Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy: surgical and mid-term oncological outcomes in over 1100 patients (ROBUUST 2.0 collaborative group).

OBJECTIVE: To analyse surgical, functional, and mid-term oncological outcomes of robot-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU) in a contemporary large multi-institutional setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were retrieved from the ROBotic surgery for Upper tract Urothelial cancer STtudy (ROBUUST) 2.0 database, an international, multicentre registry encompassing data of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing curative surgery between 2015 and 2022. The analysis included all consecutive patients undergoing RANU except those with missing data in predictors. Detailed surgical, pathological, and postoperative functional data were recorded and analysed. Oncological time-to-event outcomes were: recurrence-free survival (RFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with a 3-year cut-off. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was built to evaluate predictors of each oncological outcome. RESULTS: A total of 1118 patients underwent RANU during the study period. The postoperative complications rate was 14.1%; the positive surgical margin rate was 4.7%. A postoperative median (interquartile range) estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease of -13.1 (-27.5 to 0) mL/min/1.73 m2 from baseline was observed. The 3-year RFS was 59% and the 3-year MFS was 76%, with a 3-year OS and CSS of 76% and 88%, respectively. Significant predictors of worse oncological outcomes were bladder-cuff excision, high-grade tumour, pathological T stage ≥3, and nodal involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The present study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the increasing adoption of RANU. The procedure consistently offers low surgical morbidity and can provide favourable mid-term oncological outcomes, mirroring those of open NU, even in non-organ-confined disease.

Neurovascular structure-adjacent frozen-section examination (NeuroSAFE) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

BACKGROUND: To compare surgical, pathological, and functional outcomes of patients undergoing NeuroSAFE-guided RARP vs. RARP alone. METHODS: In February 2024, a literature search and assessment was conducted through PubMed®, Scopus®, and Web of Science™, to retrieve data of men with PCa (P) undergoing RARP with NeuroSAFE (I) versus RARP without NeuroSAFE (C) to evaluate surgical, pathological, oncological, and functional outcomes (O), across retrospective and/or prospective comparative studies (Studies). Surgical (operative time [OT], number of nerve-sparing [NS] RARP, number of secondary resections after NeuroSAFE), pathological (PSM), oncological (biochemical recurrence [BCR]), and functional (postoperative continence and sexual function recovery) outcomes were analyzed, using weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous variables and odd ratio (OR) for dichotomous variables. RESULTS: Overall, seven studies met the inclusion criteria (one randomized clinical trial, one prospective non-randomized trial and five retrospective studies) and were eligible for SR and MA. A total of 4,207 patients were included in the MA, with 2247 patients (53%) undergoing RARP with the addition of NeuroSAFE, and 1 960 (47%) receiving RARP alone. The addition of NeuroSAFE enhanced the likelihood of receiving a nerve-sparing (NS) RARP (OR 5.49, 95% CI 2.48-12.12, I2 = 72%). In the NeuroSAFE cohort, a statistically significant reduction in the likelihood of PSM at final pathology (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39-0.79, I2 = 73%) was observed. Similarly, a reduced likelihood of BCR favoring the NeuroSAFE was obtained (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.35-0.62, I2 = 0%). At 12-month postoperatively, NeuroSAFE led to a significantly higher likelihood of being pad-free (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.25-3.25, I2 = 0%), and of erectile function recovery (OR 3.50, 95% CI 2.34-5.23, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Available evidence suggests that NeuroSAFE might represent a histologically based approach to NVB preservation, broadening the indications of NS RARP, reducing the likelihood of PSM and subsequent BCR. In addition, it might translate into better functional postoperative outcomes. However, the current body of evidence is mostly derived from non-randomized studies with a high risk of bias.

Contemporary management of ischemic priapism: A 12-year population-based analysis from a large US database.

