Differences in trends in the use of robot-assisted and open radical cystectomy and changes over time in peri-operative outcomes among selected centres in North America and Europe: an international multicentre collaboration.

OBJECTIVES: To compare trends in the use of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and changes over time in peri-operative outcomes in selected North American and European centres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective evaluation of 2401 patients treated with open radical cystectomy (ORC) or RARC for bladder cancer at 12 centres in North America and Europe between 2006 and 2018. We used the Kruskal-Wallis and chi-squared test to evaluate differences between continuous and categorical variables. RESULTS: Overall, 49.5% of patients underwent RARC and 51.5% ORC. RARC became the most commonly performed procedure in contemporary patients, with an increase from 29% in 2006-2008 to 54% in 2015-2018 (P < 0.001). In the North American centres the use of RARC was higher than that of ORC from 2006, and remained stable over time, whereas in the European centres its use increased exponentially from 2% to 50%. In both groups patients who underwent RARC had less advanced T stages (P < 0.001), lower American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (P < 0.05), lower blood loss (P = 0.001) and shorter length of hospital stay (P < 0.05). No differences were found in early complications. Early readmission and re-operation rates were worse for patients treated with RARC in the European centres; however, when contemporary patients only were considered, the statistical significance was lost. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that the use of RARC has constantly increased since its introduction, overtaking ORC in the most contemporary series. While RARC was more frequently performed than ORC since its introduction in the North American centres and its use remained substantially stable over time, its use increased exponentially in the European centres. The different trends in use of RARC/ORC and changes over time in peri-operative outcomes between the North American and European centres can be attributed to the earlier introduction and spread of RARC in the former compared with the latter.

A 10-Item Checklist Improves Reporting of Critical Procedural Elements during Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have demonstrated significant variation in recurrence rates after transurethral resection of bladder tumor, likely due to differences in surgical quality. We sought to create a framework to define, measure and improve the quality of transurethral resection of bladder tumor using a surgical checklist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We formed a multi-institutional group of urologists with expertise with bladder cancer and identified 10 critical items that should be performed during every high quality transurethral bladder tumor resection. We prospectively implemented a 10-item checklist into practice and reviewed the operative reports of such resections performed before and after implementation. Results at all institutions were combined in a meta-analysis to estimate the overall change in the mean number of items documented. RESULTS: The operative notes for 325 transurethral bladder tumor resections during checklist use were compared to those for 428 performed before checklist implementation. Checklist use increased the mean number of items reported from 4.8 to 8.0 per resection, resulting in a mean increase of 3.3 items (95% CI 1.9-4.7) on meta-analysis. With the checklist the percentage of reports that included all 10 items increased from 0.5% to 27% (p <0.0001). Surgeons who reported more checklist items tended to have a slightly higher proportion of biopsies containing muscle, although not at conventional significance (p = 0.062). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a 10-item checklist during transurethral resection of bladder tumor improved the reporting of critical procedural elements. Although there was no clear impact on the inclusion of muscle in the specimen, checklist use may enhance surgeon attention to important aspects of the procedure and be a lever for quality improvement.

A comparison of preliminary oncologic outcome and postoperative complications between patients undergoing either open or robotic radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare complications and outcomes in patients undergoing either open radical cystectomy (ORC) or robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients that underwent ORC or RRC between 2003- 2013. We statistically compared preliminary oncologic outcomes of patients for each surgical modality. RESULTS: 92 (43.2%) and 121 (56.8%) patients underwent ORC and RRC, respectively. While operative time was shorter for ORC patients (403 vs. 508 min; p<0.001), surgical blood loss and transfusion rates were significantly lower in RRC patients (p<0.001 and 0.006). Length of stay was not different between groups (p=0.221). There was no difference in the proportion of lymph node-positive patients between groups. However, RRC patients had a greater number of lymph nodes removed during surgery (18 vs. 11.5; p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of pre-existing comorbidities or in the Clavien distribution of complications between groups. ORC and RRC patients were followed for a median of 1.38 (0.55-2.7) and 1.40 (0.58-2.59) years, respectively (p=0.850). During this period, a lower proportion (22.3%) of RRC patients experienced disease recurrence vs. ORC patients (34.8%). However, there was no significant difference in time to recurrence between groups. While ORC was associated with a higher all-cause mortality rate (p=0.049), there was no significant difference in disease-free survival time between groups. CONCLUSIONS: ORC and RRC patients experience postoperative complications of similar rates and severity. However, RRC may offer indirect benefits via reduced surgical blood loss and need for transfusion.

