Obesity and Complication Risk From Radical Cystectomy: Identifying a Body Mass Index Threshold.

PURPOSE: There are conflicting reports regarding radical cystectomy complication risk from obesity subcategories, and a BMI threshold below which complication risk is notably reduced is undefined. A BMI threshold may be helpful in prehabilitation to aid patient counseling and inform weight loss strategies to potentially mitigate obesity-associated complication risk. This study aims to identify such a threshold and further investigate the association between BMI subcategories and perioperative complications from radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the Canadian Bladder Cancer Information System, a prospective registry across 14 academic centers. Five hundred and eighty-nine patients were analyzed. Perioperative (≤90 days) complications were compared between BMI subcategories. Unconditional multivariable logistic regression and cubic spline analysis were performed to determine the association between BMI and complication risk and identify a BMI threshold. RESULTS: Perioperative complications were reported in 51 (30%), 97 (43%), and 85 (43%) normal, overweight, and obese patients (P = .02). BMI was independently associated with developing any complication (OR 1.04 95% CI 1.01, 1.07). Predicted complication risk began to rise consistently above a BMI threshold of 34 kg/m2. Both overweight (OR 2.00 95% CI 1.26-3.17) and obese (OR 1.98 95% CI 1.24-3.18) patients had increased risk of complications compared to normal BMI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Complication risk from radical cystectomy is independently associated with BMI. Both overweight and obese patients are at increased risk compared to normal BMI patients. A BMI threshold of 34 kg/m2 has been identified, which may inform prehabilitation treatment strategies.

Prospective quality-of-life outcomes for low-risk prostate cancer: Active surveillance versus radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: For patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa), active surveillance (AS) may produce oncologic outcomes comparable to those achieved with radical prostatectomy (RP). Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes are important to consider, yet few studies have examined HRQoL among patients with PCa who were managed with AS. In this study, the authors compared longitudinal HRQoL in a prospective, racially diverse, and contemporary cohort of patients who underwent RP or AS for low-risk PCa. METHODS: Beginning in 2007, HRQoL data from validated questionnaires (the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and the 36-item RAND Medical Outcomes Study short-form survey) were collected by the Center for Prostate Disease Research in a multicenter national database. Patients aged ≤75 years who were diagnosed with low-risk PCa and elected RP or AS for initial disease management were followed for 3 years. Mean scores were estimated using generalized estimating equations adjusting for baseline HRQoL, demographic characteristics, and clinical patient characteristics. RESULTS: Of the patients with low-risk PCa, 228 underwent RP, and 77 underwent AS. Multivariable analysis revealed that patients in the RP group had significantly worse sexual function, sexual bother, and urinary function at all time points compared with patients in the AS group. Differences in mental health between groups were below the threshold for clinical significance at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, no differences in mental health outcomes were observed, but urinary and sexual HRQoL were worse for patients who underwent RP compared with those who underwent AS for up to 3 years. These data offer support for the management of low-risk PCa with AS as a means for postponing the morbidity associated with RP without concomitant declines in mental health.

Transperineal Template Guided Prostate Biopsy Selects Candidates for Active Surveillance--How Many Cores are Enough?

PURPOSE: Most prostate cancer active surveillance protocols recommend a confirmatory biopsy within 3 to 6 months of diagnosis. Transperineal template guided biopsy is an approach to improve the detection of high grade prostate cancer. However, to our knowledge the optimal technique is unknown. We evaluated the relative performance of 2 transperineal template guided biopsy approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approved prospective databases at Virginia Mason and University of Michigan were used. Men eligible for active surveillance based on initial 12-core biopsy demonstrating NCCN® guideline low risk prostate cancer were included in study. All men underwent confirmatory transperineal template guided biopsy between 2005 and 2014, and within 6 months of diagnosis. The biopsy technique was based on a 24-core template with 12 anterior and 12 posterior cores or a template based on gland volume with an average of 1 core per cc. Outcome comparisons were made by the chi-square and Fisher exact tests, the Welch t-test and linear regression. RESULTS: Of the 135 men 46 underwent 24-core biopsy and 89 underwent volume based biopsy (median 62 cores). No statistically significant difference was noted in the prevalence of upgrading (35% vs 29%, p = 0.64) or complications (9% vs 16%, p = 0.38) between the 24-core and volume based groups. The difference in the probability of upgrading by volume based biopsy adjusted for age, prostate specific antigen, prostate volume, clinical stage and number of prior biopsies was -4% (95% CI -24 to 14%, p = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: A significant difference was not detected in upgrading or morbidity between a 24-core template and a more exhaustive volume based template. A less invasive 24-core transperineal template guided biopsy strategy may suffice to accurately identify men who are appropriate for active surveillance.

