The Impact of Venous Thromboembolism on Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinomas Undergoing Open or Minimally Invasive Radical Nephroureterectomy in the USA: Perioperative Outcomes and Health Care Costs from Insurance Claims Data.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant predictor of worse postoperative morbidity in cancer surgeries. No data have been available for patients with preoperative VTE and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Our aim was to assess the impact of a preoperative VTE diagnosis on perioperative outcomes in the RNU context. METHODS: Patients aged 18 yr or older with a UTUC diagnosis undergoing RNU were identified in the Merative Marketscan Research deidentified databases between 2007 and 2021. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted by relevant perioperative confounders was used to investigate the association between a diagnosis of VTE prior to RNU and 90-d complication rates, postoperative VTE, rehospitalization, and total costs. A sensitivity analysis on VTE severity (pulmonary embolism [PE] and/or deep venous thrombosis [DVT]) was examined. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Within the investigated cohort of 6922 patients, history of any VTE preceding RNU was reported in 568 (8.21%) cases, including DVT (n = 290, 51.06%), PE (n = 169, 29.75%), and superficial VTE (n = 109, 19.19%). The history of VTE before RNU was predictive of higher rates of complications, the most prevalent being respiratory complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43-2.22). Preoperative VTE was found to be associated with an increased risk of VTE following RNU (OR: 14.3, 95% CI: 11.48-17.82), higher rehospitalization rates (OR: 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.56) other than home discharge status (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.18-1.77), and higher costs (OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20-1.68). Limitations include the retrospective nature and the use of an insurance database that relies on accurate coding and does not include information such as pathologic staging. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The presented findings will contribute to the counseling process for patients. These patients may benefit from enhanced pre/postoperative anticoagulation. More research is needed before the following results can be used in the clinical setting. PATIENT SUMMARY: Patients aged 18 yr or older with an upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) diagnosis undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) were identified in the Merative Marketscan Research deidentified databases between 2007 and 2021. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted by relevant perioperative confounders was used to investigate the association between a diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prior to RNU and 90-d complication rates, postoperative VTE, rehospitalization, and total costs. A sensitivity analysis on VTE severity (pulmonary embolism and/or deep venous thrombosis) was examined. The presented findings will contribute to the counseling of patients with UTUC and preoperative VTE.

Off-clamp Versus On-clamp Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy: A Propensity-matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Partial nephrectomy is the preferred treatment option for the management of small renal masses. On-clamp partial nephrectomy is associated with a risk of ischemia and a greater loss of postoperative renal function, while the off-clamp procedure decreases the duration of renal ischemia, leading to better renal function preservation. However, the efficacy of the off- versus on-clamp partial nephrectomy for renal function preservation remains debatable. OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative and functional outcomes following off- and on-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study used the prospective multinational collaborative Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative (VCQI) database for RAPN. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary objective of this study was the comparison of perioperative and functional outcomes between patients who underwent off- and on-clamp RAPN. Propensity scores were calculated for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), renal nephrometry score (RNS) and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of the 2114 patients, 210 had undergone off-clamp RAPN and others on-clamp procedure. Propensity matching was possible for 205 patients in a 1:1 ratio. After matching, the two groups were comparable for age, sex, BMI, tumor size, multifocality, tumor side, face of tumor, RNS, polar location of the tumor, surgical access, and preoperative hemoglobin, creatinine, and eGFR. There was no difference between the two groups for intraoperative (4.8% vs 5.3%, p = 0.823) and postoperative (11.2% vs 8.3%, p = 0.318) complications. Need for blood transfusion (2.9% vs 0, p = 0.030) and conversion to radical nephrectomy (10.2% vs 1%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the off-clamp group. At the last follow-up, there was no difference between the two groups for creatinine and eGFR. The mean fall in eGFR at the last follow-up compared with that at baseline was equivalent between the two groups (-16.0 vs -17.3 ml/min, p = 0.985). CONCLUSIONS: Off-clamp RAPN does not result in better renal functional preservation. Alternatively, it may be associated with increased rates of conversion to radical nephrectomy and need for blood transfusion. PATIENT SUMMARY: With this multicentric study, we noted that performing robotic partial nephrectomy without clamping the blood supply to the kidney is not associated with better preservation of renal function. However, off-clamp partial nephrectomy is associated with increased rates of conversion to radical nephrectomy and blood transfusion.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in morbidly obese patients: a VCQI database study.

