Liquid biopsy in the clinical management of bladder cancer: current status and future developments.

Introduction: The use of liquid biopsy on the blood from solid malignancies provides a convenient way of detecting actionable mutations, monitoring treatment response, detecting early recurrence and prognosticating outcomes. The aim of this review is to discuss the current status and future direction of serum biomarkers in the clinical management of urinary bladder cancer.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of blood liquid biopsy and bladder cancer using methods of circulating tumors cells, circulating RNA, serum metabolites and cell-free DNA. Recent clinical studies and advances in methodology are emphasized. We performed a literature search using PMC/PubMed with keywords including 'liquid biopsy', 'circulating tumor DNA', 'cell-free DNA', 'biomarkers', 'bladder cancer' 'precision medicine'. Additional articles were obtained from the cited references of key articles. An emphasis was placed on recent studies published since 2018.Expert opinion: Liquid biopsies represent a potential biomarker using cell-free DNA, metabolomic profiles of altered cellular metabolism, circulating cancer cells and RNA. Despite displaying tremendous clinical promise, the current status of the blood liquid biopsies has not reached fruition. However, future investigations should lead the evolution of liquid biomarker into clinical utility for the management of bladder cancer.

Rapid On-Site Evaluation With Telecytology Significantly Reduced Unsatisfactory Rates of Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated telecytology rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) for thyroid ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first case-control clinical trial of thyroid telecytology. METHODS: We introduced on-site ROSE in our institution's thyroid clinic for 6 months, followed by telecytology for 12 months. Our institution's ultrasound clinic, where ROSE is not provided, was used as a control group for each period. RESULTS: Both groups had similar initial unsatisfactory rates (thyroid clinic: 8.8%; ultrasound clinic: 8.0%) before the study began. The thyroid clinic's unsatisfactory rate was significantly reduced to 1.6% after on-site ROSE (P = .001) and to 3.8% after telecytology ROSE (P = .010), with no significant difference between on-site and telecytology ROSE periods (P > .05). The ultrasound clinic's unsatisfactory rate was unchanged for both periods. Concordance between telecytology ROSE and final adequacy was 97% (κ = 0.699). CONCLUSIONS: Telecytology ROSE reduces unsatisfactory rates for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration without compromising patient care.

Detection of BRAF V600E Mutations With Next-Generation Sequencing in Infarcted Thyroid Carcinomas After Fine-Needle Aspiration.

OBJECTIVES: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid lesions may result in infarction and diagnostic difficulties on subsequent thyroidectomy specimens. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods for detection of hallmark driver BRAF V600E mutations may help characterize such tumors in which histologic alterations preclude definitive tissue diagnosis. METHODS: Thyroidectomy specimens with both malignant FNA diagnoses and resultant infarction were identified from our institutional database. NGS methods were used to detect BRAF V600E mutations in the infarcted thyroid carcinomas. RESULTS: Nine thyroid carcinomas with infarction were characterized as BRAF-like papillary thyroid carcinoma based on molecular driver categorization and histologic diagnosis. BRAF V600E mutations were detected in the infarcted tissue in four (67%) of six lesions. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate detection of hallmark BRAF V600E mutations by NGS within infarcted tissue of thyroid carcinomas after FNA. This suggests a potential ancillary method of characterizing infarcted thyroid carcinomas whose altered histology may be nondiagnostic.

Small-cell Carcinomas of the Urinary Bladder and Prostate: TERT Promoter Mutation Status Differentiates Sites of Malignancy and Provides Evidence of Common Clonality Between Small-cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder and Urothelial Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the urinary bladder frequently appears alongside urothelial carcinoma, suggesting common clonality. TERT promoter mutations have been recently implicated in urothelial carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the degree to which TERT promoter mutations are involved in SCC of the urinary bladder, the linked tumorigenesis between urothelial carcinoma and SCC of the urinary bladder, and the molecular distinctions between SCC of the urinary bladder and of the prostate. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We investigated TERT promoter mutations in 53 cases of SCC of the urinary bladder and in 26 cases of SCC of the prostate using laboratory-based studies of tissue samples and clinical data. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We measured the frequency of TERT promoter mutations in SCCs of the urinary bladder and prostate, and concordance of the mutation status between concurrent urinary bladder SCC and urothelial carcinoma. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: TERT promoter mutations were detected in 29/53 (55%) cases of urinary bladder and 0/26 (0%) cases of prostate SCC. Of 25 cases with concurrent urinary bladder SCC and non-small-cell components, all cases harbored identical TERT promoter mutation status in both phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: TERT promoter mutations are found in more than half of urinary bladder SCCs. Mutation status is also identical in urothelial carcinoma and SCC components of concomitant malignancies, providing evidence of a common clonality. TERT promoter mutation status can differentiate SCC of the urinary bladder from prostate SCC, suggesting potential diagnostic use. PATIENT SUMMARY: Small-cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder shares a common clonal origin with conventional urothelial carcinoma and may arise from a heterogeneous subclone. TERT promoter mutations may have utility as a differential biomarker for determining the primary site of a genitourinary small-cell carcinoma.