Open cystolithotomy for very large calculi in a Studer ileal neobladder.

Orthotopic ileal neobladder has been frequently performed as urinary diversion after cystectomy over the last decades. We report an unusual complication of very large calculi in a Studer ileal neobladder. Due to its size, open cystolithotomy was performed.

Benefit of Neoadjuvant Cisplatin-based Chemotherapy for Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients Treated with Radiation-based Therapy in a Real-world Setting: An Inverse Probability Treatment Weighted Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) improves survival for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with radical cystectomy. Studies on the potential benefit of NAC before radiation-based therapy (RT) are conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of NAC on patients with MIBC treated with curative-intent RT in a real-world setting. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The study cohort consisted of 785 patients with MIBC (cT2-4aN0-2M0) who underwent RT at academic centers across Canada. Patients were classified into two treatment groups based on the administration of NAC before RT (NAC vs no NAC). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) with absolute standardized differences (ASDs) was used to balance covariates across treatment groups. The impact of NAC on complete response, overall, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) after RT in the weighted cohort was analyzed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: After applying the exclusion criteria, 586 patients were included; 102 (17%) received NAC before RT. Patients in the NAC subgroup were younger (mean age 65 vs 77 yr; ASD 1.20); more likely to have Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1 (87% vs 78%; ASD 0.28), lymphovascular invasion (32% vs 20%; ASD 0.27), higher cT stage (cT3-4 in 29% vs 20%; ASD 0.21), and higher cN stage (cN1-2 in 32% vs 4%; ASD 0.81); and more commonly treated with concurrent chemotherapy (79% vs 67%; ASD 0.28). After IPTW, NAC versus no NAC cohorts were well balanced (ASD <0.20) for all included covariates. NAC was significantly associated with improved CSS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.56; p < 0.001) and overall survival (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.38-0.84; p = 0.005). This study was limited by potential occult imbalances across treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: If tolerated, NAC might be associated with improved survival and should be considered for eligible patients with MIBC planning to undergo bladder preservation with RT. Prospective trials are warranted. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study, we showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy might be associated with improved survival in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who elect for curative-intent radiation-based therapy.

Effect of nodal metastases on cancer-specific mortality after cytoreductive nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Relatively few reports have described the outcomes of patients with node-positive renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the presence of distant metastases. We examined the outcomes of these patients in a large population-based cohort and examined the ability of standard risk factors to predict cancer-specific mortality (CSM). METHODS: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, 1415 RCC patients with distant metastases undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy (CNT) were identified. Univariable and multivariable analyses addressed CSM to identify independent predictors of CSM. First, the effect of nodal disease on CSM and overall mortality (OM) was estimated in patients with metastatic disease (N0M1 vs. N1M1). Then, we examined the effect of the number of removed nodes and the number of positive nodes on CSM to quantify the effect on mortality, if any, of the increasing burden of nodal disease. RESULTS: Actuarial survival estimates demonstrated that for patients with nodal disease 40.2, 23.5 and 11.5 % of patients survived at 12, 24 and 60 months after nephrectomy. In Kaplan-Meier analyses, patients with N1M1 disease had a significantly worse CSM when compared to patients with N0M1 disease (log rank p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, N1M1 had a 68 and 69 % increase in CSM and OM (vs. N0M1 disease) while, for every additional positive node, CSM and OM increased by 5.1 and 5.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing CNT, the burden of nodal disease is an independent predictor of CSM, with an incremental effect of every additional positive node.