To compare perioperative outcomes following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in patients with morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI > 40 kg/m2)) and non-obese patients. Using the Vattikuti Collective quality initiative (VCQI) database for RAPN, data for morbidly obese and non-obese patients was obtained. Propensity scores were calculated for two treatment groups (morbidly obese vs. non-obese) for the following variables i.e. age, sex, tumor size, RNS, surgical access (retroperitoneal/transperitoneal) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to ensure comparability. The primary outcome for the study was comparison of trifecta between the two groups. In this study, 158 morbidly obese patients were matched with 158 non-obese patients undergoing RAPN. Two groups matched well for age, sex, tumor size, eGFR and RNS. There was no difference between two groups for ischemia time, blood loss, blood transfusion, conversion to radical nephrectomy, length of stay, intraoperative and postoperative complications. Operative time was longer in morbidly obese patients (median 210 min vs. 120 min, p = 0.000). On pathological analysis, malignant tumors were more likely in the morbidly obese group (83.1% vs.73.4%, p = 0.018). Trifecta outcomes were comparable between the two groups (60.1% vs. 63.3%, p = 0.563). The Median duration of follow-up was 12 months (1-96 months). The morbidly obese group had significantly higher day one creatinine (1.25 ± 0.7 vs. 1.07 ± 0.37, p = 0.001) and significantly lower day one eGFR (62.1 ± 19 vs. 69.2 ± 21, p = 0.018). However, there was no difference between the two groups for the last follow-up creatinine and eGFR. RAPN in morbidly obese patients is associated with equivalent perioperative outcomes compared to non-obese patients.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram Predicting Intraoperative Adverse Events During Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Ability to predict the risk of intraoperative adverse events (IOAEs) for patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) can be of great clinical significance. OBJECTIVE: To develop and internally validate a preoperative nomogram predicting IOAEs for robot-assisted PN (RAPN). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this observational study, data for demographic, preoperative, and postoperative variables for patients who underwent RAPN were extracted from the Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative (VCQI) database. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: IOAEs were defined as the occurrence of intraoperative surgical complications, blood transfusion, or conversion to open surgery/radical nephrectomy. Backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of IOAEs. The nomogram was validated using bootstrapping, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and the goodness of fit. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to determine the clinical utility of the model. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Among the 2114 patients in the study cohort, IOAEs were noted in 158 (7.5%). Multivariable analysis identified five variables as independent predictors of IOAEs: RENAL nephrometry score (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.25); clinical tumor size (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.024); PN indication as absolute versus elective (OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.6-5.7) and relative versus elective (OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.2-8); Charlson comorbidity index (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.30); and multifocal tumors (OR 8.8, 95% CI 5.4-14.1). A nomogram was developed using these five variables. The model was internally valid on bootstrapping and goodness of fit. The AUC estimated was 0.76 (95% CI 0.72-0.80). DCA revealed that the model was clinically useful at threshold probabilities >5%. Limitations include the lack of external validation and selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and internally validated a nomogram predicting IOAEs during RAPN. PATIENT SUMMARY: We developed a preoperative model than can predict complications that might occur during robotic surgery for partial removal of a kidney. Tests showed that our model is fairly accurate and it could be useful in identifying patients with kidney cancer for whom this type of surgery is suitable.

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.

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.

