Development of an Indian nomogram for predicting extracapsular extension in prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to develop a new Indian nomogram to estimate pathologic extracapsular extension (ECE) risk in prostate cancer, by including PI-RADS v1-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ECE risk score to the clinical variables used in the Partin nomogram (PN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 273 patients who underwent MRI of prostate and radical prostatectomy (RP). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of ECE. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for three variables used in PN and MRI ECE risk score, and a new nomogram was designed using binary logistic regression. Calibration curves assessed the agreement between the actual ECE risk and the predicted probability of the new nomogram. RESULTS: Out of 273 patients, 123 patients (45.1) had ECE on MRI, whereas 136 patients (49.8) had ECE on final pathology. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of MRI for predicting ECE were 76.6, 66.9, 70.0, 73.9, and 71.7 (confidence interval 95), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that clinical T-stage (cT), Gleason score (GS), and MRI ECE risk score remained significant. The highest and the lowest values of the AUC for single variables were 0.748 (MRI ECE risk score) and 0.636 (cT stage), respectively, and AUC for PN was 0.67. New nomogram designed using R statistical package has higher predictive accuracy (0.826) compared to PN (0.67) and good calibration. CONCLUSIONS: MRI adds incremental value to PN. A new Indian nomogram can help in the decision-making process of nerve-sparing RP. This nomogram should be used with caution as validation is pending and will require further studies.

External iliac artery pseudoaneurysm following radical cystectomy: A report of two cases.

External iliac artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication following radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. We report two cases that developed external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm following radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection with an ileal conduit. Survival in these patients is dependent on early diagnosis and prompt intervention. Mortality in such cases remains high even with aggressive management.

Outcomes of standard 12-core transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in biopsy naive Indian men -single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is now the second-most common cancer in many parts of India. Despite being the second-largest population in the world, data regarding outcomes of biopsy in Indian men are limited. We report the correlation of biopsy finding with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in Indian men undergoing biopsy for either elevated PSA and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 853 men who underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy in a single institution from January 2014 to October 2019. The biopsy was performed when serum PSA was more than 4.00 ng/mL and/or DRE findings were suspicious for malignancy. RESULTS: Overall cancer detection rate was 38.8%. Patients were classified in five groups based on PSA levels, irrespective of DRE findings (0-3.99 ng/mL, 4.00-9.99 ng/mL, 10.00-19.99 ng/mL, 20.00-39.99 ng/mL, and ≥40 ng/mL). Overall prostate cancer detection rates at corresponding at PSA levels were 3/23 (13%), 62/282 (21.9%), 86/226 (38.05%), 66/126 (52.3%), and 165/196 (84.18%), respectively. 331 (38.8%) patients of the total 853 had suspicious DRE, the cancer detection rate in corresponding PSA groups, based on DRE alone was 3/23 (13.04%), 23/42 (54.76%), 39/56 (69.64%), 43/52 (82.69%), and 157/160 (98.13%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The overall prostate cancer detection rate at our center was 38.8%, which is much higher as compared to other Indian data. Our study also emphasizes the role of DRE in Indian men presenting with elevated PSA.

Pathological outcomes and biochemical recurrence-free survival after radical prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer in the Indian population.

INTRODUCTION: We analyzed the biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) of patients with high-risk prostate cancer (HRCaP) as per the D'Amico classification undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) at our center. We aimed to determine whether the number and type of risk factors (cT2c-T3b, prostate-specific antigen >20 ng/ml, Gleason score >7) are associated with biochemical recurrence (BCR) in HRCaP patients undergoing RP in the Indian population. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2017, 192 patients underwent RP (open RP [ORP], laparoscopic RP [LRP], and robotic RP [RRP]) at our center, of which 109 had D'Amico HR disease. Preoperative, postoperative, and pathological outcome data were analyzed for patients with HR disease as per the D'Amico classification. Subgroups were formed to determine whether an increasing number of risk factors (1, 2, or 3) were associated with poorer oncological results and early BCR. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was used to test the difference in BRFS between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to find significant variable against BCR. RESULTS: According to the D'Amico criteria, 109 patients had HR, 63 patients had intermediate-risk, and 19 patients had low-risk disease. These 109 patients with HR disease were analyzed in our study (50 RRP, 33 ORP, and 26 LRP). A total of 59 (54.1%) patients had one HR factor (1HR), 44 (40%) had two HR factors (2HR), and 6 (5.5%) had three HR factors (3HR). The mean follow-up for our patient population was 21.5 ± 19 months (median 18 months; range, 0-108). Overall, the 2-year and 5-year BRFS was 45% and 35%, respectively (mean BRFS 46 ± 6 months). Two-year BRFS was 63%, 23%, and 22%, respectively, for 1HR, 2HR, and 3HR (logrank, P < 0.0001). The prognostic substratification based on the three risk factors was significantly predictive for adverse pathologic features and oncologic outcomes. CONCLUSION: Substratification based on the three well-defined criteria leads to a better identification of the more aggressive cancers and prediction of need for additional treatment modalities. Localized HRCaP includes a heterogeneous population of patients with variable oncological outcomes.

