Intraoperative urinary tract resection and construction in CRS + HIPEC procedures: a single center retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The safety and efficacy of CRS + HIPEC combined with urinary tract resection and reconstruction are controversial. This study aims to summarize the clinicopathological features and to evaluate the safety and survival prognosis of CRS + HIPEC combined with urinary tract resection and reconstruction. METHODS: The patients who underwent urinary tract resection and reconstruction as part of CRS surgery were retrospectively selected from our disease-specific database for analysis. The clinicopathological characteristics, treatment-related variables, perioperative adverse events (AEs), and survival outcomes were studied using a descriptive approach and the K-M analysis with log-rank comparison. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were enrolled. Perioperative serious AEs (SAEs) were observed in 11 patients (22.4%), with urinary SAEs occurring in 3 patients (6.1%). Additionally, there were 23 cases (46.8%) involving urinary adverse events (UAEs). The median overall survival (OS) in the entire cohort was 59.2 (95%CI: 42.1-76.4) months. The median OS of the UAE group and No-UAE group were 59.2 months (95%CI not reached), and 50.5 (95%CI: 11.5 to 89.6) months, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.475). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in OS based on the grade of UAEs or the number of UAEs (P = 0.562 and P = 0.622, respectively). CONCLUSION: The combination of CRS + HIPEC with urinary tract resection and reconstruction is associated with a high incidence of Grade I-II UAEs, which do not have an impact on OS. The safety profile of this combined technique is acceptable. However, this is a retrospective single-center single-arm analysis, with limitations of generalizability and potential selection bias. The findings need high-level validation.

Systematic oxidative stress indices predicts prognosis in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract after radical nephroureterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the occurrence and development of malignancy. However, the relationship between oxidative stress and upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) prognosis remains elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of systematic oxidative stress indices as a predictor of patient outcomes in UTUC after radical nephroureterectomy. METHODS: Clinical data for 483 patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy were analyzed. Patients were categorized according to an optimal value of systematic oxidative stress indices (SOSIs), including fibrinogen (Fib), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT), creatinine (CRE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin (ALB). Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to investigate associations of SOSIs with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Moreover, associations between SOSIs and OS and PFS were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: High values of Fib, γ-GGT, CRE, and LDH, and low values of ALB were associated with reduced OS. SOSIs status correlated with age, tumor site, surgical approach, hydronephrosis, tumor size, T stage, and lymph node status. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significant discriminatory ability for death and progression risks in the two groups based on SOSIs. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models showed that SOSIs were an independent prognostic indicator for OS (p = 0.007) and PFS (p = 0.021). SOSIs and clinical variables were selected to establish a nomogram for OS. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year AUC values were 0.77, 0.78, and 0.81, respectively. Calibration curves of the nomogram showed high consistencies between the predicted and observed survival probability. Decision curve analysis curves showed that the nomogram could well predict the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS. CONCLUSIONS: SOSIs are an independent unfavorable predictor of OS and PFS in patients diagnosed with UTUC undergoing RNU. Therefore, incorporating SOSIs into currently available clinical parameters may improve clinical decision-making.

Outcomes of kidney transplantation in patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract: a propensity-score-matched analysis with case-control design.

BACKGROUND: We compared long-term outcomes after kidney transplantation (KTx) in patients with and without congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). METHODS: KTx recipients (KTRs) with CAKUT in 1980-2016 were identified; their hard copy and electronic medical records were reviewed and compared to a propensity-score-matched control group (non-CAKUT) from the same period. The primary outcomes were graft loss or death with a functioning graft; secondary outcomes included posttransplant urinary tract infections (UTIs) and biopsy-proven rejection (BPR). RESULTS: : We identified 169 KTRs with CAKUT and 169 matched controls. Median follow-up was 132 (IQR: 75.0-170.0) months. UTIs were more common in CAKUT patients compared to non-CAKUT group (20.7% vs 10.7%; p = 0.01). Rates of BPR were similar between the two groups. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, 10-year graft survival rates were significantly higher in the CAKUT group than in the non-CAKUT group (87.6% vs 69.2%; p < 0.001), while patient survival rates were similar. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, CAKUT (HR: 0.469; 95% CI: 0.320-0.687; p < 0.001) and PRA positivity before transplantation (HR: 3.756; 95% CI: 1.507-9.364; p = 0.005) predicted graft loss. DISCUSSION: Graft survival in KTRs with CAKUT appears superior to KTRs without CAKUT. Transplant centers should develop multidisciplinary educational and social working groups to support and encourage CAKUT patients with kidney failure to seek for transplants.