Active involvement of nursing staff in reporting and grading complication-intervention events-Protocol and results of the CAMUS Pilot Nurse Delphi Study.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to gain experienced nursing perspective on current and future complication reporting and grading in Urology, establish the CAMUS CCI and quality control the use of the Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC) in nursing staff. Subjects and Methods: The 12-part REDCap-based Delphi survey was developed in conjunction with expert nurse, urologist and methodologist input. Certified local and international inpatient and outpatient nurses specialised in urology, perioperative nurses and urology-specific advanced practice nurses/nurse practitioners will be included. A minimum sample size of 250 participants is targeted. The survey assesses participant demographics, nursing experience and opinion on complication reporting and the proposed CAMUS reporting recommendations; grading of intervention events using the existing CDC and the proposed CAMUS Classification; and rating various clinical scenarios. Consensus will be defined as ≥75% agreement. If consensus is not reached, subsequent Delphi rounds will be performed under Steering Committee guidance. Results: Twenty participants completed the pilot survey. Median survey completion time was 58 min (IQR 40-67). The survey revealed that 85% of nursing participants believe nurses should be involved in future complication reporting and grading but currently have poor confidence and inadequate relevant background education. Overall, 100% of participants recognise the universal demand for reporting consensus and 75% hold a preference towards the CAMUS System. Limitations include variability in nursing experience, complexity of supplemental grades and survey duration. Conclusion: The integration of experienced nursing opinion and participation in complication reporting and grading systems in a modern and evolving hospital infrastructure may facilitate the assimilation of otherwise overlooked safety data. Incorporation of focused teaching into routine nursing education will be essential to ensure quality control and stimulate awareness of complication-related burden. This, in turn, has the potential to improve patient counselling and quality of care.

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.

Complications After Radical Nephrectomy According to Age: Analysis from the British Association of Urological Surgeons Nephrectomy Audit.

Introduction: To compare complication rates in radical nephrectomy (RN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) across different age groups. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the British Association of Urological Surgeons Nephrectomy audit database between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017, was performed. Comparisons were made between different age groups (<60, 60-79, and ≥80) in patients undergoing RN for RCC. Results: Eighteen thousand four hundred thirty-eight patients with RCC underwent RN: 6128 (33.2%) <60 years of age, 10,785 (58.5%) 60-79 years of age, and 1525 (8.3%) ≥80 years of age. There was a significantly lower preoperative hemoglobin and estimated glomerular filtration rate with advancing age (p < 0.001). Patients ≥80 had a higher Charlson comorbidity index and World Health Organization (WHO) performance status (p < 0.001). There was also significant variability in the approach to RN (p < 0.001): laparoscopy was most commonly performed (68.8% vs 69.3% vs 75.0%). Patients ≥80 years of age were found to have the shortest operating time (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in T stage between groups with patients ≥80 years of age having a higher T stage (p < 0.001). The incidence of intraoperative complications did not significantly differ between age groups (p = 0.18). The incidence of postoperative complications was 15.7%, 18.2%, and 20.5% and major postoperative complications was 1.4%, 2.1%, and 2.8% in patients <60, 60-79, and ≥80 years of age, respectively (p < 0.001). The most common complication in all age groups was blood transfusion (7.6% <60, 8.6% 60-79, and 9.1% ≥ 80 years of age). Stepwise logistic regression analysis adjusting for additional variables found the odds of a postoperative complication increased with age with an odds ratio of 1.25 in patients ≥80 years of age and an odds ratio of 1.09 in patients 60-70 years of age compared with <60 years of age. Conclusion: Overall complications in all age groups are low, but advancing age should be considered an independent risk factor for postoperative complications after RN and should be appropriately considered when counseling elderly patients before treatment.

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.

Safety of "hot" and "cold" site admissions within a high-volume urology department in the United Kingdom at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety of urological admissions and procedures during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic using "hot" and "cold" sites. The secondary objective is to determine risk factors of contracting COVID-19 within our cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients admitted from March 1 to May 31, 2020 at a high-volume tertiary urology department in London, United Kingdom. Elective surgery was carried out at a "cold" site requiring a negative COVID-19 swab 72-hours prior to admission and patients were required to self-isolate for 14-days preoperatively, while all acute admissions were admitted to the "hot" site.Complications related to COVID-19 were presented as percentages. Risk factors for developing COVID-19 infection were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 611 patients, 451 (73.8%) male and 160 (26.2%) female, with a median age of 57 (interquartile range 44-70) were admitted under the urology team; 101 (16.5%) on the "cold" site and 510 (83.5%) on the "hot" site. Procedures were performed in 495 patients of which eight (1.6%) contracted COVID-19 postoperatively with one (0.2%) postoperative mortality due to COVID-19. Overall, COVID-19 was detected in 20 (3.3%) patients with two (0.3%) deaths. Length of stay was associated with contracting COVID-19 in our cohort (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13-1.39). CONCLUSIONS: Continuation of urological procedures using "hot" and "cold" sites throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was safe practice, although the risk of COVID-19 remained and is underlined by a postoperative mortality.