BACKGROUND: Priapism is a urological condition characterized by a persistent erection. The management varies based on its subclassifications. Despite established clinical guidelines for ischemic priapism, there is a lack of large-scale research focused on patient characteristics and management strategies. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the contemporary management of ischemic priapism in the US, exploring patient demographics and clinical characteristics, as well as predictors of erectile dysfunction (ED) and penile prosthesis implantation (PPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the PearlDiver Mariner database, reviewing records from 2010-2021. Adult males diagnosed with ischemic priapism were included. Data analysis covered demographic, clinical variables, and management strategies. Predictors of de novo ED and PPI were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 36,120 patients, most (93%) received only medical management, and a minority underwent surgical interventions (penile shunt surgery [PSS], PPI or both). Medical management was typically effective, as 67.08% of the patients in this group experienced only one episode of priapism. However, de novo ED occurred in 16.57% of these patients. The majority of patients undergoing PPI had an inflatable prosthesis (81%). Older age (odds ratio, OR 1.02), the presence of metabolic diseases (OR 1.39), neurogenic disorders (OR 1.72), solid pelvic malignancies (OR 1.09), and multiple episodes of priapism were identified as significant predictors of de novo ED (all p < 0.05). Similarly, age (OR 1.03), the presence of metabolic diseases (OR 1.23), solid pelvic malignancies (OR 1.99), and multiple episodes of priapism were associated with higher likelihood of PPI (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Most cases of ischemic priapism are managed with the medical therapy. Less than 3% of patients with ischemic priapism receive PPI, and when this occurs an inflatable prosthesis is favored. Age, specific comorbidities, and multiple episodes of priapism appear to be significant predictors of ED and PPI.

Partial nephrectomy in elderly patients: a systematic review and analysis of comparative outcomes.

PURPOSE: The management of renal masses in the elderly population is particularly challenging, as these patients are often more frail and potentially more susceptible to surgical morbidity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) for treating renal masses in elderly individuals. METHODS: A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in May 2024 using the Medline (via PubMed) database by searching publications up to April 2024. The population, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) model defined study eligibility. Studies were deemed eligible if assessing elderly patients (aged 70 years or older) (P) undergoing PN (I) with or without comparison between a different population (non-elderly) or a different treatment option (radical nephrectomy, ablation or active surveillance) (C) evaluating surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes (O). RESULTS: A total of 23 retrospective studies investigating the role of PN in elderly patients were finally included. PN emerged as a safe procedure also for older patients, demonstrating good outcomes. Preoperative evaluation of frailty status emerged to be paramount. Age alone was discredited as the sole reason to reject the use of PN. The main limitation is the retrospective nature of included studies and the lack of the assessment of elderly patients' frailty. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of renal masses in older patients is a challenging scenario. PN should be chosen over RN whenever possible since it can better preserve renal function. The use of minimally invasive techniques should be favored in this extremely fragile group of patients.

Renal Function Preservation in Purely Off-Clamp Sutureless Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Initial Experience and Technique.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a sutureless off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (sl-oc RAPN), particularly its impact on renal function. A multicenter study was conducted from April 2021 to June 2022. Patients diagnosed with a renal mass of >2 cm and a PADUA score of ≤6 consecutively underwent an sl-oc RAPN procedure. Tumor features, patients characteristics, and intraoperative outcomes were assessed. An evaluation of renal function was performed preoperatively, and again at 1 and 3 months after surgery by measuring the creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. The renal function of the two separate kidneys was assessed by a sequential renal scintigraphy performed before and at least 30 days after surgery. A total of 21 patients underwent an sl-oc RAPN. The median age was 64 years (IQR 52/70), the median tumor diameter was 40 mm (IQR 29/45), and the median PADUA score was 4 (3.5/5). The intraoperative outcomes included operative time (OT), 90 (IQR 74/100) min; estimated blood loss (EBL), 150 (IQR 50/300) mL; and perioperative complications, CD > 3 1(5%); only two patients presented positive surgical margins in their final histology (2/21, 10%). Compared to the preoperative value, a decrease in renal function was highlighted with a statistically significant median decrease of 10 mL/min (p < 0.01). The renal scintigraphy showed an overall decrease in renal function compared to the preoperative value, with a range in the operated kidney that varied from 0 to 15 mL/s and from 0% to 40%, with a median value of 4 mL/s and 12%. sl-oc RAPN is a safe procedure, with a minimal impact on kidney function alteration. This technique has proven effective in preserving renal function and maintaining optimal oncological outcomes with limited complications.

