transposition, saphenous vein transection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Penalized likelihood logistic regression methods were used for multivariate analysis to ascertain final effect sizes while accounting for sparse data bias. RESULTS: Robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy and open inguinal lymph node dissection had comparable median lymph node yields (13 vs 12.5). No patient experienced recurrence during the median followup of 40 months. Robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy was associated with significantly lower hospital stay, days needing a drain in situ, incidence of major complications, edge necrosis, flap necrosis and severe limb edema. On multivariable analysis pathological nodal stage (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-6.8, p = 0.027) and open inguinal lymph node dissection (OR 7.5, 95% CI 1.3-43, p = 0.024) emerged as independent risk factors associated with an increased risk of major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy is a feasible technique which allows for a similar nodal yield while being associated with lower morbidity than open inguinal lymph node dissection in patients without bulky groin adenopathy.

Is robot-assisted radical cystectomy superior to standard open radical cystectomy? An Indian perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Open radical cystectomy (ORC) has been the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but this is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has been proposed as minimally invasive alternative with improved morbidity and acceptable oncological outcomes, but a large series featuring RARC and their comparison with ORC is still lacking in India despite more than a decade of its inception. We have conducted this study with an objective to see the feasibility of RARC in the Indian context and compare it with contemporary standard. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study conducted at two tertiary cancer institutes. We have evaluated the patients pertaining to operative and early post-operative factors from January 2014 to December 2015. Necessary statistical tests applied to see comparability of the arms and their outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients underwent surgery for carcinoma bladder (45 ORC while 125 RARC). Intraoperative blood loss (RARC and ORC: 228 and 529 ml) and average transfusion rate were lower with RARC. A trend towards benefit was noted in favour of robotic arm in terms of mean complication rate (RARC and ORC: 54 and 39%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study has shown comparable surgical and early post-operative outcomes with clear advantage of robotic approach in terms of intraoperative blood transfusion and lymph node yield. Although the study was non-randomised in nature, it should provide substantial evidence on safety and feasibility of RARC in the Indian context and a reference point of evidence to look ahead.

Association of SNPs/haplotypes in promoter of TNF A and IL-10 gene together with life style factors in prostate cancer progression in Indian population.

OBJECTIVE: Levels of proinflammatory (TNF A) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines play a key role in the progression of inflammation as well as cancer disease. We were investigating the potential association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)/haplotypes in proinflammatory (TNF A) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines locus with the development of PCa in Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We had genotyped 235 BPH/PCa samples (130 BPH and 105 cancer) along with 115 control samples for proinflammatory (TNF A -238G/A and -308G/A) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 -1082A/G, -819C/T and -592C/A) cytokines SNPs in the gene promoter region using ARMS-PCR method. RESULTS: Allelic frequencies of TNF A and IL-10 SNPs were found to be significantly associated with the risk of prostate cancer and BPH when compared to controls (p = 0.05). Further haplotypic analysis showed that two haplotypes of TNF A (AG and AA) and IL-10 gene (CCG and CTG) were serving as risk haplotypes for prostate cancer development. IL-10 risk haplotypes were found to be positively associated with aggressiveness of prostate cancer. We also noticed successively increasing percentage of TNF A and IL-10 risk haplotypes with life style habits like smoking (10 and 26%) and alcohol consuming (9 and 27%). CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, TNF A -238G>A and IL-10 -1082A>G, -819C>T and -592C>A may be associated with the development of prostate cancer and BPH. We could also notice higher frequency of TNF A and IL-10 risk haplotypes in smoker and alcohol user. Interestingly, IL-10 risk haplotype was positively associated with aggressiveness of tumor. This information can be used for the early diagnosis of disease and to improve tissue-specific treatment's efficacy which will be moving ultimately towards the discovery of personalized therapy.