Preservation of truncal genomic alterations in clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinomas with sarcomatoid features: An intra- and intertumoral, multifocal fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis reveals limited genetic heterogeneity.

Understanding tumor genomic heterogeneity may offer vital information in an age of targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma. We sought to investigate hallmark truncal chromosomal alterations between conventional, sarcomatoid, and matched metastatic tumor foci in clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinomas. A retrospective review identified 58 cases including clear cell (CCRCC) and papillary renal cell carcinomas (PRCC). All cases contained sarcomatoid transformation. Additionally, 10 of 58 patients had matched metastatic disease available for analysis. Three separate foci of conventional and sarcomatoid morphologies were analyzed in each tumor using dual color interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization. In the CCRCC cohort, hallmark chromosome 3p deletion was identified in 71% of cases (37/52). Complete concordance of chromosomal status between intratumoral foci in sarcomatoid and conventional foci was 89% and 86%, respectively. Overall chromosome 3p status between matched conventional and sarcomatoid morphologies was identified in 98% of cases (51/52). Hallmark 3p deletion was present in 91% of CCRCC metastatic samples (10/11) and was concordant with the matched primary CCRCC tumor in 91% (10/11). In the PRCC cohort, trisomy 7 and 17 was identified in all six cases (6/6). Complete concordance between intratumoral foci of trisomy 7 and 17 was 83% (5/6). Trisomy 7 and 17 were identified in all metastatic PRCC samples with 100% concordance with the matched primary tumor. These data show the relative preservation of truncal chromosomal abnormalities between conventional and sarcomatoid morphologic as well as matched metastatic settings.

Understanding the Genetic Landscape of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder and Implications for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment: A Review.

IMPORTANCE: Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the urinary bladder. Although research has been performed since the first case was reported in 1981, most of our understanding of the disease treatments has been extrapolated from small cell carcinoma of the lung. However, current data on patient survival have been stagnant. OBSERVATIONS: With the advent of advanced molecular diagnostic methods, a new potential for understanding the origin and treatment of small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder has become evident. Similar to published studies of small cell carcinoma of the lung, collaborative efforts and accessible genome-phenome databases have partially elucidated the genomic landscape. With these efforts, additional potential areas of treatment, such as targeting driver mutations, immunotherapy, stem cell modulation, and novel drug candidates, have been identified. Moreover, identification of novel biomarkers and improved radiological methods may complement our understanding of the course of disease relative to diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and response to treatment. Such early discoveries have been facilitated with novel animal-based models. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The direction of investigation of small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder using novel methods to understand the genomic landscape for new treatments remains preliminary. However, such studies are maturing and may foster clinical research, with opportunities to enhance the survival and health-related quality of life of individuals with this disease.

Solitary fibrous tumour of the genitourinary tract: a clinicopathological study of 11 cases and their association with the NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene.

