Generative AI Platform for Automating Social Media Posts From Urology Journal Articles: A Cross-Sectional Study and Randomized Assessment.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study assessed a generative-AI platform to automate the creation of accurate, appropriate, and compelling social-media (SoMe) posts from urological journal articles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred SoMe-posts from the top 3 journals in urology X (Twitter) profiles were collected from Aug-2022 to Oct-2023 A freeware GPT-tool was developed to auto-generate SoMe posts, which included title-summarization, key findings, pertinent emojis, hashtags, and DOI links to the article. Three physicians independently evaluated GPT-generated posts for achieving tetrafecta of accuracy and appropriateness criteria. Fifteen scenarios were created from 5 randomly selected posts from each journal. Each scenario contained both the original and the GPT-generated post for the same article. Five questions were formulated to investigate the posts' likability, shareability, engagement, understandability, and comprehensiveness. The paired posts were then randomized and presented to blinded academic authors and general public through Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT) responders for preference evaluation. RESULTS: Median (IQR) time for post auto-generation was 10.2 seconds (8.5-12.5). Of the 150 rated GPT-generated posts, 115 (76.6%) met the correctness tetrafecta: 144 (96%) accurately summarized the title, 147 (98%) accurately presented the articles' main findings, 131 (87.3%) appropriately used emojis and hashtags 138 (92%). A total of 258 academic urologists and 493 AMT responders answered the surveys, wherein the GPT-generated posts consistently outperformed the original journals' posts for both academicians and AMT responders (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Generative-AI can automate the creation of SoMe posts from urology journal abstracts that are both accurate and preferable by the academic community and general public.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging facilitates reclassification during active surveillance for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the reassessment and monitoring of patients on active surveillance (AS) for Grade Group (GG) 1 prostate cancer (PCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified, from our prospectively maintained institutional review board-approved database, 181 consecutive men enrolled on AS for GG 1 PCa who underwent at least one surveillance mpMRI followed by MRI/prostate biopsy (PBx). A subset analysis was performed among 68 patients who underwent serial (at least two) mpMRI/PBx during AS. Pathological progression (PP) was defined as upgrade to GG ≥2 on follow up biopsy. RESULTS: Baseline MRI was performed in 34 patients (19%). At a median follow-up of 2.2 years for the overall cohort, the PP was 12% (6/49) for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 1-2 lesions and 37% (48/129) for the PI-RADS ≥3 lesions. The 2-year PP-free survival rate was 84%. Surveillance prostate-specific antigen density (P < 0.001) and surveillance PI-RADS ≥3 (P = 0.002) were independent predictors of PP on reassessment MRI/PBx. In the serial MRI cohort, the 2-year PP-free survival was 95% for the No-MRI-progression group vs 85% for the MRI-progression group (P = 0.02). MRI progression was significantly higher in the PP (62%) than in the No-PP (31%) group (P = 0.04). If serial MRI were used for PCa surveillance and biopsy were triggered based only on MRI progression, 63% of PBx might be postponed at the cost of missing 12% of GG ≥2 PCa in those with stable MRI. Conversely, this strategy would miss 38% of those with upgrading to GG ≥2 PCa on biopsy. Stable serial mpMRI correlates with no reclassification to GG ≥3 PCa during AS. CONCLUSION: On surveillance mpMRI, PI-RADS ≥3 was associated with increased risk of PCa reclassification. Surveillance biopsy based only on MRI progression may avoid a large number of biopsies at the cost of missing many PCa reclassifications.

Exploring the role of granzyme B in subretinal fibrosis of age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a prevalent and progressive degenerative disease of the macula, is the leading cause of blindness in elderly individuals in developed countries. The advanced stages include neovascular AMD (nAMD), characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), leading to subretinal fibrosis and permanent vision loss. Despite the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in stabilizing or improving vision in nAMD, the development of subretinal fibrosis following CNV remains a significant concern. In this review, we explore multifaceted aspects of subretinal fibrosis in nAMD, focusing on its clinical manifestations, risk factors, and underlying pathophysiology. We also outline the potential sources of myofibroblast precursors and inflammatory mechanisms underlying their recruitment and transdifferentiation. Special attention is given to the potential role of mast cells in CNV and subretinal fibrosis, with a focus on putative mast cell mediators, tryptase and granzyme B. We summarize our findings on the role of GzmB in CNV and speculate how GzmB may be involved in the pathological transition from CNV to subretinal fibrosis in nAMD. Finally, we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of animal models of subretinal fibrosis and pinpoint potential therapeutic targets for subretinal fibrosis.

