Validating the Martini Staging System for Rectourethral Fistula: A Meta-Analysis of Postoperative Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the Martini staging system for postoperative rectourethral fistula (RUF) utilizing data from previous studies to determine whether it can accurately predict postoperative success rate. METHODS: A systematic search of peer-reviewed studies was conducted through January, 2020. The primary inclusion criteria for the studies were studies that evaluated outcomes based on the etiology of the fistula (ie, radiotherapy/ablation [RA] vs nonradiotherapy/ablation [NRA]). Martini RUF classification was utilized for the subgroup analysis. RESULTS: Out of 1948 papers, 7 studies with a total of 490 patients (251 in RA vs 239 NRA) were included in this study. Receiving RA increased the risk of permanent bowel diversion by 11.1 folds, eventual fistula recurrence by 9.1 folds, and post-op urinary incontinence (UI) by 2.6 folds. Similarly, compared to a Grade 0 fistula, a Grade I fistula increased the risk of permanent bowel diversion by 9.1 folds, fistula recurrence by 20 folds, and post-op UI by 2.7 folds. There were some valuable variables that were not captured by the Martini classification. CONCLUSION: Overall, the Martini classification system is efficacious in stratifying post-op complications from RUF repair based on the grade and etiology; however, it is limited in application. There is an opportunity for the development of more comprehensive staging systems in this domain.

Is there a benefit to additional neuroaxial anesthesia in open nephrectomy? A prospective NSQIP propensity score analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroaxial (i.e., spinal, regional, epidural) anesthesia has been shown to be associated with reduced readmission rate, decreased hospital stay, and decreased overall complication rate in orthopedic and gynecologic surgery. Our aim was to identify differences in intra- and postoperative complications, length of stay and readmission rates in open nephrectomy patients managed with neuroaxial anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing National Surgical Quality Inpatient Program (NSQIP) database, we identified patients who have undergone an open nephrectomy between 2014 and 2017. Patients were further subdivided based on anesthesia modality. We used the propensity score-matching (PSM) method to adjust for baseline differences among patients who received general anesthesia alone and those with additional neuroaxial anesthesia. Using step-wise multivariable logistic regression, we identified preoperative and intraoperative predictors associated with 30-day procedure-related readmission, complications, and postoperative length of stay. RESULTS: Out of 3,633 patients identified, 2346 patients met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. There was no difference in baseline characteristics after propensity score matching between general and additional neuroaxial anesthesia. Postoperative outcomes including: procedure-related readmission, rate of reoperation, operative time, all complications were similar between the groups. Adjuvant neuroaxial anesthesia group did experience a prolonged postoperative hospital stay that was statistically significant as compared to patients with general anesthesia alone [5.3 (3.5) days vs 4.8 (2.9) days, p = 0.007]. Compared to GA alone after multivariable logistic regression, neuroaxial anesthesia was not statistically significant for readmission (p = 0.909), any complication (p = 0.505), but did showed increased odds ratio of prolonged postoperative stay [aOR 1.107, 95% CI 1.042-1.176, p = 0.001] after adjusting for multiple factors. CONCLUSION: Using 2014-2017 NSQIP database, we were able to demonstrate no additional reduction in complication or readmission rate in patients with neuroaxial anesthesia as compared to general anesthesia alone. Furthermore, patients who did receive neuroaxial anesthesia experienced a longer postoperative course.