Impact of functional impairment and cognitive status on perioperative outcomes and costs after radical cystectomy: The role of Barthel Index.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between Barthel Index (BI), which measures level of patients independence during daily living activities (ADL), and perioperative outcomes in a large cohort of consecutive bladder cancer (BCa) patients, who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data from clinically nonmetastatic BCa patients treated with RC between 2015 and 2022. For each patient, BI was assessed preoperatively. According to BI score, patients were divided into three groups: ≤60 (total/severe dependency) vs. 65-90 (moderate dependency) vs. 95-100 (slight dependency/independency). Regression analyses tested the association between BI score and major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo >2), length of in-hospital stay (LOHS), 90-days readmission, and total costs. RESULTS: Overall, 288 patients were included. According to BI score, the patient cohort was distributed as follows: 4% (n = 11) BI ≤60 vs. 15% (n = 42) BI 65-90 vs. 81% (n = 235) BI 95-100. Patients with BI ≤60 had more frequent ureterocutaneostomy performed, shorter operative time, higher rates of postoperative complications, longer LOHS, higher rates of readmission, and were associated with higher total costs, compared to patients with BI 65-90 and 95-100. In multivariable regression models, BI ≤60 remained an independent predictor of increased risk of major postoperative complications (odds ratio: 6.62, p = 0.006), longer LOHS (rate ratio: 1.25, p < 0.001), and higher costs (ß: 2.617, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Total/severe dependency in ADL assessed by BI was associated with higher rates of major postoperative complications, longer hospitalization, and higher costs in BCa patients treated with RC. BI assessment should be considered during patients selection process and counseling before surgery.

Protocol of the Italian Radical Cystectomy Registry (RIC): a non-randomized, 24-month, multicenter study comparing robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and open surgery for radical cystectomy in bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is the ninth most common type of cancer worldwide. In the past, radical cystectomy via open surgery has been considered the gold-standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. However, in recent years there has been a progressive increase in the use of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy. The aim of the current project is to investigate the surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of patients with bladder cancer who undergo radical cystectomy comparing three different surgical techniques (robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and open surgery). Pre-, peri- and post-operative factors will be examined, and participants will be followed for a period of up to 24 months to identify risks of mortality, oncological outcomes, hospital readmission, sexual performance, and continence. METHODS: We describe a protocol for an observational, prospective, multicenter, cohort study to assess patients affected by bladder neoplasms undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. The Italian Radical Cystectomy Registry is an electronic registry to prospectively collect the data of patients undergoing radical cystectomy conducted with any technique (open, laparoscopic, robotic-assisted). Twenty-eight urology departments across Italy will provide data for the study, with the recruitment phase between 1st January 2017-31st October 2020. Information is collected from the patients at the moment of surgical intervention and during follow-up (3, 6, 12, and 24 months after radical cystectomy). Peri-operative variables include surgery time, type of urinary diversion, conversion to open surgery, bleeding, nerve sparing and lymphadenectomy. Follow-up data collection includes histological information (e.g., post-op staging, grading, and tumor histology), short- and long-term outcomes (e.g., mortality, post-op complications, hospital readmission, sexual potency, continence etc). DISCUSSION: The current protocol aims to contribute additional data to the field concerning the short- and long-term outcomes of three different radical cystectomy surgical techniques for patients with bladder cancer, including open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted. This is a comparative-effectiveness trial that takes into account a complex range of factors and decision making by both physicians and patients that affect their choice of surgical technique. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04228198 . Registered 14th January 2020- Retrospectively registered.

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.

How radical prostatectomy procedures have changed over the last 10 years in Italy: a comparative analysis based on more than 1500 patients participating in the MIRROR-SIU/LUNA and the Pros-IT CNR study.