Multiple intra-renal artery aneurysms causing renal obstruction managed with radical nephrectomy.

A 46-year-old male with a history of hypertension presented with symptoms of persistent abdominal fullness and a non-pulsatile abdominal mass. Subsequent computed tomographic angiography studies revealed the presence multiple large renal aneurysms from the segmental branches of the renal artery and an enlarged hydronephrotic kidney with minimal parenchyma. The renal deterioration appeared to be as a result of an obstruction caused by the large intra-renal aneurysms at the level of the renal calyces. Since the right kidney had no function, an open radical nephrectomy was subsequently performed without complications at 3 months follow up.

Surgical complications associated with robotic urologic procedures in elderly patients.

INTRODUCTION: Urologic malignancies are often diagnosed at an older age, and are increasingly managed utilizing robotic-assisted surgical techniques. As such, we assessed and compared peri-postoperative complication rates following robotic urologic surgery in elderly and younger patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of IRB-approved databases and electronic medical records identified patients who underwent robotic-assisted urologic surgery between December 2003-September 2013. Patients were grouped according to surgical procedure (partial nephrectomy, radical cystectomy, radical prostatectomy) and age at surgery (≤ 74 or ≥ 75 years old). Associations between age, comorbidities, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and patient outcomes were evaluated within each surgery type. RESULTS: 97.5% and 2.5% of patients were ≤ 74 or ≥ 75 years old, respectively. Cystectomies, partial nephrectomies and prostatectomies accounted for 3.5%, 9.5% and 87.1% of surgeries, respectively. Within cystectomy, nephrectomy and prostatectomy groups, 24.4%, 12.5% and 0.6% patients were ≥ 75 years old. Within each surgical type, elderly patients had significantly elevated CCI scores. Length of stay was significantly prolonged in elderly patients undergoing partial nephrectomy or prostatectomy. In elderly cystectomy, partial nephrectomy and prostatectomy patients, 36.7%, 14.3% and 5.9% suffered ≥ 1 Clavien grade 3-5 complication, respectively. Major complications were not significantly different between age groups. A qualitatively similar pattern was observed regarding Clavien grade 1-2 complications. CONCLUSIONS: The risks of robotic-assisted urologic surgery in elderly patients are not significantly elevated compared to younger patients.

An unusually large leiomyoma of the prostate.

Prostate leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal smooth muscle tumors devoid of glandular elements within the prostate or juxta-prostatic position. Leiomyomas develop in organs containing smooth muscle, including the kidney, bladder and seminal vesicle. Prostate leiomyomas are either a pure form or associated with benign prostate hyperplasia, and diagnosis is challenging, with definitive identification relying on pathology. However, imaging techniques, such as MRI, have proven to be useful diagnostic tools. We report on a 57-year-old male with lower urinary tract symptomatology who was diagnosed with a large prostate leiomyoma and underwent an open radical cystoprostatectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion.

Clinical and radiographic characteristics governing the selection of therapy of small renal masses.

INTRODUCTION: Renal masses are commonly managed by partial nephrectomy (PN) or active surveillance (AS). We assessed the impact of patient demographics and clinical indices in determining treatment decisions of renal masses between these two options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our renal mass database to retrieve demographic and clinical records of patients who underwent immediate PN or entered a >= 12 month period of AS during February 1999 to May 2014. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, follow up time, tumor size, tumor location, renal invasion, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed as predictors of the selected treatment option. RESULTS: Seven hundred thirty-five patients with 744 renal masses underwent immediate PN, while 123 patients with 140 renal masses entered active surveillance. PN patients were predominantly male, younger, had elevated BMI, lower CCI scores, elevated eGFR and had larger tumors that invaded further into the renal collecting system. Renal masses in men were more likely to be treated by PN, while patients categorized as overweight or obese were 2-3 fold more likely to have their renal mass being manage by PN (versus patients with BMI in the normal range). Higher CCI scores were associated with a renal mass being more likely to be treated by AS, while increased renal mass size was associated with decisions to treat with PN. Compared to cortical location, renal masses abutting the renal collecting system were more likely to be treated by PN. CONCLUSIONS: Gender, BMI, CCI, tumor size, and tumor invasion into the renal system are useful predictors of renal mass treatment.