Radiation-based Therapy for Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: Contemporary Outcomes Across Tertiary Centers.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy (RT) is an alternative to radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). OBJECTIVE: To analyze predictors of complete response (CR) and survival after RT for MIBC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a multicenter retrospective study of 864 patients with nonmetastatic MIBC who underwent curative-intent RT from 2002 to 2018. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Regression models were used to explore prognostic factors associated with CR, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median patient age was 77 yr and median follow-up was 34 mo. Disease stage was cT2 in 675 patients (78%) and cN0 in 766 (89%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was given to 147 patients (17%) and concurrent chemotherapy to 542 (63%). A CR was experienced by 592 patients (78%). cT3-4 stage (odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-0.63; p < 0.001) and hydronephrosis (OR 0.50, 95% CI 034-0.74; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with lower CR. The 5-yr survival rates were 63% for CSS and 49% for OS. Higher cT stage (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.46-2.56; p < 0.001), carcinoma in situ (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.25-3.53; p = 0.005), hydronephrosis (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.79-3.10; p < 0.001), NAC use (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46-0.95; p = 0.025), and whole-pelvis RT (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.86; p = 0.002) were independently associated with CSS; advanced age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05; p = 0.001), worse performance status (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.34-2.22; p < 0.001), hydronephrosis (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17-1.91; p = 0.001), NAC use (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.97; p = 0.033), whole-pelvis RT (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.51-0.80; p < 0.001), and being surgically unfit (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.12-1.80; p = 0.004) were associated with OS. The study is limited by the heterogeneity of different treatment protocols. CONCLUSIONS: RT for MIBC yields a CR in most patients who elect for curative-intent bladder preservation. The benefit of NAC and whole-pelvis RT require prospective trial validation. PATIENT SUMMARY: We investigated outcomes for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with curative-intent radiation therapy as an alternative to surgical removal of the bladder. The benefit of chemotherapy before radiotherapy and whole-pelvis radiation (bladder plus the pelvis lymph nodes) needs further study.

Leapfrog volume thresholds and perioperative complications after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The authors explored the effect of Leapfrog volume thresholds (LVTs) on 5 short-term radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes. METHODS: Within the Health Care Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), the authors focused on RPs performed within the 7 most contemporary years (2001-2007). They tested rates of in-hospital mortality, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and blood transfusions as well as the mean length of stay (LOS), stratified according to the number of LVTs that were met. Multivariable regression analyses were adjusted further for potential confounders. RESULTS: Overall, 36.2%, 17.3%, 14.9%, 15.7%, 12.9%, and 3% of RPs were performed at institutions that reached 0 LVT, 1 LVT, 2 LVTs, 3 LVTs, 4 LVTs, and 5 LVTs, respectively. Relative to patients who underwent RP at institutions that reached 0 LVTs, patients who underwent RP at institutions that reached 5 LVTs had fewer comorbidities, were younger, were more likely to hold private insurance, and were more likely to undergo concomitant pelvic lymphadenectomy (all P < .001). In multivariable analyses adjusted for hospital volume (HV), age, race, year of surgery, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hospital region and location, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and insurance status, LVT status was related inversely to LOS and the likelihood of receiving blood transfusions (both P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that LVTs can provide a highly accurate prediction of the probability of 2 important, detrimental, short-term outcomes after RP, even after accounting for HV. The benefit at institutions that meet LVTs may exceed that at other institutions when short-term RP outcomes are considered. This observation should be taken into consideration when treatment decisions are made, especially because most RPs were performed at institutions that did not meet any LVTs.

