Early continence after ileal neobladder: objective data from inpatient rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate early continence of patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation after radical cystectomy (RC) and orthotopic bladder substitution (ONB). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis on the data of 283 patients who underwent a three weeks inpatient rehabilitation after RC and ONB for bladder cancer between January 2016 and July 2017. All patients were treated with a special multimodal continence therapy. The continence status was evaluated by measuring urine loss by a 24-h pad test and urine volume on uroflowmetry at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of inpatient rehabilitation. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of urine loss. RESULTS: Median patient age was 63 years. NS was documented for 142 patients (50.2%). Median urine loss decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in the 24-h pad test, from 442 gm at T1 (median 29 days after surgery) to 88 gm at T2 (median 50 days after surgery). Urine volume increased significantly (p < 0.001) from a median of 78 ml at T1 to a median of 157 ml at T2. Age (p = 0.002), diabetes (p = 0.031), obesity (p = 0.003), and nerve sparing (p = 0.011) were identified as independent predictors for urine loss at the end of inpatient rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Continence improved significantly during the three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. Younger age, the absence of diabetes or obesity, and NS resulted in better continence in the early postoperative period after ONB.

The CanMoRe trial - evaluating the effects of an exercise intervention after robotic-assisted radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer: the study protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have undergone radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer are not sufficiently physically active and therefore may suffer complications leading to readmissions. A physical rehabilitation programme early postoperatively might prevent or at least alleviate these potential complications and improve physical function. The main aim of the CanMoRe trial is to evaluate the impact of a standardised and individually adapted exercise intervention in primary health care to improve physical function (primary outcome) and habitual physical activity, health-related quality of life, fatigue, psychological wellbeing and readmissions due to complications in patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer. METHODS: In total, 120 patients will be included and assigned to either intervention or control arm of the study. All patients will receive preoperative information on the importance of early mobilisation and during the hospital stay they will follow a standard protocol for enhanced mobilisation. The intervention group will be given a referral to a physiotherapist in primary health care close to their home. Within the third week after discharge, the intervention group will begin 12 weeks of biweekly exercise. The exercise programme includes aerobic and strengthening exercises. The control group will receive oral and written information about a home-based exercise programme. Physical function will serve as the primary outcome and will be measured using the Six-minute walk test. Secondary outcomes are gait speed, handgrip strength, leg strength, habitual physical activity, health-related quality of life, fatigue, psychological wellbeing and readmissions due to complications. The measurements will be conducted at discharge (i.e. baseline), post-intervention and 1 year after surgery. To evaluate the effects of the intervention mixed or linear regression models according to the intention to treat procedure will be used. DISCUSSION: This proposed randomised controlled trial has the potential to provide new knowledge within rehabilitation after radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer. The programme should be easy to apply to other patient groups undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer and has the potential to change the health care chain for these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov. Clinical trial registration number NCT03998579 . First posted June 26, 2019.

Benefits and Complications during the Stay at an Early Rehabilitation Facility after Radical Cystectomy and Orthotopic Ileum Neobladder Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Early rehabilitation (ER) after radical cystectomy (RC) seems to be crucial for quality of life, education and prevention of complications after hospital discharge. We investigated an inpatient ER setting for bladder cancer (BC) patients. METHODS: In total, 103 BC patients who underwent ileum neobladder reconstruction were included. The major issues from the patients' point of view, functional outcome parameters and complications during ER were analysed. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare body mass index (BMI) and diurnal as well as nocturnal use of urinary pads before and after ER. RESULTS: At the beginning of ER, the median Karnovsky performance scale score was 70% (interquartile range [IQR] 70-90%) and the mean BMI was 25.8 kg/m2 (IQR 21.9-27.9). The 4 most common complaints were urinary incontinence (80.6%), general weakness (73.8%), urinary mucus (49.5%) and mental distress (44.7%). During the programme, 28.2% of patients had a urinary tract infection requiring antibiotics and 15.5% presented a symptomatic acidosis. Median diurnal use of urinary pads significantly decreased during ER (4 vs. 3; p < 0.001). At the end of the ER programme, 76.0, 54.8 and 30.8% of the patients indicated an improvement of their physical capacity, incontinence and psychological distress respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the need for postoperative rehabilitation after RC. Further investigations should compare outcome parameters to ambulatory and outpatient ER models.

