Checking vesicourethral anastomosis for urinary extravasation during radical prostatectomy: is it still necessary in the robotic era? A prospective, randomized case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the role of intraoperative control of the watertightness of vesicourethral anastomosis extravasation control (VUAEC) in predicting vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) healing and early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: 100 patients who underwent RARP between October 2020 and May 2023 were consecutively included in the study. Preoperatively, the patients were randomized to undergo VUAEC (Group-A) or not (Group-B). Patients in Group-A were evaluated in 2 subgroups: those with no extravasation observed during VUAEC (Group-A1; n = 31 (62%)) and those with extravasation (Group-A2; n = 19 (38%)). On the 8th post-operative day, a gravity cystogram (GC) was performed on all patients to assess VUA healing. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of clinical features, drain removal time, length of hospital stay, extravasation on GC, catheter removal time and postoperative complications (p > 0.05, for each). There was also no statistically significant difference between the subgroups in terms of drain removal time, length of hospital stays, catheter removal time (p > 0.05, for each). In Group-A2, urinary extravasation on GC was found in a greater percentage, but the difference remained statistically insignificant (p = 0.082). CONCLUSIONS: Performing intraoperative VUAEC did not have a significant role in the prediction of VUA healing and early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing RARP. The current study did not identify a substantial clinical benefit of routine intraoperative VUAEC.

Retrospective study on the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for complicated fistulizing diverticular disease in a high-volume colorectal center.

BACKGROUND: We assessed feasibility and safety of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for complicated fistulizing diverticular disease in a tertiary care colorectal center. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study of patients undergoing sigmoidectomy for fistulizing diverticular disease between 2011 and 2021 was realized. Primary outcomes were rates of conversion to open surgery and severe postoperative morbidity at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included rates of postoperative bladder leaks on cystogram. RESULTS: Among the 104 patients, 32.7% had previous laparotomy. Laparoscopy was the initial approach in 103 (99.0%), with 6 (5.8%) conversions to laparotomy. Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complication rate at 30 days was 10.6%, including two (1.9%) anastomotic leaks. The median postoperative length of stay was 4.0 days. Seven (6.7%) patients underwent reoperation, six (5.8%) were readmitted, and one (0.9%) died within 30 days. Twelve (11.5%) ileostomies were created initially, and two (1.9%) were created following anastomotic leaks. At last follow-up, 101 (97.1%) patients were stoma-free. Urgent surgeries had a higher rate of severe postoperative complications. Among colovesical fistula patients (n = 73), postoperative cystograms were performed in 56.2%, identifying two out of the three bladder leaks detected on closed suction drains. No differences in postoperative outcomes occurred between groups with and without postoperative cystograms, including Foley catheter removal within seven days (73.2% vs. 90.6%, p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for complicated fistulizing diverticulitis showed low rates of severe complications, conversions to open surgery and permanent stomas in high-volume colorectal center.

Selective use of cystogram following segmental bowel resection in patients with enterovesical fistula.

AIM: Patients undergoing resectional surgery for enterovesical fistulas generally have an indwelling urinary catheter postoperatively to prevent a recurrent fistula. The aim of this study was to assess the role of a cystogram as part of the postoperative follow-up of such surgery, when it should be performed and for how long the bladder should be drained after surgery. METHOD: A retrospective single-centre study of all patients undergoing ileocaecal or sigmoid resection for surgery for enterovesical fistula with the primary end-point of recurrent urinary fistula. RESULTS: Between 1994 and 2015, 46 patients (23 male; mean age 55.4 ± 18.3 years) underwent surgery [23 (50%) for diverticular disease, 16 (34.8%) for Crohn's disease, five (10.9%) for malignancy and two (4.3%) for previous radiotherapy]. Closure of the bladder fistula was by simple suture in 21 (46%) patients and with an omental pedicle in 16 (36%). Overall median duration of urinary drainage was 10.5 [interquartile range (IQR): 7.3-14.0] days. A postoperative cystogram was performed in 26 (57%) patients after a median of 10.0 (IQR: 8.0-13.0) days. This demonstrated persistent leakage in three patients, of whom two had undergone surgical closure of the bladder. This group required prolonged drainage (7, 19 and 40 days). One patient who had undergone surgery following radiotherapy for urothelial cancer developed a recurrent malignant fistula at 9 months, even though the postoperative cystogram had been negative. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a routine postoperative cystogram after surgery for enterovesical fistula may not be necessary for all patients if the bladder is drained for 1-2 weeks after bowel resection.