Improvement of racial disparities with respect to the utilization of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Race represents an established barrier to health care access in the United States and elsewhere. We examined whether race affects the utilization rate of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (MIRP) in a population-based sample of individuals from the United States. METHODS: Within the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), we focused on patients in whom MIRP and open radical prostatectomy (ORP) were performed between 2001 and 2007. We assessed the proportions and temporal trends in race distributions between MIRP and ORP. Multivariable logistic regression analyses further adjusted for age, year of surgery, baseline Charlson Comorbidity Index, annual hospital caseload tertiles, hospital region, insurance status, and median zip code income. RESULTS: Of 65,148 radical prostatectomies, 3581 (5.5%) were MIRPs. African Americans accounted for 11.4% of patients versus 78.8% for Caucasians versus 9.9% for others. Between 2001 and 2007, the annual proportions of Caucasian patients treated with MIRP were 2.2%, 0.9%, 2.6%, 7.2%, 4.7%, 9.3%, and 11.6%, respectively (chi-square trend p<0.001). For the same years in African American patients, the proportions were 0.8, 0.3, 1.4, 4.4, 3.5, 9.0 and 8.4% (chi-square trend P < .001). In multivariable analyses relative to Caucasian patients, African American patients were 14% less likely to undergo MIRP (P = .01). After period stratification between years 2001-2005 versus 2006-2007, African Americans were 22% less likely to undergo a MIRP in the early period (P = .007) versus 11% less likely to have a MIRP in the contemporary period (P = .1). CONCLUSIONS: The racial discrepancies in MIRP utilization rates are gradually improving.

Hospital volume is a determinant of postoperative complications, blood transfusion and length of stay after radical or partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We examined the impact of hospital volume on short-term outcomes after nephrectomy for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample we identified 48,172 patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nephrectomy (1998 to 2007). Postoperative complications, blood transfusions, prolonged length of stay and in-hospital mortality were examined. Stratification was performed according to teaching status, nephrectomy type (partial vs radical nephrectomy) and surgical approach (open vs laparoscopic). Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS: Patients treated at high volume centers were younger and healthier at nephrectomy. High hospital volume predicted lower blood transfusion rates (8.5% vs 9.7% vs 11.8%), postoperative complications (14.4% vs 16.6% vs 17.2%) and shorter length of stay (43.1% vs 49.8% vs 54.0%, all p <0.001). In multivariable analyses stratified according to teaching status, nephrectomy type and surgical approach, high hospital volume was an independent predictor of lower rates of postoperative complications (OR 0.73-0.88), blood transfusions (OR 0.71-0.78) and prolonged length of stay (OR 0.76-0.89, all p <0.001). Exceptions were postoperative complications at nonteaching centers (OR 0.94, p >0.05) and blood transfusions in nephrectomies performed laparoscopically (OR 0.68, p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: On average, high hospital volume results in more favorable outcomes during hospitalization after nephrectomy.

Survival benefit of radical prostatectomy in patients with localized prostate cancer: estimations of the number needed to treat according to tumor and patient characteristics.

PURPOSE: The benefit of active treatment for prostate cancer is a subject of continuous debate. We assessed the relationship between treatment type (radical prostatectomy vs observation) and cancer specific mortality in a large, population based cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the records of 44,694 patients treated with radical prostatectomy or observation between 1992 and 2005 in the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare linked database. Patients were matched by propensity score. Competing risks analysis was done to test the effect of treatment type on cancer specific mortality after accounting for other cause mortality. The number needed to treat was calculated. All analysis was stratified by prostate cancer risk group, baseline Charlson comorbidity index and patient age. RESULTS: For patients treated with radical prostatectomy vs observation the 10-year cancer specific mortality rate was 5.2% vs 12.8% for high risk prostate cancer, 1.4% vs 3.8% for low-intermediate risk prostate cancer, 2.4% vs 5.8% for a Charlson comorbidity index of 0, 2.3% vs 6.4% for a comorbidity index of 1, 2.5% vs 5.4% for a comorbidity index of 2 or greater, 2.0% vs 4.6% at ages 65 to 69, 2.6% vs 5.6% at ages 70 to 74 and 2.7% vs 8.1% at ages 75 to 80 years (each p <0.001). The corresponding number need to treat was 13, 42, 29, 24, 34, 38, 33 and 19, respectively. On multivariable analysis radical prostatectomy was an independent predictor of more favorable cancer specific mortality in all categories (each p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high risk prostate cancer benefit the most from radical prostatectomy. The lowest benefit was observed in patients with low-intermediate risk prostate cancer. An intermediate benefit was observed when patients were classified by Charlson comorbidity index and age category.