Upfront versus deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy following targeted or immunotherapy: a population-based propensity score-matched analysis of perioperative complications.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications after cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) following first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), and to compare it with postoperative complications of upfront CN. METHODS: For this population-based retrospective study, the PearlDiver Mariner database (PearlDiver Technologies, Colorado Springs, CO), a database of insurance billing records was analyzed. Using relevant ICD-9/10 and CPT codes, patients diagnosed with mRCC between 2011 and 2021, who received first-line systemic molecular therapy (SMT), either tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) or immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), were identified. The selected population was stratified into two cohorts according to the timing of CN (deferred: after SMT vs. upfront: before SMT). Propensity-score matching (PSM) was performed as per baseline patients' characteristics to control for potential confounders between the two cohorts. The primary outcome was to compare 30-day postoperative complications rate between patients undergoing upfront vs. deferred CN. RESULTS: After PSM, 162 patients who received upfront CN were compared with 162 patients who underwent deferred CN. The overall rate of 30-day postoperative complications was statistically significantly higher in patients undergoing deferred CN (33.9%), compared to patients treated with upfront CN (21%, p < 0.01). In addition, the rate of both medical (26.5% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.01) and surgical (14.8 vs. 7.4%, p = 0.03) complication rate was statistically significantly higher in deferred vs. upfront CN. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that none of the treatment regimens significantly predicted the occurrence of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing deferred CN experience a higher rates of overall, medical, and surgical 30-day postoperative complications compared to those receiving upfront surgery. Findings from this study should be interpreted within the limitations of this type of analysis.

Suprapubic Transvesical Adenoma Resection of the Prostate (STAR-P): A Novel Technique for Surgical Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Several minimally invasive treatments have been developed to treat benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) via a transurethral approach, with a non-negligible risk of complications such as urethral stricture and external sphincter damage. Our aim was to present the Gozzi surgical technique for suprapubic transvesical adenoma resection of the prostate (STAR-P) for BPO and to assess its safety, feasibility, and outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 44 consecutive patients who underwent STAR-P for BPO. All the procedures were performed in a single private hospital by one surgeon from 2020 to 2022. An innovative resectoscope designed by the surgeon was subsequently produced by Tontarra Medizintechnik (Wurmlingen, Germany) with a 42.06 Fr external sheath that allows the use of loops of three different sizes. The instrument is inserted into the bladder via suprapubic access, which ensures greater freedom of movement without compromising the external sphincter. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Preoperative and intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and functional outcomes of the STAR-P procedure were assessed. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: No intraoperative complications were observed. Two patients (4.5%) experienced urinary urgency symptoms after catheter removal that resolved within 90 d. Median times were 105 min for surgery overall and 65 min for resection. All patients showed an improvement in voiding quality. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: STAR-P is a safe, feasible, and cost-effective procedure that spares the bulbomembranous and penile urethra and the external urethral sphincter, and should be discussed with patients as a possible option for treatment of BPO. PATIENT SUMMARY: We describe a new, safe, and feasible technique for surgical treatment of urinary obstruction caused by a large prostate. Keyhole surgery is performed through the lower abdomen, which means that the urethra below the prostate is not damaged. Only a small scar of 2-3 cm in the lower abdomen is evident at the end of the healing process.

Open versus Minimally Invasive Nephroureterectomy: Contemporary Analysis from a Wide National Population-Based Database.

BACKGROUND: It is generally perceived that minimally invasive nephroureterectomy (MINU), especially in the form of robotic-assisted laparoscopy, is gaining an increasing role in many institutions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate contemporary trends in the adoption of MINU in the United States compared with open nephroureterectomy (ONU). METHODS: Patients who underwent ONU or MINU between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed using PearlDiver Mariner, an all-payer insurance claims database. International Classification of Diseases diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify the type of surgical procedure, patients' characteristics, social determinants of health (SDOH), and perioperative complications. The primary objective assessed different trends and costs in NU adoption, while secondary objectives analyzed factors influencing the postoperative complications, including SDOH. Outcomes were compared using multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 15,240 patients underwent ONU (n = 7675) and MINU (n = 7565). Utilization of ONU declined over the study period, whereas that of MINU increased from 29 to 72% (p = 0.01). The 60-day postoperative complication rate was 23% for ONU and 19% for MINU (p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, ONU showed a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI 1.20-1.48). Approximately 5% and 9% of patients reported at least one SDOH at baseline for both ONU and MINU (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary trend analysis of a large national dataset confirms that there has been a significant shift towards MINU, which is gradually replacing ONU. A minimally invasive approach is associated with lower risk of complications. SDOH are non-clinical factors that currently do not have an impact on the outcomes of nephroureterectomy.

