Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in PIRADS 5 Lesions Without Prior Biopsy: Is Biopsy Really Necessary in This Cohort?

Introduction: Conventionally, confirmation of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) (Gleason grade group ≥ 2) involves an initial multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) followed by biopsy. Prostate biopsy incurs inherent risks of infection, bleeding, patient discomfort, and a 6-week delay before robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). We explored the feasibility of immediate RALP in men with PIRADS 5 lesions without preceding biopsy. Methodology: After obtaining institutional review board approval, a prospective analysis was conducted on 235 patients with PIRADS 5 lesions on mpMRI from December 2018 to February 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: Group NoBiopsy (biopsy not done before RALP, cases, n = 118) and Group YesBiopsy (biopsy done before RALP, controls, n = 117). Baseline preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were analyzed. Functional outcomes were monitored at 1, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months follow-up post-RALP. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and STATA. Results: Ninety-five percent of cases and 87.17% controls had csPCa on final pathology post-RALP. Multivariable analysis did not find significant association between biopsy status and csPCa. Abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE), family history, preoperative PSA, and MRI lesion volume predicted csPCa. Significant differences were observed in console time (NoBiopsy vs. YesBiopsy, 60 ± 10 vs. 70 ± 9 minutes, p < 0.001) and estimated blood loss (80 ± 20 vs. 100 ± 30 mL, p < 0.01) between groups. At 6 months post-RALP, 96% of men in Group NoBiopsy were continent, compared with 88% of men in Group YesBiopsy (p < 0.04). All men in the study cohort were continent (0 pads) at 12 months post-RALP. Ninety-eight percent of cases and 92% of controls at 9 months and 12 months, respectively, were able to have penetrative sex with or without PDE-5 inhibitors post-RALP. Conclusion: RALP without antecedent prostate biopsy in men with PIRADS 5 lesions demonstrated substantial csPCa detection rates and superior functional outcomes, warranting further validation.

Robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with maximal urethral length preservation technique preserves penile length.

Penile shortening is a recognized but neglected side effect of prostate cancer treatment. In this study we explore the effect of maximal urethral length preservation (MULP) technique on penile length preservation after robot assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). In an IRB approved study, we prospectively evaluated the stretched flaccid penile length (SFPL) pre and post RALP in subjects with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The multiparametric MRI (MP-MRI) was utilized for surgical planning if available preoperatively. Repeated measures t-test, linear regression and 2-way ANOVA analyses were performed. A total of 35 subjects underwent RALP. Mean age was 65.8 yr (SD: 5.9), preoperative SFPL was 15.57 cm (SD: 1.66) and postoperative SFPL was 15.41 cm (SD: 1.61) p = 0.68. No change in the postoperative SFPL was recorded among 27 subjects (77.1%) while 5 subjects (14.3%) had 0.5 cm shortening, and 3 subjects (8.6%) had 1 cm shortening. Pathologic stage, preoperative MP-MRI and body mass index (BMI) were significant predictors of postoperative SFPL on linear regression analysis, p = 0.001. Among 26 subjects with pathologic stage 2 disease, no statistical difference was seen in repeated measures t-test between pre and postoperative SFPL, 15.36 vs 15.3 cm, p = 0.08. All subjects were continent by 6 months postoperatively, with no complications. We demonstrate that incorporating MULP technique and preoperative MP-MRI preserves SFPL in subjects undergoing a RALP.

Mortality related to the use of stapler devices and clip appliers: Analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database.