Diverticular colovesical fistula: What should we really be doing?

BACKGROUND: Colovesical fistula secondary to diverticular disease is increasing in incidence. Presentation and severity may differ, but a common management strategy may be applied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics and perioperative management of patients with colovesical fistulae and determine optimal management. METHODS: From 2003 to 2012, all charts of surgical patients with diverticular colovesical fistulae at two different institutions were reviewed. Patient and presentation characteristics and perioperative management and outcomes were recorded. Patient groups with early and late catheter removal (< 8 and ≥ 8 days) were compared with significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patient charts were reviewed. The mean duration of symptoms was 7.5 months. Laparoscopic assisted surgery was carried out in 35% of patients. Complex bladder repair was performed in 27%. Mean length of stay was 8 days. Mean urinary catheter duration was 13 days. Seventy percent of patients underwent postoperative cystogram, with 4% positive for extravasation. Patients with early catheter removal were significantly older, more likely to have received intraoperative methylene blue instillation, and less likely to have had a complex bladder repair (p < 0.05). Complication rate, length of stay, postoperative cystography, and stent use were similar for both catheter removal groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative methylene blue bladder instillation should be utilized to limit unnecessary bladder repairs. In the setting of negative methylene blue extravasation, surgeons may confidently remove urinary catheters in 7 days or less, in some cases as early as 48 h. In complex bladder repairs, cystogram is still an important adjunct, with those patients with negative studies benefiting from catheter removal at 7 days or less.

Selective indication for check cystogram before catheter removal following robot assisted radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: With the improvement in anastomotic technique, it is rare to find anastomotic site leak after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). It may not always be necessary to do regular check cystogram before catheter removal. We evaluated our 230 consecutive RARP patients and their cystograms to determine the indications for selective use of cystogram before catheter removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed our prospectively collected RARP database of 230 consecutive patients. Cystography was performed at low pressure by gravity instillation of diluted contrast through the catheter. Patients were observed under fluoroscopy in lateral oblique position for any contrast leak at the site of anastomosis. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months, and the longest follow-up was 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients (90%) underwent catheter removal on postoperative day 7. Nine patients (3.9%) had extravasation on initial cystogram. Two patients with leak had a history of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and seven other had bladder neck reconstruction for wide bladder neck. Three patients with minimal leak did not require catheter replacement. In rest of the 6 patient with leak, continued catheter drainage was done. No significant difference in the intraoperative variables, blood loss, duration of drain, length of hospital stay, and continence outcomes was noted between the patients with leak compared to rest of the patients. None of the patient needed any procedure/intervention related to the surgery and none developed bladder neck stenosis. CONCLUSION: In usual circumstances, catheter removal can be done safely on a postoperative day 7 without routine cystography. Selective use of check cystogram can be done in the case where bladder neck reconstruction is performed or those had a prior TURP and a wide bladder neck.

New contralateral vesicoureteral reflux after unilateral ureteral reimplantation: predictive factors and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Although unilateral ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux is highly successful, new contralateral reflux will develop postoperatively in some patients. We examined predictors and clinical outcomes of postoperative contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent nontapered unilateral reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux graded on a 3-point scale at our institution from January 1990 to December 2002, and identified those with subsequent contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. We analyzed the association of patient/procedure characteristics with incidence, and time to resolution of contralateral reflux and postoperative urinary tract infection. Multivariable models controlled for variables associated with incidence and time to resolution of contralateral reflux. RESULTS: A total of 395 patients (77.2% female, median age 5.3 years) underwent ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux. Preoperative reflux was grade 1 in 2.8% of patients, grade 2 in 56.6% and grade 3 in 40.6%. Technical success was 95.4%. After reimplantation 39 patients (9.9%) had new contralateral reflux (grade 1 in 7, grade 2 in 27 and grade 3 in 5). Median followup was 51.8 months. On multivariate analysis younger age (less than 6 years, OR 3.7, p = 0.006) and low observed bladder capacity as percent of predicted bladder capacity (less than 50% of predicted capacity, OR 6.3, p = 0.02) were significant predictors of contralateral reflux. Contralateral reflux resolved in 21 of 27 patients (77.8%) on subsequent cystography at a median of 21.5 months. Two patients underwent reimplantation for persistent contralateral reflux. Four of 39 patients (10.3%) with contralateral reflux had postoperative febrile urinary tract infections at a median of 26 months, with spontaneous resolution of contralateral reflux in all. CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients and those with low observed vs predicted bladder capacity may be at increased risk for postoperative contralateral vesicoureteral reflux. A majority of contralateral reflux will resolve spontaneously, and the clinical course is typically benign.

