Financial and Business Literacy Among Urology Residents: Is this a Problem and How Can We Better Prepare Residents for their Careers?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although financial wellness is a predictor of physician burnout, we are yet to optimize financial education or wellness of Urology trainees. We assessed existing studies, compared them to those of other specialties, and discussed resources and methods to address this deficiency. RECENT FINDINGS: Urology residents tend to be less fiscally savvy (carry significant debt, and lack retirement savings or disability insurance), and 90% of trainees and young Urologists do not feel comfortable with the business of practice, including skills like coding and billing, contract negotiation, and self-value assessment. Financial and business literacy are deficiencies of Urology training, as in other specialties. Eventually, the goal should be universal adoption of a formal curriculum that is graded in nature. In the interim, we need to propose and endorse adoption of a formal curriculum, and we should support trainees by promoting a space for easily accessible and transparent information regarding best practices in personal finance and the business of healthcare.

Prostate cancer upgrading and adverse pathology in Hispanic men undergoing radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes in Hispanic men with prostate cancer are not well-described. Prior studies showed varying results regarding the rate of upgrading and upstaging, and these studies included limited pathologic data and lack of central pathology review. We characterized the rate of upgrading, adverse pathology, and oncologic outcomes in Hispanics after prostatectomy using a large institutional database. METHODS: We included Hispanic white (HW), non-Hispanic white (NHW), and black men who underwent (RP) between 2010 and 2021 at a single institution. We recorded differences in grade group between biopsy and prostatectomy and performed multivariable analyses for odds of upgrading and adverse pathologic findings. The primary outcome was rate of upgrading in HWs. Using a sub-cohort with follow-up data, we assessed race/ethnicity and upgrading as a predictor of biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival. RESULTS: Our cohort included 1877 men: 36.7% were NHW, 40.6% were HW, and 22.7% were black. Rates of upgrading were not different between NHW, NHW, and black men at 34.0, 33.8, and 37.3%, respectively (p = 0.4). In the multivariable analysis for upgrading, significant predictors for upgrading were older age (p = 0.002), higher PSA (p < 0.001), and lower prostate weight (p = 0.02), but race/ethnicity did not predict upgrading. In patients with available follow-up (1083, 58%), upgrading predicted worse BCR-free survival (HR 2.17, CI 1.46-3.22, p < 0.0001) but race/ethnicity did not. CONCLUSIONS: HW men undergoing RP had similar rates of upgrading and adverse pathologic outcomes as NHW men. Race/ethnicity does not independently predict upgrading or worse oncologic outcomes after RP.

Trends in outpatient versus inpatient urologic surgery at a university academic medical center.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To analyze trends in outpatient and inpatient urologic surgeries at a large university academic medical center and test the hypothesis that the proportion of outpatient surgeries has been increasing as compared to inpatient surgeries in urology. RECENT FINDINGS: We analyzed a total of 33,054 claims for urologic surgeries at a large university academic medical center from 2010 to 2020, of which 23.2% met inpatient criteria (n = 7695), whereas 76.7% were outpatient (n = 25,359). Although outpatient claims increased yearly by an average of 24%, inpatient claims increased yearly by an average of only 1%. Over the same period, Medicare-specific outpatient claims mirrored these trends, and Medicare-specific inpatient claims decreased. SUMMARY: Outcomes of inpatient surgeries are used as a metric for quality by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as well as US News and World Report (USNWR) rankings. However, with increasing numbers of minimally invasive operations, a large proportion of urologic surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. As this trend continues, it will be important for organizations like CMS and USNWR to incorporate methods of measuring quality that better reflect outpatient surgical outcomes for the urologic subspecialty.