PURPOSE: Therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer (PCa) have been evolving dramatically worldwide. The current article reports on the evolution of surgical management strategies for PCa in Italy. METHODS: The data from two independent Italian multicenter projects, the MIRROR-SIU/LUNA (started in 2007, holding data of 890 patients) and the Pros-IT-CNR project (started in 2014, with data of 692 patients), were compared. Differences in patients' characteristics were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify characteristics associated with robot-assisted (RA) procedure, nerve sparing (NS) approach, and lymph node dissection (LND). RESULTS: The two cohorts did not differ in terms of age and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels at biopsy. Patients enrolled in the Pros-IT-CNR project more frequently were submitted to RA (58.8% vs 27.6%, p < 0.001) and NS prostatectomy (58.4% vs. 52.9%, p = 0.04), but received LND less frequently (47.7% vs. 76.7%, p < 0.001), as compared to the MIRROR-SIU/LUNA patients. At multivariate logistic models, Lower Gleason Scores (GS) and PSA levels were significantly associated with RA prostatectomy in both cohorts. As for the MIRROR-SIU/LUNA data, clinical T-stage was a predictor for NS (OR = 0.07 for T3, T4) and LND (OR = 2.41 for T2) procedures. As for Pros-IT CNR data, GS ≥ (4 + 3) and positive cancer cores ≥ 50% were decisive factors both for NS (OR 0.29 and 0.30) and LND (OR 7.53 and 2.31) strategies. CONCLUSIONS: PCa management has changed over the last decade in Italian centers: RA and NS procedures without LND have become the methods of choice to treat newly medium-high risk diagnosed PCa.

Transperitoneal vs retroperitoneal minimally invasive partial nephrectomy: comparison of perioperative outcomes and functional follow-up in a large multi-institutional cohort (The RECORD 2 Project).

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to evaluate and compare perioperative outcomes of transperitoneal (TP) and retroperitoneal (TR) approaches in a multi-institutional cohort of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MI-PN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All consecutive patients undergone MI-PN for clinical T1 renal tumors at 26 Italian centers (RECORd2 project) between 01/2013 and 12/2016 were evaluated, collecting the pre-, intra-, and postoperative data. The patients were then stratified according to the surgical approach, TP or RP. A 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching was performed to obtain homogeneous cohorts, considering the age, gender, baseline eGFR, surgical indication, clinical diameter, and PADUA score. RESULTS: 1669 patients treated with MI-PN were included in the study, 1256 and 413 undergoing TP and RP, respectively. After 1:1 PS matching according to the surgical access, 413 patients were selected from TP group to be compared with the 413 RP patients. Concerning intraoperative variables, no differences were found between the two groups in terms of surgical approach (lap/robot), extirpative technique (enucleation vs standard PN), hilar clamping, and ischemia time. Conversely, the TP group recorded a shorter median operative time in comparison with the RP group (115 vs 150 min), with a higher occurrence of intraoperative overall, 21 (5.0%) vs 9 (2.1%); p = 0.03, and surgical complications, 18 (4.3%) vs 7 (1.7%); p = 0.04. Concerning postoperative variables, the two groups resulted comparable in terms of complications, positive surgical margins and renal function, even if the RP group recorded a shorter median drainage duration and hospital length of stay (3 vs 2 for both variables), p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that both TP and RP are feasible approaches when performing MI-PN, irrespectively from tumor location or surgical complexity. Notwithstanding longer operative times, RP seems to have a slighter intraoperative complication rate with earlier postoperative recovery when compared with TP.

The Influence of Endogenous Testosterone on Incidental Prostate Cancer after Transurethral Prostate Resection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that endogenous total testosterone (TT) may relate to incidental prostate cancer (iPCA) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with prostate enlargement undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: The hypothesis was tested in contemporary cohort of patients who underwent TURP because of LUTS due to prostate enlargement after excluding the suspect of PCA. In period running from January 2017 to November 2019, 389 subjects were evaluated. Endogenous testosterone was measured preoperatively between 8:00 and 10:00 o'clock in the morning. Relationships between TT and iPCA were evaluated by statistical methods. RESULTS: Overall, iPCA was detected in 18 cases (4.6%) with clinical stage cT1a or International Society of Urologic Pathology (ISUP) < 2 in 11 patients (61.1%). Endogenous testosterone was inversely associated with age and BMI in the study population but not in the subgroup with iPCA in wholly endogenous TT strongly correlated to both number of chips involved by cancer (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = 0.553; p = 0.017) and ISUP > 2 (r = 0.504; p = 0.033). The positive association of endogenous TT with both tumor load and tumor grade was confirmed by the linear regression model with high-regression coefficients for the former (regression coefficient, b = 0.307; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 0.062-0.551; and p = 0.017) as for the latter (b = 5.898; 95% CI: 0.546-11.249; and p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative endogenous TT is associated with features of iPCA. The influence of iPCA on endogenous testosterone needs to be addressed by a large multicenter prospective trial.

