14F Super-Mini Percutaneous Cystolitholapaxy: A Novel Technique in the Treatment of Bladder Stones.

Introduction: This single-center experience describes the indications, novel technique, and outcomes of performing 14F super-mini percutaneous cystolitholapaxy (14F-SMPCCL). Materials and Methods: Cases between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively identified with surgical outcomes recorded. Using percutaneous access to the bladder, an endoscope was inserted through the ClearPetra 14F super-mini sheath and laser lithotripsy completed with stone fragments suctioned out. Results: Sixteen cases were included in the study and all patients were adults. Average conglomerate stone size was 28.1 mm (range = 10-50 mm). Average operative time was 60.0 minutes (range = 23-110 minutes). Visual stone-free rate was 91.7%, radiologic stone-free rate was 81.3%, and average postoperative length of stay was 1 day. One patient developed urosepsis postoperatively and there were no other complications. Conclusion: The novel technique of 14F-SMPCCL is safe and feasible for treating large burdens of bladder stones with a conglomerate size of ∼2.5 to 5 cm. Active suction allows for efficient removal of stone fragments.

Is a Drain Needed After Robotic Radical Prostatectomy With or Without Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection? Results of a Single-Center Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To investigate by means of a randomized clinical trial the safety of no drain in the pelvic cavity after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with or without extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). Materials and Methods: From May to December 2016, 112 consecutive patients who underwent RARP with or without ePLND were prospectively randomized into a control group (CG) and study group (SG). In the CG, a drain was placed in the pelvic cavity at the end of surgery and removed after 24 hours. The trial was designed to assess noninferiority. The primary endpoint was evaluated as complication rates graded by the Clavien-Dindo score (CDS). Secondary endpoints included length of hospital stay (LOHS) and hospital readmission (RAD). Results and Limitations: At final analysis, 56 patients were in the CG and 54 belonged to the SG. The groups were homogenous for all preoperative and perioperative variables and did not show any difference in CDS complication rates (28.9% in the CG and 20.4% in the SG; p = 0.254), LOHS (on average 4 days in each group; p = 0.689), and RAD rates (3.6% in the CG and 3.7% in the SG; p = 0.970). Conclusions: In a modern cohort of patients who underwent RARP with or without ePLND, a single-center randomized controlled trial showed that no-drain policy is equivalent to drain after RARP in terms of CDS complication rate, LOHS, and RAD rate. The option of placing a postoperative drain for the first 24 hours could be considered in cases of difficult urethrovesical anastomosis with uncertain watertightness.

Outcomes of Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Clinical T3a Renal Masses: A Multicenter Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Use of partial nephrectomy (PN) in T3 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate quality outcomes of robot-assisted PN (RAPN) for clinical T3a renal masses (cT3aRM). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective multicenter analysis of patients with cT3aN0M0 RCC who underwent RAPN. INTERVENTION: RAPN. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary endpoint was a trifecta composite outcome of negative surgical margins, warm ischemia time (WIT) ≤25 min, and no perioperative complications. The optimal outcome was defined as achieving this trifecta and ≥90% preservation of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and no stage upgrading of chronic kidney disease. Multivariable analysis (MVA) identified risk factors associated with lack of the optimal outcome. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted for survival outcomes. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Analysis was conducted for 157 patients (median follow-up 26 mo). The median tumor size was 7.0 cm (interquartile range [IQR] 5.0-7.8) and the median RENAL score was 9 (IQR 8-10). Median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 242 ml (IQR 121-354) and the median WIT was 19 min (IQR 15-25). A total of 150 patients (95.5%) had negative margins. Complications were noted in 25 patients (15.9%), with 4.5% having Clavien grade 3-5 complications. The median change in eGFR was 7 ml/min/1.72 m2, with ≥90% eGFR preservation in 55.4%. The trifecta outcome was achieved for 64.3% and the optimal outcome for 37.6% of the patients. MVA revealed that greater age (odds ratio [OR] 1.06; p = 0.002), increasing RENAL score (OR 1.30; p = 0.035), and EBL >300 ml (OR 5.96, p = 0.006) were predictive of failure to achieve optimal outcome. The 5-yr recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival, were 82.1%, 93.3%, and 91.3%, respectively. Limitations include the retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: RAPN for select cT3a renal masses is feasible and safe, with acceptable quality outcomes. Further investigation is requisite to delineate the role of RAPN in cT3a RCC. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in patients with stage 3a kidney cancer provided acceptable survival, functional, and morbidity outcomes in the hands of experienced surgeons, and may be considered as an option when clinically indicated.