Management of patients who opt for radical prostatectomy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: an international accelerated consensus statement.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused delays in definitive treatment of patients with prostate cancer. Beyond the immediate delay a backlog for future patients is expected. The objective of this work is to develop guidance on criteria for prioritisation of surgery and reconfiguring management pathways for patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer who opt for surgical treatment. A second aim was to identify the infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to achieve a low likelihood of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hazard if radical prostatectomy (RP) was to be carried out during the outbreak and whilst the disease is endemic. METHODS: We conducted an accelerated consensus process and systematic review of the evidence on COVID-19 and reviewed international guidance on prostate cancer. These were presented to an international prostate cancer expert panel (n = 34) through an online meeting. The consensus process underwent three rounds of survey in total. Additions to the second- and third-round surveys were formulated based on the answers and comments from the previous rounds. The Consensus opinion was defined as ≥80% agreement and this was used to reconfigure the prostate cancer pathways. RESULTS: Evidence on the delayed management of patients with prostate cancer is scarce. There was 100% agreement that prostate cancer pathways should be reconfigured and measures developed to prevent nosocomial COVID-19 for patients treated surgically. Consensus was reached on prioritisation criteria of patients for surgery and management pathways for those who have delayed treatment. IPC measures to achieve a low likelihood of nosocomial COVID-19 were coined as 'COVID-19 cold' sites. CONCLUSION: Reconfiguring management pathways for patients with prostate cancer is recommended if significant delay (>3-6 months) in surgical management is unavoidable. The mapped pathways provide guidance for such patients. The IPC processes proposed provide a framework for providing RP within an environment with low COVID-19 risk during the outbreak or when the disease remains endemic. The broader concepts could be adapted to other indications beyond prostate cancer surgery.

Negative first follow-up prostate biopsy on active surveillance is associated with decreased risk of upgrading, suspicion of progression and converting to active treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of disease progression and conversion to active treatment following a negative biopsy while on active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Men on an AS programme at a single tertiary hospital (London, UK) between 2003 and 2018 with confirmed low-intermediate-risk PCa, Gleason Grade Group <3, clinical stage 30% positive cores, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Likert score >3/T3 or PSA level of >20 ng/mL. Conversion to treatment included radical or hormonal treatment. RESULTS: Among the 460 eligible patients, 23% had negative follow-up biopsy findings. The median follow-up was 62 months, with one to two repeat biopsies and two MRIs per patient during that period. Negative biopsy findings at first repeat biopsy were associated with decreased risk of converting to active treatment (hazard ration [HR] 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.37; P < 0.001), suspicion of disease progression (HR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34-0.94; P = 0.029), and upgrading (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23-0.99; P = 0.047). Data are limited by fewer men with multiple follow-up biopsies. CONCLUSION: A negative biopsy finding at the first scheduled follow-up biopsy among men on AS for PCa was strongly associated with decreased risk of subsequent upgrading, clinical or radiological suspicion of disease progression, and conversion to active treatment. A less intense surveillance protocol should be considered for this cohort of patients.