AIMS: To characterise clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of the genitourinary tract solitary fibrous tumours, incorporating NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion status. METHODS: The presence of the molecular hallmark NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion and for the defining fusion partner product STAT6 was assessed in 11 cases of the genitourinary tract solitary fibrous tumours. NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion analysis was performed using a break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probe using a probe cocktail with Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones for STAT6 and NAB2. RESULTS: Eleven solitary fibrous tumours were diagnosed in eight male patients and three female patients with a mean age of 46 years (range: 11-64 years). Four of the tumours had malignant histological features, and three were considered moderate risk for metastasis. With a mean follow-up time of 61 months, 1 recurred locally and 2 presented at distant metastatic sites. Using a break-apart FISH probe cocktail, we found the NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion and nuclear STAT6 expression in 58% and 91% of cases, respectively. However, the NAB2-STAT6 fusion status was not correlated with STAT6 expression or useful in discriminating between malignant histological features or subsequent clinical outcomes in the genitourinary solitary fibrous tumours. CONCLUSIONS: A subset of solitary fibrous tumours of the genitourinary tract behaved aggressively. Using a break-apart FISH probe cocktail, we found the NAB2-STAT6 gene fusion in 64% of cases. However, the NAB2-STAT6 fusion status was not correlated with STAT6 expression or useful in discriminating between low-risk or high-risk tumours and subsequent clinical outcomes.

Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Urinary Bladder According to the 2016 World Health Organization Classification: Molecular and Clinical Characteristics.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the urinary bladder are a rare type of tumor that account for a small percentage of urinary bladder neoplasms. These tumors of the urinary bladder range from well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (carcinoids) to the more aggressive subtypes such as small cell carcinoma. Despite the rarity of the neuroendocrine tumors of the bladder, there has been substantial investigation into the underlying genomic, molecular, and the cellular alterations within this group of neoplasms. Accordingly, these findings are increasingly incorporated into the understanding of clinical aspects of these neoplasms. In this review, we provide an overview of recent literature related to the 2016 World Health Organization Classification of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Urinary Bladder. Particular emphasis is placed on molecular alterations and recently described gene expression. The neuroendocrine tumors of the urinary bladder are subdivided into four subtypes. Similar to their pulmonary and other extrapulmonary site counterparts, these have different degrees of neuroendocrine differentiation and morphological features. The clinical aspects of four subtypes of neuroendocrine tumor are discussed with emphasis of the most recent developments in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. An understanding of molecular basis of neuroendocrine tumors will provide a base of knowledge for future investigations into this group of unusual bladder neoplasms.

Effect of African-American Race on Tumor Recurrence After Radical Cystectomy for Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder.

BACKGROUND: African-American race appears to be associated with higher stages of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) at presentation and poorer survival. However, the independent effect of African-American race on objective tumor recurrence after radical cystectomy (RC) after controlling for clinical and pathologic variables is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data from consecutive patients with UCB who underwent RC with curative intent at a single institution (University of Alabama, Birmingham) from 2001 to 2012 with or without perioperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation were reviewed. The patient demographics, risk factors, clinical course, pathologic characteristics, and long-term outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed. Cox regression analysis was performed for key clinical, demographic, and pathologic variables, including race, stratified as African American versus white. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients, 163 men (76%) and 52 women (24%), with a mean age at RC of 65.6 years, were identified and reviewed. A total of 186 patients (87%) were white and 28 (13%) were African American. The median follow-up period after RC was 17.6 months. On conventional multivariate analysis, African-American race nearly attained statistical significance (hazard ratio [HR], 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-6.29; P = .055). In a stepwise regression model, race was significantly associated with tumor recurrence (HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.2-7.4; P < .011). CONCLUSION: African-American race appears to be independently associated with a greater risk of tumor recurrence after RC for UCB. The effect of host genetics on tumor biology needs to be characterized at the genomic level to develop precision medicine.

Impact of marital status in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: Married (vs. unmarried) individuals have improved health status and longer life expectancies in a variety of benign and malignant disease states, including prostate, breast, head/neck, and lung cancers. We sought to evaluate a cohort of patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer to evaluate the impact of marital status on demographic, peri-operative, and pathological outcomes in order to better understand the factors which may contribute to the survival differences observed. METHODS: Two-hundred and two patients underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for bladder cancer. Patients were categorized based on marital status as either married or unmarried (widowed, divorced, never married). Correlations were made to demographic factors (age, race, gender, BMI, tobacco use, alcohol use), perioperative factors (pre-op renal function (creatinine), hematocrit, EBL, hospital stay, choice of diversion), and pathological outcomes (organ-confined status, LN positivity). RESULTS: Of the 202 patients, 74% were married. Married individuals (vs. unmarried) were more often male (84 vs. 62%) and had a higher BMI (28.1 vs. 25.9). Married persons had a significantly lower pre-op creatinine (1.1 vs. 1.4) and higher hematocrit (39 vs. 34). Hospital stay was shorter in married patients by a mean of 1.6 days. Regarding operative pathology, married patients had a higher rate of organ-confined disease (59 vs. 47%) (P = 0.05, 0.08 on multivariate) and trended towards a lower rate of LN positivity (15 vs. 21%; P = 0.10, 0.12 multivariate). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer, married individuals appear to have improved pre-operative laboratory variables, shorter hospitalization, and improved pathological outcomes versus unmarried patients in our case series. These findings may support the evidence (observed in other tumor types and other disease states) that married persons present earlier than unmarried individuals, and this may help explain the improved survival outcomes that have been observed in married patients with bladder cancer.