Discharge patterns after radical cystectomy: contemporary trends in the United States.

PURPOSE: Discharge patterns, including rates of prolonged length of stay and transfer to a facility, were evaluated in the context of radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample we focused on radical cystectomy performed between 1998 and 2007. Multivariable logistic regression analyses predicting the likelihood of prolonged length of stay or transfer to a facility were performed. RESULTS: Overall 11,876 eligible radical cystectomy cases were identified. The rates of prolonged length of stay decreased from 59% in the early period (1998 to 2001) to 50% in the late period (2005 to 2007, p<0.001) while the rates of transfer to a facility remained stable (14%). On multivariable analyses adjusted for clustering, prolonged length of stay was more frequently recorded in patients from low annual caseload hospitals (OR 1.42, p<0.001), as well as in Medicaid and Medicare patients (OR 1.66 and 1.17, respectively, all p<0.01). Similarly rates of transfer to a facility were significantly higher for patients from low annual caseload hospitals (OR 1.81, p<0.001) and for those with Medicaid or Medicare (OR 2.18 and 1.54, respectively, all p<0.001), as well as for patients treated at nonacademic institutions (OR 1.31, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is encouraging that the rates of prolonged length of stay have decreased while the rates of transfer to a facility remained stable. However, it is worrisome that individuals treated at low annual caseload centers as well as those with Medicare and Medicaid insurance experience less favorable discharge patterns.

Prognostic value of extranodal extension and other lymph node parameters in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We assessed the prognostic value of extranodal extension and other lymph node parameters in a large multicenter cohort of patients with lymph node metastasis after radical nephroureterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 222 patients with lymph node metastasis treated with radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma without neoadjuvant therapy. Each lymph node metastasis was microscopically evaluated for extranodal extension. RESULTS: A median of 4 lymph nodes (IQR 8) was removed. Two lymph nodes (IQR 2) were positive. Lymph node density was 51.3% (IQR 71.7%). Overall 110 patients (49.5%) had extranodal extension, which was associated with more advanced pT stage (p = 0.026). On multivariable analysis extranodal extension was associated with disease recurrence (p = 0.01) and cancer specific mortality (p = 0.013). When stratified by a 30% cutoff, lymph node density was associated with disease recurrence and cancer specific mortality on univariable but not multivariable analysis (p = 0.048 and 0.049, respectively). Adding extranodal extension to a multivariable model including pT stage and tumor architecture improved predictive accuracy for disease recurrence from 70.3% to 74.5% (p <0.001). Adding extranodal extension to a multivariable model including age, pT stage and tumor architecture improved predictive accuracy for cancer specific mortality from 70.6% to 74.4% (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Extranodal extension is a powerful predictor of clinical outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma with lymph node metastasis. While other lymph node parameters seem to have limited clinical value, extranodal extension could help risk stratify patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma and lymph node metastasis for better counseling and clinical trial design.

Development and validation of a reference table for prediction of postoperative mortality rate in patients treated with radical cystectomy: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: The existing literature suggests that the postoperative mortality (POM) rate in radical cystectomy (RC) patients does not exceed 3%. We sought to develop and externally validate a reference table that quantifies POM after RC. METHODS: We identified 12,274 patients treated with RC, between 1998 and 2007, within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. A total of 6188 (50.4%) randomly selected patients was used as the development cohort. Logistic regression analysis for prediction of POM adjusted for: age, sex, race, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), urinary diversion type, year of surgery, annual hospital caseload, location/teaching status of hospital, region and bed size of hospital. The reference table was developed by using stepwise variable removal to identify the most accurate and parsimonious model. The model was externally validated in 6086 (49.6%) patients. RESULTS: POM occurred in 2.4% of patients. POM proportion increased with increasing age (≤59: 0.6% vs. 60-69: 1.6% vs. 70-79: 3.1% vs. ≥80: 4.6%, P < 0.001), and higher CCI (CCI 0: 1.7% vs. CCI 1: 3.0% vs. CCI 2: 4.2% vs. CCI 3: 4.3% vs. CCI ≥ 4: 12.1%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, only age and CCI remained as independent predictors of POM, after stepwise variable removal. The discrimination accuracy of the reference table in predicting POM was 70%. CONCLUSIONS: Age and CCI represent the foremost determinants of POM after RC. The developed reference table is capable of predicting POM after RC, in an individualized fashion. The accuracy of the model is good (70%), and it is highly generalizable.