Association between preablation and postablation neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and atrial fibrillation recurrence: A meta-analysis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence has become common in patients who have undergone catheter ablation. High neutrophil lymphocyte ratios (NLR) have been linked to an increased risk of recurrent AF. The research is, however, not conclusive. This meta-analysis addressed the value of easily accessible and affordable pre- and postablation NLR levels as indicators of AF recurrence in patients who had undergone ablation. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar for pertinent studies through May 2023. Using random effects models, the aggregated odds ratio (OR) of pre- and post-NLR and AF recurrence was estimated. Inter-study heterogeneity was described using I 2 statistics and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. A p-value < .05 was considered statistically significant. The literature search yielded 270 studies, seven of which were included in this meta-analysis of 1923 patients who experienced AF recurrence after undergoing ablation. There are five retrospective and two prospective studies with a mean follow-up of 20.5 months. The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of AF recurrence for preablation NLR was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.04-1.71, p < .01, I 2 = 95.49%), while the adjusted OR was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.87-2.43, p < .01, I 2 = 95.1%). The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for postablation NLR was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.09-1.36, p < .01, I 2 = 85.9%), and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.28 (95% CI: 0.93-1.76), demonstrating significant heterogeneity (I 2 = 95.32%) with a p-value < .01. NLR was significantly associated with AF recurrence prediction. To detect AF recurrence, we recommend that clinicians add a simple NLR blood test to their diagnostic modalities.

Was there a weekend effect on mortality rates for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and acute myocardial infarction? Insights from the National Inpatient Sample, 2020.

Our study aimed to assess the effect of weekend versus weekday hospital admissions on all-cause mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2020, identifying patients with co-existing AMI and COVID-19 admitted on weekdays and weekends. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were assessed. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted, adjusting for confounders to determine the odds of all-cause mortality. Among 74,820 patients, 55,145 (73.7%) were admitted on weekdays, while 19,675 (26.3%) were admitted on weekends. Weekend admissions showed slightly higher proportions of men (61.3% vs. 60%) and whites (56.3% vs. 54.9%) with a median age of 73 years (range: 62-82). The overall all-cause mortality had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.92-1.09; P = 0.934). After adjusting for covariates, there was no significant associations between mortality and hospital type (rural: OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.78-1.39; P = 0.789; urban teaching: OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.94-1.14; P = 0.450) or geographic region (Northeast: OR = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.96-1.39; P = 0.12; Midwest: OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.83-1.17; P = 0.871; South: OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.85-1.12; P = 0.697; West: OR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.77-1.15; P = 0.554). There was no significant difference in the rate of all-cause mortality among patients admitted for AMI and COVID-19 between weekdays and weekends.

Trends in Incidence of Metastatic Prostate Cancer in the US.