Clinical use of serum CA-125 levels in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

PURPOSE: It has recently been reported that serum CA-125 levels may serve as a prognostic indicator of extravesical disease in patients with bladder cancer. This study evaluated the role of CA-125 as a prognostic marker in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. METHODS: Ninety-two consecutive patients underwent planned radical cystectomy and urinary diversion with curative intent (2005-2006). Serum CA-125 levels were obtained in all patients and correlations were made to clinical and operative findings and pathological outcomes. Outcomes were evaluated with regard to normal vs. abnormal CA-125 values and with regard to absolute values of CA-125 levels. Results were also stratified by short-term recurrence rates. RESULTS: Mean CA-125 values varied significantly by pathological stage and by resectability. No patient (0/56) with organ-confined disease (

Management of ureteral obstruction due to advanced malignancy: optimizing therapeutic and palliative outcomes.

PURPOSE: Treatment of ureteral obstruction due to advanced abdominal or pelvic malignancy is a clinical challenge. We discuss improvements and modern day outcomes in the palliative treatment of patients with ureteral obstruction by antegrade or retrograde ureteral decompression. Also, potential areas of clinical investigation involving ureteral stent improvement and pharmacological management of relief of symptoms resulting from ureteral obstruction are discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed using the Entrez-PubMed(R) database. All relevant literature on ureteral obstruction, advanced malignancy and nephrostomy, ureteral stent and associated topics concerning palliative care and quality of life were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Presenting symptoms are varied and depend on the acuity of the underlying problem. Mechanisms underlying the pain and symptoms of extrinsic ureteral compression have not fully been explored but they may include prostaglandin and renin-angiotensin pathways with medical interventions potentially directed at such therapeutic targets. Progressive obstructive uropathy may likely lead to clinical manifestations, such as uremia, electrolyte imbalances and persistent urinary tract infections, if obstruction is not bypassed. New approaches to antegrade and retrograde stenting, and the evaluation of new stent materials may help minimize the complications and side effects of such procedures. Unfortunately the finding of ureteral obstruction due to malignancy carries a poor prognosis with a resulting median survival of 3 to 7 months. This prognosis highlights the importance of maintaining quality of life in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with symptoms of ureteral obstruction due to advanced malignancy should be informed of the therapeutic options in the context of the poor prognosis. In the meantime research is needed to find methods of urinary diversion and pharmacological intervention for symptomatic relief without compromising quality of life in patients at the end of life.

Gum chewing stimulates bowel motility in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies have shown that gum chewing may stimulate bowel motility after gastrointestinal surgery. Because urinary diversion typically uses a segment of bowel, it is conceivable that patients undergoing cystectomy and diversion may benefit from gum chewing. This study aimed to determine whether gum chewing in the immediate postoperative period facilitates a return to bowel function in patients undergoing cystectomy and urinary diversion. METHODS: A total of 102 patients underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for clinically localized bladder cancer. Each patient followed our institution's perioperative cystectomy care plan. The first cohort of patients underwent surgery between July 2004 and August 2005 and served as a comparison (control) group in which no gum was dispensed. The second cohort underwent surgery during September 2005 to July 2006. These patients were given chewing gum to begin on postoperative day 1. Outcome measures included time to flatus, time to bowel movement, length of hospital stay, and complications. RESULTS: The time to flatus was shorter in patients who received gum compared with controls (2.4 versus 2.9 days; P <0.001). Also, time to bowel movement was reduced in patients who received gum (3.2 versus 3.9 days; P <0.001). There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay between gum-chewing patients and controls (4.7 versus 5.1 days, respectively; P = 0.067). Gum chewing was well tolerated in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Gum chewing may speed the recovery of bowel function after cystectomy and diversion. These findings are consistent with outcomes in the colorectal surgery published data that support the use of chewing gum as an easy and inexpensive way to enhance recovery after surgery.