Treatment management of small renal masses in the 21st century: a paradigm shift.

BACKGROUND: Partial (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) represents the standard of care for patients with small renal masses. Active surveillance (AS) also may be considered. We examined the rates of PN, RN, and AS within a contemporary population-based cohort. METHODS: Using the surveillance, epidemiology and end results database, we identified 26,468 patients diagnosed with T1aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma, between years 1988 and 2008. Determinants of PN and AS were assessed using logistic regression analyses within surgically managed patients and within the entire cohort, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 8,966 (34%), 14,705 (56%), and 2,797 (11%) patients underwent PN, RN, and AS, respectively. The rate of PN increased (4.7% in 1988 to 40.4% in 2008, P<0.001), whereas the rate of RN decreased over time (92.9% in 1988 to 41.4% in 2008, P<0.001). The rate of AS increased over time (2.4% in 1988 to 18.2% in 2008, P<0.001). In multivariable analyses, the determinants for PN consisted of more contemporary year of diagnosis, younger patient age, male gender, Caucasian race, married status, and decreasing tumor size (all P≤0.003). The determinants of AS consisted of more contemporary year of diagnosis, more advanced age, male gender, decreasing tumor size, and unmarried marital status (all P≤0.001). Regional differences for management of localized RCC were detected. CONCLUSIONS: It is encouraging that PN rates have increased in an eightfold fashion. Moreover, a fivefold increase was recorded for AS. These figures show a paradigm shift in the management of small renal masses.

Stage-specific impact of pelvic lymph node dissection on survival in patients with non-metastatic bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of stage-specific pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) on cancer-specific (CSM) and overall mortality (OM) rates at radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. METHODS: Overall, 11,183 patients were treated with RC within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses tested the effect of PLND on CSM and OM rates, after stratifying according to pathological tumour stage. RESULTS: Overall, PLND was omitted in 25% of patients, and in 50, 35, 27, 16 and 23% of patients with respectively pTa/is, pT1, pT2, pT3 and pT4 disease (P < 0.001). For the same stages, the 10-year CSM-free rates for patients undergoing PLND compared with those with no PLND were, respectively, 80 vs 71.9% (P = 0.02), 81.7 vs 70.0% (P < 0.001), 71.5 vs 56.1% (P = 0.001), 43.7 vs 38.8% (P = 0.006), and 35.1 vs 32.0% (P = 0.1). In multivariable analyses, PLND omission was associated with a higher CSM in patients with pTa/is, pT1 and pT2 disease (all P ≤ 0.01), but failed to achieve independent predictor status in patients with pT3 and pT4 disease (both P ≥ 0.05). Omitting PLND predisposed to a higher OM across all tumour stages (all P ≤ 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that PLND was more frequently omitted in patients with organ-confined disease. The beneficial effect of PLND on cancer control outcomes was more evident in these patients than in those with pT3 or pT4 disease. PLND at RC should always be considered, regardless of tumour stage.

Node-positive renal cell carcinoma in the absence of distant metastases: predictors of cancer-specific mortality in a population-based cohort.