The Clinical Efficacy of Nitrofurantoin for Treating Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an updated systematic review of randomized control trials (RCTs) to investigate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of nitrofurantoin compared to other antibiotics or placebo for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTI). A secondary aim is to assess whether nitrofurantoin use is associated with increased side effects compared to other treatment regimens. SUMMARY: The review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched 4 databases for articles published from database inception to May 6, 2020: (1) PubMed electronic database of the National Library of Medicine, (2) Web of Science, (3) Embase, and (4) Cochrane Library. Nine RCTs were selected for the review. RCTs were a mixture of double-blind, single-blind, and open-label trials. The most common comparators were trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and fosfomycin tromethamine. Overall study quality was poor with a high risk of bias. The clinical cure rates in nitrofurantoin ranged from 51 to 94% depending on the length of follow-up, and bacteriological cure rates ranged from 61 to 92%. Overall the evidence suggests that nitrofurantoin is at least comparable with other uUTI treatments in terms of efficacy. Patients taking nitrofurantoin reported fewer side effects than other drugs and the most commonly reported were gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms. Key Messages: Evidence on the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of nitrofurantoin is sparse, with a lack of new data, and hampered by high risk of bias. Although no firm conclusions can be made on the current base of evidence, the studies generally suggest that nitrofurantoin is at least comparable to other common uUTI treatments in terms of clinical and bacteriological cure. More robust research with well-designed double-blinded RCTs is needed.

Predictors of Lymph Node Invasion in Patients with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Who Undergo Radical Prostatectomy and Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: The Role of Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with intermediate- and high-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa), improving the detection of occult lymph node metastases could play a pivotal role for therapeutic counseling and planning. The recent literature shows that several clinical factors may be related to PCa aggressiveness. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential associations between clinical factors and the risk of multiple lymph node invasion (LNI) in patients with intermediate- and high-risk localized PCa (cT1/2, cN0, and ISUP grading group >2 and/or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >10 ng/mL) who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a period ranging from January 2014 to December 2018, 880 consecutive patients underwent RP with ePLND for PCa. Among these, 481 met the inclusion criteria and were selected. Data were prospectively collected within an institutional dataset and retrospectively analyzed. Age (years), body mass index (BMI; kg/m2), PSA (ng/mL), prostate volume (mL), and biopsy positive cores (BPC; %) were recorded for each case. BMI and BPC were considered continuous and categorical variables, respectively. The logistic regression models evaluated the association of clinical factors with the risk of nodal metastases. RESULTS: LNI was detected in 73/418 patients (15.2%) of whom 40/418 (8.3%) harbored multiple LNI (median 2, IQR: 3-4). On multivariate analysis, BMI was independently associated with the risk of multiple LNI in the pathological specimen when compared with patients without LNI (OR = 1.147; p = 0.018), as well as the percentage of biopsy positive cores (OR = 1.028; p < 0.0001) and European Association of Urology high-risk class (OR = 5.486; p < 0.0001). BMI was the only predictor of multiple LNI when compared with patients with 1 positive node (OR = 1.189, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: In intermediate- and high-risk localized PCa, BMI was an independent predictor of the risk of multiple lymph node metastases. The inclusion of BMI within LNI risk calculators could be helpful, and a detailed counseling in obese patients should be required.

Prostate volume index and prostatic chronic inflammation predicted low tumor load in 945 patients at baseline prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE: To assess associations of prostate volume index (PVI), defined as the ratio of the volume of the central transition zone to the volume of the peripheral zone of the prostate and prostatic chronic inflammation (PCI) as predictors of tumor load by number of positive cores (PC) in patients undergoing baseline random biopsies. METHODS: Parameters evaluated included age, PSA, total prostate volume, PSA density, digital rectal exam, PVI, and PCI. All patients underwent standard transperineal random biopsies. Tumor load was evaluated as absent (no PC), limited (1-3 PC), and extensive (more than 3 PC). The association of factors with the risk of tumor load was evaluated by the multinomial logistic regression model. RESULTS: The study evaluated 945 patients. Cancer PC were detected in 477 (507%) cases of whom 207 (43.4%) had limited tumor load and 270 (56.6%) had extensive tumor load. Among other factors, comparing patients with limited tumor load with negative cases, PVI [odds ratio, OR = 0.521, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.330-0.824; p < 0.005] and PCI (OR = 0.289, 95% CI 0.180-0.466; p < 0.0001) were inversely associated with the PCA risk. Comparing patients with extensive tumor load with negative patients, PVI (OR = 0.579, 95% CI 0.356-0.944; p = 0.028), and PCI (OR = 0.150, 95% CI 0.085-0.265; p < 0.0001), predicted PCA risk. Comparing extensive tumor load with limited tumor load patients, PVI and PCI did not show any association with the tumor load. CONCLUSIONS: Increased PVI and the presence of PCI decreased the risk of increased tumor load and associated with less aggressive prostate cancer biology in patients at baseline random biopsies.