Impact of active surveillance on pathology and nerve sparing status.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed whether, in comparison to immediate surgery, a time delay in performing radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients electing to undergo a period of active surveillance (AS) of low grade prostate cancer, is associated with adverse pathologic features, biochemical recurrence and the ability to perform effective nerve sparing surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From our RP database of 2769 patients, we identified 41 men under AS who subsequently underwent RP. This study group was compared to control group A (164 patients who chose RP rather than AS), matched for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and initial diagnostic biopsy characteristics. With time, PSA and biopsy characteristics in the AS study group changed, prompting these men to undergo RP. These changes were matched to create a separate control group B (123 patients most of whom did not meet AS criteria). The incidence of nerve sparing surgery, pathologic features, and biochemical recurrence were compared. Outcome variables were compared using Chi-square tests of proportions. Fisher's Exact test was used for recurrence rates due to the low expected frequencies in some cells. RESULTS: Compared with control group A, the AS patients experienced higher rates of Gleason score upgrading (33/41; 81.1% versus 76/164; 46.3%, p < 0.001), biochemical recurrence (5/41; 11.4% versus 2/164; 1.3%, p = 0.012) and lower rates of bilateral nerve sparing surgery (31/41; 75.6% versus 154/164; 93.9%, p < 0.001). Control group B and active surveillance group were comparable across all indices measured. CONCLUSIONS: Delaying RP, through undergoing a period of AS, had a significant negative impact on the incidence of bilateral nerve sparing surgery and adverse pathologic features when compared to patients with similar parameters at the time of diagnosis. Close monitoring and surveillance biopsies did not improve pathologic outcomes compared to patients from whom a single diagnostic biopsy was obtained (and were not candidates for AS), and who subsequently underwent immediate surgery.

Active surveillance of renal masses: an analysis of growth kinetics and clinical outcomes stratified by radiological characteristics at diagnosis.

AIMS: To determine the growth rate of renal masses (RMs) under active surveillance (AS), and to describe the clinical outcome of AS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of an AS database to obtain demographics, radiological and pathologic characteristics and RM size of patients. RMs were followed at 6-12 month intervals for ≥1 year with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or renal ultrasound. Kaplan-Meier analysis determined the annual likelihood of intervention. RMs were divided into 3 radiographic subcategories (solid, cystic, and angiomyolipoma). A linear regression model determined RM growth rates. RESULTS: 131 RMs in 114 patients were included. Median age, Charlson Comorbidity Index score and mean follow-up were 69.1 years, 4.0 and 4.2±2.6 years, respectively. Maximal tumor diameter (MTD) at diagnosis was 2.1 ± 1.3 cm. 49 RMs exhibited negative or zero net growth. Mean MTD growth rate for all RMs was 0.72±3.2 (95% CI: 0.16-1.28) mm/year. When stratified by MTD at diagnosis, mean RM growth rates were 0.84, 0.84, 0.44, 0.74 and 0.71 mm/year for RMs ≤1 cm, 1-≤2cm, 2-≤ 3cm, 3-≤ 4cm and ≥4cm, respectively (p≤0.01). The 5 and 10-year freedom from intervention rates were 93.1% and 88.5%, respectively. There was a single case of suspected metastases, but no deaths related to kidney cancer. CONCLUSIONS: RMs under AS grew slowly, and had a low incidence of requiring surgical intervention and progression. Solid enhancing masses grew slowly, and were more likely to trigger intervention. AS should be considered for selected patients with small RMs.

Prostate biopsy volume predicts final tumor volume.

AIM: To assess the ability of prostate biopsy volume to effectively predict actual tumor volume, and whether increasing the number of prostate biopsy cores improves the ability to forecast actual tumor volume. METHODS: 765 patients who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy (2009-2010) were identified. Of these, 663 had complete demographics, biopsy, and final pathology data available. The number ofbiopsy samples, biopsy tumor volume, and actual tumor volume were calculated from pathology reports. RESULTS: Data from 663 radical prostatectomy specimens indicated a positive linearrelationship between biopsy tumor volume and actual tumor volume (R=0.524, P< 0.0001). The number ofbiopsy samples collected (i.e., < or =6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, or > or =15) did not affect the ability of biopsy tumor volume to predict final tumor volume. CONCLUSIONS: The routine collection of biopsy tumor volume may prove useful in predicting actual tumor volume and the construction of more effective preoperative nomograms.