HRQOL related to urinary diversion in Radical Cystectomy: a systematic review of recent literature.

INTRODUCTION: The health-related QoL is a patient-centered evaluation covering several aspects. This evaluation seems to be particularly important in patients submitted to radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion with ileal conduit (IC) or a neobladder (NB). OBJECTIVE: Review all recent data comparing QoL outcomes after radical cystectomy with NB and IC diversions. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement in December 2018. All articles published from January 01, 2012 to December 31, 2018, were included. A study was considered relevant if it compared QoL outcomes using validated questionnaires (EORTC QLQ C30, FACT-G, FACT-BL, FACT-VCI, and BCI). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: In 11 included studies, a total of 1389 participants were accounted (730 NB and 659 IC cases). The studies were conducted in 8 different countries, two were prospective, and none was randomized. There were two studies favoring results with a neobladder, 3 with incontinent diversion and 6 with no differences. The EORTC-QLQ-C30 was the most used instrument (5 studies) followed by FACT VCI and BCI (3 studies each). Given the heterogeneity of data and lack of prospective studies, a meta-analysis was not performed. CONCLUSION: No superiority of one urinary diversion was characterized. It seems that the choice must be individualized with an extensive preoperative orientation of the patient and their relatives. That will probably infl uence how the patient accepts the new condition.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for Radical Cystectomy.

Even with advances in perioperative medical care, anesthetic management, and surgical techniques, radical cystectomy (RC) continues to be associated with a high morbidity rate as well as a prolonged length of hospital stay. In recent years, there has been great interest in identifying multimodal and interdisciplinary strategies that help accelerate postoperative convalescence by reducing variation in perioperative care of patients undergoing complex surgeries. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) attempts to evaluate and incorporate scientific evidence for modifying as many of the factors contributing to the morbidity of RC as possible, and optimize how patients are cared for before and after surgery. In this chapter, we review the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative elements of using an ERAS protocol for RC.

An Update in Enhanced Recovery Following Radical Cystectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the study is to review and summarize major additions to the literature as pertains to enhanced recovery protocols after radical cystectomy in the past year. RECENT FINDINGS: Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols is multimodal pathways that include elements to optimize all stages of care including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative measures. Several authors have recently presented their results with initial implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol after radical cystectomy, while others have begun to examine outcomes beyond the index admission and to refine the various targeted components of the protocol. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols has revolutionized patient care following radical cystectomy, a procedure still burdened by high complication rates and lengthy hospital stay. Although still lacking in universal implementation and standardization of the protocol, significant advancements are made each year as we move towards best practice.

Is the open cystectomy era over? An update on the available evidence.

In 2018, robot-assisted radical cystectomy will enter its 15th year. In an era where an effort is being made to standardize complication reporting and videos of the procedure are readily available, it is inevitable and justified that like everything novel, robot-assisted radical cystectomy should be scrutinized against the gold standard, open radical cystectomy. The present comparison is focused on several parameters: oncological, functional and complication outcomes, and direct and indirect costs. Meta-analysis and prospective randomized trials comparing robot-assisted radical cystectomy versus open radical cystectomy have been published, showing an oncological equivalence and in some cases an advantage of robot-assisted radical cystectomy in terms of postoperative morbidity. In the present review, we attempt to update the available knowledge on this debate and discuss the limitations of the current evidence that prevent us from drawing safe conclusions.

[Do initial experience with an enhanced recovery program after surgery (ERAS) improve postoperative outcomes after cystectomy?] / L'application d'un programme de réhabilitation précoce (ERAS) améliore-t-elle les résultats périopératoires après cystectomie ?