BACKGROUND: Surgical staplers and clip appliers are commonly used and have a potential to malfunction, which may result in serious injury or death. These events are self-reported to the Food and Drug Administration and compiled in the Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database. This study characterizes mortality related to surgical stapler and clip applier failure reported in the Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database. METHODS: The Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was reviewed between 1992 and 2016 for medical device reports related to surgical staplers and clip appliers filed under the following product codes: GAG, FZP, GDO, GDW, KOG, and GCJ. Adverse events including death and the type of device failure were reviewed. Temporal trends in reported deaths related to device failure were analyzed and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database was used to adjust for annual surgical case volume using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 75,415 malfunctions, 21,115 injuries, and 676 deaths were associated with the use of surgical stapler and clip applier devices. Most deaths occurred postoperatively (N = 516, 76.3%) and were due to infection/sepsis (N = 89, 17.2%) or vascular injuries (N = 110, 21.3%). Intraoperative mortality (N = 79, 11.7%) was primarily due to vascular injuries (N = 73, 92.4%). Device failures resulting in death were noted both intraoperatively (N = 268, 39.6%) and postoperatively (N = 325, 48.1%). In post hoc root cause analysis, a surgical stapler and clip applier device problem was the most common attributed cause of death (N = 238, 65.4%). In the linear regression analysis, there was a significant increase in the mortality from device failure in the study period after adjusting for annual surgical volume (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Mortality related to the use of surgical staplers and clip appliers is increasing. Most deaths occurred postoperatively, and an increased awareness of potential life-threatening complications is warranted when these devices are used.

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy After Prior Transurethral Resection of Prostate: An Analysis of Perioperative, Functional, Pathologic, and Oncologic Outcomes.

Background: We performed a retrospective comparison of surgical, oncologic, and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between patients who have undergone prior transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) to TURP-naive patients. Methods: Past robotic prostatectomy hospital data were scrutinized to form two matched groups of patients: those who have undergone prior TURP and TURP-naive patients. The perioperative and pathologic data along with functional and oncologic outcomes for a period of 3 years were compared between groups. Results: Compared with TURP-naive patients, prior TURP patients experienced longer robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy times (p < 0.001), increased incidence of bladder neck reconstruction (p = 0.03), greater blood loss (p = 0.0001), and lesser nerve sparing (p < 0.01). Complication rates (p = 0.3), positive surgical margin (p = 0.4), extracapsular disease (p = 0.3), or seminal vesicle invasion (p = 0.1) were comparable between groups. Continence (p = 0.5) and potency (p = 0.1) at 1 year were not different between groups. Biochemical recurrence rates were not different at 3 years (p = 0.9). Diabetes slowed recovery of continence in patients with prior TURP compared with TURP-naive patients until 6 months after surgery. Conclusion: Although prior TURP makes subsequent robotic prostatectomy more technically demanding, it can be safely performed by experienced surgeons without compromising long-term functional or oncologic outcomes.

Prostate cancer screening: Continued controversies and novel biomarker advancements.

Prostate cancer (PCa) screening remains one of the most controversial topics in clinical and public health. Despite being the second most common cancer in men worldwide, recommendations for screening using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are unclear. Early detection and the resulting postscreening treatment lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of otherwise indolent cases. In addition, several unwanted harms are associated with PCa screening process. This literature review focuses on the limitations of PSA-specific PCa screening, reasons behind the screening controversy, and the novel biomarkers and advanced innovative methodologies that improve the limitations of traditional screening using PSA. With the verdict of whether or not to screen not yet unanimous, we hope to aid in resolution of the long-standing debate.

Minimizing transrectal prostate biopsy-related infections; A prospective randomized trial of povidone-iodine intrarectal cleaning versus formalin needle disinfection.

INTRODUCTION: Transrectal prostate biopsies are associated with post biopsy infection and sepsis. We compared the efficacy of povidone-iodine rectal disinfection versus formalin needle disinfection in preventing post biopsy infection among patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo ultrasound-guided transrectal prostate biopsy (n = 621) over 20 months were randomized into 2 groups to receive either povidone-iodine intrarectal disinfection or formalin disinfection of needle after each core. These were compared to assess which methodology better prevented postprocedure infection. Statistical analysis were used to identify independent factors promoting infections. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-eight patients from povidone-iodine intrarectal disinfection were compared with 300 from formalin needle disinfection group. Formalin needle disinfection was associated with significantly more infections (P = 0.02). Escherichia coli was the dominant pathogen, with >50% of cases being quinolone resistant. Type of disinfection (P = 0.002), BMI (P = 0.001), chronic prostatitis (P = 0.002), and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.01) were independent predictors of infections. BMI at 28.95 kg/m2 provided the best predictive cut-off point for infections, irrespective of method of disinfection. Area under the curve for all these parameters together was 0.91. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that along with oral cephalosporin prophylaxis, povidone-iodine intrarectal disinfection is a superior to formalin needle disinfection alone in preventing post biopsy infection. Patients with BMI >28.95 kg/m2 should be considered at a higher risk for infections.