Androgen-independent prostate cancer treated with resection of the solitary metastatic site.

The concept of resection of a solitary metastatic lesion is quite foreign in prostate cancer, as metastases to regional lymph nodes or to other distant sites are most likely suggestive of disseminated disease. The current report demonstrates a very unique case, in whom excision of a solitary pulmonary metastasis has resulted in continued undetectable prostate-specific antigen values over 3 years after resection. Nevertheless, the presence of unusual cases such as this, as well as the work of others, may suggest that surgical excision of solitary or oligometastatic sites could at least be considered for the most highly selected and well-informed patients, whose clinical scenario indicates a potential benefit from such an approach.

Incisional hernia in a 12-mm non-bladed trocar site following laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Non-bladed trocars, radially-dilating systems, and conical blunt devices are considered less traumatic to the abdominal wall because they do not incise the fascia itself. Consequently, several authors have suggested that closure of the abdominal fascia may be unnecessary if such non-bladed laparoscopic trocars are used. We report of a case in whom a port-site hernia was diagnosed at the site of a 12-mm non-bladed trocar 11 days after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Prospective evaluation of short-term impact and recovery of health related quality of life in men undergoing robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy versus open radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: In the last few years there have been increasing claims that robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy decreases short-term morbidity in patients undergoing surgical treatment for prostate cancer. However, there is surprisingly little objective evidence to support this point, which is often used to market the procedure to patients. To address this issue we prospectively evaluated patients undergoing open and robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at baseline and weekly through the postoperative period using a validated questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 162 men undergoing radical prostatectomy, including open radical prostatectomy in 120 and robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in 42, for clinically localized prostate cancer completed the SF-12, version 2 Physical and Mental Health Survey Acute Form preoperatively and each week postoperatively for 6 weeks. Physical and Mental Component Scores were calculated from the questionnaires at each time point. Comparisons between the 2 surgical approaches were made at each time point. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen between the open and robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy groups with regard to patient age, clinical stage or preoperative prostate specific antigen. Mean surgical blood loss was significantly higher in the open group compared to that in the robotic assisted laparoscopic group. Physical Component Scores in the robotic assisted laparoscopic group were significantly higher than those in the open cohort beginning postoperative week 1 and extending through week 6. On statistical extrapolation Physical Component Scores returned to baseline between weeks 5 and 6 postoperatively in the robotic assisted laparoscopic group and between weeks 6 and 7 in the open group. Mental Component Score scores were not statistically different between the groups except preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study helps prospectively define short-term health related quality of life in patients undergoing robotic assisted laparoscopic vs open radical prostatectomy. Higher physical scores were seen in the robotic assisted laparoscopic group than the open group beginning postoperative week 1 and continuing weekly throughout the 6-week study period. Physical Component Score scores returned to baseline sooner in the robotic assisted laparoscopic group than in the open group.

Incidence and risk factors of stomal complications in patients undergoing cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion for bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: In this study we examined the incidence and associated factors of stomal complications in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion for bladder cancer. In addition, we evaluated the treatment and outcomes of surgical procedures in patients in whom stoma related complications developed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2005 a total of 137 patients underwent ileal conduit diversion after cystectomy or exploration for bladder cancer, had complete clinical followup and were followed for at least 12 months after surgery. The incidence of stomal complications (including parastomal hernia, stomal stenosis and stomal prolapse) is reported with correlations made to age, race, gender, body mass index, smoking history, alcohol consumption, preoperative laboratory values (creatinine, hematocrit), operative estimated blood loss and surgical complications. In addition, management of stomal complications is reported. RESULTS: Of the 137 patients 21 stomal complications (15.3%) occurred in 20 patients (14.6%). The most common complication was parastomal hernia in 19 patients (13.9 %). Stomal stenosis developed in 1 patient (0.7%) and stomal prolapse developed in 1 patient with a parastomal hernia (0.7%). There were no significant differences in gender, age, race, preoperative laboratory values or history of abdominal/pelvic radiation therapy between patients with or without complications. However, patients in whom complications developed had a significantly higher mean body mass index compared to those without complications (30.8 vs 26.5 kg/m(2), respectively, p = 0.012). Operative outcomes, extent of disease and length of postoperative followup were also similar between patients with or without stomal complications. In addition, there were no significant differences in lifestyle factors (eg smoking, alcohol abuse) in patients in whom complications developed. CONCLUSIONS: Stomal complications associated with ileal conduit urinary diversion are not uncommon and occur in almost 15% of patients, with the most common problem being parastomal hernia. Evaluation of possible risk factors demonstrates that obesity may be a contributing factor in the development of stomal complications, particularly in the elderly. Furthermore, our experience suggests that subsequent repairs of parastomal hernias are only moderately successful.