[Traumatic injuries of the kidney and the urinary tract in blunt abdominal trauma]. / Traumatische Verletzungen der Nieren und der ableitenden Harnwege bei stumpfen Bauchtraumata.

BACKGROUND: In the context of blunt abdominal trauma, injuries to the urinary tracts often occur, especially in polytrauma patients. Urotrauma is rarely immediately life-threatening but can lead to serious complications and chronic functional limitations during treatment. Therefore early urological involvement is crucial for adequate interdisciplinary treatment. METHODS: The most important facts for the clinical routine on the consultant urological management of urogenital injuries in blunt abdominal trauma are discussed according to the European "EAU guidelines on Urological Trauma" and the German "S3 guidelines on Polytrauma/Treatment of Severely Injured Patients" as well as the relevant literature. RESULTS: Urinary tract injuries can occur even with an initially inconspicuous status and always require explicit exclusion diagnostics by means of contrast medium tomography of the entire urinary tract and, if necessary, by means of urographic and endoscopic examinations. The most common urological intervention is catheterization of the urinary tract which is often required. Less common is urological surgery, which should be coordinated interdisciplinarily with visceral and trauma surgery. More than 90% of vitally threatening kidney injuries (usually up to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grades 4-5) are now treated by interventional radiology. CONCLUSION: Due to possible complex injury patterns in blunt abdominal trauma, these patients should ideally be directed to (certified) trauma centers with subspecialized or maximum care from the departments of visceral and vascular surgery, trauma surgery, interventional radiology and urology.

External Validation of the "Tor Vergata" 3D Printed Models of the Upper Urinary Tract and Stones for High-Fidelity Simulation of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

Introduction: Novel training modalities are being investigated to overcome the challenges associated with learning retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Consequently, a series of 3D printed models of the upper urinary tract and stones designed for ex vivo surgical simulation was introduced in 2021. This study aims to provide external validation of the training model and assess its role in the development of surgical skills. Materials and Methods: A mixed cohort of 20 urologists at different levels of expertise participated in a whole-day live simulation event to examine the model and perform a timed simulation of intrarenal navigation, stone relocation, and laser fragmentation. Operative times were recorded and two independent expert endourologists scored the simulations according to a modified "Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills" (OSATS) scale. Five novice urologists from the cohort performed three further simulations in a subsequent event to assess improvement in surgical skills. Results: Face validity was demonstrated with a median score of ≥4/5 in each of the 11 items investigated. Content validity was also effectively reached, with 100% positive impressions with regard to the usefulness for the acquisition of surgical skills. Significant differences were observed among operative times stratified per surgeon experience (all p < 0.0050), thus providing construct validity. Median total OSATS score for novices was 14 (range 8, 25) and was found to be significantly different from expected expert performance (p = 0.0010). Repeated simulations by novices led to a progressive reduction of operative times (p = 0.0313) and increase in median total OSATS (p = 0.0625). Conclusion: The 3D printed models of upper urinary tract and synthetic training stones for the high-fidelity simulation of each phase of RIRS were validated by this study. The results encourage the usage of the models in simulation courses and the evaluation of their potential role in standardized training curricula.

Cine magnetic resonance urography as a new approach for postoperative evaluation of the reconstructed upper urinary tract: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of cine magnetic resonance urography (cine MRU) as a novel postoperative examination after upper urinary tract reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Ninety-six patients underwent cine MRU for postoperative evaluation between August 2015 and August 2020. The morphological observations included regular peristalsis, anastomosis, urine flow signals, and reflux. The quantitative evaluations included luminal diameter, peristaltic amplitude, contraction ratio, peristaltic waves, and ureteric jets. The surgical outcomes were classified as success, gray area, or failure by combining the results of cine MRU, symptoms, and the degree of hydronephrosis. RESULTS: There was no obvious stenosis of the anastomosis in 83 patients (86.46%). Regular peristalsis of the ureter and signals of urination was observed in 85 (88.54%) and 84 patients (87.50%), respectively. In addition, three patients (3.13%) showed urine reflux. The patients in both the success group and the gray area group showed significantly different creatinine levels (success 86.2 ± 22.3 µmol/L vs. failure 110.7 ± 8.2 µmol/L, P = 0.016; gray area 81.0 ± 20.0 µmol/L vs. failure 110.7 ± 8.2 µmol/L, P = 0.009) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (success: 88.5 ± 23.1 mL/min·1.73 m2, failure: 61.6 ± 14.1 mL/min·1.73 m2, P = 0.014; gray area: 94.7 ± 24.6 mL/min·1.73 m2, failure: 61.6 ± 14.1 mL/min·1.73 m2, P = 0.007) compared to those in the failure group. The ipsilateral split renal function was 33.6 ± 15.0, 24.5 ± 13.4, and 20.1 ± 0.4 mL/min in the success, gray area, and failure groups, respectively (P = 0.354). CONCLUSION: Cine MRU demonstrates the morphology and function of the reconstructed upper urinary tract. The results of cine MRU can be used to evaluate the surgical effect, providing guidance for further treatment.