The impact of extended pelvic lymph node dissection on the risk of hospital readmission within 180 days after robot assisted radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors associated with the risk of hospital readmission after robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with or without extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) for prostate cancer (PCA) over a long term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The risk of readmission was evaluated by clinical, pathological, and perioperative factors. Skilled and experienced surgeons performed the procedures. Patients were followed for complications and hospital readmission for a period of six months. The logistic regression model and Cox's proportional hazards assessed the association of factors with the risk of readmission. RESULTS: From January 2013 to December 2018, 890 patients underwent RARP; ePLND was performed in 495 of these patients. Hospital readmission was detected in 25 cases (2.8%); moreover, it was more frequent when RARP was performed with ePLND (4.4% of cases) than without (0.8% of patients). On the final multivariate model, ePLND was the only independent factor that was positively associated with the risk of hospital readmission (hazard ratio, HR = 5935; 95%CI 1777-19,831; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Over the long term after RARP for PCA, the risk of hospital readmission is associated with ePLND. In patients who underwent RARP and ePLND, 4.4% of them had a readmission, compared to RARP alone, in which only 0.8% of cases had a readmission. When ePLND is planned for staging pelvic lymph nodes, patients should be informed of the increased risk of hospital readmission.

Perioperative Mortality and Long-Term Survival after Radical Cystectomy: A Population-Based Study in a Southern European Country on 4,389 Patients.

PURPOSE: Population-based data on survival after radical cystectomy (RC) are lacking from Southern Europe. The aim of this study was to assess trends and determinants of perioperative mortality and long-term survival in the Veneto region (Northeastern Italy). METHODS: All patients submitted to RC for bladder cancer from January 2004 to December 2016 were identified from the regional archive of hospital discharge records. Age at surgery, gender, comorbidities, hospital volume, calendar period of surgery, and type of urinary diversion were retrieved; vital status and cause of death were obtained by linkage with mortality records. Determinants of 90-day mortality were assessed by multilevel logistic regression; long-term survival was investigated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. RESULTS: Among 4,389 included patients, an increase in the share of patients aged ≥80 years (from 13% in 2004-2008 to 24% in 2013-2016, p < 0.001) and a decline in performing continent diversion (from 34.9 to 23.4%, p < 0.001) were observed across the study period. Ninety-day mortality did not change over time and was 4% for patients aged <70 years and 13.7% for those aged ≥80 years. Age- and comorbidities-adjusted mortality was significantly lower in hospitals performing >30 RCs/year (odds ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.48-0.93). At a median follow-up of 67 months, overall survival at 1 year and 5 years was 72 and 40%, respectively, with a higher rate among younger patients treated in high-volume hospitals. CONCLUSION: The population of patients treated with RC is rapidly ageing, with a high risk of perioperative and long-term mortality; this changing epidemiological scenario and better outcomes observed in high-volume hospitals support regionalization of the procedure.