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.

Lymph Nodes Invasion of Marcille's Fossa Associates with High Metastatic Load in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: The Role of "Marcillectomy".

INTRODUCTION: To assess the incidence of malignancy involvement of lymph nodes (LNs) in Marcille's fossa in patients undergoing robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph nodes dissection (ePLND) for prostate cancer (PCa). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Between January 2014 and December 2017, details of patients who underwent RARP and ePLND were prospectively analysed. All the nodal packets were dissected separately, grouped into left and right nodes and submitted in separate packages to dedicated pathologist. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Two hundred and twenty-one patients underwent ePLND and RARP in the study period. In aggregate, Marcille's LNs involvement was found in 5 (2.3%) of patients, 2 on the left side and 3 on the right side. Per cent of positive cores and Gleason at biopsy are clinical predictors of LNs invasion; moreover, in the surgical specimen, seminal vesicle invasion and high-grade cancer were factors related to loco-regional metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Marcille's nodes involvement is associated to contemporarily multiple LN metastases in other template locations in high-risk PCa patients. The Marcille's lymphadenectomy would be recommended when planning an ePLND in high-risk PCa.

Robotic versus laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a large multi-institutional analysis (ROSULA Collaborative Group).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of robotic radical nephrectomy (RRN) to those of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) for large renal masses. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of RRN and LRN cases performed for large (≥ cT2) renal masses from 2004 to 2017 and collected in the multi-institutional international database (ROSULA: RObotic SUrgery for LArge renal masses). Peri-operative, functional, and oncologic outcomes were compared between each approach. Descriptive analyses were performed and presented as medians with interquartile ranges. Inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of peri-operative complications. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression models were used to assess survival outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 941 patients (RRN = 404, LRN = 537) were identified. There was no difference in terms of gender, age, and clinical tumor size. Over the study period, RRN had an annual increase of 11.75% (95% CI [7.34, 17.01] p < 0.001) and LRN had an annual decline of 5.39% (95% CI [-6.94, -3.86] p < 0.001). Patients undergoing RRN had higher BMI (27.6 [IQR 24.8-31.1] vs. 26.5 [24.1-30.0] kg/m2, p < 0.01). Operative duration was longer for RRN (185.0 [150.0-237.2] vs. 126 [90.8-180.0] min, p < 0.001). Length of stay was shorter for RRN (3.0 [2.0-4.0] vs. 5.0 [4.0-7.0] days, p < 0.001). RRN cases presented more advanced disease (higher pathologic staging [pT3-4 52.5 vs. 24.2%, p < 0.001], histologic grade [high grade 49.3 vs. 30.4%, p < 0.001], and rate of nodal disease [pN1 5.4 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.01]). Surgical approach did not represent an independent risk factor for peri-operative complications (OR 1.81 95% CI [0.97-3.39], adjusted p = 0.2). The main study limitation is the retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest known multi-center comparison between RRN and LRN. The two procedures seem to offer similar peri-operative outcomes. Notably, RRN has been increasingly utilized, especially in the setting of more advanced and surgically challenging disease without increasing the risk of peri-operative complications.

Extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostate cancer: should the Cloquet's nodes dissection be considered only an option?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the anatomical prevalence and secondary involvement of Cloquet's nodes in patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy (RRP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) for prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: RRP and ePLND were performed by two expert surgeons (WA and VDM). Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Dissected pelvic lymph nodes were sampled according to an anatomical template as follows: external iliac, obturator, Marcille's, and Cloquet's. Node packages were sent to the dedicated pathologist separately. Baseline characteristics, perioperative and pathological outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Between January 2014 and December 2017 a total of 258 patients were evaluated. In aggregate 247 out of 258 patients (95.7%) presented at least a lymph node in the in the Cloquet's fossa tissue and 105 (40.6%) had more than one node. Patients with multiple nodes in Cloquet fossa presented higher median lymph node amount (27 vs. 33; P<0.0001). 13.5% of patients had lymph node invasion Pathological evaluation of the Cloquet's nodes showed metastatic PCa in 3 out of 35 (8.6%) pN+ patients. No differences were found when patients with metastatic Cloquet's nodes were compared with the pN+ population in terms of demographics, PSA, D'Amico classification, biopsy and pathological Gleason Grouping, clinical and pathological stage and complications. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that analyses specifically the quantitative prevalence of Cloquet's nodes and the incidence of malignancy involvement in patients undergoing RRP and ePLND for PCa. The occurrence of multiple lymph nodes in the Cloquet fossa is a rare event. Our series showed that Cloquet involvement seems to be associated with multiple nodes cohabitation and contemporarily multiple lymph node metastases in other template locations. Related morbidity rate is sporadic and cannot justify the Cloquet preservation. Wider series are required to comprehend predictor factors of Cloquet nodes involvement. Until then the Cloquet lymphadenectomy would be recommended and should not be an option.

Body mass index is an independent predictor of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 complications in patients undergoing robot assisted radical prostatectomy with extensive pelvic lymph node dissection.

Robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with extensive pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) is an effective procedure for treating and staging prostate cancer; however, high grade complications represent a critical issue. To investigate clinical factors associated with the risk of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 complications in patients undergoing RARP with ePLND. The study included 211 consecutive patients who were operated in a period running from June 2013 to March 2017. Factors associated with grade 3 complications were evaluated by the logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the risk model. Of the 211 patients included in the study, 55 (26.1%) had complications, which were classified Clavien grade one in 36 cases (17.1%), two in 7 (3.3%), 3a in 9 (4.3%) and 3b in 3 (1.4%). Higher median measurements of body mass index (BMI) were detected in grade 3 subjects (27.6 kg/m2) when compared to grade 0-2 cases (25 kg/m2) and the difference was significant (P = 0.015). BMI increased the risk of high grade complications (odds ratio, OR 1.184; P = 0.047) with a fair discrimination power (AUC 0.709). It generated a risk curve by the model, which stratified patients in low (BMI < 26 kg/m2; probability risk less than 5%), intermediate (26 ≤ BMI (kg/m2) ≤ 30; risk between 5 and 10%), and high (BMI > 30 kg/m2; risk between 10 and 20%) risk classes for grade 3 complications. BMI is an independent predictor of grade 3 complications, which are increased by 18.4% for each unit rise. Patients may be stratified preoperatively by BMI into grade 3 risk categories, which include low (normal weight), intermediate (overweight), and high (obese) risk cases.

Robotic bladder diverticulectomy: step-by-step extravesical posterior approach - technique and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of robotic extravesical posterior surgical bladder diverticulectomy for treatment of symptomatic bladder diverticula (BD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from patients with posterior BD who consecutively underwent robotic bladder diverticulectomy (RBD) from 2013 to 2016 in Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes including operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative transfusion rate and length of hospital stay (LOS), and early (30 days) and late (90 days) postoperative complications were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: Six patients underwent RBD. Storage, voiding and postvoiding lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were reported by 33.3%, 100% and 33.3% of patients, respectively. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] BD diameter was 7.1 (5.5-9.5) cm; median (IQR) preoperative postvoiding residual volume (PVR) was 300 (90-395) ml. The median (IQR) OT was 112.5 (83.7-133.7) min and median (IQR) EBL was 25.8 (0-50) ml. The median (IQR) LOS was 7 (4.7-9.0) days. One patient (16.7%) reported early minor postoperative complication. No patient showed early or late major postoperative complications. At 2 month follow-up, all patients underwent a lower abdomen ultrasound and minimal or no postoperative PVR was found. At 6 month follow-up no LUTS were reported. CONCLUSIONS: RBD appears to be a safe treatment for posterior BD with excellent perioperative and functional outcomes. The three-dimensional visualization, greater magnification and wristed instrumentation with seven degrees of freedom allow precise dissection of BD and reconstruction of the bladder wall.