Appearance of the bladder on initial voiding cystogram in boys with PUV and its relation to pre and postnatal findings.

Introduction: Bladder profile in boys with Posterior Urethral Valves can be very varied with a spectrum going from high pressure, unstable, hypocompliant small bladders to hypercompliant, large acontractile bladders, with some being near-normal. Our question was whether appearance, specifically of the bladder, on initial VCUG was correlated to prenatal features and whether it could predict early postnatal outcome. Method: We used a prospectively gathered database of boys with prenatally suspected PUV. We analyzed whether the appearance, specifically of the bladder, was related to date of prenatal diagnosis, presence of a megacystis on prenatal ultrasound, presence of vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR), presence of abnormal DMSA scan, nadir creatinine or presence of febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) during the first two years of life. Results: The database comprised 90 cystograms. 15% of bladders were judged normal/regular, 54 % were small/diverticular and 31% were large/diverticular. Bladder appearance was not associated with presence of prenatal megacystis, abnormal DMSA scan, VUR, nor rate of fUTI. The only significant associations were normal/regular bladder and early prenatal diagnosis (p = 0.04) and normal/regular bladder and elevated nadir creatinine (>75µmol/l) (p = 0.01). Discussion: We believe that when focusing solely on the appearance of the bladder, excluding information about the urethra and presence of reflux, the cystogram alone is insufficient to inform on future bladder function. This could be used as an argument in favor of performing early urodynamics in this population.

The Management of a Urinary Bladder Leak in a Patient with Radiation Cystitis.

Urinary dysfunction following treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma is a common and complex complication. We present a case of a 69-year-old male who underwent laparoscopic-assisted left hemicolectomy and loop ileostomy after receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy for rectal adenocarcinoma. Postoperatively, it was incidentally discovered the patient had urinary frequency and urgency. Cystoscopy revealed radiation changes to the bladder walls and a bladder leak was confirmed by cystogram. The patient underwent successful repair of the urinary bladder leak, with challenges posed by prior radiation therapy. Effective prevention and management strategies for urinary dysfunction require a comprehensive preoperative risk assessment, consideration of nerve-preserving surgical techniques, and prompt identification and repair of postoperative complications.

Vesicovaginal reflux presenting as transient urocolpos-A diagnostic dilemma.

Urocolpos refers to urinary distension of the vagina; it commonly results from vesicovaginal fistula or reflux. In this case report, we present the clinical and radiological aspects of an 18-year-old female presenting with no significant urinary complaints, but with imaging findings of hydrocolpos. This would disappear after voiding. Vesicovaginal reflux resulting in urocolpos is a rarely diagnosed condition, and the radiologist may be mystified by the intermittent nature of the findings. We emphasize the importance of recognizing the entity before proposing surgical treatment.

Best practices for repair of iatrogenic bladder injury.

Gynecologic surgery carries a known risk of injury to the urinary tract, especially in the presence of risk factors. Injury to the bladder, particularly a mechanical injury, is more common than injury to the ureter. Urinary tract injuries occur in 0.3% to 0.8% of all gynecologic procedures, and injuries to the bladder occur in 0.05% to 0.66% of such surgeries. The risk of bladder injury increases in hysterectomy procedures. Most research studies have cited occurrence of bladder injuries to be 1.0% to 1.8% in laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies and vaginal hysterectomies. Despite its frequency, there is limited research on best practices for bladder injury repair. The authors performed a literature search through the PubMed database using the terms "bladder anatomy," "bladder injury," "bladder repair," "cystotomy," "routine cystoscopy," and "vesicovaginal fistula." This review uses gynecologic and trauma literature and discusses prevention, recognition, types of iatrogenic bladder injuries, their clinical significance, current guidelines on bladder injury repair, and the expected follow-up care, and concludes by identifying areas for further research.