Comparison of sterile water irrigation versus intravesical mitomycin C in preventing recurrence of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer after transurethral resection.

INTRODUCTION: Early recurrence of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) following transurethral resection (TUR) remains relatively high. An immediate single instillation of mitomycin C (MMC) reduces the recurrence rates in the first 2 years but has not shown benefits in tumor progression or overall survival. Distilled water irrigation has shown to delay tumor recurrence by osmolysis of tumor cells. There are only limited clinical studies comparing the efficacy of MMC with continuous sterile water irrigation (CSWI) in preventing the recurrence of NMIBC after TUR in clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, open-label, two-arm, single-center, pilot study was conducted between December 2013 and September 2015 at a tertiary-care center in South India. Patients were randomized into CSWI group (n = 19) or single dose intravesical MMC group (n = 17) following TUR for NMIBC and analyzed. All patients were followed up with flexible cystoscopy and urine cytology at 3 months interval for 1 year. Recurrence-free rate was estimated as the primary criterion for outcome analysis. RESULTS: At the end of 12 months, recurrence-free rates for MMC and CSWI groups were 47.1% and 52.6%, respectively. The mean recurrence-free interval for MMC and CSWI groups were 10.9 months and 9.8 months, respectively. The difference in recurrence-free rate or recurrence-free interval between two groups was statistically nonsignificant. Further, the complications in MMC group were significantly higher than that in CSWI group (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous bladder irrigation with sterile water after TUR may be comparable to immediate single dose intravesical MMC in preventing tumor recurrence in NMIBC.

Peroneus Longus Tendon Autografts have Better Graft Diameter, Less Morbidity, and Enhanced Muscle Recuperation than Hamstring Tendon in ACL Reconstruction.

Background: Recently the peroneus longus tendon (PLT) gained popularity in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and has been utilized with satisfactory outcomes. However, there are concerns regarding donor site morbidity. This study aims to compare the functional outcome of ACL reconstruction using hamstring (HT) and PLT autografts and evaluate the donor site morbidity. Methods: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were allocated to two groups (HT and PLT). Graft diameter was measured intraoperatively. Knee functional outcome was evaluated with IKDC and Tegner-Lysholm scores preoperatively, and postoperatively after 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Donor site morbidities were assessed with thigh circumference measurements, subjective evaluation of sensory disturbances, and ankle scoring with AOFAS and FADI scores. Results: At 1-year follow-up, the PLT group showed comparable IKDC (p = 0.925) and Tegner-Lysholm (p = 0.600) scores with those of the HT group. The mean graft diameter in the PLT group (7.93 ± 0.52 mm) was larger compared with the HT group (7.43 ± 0.50 mm) (p < 0.001). The incidence of thigh atrophy (HT-16.7%, PLT-10%) and sensory disturbances (HT-73.3%, PLT-10%) was greater in the HT group. There was no significant ankle donor site morbidity in the PLT group (AOFAS-98.67 ± 3.45, FADI-99.23 ± 1.69). Conclusion: ACL reconstruction with PLT had comparable functional outcome with that of HT at 1 year. However, PLT demonstrated larger graft diameter, less donor site morbidity, and enhanced muscle recovery without significantly affecting the ankle function. PLT can be safely used as an acceptable alternative graft choice harvested from outside the knee for ACL reconstruction.