Outcomes of Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Clinical T2 Renal Tumors: A Multicenter Analysis (ROSULA Collaborative Group).

BACKGROUND: While partial nephrectomy (PN) represents the standard surgical management for cT1 renal masses, its role for cT2 tumors is controversial. Robot-assisted PN (RAPN) is being increasingly implemented worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To analyze perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of RAPN for cT2 tumors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective analysis of a large multicenter, multinational dataset of patients with nonmetastatic cT2 masses treated with robotic surgery (ROSULA: RObotic SUrgery for LArge renal mass). INTERVENTION: Robotic-assisted PN. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Patients' demographics, lesion characteristics, perioperative variables, renal functional data, pathology, and oncological data were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses assessed the relationships with the risk of intra-/postoperative complications, recurrence, and survival. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 298 patients were analyzed. Median tumor size was 7.6 (7-8.5) cm. Median RENAL score was 9 (8-10). Median ischemia time was 25 (20-32) min. Median estimated blood loss was 150 (100-300) ml. Sixteen patients had intraoperative complications (5.4%), whereas 66 (22%) had postoperative complications (5% were Clavien grade ≥3). Multivariable analysis revealed that a lower RENAL score (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.65, p=0.02) and pathological pT2 stage (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.12-0.86, p=0.001) were protective against postoperative complications. A total of 243 lesions (82%) were malignant. Twenty patients (8%) had positive surgical margins. Ten deaths and 25 recurrences/metastases occurred at a median follow-up of 12 (5-35) mo. At univariable analysis, higher pT stage was predictive of a likelihood of recurrences/metastases (p=0.048). While there was a significant deterioration of renal function at discharge, this remained stable over time at 1-yr follow-up. The main limitation of this study is its retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: RAPN in the setting of select cT2 renal masses can safely be performed with acceptable outcomes. Further studies are warranted to corroborate our findings and to better define the role of robotic nephron sparing for this challenging indication. PATIENT SUMMARY: This report shows that robotic surgery can be used for safe removal of a large renal tumor in a minimally invasive fashion, maximizing preservation of renal function, and without compromising cancer control.

Associations of Transitional Zone Volume with Intraprostatic Chronic Inflammation and Prostate Cancer Risk in Patients Undergoing a First Random Biopsy Set.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations of the transitional zone volume (TZV) with intraprostatic chronic inflammatory infiltrate (CII) and prostate cancer (PCa) risk in patients undergoing a first random biopsy set. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a homogenous population of 596 patients. The volume of the prostate and TZV were separately measured. Independent associations were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The median TZV was 18 ml, CII was detected in 157 cases (26.3%), and PCa was present in 292 patients (49%). TZV was the only independent clinical factor associated with CII risk (OR = 1.014). After correcting for CII (OR = 0.276; p < 0.0001), independent factors associated with PCa risk included age (OR = 1.066), prostate specific antigen (OR = 1.177), TZV (OR = 0.919), and an abnormal digital rectal exam (OR = 2.024). CONCLUSION: In a patient population undergoing a first random prostate biopsy set because of suspected cancer, independent associations were detected among TZV, CII, and PCa. The association between TZV and CII was direct, but the relation between TZV and PCa was inverse. The measurement of the volume of the transitional zone was a useful parameter for evaluating chronic intraprostatic inflammation and PCa risk.

Simultaneous Measurements of Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Total Testosterone and Associations in Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential relations of simultaneous measurements of basal levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone (TT) in clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 126 patients who had simultaneous measurements of prostate specific antigen (PSA), FSH, and TT before undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically localized PCa. Correlations and independent associations between clinical and pathological factors were investigated by statistical methods. RESULTS: The tumor volume (TV) was directly correlated to PSA and TT which was inversely related to FSH. Moreover, it was independently associated with both PSA and TT. In a multivariate linear regression model, FSH and TV were simultaneous independent factors associated with TT, and the association was inverse in the former and direct in the latter. In the patient population, the subset with FSH levels above the third quartile was related to lower median levels of TT that were associated with high grade cancer showing a lower TV. In localized PCa, basal levels of TT were associated with tumor parameters and inversely related to FSH levels, and the subset FSH levels above the third quartile were related to lower TT levels that were associated with high grade cancers showing a lower tumor load. CONCLUSION: Preoperative TT was associated with tumor parameters and inversely related to FSH levels. Patient with increased FSH levels was related to lower levels of TT, which was associated with high grade cancer.