Cooled (4°C) lidocaine during office cystoscopy improves patient satisfaction and comfort: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Office-based flexible cystoscopy is often associated with considerable discomfort in male patients. We devised this study to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of cooling intraurethral lidocaine jelly to 4°C prior to use in office-based cystoscopy in an effort to reduce male patient discomfort. METHODS: A total of 600 male patients scheduled for office diagnostic cystoscopy were enrolled and randomized into three groups for a prospectively controlled, double-blind study. Each group received one of the three methods of intraurethral lubrication: plain room temperature lubricant (control) (CON), room temperature lidocaine (LI), or lidocaine at 4°C (LI4°C). Perceived pain was recorded on a Likert visual analog scale (VAS) of 1-10 where 0=no pain and 10=excruciating pain. Kruskal-Wallis test assessed the efficacy of cooling lidocaine compared to room temperature lidocaine and control. Subjective pain reporting was corroborated with instantaneous objective pulse rate recording eliminating perception bias. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in cystoscopy duration between all groups. Mean pain scores (mean ± standard deviation) were 4.05±0.91, 2.74±1.01, and 1.8±0.84, respectively, for groups CON, LI, and LI4°C (p=0.02). There was a 32.34% reduction in the mean pain score of LI and a further reduction of 34.3% was achieved in LI4°C when compared to CON. Body mass index (BMI) and prostate weight had a significant positive correlation with pain score, whereas no such correlation was found with age. CONCLUSIONS: Cooling lidocaine to 4°C provides additional analgesic benefit in men undergoing office cystoscopy and increases compliance.

Retrospective Cohort Analysis from a High-Volume Center of Prognostic Factors Affecting Biochemical Relapse in Patients with Encapsulated, Margin-Negative, Isolated Seminal Vesicle Invasion After Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: A Novel Study.

Purpose: Specimen pathology findings collectively impact the long-term outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. Since seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) is an important independent predictor of biochemical recurrence (BCR), this study was designed to evaluate the influence of isolated SVI in the absence of capsular/margin invasion on BCR. Material and Methods: Pathology reports of 2009 robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy specimens were analyzed retrospectively excluding capsular breach and/or margin-positive cases to include 1409 patients in the study. Factors predicting SVI and BCR in this select group of patients were assessed and statistically analyzed. Survival analysis for PSA (prostate-specific antigen) failure probability and binomial regressions for variable predictability were performed. Results: The African American race was associated with SVI (p < 0.05). PSA had a directly proportional correlation with the occurrence of SVI and BCR. SVI was found to be an independent predictor of BCR, leading to higher odds of BCR at 5 years (odds ratio [OR] 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.5-14.6, p < 0.0001). When the seminal vesicle was invaded, the specimen Gleason grade group (SGGG; OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.02-3.7, p = 0.04), PSA (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.01-1.4, p = 0.03), and BMI (body mass index) (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.04-1.5, p = 0.01) predicted BCR. Seminal vesicle involvement was not found in SGGG 1. Risk stratification of significant predictors of BCR with isolated SVI identified a subgroup with BMI ≤27.9 kg/m2, PSA ≤8.6 ng/mL, and SGGG 2, which had a significantly better prognosis (p = 0.029, log-rank test). Conclusions: Seminal vesicles are infrequently involved with SGGG 1. Select groups of patients with isolated SVI who have low-grade disease with relatively lower PSA and BMI do not have an aggressive biological behavior and are unlikely to have a BCR, thereby circumventing unnecessary adjuvant therapy with its attendant side effects. The BMI significantly predicted PSA failures and should be considered as an additional risk assessment tool.

Ambulatory Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: Is It Ready for Prime Time? A Quality of Life Analysis.