Arthroscopic Arthrolysis of Knee: Timing, Technique and Results.

Aim: To evaluate the functional outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic arthrolysis of the knee and find the ideal timing for arthrolysis to achieve maximum range of motion (ROM) of the knee. Methods: All patients who underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis for post-operative joint stiffness following surgery for injuries around knee joint at a tertiary care centre from 2009 to 2023 were included in this study. The patients' details such as primary injury, time interval between the index surgery and arthrolysis, improvement in knee range of ROM and Lysholm score from prior to arthrolysis to last follow-up post arthrolysis were retrieved from hospital database and analysed. Results: Total of 42 patients who underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis of knee from 2009 to 2023 were included in this study. Follow-up range was 6 months to 6 years. ROM after arthrolysis significantly improved in the early and delayed arthrolysis groups as compared to late arthrolysis groups (mean 126.25 and 115.62 vs 106.3, p < 0.05). Patients treated with early arthroscopic arthrolysis (within 3 months) showed significant increase in post operative Lysholm score compared to other groups (p < 0.05). ROM of 120° and beyond was achieved in 75% of cases in early arthrolysis group compared to 62.8% and 39% in delayed and late arthrolysis group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Arthroscopic arthrolysis done within 6 months (with maximum effect when done within 3 months) after the primary surgery leads to significant improvement in ROM and functional scores as compared to those with late arthrolysis group.

Acetabular cup positioning in primary routine total hip arthroplasty-a review of current concepts and technologies.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has revolutionized the treatment of hip joint arthritis. With the increased popularity and success of the procedure, research has focused on improving implant survival and reducing surgical complications. Optimal component orientation has been a constant focus with various philosophies proposed. Regardless of the philosophy, achieving an accurate acetabular position for each clinical scenario is crucial. In this paper, we review the recent developments in improving the accuracy and ideal positioning of the acetabular cup in routine primary THA. METHODOLOGY: A review of the recent scientific literature for acetabular cup placement in primary THA was performed, with available evidence for safe zones, spinopelvic relationship, preoperative planning, patient-specific instrumentation, navigation THA and robotic THA. CONCLUSION: Though the applicability of Lewinnek safe zones has been questioned with an improved understanding of spinopelvic relationships, its role remains in positioning the acetabular cup in a patient with normal spinopelvic alignment and mobility. Evaluation of spinopelvic relationships and accordingly adjusting acetabular anteversion and inclination can significantly reduce the incidence of dislocation in patients with a rigid spine. In using preoperative radiography, the acetabular inclination, anteversion and intraoperative pelvic position should be evaluated. With improving technology and the advent of artificial intelligence, superior and more accurate preoperative planning is possible. Patient-specific instrumentation, navigated and robotic THA have been reported to improve accuracy in acetabular cup positioning as decided preoperatively but any significant clinical advantage over conventional THA is yet to be elucidated.

The Popliteal Artery is Safe in Medial Meniscal Repair Using All Inside Devices in Adults: An MRI-Based Simulation Study.

Introduction: This simulation study on MRI of the knee was performed to assess the risk of injury to the popliteal artery (PA) and common peroneal nerve (CPN) during all-inside meniscal repairs in adults. Methods: We simulated repair of the posterior horn of both medial (PHMM) and lateral menisci (PHLM) through anteromedial (AM) and anterolateral (AL) portals, using straight and curved devices, on 200 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans taken with the knee in extension. For simulation using straight devices, the shortest distance from the menisco-capsular junction (MCJ) and the free edge of the meniscus to PA and CPN in vectors of AM and AL portals was measured. In curved devices, the closest extracapsular distance from the device tip to PA was measured. Results: With a straight device through AM portal, the mean distance from the MCJ of PHMM to the PA was 20.7 ± 3.15 mm (13.5-27.4). In PHMM repair through AM portal using a curved device, the mean extracapsular distance from the device tip to PA was 18.8 ± 4 mm (7.7-27.2) while pointing toward and 26 ± 4.5 mm (15.5-35.6) while pointing away from the midline. When using straight devices, the average distance from free edge of LM to PA was 18.5 ± 3.3 mm (9.6-31.2) and from MCJ to PA was 8.9 ± 2.4 mm (3.5-18.8). The average distance measured from the MCJ to CPN through AM and AL portals using straight devices was 19.4 ± 2.8 mm (10.2-32.5) and 22 ± 2.8 mm (10.4-36.7) respectively. Conclusion: In adults, PA is safe in PHMM repairs using both straight and curved devices irrespective of depth and direction of insertion. In PHLM repairs, the PA is at risk with both straight and curved devices. We recommend adjusting the depth of insertion to as minimum as possible to just penetrate the capsule. The CPN is safe in LM repairs using all-inside devices. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Role of CAIX Expression in Conventional Renal Cell Carcinomas as a Diagnostic Marker and its Prognostic Importance.