Association between Basal Total Testosterone Levels and Prostate Cancer D'Amico Risk Classes.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that basal total testosterone (TT) serum levels are associated with the D'Amico risk classification at diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2014 to March 2018, preoperative basal levels of TT and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were measured in 601 consecutive PCA patients who were not under androgen deprivation therapy or undergoing prior prostate surgery. Patients were classified into low (reference group), intermediate, and high risk classes according to biopsy findings. The association of TT and other clinical factors with risk classes was evaluated using a multivariate multinomial logistic regression model. RESULTS: According to the D'Amico classification, 124 patients (24%) were low risk, 316 (52.6%) were intermediate risk, and 141 (23.4%) were high risk. Median basal TT circulating levels were significantly increased along clinical risk classes. TT along with PSA, percentage of biopsy positive cores, and tumor clinical stage were independently associated with a high risk (OR = 1.002; p = 0.022) but not with an intermediate risk of PCA when compared to the low risk class. In the intermediate-risk group, endogenous TT together with PSA were independently associated with tumor grade groups 2 (OR = 1.003; p = 0.022) and 3 (OR = 1.003; p = 0.043) compared to grade group 1 cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Basal TT levels are positively associated with the D'Amico risk classification, but the association is significant for the high-risk group compared to the low-risk group.

Predictive Factors of the Risk of Long-Term Hospital Readmission after Primary Prostate Surgery at a Single Tertiary Referral Center: Preliminary Report.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictors of the risk of long-term hospital readmission after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a single tertiary referral center where both open RP (ORP) and robot assisted RP (RARP) are performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The risk of readmission was evaluated by clinical, pathological, and perioperative factors. Skilled and experienced surgeons performed the 2 surgical approaches. Patients were followed for complications and hospital readmission for a period of 6 months. The association of factors with the risk of readmission was assessed by Cox's multivariate proportional hazards. RESULTS: From December 2013 to 2017, 885 patients underwent RP. RARP was performed in 733 cases and ORP in 152 subjects. Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) was performed in 479 patients. Hospital readmission was detected in 46 cases (5.2%). Using a multivariate model, independent factors associated with the risk of hospital readmission were seminal vesicle invasion (hazard ratio [HR] 2.065; 95% CI 1.116-3.283; p = 0.021), ORP (HR 3.506; 95% CI 1.919-6.405; p < 0.0001), and ePLND (HR 5.172; 95% CI 1.778-15.053; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In a large single tertiary referral center, independent predictors of the risk of long-term hospital readmission after RP included ORP, ePLND, and seminal vesicle invasion. When surgery is chosen as a primary treatment of PCA, patients should be informed of the risk of long-term hospital readmission and its related risk factors.

Elevated prostate volume index and prostatic chronic inflammation reduce the number of positive cores at first prostate biopsy set: results in 945 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between prostate volume index (PVI), and prostatic chronic inflammation (PCI) as predictors of prostate cancer (PCA). PVI is the ratio between the central transition zone volume (CTZV) and the peripheral zone volume (PZV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parameters evaluated included age, prostate specific antigen (PSA), total prostate volume (TPV), PSA density (PSAD), digital rectal exam (DRE), PVI, PCI and number of positive cores (NPC). All patients underwent baseline 14-core, trans-perineal random biopsies. Associations of parameters with the NPC were investigated by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Between September 2010 to September 2017, 945 patients were evaluated. PCA was detected in 477 cases (50.7%), PCI in 205 cases (21.7%). PCA patients, compared to negative cases, were older (68.3 vs. 64.4 years) with smaller TPV (36 vs. 48.3mL) and CTZV (19.2 vs. 25.4), higher PSAD (0.24 vs. 0.15ng/mL/mL), further PVI values were lower (0.9 vs. 1.18) and biopsy cores less frequently involved by PCI (9.4% vs. 34.2%). High PVI and the presence of PCI were independent negative predictors of NPC in model I considering PSA and TVP (PVI, regression coefficient, RC -0,6; p=0.002) and PCI (RC -1,4; p<0.0001); and in model II considering PSAD (PVI:RC -0,7; p<0,0001; and PCI: RC -1,5; p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: High PVI and the presence of PCI lowered the mean rate of NPC and is associated with less aggressive tumor biology expressed by low tumor burden. PVI can give prognostic information before planning baseline random biopsies. Confirmatory studies are required.

Nomogram for predicting the likelihood of postoperative surgical complications in patients treated with partial nephrectomy: a prospective multicentre observational study (the RECORd 2 project).