Purpose: To investigate the difference, if any, in the quality of life (QoL) at specified intervals in patients undergoing same day discharge (SDD, ambulatory) vs next day discharge (NDD) after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Materials and Methods: Two hundred consecutive patients underwent RALP with either SDD or NDD. They completed validated pain and health-related QoL questionnaires at predefined intervals postoperatively and results were compared between the two groups. Results: Pearson's coefficient revealed significant correlations between the time of discharge and physical well-being (r = -0.139; p = 0.005), emotional well-being (EWB) (r = -0.71; p < 0.001), functional assessment of cancer therapy-general (FACT-G) (r = -0.367; p < 0.001), functional assessment of cancer therapy-prostate (FACT-P) (r = -0.273; p < 0.001), pain severity score (PSS) (r = 0.237; p < 0.001), and pain interference score (PIS) (r = 0.214; p < 0.001). Student's t-test revealed significant (p < 0.001) difference in the means of PSS, PIS, EWB, FACT-G, and FACT-P between both groups. Time of discharge was found to be an independent significant predictor (p < 0.01) of PSS and PIS. Pearson's coefficients revealed that PSS had significant correlations with age (r = -0.60; p < 0.001), body mass index (r = 0.87; p < 0.001), and console time (CT) (r = 0.63; p < 0.001). CT also correlated with the estimated blood loss (r = 0.65; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients who were discharged the same day as their RALP had lesser pain and interference in general activity scores 2 days after discharge and had better perceived overall health than patients who were discharged on postoperative day 1.

A novel intraoperative physician-assigned grading score to predict postoperative return of potency at 1 year after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: We examined a novel method of grading nerve sparing in robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy to better predict the potency outcomes of patients at 1-year after surgery. This grading (scale) was based on the surgeon's criteria of intraoperative findings during completion of nerve sparing. This grading was then analyzed statistically to validate its association with potency outcomes. METHODS: We devised a study module based on measurable visual cues intraoperatively where the surgeon risk stratified the surgery into four grades depending on the completeness of nerve sparing, keeping in mind the known parameters influencing potency outcomes. A novel grading scale was then proposed and used in this study for the same. We prospectively collected data and retrospectively analyzed 425 patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) at a high-volume center by a single surgeon. RESULTS: At 1 year of follow-up, it was found that age, laterality of nerve preservation, weight of prostate, and the surgeon-assigned grading were all statistically significant independent predictors of return of potency in terms of satisfactory penetrative intercourse >50% of times and Sexual Health Inventory for Men ≥17. However, prostate-specific antigen was found not to be a predictor of the same. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative physician-assigned grading was found to be the single most significant predictor of the return of potency at 1-year post-RALP.

A matched and controlled longitudinal cohort study of dehydrated human amniotic membrane allograft sheet used as a wraparound nerve bundles in robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a puissant adjunct for enhanced potency outcomes.

We sought to explore the potency outcomes in two systematically controlled, non-randomized, matched, homogenous patient cohorts, which either underwent intervention (INT) with placement of dehydrated human amniotic membrane (dHAM) around nerve bundles (NVB) during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) or did not (CON). It is hypothesized that dHAM use would lead to better potency outcomes. 1400 eligible informed, consented patients underwent full bilateral nerve-sparing RALP by a single surgeon, wherein 700 patients had dHAM allograft wrapped around the NVB and 700 did not. Groups were matched demographically, clinically, and biochemically. Potency was defined as the ability to have satisfactory penetrative intercourse > 50% of time with SHIM score of ≥ 17 with or without of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. A retrospective matched longitudinal cohort study was performed at 1 year. The first noticeable erection sufficient enough for a satisfactory penetrative intercourse was significantly earlier (p < 0.01; 34.6 ± 3.6 days), whereas the decrease in SHIM score was lower (4.27 ± 0.14 days) in INT. Binary logistic regression demonstrated that INT was an independent significant (p < 0.001) predictor of achieving potency at 1 year, such that INT was 3.86 times (95% CI 2.43-6.13) more likely to achieve potency in the same period when compared with CON. Chi square analysis demonstrated that recovery of potency in INT was better (p < 0.05) in every quarter compared to CON. A higher (p < 0.005) percentage (93.1%) of INT regained potency versus CON (87.1%) at 1 year.