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the feasibility and the impact of an ERAS program after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study comparing a historical pre ERAS group, including all the patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer from January 2013 to December 2015 with a classic procedure, and an interventional ERAS group after introducing an enhanced recovery protocol before, during and after surgery, from February 2016. The principal outcome was the postoperative length of stay. Secondary outcomes mesures were impact on perioperative complication rate (Clavien classification≥3B), readmission rate, reanimation length of stay, ileus rate and adherence to the ERAS protocol. RESULTS: There were no differences between the 2 groups as far as demographics characteristics are concerned. In total, 97 patients were included, 56 in the control group, and 41 in the ERAS group. The adherence to the protocol was about 65.8%. The ERAS group had statistically significantly shorter median length of stay (D19 versus D14; P: 0.021). The major complications rate (Clavien≥3B) were about 23.2% for the control group and 12.1% for the ERAS group (P: NS). The reinsertion of nasogastric tube were higher in the control group (39.3% vs 21.9%; P: NS) and the readmission rate was about 7.1% in the control group versus 14.6% in the ERAS group (P: NS). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, introduction and application of an enhanced recovery protocol (ERAS) after cystectomy for bladder cancer allowed for better management of postoperative outcomes. It is clearly feasible in cystectomy, and improve significantly the median postoperative length of stay. Moreover, it may be effective in terms of faster return of bowel function and reduction of majors complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Exercise-based pre-habilitation is feasible and effective in radical cystectomy pathways-secondary results from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercises offer a variety of health benefits to cancer survivors during and post-treatment. However, exercise-based pre-habilitation is not well reported in major uro-oncology surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility, the adherence, and the efficacy of a short-term physical pre-habilitation program to patients with invasive bladder cancer awaiting radical cystectomy (RC). METHODS: A parent prospective randomized controlled clinical trial investigated efficacy of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on length of stay following RC. A total of 107 patients were included in the intension-to-treat population revealing 50 patients in the intervention group and 57 patients in the standard group. Pre-operatively, the intervention group was instructed to a standardized exercise program consisting of both muscle strength exercises and endurance training. The number of training sessions and exercise repetitions was patient-reported. Feasibility was expressed as adherence to the program and efficacy as the differences in muscle power within and between treatment groups at time for surgery. RESULTS: A total of 66 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 51; 78) adhered more than 75 % of the recommended progressive standardized exercise program. In the intervention group, a significant improvement in muscle power of 18 % (p < 0.002) was found at time for surgery. Moreover, muscle power was significantly improved compared to that in the standard group with 0.3 W/kg (95 % CI 0.08; 0.5 %) (p < 0.006). Adherence was not associated with pre-operative BMI, nutritional risk, comorbidity, pain, gender, or age. CONCLUSION: In patients awaiting RC, a short-term exercise-based pre-habilitation intervention is feasible and effective and should be considered in future survivorship strategies.

[Effect of gum chewing on bowel function recovery in patients after radical cystectomy with urinary diversion].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether chewing gum during the postoperative period facilitates the recovery of bowel function in patients after radical cystectomy with ileum urinary diversion. METHODS: In the study, 60 patients who underwent radical cystectomy followed by ileum urinary diversions during Nov. 2014 and Nov. 2015 in Department of Urology of Peking University First Hospital were randomized into three groups: gum chewing group, placebo group treated with the abdomen physical therapy machine and control group treated with ordinary method. Time to flatus, time to bowel movement, incidence of postoperative distension of the abdomen and abdominal pain, and gut related complications (such as ileus, intestinal fistula, and volrulus) of all the patients were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: In gum chewing group, the median time to flatus was 57 hours (49-72 hours), and the median time to bowel movement was 95 hours (88-109 hours), which were significantly shortened compared with the other two groups of patients (82 hours, 109 hours in placebo group and 81 hours, 108 hours in control group, respectively). No significant difference of the median time to flatus and to bowel movement was observed between placebo group and control group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative distension of the abdomen and abdominal pain, and gut related complications among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Chewing gum had stimulatory effect on bowel function recovery after cystectomy followed by ileum urinary diversion. Chewing gum was safe and simple, and could be routinely used for postoperative treatment after cystectomy and ileum urinary diversion.