UNLABELLED: Nodal metastases, even in the absence of distant metastases, portend a bad prognosis. The percentage of positive nodes (PPN) represents an important predictor of cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in patients in the group T(any) N(1) M(0) . In consequence, universal inclusion of PPN should be considered in prospective and retrospective CSM analyses. OBJECTIVES: To examine the outcomes of patients with node-positive renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the absence of distant metastases in a large population-based cohort of patients To examine the ability of standard risk factors to predict cancer-specific mortality (CSM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, a total of 799 patients with RCC nodal metastases and absence of distant metastases undergoing nephrectomy were identified. Univariable and multivariable analyses was performed with the aim of identifying independent predictors of CSM in this cohort of patients. Specifically, we examined the effect of the number of removed nodes (NRN), the number of positive nodes (NPN) and the percentage of positive nodes (PPN) on CSM. RESULTS: Actuarial survival estimates showed that 53.2, 37.8 and 25.7% of patients survived at 24, 60 and 120 months after nephrectomy. In Kaplan-Meier analyses, NRN failed to clearly discriminate between recorded CSM rates (log rank P = 0.07). Discrimination was noted when CSM was stratified according to NPN (log rank P = 0.02) and PPN (log rank P = 0.001). In multivariable analyses, age, Fuhrman grade, histological subtype, T stage and PPN were independent predictors of CSM. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that CSM of patients with exclusive nodal metastases differs according to PPN. Consequently, PPN warrants consideration in future prognostic schemes.

Survival after radical cystectomy of non-bilharzial squamous cell carcinoma vs urothelial carcinoma: a competing-risks analysis.

OBJECTIVES: • To test the effect of histological subtype (NBSCC vs UC) on cancer-specific mortality (CSM), after adjusting for other-cause mortality (OCM). • In Western countries, non-bilharzial squamous cell carcinoma (NBSCC) is the second most common histological subtype in bladder cancer (BCa) after urothelial carcinoma (UC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: • We identified 12,311 patients who were treated with radical cystectomy (RC) between 1988 and 2006, within 17 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries. • Univariable and multivariable competing-risks analyses tested the relationship between histological subtype and CSM, after accounting for OCM. • Covariates consisted of age, sex, year of surgery, race, pathological T and N stages, as well as tumour grade. RESULTS: • Histological subtype was NBSCC in 614 (5%) patients vs UC in 11,697 (95%) patients. • At RC, the rate of non-organ confined (NOC) BCa was higher in NBSCC patients than in their UC counterparts (71.7% vs 52.2%; P < 0.001). • After adjustment for OCM, The 5-year cumulative CSM rates were 25.0% vs 19.8% (P= 0.2) for patients with NBSCC vs UC organ confined (OC) BCa, respectively. The same rates were 46.3% vs 49.3% in patients with NOC BCa (P= 0.1). • In multivariable competing-risks analyses, histological subtype (NBSCC vs UC) failed to achieve independent predictor status of CSM in patients with OC (hazard ratio, 1.2; P= 0.06) or NOC BCa (hazard ratio, 1.1; P= 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: • At RC, the rate of NOC BCa is higher in NBSCC patients than in their UC counterparts. • Despite a more advanced stage at surgery, NBSCC histological subtype is not associated with a less favourable CSM than UC histological subtype, after accounting for OCM and the extent of the disease (OC vs NOC).

Prospective randomized trial of barbed polyglyconate suture to facilitate vesico-urethral anastomosis during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: time reduction and cost benefit.