Posterior, Anterior, and Periurethral Surgical Reconstruction of Urinary Continence Mechanisms in Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Description and Video Compilation of Commonly Performed Surgical Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is hampered by side effects that may have a serious impact on quality of life, particularly stress urinary incontinence. Continence rates may be improved by surgical reconstruction of the pelvic floor. OBJECTIVE: Video illustrations of different surgical techniques may be particularly worthwhile for practicing urologists in understanding the pelvic-floor anatomy and in the training of residents and fellows in urology. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We describe and video-illustrate commonly performed pelvic reconstructive techniques in RARP, as performed by experts in the field. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Surgical techniques have been described, such as posterior musculofascial reconstruction, anterior reconstruction and periurethral suspension, preservation of membranous urethral lengthening, bladder-neck reconstruction, and combinations. MEASUREMENTS: An overview of continence rates of the different techniques is given. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: All reconstructive surgical techniques result in similar short-term continence rates and good-to-excellent outcomes 1yr after surgery. There are only a few randomized clinical trials comparing a reconstructive technique with "no reconstruction" or a different reconstructive technique, and outcomes are conflicting. CONCLUSIONS: Although many of the procedures report a benefit with respect to early continence, benefits seem to diminish with longer follow-up. Whether any of the reconstructive techniques is superior to another is a matter of study. PATIENT SUMMARY: Early continence rates might be improved by surgical reconstruction of the pelvic floor.

Challenging Case: Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy After Prior Suprapubic Open Prostatectomy.

Introduction: Given the ubiquity of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) for treatment of localized prostate cancer, more surgeons are encountering challenging cases, either secondary to difficult anatomy, prior abdominal surgery, or prior radiation therapy. Our case is of RALP in a patient after prior suprapubic prostatectomy. Case Presentation: A 61-year-old otherwise healthy Hispanic gentleman presented for consultation after being found to have Gleason 4 + 4 = 8 prostate cancer on transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy by an outside provider in July 2017. He had previously undergone suprapubic simple prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Nicaragua more than a decade prior. The patient underwent RALP with bilateral nerve sparing in September 2017. The surgery was challenging in that extensive lysis of adhesions had to be performed and typical dissecting planes at the bladder neck and apex were distorted, insofar as meticulous care was taken to judiciously use thermal energy and rely on blunt dissection at these critical junctures. That being said, there were no operative or postoperative complications, the patient was discharged on postoperative day 1, and at 3-month follow-up, the patient was fully continent, maintained erections adequate for sexual intercourse, and had a prostate specific antigen <0.1. Pathology report returned Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 disease with negative surgical margins. Discussion: There is only one other example in the literature of RALP being performed after prior suprapubic prostatectomy. Our large RALP case volume (>5000 patients for a single surgeon and counting) provided us with the necessary experience required for encountering atypical anatomy, and thereby contributed to our patient's effective surgical outcome, both oncologic and functional. Conclusion: RALP for treatment of prostate cancer is a safe and appropriate option in men who have previously undergone suprapubic open prostatectomy for BPH, especially in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

Early return of continence in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy using modified maximal urethral length preservation technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of maximal urethral length preservation (MULP) technique in comparison with posterior urethral reconstruction and anterior bladder suspension (PRAS) technique on the continence rates (CR), time to achieve continence among patients with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the CR, time to achieve continence, pre- and postoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, rates of positive margins among three groups of continent men with PCa undergoing RALP from whom consent was obtained. Each group consisted of 30 patients: PRAS was performed in group A, combined MULP and PRAS in group B, and MULP in group C. Continence was measured by patient self-reporting of the number of pads/24 h. RESULTS: No differences were detected in the age, preoperative PSA levels, biochemical recurrence, prostate volume, and positive margins for the three groups. Men in groups B and C had marked improvement in CR 1, 3, and 6 months after catheter removal vs group A (50% and 70% vs 10%, 90% and 96.66% vs 23.3% and 100%, 100% vs 53.3%, respectively, P<0.0001). The average and median times to continence were significantly shorter in group B (5.4 and 4 weeks) and C (3.8 and 3 weeks) vs group A (27.4 and 22.5 weeks), P<0.00001. Using Cox regression analysis, only MULP and MULP+PRAS techniques were significantly correlated with continence outcomes 1, 3, and 6 months after catheter removal. CONCLUSIONS: MULP rather than PRAS confers higher postoperative CR and shorter time to achieve continence among patients with PCa who underwent RALP without increasing risk of positive margin.