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Synchronous Endometrial and Ovarian Cancers-A Single-Institute Review of 43 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of our study were to demonstrate the clinicopathological characteristics and determine the prognostic factors for women with synchronous primary cancers of the endometrium and ovary. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 43 pathologically proven cases of synchronous primary endometrial and ovarian cancers diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2015 was carried out. Patients with uterine sarcomas, carcinosarcomas, borderline tumors, and nonepithelial tumors of the ovary and patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded from the study. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis to determine independent prognostic factors was performed using the Cox regression model. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 48.49 years. The most common presenting symptom was abnormal uterine bleeding in 58.2% of the patients. Nineteen patients (44.2%) were obese, and 13 patients (30.2%) were overweight. Twelve patients (30%) were nulliparous, and 25 (58.2%) were premenopausal; 76.7% of the patients received adjuvant treatment after surgery. Mean follow-up period was 48.9 months. Twelve patients developed recurrence, and 7 patients died of recurrent disease. The 5-year DFS for all patients was 65.13%, and the 5-year OS was 79.75%. The 118-month DFS and 118-month OS were 65.13% and 72.50%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, grade 3 disease for both endometrial and ovarian cancers and presence of lymphovascular space invasion were associated with significantly worse 118-month DFS and OS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Women with synchronous primary endometrial and ovarian cancers are young, nulliparous, obese, and premenopausal and have a favorable overall prognosis. Grade 3 disease at both sites and presence of lymphovascular space invasion are independent prognostic factors for recurrence and survival, respectively.

Robotic-Assisted Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy in Carcinoma Vulva: Our Experiences and Intermediate Results.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the technique of robotic-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (R-VEIL) in patients with carcinoma vulva and discuss the advantages of the technique and oncological outcome. METHODS: Twelve patients of squamous cell cancer of vulva underwent 22 R-VEIL procedures from February 2011 to February 2015. Their preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 61 years (range, 32-78 years). The mean operative time was 69.3 minutes (range, 45-95 minutes). The mean blood loss was 30 mL (range, 15-50 mL). No intraoperative complication was observed. The mean drain output was 119 mL (range, 50-250 mL), and the drains were removed at a mean of 13.9 days (range, 8-38 days). The average number of superficial and deep inguinofemoral lymph nodes retrieved was 11 (range, 4-26). Two patients had positive lymph nodes on histopathology (16.67%). Postoperative complications were lymphocele (6 groins), chronic lower limb lymphedema (6 cases), prolonged lymphorrhea (1 groin), and cellulitis (2 groins). Over a follow-up period ranging from 7 to 67 months, 1 patient developed recurrence in the inguinal nodes and died 7 months after the recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The R-VEIL allows the removal of inguinal lymph nodes within the same limits as the open procedure for inguinal lymph node dissection and has a potential to reduce the surgical morbidity associated with the open procedure. Long-term oncological results are not available though our initial results appear promising. Prospective multi-institutional studies are required to prove its efficacy over open inguinal lymph node dissection.

Risk stratification and staging in prostate cancer with prostatic specific membrane antigen PET/CTObjective: A one-stop-shop.

OBJECTIVE: Current imaging modalities for prostate cancer (PC) had limitations for risk stratification and staging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently underestimated lymphatic metastasis while bone scintigraphy often had diagnostic dilemmas. Prostatic specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) has been remarkable in diagnosing PC recurrence and staging. We hypothesized it can become one-stop-shop for initial risk stratification and staging. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Ninety seven PSMA PET-CT studies were re analysed for tumor node metastases (TNM) staging and risk stratification of lymphatic and distant metastases proportion. The histopathology of 23/97 patients was available as gold standard. Chi-square test was used for proportion comparison. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), over-estimation, under-estimation and correct-estimation of T and N stages were calculated. Cohen's kappa coefficient (k) was derived for inter-rater agreement. RESULTS: Lymphic or distant metastases detection on PSMA PET/CT increased significantly with increase in risk category. PSMA PET/CT sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for extra prostatic extension (EPE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and lymphatic metastases were 63.16%, 100%, 100%, 36.36% & 55%, 100%, 100%, 25% and 65.62%, 99.31%, 87.50%, 97.53%, respectively. Cohen's kappa coefficient showed substantial agreement between PSMA PET/CT and histopathological lymphic metastases (κ 0.734) however, it was just in fair agreement (κ 0.277) with T stage. PSMA PET/CT over-estimated, under-estimated and correct-estimated T and N stages in 8.71%, 39.13%, 52.17% and 8.71%, 4.35%, 86.96% cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: We found that PSMA PET/CT has potential for initial risk stratifications with reasonable correct estimation for N stage. However, it can underestimate T stage. Hence, we suggest that PSMA PET/CT should be used for staging and initial risk stratification of PC as one-stop-shop with regional MRI in surgically resectable cases.