Vesicourachal diverticulum.

We report a rare complication involving a healthy 45-year-old male patient who underwent an emergency laparoscopic appendicectomy for acute perforated gangrenous appendicitis. The patient was catheterised pre- procedure and the ports were inserted under vision. Upon completion of the procedure, a 15 Fr Robinson drain was left in the pelvis and was fed through the suprapubic port hole. Postoperatively the patient developed worsening, generalised abdominal pain and high output from the drain. The patient was re-catheterised but the computed tomography (CT) cystogram did not show any injury to the bladder. The drain fluid creatinine was noted to be raised (>4,000), indicating that urine was leaking into the drain. Conventional cystogram confirmed a contrast leak from the dome around the drain. Flexible cystoscopy confirmed that the drain had transversed the vesicourachal diverticula. The drain was pulled back and converted to a suprapubic catheter with the patient subsequently being discharged. Vesicourachal diverticula is a rare and often asymptomatic anomaly. When undertaking laparoscopic surgery, precautions should be taken to prevent port site injury such as catheterising the patient to ensure the bladder is empty and inserting the ports under direct vision. It is safer to visualise muscle rather than peritoneum during port insertion. In this case, the bladder diverticula was noticed extraperitoneally. Though the indirect CT cystogram reported no injury, this was unreliable as the bladder was not distended which led to the subtle injury being missed. Traditional cystogram should be considered in cases with a negative CT cystogram and a strong suspicion of bladder injury.

Reducing the Risk of Postoperative Complications After Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Cancer Patients: Results of an Audit and Feedback Intervention Following the Implementation of Prospective Data Collection.

BACKGROUND: Prospective data collection for perioperative outcomes might increase awareness of surgical results obtained for patients with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). This would prompt the implementation of measures aimed at reducing the risk of adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of an audit and feedback process aimed at identifying the most common complications after RARP and at implementing measures to improve outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 415 patients treated with RARP by a high-volume surgeon were included. Perioperative outcomes for 187 patients treated between September 2016 and December 2017 were prospectively collected at 30 d according to the European Association of Urology guideline recommendations (group 1). An audit and feedback process was implemented in January 2018 whereby the most common complication (anastomotic leak) was identified and measures aimed at improving outcomes (changes in the anastomotic technique) were implemented. The outcomes for group 1 were then compared to 228 patients treated after implementation of the modified surgical technique (group 2). SURGICAL PROCEDURE: A novel technique for posterior reconstruction and urethrovesical anastomosis was introduced. MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative outcomes included blood loss, operative time, length of stay, and 30-d postoperative complications. Logistic regression models tested the effect of the novel surgical technique on anastomotic leaks. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 97 patients (23%) experienced postoperative complications at 30 d. The rate of anastomotic leaks was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 1 (3.1% vs 9.6%; p < 0.01). Similarly, overall and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 complication rates were lower in group 2 versus group 1 (17% vs 31%, and 6% vs 20%; both p ≤ 0.001). In multivariable analyses, treatment after implementation of changes in the anastomotic technique independently predicted a lower risk of complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-0.89) and of anastomotic leaks (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.17-0.97). The lack of randomization represents the main limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of changes in the urethrovesical anastomosis technique arising from increased awareness of surgical outcomes reduced the risk of anastomotic leaks. These findings highlight the importance of audit and feedback processes using a standardized method for reporting surgical morbidity. PATIENT SUMMARY: Increased awareness of surgical outcomes prompted us to change our technique for connecting the bladder to the urethra during robot-assisted surgery to remove the prostate in patients with prostate cancer. These changes resulted in significant improvements in surgical outcomes.

Relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis on cystogram is a strong and reproducible predictor of early urinary continence recovery following radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether bladder neck angle and position on cystogram predict early urinary continence in patients scheduled for early catheter removal after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: A total of 103 patients undergoing open or robot-assisted RP by one expert surgeon between January and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A cystogram was performed on postoperative day 3 or 4 to evaluate anastomotic leakage, and, if none or minimal, the catheter was removed. Urinary continence was evaluated with a validated questionnaire at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after RP. Four investigators of different experience assigned bladder neck angle and relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis on archived cystogram images. Association between these two parameters and urinary continence rates at different follow-up times was assessed with logistic regression analysis adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics, and surgical technique. Interobserver agreement in assigning the two parameters was measured with k statistic. RESULTS: Catheter was removed immediately after cystogram in 101 (98%) patients. On multivariable analysis, only relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis was an independent predictor of 1-week (odds ratio [OR] 30. 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 6-138, p < 0.001), 1-month (OR 11. 95%CIs 3.8-32, p < 0.001), and 3-month (OR 19. 95%CIs 3.6-98, p < 0.001) urinary continence. Interobserver agreement for bladder neck and relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis was fair to moderate, and substantial to almost perfect, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis on cystogram is a strong and reproducible predictor of early urinary continence after RP.

Case report: Bladder to lumbar spinal hardware fistula managed via partial cystectomy and removal of offending piece of spinal hardware.

A bladder to lumbar hardware fistula has never been reported. We report the case of a 67 year old male who presented with a bladder to lumbar spinal hardware fistula approximately four years following an L4-S1 anterior lumbar internal fixation. It was identified through the use of CT cystogram. His case was managed first with cystoscopy and interrogation of the fistula with a Glidewire followed by partial cystectomy and removal of some of the offending spinal hardware.

Urine colour as an indicator for anastomotic leakage after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Objectives: To determine whether macroscopic haematuria predicts urethrovesical anastomotic leakage after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) as well as a cystogram.Patients and methods: Participants were recruited before cystogram and catheter removal 5-14 days after RALP surgery. Urine colour in the collection bag was classified according to a three-step scale (clear, light red and dark red) and leakages in cystogram were graded with a four-step scale (Grade 0-3). Diagnostic accuracy parameters were calculated for urine colour. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate other leakage risk factors.Results: Of 214 patients, 201 (94%) had clear, six (3%) had light red and seven (3%) had dark red coloured urine. In the cystogram, 20 (9%) patients had leakage; 14 had Grade 1, five Grade 2 and one Grade 3 leakage. Overall, specificity and sensitivity of urine colour in predicting anastomotic leakage were 0.97 (95% CI = 0.95-100) and 0.38 (95% CI = 0.17-0.59), respectively. Negative and positive predictive values were 94% and 62%, respectively. Other significant risk factors for anastomotic leakage were previous transurethral resection or radiation therapy to the prostate, non-waterproof anastomosis at surgery, postoperative pelvic haematoma, long catheterization and surgeon's inexperience. In patients with no other risk factors, test sensitivity improved to 0.80 (95% CI = 0.45-1.15) and negative and positive predictive values to 99% and 44%, respectively.Conclusion: This prospective single-arm trial indicates that in patients with clear urine and no other risk factors for anastomotic leakage, a cystogram examination before urethral catheter removal can be safely omitted.

Perioperative Management of Patients with Colovesical Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Colovesical fistula (CVF) is an uncommon complication of diverticulitis. Substantial heterogeneity exists in the perioperative management of this condition. We seek to evaluate the role of bladder leak testing, closed suction drainage, prolonged bladder catheter usage, and routine postoperative cystogram in the management of CVF. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study from a single academic health center investigation patients undergoing operation for diverticular CVF from 2005 to 2015 (n = 89). RESULTS: Patients undergoing operative repair for diverticular CVF resection had a mortality of 4% and overall morbidity of 46%. Intraoperative bladder leak test was performed in 36 patients (40%) and demonstrated a leak in 4 patients (11%). No patients with a negative intraoperative bladder leak test developed a urinary leak. Overall, five (6%) patients developed postoperative bladder leak. Three were identified by elevated drain creatinine and two by cystogram. The diagnostic yield of routine cystogram was 3%. All bladder leaks were diagnosed between postoperative day 3 and 7. Of patients with a postoperative bladder leak, none required reoperation and all resolved within 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variability in the management of patients undergoing operation for CVF. Routine intraoperative bladder leak test should be performed. Cystogram may add cost and is low yield for routine evaluation for bladder leak after operation for CVF. Urinary catheter removal before postoperative day 7 should be considered.