Adjunctive tamsulosin improves stone free rate after ureteroscopic lithotripsy of large renal and ureteric calculi: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate the role of tamsulosin on the stone free rate and the rate of colic episodes after ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy. The presence of alpha-1A adrenoceptor in the distal ureteral smooth muscle prompted the use of tamsulosin, a selective alpha-1 blocker, to promote spontaneous passage of distal ureteral and juxtavesical calculi. Tamsulosin also improves stone clearance after shock wave lithotripsy. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with large renal or ureteral calculi underwent ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy by a single endourologist. Stone size varied from 1 to 2 cm. After treatment, the patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The study group (n = 40) received tamsulosin 0.4 mg and standard analgesia (tylenol with codeine). The control group (n = 38) received standard analgesia only. The primary endpoint was stone free rate, determined by helical computerized tomography at 4 weeks. The secondary endpoint was the rate of ureteric colic episodes during the 4-week period. RESULTS: Of the 73 patients available for follow up, the stone free rate was 86.5% in the study group, compared with 69.4% in the control group. 22.2% of the control group had colic episodes, whereas only 5.4% of the study group had colic. These were statistically significant with P <.01. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with tamsulosin improves the stone free rate and reduces the occurrence of colic episodes, after ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy of large renal and ureteric calculi. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show the efficacy of adjuvant tamsulosin after ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Current practice patterns in urologic management of upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the current practice patterns in the management of upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma (TCC) among a large group of urologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was sent to 220 practicing members of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) and the Endourological Society (ES) and members of the American Urological Association who did not belong to either society. The survey consisted of 16 focused questions pertaining to the surveillance and management of upper-tract TCC. The responses were used to create a database, which was then analyzed to determine practice trends. RESULTS: Eighty-four of the urologists responded, for a response rate of 38%. Fourteen responses were excluded because of multiple answers to a given question, so 70 were included in the final analysis. Eighty percent of the respondents were in academic practice. A CT urogram was the favored initial procedure for diagnosis of upper-tract TCC and an intravenous urogram was the next commonest choice (53% and 40%, respectively). Ureterorenoscopy was the surveillance tool of choice (70%) after conservative treatment of upper- tract TCC. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy was the preferred procedure (73%) for a high-grade, large renal-pelvic TCC. Twenty-one percent of the endourologists recommended ureteroscopic ablation for a high-grade, large distal ureteral tumor. This was in sharp contrast to 77% of the respondents who favored a distal ureterectomy for the same clinical scenario. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that most urologists treating upper-tract TCC follow the principles reported in the published literature regarding the management of these patients. Further, most urologists, regardless of society affiliations or years in practice, favor minimally invasive techniques for the management of upper-tract TCC. This information may be useful in formulating clear guidelines for the management of this disease.

Ureteroscopic endoureterotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight the current status of ureteroscopic endoureterotomy (UE) by reporting extensive experience with the endoscopic management of ureteric strictures, with special emphasis on factors determining success, and by reviewing publications on the minimally invasive management of ureteric strictures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 50 patients (mean age 53 years, range 18-85, equal sex distribution) with ureteric strictures of varying causes; all had their stricture treated endoscopically. The follow-up was 0.5-9 years; 10 patients with recurrent strictures had two ipsilateral stents placed to try to improve the outcome, and eight patients with completely obliterating strictures were treated by ureteroscopic re-canalization. RESULTS: The site of stricture had no bearing on the eventual outcome. Patients with uretero-enteric and malignant strictures did not fare so well. The most important predictor of failure was the length of the stricture, with failure in all seven patients with strictures of > 2 cm. In the 10 patients treated with two ipsilateral stents, eight were successful, which was very promising considering that these patients had recalcitrant strictures and placing one stent had previously failed. The overall success rate was 74%. CONCLUSION: UE has become the procedure of choice for the initial management of ureteric strictures. Simple balloon dilatation is also effective in certain situations. The characteristics of the stricture often govern the eventual outcome. In properly selected cases success rates of approximately 75% can be expected.