Assessing risk of lymph node invasion in complete responders to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the lymph node invasion (LNI) rate in patients exhibiting complete pathological response (CR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to test the association of CR status with lower LNI and better survival outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included patients with bladder cancer (BCa; cT2-4a; cN0; cM0) treated with NAC and radical cystectomy (RC) + pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) at our institution between 2012 and 2022 (N = 157). CR (ypT0) and LNI (ypN+) were defined at final pathology. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to test the association between CR and LNI after adjusting for number of lymph nodes removed (NLR). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to assess overall survival (OS), metastasis-free survival (MFS) and disease free-survival (DFS) according to CR status. RESULTS: Overall CR and LNI rates were 40.1% and 19%, respectively. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) NLR was 26 (19-36). The LNI rate was lower in patients with CR vs those without CR (2 [3.2%] vs 61 [29.8%]; P < 0.001). After adjusting for NLR, CR reduced the LNI risk by 93% (odds ratio 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.25; P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier plots depicted better 5-year OS (69.7 vs 52.2%), MFS (68.3 vs 45.5%) and DFS (66.6 vs 43.5%) in patients with CR vs those without CR. After multivariable adjustments, CR independently reduced the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.44, 95% CI 0.24-0.81; P = 0.008), metastatic progression (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.71; P = 0.002) and disease progression (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24-0.70; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, we postulate that PLND could potentially be omitted in patients exhibiting CR after NAC, due to negligible risk of LNI. Prospective Phase II trials are needed to explore this challenging hypothesis.

Incidence, Timing, and Pattern of Atypical Recurrence after Minimally Invasive Surgery for Urothelial Carcinoma.

The management of urothelial carcinoma has evolved with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic procedures, challenging the traditional approach of open surgery, and giving rise to atypical recurrences (ARs). ARs include port-site metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, yet discrepancies persist among authors regarding their precise classification. Incidence rates of ARs vary widely across studies, ranging from less than 1% to over 10% in both muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and upper tract urothelial tumor (UTUC). Peritoneal metastases predominate as the most common ARs in patients with MIBC, while retroperitoneal metastases are prevalent in those with UTUC due to differing surgical approaches. The timing of AR presentation and survival outcomes closely mirror those of conventional recurrences, with which they are frequently associated. Pneumoperitoneum has progressively been regarded less as the cause of ARs, while surgical-related risk factors have gained prominence. Current major surgical-related causes include tumor spillage and urinary tract violation during surgery, avoidance of endo bag use for specimen extraction, and low surgical experience. Factors such as tumor stage, histological variants, and lympho-vascular invasion correlate with the risk of ARs, suggesting a close association with tumor biology. Further studies are required to better understand the incidence, risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes of ARs.

Purely Off-Clamp Sutureless Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Novice Robotic Surgeons: A Multi-Institutional Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Objectives: To compare perioperative outcomes of patients treated with sutureless off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy (sl-oc RAPN) by either a novice or an expert robotic surgeon at two different institutions. Methods: Data concerning two continuous series of patients with cT1-2N0M0 renal tumors treated with sl-oc RAPN either by a novice or an expert surgeon were extracted from prospectively populated institutional databases over the last 4 years. Perioperative outcomes as well as the baseline characteristics of patients and tumors were compared by using χ2 and Mann-Whitney tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A 1:1 propensity match score analysis (PMSa) generated two homogeneous cohorts. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of trifecta outcomes, defined as negative surgical margins, no Clavien-Dindo ≧ 3 grade complications, and no ≧ 30% postoperative eGFR reduction. Results: Overall, 328 patients were treated by an expert surgeon, while 40 were treated by a novice surgeon. After PMSa analysis, two cohorts of 23 patients each were generated, homogeneous for all baseline variables (p ≥ 0.07). Hospital stay was the only significantly different outcome observed between the two groups (5 days vs. 2 days; p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were recorded when comparing trifecta outcomes (expert: 100% vs. novice: 87%; p = 0.07). In the logistic regression analysis, no statistically significant predictors of trifecta outcomes were recorded. Conclusions: sl-oc RAPN is a feasible and safe nephron sparing technique, even when performed by a novice robotic surgeon.