Omission of Cortical Renorrhaphy During Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: A Vattikuti Collective Quality Initiative Database Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the outcomes of patients in whom cortical (outer) renorrhaphy (CR) was omitted during robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). METHODS: We analyzed 1453 patients undergoing RPN, from 2006 to 2018, within a large multi-institutional database. Patients having surgery for bilateral tumors (n = 73) were excluded. CR and no-CR groups were compared in terms of operative and ischemia time, estimated blood loss (EBL), complications, surgical margins, hospital stay, change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and need of angioembolization. Inverse probability of treatment weighting with Firth correction for center code was performed to account for selection bias. RESULTS: CR was omitted in 120 patients (8.7%); 1260 (91.3%) patients underwent both inner layer and CR. There was no difference in intraoperative complications (7.4% CR; 8.9% no-CR group; P = .6), postoperative major complications (1% and 2.8% in CR and no-CR groups, respectively; P = .2), or median drop in eGFR (7.3 vs 10.4 mL/min/m2). The no-CR group had a higher incidence of minor complications (26.7% vs 5.5% in CR group; P < .001). EBL was 100 mL (IQR 50-200) in both groups (P = .6). Angioembolization was needed in 0.7% patients in CR vs 1.4% in no-CR group (P = .4). Additionally, there was no difference in median operative time (168 vs 162 min; P = .2) or ischemia time (18 vs 17 min; P = .7). CONCLUSION: In selected patients with renal masses, single layer renorrhaphy does not significantly improve operative time, ischemia time, or eGFR after RPN. There is a higher incidence of minor complications, but not major perioperative complications after no-CR technique.

Robotic partial nephrectomy vs minimally invasive radical nephrectomy for clinical T2a renal mass: a propensity score-matched comparison from the ROSULA (Robotic Surgery for Large Renal Mass) Collaborative Group.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of minimally invasive radical nephrectomy (MIS-RN) and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in clinical T2a renal mass (cT2aRM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, multicentre, propensity score-matched (PSM) comparison of RAPN and MIS-RN for cT2aRM (T2aN0M0). Cohorts were PSM for age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, clinical tumour size, and R.E.N.A.L. score using a 2:1 ratio for RN:PN. The primary outcome was disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), complication rates, and de novo estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Multivariable (MVA) and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses (KMSA) were conducted. RESULTS: In all, 648 patients (216 RAPN/432 MIS-RN) were matched. There were no significant differences in intraoperative complications (P = 0.478), Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥III complications (P = 0.063), and re-admissions (P = 0.238). The MVA revealed high ASA class (hazard ratio [HR] 2.7, P = 0.044) and sarcomatoid (HR 5.3, P = 0.001), but not surgery type (P = 0.601) to be associated with all-cause mortality. Increasing R.E.N.A.L. score (HR 1.31, P = 0.037), high tumour grade (HR 2.5, P = 0.043), and sarcomatoid (HR 2.8, P = 0.02) were associated with recurrence, but not surgery (P = 0.555). Increasing age (HR 1.1, P < 0.001) and RN (HR 3.9, P < 0.001) were predictors of de novo eGFR of <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Comparing RAPN and MIS-RN, KMSA revealed no significant differences for 5-year OS (76.3% vs 88.0%, P = 0.221) and 5-year DFS (78.6% vs 85.3%, P = 0.630) for pT2 RCC, and no differences for 3-year OS (P = 0.351) and 3-year DFS (P = 0.117) for pT3a upstaged RCC. The 5-year freedom from de novo eGFR of <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 was 91.6% for RAPN vs 68.9% for MIS-RN (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RAPN had similar oncological outcomes and morbidity profile as MIS-RN, while conferring functional benefit. RAPN may be considered as a first-line option for cT2aRM.

Effect of Obesity and Overweight Status on Complications and Survival After Minimally Invasive Kidney Surgery in Patients with Clinical T2-4 Renal Masses.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of obesity and overweight on surgical, functional, and survival outcomes in patients with large kidney masses after minimally invasive surgery. Materials and Methods: Within a multicenter multinational dataset, patients found to have ≥cT2 renal mass and treated with minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) kidney surgery (radical or partial nephrectomy) during the period 2003 to 2017 were abstracted. They were stratified according to the body mass index classes as normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). Mixed models and Cox proportional hazard regression tested differences in complication rates, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change over time, overall mortality (OM), and disease recurrence (DR) rates. Results: Of 812 patients, 30.6% were normal weight, 42.7% were overweight, and 26.7% obese. Overweight (odds ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-1.31, p = 0.406) and obese patients (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.44-1.47, p = 0.490) experienced similar complication rates than normal weight. Moreover, no statistically significant differences in eGFR were found for overweight (p = 0.129) or obese (p = 0.166) patients compared to normal weight. However, higher OM rates were recorded in overweight (hazard ratio [HR] 3.59, 95% CI: 1.03-12.51, p = 0.044), as well as in obese, patients (HR 7.83, 95% CI: 2.20-27.83, p = 0.002). Similarly, higher DR rates were recorded in obese (HR 2.76, 95% CI: 1.40-5.44, p = 0.003) patients. Conclusions: Obese and overweight patients do not experience higher complication rates or worse eGFR after minimally invasive kidney surgery, which therefore can be deemed feasible and safe also in this subset of patients. Nevertheless, obese and overweight patients seem to carry a higher risk of OM, and therefore, they should undergo a strict follow-up after surgery.

