Unlocking the Potential of Adequate Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Immunotherapy in Very-high-risk Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Carcinoma: A Multicenter Analysis of Oncological Outcomes and Risk Dynamics.

BACKGROUND: The European Association of Urology (EAU) recommends discussing upfront radical cystectomy for all patients with very high risk (VHR) non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC), but the role of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To analyze oncological outcomes in VHR NMIBC patients (EAU risk groups) treated with adequate BCG. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A multi-institutional retrospective study involving patients with VHR NMIBC who received adequate BCG therapy from 2007 to 2020 was conducted. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A survival analysis estimated recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and the cumulative incidence of cancer-specific mortality (CSM) after accounting for other causes of mortality as competing risk events and of the overall mortality (OM). Conditional survival probabilities for 0-4 yr without events were computed. Cox regression assessed the predictors of oncological outcomes. RESULTS AND LIMITATION: A total of 640 patients, with a median 47 (32-67) mo follow-up for event-free individuals, were analyzed. High-grade RFS and PFS at 5 yr were 53% (49-57%) and 78% (74-82%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of CSM and OM at 5 yr was 13% (10-16%) and 16% (13-19%), respectively. Conditional RFS, PFS, overall survival, and cancer-specific survival at 4 yr were 91%, 96%, 87%, and 94%, respectively. Cox regression identified tumor grade (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.54; 1.1-2) and size (HR: 1.3; 1.1-1.7) as RFS predictors. Tumor multiplicity predicted RFS (HR: 1.6; 1.3-2), PFS (HR: 2; 1.2-3.3), and CSM (HR: 2; 1.2-3.2), while age predicted OM (HR: 1.48; 1.1-2). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with VHR NMIBC who receive adequate BCG therapy have a more favorable prognosis than predicted by EAU risk groups, especially among those with a sustained response, in whom continuing maintenance therapy emerges as a viable alternative to radical cystectomy. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our research shows that a sustained response to bacillus Calmette-Guérin in patients can lead to favorable outcomes, serving as a viable alternative to cystectomy for select cases.

Performance of a multidisciplinary robotic surgery program at a university hospital (2012-2022).

Robotic-assisted surgery has become widely adopted for its ability to expand the indications for minimally invasive procedures. This technology aims to improve precision, accuracy, and outcomes while reducing complications, blood loss, and recovery time. Successful implementation of a robotic surgery program requires careful initial design and a focus on maintenance and expansion to maximize its benefits. This article presents a comprehensive study conducted at a University Hospital on the robotic surgery program from December 2012 to December 2022. Data from hospital databases, including patient demographics, surgical department, surgical time, operating room occupancy, and primary diagnosis, were analyzed. The analysis covered various time periods (surgical sessions, weeks, months, and years) to assess the program's evolution over time. Over the 10-year period, a total of 1847 robotic-assisted interventions were performed across five surgical services. Urology accounted for 57% of the cases, general surgery 17%, gynecology 16%, otorhinolaryngology 6%, and thoracic surgery 4%. The most frequently performed procedures included robotic prostatectomies (643 cases), hysterectomies (261 cases), and colposacropexies (210 cases). The weekly volume of interventions showed a notable increase, rising from 2 cases per week in 2013-2014 cases in 2022. Moreover, the average surgical duration per intervention exhibited a progressive decrease from 275 min in 2013 to 184 min in 2022. This study highlights the potential of a well-managed robotic surgery program as a viable alternative to conventional surgical approaches. Effective coordination and resource utilization contribute to the program's efficiency. The findings underscore the successful integration of robotic-assisted surgery in diverse surgical specialties.

The urological referral process from primary health care. Reflections on referral criteria.

OBJECTIVES: The flow of patients between Primary Care (PC) and Specialized care (SC) is a common process. It carries many implications for the patient, physician and health system. In Urology, only benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has referral criteria. Urinary incontinence, prostate cancer (PCa), and urological ultrasound, are in the process. The aim of this paper is to communicate, with critical analysis, the characteristics of the information recorded in the referral visit (clinical reasons / rationale) and the effectiveness for urology consultation. METHODS: Observational, descriptive and quantitative study of the referral visits made between PC/SC (Urology) in the health care area of our hospital (December 2010-September 2012). We studied: Referral Visit Database (RVD), consultation document, HORUS system, and specific referral visit survey questionnaire. RESULTS. Referral visits account for 67.89% (all first consultations), 14.79% of the total number of visits. 78% were male (mean age 53 y.o). 11.84% recorded reason for consultation (98% in referral document) with normal priority (94.67%). 34% of them were for BPH. HORUS is not exploited for the referral visit. 40% start the diagnostic process with insufficient exams. 18.1% are listed as closed process / completed. Patient satisfaction was evaluated (20%). Key points in the improvement are: improve referral visit reason for consultations, to know patient's expectations, and to develop protocols (guidelines, and/or referral criteria). CONCLUSIONS. The referral process is complex. The computer system does not include the referral reason for consultation. Institutional agreement between PC/SC Urology must be reached to ensure uniformity in the implementation and support.