OBJECTIVE: To identify meaningful predictors and to develop a nomogram of postoperative surgical complications in patients treated with partial nephrectomy (PN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 4308 consecutive patients who had surgical treatment for renal tumours, between 2013 and 2016, at 26 Italian urological centres (RECORd 2 project). A multivariable logistic regression for surgical complications was performed. A nomogram was created from the multivariable model. Internal validation processes were performed using bootstrapping with 1000 repetitions. RESULTS: Overall, 2584 patients who underwent PN were evaluated for the final analyses. The median (interquartile [IQR]) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 2 (2-3). In all, 72.4% of patients had clinical T1a (cT1a) stage tumours. The median (IQR) Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) score was 7 (6-8). Overall, 34.3%, 27.7%, 38% of patients underwent open PN (OPN), laparoscopic PN (LPN), and robot-assisted PN (RAPN). Overall and major postoperative surgical complications were recorded in 10.2% and 2.5% of patients, respectively. At multivariable analysis, age, ASA score, cT2 vs cT1a stage, PADUA score, preoperative anaemia, OPN and LPN vs RAPN, were significant predictive factors of postoperative surgical complications. We used these variables to construct a nomogram for predicting the risk of postoperative surgical complications. At decision curve analysis, the nomogram led to superior outcomes for any decision associated with a threshold probability of >5%. CONCLUSION: Several clinical predictors have been associated with postoperative surgical complications after PN. We used this information to develop and internally validate a nomogram to predict such risk.

Update of the ICUD-SIU International Consultation on Bladder Cancer 2018: urinary diversion.

PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive overview and update of the joint consultation of the International Consultation on Urological Diseases (ICUD) and Société Internationale d'Urologie on Bladder Cancer Urinary Diversion (UD). METHODS: A detailed analysis of the literature was conducted reporting on the different modalities of UD. For this updated publication, an exhaustive search was conducted in PubMed for recent relevant papers published between October 2013 and August 2018. Via this search, a total of 438 references were identified and 52 of them were finally eligible for analysis. An international, multidisciplinary expert committee evaluated and graded the data according to the Oxford System of Evidence-based Medicine. RESULTS: The incidence of early complications has been reported retrospectively in the range of 20-57%. Unfortunately, only a few randomized controlled studies exist within the field of UD. Consequently, almost all studies used in this report are of level 3-4 evidence including expert opinion based on "first principles" research. CONCLUSIONS: Complications rates overall following RC and UD are significant, and when strict reporting criteria are incorporated, they are much higher than previously published. Complications can occur up to 20 years after surgery, emphasizing the need for lifelong follow-up. Progress has been made to prevent complications implementing robotic surgery and fast track protocols. Preoperative patient information, patient selection, surgical techniques, and careful postoperative follow-up are the cornerstones to achieve good results.

Robotic intracorporeal urinary diversion: state of the art.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review historical aspects and current status of the emerging approach of robotic urinary diversion (rUD). Established surgical principles of constructing a low-pressure, large-capacity reservoir are described and the open surgical literature succinctly reviewed to establish the gold standard. Incontinent and continent rUD types [ileal conduit, orthotopic neobladder (all varieties), continent cutaneous diversion, cutaneous ureterostomy] and techniques (extra-corporeal, intra-corporeal) are discussed. Outcomes data (intra-operative, perioperative, intermediate-term, long-term), functional outcomes, complications and learning curve are presented. Outcomes data of open versus robotic urinary diversion are examined. Critiques, improvements, and pros-cons of rUD are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Although the majority of centers performing rUD use the extracorporeal technique, use of intra-corporeal rUD is increasing. Although data are yet limited, intra-corporeal rUD may provide some benefits. For rUD, operative times are higher and complication rates comparable with open urinary diversion. SUMMARY: The entire range of urinary diversion surgery has now been replicated robotically. At this writing, extracorporeal urinary diversion techniques still predominate following robotic cystectomy. However, all rUD options can now be performed intra-corporeally with success. As experience increases, the field of robotic urinary diversion is poised to grow.