Importance: The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended against routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based prostate cancer (PCa) screening, initially for men older than 75 years in 2008, and then for all men in 2012. Concern has been raised that, by recommending against screening, and thus early detection, the USPSTF recommendations may be associated with an increase in the incidence of metastatic PCa (mPCa). Objective: To explore the incidence of mPCa before and after the USPSTF recommendations against routine PCa screening. Design, Setting, and Participants: This population-based cohort study used the recently released Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 registry incidence data to identify men aged 45 years and older with a diagnosis of invasive PCa from 2004 through 2018. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2018. Exposure: Outcomes were assessed before vs after the USPSTF recommendations against routine screening. Main Outcomes and Measures: Annual age-adjusted incidence rates per 100 000 population of mPCa (defined using SEER Summary Stage and American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] staging systems), with adjustments for age structure and reporting delay from 2004 to 2011, according to race and age were examined. Annual percentage changes (APCs) were calculated to quantify changes in the annual incidence rates. Results: From 2004 to 2018, a total of 836 282 patients with PCa were recorded in the SEER database; 26 642 (56.5%) distant mPCa cases were reported in men aged 45 to 74 years, and 20 507 (43.5%) cases were reported in men aged 75 years or older. Among men aged 45 to 74 years, the incidence rate of distant mPCa (SEER Summary staging) remained stable during 2004 to 2010 (APC, -0.4%; 95% CI, -1.7% to 1.1%; P = .60), then increased significantly during 2010 to 2018 (APC, 5.3%; 95% CI, 4.5% to 6.0%; P < .001). In men aged 75 years or older, the incidence rate of distant mPCa decreased from 2004 to 2011 (APC, -1.5%; 95% CI, -3.0% to 0%; P = .046), and then increased from 2011 to 2018 (APC, 6.5%; 95% CI, 5.1% to 7.8%; P < .001). Similar trends were also seen for M1 mPCa defined per the AJCC staging system. These increased trends in mPCa incidence were particularly significant in non-Hispanic White men (2010-2018 APC, 6.9%; 95% CI, 5.4% to 8.4%; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: Analysis of the emerging trends from the most recently released SEER data set (2004-2018) suggests that the incidence rates of mPCa have increased significantly and coincide temporally with the USPSTF recommendations against PCa screening across races and age groups. These mPCa trends are associated with reported changes in screening practices following the USPSTF recommendations.

Real-Time Symptom Capture of Hallucinations in Schizophrenia with fMRI: Absence of Duration-Dependent Activity.

Background: While advances in the field of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provide new opportunities to study brain networks underlying the experience of hallucinations in psychosis, there are methodological challenges unique to symptom-capture studies. Study Design: We extracted brain networks activated during hallucination-capture for schizophrenia patients when fMRI data collected from two sites was merged (combined N = 27). A multidimensional analysis technique was applied, which would allow separation of brain networks involved in the hallucinatory experience itself from those involved in the motor response of indicating the beginning and end of the perceived hallucinatory experience. To avoid reverse inference when attributing a function (e.g., a hallucination) to anatomical regions, it was required that longer hallucinatory experiences produce extended brain responses relative to shorter. Study Results: For radio-speech sound files, an auditory perception brain network emerged, and displayed speech-duration-dependent hemodynamic responses (HDRs). However, in the hallucination-capture blocks, no network showed hallucination-duration-dependent HDRs, but a retrieved network that was anatomically classified as motor response emerged. Conclusions: During symptom capture of hallucinations during fMRI, no HDR showed duration dependence, but a brain network anatomically matching the motor response network was retrieved. Previous reports on brain networks detected by fMRI during hallucination capture are reviewed in this context; namely, that the brain networks interpreted as involved in hallucinations may in fact be involved only in the motor response indicating the onset of the hallucination.