Characteristics, trends, and management of Penile cancer in the United States: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Penile cancer (PeCa) is a rare disease. HPV infection, smoking, phimosis, and lichen sclerosus represent well-known associated risk factors. OBJECTIVES: Primary aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of PeCa and to outline the adopted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Secondary aim is to investigate risk factors associated with aggressive disease and to identify the complications arising from its surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the PearlDiver™ Mariner database, from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021, identifying all patients diagnosed with PeCa and PeIN, evaluating comorbidities, risk factors, and social and economic conditions. We evaluated the imaging modalities employed for staging as well as the treatment strategies. Finally, we evaluated the most frequent complications associated with inguinal lymphadenectomy (ILND). RESULTS: During the study period, 17,494 patients were diagnosed with PeCa and 5,965 with penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN). US was the most frequently utilized imaging modality, followed by PET and PET/CT. Use of CT and MRI was around 5%. Surgical treatment was the predominant strategy, utilized in 31.3% of PeCa and 22.9% of PeIN. Wide Local Excision/Glansectomy emerged as the most common surgical procedures. MLR analysis identified smoking as a risk factor for metastatic PeCa (OR; 95% CI = 1.49; 1.379-1.609), HPV infections were associated with a 35% decrease in risk (OR; 95% CI = 0.65; 0.562-0.744) (all P < 0.001). Lichen sclerosus and phimosis were associated with a doubled risk of demolitive surgery. Approximately 40% of patients experienced complications associated with ILND. CONCLUSION: Despite advances in PeCa management, there's no significant move toward more conservative treatments. Surgical treatments are still marked by high rates of complications, potentially affect the sexual and psychosocial health of patients. These issues may foster a tendency toward avoidance behaviors, contributing to a delayed clinical presentation and treatment.

Incidence and management of BPH surgery-related urethral stricture: results from a large U.S. database.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Urethral stricture (US) is a well-known complication after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study aimed to evaluate the contemporary incidence of the US after different types of BPH surgery, to identify associated risk factors and to assess its management. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the PearlDiver™ Mariner database, containing de-identified patient records compiled between 2011 and 2022. Specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were employed to identify population characteristics and outcomes. All the most employed surgical procedures for BPH treatment were considered. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate factors associated with diagnosis of post-operative US. RESULTS: Among 274,808 patients who underwent BPH surgery, 10,918 developed post-operative US (3.97%) within 12 months. Higher incidence of US was observed following TURP (4.48%), Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) (3.67%), Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) (3.92%), HoLEP/ThuLEP (3.85%), and open Simple Prostatectomy (SP) (3.21%). Lower incidence rates were observed after laparoscopic\robot-assisted SP (1.76%), Aquablation (1.59%), Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) (1.07%), Rezum (1.05%), and Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) (0.65%). Multivariable analysis showed that patients undergoing PUL, Rezum, Aquablation, PAE, and PVP were associated with a reduced likelihood of developing US compared to TURP. US required surgical treatment in 18.95% of patients, with direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) and urethroplasty performed in 14.55% and 4.50% of cases, respectively. Urethral dilatation (UD) in an outpatient setting was the primary management in most cases (76.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis from a contemporary large dataset suggests that the incidence of US after BPH surgery is relatively low (<5%) and varies among procedures. Around 94% of US cases following BPH surgery are managed using minimally invasive treatment approaches such as UD and DVIU.