Surveillance Intensity in Intermediate Risk, Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Revisiting the Optimal Timing and Frequency of Cystoscopy.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine the optimal cystoscopic interval for intermediate risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with intermediate risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (2010-2017) was performed and 3 hypothetical models of surveillance intensity were applied: model 1: high (3 months), model 2: moderate (6 months) and model 3: low intensity (12 months) over a 2-year period. We compared timing of actual detection of recurrence and progression to proposed cystoscopy timing between each model. We calculated number of avoidable cystoscopies and associated costs. RESULTS: Of 107 patients with median followup of 37 months, 66/107 (77.6%) developed recurrence and 12/107(14.1%) had progression. Relative to model 1, there were 33 (50%) delayed detection of recurrences in model 2 and 41 (62%) in model 3. There was a 1.7-month mean delay in detection of recurrence for model 1 vs 3.2, and a 7.6-month delay for models 2 and 3 (p <0.001 model 1 vs 2; p <0.001 model 2 vs 3). Relative to model 1, there were 8 (67%) and 9 (75%) delayed detection of progression events in model 2 and 3. There were no progression-related bladder cancer deaths or radical cystectomies due to delayed detection. Mean number of avoidable cystoscopies was higher in model 1 (2) vs model 2 (1) and 3 (0). Model 1 had the highest aggregate cost of surveillance ($46,262.52). CONCLUSIONS: High intensity (3-month) surveillance intervals provide faster detection of recurrences but with increased cost and more avoidable cystoscopies without clear oncologic benefit. Moderate intensity (6-month) intervals in intermediate risk, nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer allows timely detection without oncologic compromise and is less costly with fewer cystoscopies.

Heterogeneity in Genomic Risk Assessment from Tissue Based Prognostic Signatures Used in the Biopsy Setting and the Impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Targeted Biopsy.

PURPOSE: Genomic prognostic signatures are used on prostate biopsy tissue for cancer risk assessment, but tumor heterogeneity and multifocality may be an issue. We evaluated the variability in genomic risk assessment from different biopsy cores within the prostate using 3 prognostic signatures (Decipher, CCP, GPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men in this study came from 2 prospective prostate cancer trials of patients undergoing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy with genomic profiling of positive biopsy cores. We explored the relationship among tumor grade, magnetic resonance imaging risk and genomic risk for each signature. We evaluated the variability in genomic risk assessment between different biopsy cores and assessed how often magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy or the current standard of care (profiling the core with the highest grade) resulted in the highest genomic risk level. RESULTS: In all, 224 positive biopsy cores from 78 men with prostate cancer were profiled. For each signature, higher biopsy grade (p <0.001) and magnetic resonance imaging risk level (p <0.001) were associated with higher genomic scores. Genomic scores from different biopsy cores varied with risk categories changing by 21% to 62% depending on which core or signature was used. Magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy and profiling the core with the highest grade resulted in the highest genomic risk level in 72% to 84% and 75% to 87% of cases, respectively, depending on the signature used. CONCLUSIONS: There is variation in genomic risk assessment from different biopsy cores regardless of the signature used. Magnetic resonance imaging directed biopsy or profiling the highest grade core resulted in the highest genomic risk level in most cases.

Robotic intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder in the supine Trendelenburg position: a stepwise approach.

Robotic radical cystectomy with urinary diversion has become increasingly utilized for the surgical management of bladder cancer. Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction is still performed worldwide primarily via an extracorporeal approach because of the difficulty associated with robotic intracorporeal reconstruction. The objective of this article is to demonstrate a stepwise approach for robotic intracorporeal neobladder in a standardized manner that adheres to the principles of open surgery.