Prediction of Metastatic Patterns in Bladder Cancer: Spatiotemporal Progression and Development of a Novel, Web-based Platform for Clinical Utility.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer (BCa), the sixth commonest cancer in the USA, is highly lethal when metastatic. Spatial and temporal patterns of patient-specific metastatic spread are deemed random and unpredictable. Whether BCa metastatic patterns can be quantified and predicted more accurately is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To develop a web-based calculator for forecasting metastatic progression in individual BCa patients. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We used a prospectively collected longitudinal dataset of 3503 BCa patients who underwent a radical cystectomy following diagnosis and were enrolled continuously. We subdivided patients by their pathologic subgroup stages of organ confined (OC), extravesical (EV), and node positive (N+). We illustrated metastatic pathway progression using color-coded, circular, tree ring diagrams. We created a dynamical, data-visualization, web-based platform that displays temporal, spatial, and Markov modeling figures with predictive capability. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Patients underwent history and physical examination, serum studies, and liver function tests. Surveillance follow-up included computed tomography scans, chest x-rays, and radiographic evaluation of the reservoir and upper tracts, with bone scans performed only if clinically indicated. Outcomes were measured by time to clinical recurrence and overall or progression-free survival. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Metastases developed in 29% of patients (n = 812; median follow-up 15.3 yr), with 5-yr overall survival of 20.2%, compared with 78.6% in those without metastases (n = 1983; median follow-up 10.9 yr). The three commonest sites of spread at the time of first progression were bone (n = 214; 26.4%), pelvis (n = 194; 23.9%), and lung (n = 194; 23.9%). The order and frequency of these sites vary when divided by pathologic subgroup stages of OC (lung [n = 65; 25.1%], urethra [n = 45; 17.4%], and bone [n = 29; 11.2%]), EV (pelvis [n = 63; 33.0%], bone [n = 45; 23.6%], and lung [n = 29; 15.2%]), and N+ (bone [n = 111; 30.7%], retroperitoneum [n = 70; 19.3%], and pelvis [n = 60; 16.6%]). Markov chain modeling indicated a higher probability of spread from bladder to bone (15.5%), pelvis (14.7%), and lung (14.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Our web-based calculator allows real-time analyses in the clinic based on individual patient-specific demographic and cancer data elements. For contrasting subgroups, the models indicated differences in Markov transition probabilities. Spatiotemporal patterns of BCa metastasis and sites of spread indicated underlying organotropic mechanisms in the prediction of response. This recognition opens the possibility of organ site-specific therapeutic targeting in the oligometastatic BCa setting. In the precision medicine era, visualization of complex, time-resolved clinical data will enhance management of postoperative metastatic BCa patients. PATIENT SUMMARY: We developed a web-based calculator to forecast metastatic progression for individual bladder cancer (BCa) patients, based on the clinical and demographic information obtained at diagnosis. This can help in predicting disease status and survival, and improving management in postoperative metastatic BCa patients. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Future pathways of metastatic progression for individual bladder cancer patients can be determined based on currently available clinical and demographic information obtained at diagnosis. In focused subgroups of patients, these metastatic spread patterns can also portend disease status and survival.

Impact of Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection and Its Extent on Perioperative Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) yields the most accurate staging in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa), although it can be associated with morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the impact of PLND extent on perioperative morbidity in patients undergoing RP. A new PLND-related complication assessment tool is proposed. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) was conducted. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched to yield studies discussing perioperative complications following RP and PLND. The extent of PLND was classified according to the European Association of Urology PCa guidelines. Studies were categorized according to the extent of PLND. Intra- and postoperative complications were classified as "strongly," "likely," or "unlikely" related to PLND. Anatomical site of perioperative complications was recorded. A cumulative meta-analysis of comparative studies was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Our search generated 3645 papers, with 176 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Details of 77 303 patients were analyzed. Of these studies, 84 (47.7%), combining data on 28 428 patients, described intraoperative complications as an outcome of interest. Overall, 534 (1.8%) patients reported one or more intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications were reported in 151 (85.7%) studies, combining data on 73 629 patients. Overall, 10 401 (14.1%) patients reported one or more postoperative complication. The most reported postoperative complication strongly related to PLND was lymphocele (90.6%). The pooled meta-analysis revealed that RP + limited PLND/standard PLND had a significantly decreased risk of experiencing any intraoperative complication (risk ratio [RR]: 0.55; p = 0.01) and postoperative complication strongly related to PLND (RR: 0.46; p = <0.00001), particularly for lymphocele formation (RR: 0.52; p = 0.0003) and thromboembolic events (RR: 0.59; p = 0.008), when compared with extended/superextended PLND. The extent of PLND was confirmed to be an independent predictor of lymphocele formation (RR: 1.77; p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The perioperative morbidity of PLND in patients undergoing RP and PLND for PCa significantly correlates with the extent of PLND. More standardized reporting of intra- and postoperative complications is needed to better estimate the direct impact of PLND extent on perioperative morbidity. PATIENT SUMMARY: Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the most accurate method for staging in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, although it can be associated with complications. This study aims to systematically evaluate the impact of PLND extent on perioperative complications in these patients. We found that intra- and postoperative complications correlate significantly with the extent of PLND. A more rigorous assessment and thorough reporting of perioperative complications are recommended.