Quality-of-life outcomes and unmet needs between ileal conduit and orthotopic ileal neobladder after radical cystectomy in a Chinese population: a 2-to-1 matched-pair analysis.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) is an important consideration after radical cystectomy (RC). Lack of effective ways to assess HRQoL after RC and unawareness of disease-specific problems related to ileal conduit (IC) and orthotopic ileal neobladder (OIN) are serious problems. The present study was to evaluate and compare morbidity and HRQoL between IC and OIN after RC, and examine their unmet needs in the two groups. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 294 patients treated with RC in our hospital between 2007 and 2013. Matched pair analysis was used to determine the patients of IC and OIN groups. Patient HRQoL between IC and OIN groups was assessed using the bladder-specific bladder cancer index (BCI) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Body Image scale (BIS) questionnaires. Unmet information of patients undergoing these two urinary diversions was recorded through individual interviews. RESULTS: Of the 117 included patients, 39 patients were treated with OIN and the other 78 matched patients with IC as controls for matched pair analysis. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. OIN patients showed significantly better BIS scores in terms of HRQoL outcomes after RC at a short-term (<1 year) follow-up level, but there was no significant difference at a long-term (>1 year) follow-up level between the two groups. Interestingly, urinary bother (UB) and urinary function (UF) were poor in OIN patients at the one-year follow-up level, but there was no significant difference in UB between the two groups at the long term follow-up level. Unmet needs analysis showed that OIN patients had a more positive attitude towards treatment and participated in physical and social activities more positively, although they may have more urine leakage problems. CONCLUSIONS: The mean BIS score in OIN group patients was significantly better than that in IC group patients at the one-year follow-up level, but there was no significant difference at the long-term follow-up level. Due attention should be paid to some particular unmet needs in individual patients in managing the two UD modalities.

The effects of a physical exercise programme after radical cystectomy for urinary bladder cancer. A pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of feasibility and effects of an exercise training programme in patients following cystectomy due to urinary bladder cancer. DESIGN: Single-blind, pilot, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital, Sweden. SUBJECTS: Eighteen patients (64-78 years), of 89 suitable, cystectomized due to urinary bladder cancer, were randomized after hospital discharge to intervention or control. INTERVENTIONS: The 12-week exercise programme included group exercise training twice a week and daily walks. The control group received only standardized information at discharge. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Trial eligibility and compliance to inclusion were registered. Assessments of functional capacity, balance, lower body strength and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with SF-36. RESULTS: Out of 122 patients 89 were eligible, but 64 did not want to participate/were not invited. Twenty-five patients were included, but 7 dropped out before randomization. Eighteen patients were randomized to intervention or control. Thirteen patients completed the training period. The intervention group increased walking distance more than the control group, 109 m (75-177) compared to 62 m (36-119) (P = 0.013), and role physical domain in SF-36 more than the control group (P = 0.031). Ten patients were evaluated one year postoperatively. The intervention group had continued increasing walking distance, 20 m (19-36), whereas the control group had shortened the distance -15.5 m (-43 to -5) (P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week group exercise training programme was not feasible for most cystectomy patients. However, functional capacity and the role-physical domain in HRQoL increased in the short and long term for patients in the intervention group compared with controls.

Influence of laparoscopic surgery on the outcomes of radical cystectomy within a multimodal rehabilitation protocol.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The implementation of Enhanced Recover After Surgery (ERAS) multimodal rehabilitation protocols in radical cystectomy has shown to improve outcomes in hospital stay and complications. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the impact of laparoscopic surgery on radical cystectomy within a multimodal rehabilitation program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in a third level center between 2011 and 2020 including patients with bladder cancer submitted to radical cystectomy according to an ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol and the Spanish Multimodal Rehabilitation Group (GERM) with 20 items to be fulfilled. RESULTS: A total of 250 radical cystectomies were performed throughout the study period, 42.8% by open surgery (OS) and 57.2% by laparoscopic surgery (LS). The groups are comparable in demographic and clinical variables (p > 0.05). Operative time was longer in the LS group (248.4 ±â€¯55.0 vs. 286.2 ±â€¯51.9 min; p < 0.001). However, bleeding was significantly lower in the LS group (417.5 ±â€¯365.7 vs. 877.9 ±â€¯529.7 cc; p < 0.001), as was the need for blood transfusion (33.6% vs. 58.9%; p < 0.001). Postoperative length of stay (11.5 ±â€¯10.5 vs. 20.1 ±â€¯17.2 days; p < 0.001), total and major complications were also significantly lower in this group (LS). The readmission rate was lower in the LS group but not significantly (36.4% vs. 29.4%; p = 0.237). The difference between 90-day mortality in both groups was not statistically significant (2.8% LS vs. 4.3% OS; p = 0.546). The differences were maintained in the multivariate models. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery within a multimodal rehabilitation program increases operative time but significantly decreases intraoperative bleeding, transfusion requirements, postoperative length of stay, and complications.