Incidence and Management of Radiation Cystitis After Pelvic Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Analysis From a National Database.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of radiation cystitis on prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy (RT), evaluating the most used management strategies, and identifying potential risk factors associated with the development of this condition. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the PearlDiver Mariner database, containing patient records compiled between 2011 and 2022. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were employed to identify population and outcomes. We evaluated patients who underwent RT for PCa and subsequently developed radiation cystitis. Primary objective was to determine the overall incidence of radiation cystitis. Furthermore, we investigated its associated risk factors and management. RESULTS: A total of 274,865 PCa patients underwent RT during the study period. Of these, 48,713 (17.7%) experienced hematuria following RT, while 7721 (2.8%) were diagnosed with radiation cystitis. After the diagnosis, 2307 patients (29.9%) received diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic interventions. Only 59 patients (0.76%) underwent endovascular embolization, while 151 patients (1.95%) required cystectomy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, administered to 1287 patients (16.67%), was the only treatment that displayed a significant upward trend. Multivariate logistic regression identified obesity (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.23-1.35), smoking (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.22-1.33), and diabetes (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.26-1.39), as significant risk factors for radiation cystitis (all P-values <.001). CONCLUSION: Radiation cystitis represents a rare complication after pelvic RT with significant clinical impact. Its incidence has remained stable throughout the study period. The identified risk factors corroborate the pathophysiology of radiation cystitis. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was the only treatment to show an upward trend during the study period.

Trends and Costs of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Kidney Cancer in the US: A Population-based Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze temporal trends and costs associated with the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for kidney cancer in the US over the past decade. To examine the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on perioperative outcomes. METHODS: The PearlDiver Mariner, a national database of insurance billing records, was queried for this retrospective observational cohort analysis. The MIS population was identified and stratified according to treatment modality, using International Classification of Diseases and current procedural terminology codes. SDOH were assessed using International Classification of Diseases codes. Negative binomial regression was used to evaluate the overall number of renal MIS and Cochran-Armitage tests to compare the utilization of different treatment modalities, over the study period. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified predictors of perioperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 80,821 MIS for kidney cancer were included. Minimally invasive partial nephrectomy adoption as a fraction of total MIS increased significantly (slope of regression line, reg. = 0.026, P <.001). Minimally invasive radical nephrectomy ($26.9k ± 40.9k) and renal ablation ($18.9k ± 31.6k) were the most expensive and cheapest procedures, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of number of complications (P = .06) and presence of SDOH (P = .07) among the treatment groups. At multivariable analysis, patients with SDOH undergoing minimally invasive radical nephrectomy had higher odds of perioperative complications, while renal ablation had a significantly lower probability of perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: This study describes the current management of kidney cancer in the US, offering a socioeconomic perspective on the impact of this disease in everyday clinical practice.

Comparative Outcomes of Open Radical Cystectomy vs. Robot-Assisted Approaches with Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Urinary Diversion: A Meta-Analysis and Network Meta-Analysis of Perioperative and Quality of Life Outcomes.

Background: To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs that compare outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intra- or extracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD or ECUD) and the standard open approach (oRC). Methods: A systematic review identified RCTs including patients aged >18 years with non-metastatic bladder cancer treated with RARC (ICUD or ECUD) vs. oRC and reporting peri- and post-operative outcomes and quality of life (QoL) assessment. Standard and network metanalyses were performed. Results: Data from 1024 patients included in eight RCTs were analyzed. The standard meta-analysis found that RARC had longer OT, lower EBL, and a lower transfusion rate compared to oRC (all p < 0.001). No significant differences in terms of LOS between the ICUD vs. ECUD vs. ORC were recorded. RARC patients demonstrated better scores in fatigue, insomnia, pain, physical functioning, and role functioning-according to QoL assessment-compared to ORC at early follow-up, despite no difference at baselines. Finally, at network metanalysis, ICUD (OR = 0.74, p < 0.001) but not ECUD (OR = 0.92, p < 0.08) yielded a lower rate of high-grade 90-day complications compared to ORC despite longer OT (MD = 89.56, p = 0.0351). Conclusions: RARC represents a safe and feasible option to reduce perioperative bleeding with no definitive impact on LOS compared to ORC. Interestingly, ICUD may reduce the burden of 90-day complications to a greater extent than ECUD. Nonetheless, surgeons should be aware of the extended OT and steep learning curve of ICUD. Finally, RARC may provide some short-term benefits in terms of QoL, but more research is needed to determine its long-term effects.