Multicenter Phase II Clinical Trial of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients With High-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has proven survival benefits for patients with invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, yet its role for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains undefined. We conducted a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial of NAC with gemcitabine and split-dose cisplatin (GC) for patients with high-risk UTUC before extirpative surgery to evaluate response, survival, and tolerability. METHODS: Eligible patients with defined criteria for high-risk localized UTUC received four cycles of split-dose GC before surgical resection and lymph node dissection. The primary study end point was rate of pathologic response (defined as < ypT2N0). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety and tolerability. RESULTS: Among 57 patients evaluated, 36 (63%) demonstrated pathologic response (95% CI, 49 to 76). A complete pathologic response (ypT0N0) was noted in 11 patients (19%). Fifty-one patients (89%) tolerated at least three complete cycles of split-dose GC, 27 patients (47%) tolerated four complete cycles, and all patients proceeded to surgery. With a median follow up of 3.1 years, 2- and 5-year PFS rates were 89% (95% CI, 81 to 98) and 72% (95% CI, 59 to 87), while 2- and 5-year OS rates were 93% (95% CI, 86 to 100) and 79% (95% CI, 67 to 94), respectively. Pathologic complete and partial responses were associated with improved PFS and OS compared with nonresponders (≥ ypT2N any; 2-year PFS 100% and 95% v 76%, P < .001; 2-year OS 100% and 100% v 80%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: NAC with split-dose GC for high-risk UTUC is a well-tolerated, effective therapy demonstrating evidence of pathologic response that is associated with favorable survival outcomes. Given that these survival outcomes are superior to historical series, these data support the use of NAC as a standard of care for high-risk UTUC, and split-dose GC is a viable option for NAC.

Comparative Effectiveness in Perioperative Outcomes of Robotic versus Open Radical Cystectomy: Results from a Multicenter Contemporary Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The comparative effectiveness of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC) in terms of perioperative outcomes is still a matter of debate affecting payors, physicians, and patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate comparative perioperative and longer-term morbidity of RARC versus ORC in a multicenter contemporary retrospective cohort of patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective multicenter study included patients with bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy at 10 academic centers between 2000 and 2017. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Intraoperative outcomes including blood loss and operative time as well as postoperative outcomes including time to discharge, complication, readmission, reoperation, and mortality rates at 30 and 90 d were assessed. Multiple imputation and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used. IPTW-multivariable-adjusted regression and logistic analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of RARC versus ORC with perioperative outcomes at 30 and 90 d. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 1887 patients (1197 RARC and 690 ORC) were included in the study. After IPTW-adjusted analysis, no differences between the groups in terms of preoperative characteristics were observed. RARC was associated with lower blood loss (p<0.001), shorter length of stay (p<0.001), and longer operative time (p=0.007). On IPTW-adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses, no differences in terms of 30- and 90-d complications, reoperation, and mortality rates were observed. RARC was independently associated with a higher readmission rate at both 30 and 90 d. Limitations are mainly related to the retrospective nature of the study. CONCLUSIONS: While RARC was associated with less blood loss and shorter hospital stay, it also led to longer operation times and more readmissions. There were no differences in 30- and 90-d complications. Because there are no apparent differences in safety between ORC and RARC in expert centers, differences in oncologic and cost-effectiveness outcomes are likely to drive decision making regarding RARC utilization. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study we investigated the differences between RARC and ORC in terms of perioperative outcomes. We found no difference in early and late complications. We concluded that, to date, differences in oncologic and cost-effectiveness outcomes should drive decision making regarding RARC utilization.