Fast-track rehabilitation after robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy accelerates postoperative recovery.

UNLABELLED: WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: There is evidence from large abdominal surgeries and some open cystectomy series that multifactorial fast-track regimens shorten postoperative convalescence without any effect on morbidity and mortality. Such a regimen is of particular interest in combination with minimally invasive techniques, as early patient recovery demands for more rapid nutrition and mobilisation schemes. The present study, in a single institution, reports on the design, application and results of a fast-track protocol in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy. There was no evidence of a higher incidence of complications with the fast-track regimen and postoperative recovery was faster. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a multifactorial fast-track (FT) regimen on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy (RALC) with extracorporeal urinary diversion. To point out that morbidity and mortality of radical cystectomy have improved markedly over the last decades and RALC is an emerging technique showing further advances in postoperative recovery, thus demanding for more rapid nutrition and mobilisation schemes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A non-randomised cohort study of 63 patients who underwent RALC at one institution between January 2007 and March 2010. In all, 31 patients underwent RALC without FT and 31 RALC with FT. One patient required conversion to open surgery and was therefore excluded from the study. The FT regimen included early nutrition and the quickest possible mobilisation, while mechanical bowel preparation before surgery, as well as preoperative fasting and nasogastric or abdominal drains after surgery, were omitted. Demographics, perioperative and complication data (according to modified Clavien system), as well as required opioid pain medication were documented prospectively and compared between RALC patients with and without FT. RESULTS: Groups were comparable for demographics, risk factors and clinical stage as well as operative parameters, e.g. mean operating room time, estimated blood loss, lymph nodes removed and postoperative haemoglobin level. In the FT group, abdominal drains were mostly omitted and nasogastric tubes were removed immediately after surgery. There were significant differences in the mobilisation within the room (17.5 vs 31.2 h), the time to a regular diet (4.0 vs 6.6 days) and a remarkably lower use of postoperative morphine equivalents (57.3 vs 92.4 mg) for patients receiving FT. There were no significant differences in the overall complication rates or major complications based on Clavien classification. The informative value of the study is limited by its single-centre, non-randomised design, a relatively small sample size and a possible learning curve bias. CONCLUSIONS: Combining RALC with FT is feasible in the perioperative treatment of these patients. Multifactorial postoperative regimens seem to quicken postoperative recovery of RALC patients without increasing their risk of postoperative complications.

[Enhanced recovery after surgery applied to cystectomy patients]. / Rétablissement postopératoire optimisé, applique aux patients après cystectomie.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal concept combining pre, intra and postoperative evidence-based care elements to reduce surgical stress. ERAS pathways have been shown to significantly reduce morbidity, length of hospital stay and total costs when applied to colorectal surgery. It is therefore considered standard of care in this specialty. There can be no doubt that ERAS principles can be applied also in other major surgeries. However, uncritical application of the guidelines issued from colonic procedures seems inappropriate as the surgical procedures in pelvic cancer surgery differ considerably. This article reports on the first steps of an ERAS project and his introduction in urology.