Prospective Evaluation of Focal High Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Localized Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: We report short-term outcomes of focal high intensity focused ultrasound use for primary treatment of localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center prospectively collected data on patients with prostate cancer who underwent primary focal high intensity focused ultrasound from January 2016 to July 2018 were included. All patients underwent a 12-core biopsy with magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion biopsy depending on the presence of targetable lesions. Any Grade Group was allowed, however only patients with localized disease were included. The primary outcome was oncologic control, defined as negative followup in-field biopsy of treated cancer. Prostate specific antigen, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, International Prostate Symptom Score and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite domain scores were assessed 3-monthly till 12 months. Biopsy was performed at 6 or 12 months for high or low/intermediate risk cancer, respectively. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with minimum followup of 12 months were included in the study. The majority of patients (67%) had cancer Grade Group 2 or greater. Fifteen patients (28.8%) underwent complete transurethral prostate resection/holmium laser enucleation of prostate procedure for debulking large prostates to avoid postoperative urinary retention. Among 30 (58%) patients who underwent followup biopsies, 25 (83%) had negative in-field biopsy results and 4 (13%) had de-novo positive out-of-field biopsy. Only 5 major complications (all grade III) in 4 patients were noted. Urinary symptoms returned to near baseline questionnaire scores within 3-6 months. Sexual function returned to baseline at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Focal high intensity focused ultrasound is a safe and effective treatment for patients with localized clinically significant prostate cancer with acceptable short-term oncologic and functional outcomes. The complications are minimal and patient selection is essential. Short-term oncologic outcomes are promising but longer followup is required to establish long-term oncologic outcomes.

Use and Validation of the AUA/SUO Risk Grouping for Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in a Contemporary Cohort.

PURPOSE: We applied nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer AUA (American Urological Association)/SUO (Society of Urologic Oncology) guidelines for risk stratification and analyzed predictors of recurrence and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 398 patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer treated between 2001 and 2017. Descriptive statistics were used to compare AUA/SUO risk groups. Predictors of recurrence and progression were determined by multivariable regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis was done, a Cox proportional hazards regression model was created and time dependent AUCs were calculated to determine progression-free and recurrence-free survival by risk group. RESULTS: Median followup was 37 months (95% CI 35-42). Of the patients 92% underwent bacillus Calmette-Guérin induction and 46% received at least 1 course of maintenance treatment. Of the patients 11.5% were at low, 32.5% were at intermediate and 55.8% were at high risk. In patients at low, intermediate and high risk the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 93%, 74% and 54%, and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 43%, 33% and 23%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis was done to stratify high grade Ta 3 cm or less tumor recurrence-free and progression-free survival in the intermediate vs the high risk group. Relative to low risk, classification as intermediate and as high risk was an independent predictor of progression (HR 9.7, 95% CI 2.23-42.0, p <0.01, and HR 36, 95% CI 8.16-159, p <0.001, respectively). Recurrence was more likely in patients at high risk than in those at low risk (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.11-3.71, p=0.022). For recurrence and progression the 1-year AUC was 0.60 (95% CI 0.546-0.656) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.622-0.732), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The AUA/SUO nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer risk classification system appropriately stratifies patients based on the likelihood of recurrence and progression. It should be used at diagnosis to counsel patients and guide therapy.

Perioperative Oral Nutrition Supplementation Reduces Prevalence of Sarcopenia following Radical Cystectomy: Results of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: We designed a prospective randomized, controlled pilot trial to investigate the effects of an enriched oral nutrition supplement on body composition and clinical outcomes following radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 61 patients were randomized to an oral nutrition supplement or a multivitamin multimineral supplement twice daily during an 8-week perioperative period. Body composition was determined by analyzing abdominal computerized tomography images at the L3 vertebra. Sarcopenia was defined as a skeletal muscle index of less than 55 cm/m in males and less than 39 cm/m in females. The primary outcome was the difference in 30-day hospital free days. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, complications, readmissions and mortality. RESULTS: The oral nutrition supplement group lost less weight (-5 vs -6.5 kg, p = 0.04) compared to the multivitamin multimineral supplement group. The proportion of patients with sarcopenia did not change in the oral nutrition supplement group but increased 20% in the multivitamin multimineral supplement group (p = 0.01). Mean length of stay and 30-day hospital free days were similar in the groups. The oral nutrition supplement group had a lower rate of overall and major (Clavien grade 3 or greater) complications (48% vs 67% and 19% vs 25%, respectively) and a lower readmission rate (7% vs 17%) but the differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo radical cystectomy after consuming an oral nutrition supplement perioperatively have a reduced prevalence of sarcopenia and may also experience fewer and less severe complications and readmissions. A larger blinded, randomized, controlled trial is necessary to determine whether oral nutrition supplement interventions can improve outcomes following radical cystectomy.