Robotic versus open urological oncological surgery: study protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery in urology has grown considerably in application since its initial description in the early 1990s. Herein, we present the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing open versus robotic urological oncological surgery for various clinically relevant outcomes, as well as to assess their comparative penetrance over the past 20 years (2000-2020). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will document the penetrance of robotic versus open surgery in the urological oncological field using a national database.Second, we will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all published full-text English and non-English language articles from Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science search engines on surgical treatment of localised prostate, bladder, kidney and testis cancer published between 1st January 2000 to 10th January 2020. We will focus on the highest-volume urological oncological surgeries, namely, radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Study inclusion criteria will comprise clinical trials and prospective and retrospective studies (cohort or case-control series) comparing robotic versus open surgery. Exclusion criteria will comprise meta-analyses, multiple papers with overalapping study-periods, studies analysing national databases and case series describing only one approach (robotic or open). Risk of bias for included studies will be assessed by the appropriate Cochrane risk of bias tool. Principal outcomes assessed will include perioperative, functional, oncological survival and financial outcomes of open versus robotic uro-oncological surgery. Sensitivity analyses will be performed to correlate outcomes of interest with key baseline characteristics and surrogates of surgical expertise. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis will provide rigorous, consolidated information on contemporary outcomes and trends of open versus robotic urological oncological surgery based on all the available literature. These aggregate data will help physicians better advise patients seeking surgical care for urological cancers. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42017064958.

Robotic Renal Artery Aneurysm Repair.

BACKGROUND: Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a rare condition, traditionally managed with endovascular or open surgical techniques. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with robotic RAA repair. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Nine consecutive patients underwent intracorporeal robotic surgery for 10 RAAs. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Two patients underwent concomitant robotic partial nephrectomy. One patient had RAA in a solitary kidney. Median RAA diameter was 2.2 (1.8-3)cm. Intracorporeal transarterial hypothermic renal perfusion was performed in five patients. Robotic techniques included tailored aneurysmectomy and repair (n=5), excision with end-to-end anastomosis (n=2), aneurysmectomy with branch reimplantation (n=1), prosthetic interposition graft repair (n=1), and simple nephrectomy (n=1; this patient's data were excluded from analysis). MEASUREMENTS: Demographics, RAA characteristics, intraoperative techniques, perioperative outcomes, and follow up data were analyzed. Aneurysms were diagnosed by computed tomography, angiography, or incidentally during the performance of a partial nephrectomy. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: All cases were performed robotically, without conversion to open surgery. Median (range) operative time was 3.8 (3-6)h, warm ischemia time 26 (19-32)min, hypothermic renal perfusion time 34 (29-69)min, and estimated blood loss 100 (25-400)ml. No intraoperative blood transfusion was required. Median hospital stay was 3 (2-6)d. One patient had a Clavien-Dindo grade II complication. At median follow-up of 16 (2-67)mo, all patients had preserved renal function. Follow-up imaging confirmed normal caliber reconstructed renal arteries with globally perfused kidneys, except for two kidneys with small segmental infarcts due to an intentionally ligated small polar vessel. Limitations include the small number of patients and the retrospective nature of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic repair of complex RAAs is feasible. Surgical expertise, patient selection, and RAA-specific vascular reconstruction are critical for success. Greater experience is needed to evaluate the proper place of robotic repair of RAAs. PATIENT SUMMARY: We report intracorporeal robotic repair for complex renal artery aneurysms. This robotic operation is feasible and safe, and replicates open principles. However, it requires considerable experience and expertise.

Quality Assessment of Intraoperative Adverse Event Reporting During 29 227 Robotic Partial Nephrectomies: A Systematic Review and Cumulative Analysis.