[In utero surgery for lower urinary tract obstruction]. / Prise en charge prénatale des obstacles sous-vésicaux.

Prenatal therapy for LUTO (Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction) is debated due to mixed results regarding postnatal renal function following fetal cystoscopy or vesicoamniotic shunting. Current literature is, however, limited by the inability to determine the cause of the obstruction using plain sonography and the lack of selection criteria for fetuses who may benefit from prenatal therapy. Fetal cystoscopy may serve as a diagnostic tool and would offer a more "physiologic" treatment for bladder outlet obstruction. However, it carries additional technical issues due to inappropriate instrumentation.

Title: Prise en charge prénatale des obstacles sous-vésicaux. Abstract: Les résultats du traitement prénatal des obstacles sous-vésicaux sont souvent mitigés en termes de bénéfices sur la fonction rénale. Devant le diagnostic prénatal de mégavessie1 fœtale persistante, aucun signe échographique ne permet actuellement de déterminer avec certitude la cause de l'obstacle. La cystoscopie fœtale, qui consiste en l'exploration endoscopique de la vessie, pourrait permettre de déterminer la nature de l'obstacle et de le traiter éventuellement, en maintenant le cycle de réplétion/vidange vésicale. L'absence de critères de sélection des fœtus candidats à la cystoscopie fœtale et les difficultés techniques de sa réalisation limitent cependant son utilisation. Nous présentons dans cette revue les principes de cette intervention, les résultats obtenus et les limites, ainsi que les axes de recherches actuels.

Upper Urinary Tract Surgery Through Robotic Single-Port System vs Multiport and Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Systems: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: We aimed to make a general comparison between the safety and feasibility of a novel robotic platform, da Vinci® single-port (SP) system with conventional robotic multiport (MP) and laparoendoscopic single-site systems (da Vinci Xi or Si) in three upper urinary tract procedures including robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP), and robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RA). Materials and Methods: After systematical searching of the literature up to October 2022 in PubMed®, Web of Science™, and the Cochrane Library and Scopus® databases, we extracted and processed the data in eligible literature for operative time, warm ischemia time (WIT), morphine milligram equivalent (MME), postoperative complications, and positive surgical margins (PSMs). Results: A total of 752 patients who underwent robotic surgery for SP or MP from 11 articles were included in this meta-analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in operative time for either RAPN (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.30 to 0.03) or RA (SMD -0.51, 95% CI -1.08 to 0.06). However, for RAP, SP can save operation time (SMD -0.73, 95% CI -1.24 to -0.22). The introduction of SP did not increase complications to any degree, including total complication (risk ratio [RR] 0.89, 95% CI 0.52-1.53), minor complication (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.13-1.36), and major complication (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.34-2.09), nor the incidence of PSMs (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.54-1.99). It is worth noting that although the SP system increased WIT (SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.62), it had the benefit of reducing intraoperative pain for RAPN with regard of MME (SMD -0.40, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.09). Conclusions: In terms of postoperative pain, SP robotic surgery is beneficial for RAPN but will make WIT prolonged. RAP is probably the most suitable upper urinary tract procedure for which SP is an option, which helps to shorten the surgery time and achieve a minimally invasive wound at the same time. Our study has been registered in PROSPERO (Registration No.: CRD42022350317).

Anatomy and embryology of congenital surgical anomalies: Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract.

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract or "CAKUT" describes a spectrum of developmental disorders with a range of associated clinical presentations and functional consequences. CAKUT underlies the majority of chronic kidney disease and kidney replacement therapy requirement in children, but functional deterioration can also emerge in adulthood. Understanding the normal embryological processes involved in kidney development allows us to appreciate the timing and sequence of critical events implicated when things go wrong. In this review, we will describe the normal developmental mechanisms and relate this to what we currently know about the pathological processes involved in various forms of CAKUT. We will also review the proposed etiological factors, in particular genetics, involved in CAKUT.