UNLABELLED: Study Type - RCT (randomized trial) Level of Evidence 2b. What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? In a previous randomized controlled trial, barbed polyglyconate suture for vesico-urethral anastomosis was associated with more frequent cystogram leaks, longer mean catheterization times and greater suture costs per case. In the current randomized controlled trial, we show that barbed polyglyconate suture is associated with decreased anastomosis time, decreased need to readjust suture tension, cost reduction, and equal continence and early/late urinary complication rates. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of barbed polyglyconate suture (V-Loc 180; Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) compared with standard monofilament for posterior reconstruction (PR) and vesico-urethral anastomosis (VUA) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in 70 consecutive RARP cases by a single surgeon (K.C.Z.). Standard VUA was performed using three 4-0 poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl; Ethicon Endosurgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA) sutures secured with absorbable suture clips (LapraTy, Ethicon; one single 6-inch [15.2 cm] for PR and two attached 6-inch [15.2 cm] for VUA). Barbed suture VUA was performed using two 3-0 6-inch (15.2 cm) barbed polyglyconate sutures. Time to complete the suture set-up by the nursing team, anastomosis time and need to adjust suture tension were recorded. Suture-related complications, validated-questionnaire continence and cost were also examined. RESULTS: Compared with a conventional reconstruction technique, there was a significant reduction in mean nurse set-up time (31 vs. 294 s; P < 0.01) and reconstruction time (13.1 vs. 20.8 min; P < 0.01) for the barbed suture technique. Need to readjust suture tension or to place additional suture clips for watertight closure was greater in the standard monofilament group than in the barbed suture group (6% vs. 24%; P= 0.03). • A cost reduction was recorded at our institution (48.05 vs. 70.25 $CAN) with the barbed suture technique. • With a mean follow-up of 6.2 months, no delayed anastomotic leak or bladder neck contracture was observed in either group. • Pad-free continence outcomes for the monofilament suture vs the barbed suture groups at 1 (64 vs. 69%, P= 0.6), 3 (76 vs. 81%, P= 0.5) and 6 months (88 vs. 92%, P= 0.7) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: • Compared with standard monofilament suture, the unidirectional barbed polyglyconate suture appears to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective PR and VUA during RARP. • Use of the interlocked barbed polyglyconate suture technique prevents slippage, precluding the need for assistance, knot-tying and constant reassessment of anastomosis integrity.

Higher perioperative morbidity and in-hospital mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing nephrectomy for non-metastatic kidney cancer: a population-based analysis.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Patients with renal failure more frequently harbour RCC due to predisposing factors such as cystic disease of the kidney. The benefit of nephrectomy might be outweighed by adverse perioperative events, however, which may be more prevalent in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In a population-based study focusing on patients after non-elective colorectal surgery, patients with ESRD had an increased risk of mortality and complications. To date, small-scale studies have reported complication rates in patients with ESRD after nephrectomy for RCC with conflicting results. However, no formal contemporary analysis has been compiled within a nephrectomy cohort of adequate size. The present population-based case-control study showed that patients with ESRD are at substantially higher risk of in-hospital mortality and in-hospital complications. Specifically, we demonstrated higher cardiac-related complications, transfusion and haemorrhage/haematoma rates in patients with ESRD than in others. Moreover, patients with ESRD are more likely to have prolonged length of stay in hospital, and incur higher hospital charges. Based on the findings of the present study, use of biopsy and active surveillance for small, carefully selected renal masses might be considered in patients with ESRD at high risk of morbidity and mortality after surgery. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on six short-term nephrectomy outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to assess the rates of blood transfusions, intra-operative and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS) within the highest quartile (>5 days), total hospital charges within the highest quartile (>$33 391) and in-hospital mortality. Propensity-based matching was performed to adjust for potential baseline differences between patients with ESRD and others. Multivariable logistic regression analyses further adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS: Overall, 46 225 patients underwent open radical, open partial, laparoscopic radical or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for non-metastatic kidney cancer between 1998 and 2007. Of those, 941 patients with ESRD were identified (2.0%). For patients with ESRD and others, the following rates were recorded, respectively: blood transfusions, 17.4 vs 9.1% (P < 0.001); intra-operative complications, 3.5 vs 3.3% (P = 0.81); postoperative complications, 19.2 vs 15.6% (P = 0.007); length of stay within the highest quartile, 55.4 vs 30.1% (P < 0.001); total hospital charges within the highest quartile, 50.4 vs 26.3% (P < 0.001); in-hospital mortality, 2.4 vs 0.5% (P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, patients with ESRD were more likely to receive a blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] = 2.05, P < 0.001), to experience any postoperative complication (OR = 1.25, P = 0.019), to have a LOS within the highest quartile (OR = 3.06, P < 0.001), to have hospital charges within the highest quartile (OR = 3.10, P < 0.001), and to die during hospitalization (OR = 4.85, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ESRD are at substantially higher risk of adverse outcomes after nephrectomy. Most importantly, the in-hospital mortality rate is fivefold higher.