Significant advances in understanding of the biology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been achieved recently, which led to novel targeted therapies, revolutionising the management of patients with advanced disease. To date, there are no molecular markers which can reliably predict RCC outcome. We investigated whether a novel kidney cancer marker, carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), is associated with progression and survival. A retrospective study was done on patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma over a period of 5 years. Immunohistochemical analysis using a CAIX monoclonal antibody was performed on paraffin-embedded blocks from patients treated with nephrectomy for clear cell RCC. Patients were segregated into two categories based on CA IX expression as CA IX ≤ 85% and CA IX > 85%. A comparison was made based on the survival (from date of diagnosis) with CA IX expression. Correlation of CA IX expression and TNM staging, nuclear grading, tumour volume and age was statistically studied using Student's t test. The association between survival and CA IX was done using Mann-Whitney test. The association of CA IX with rest of the prognostic variables were analysed using Fisher's exact test. In our study, CA IX expression > 85% had longer survival compared with those with lower expression ≤ 85%. A significant statistical association was seen with CAIX and lymphovascular emboli, major vessel, perinephric fat, renal sinus fat involvement and distant metastasis. CAIX reflects significant changes in tumour biology that predicts clinical outcome and identify high-risk patients for adjuvant immunotherapy and CAIX targeted therapies.

An Unusual Case of Posterior Knee Dislocation Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

Introduction: We propose a possible mechanism of dislocation in a posterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and suggest that it can be treated like a stable posteriorly dislocated hip replacement if stable throughout the range on examination under anesthesia. Case Report: A 71-year-old female presented with the right posterior knee dislocation following 1 year of TKA. Following the successful relocation, the knee was found to be stable throughout the range of movement and an uneventful recovery at 3 years follow-up. Conclusion: Dislocation can occur in an otherwise stable TKA while squatting and can be successfully treated closed. The patients should be counseled to avoid squatting in a non-high flexion PS knee.

Masquerader in oncology: IgG4-related kidney disease presenting as right upper ureteric mass.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition that can mimic several diseases and can present as a malignant tumor. We present a case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with a right upper ureteric mass. On pathologic evaluation, a diagnosis of IgG4-RD was made. In the absence of preoperative biopsy and other clinical manifestations, preoperative clinical diagnosis remains challenging and high index of suspicion and accurate pathological evaluation may help in avoiding misdiagnosis.

Genitourinary non-tuberculous mycobacterial (GU-NTM) infections: A single institution experience in South India.

INTRODUCTION: Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are rarely reported, and more so with genitourinary infections. This retrospective study was designed to understand the proportion and behaviour of genitourinary non-tuberculous mycobacterial (GU-NTM) infections compared with genitourinary mycobacterial tuberculosis (GU-MTB) treated at a tertiary care hospital in South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hospital records of every bacteriologically proved GU-MTB and GU-NTM infections treated at this centre from 2010 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: There were ten patients of GU-NTM and 15 patients of GU-MTB. There was no significant difference in presentation other than lesser frequency of irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among patients with GU-MTB. Urine smear for AFB was positive in 60% and 47% of GU-NTM and GU-MTB patients. 40% of GU-NTM patients had history of urinary tract instrumentation. Mycobacterium abscessus was grown in four patients and one had Mycobacterium fortuitum/chelonae complex; all the rest were rapid growers. No patient had multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Imaging studies of GU-NTM patients were indistinguishable from GU-MTB with renal, ureteral and bladder involvements, and stone formation. The drug sensitivities varied among the NTM patients but all showed sensitivity to clarithromycin uniformly. Need for varieties of surgeries in the early and late phases were also comparable. CONCLUSIONS: GU-MTB and GU-NTM infections are indistinguishable from their clinical presentation and imaging studies. All cases of suspected genitourinary mycobacterial infections must be subjected to nucleic acid testing. Treatments based on clinical and radiological features without culture studies may misdiagnose GU-NTM infections as MDR GU-MTB, thereby delaying the appropriate treatment.