Surgery of the Equine Urinary Tract.

Urinary surgery in the horse may be challenging. More straightforward procedures, such as urinary bladder or urachal defects, do not usually require specialized equipment or imaging, although laboratory work is helpful. Congenital or acquired conditions of the ureters or kidneys may necessitate advanced diagnostic work-ups including advanced imaging /or and minimally invasive procedures. Some surgery of the lower urinary tract is done in the sedated, standing adult horse. Surgery involving the kidney typically requires general anesthesia. Laparoscopy and associated tools are frequently used. Although many of the surgical procedures discussed are quite involved, they are becoming more commonplace.

Comparison of postoperative laparoscopic and open total mesorectal excision on lower urinary tract function in men with rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated male voiding dysfunction (VD) or lower urinary tract function in rectal cancer (RC) patients after laparoscopic or open total mesorectal excision with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation (PANP). METHODS: One hundred and eighty-seven male RC patients admitted between January 2016 and May 2019 were enrolled in this study, 112 of whom underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) and 75 underwent open total mesorectal excision (OTME). The International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The postoperative IPSS in patients with RC was elevated on day 7 and gradually decreased during the first month after surgery. Compared with the OTME group, the IPSS scores decreased less in the LTME group at week 1, and months 1 and 3 postoperatively (6.82 ± 2.13 vs 10.15 ± 3.86, 5.70 ± 2.45 vs 7.21 ± 2.0, and 5.01 ± 2.09 vs 5.75 ± 2.55, respectively; P < 0.05). The VD rate was significantly lower in the LTME group than the OTME group at 1, 2, and 3 weeks postoperatively (21.4% vs 26.8%,13.4% vs 25.3%, and 9.8% vs18.6%, respectively; P < 0.05); however, there was no major difference in the incidence of VD 6 months postoperatively between the two groups (P > 0.05). VD was more frequent in the OTME group than the LTME group 6 months postoperatively, but the difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio = 1.857, 95% CI, 0.964-3.645, P = 0.064). CONCLUSIONS: LTME may be superior to OTME with respect to PANP of lower urinary tract function in males with RC.

Management of the Transitional Urology Patient: the Role of the Adult Reconstructive Urologist.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Patients with congenital urologic conditions present unique challenges as adults. Herein, we review the literature relevant to the adult reconstructive urologist confronted with complex surgical concerns affecting their patients with a history of hypospadias, spina bifida, and other syndromes affecting the genitourinary tract. RECENT FINDINGS: Urethral stricture disease related to hypospadias is complex, but successful urethroplasty and penile curvature correction can be achieved with an anatomically minded approach. Multiple urinary diversion techniques can be considered in a patient-centered approach to bladder management in the adult spina bifida patient, but complications are common and revision surgeries are frequently required. Strong evidence is lacking for most surgical techniques in this population, but experiences reported by pediatric and adult urologists with genitourinary reconstruction training can help foster consensus in decision-making. Urologists trained in genitourinary reconstruction may be uniquely positioned to care for the transitional urology patient as they enter adolescence and adulthood.

Percutaneous antegrade removal of foreign bodies in the urinary tract: a 20-year, single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: While removing urinary tract foreign bodies is mostly performed through retrograde cystoscopy, antegrade removal using interventional procedures is reported less frequently. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous antegrade removal of urinary tract foreign bodies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 14 consecutive patients (age range 9-80 years) who percutaneous antegrade removal of urinary tract foreign bodies between January 2001 and March 2020 were reviewed. Detailed removal procedures and complications were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Types of foreign bodies were sheared percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) catheters (n = 5), sheared double J stents (n = 3), migrated ureteral catheters (n = 3), embolization coils (n = 2), and a 0.018-inch guide wire (n = 1). The mean and median indwelling times (range 0-306 days) of the foreign bodies were 58.3 and 1.5 days, respectively. Computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted in six patients, and the extent and nature of the foreign bodies were well-visualized on CT scans. The removal access was new PCN access (n = 8), the tract missing PCN catheter (n = 3), pre-existing PCN access (n = 2), and percutaneous dissection (n = 1). The removal success rate was 92.9% (13/14) with either a simple (n = 8) or modified (n = 4; combination of a snare and guide wire is used) snare technique or a direct forceps grasp (n = 1). The mean procedure time for successful cases was 14.2 min (range 7-25 min). Procedure-related hematoma with (n = 2) or without (n = 1) renal pelvis injury occurred in three patients, which were all self-limited within one week. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous antegrade removal is safe and effective for urinary tract foreign bodies.