Robotic partial nephrectomy versus radical nephrectomy in elderly patients with large renal masses.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that the "oldest old" patients might benefit of partial nephrectomy (PN), but decision-making for this subset of patients is still controversial. Aim of this study is to compare outcomes of robotic partial (RPN) or radical nephrectomy (RRN) for large renal masses in patients older than 65 years. METHODS: We identified 417≥65 years old patients who underwent RRN or RPN for cT1b or ≥cT2 renal mass at 17 high volume centers. Propensity score match analysis was performed adjusting for age, ASA≥3, pre-operative eGFR, and clinical tumor size. Predictors of complications, functional and oncological outcomes were evaluated in multivariable logistic and Cox regression models. RESULTS: After propensity score analysis, 73 patients in the RPN group were matched with 74 in the RRN group. R.E.N.A.L. Score (9.6±1.7 vs. 8.6±1.7; P<0.001), and high complexity (56 vs. 15%; P=0.001) were higher in the RRN. Estimated blood loss was higher in the RPN group (200 vs. 100 mL; P<0.001). RPN showed higher rate of overall complications (38 vs. 23%; P=0.05), but not major complications (P=0.678). At last follow-up, RPN group showed better functional outcomes both in eGFR (55.4±22.6 vs. 45.7±15.7 mL/min; P=0.016) and lower eGFR variation (9.7 vs. 23.0 mL/min; P<0.001). The procedure type was not associated with recurrence free survival (RFS) (HR: 0.47; P=0.152) and overall mortality (OM) (0.22; P=0.084). CONCLUSIONS: RPN in elderly patients with large renal masses provides acceptable surgical, and oncological outcomes allowing better functional preservation relative to RRN. The decision to undergo RPN in this subset of patients should be tailored on a case by case basis.

Initial outcomes of local anaesthetic freehand transperineal prostate biopsies in the outpatient setting.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the histopathological outcomes, morbidity and tolerability of freehand transperineal (TP) prostate biopsies using the PrecisionPoint™ access system (Perineologic, Cumberland, MD, USA) under local anaesthetic (LA) in the day surgery and outpatient environments, as systematic and targeted biopsies can be taken with the potential for reduced morbidity, particularly sepsis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 176 patients underwent freehand TP prostate biopsies from May 2016 to November 2017. The procedure was carried out either under LA alone or with the addition of sedation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were reported using the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS), version 2. Tolerability was assessed using a visual analogue scale pain score for each procedural stage. Histopathological outcomes and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The mean (range) age was 65 (36-83) years, median (range) prostate-specific antigen level was 7.9 (0.7-1374) ng/mL, and the mean (range) prostate volume 45 (15-157) mL. Biopsies were taken under LA alone (160 patients, 90%) or under LA with sedation (16, 9%). The main indication for biopsy was primary diagnosis (88.6%). In all, 91 (52%) patients underwent systematic TP biopsies (mean 24.2 cores). Cognitive MRI-targeted biopsies alone were performed in 45 patients (26%; mean 6.8 cores), and 40 (23%) had both systematic and target biopsies (mean 27.9 cores). Of the 75 patients who had primary systematic biopsies alone, 46 (61%) were positive, and 28/46 (60.9%) were diagnosed with clinically significant disease (Gleason ≥3+4). VAS pain scores were greatest during LA administration. There were five complications (2.8%, Clavien-Dindo Grade I/II). No patients developed urosepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Freehand TP biopsies using the PrecisionPoint access system is a safe, tolerable and effective method for systematic and targeted biopsies under LA in the outpatient setting. It has replaced transrectal biopsies in our centre and has potential to transform practice.