Early versus late rehabilitation of erectile function after nerve-sparing radical cystoprostatectomy: a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacological rehabilitation of erectile function (EF) after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy was repeatedly advocated. AIM: To compare early vs. late penile rehabilitation in patients with nerve-sparing (NS) radical cystoprostatectomy based on a prospective randomized trial. METHODS: Eighteen patients without spontaneous erection 8 weeks after NS radical cystoprostatectomy were randomly divided into two groups; group I and II who started the erectogenic therapy at the 2nd and 6th month postoperatively, respectively. The pharmacological therapy constitutes of sildenafil citrate twice weekly to be shifted to intracavernosal injection (ICI) of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) if not responding. The treatment continued for 6 months in both groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The EF status was evaluated before and at the end of the treatment by International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and penile Doppler ultrasonography (PDU). RESULTS: Six out of nine patients recovered unassisted erection after treatment in group I compared to three out of nine patients in group II. Two patients in group I and three patients in group II were maintained on sildenafil therapy on demand basis. The remaining four patients were dependent on ICI of PGE1. At final evaluation, a significant improvement was found in the EF, the intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction domains (P = 0.02, 0.03, and 0.02, respectively) in group I compared with group II. Regarding PDU findings, significant improvement in end-diastolic velocity was elicited in the early rehabilitation group compared with the pretreatment value (P = 0.03) with no significant difference between both groups. CONCLUSION: Early compared with delayed erectile rehabilitation brings forward the natural healing time of potency and maintains nerve-assisted erection.

Effect of neurovascular bundle sparing radical cystectomy on post-operative continence and sexual function: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether the neurovascular bundle (NVB) sparing could improve post-operative urinary continence and potency. Furthermore, concern remains regarding the impact of nerve-sparing (NS) radical cystectomy (RC) on oncological outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate whether in men undergoing NS RC could improve post-operative urinary continence and potency. The secondary objective was to assess whether NS RC could compromise the oncological control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science was performed in February 2020, yielding 1446 unique records. A total of 13 comparative cohort studies were included. Risk of bias in each study was assessed separately by two authors using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS: Data from 921 participants in 12 studies were synthesized in the present meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that NS compared with non-nerve sparing (NNS) results in improved post-operative potency, daytime continence, and nocturnal continence. RRs were 9.35 (P < .00001) in potency, 1.11 (P = .045) in daytime continence, and 1.33 (P = .002) in nocturnal continence, respectively. Furthermore, no differences were found in the included studies reporting oncological outcomes. RRs were 0.88 (P = .61) in local and/or distant recurrence between two groups. A sensitivity analysis of prospective studies indicated consistent results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates that NS RC can improve post-operative potency, and daytime and nocturnal urinary continence, without compromising oncological control, compared with NNS RC in men.

Multimodal Prehabilitation to Enhance Functional Capacity Following Radical Cystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients with bladder cancer, poor functional status has remarkable deleterious effects on postoperative outcome and prognosis. Conditioning intervention initiated before surgery has the potential to reduce functional decline attributable to surgery. Nonetheless, evidence is lacking in patients undergoing radical cystectomy. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a preoperative multimodal intervention (prehabilitation) is feasible and effective in radical cystectomy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study, conducted at an academic tertiary health care institution, enrolled adult patients scheduled for radical cystectomy. From August 2013 to October 2017, 70 patients were randomized: 35 to multimodal prehabilitation (prehab group) and 35 to standard care (control group). INTERVENTION: Multimodal prehabilitation was a preoperative conditioning intervention including aerobic and resistance exercise, diet therapy, and relaxation techniques. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Primary outcome was perioperative change in functional capacity, measured with the distance covered during a 6-min walk test (6MWD), assessed at baseline, before surgery, and at 4 and 8 wk after surgery. Data were compared using robust mixed linear models for repeated measures. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Preoperative change in 6MWD compared with baseline was not significantly different between groups (prehab group 40.8 [114.0] m vs control group 9.7 (108.4) m, p=0.250). However, at 4 wk after surgery, a significant difference in functional capacity was detected (6MWD, prehab group -15.4 [142.5] m vs control group -97.9 [123.8] m, p=0.014). No intervention-related adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggested that multimodal prehabilitation resulted in faster functional recovery after radical cystectomy. PATIENT SUMMARY: After major cancer surgery, people usually feel week and tired, and have less energy to perform activities of daily living. In this study, we showed that using the time before surgery to promote exercise and good nutrition could fasten recovery after the surgical removal of the bladder.