Modified Glasgow prognostic score is a pre-surgical prognostic marker of disease mortality in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the prognostic value of pre-surgical modified Glasgow prognostic score in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 273 urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy. The modified Glasgow prognostic score was evaluated based on pre-surgical serum C-reactive protein and albumin. Association of modified Glasgow prognostic score with recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival rates was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test was used to compare survival outcome. Cox regression analyses were performed for the assessment of the modified Glasgow prognostic score with recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival. RESULTS: Of total 273 patients, the modified Glasgow prognostic score 0, 1 and 2 were assigned in 216 (79%), 45 (17%) and 12 (4%), respectively. The recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival of urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients with modified Glasgow prognostic score 2 were significantly worse than those with modified Glasgow prognostic score 0. On univariate analysis, modified Glasgow prognostic score 2 was associated with worse recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival (all P value <0.01). On multivariate analyses, modified Glasgow prognostic score 2 was independently associated with worse cancer-specific survival and overall survival (hazard ratio: 4.73, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-17.2 and hazard ratio: 3.66, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-12.4, respectively). In the subgroup analyses of advanced urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients, modified Glasgow prognostic score 2 was independently associated with worse recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 4.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.69-11.1). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-surgical modified Glasgow prognostic score independently predicts cancer-specific survival and overall survival of urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients. Assessment of pre-surgical modified Glasgow prognostic score status could help identifying the worse survivor of urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients.

Current Trends in Artificial Intelligence Application for Endourology and Robotic Surgery.

With the advent of electronic medical records and digitalization of health care over the past 2 decades, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as an enabling tool to manage complex datasets and deliver streamlined data-driven patient care. AI algorithms have the ability to extract meaningful signal from complex datasets through an iterative process akin to human learning. Through advancements over the past decade in deep learning, AI-driven innovations have accelerated applications in health care. Herein, the authors explore the development of these emerging AI technologies, focusing on the application of AI to endourology and robotic surgery.

The clonal relation of primary upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma and paired urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

The risk of developing urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) in patients treated by radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for an upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is 22% to 47% in the 2 years after surgery. Subject of debate remains whether UTUC and the subsequent UCB are clonally related or represent separate origins. To investigate the clonal relationship between both entities, we performed targeted DNA sequencing of a panel of 41 genes on matched normal and tumor tissue of 15 primary UTUC patients treated by RNU who later developed 19 UCBs. Based on the detected tumor-specific DNA aberrations, the paired UTUC and UCB(s) of 11 patients (73.3%) showed a clonal relation, whereas in four patients the molecular results did not indicate a clear clonal relationship. Our results support the hypothesis that UCBs following a primary surgically resected UTUC are predominantly clonally derived recurrences and not separate entities.

Surgical treatment and outcome of complete unilateral urinary tract duplication in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical technique and outcome for correction of complete unilateral duplication of the left urinary tract in a dog. ANIMALS: One 7-month-old entire male Jack Russell terrier. STUDY DESIGN: Case report METHODS: A dog was referred for investigation because of urinary incontinence (UI), preputial irritation (pruritus), diphallia, and cryptorchidism. Computed tomography including urethrographic studies revealed a left duplex kidney, double ectopic left ureters, and a duplex urinary bladder comprising two halves separated by a median septum, each of which emptied into a separate urethra which coursed through separate penises. The left testis was abdominally retained. The right upper urinary tract was considered normal, and the right testis was within the scrotum. Left sided ureteronephrectomy was performed, the median bladder septum was ablated, and the left urethra was ligated. The left penis was partially amputated, and the dog was castrated. RESULTS: Urinary incontinence was improved but persisted after surgery. After repeat imaging, revision surgery was performed 3 months later in which the distal stumps of the (left) ectopic ureters were found to be filling with urine from the right urethra. Urinary incontinence resolved after resection of these ureteric stumps from the prostate and complete transection of the left urethra. CONCLUSION: Extensive surgery with resection and correction of urinary tract duplication was successful in resolving UI in this case. Urogenital duplication should be considered a rare cause of UI. The presence of external congenital deformity (eg, diphallia) should alert clinicians to the possibility of significant concurrent internal abnormalities.