Postoperative cystogram findings predict recovery of urinary continence after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between postoperative cystogram findings and subsequent outcomes on urinary continence after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). METHODS: A retrospective review of 250 consecutive patients who were observed for at least 12 months after RALP. The postoperative cystogram findings examined were: the location of the bladder neck, degree of bladder abnormalities, and presence of outflow of contrast medium into the urethra during the filling phase of cystography. The continence status based on pad usage was recorded. Those who required no pad or only a safety pad were defined as continent. RESULTS: Patients with a bladder neck location above the middle of the pubic symphysis height exhibited significantly higher continence levels than those with a lower bladder neck location at both postoperative 3 and 12 months (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively). The higher a bladder neck was located, the earlier the urinary continence was achieved after RALP (P < 0.0001). Patients without contrast outflow into the urethra during cystogram demonstrated a significantly more favorable continence status at the 3-month follow-up (P = 0.004). Patients without bladder abnormalities on postoperative cystogram demonstrated a significantly more favorable continence status at the 12-month follow-up than those with bladder abnormalities (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative cystogram findings may predict recovery of urinary continence after RALP.

Retrograde Pyelogram during intended Cystogram: A Rare complication of a common procedure.

Inadvertent placement of the urinary catheter into the ureter can cause several complications. We describe a rare complication during cystogram due to unrecognized inadvertently placed urinary catheter in ureter, resulting in a life-threatening situation. A 47-year-old multiparous female underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy for adenomyosis. During early postoperative period, she developed vesicovaginal fistula and transvaginal repair of fistula was done. During filling cystography done at 2 weeks, she developed right loin pain and urosepsis. Contrast extravasation was seen in the right renal subcapsular space with Foley's catheter inside the right ureter. Subsequently, she recovered well.

Normal reference values for bladder wall thickness on CT in a healthy population.

PURPOSE: To determine normal bladder wall thickness on CT in patients without bladder disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and nineteen patients presenting for trauma with normal CTs of the abdomen and pelvis were included in our retrospective study. Bladder wall thickness was assessed, and bladder volume was measured using both the ellipsoid formula and an automated technique. Patient age, gender, and body mass index were recorded. Linear regression models were created to account for bladder volume, age, gender, and body mass index, and the multiple correlation coefficient with bladder wall thickness was computed. Bladder volume and bladder wall thickness were log-transformed to achieve approximate normality and homogeneity of variance. Variables that did not contribute substantively to the model were excluded, and a parsimonious model was created and the multiple correlation coefficient was calculated. Expected bladder wall thickness was estimated for different bladder volumes, and 1.96 standard deviation above expected provided the upper limit of normal on the log scale. RESULTS: Age, gender, and bladder volume were associated with bladder wall thickness (p = 0.049, 0.024, and < 0.001, respectively). The linear regression model had an R2 of 0.52. Age and gender were negligible in contribution to the model, and a parsimonious model using only volume was created for both the ellipsoid and automated volumes (R2 = 0.52 and 0.51, respectively). CONCLUSION: Bladder wall thickness correlates with bladder wall volume. The study provides reference bladder wall thicknesses on CT utilizing both the ellipsoid formula and automated bladder volumes.

Retzius-sparing Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Associated with Less Bladder Neck Descent and Better Early Continence Outcome.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We attempted to evaluate the association of early continence outcome of Retzius-sparing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and bladder neck descent with postoperative cystography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 2014 to December 2015, 30 patients with prostate cancer who received Retzius-sparing LRP/ RARP were compared to 30 patients that received retropubic approach RARP with propensity score matching analysis. Cystogram was used to evaluate the bladder neck descent using the bladder neck to pubic symphysis (BNPS) ratio and the continence state was evaluated. RESULTS: A total 60 patients were included 30 of which had received Retzius-sparing and 30 the retropubic approach, using propensity score matching analysis. There was no difference in age, prostate size, pathology T stage and PSA among groups. BNPS ratio is significantly low in the Retzius-sparing group (0.25±0.10 vs. 0.46±0.14, p=0.000). Early continence was improved in the Retzius-sparing group and early continence within the first week was 73.3% compared to 26.7% (p=0.000), but no difference was seen at one year (100.0% vs. 93.30%, p=0.150). The independent risk factors affecting post-operative continence were age and approach. The association between less bladder neck descent as BNP ratio and continence was also confirmed (HR=0.048, 95%CI=0.005-0.420, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: With the advantage of more normal pelvic anatomy preserved in Retzius-sparing RARP, it was associated with less bladder neck descent and better early continence outcome. Age was also an independent risk factor for postoperative continence.