The definition of intraoperative adverse events (IAEs) still lacks standardization, hampering the assessment of surgical performance in this regard. Over the years, efforts to address this issue have been carried out to improve the reporting of outcomes. In 2019, the European Association of Urology (EAU) proposed a standardized reporting tool for IAEs in urology. The objective of the present study is to distill systematically published data on IAEs in patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) for renal masses to answer three key questions (KQs). (KQ1) Which system is used to report the IAEs? (KQ2) What is the frequency of IAEs? (KQ3) What types of IAEs are reported? A comprehensive systematic review of all English-language publications on RPN was carried out. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to evaluate PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2019). Quality of reporting and grading complications were assessed according to the EAU recommendations. Globally, 59 (35.3%) and 108 (64.7%) studies reported zero and one or more IAEs, respectively. Overall, 761 (2.6%) patients reported at least one IAE. Intraoperative bleeding is reported as the most common IAE (58%). Our analysis showed no improvement in reporting and grading of IAEs over time. PATIENT SUMMARY: Up to now, an agreement regarding the definition and reporting of intraoperative adverse events (IAEs) in the literature has not been achieved. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reporting of IAEs in patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) after a systematic review of the literature. More rigorous reporting of IAEs during RPN is needed to measure their impact on patients' perioperative care.

Machine learning models for predicting post-cystectomy recurrence and survival in bladder cancer patients.

Currently in patients with bladder cancer, various clinical evaluations (imaging, operative findings at transurethral resection and radical cystectomy, pathology) are collectively used to determine disease status and prognosis, and recommend neoadjuvant, definitive and adjuvant treatments. We analyze the predictive power of these measurements in forecasting two key long-term outcomes following radical cystectomy, i.e., cancer recurrence and survival. Information theory and machine learning algorithms are employed to create predictive models using a large prospective, continuously collected, temporally resolved, primary bladder cancer dataset comprised of 3503 patients (1971-2016). Patient recurrence and survival one, three, and five years after cystectomy can be predicted with greater than 70% sensitivity and specificity. Such predictions may inform patient monitoring schedules and post-cystectomy treatments. The machine learning models provide a benchmark for predicting oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and highlight opportunities for improving care using optimal preoperative and operative data collection.

Anterograde ejaculation preservation after endoscopic treatments in patients with bladder outlet obstruction: systematic review and pooled-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the high rate of resolution, ejaculatory dysfunction still is the most common side effect related to surgical treatment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The aim of the present systematic review was to compare several technological treatment modalities for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms/BOO in terms of functional and sexual outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: All English language randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of different endoscopic treatments for BOO were evaluated. We followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) statement to evaluate PubMed®, Scopus®, and Web of Science™ databases (up to June 2019). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Our electronic search identified a total of 2221 papers in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Of these, 142 publications were identified for detailed review, which yielded 21 included in the present systematic review. All groups appeared similar with regards to preoperative IPSS/AUA Score, Qmax, and prostate volume (cc). Patients undergoing endoscopic treatments using ThuLEP, Greenlight or Prostate Artery Embolization techniques had lower-but not statistically significant- relative risk (RR) of retrograde ejaculation compared with conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (RR: 0.90; P=0.35; RR: 0.71; P=0.1; RR0.73; P=0.11). Efficacy of those techniques was equal to TURP. CONCLUSIONS: Data reporting anterograde ejaculation preservation after endoscopic treatment in patients with benign prostatic enlargement are sparse and heterogeneous. Pooled analyses suggest that new technological alternatives to conventional TURP might improve sexual outcomes, especially for non-ablative treatments.

Renal tumor contact surface area: a novel parameter for predicting complexity and outcomes of partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The contact surface area (CSA) of a tumor with adjacent renal parenchyma may determine the complexity and thus the perioperative outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN). OBJECTIVE: We devised a novel imaging parameter, renal tumor CSA, and correlate it with perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing PN. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Of 200 patients undergoing PN for a tumor (January 2010 to August 2011), 162 had renal protocol computed tomography scanning data available. CSA was calculated using image-rendering software (Synapse 3D, Fujifilm), and interobserver variability was determined between three independent observers. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: CSA was correlated to baseline demographics and perioperative outcomes as a continuous and categorical variable using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The ability of CSA to predict adverse perioperative events was compared with demographic factors and nephrometry scoring systems. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The mean tumor size was 3.1cm; CSA was 18.3 cm(2). CSA ≥20 cm(2) correlated with adverse tumor characteristics (greater tumor size, volume, and complexity) and perioperative outcomes (more parenchymal volume loss, blood loss, and complications) compared with CSA <20 cm(2). On multivariable logistic regression, CSA independently predicted operative time, complications, hospital stay, and renal functional outcomes. This predictive ability of CSA was superior to the other parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: CSA is a novel imaging parameter that quantifies the CSA of renal tumor with adjacent parenchyma. Our preliminary data indicate that CSA correlates with PN outcomes. If validated externally in a larger cohort, CSA could be incorporated into future versions of nephrometry scoring systems. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study we outline the method of calculating the contact surface area (CSA) of renal tumors with the surrounding normal kidney using image-rendering software. We found that CSA correlates with a number of important surgical outcomes including operative time, loss of renal function, and complications.