Low-Risk Prostate Cancer and Tumor Upgrading in the Surgical Specimen: Analysis of Clinical Factors Predicting Tumor Upgrading in a Contemporary Series of Patients Who were Evaluated According to the Modified Gleason Score Grading System.

OBJECTIVE: To identify significant clinical factors associated with prostate cancer (PCa) upgrading the low-risk PCa patients graded according to the modified Gleason score system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The logistic regression model was used to evaluate the records of 438 patients. RESULTS: There were 170 cases (38.8%) of low-risk PCa and tumors were upgraded in 111 patients (65.3%). Only prostate specific antigen (PSA) and the proportion of positive cores (P+) were independent predictors of tumor upgrading. Further exploration was investigated by categorizing and regressing PSA (≤ 5.0 vs. > 5.0 ng/ml) and P+ (≤ 0.20 vs. > 0.20). The odds ratio of PSA > 5 ng/ml was 1.32 and of P+ > 0.20 was 2.71. The population was stratified into very low-risk with PSA ≤ 5 ng/ml and P+ ≤ 0.20 (class A), low-risk with PSA > 5 ng/ml and P+ ≤ 0.20 (class B), intermediate risk with PSA ≤ 5 ng/ml and P+ > 0.20 (class C), and high risk with PSA > 5 ng/ml and P+ 0.20 (class D). Upgrading rates were extremely low in class A (9%), extremely high in D (50.5%), and moderate (20%) in B and C. CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with low-risk PCa at biopsy are a heterogeneous population because they include subsets with undetected high-grade disease. Significant clinical predictors of upgrading include the PSA value and P+. In low-risk PCa, we identified a high-risk upgrading subgroup that needed repeat biopsies in order to reclassify the tumor grade and to reassess the clinical risk category.

Preoperative Plasma Levels of Total Testosterone Associated with High Grade Pathology-Detected Prostate Cancer: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Study in a Contemporary Cohort of Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the associations, if any, between preoperative plasma levels of total testosterone (TT) and pathology Gleason score (pGS) in a contemporary cohort of prostate cancer (PCa) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2014 and June 2015, plasma levels of TT were measured in 142 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. Exclusion criteria were as follows: 5α-reductase inhibitors, LH-releasing hormone analogues, or testosterone replacement treatment. The entire cohort, assessed by continuous and categorical variables, was classified into two groups according to the pGS that included low-intermediate (pGS 6-7) and high grade (pGS > 7) cases. TT was evaluated as a continuous variable. RESULTS: The cohort included 128 cases. High grade PCa was detected in 28 (21.8%) patients. Median plasma levels of both TT and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were significantly higher in these cases. In the clinical multivariate model, independent and positive predictors of pGS > 7 were TT (p = 0.041; OR = 1.004), PSA (p = 0.006; OR = 1.191), and bGS > 6 (p = 0.004; OR = 5.0); that is, a single unit increase in TT plasma levels increases the odds of having high grade PCa by 4%. CONCLUSION: In a contemporary cohort of patients, preoperative plasma levels of TT directly and independently associated with high grade PCa. High baseline plasma levels of TT might have clinical applications for managing PCa. New and well designed prospective studies dealing with this subject are required.