Open Versus Robotic Cystectomy: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis Comparing Survival Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To assess the differential effect of robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC) on survival outcomes in matched analyses performed on a large multicentric cohort. METHODS: The study included 9757 patients with urothelial bladder cancer (BCa) treated in a consecutive manner at each of 25 institutions. All patients underwent radical cystectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. To adjust for potential selection bias, propensity score matching 2:1 was performed with two ORC patients matched to one RARC patient. The propensity-matched cohort included 1374 patients. Multivariable competing risk analyses accounting for death of other causes, tested association of surgical technique with recurrence and cancer specific mortality (CSM), before and after propensity score matching. RESULTS: Overall, 767 (7.8%) patients underwent RARC and 8990 (92.2%) ORC. The median follow-up before and after propensity matching was 81 and 102 months, respectively. In the overall population, the 3-year recurrence rates and CSM were 37% vs. 26% and 34% vs. 24% for ORC vs. RARC (all p values > 0.1), respectively. On multivariable Cox regression analyses, RARC and ORC had similar recurrence and CSM rates before and after matching (all p values > 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with RARC and ORC have similar survival outcomes. This data is helpful in consulting patients until long term survival outcomes of level one evidence is available.

Propensity-score-matched comparison of soft tissue surgical margins status between open and robotic-assisted radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The use of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is becoming more widespread. While its safety is accepted, its oncological efficacy as compared to the current standard, open radical cystectomy (ORC), remains debatable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study is to compare the rates of positive soft tissue surgical margins (STSM), between patients treated with RARC or ORC, using a large contemporaneous collaborative database. We included 2,536 patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder treated at 26 institutions. A propensity-score matching 1:1 was performed with 3 ORC patients matched to 1 RARC patient. The final cohort included 1,614 patients. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses tested the impact of surgical technique on STSM status, before and after propensity-score matching. RESULTS: Overall, 870 (34%) patients underwent RARC and 1,666 (66%) ORC. The overall STSM rate was 11%; 10% in the ORC group and 13% in the RARC group. Within the propensity-score-matched cohort, the positive STSM rate were 14% and 13% in the ORC and RARC group, respectively (P = 0.1). In multivariable analysis, after propensity match RARC approach was not associated with the risk of a positive STSM (P = 0.1). These results were confirmed in the subgroup of patients with pathologic non-organ-confined or organ-confined diseases. CONCLUSIONS: While treatment with RARC is associated with a higher absolute rate of STSM, the difference did not remain after adjustment for the effects of other established prognostic factors. Results from ongoing trials are awaited to assess the validity of these findings.

Surgical management of prostate cancer: advances based on a rational approach to the data.

The management of localised prostate cancer has undergone important changes in the past two decades, with major improvements in surgical technique, a greater emphasis on structured assessment of quality of life, and a greater attempt to tailor treatment to biological risk. Disease diagnosis is predicated on identification of demographic risk factors, serum levels of prostate-specific antigen and its derivatives, and extended biopsy techniques. Surgical removal of the prostate may be accomplished by open or minimally invasive techniques and in experienced hands results in good functional outcomes a high rate of cure for those with organ confined disease. Radical prostatectomy is also appropriate in selected patients with locally advanced disease and after failed radiation therapy.

Gross haematuria associated with penetration of an inferior vena cava filter into the right renal collecting system.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are a viable alternative for patients with venous thromboembolic disease for whom standard anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated. Rare complications associated with their use, however, include misplacement and IVC penetration. We report a case of a 63-year-old woman who developed gross haematuria following IVC filter penetration into both the right renal collecting system and renal pelvis, for which open caval removal and reconstruction was required. This is an unusual case of IVC filter penetration causing symptomatic haematuria and requiring surgical intervention.

Process Improvements Positively Impact the Use of Intravesical Mitomycin C after Transurethral Resection of Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in a Large, Urban Urology Practice.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the rate of intravesical mitomycin C therapy in patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder, as well as the impact of procedural changes governing its use. METHODS: A retrospective review of our bladder cancer database identified patients who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder with mitomycin C therapy during January 2008 to July 2014. Since our mitomycin C protocols were revised during 2013, patients were stratified based on date of service. Patient demographics and data describing mitomycin C use were tabulated. RESULTS: During January 2008 to May 2013, 276 of 737 (37.5%) ideal patients received mitomycin C (not accounting for patients in whom mitomycin C was contraindicated). Conversely 461 of 737 patients (62.5%) did not receive mitomycin C. Shortages of mitomycin C were responsible for nonuse in 18.4% of cases while no specified reason for nonuse was given in 59%. When cases in which mitomycin C use was contraindicated were taken into account, mitomycin C was used in 51.6% overall. After the implementation of new mitomycin C operating procedures, mitomycin C use increased significantly to 76.0% (p <0.001) (accounting for appropriate nonuse). During this period mitomycin C shortages were not responsible for any case in which mitomycin C was not used. CONCLUSIONS: During 2008 to 2013 mitomycin C was not used in a significant proportion of patients who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder. The implementation of a revised protocol governing mitomycin C use significantly and positively impacted mitomycin C use. Importantly, pharmacy shortages no longer contribute to the nonuse of mitomycin C in patients with bladder cancer. These data highlight the impact of continual improvement initiatives on standard clinical practice.