Robotic intracorporeal urinary diversion: technical details to improve time efficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To present time-efficiency data during our initial experience with intracorporeal urinary diversion and technical tips that may shorten operative time early in the learning curve. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were analyzed in the initial 37 consecutive patients undergoing robotic radical cystectomy and intracorporeal urinary diversion in whom detailed stepwise operative time data were available. Median age was 65 years and median body mass index was 27. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 6 patients and 11 patients had clinical evidence of T3 or lymph node-positive disease. Each component of the operation was subdivided into specific steps and operative time for each step was prospectively recorded. Peri-operative and follow-up data up to 90 days and final pathological data were recorded. RESULTS: All procedures were completed intracorporeally and robotically without need for conversion to open surgery or extracorporeal diversion. Median total operative time was 387 vs 386 minutes (p=0.2) and median total console time was 361 vs 295 minutes (p<0.007) for orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit, respectively. Median time for radical cystectomy was 77 minutes, extended pelvic lymph node dissection was 63 minutes, and diversion was 111 minutes (ileal conduit 92 minutes and orthotopic neobladder 124 minutes). Median estimated blood loss was 250 mL, and median hospital stay was 9 days. High grade (Clavien grade 3-5) complications at 30 and 90 days follow-up were recorded in 6 (16%) and 9 (24%) patients, respectively. Over a median follow-up of 16 months, 12 (32%) patients experienced disease recurrence and 9 (24%) died from bladder cancer. These correspond to 1-year recurrence-free and overall survival of 64% and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intracorporeal urinary diversion following robotic radical cystectomy can be safely performed and reproducible in a time-efficient manner even during the early learning curve.

Robotic intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder: replicating open surgical principles.

BACKGROUND: Robotic radical cystectomy (RC) for cancer is beginning to gain wider acceptance. Yet, the concomitant urinary diversion is typically performed extracorporeally at most centers, primarily because intracorporeal diversion is perceived as technically complex and arduous. Previous reports on robotic, intracorporeal, orthotopic neobladder may not have fully replicated established open principles of reservoir configuration, leading to concerns about long-term functional outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate step-by-step our technique for robotic, intracorporeal, orthotopic, ileal neobladder, urinary diversion with strict adherence to open surgical tenets. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From July 2010 to May 2012, 24 patients underwent robotic intracorporeal neobladder at a single tertiary cancer center. This report presents data on patients with a minimum of 3-mo follow-up (n=8). SURGICAL PROCEDURE: We performed robotic RC, extended lymphadenectomy to the inferior mesenteric artery, and complete intracorporeal diversion. Our surgical technique is demonstrated in the accompanying video. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Baseline demographics, pathology data, 90-d complications, and functional outcomes were assessed and compared with patients undergoing intracorporeal ileal conduit diversion (n=7). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Robotic intracorporeal urinary diversion was successfully performed in 15 patients (neobladder: 8 patients, ileal conduit: 7 patients) with a minimum 90-d follow-up. Median age and body mass index were 68 yr and 27 kg/m2, respectively. In the neobladder cohort, median estimated blood loss was 225 ml (range: 100-700 ml), median time to regular diet was 5 d (range: 4-10 d), median hospital stay was 8 d (range: 5-27 d), and 30- and 90-d complications were Clavien grade 1-2 (n=5 and 0), Clavien grade 3-5 (n=2 and 1), respectively. This study is limited by small sample size and short follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: An intracorporeal technique of robot-assisted orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit is presented, wherein established open principles are diligently preserved. This step-wise approach is demonstrated to help shorten the learning curve of other surgeons contemplating robotic intracorporeal urinary diversion.