A comparison of the Bricker versus Wallace ureteroileal anastomosis in patients undergoing urinary diversion for bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: In recent years few studies have evaluated the success and complications of the 2 most common types of ureteroenteric anastomotic techniques, the Bricker and the Wallace anastomosis. We evaluated the complications of the Bricker and Wallace techniques of ureteroenteric anastomosis in a single surgeon, single institution series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2005 a total of 186 patients underwent ileal conduit or ileal neobladder after cystectomy for bladder cancer. All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months after surgery with complete clinical information. In all cases the ureters were anastomosed to a segment of ileum in a separate (Bricker) or conjoined (Wallace) fashion. RESULTS: Of the 186 patients 94 underwent a Bricker (51%), 90 underwent a Wallace (48%) and 2 patients underwent both procedures (Wallace on duplicated system on 1 side, Bricker on contralateral side). Ureteral stricture developed in 5 of 186 (2.6%) patients and the overall stricture rate for all ureters was 7 of 371 (1.9%). In patients undergoing Bricker anastomosis the total stricture rate for all ureters was 3.7% (7 of 187). With the Wallace anastomosis the total stricture rate for all ureters was 0% (0 of 184). This difference in stricture rate in the Bricker vs Wallace subgroups was significant (p = 0.015). There was no difference in age, gender, creatinine, prior radiation, complications or mode of diversion between the groups. Body mass index was higher in the Bricker vs the Wallace group (29.0 vs 25.9 kg/m(2)). Of the 5 patients with strictures 1 underwent successful open repair, 1 had successful interventional radiological repair and 3 were treated with chronic ureteral stents (1 after failed open repair and 2 after failed radiological repair). CONCLUSIONS: Both the Bricker and the Wallace anastomoses provide acceptably low stricture rates in a single surgeon case series. Indeed, the Wallace anastomosis had no strictures in this series. The Bricker group had a higher body mass index which was likely due to the often disparate ureteral lengths in obese patients after retrosigmoidal tunneling, which would have affected the choice of technique.

Efficacy and safety of en bloc ligation of renal hilum during laparoscopic nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of en bloc ligation of the renal hilum with titanium vascular staplers during laparoscopic nephrectomy. En bloc ligation of the renal hilum has historically been associated with the very rare complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation, primarily in inflammatory renal pathologic features. Currently, no evidence exists of AVF development in human nephrectomies after ligating the hilum en bloc with titanium staplers. METHODS: A total of 161 consecutive patients underwent planned laparoscopic radical nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the operative variables, including the method of hilar ligation, estimated blood loss, and final pathologic findings. The additional postoperative outcomes of diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and other cardiovascular sequelae were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 161 patients, 90 underwent en bloc hilar ligation and 71 underwent individual hilar vessel ligation with the stapler. The blood loss and open conversion rate trended lower in the en bloc group. Postoperatively, no differences were found in blood pressure or heart rate between the two groups, and no instances of bruits or other clinical evidence of AVF were found after mean follow-up of 34 months. CONCLUSIONS: This series found no evidence of AVF or other adverse clinical events in patients undergoing en bloc ligation of the renal hilum and laparoscopic nephrectomy. En bloc ligation may provide for more secure, expeditious control of the hilum without an increased operative time or the added potential of vascular injury that can be associated with the individual dissection of the vessels.