Clinical Factors Predicting Bilateral Lymph Node Invasion in High-Risk Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: In high-risk prostate cancer (HR-PCA), it is important to consider the factors associated with extensive lymph node invasion (LNI) before planning treatment methods. OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical predictors of bilateral LNI in HR-PCA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study evaluated 261 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection. The multivariate multinomial logistic regression model was computed. RESULTS: The high-risk category included 102 cases. Overall, LNI was detected in 28 patients (27.5%) and was bilateral in 11 cases (10.8%). Independent factors associated with LNI were prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and proportion of positive cores. The main model showed that only higher values of PSA increased the odds of bilateral LNI when compared to patients having unilateral LNI (OR 1.058; p = 0.018). The area under the curve of PSA predicting bilateral LNI was 0.819. CONCLUSIONS: In HR-PCA, the independent predictor of LNI was PSA, which varied among patients with bilateral and unilateral LNI.

Association between Basal Total Testosterone Levels and Tumor Upgrading in Low and Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate associations of basal levels of total testosterone (TT) with tumor upgrading to high risk disease in low-intermediate risk prostate cancer (PCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 135 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Evaluated factors included age, body mass index, prostate specific antigen (PSA), TT, prostate volume, PSA density (PSAD), proportion of biopsy positive cores (P+), clinical tumor stage, and biopsy grading system (1 or 2). Factors associating with tumor upgrading were investigated by the multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Tumor upgrading rate to high risk disease was 8.9%. TT, PSA, and PSAD were associated with tumor upgrading. On multivariate analysis, independent factors predicting tumor upgrading were PSA (OR 1.324; p = 0.001) and TT (OR 1.005; p = 0.015). Basal TT was dichotomized up to the third quartile (TT > q3) vs. TT ≤ q3 (426.0 ng/dL). The assessed tumor upgrading risk model showed that TT dichotomized to third quartile (TT > q3 vs. TT ≤ q3) stratified the risk of tumor upgrading (OR 6.577; p = 0.010) along increasing levels of PSA (OR 1.3; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Low and intermediate risk PCA patients show a not negligible risk of tumor upgrading to high risk disease. In this particular subset of patients, basal levels of TT stratify the risk of tumor upgrading.

Clinical Factors Predicting and Stratifying the Risk of Lymph Node Invasion in Localized Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate clinical factors associating with occult lymph node micrometastases (pN1 disease) in a contemporary cohort of organ-confined prostate cancer (PCA) patients staged as cN0. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study evaluated 184 consecutive patients. Associations of clinical factors with pN1 disease were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Lymph node invasion was detected in 33 cases (17.9%). Independent factors associating with pN1 status were prostate specific antigen (PSA; OR 1.054; p = 0.004), percentage of positive biopsy cores (PPC; OR 1.030; p = 0.013), and biopsy Gleason pattern (bGP) >4 + 3 (OR 3.666; p = 0.004). A clinical model predicting the risk of pN1 disease identified 4 prognostic groups of pN1 disease. CONCLUSIONS: In a contemporary cohort of PCA patients, lymph node invasion was detected in 17.9% of cases. An independent clinical disease showed that the risk of lymph node invasion was directly proportional to PPC and more stratification of the risk of pN1 disease was operated by PSA and BGP. The model allowed the stratification of the patient population in 4 groups and showed that the risk of lymph node invasion progressively increased as the risk group ranked from 1 to 4.

Prostate volume index stratified prostate cancer risk in patients elected to a first random biopsy set.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate prostate volume index (PVI), defined as the ratio of volume of the transitional zone on that of the peripheral zone, as a factor stratifying prostate cancer (PCA) risk in patients elected to a first random biopsy set. METHODS: The study evaluated 596 patients who were elected to a first random biopsy set because of suspected PCA in a period between September 2010 and September 2015. Prostate volume index was dichotomized to PVI ≤1 vs PVI >1. The multivariate logistic regression model investigated clinical factors with dichotomized PVI associating with PCA. RESULTS: The detection rate of PCA was 49%. The dichotomized PVI >1 stratified PCA risk (odds ratio [OR] 0.455; p<0.0001) beyond age (OR 1.062; p<0.0001), PSA (OR 1.167; p<0.0001), PV (OR 0.957; p<0.0001), and abnormal digital rectal examination (OR 2.094; p<0.0001). The goodness of fit statistics assessed model efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: A large cohort of patients elected to a first random biopsy set had PCA risk stratified by dichotomized PVI beyond other clinical independent factors. Confirmatory studies are required.