Pure stress urinary incontinence: analysis of prevalence, estimation of costs, and financial impact.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pure stress urinary incontinence (P-SUI) and the role of urodynamic investigation (UDI) prior to surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is debated. Since the exact prevalence of P-SUI is not clear, its clinical and economic impact is not well defined. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of P-SUI in a population of women who underwent UDI for urinary incontinence (UI), also assessing: 1) the correspondence between clinical diagnosis of P-SUI and urodynamic findings; 2) the analysis of costs in terms of UDI and eventually post-UDI avoided surgical procedures. METHODS: A single cohort of women who underwent UDI for UI between January 2012 and July 2016 was prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Clinical P-SUI was defined by the strict criteria of the International Continence Society. For each patient, history, physical examination and UDI were collected. The correspondence between clinical and urodynamic findings of P-SUI was analyzed. The rate of clinical P-SUI changed after performing UDI and the number of unnecessary intervention after UDI were reported. A wide cost analysis of UDIs, and the amount of surgical procedures that were believed unnecessary after UDI was reported. RESULTS: Stress urinary incontinence was present in 323/544 (59.4%) patients. The prevalence of clinical P-SUI was 20.7% (67/323), while the prevalence of complicated SUI (C-SUI) was 79.3% (256/323). After UDI, diagnosis of P-SUI decreased to 18.3% (59/232). In 10.2% of cases (6/59) the scheduled middle urethral sling (MUS) was suppressed after the UDI results because 3/6 cases had detrusor overactivity and urge incontinence, in 2/6 cases SUI was treated with a conservative management, in 1/6 case an important voiding dysfunction was detected. Considering the national reimbursement in our country, the cost of each UDI was 296.5 euros and the total amount was 17,493.5 euros. So far the surgery-related savings covered 61.7-105.0% of the costs of total number of UDIs performed in the uncomplicated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of clinical P-SUI is relevant, involving about 20% of women with clinical SUI. Although the correspondence between clinical and urodynamic diagnosis was high, we demonstrated that UDI may help in some cases to avoid an inappropriate surgical treatment. Therefore, UDI prior to SUI surgery should be considered to achieve a correct diagnosis and a proper therapeutic strategy.

Holographic Reconstructions for Preoperative Planning before Partial Nephrectomy: A Head-to-Head Comparison with Standard CT Scan.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative surgical planning before partial nephrectomy (PN) is a time-consuming and fragmentary process. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the differences in the perception of renal anatomy between holographic reconstruction (HR) versus computed tomography (CT) in patients who are candidate to PN. METHODS: CT scans of 10 consecutive patients with intermediate/high complexity renal masses (R.E.N.A.L. score > 8) scheduled for robot-assisted PN were translated into HR. Seven raters independently described how they interpreted several anatomical details from CT and HR respectively. The exams were presented unpaired and randomly. Inter-observer agreement and evaluation time were assessed. A questionnaire inquired clinical utility of CT and HR. Inter-observer agreement was measured by the Cohen's kappa test. Evaluation time for CT and HR was compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test, overall and per rater. Examiners answered to the questionnaire following a Likert scale. RESULTS: HR showed a higher inter-observer agreement, reaching a good level (k > 0.6) for almost all the anatomical details considered. Conversely, CT generally provided a fair or poor agreement (k < 0.6). The evaluation time was shorter for HR (mean 1.7 vs. 3.4 min, p < 0.0001). All raters declared that HR could facilitate preoperative planning before PN. CONCLUSIONS: HR can be useful for preoperative surgical planning before PN to ease the understanding of anatomy.

Low Preoperative Prolactin Levels Predict Non-Organ Confined Prostate Cancer in Clinically Localized Disease.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the association between preoperative serum prolactin (PRL) levels and risk of non-organ confined prostate cancer (PCa) in clinically localized disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2007 to December 2011, 124 patients with clinically localized PCa were retrospectively evaluated. Non-organ confined disease in the surgical specimen was defined according to extra-capsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, positive surgical margins, and lymph node invasion. The association between clinical factors and serum levels of pituitary-testis hormones with the risk of non-organ confined disease was evaluated. RESULTS: Perioperative factors associated with non-organ confined disease include prostatic-specific antigen (OR 1.144; p = 0.025), proportion of biopsy positive cores (BPC, OR 36.702; p = 0.007), bioptical Gleason Score > 6 (OR 2.785; p = 0.034), and PRL (OR 0.756, p < 0.0001). The association was strong for BPC (area under the curve [AUC] 0.704; p < 0.0001) and PRL (AUC 0.299; p < 0.0001). When we dichotomized according to median value, PRL ≤7.7 µg/L was an independent predictor of extraprostatic disease (OR 6.571; p < 0.0001) with fair discrimination power (AUC 0.704; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Low preoperative PRL levels predict the risk of non-organ confined PCa in clinically localized disease.