Urinary Bother as a Predictor of Postsurgical Changes in Urinary Function After Robotic Radical Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize changes in indices of urinary function in prostatectomy patients with presurgical voiding symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our prostate cancer database identified robot-assisted radical prostatectomy patients between April 2007 and December 2011 who completed pre- and postsurgical (24 months) Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-26 surveys. Gleason score, margins, D'Amico risk, prostate-specific antigen, radiotherapy, and nerve-sparing status were tabulated. Survey questions addressed urinary irritation/obstruction, incontinence, and overall bother. Responses were averaged to calculate a urinary sum (US) score. Patients were stratified according to the severity of their baseline urinary bother (UB), and changes in urinary indices determined at 24 months. RESULTS: A total of 737 patients were included. Postsurgical improvement in urinary obstruction, bother, and sum score was related to baseline UB (P <.001). Men with severe baseline bother had the greatest improvement in US (+9.3), whereas those with asymptomatic baseline UB experienced a decline in US (-2.8). All patients experienced a decline in urinary incontinence of 6.3-8.3 that was independent of baseline bother (P = .507). Patients with severe UB experienced positive outcomes, whereas those at asymptomatic baseline experienced negative US outcomes. Negative urinary incontinence outcomes were unrelated to baseline UB. Age, radiotherapy, and nerve-sparing status were not associated with improved UB (P = .029). However, baseline UB was significantly associated with improvement in postsurgical UB (P = .001). CONCLUSION: Baseline UB is a predictor of postsurgical improvement in urinary function. These data are helpful when counseling a subset of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy patients with severe preoperative urinary symptoms.

Laparoscopic inferior vena cava and right atrial thrombectomy utilizing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Surgery for renal cancer associated with a level III or IV tumor thrombus often involves cardiopulmonary bypass, deep hypothermia, and exploration of the right atrium and inferior vena cava (IVC). This major open operation necessitates a large median sternotomy incision and a midline abdominal or chevron incision. Herein, we investigate the feasibility of purely laparoscopic IVC and right atrial thrombectomy utilizing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In six male calves weighing 70 to 80 kg, the right common carotid artery and right internal jugular vein were cannulated for subsequent cardiopulmonary bypass. One laparoscopic team performed right radical nephrectomy and complete mobilization of the intra-abdominal IVC by a four-port approach. Simultaneously, a second laparoscopic team obtained three-port thoracoscopic access to incise the pericardium and expose the right atrium. In sequence, cardiopulmonary bypass, complete exsanguination, cardiac arrest, and core hypothermia of 18 degrees C were achieved. A coagulum thrombus was created by needle injection into the IVC. Combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic incision, exploration, and thrombectomy of the IVC and the right atrium were then performed in a bloodless field. An angioscope was inserted inside the heart and the IVC to confirm complete thrombus clearance visually. The IVC and right atrium were then laparoscopically suture repaired, cardiopulmonary bypass was reestablished, and the animal was gradually rewarmed. Once sinus rhythm was reestablished at normal body temperature, the animal was weaned off the pump. RESULTS: The mean total operative time was 494.5 minutes (range 355-705 minutes). The mean time needed to lower the core temperature was 63.5 minutes (range 50-120 minutes), and the mean time required to rewarm the animal was 101.8 minutes (range 70-130 minutes). The mean blood volume drained into the pump was 2633.3 mL (range 1400-3200 mL), and the mean estimated blood loss was 350 mL (range 200-750 mL). Reestablishment of sinus cardiac rhythm and weaning off the pump was successful in all animals prior to acute euthanasia. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy for level III or IV tumor thrombi utilizing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is feasible in the calf model using minimally invasive techniques exclusively. The procedure is technically complex and requires the combined efforts of expert urologic and cardiac operative teams. Survival studies are planned.