A rare presentation of renocolic fistula due to misplaced ureteral stent - presentation, management and literature review.

Double J stents are used commonly in modern urology and the occurrence of complications is rare. Here we report a case of renocolic fistula due to a misplaced ureteral stent, not so far reported in the literature. Early diagnosis and intervention like ureteral stent exchange in our case, can avoid the need for nephrectomy.

Outcome of TRUS Biopsy with Limited Cores in Patients with PSA More Than 50 ng/dL: Can We Reduce the Number of Cores Without Affecting Outcomes?

The aims of our study were to see outcomes of limited core biopsy and compare its outcomes with standard 12-core biopsy in patients with PSA more than 50 ng/dL. We did a retrospective analysis of 149 patients undergoing prostatic biopsy with PSA more than 50 ng/dL between January 2014 and December 2018. Out of 149 patients, 49 underwent limited core (2 to 6 cores) TRUS biopsy with no systemic 12-core biopsy. Other 100 patients underwent standard 12-core biopsy under TRUS guidance. Total of 149 patient's records were analyzed and were included in the final analysis. There was no significant difference in demographics and prostate-specific antigen among the cohorts. All 49 patients in limited core TRUS biopsy had a positive biopsy with no need of re-biopsy. Fourteen out of 100 patients in TRUS biopsy had a negative biopsy. All 14 patients with negative biopsy had an average follow-up of 3.8 years with no conversion to positive biopsy. Patients with PSA more than 50 ng/dL and high clinical suspicion of prostate cancer can undergo limited core biopsy without systemic 12-core biopsy. In patients with no clinical evidence of prostate cancer, 12-core biopsy remains the gold standard for evaluation of prostate cancer.

Retrospective review of experience with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma: Multimodality treatment remains an unmet goal.

BACKGROUND: Sarcomatoid change in Renal cell carcinoma(RCC) is associated with adverse outcomes with median survival of 6 months. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of patients diagnosed of sarcomatoid RCC(sRCC) between 2007 and 2013 which were followed up till 2017. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Patients (n=22) were grouped based on whether they received additional chemotherapy following nephrectomy. Two groups were followed up until 2017 and overall survival was record. Overall survival curves were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared using Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test between two groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Kaplan-Meier method and Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test. RESULTS: The patients who had chemotherapy had 13.4 cm of mean tumour size with a mean survival of 20.4 ± 8.3 months. The patients who did not undergo chemotherapy had mean tumour size of 11.7 cm with a mean survival of 21 ± 5.9 months. There was no much statistical difference between the two groups in OS with P value = 0.99. CONCLUSION: The current adjuvant chemotherapy used in sRCC patients who develop metastasis gives no survival advantage.

Long-term Survival in a Case of Renal Cell Carcinoma With Brain Metastases: A Case Report.

Renal cell carcinoma with brain metastases is considered to have a poor prognosis. We are reporting a case of a 63-year-old male who showed excellent long term remission with a combination treatment of radiation and tyrosine kinase inhibitor for a solitary lesion in the brain, secondary to the renal tumor.

Nephrectomy for infected stag horn calculus confounded by the presence of squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma of kidney is a rare tumour of the many tumours seen in the kidney. It is usually associated with chronic irritation by a foreign body, which is mostly a stag horn calculus. Diagnosis of carcinoma in the presence of stag horn calculus is bizarre as it is seen in only <1% of patients. After imaging in this patient, the lymph nodes were enlarged and showed necrosis, which favoured the diagnosis of tuberculosis in a country where it is endemic. The pathological examination after surgery has amazed us by the presence of squamous cell carcinoma with lymph nodes positive with metastasis to vertebrae as the patient has presented to us with all symptoms of infection like pain and fever, which never made us think about malignancy preoperatively.