Urinary biomarkers in bladder cancer: where do we stand?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a current comprehensive review of the available urinary biomarkers for the detection and surveillance of bladder cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: The limitations of urine cytology and invasive nature of cystoscopic evaluation have led to a growing search for an ideal, cost-effective biomarker with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. Current FDA approved biomarkers such as UroVysion fluorescent in situ hybridization, Immunocyt, and nuclear matrix protein 22 do not have the specificity, and thus positive predictive value to warrant their cost as a routine adjunct or replacement for cystoscopy. Several promising commercially available assays such as Cxbladder, Assure MDx, and Xpert BC may perform better than cytology in select populations. Novel genomic, epigenetic, inflammatory, and metabolomic-based assays are being analyzed as potential urinary biomarkers. SUMMARY: Urinary biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are an unmet need in bladder cancer. Several new assays may meet these criteria and future research may justify use in clinical practice.

Validation of dominant and secondary sequence utilization in PI-RADS v2 for classifying prostatic lesions.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the secondary sequence rule in The Prostate Imaging Reporting Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 by comparing the detection of Grade group 1+ (GG1+) and 2+ (GG2+) cancers in PI-RADS 3, an upgraded PI-RADS 4, and true (non-upgraded) PI-RADS 4 targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a total of 589 lesions scored as PI-RADS 3 or 4 obtained from 434 men who underwent mpMRI-US fusion biopsy from September 2015 to November 2017 for evaluation of GG1+ and GG2+ prostate cancer. PI-RADS 4 lesions were differentiated into those that were 'upgraded' to PI-RADS 4 based on the secondary sequence and those that were 'true' PI-RADS 4 based on the dominant sequence. RESULTS: The odds of detecting a GG2+ cancer was significantly higher for an upgraded 4 (peripheral zone (PZ): OR 5.06, 95%CI 2.04-12.54, p < 0.001, transitional zone (TZ): OR 3.08, 95%CI 1.04-9.08, p = 0.042) and true 4 (PZ: OR 5.82, 95%CI 3.10-10.94, p < 0.0001, TZ: OR 2.43, 95%CI 1.14-5.18, p = 0.022) lesions compared to PI-RADS 3 lesions. Additionally, we found no difference in the odds of detecting a GG2+ prostate cancer between a true PI-RADS 4 (OR 1.15, 95%CI 0.49-2.71 p = 0.746) and upgraded 4 (referent) in the PZ. Similar non-significance was noted between true 4 (OR 0.79, 95%CI 0.26-2.38 p = 0.674) and upgraded 4 lesions in the TZ for detection of GG2+ cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Upgraded PI-RADS 4 and true 4 targets have a higher odds of detecting GG1+ and GG2+ compared to PI-RADS 3 in the PZ and TZ. Our findings validate the revised scoring system for PI-RADS.

Propensity matched comparative analysis of survival following chemoradiation or radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare survival outcome between chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with MIBC (≥cT2, N0, M0) in the National Cancer Database (2004-2013). CRT was defined as a radiation dose of ≥40 Gy and chemotherapy within 90 days of radiation. Descriptive statistics were used to compare groups. RC and CRT patients were propensity matched. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare overall survival (OS). Multivariable Cox regression was used to determine predictors of survival. RESULTS: In all, 8 379 (6 606 RC and 1 773 CRT) patients met the inclusion criteria and 1 683 patients in each group were propensity matched. On multivariable extended Cox analysis, significant predictors of decreased OS were age, Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity score of 1, Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity score of 2, stage cT3-4, and urothelial histology. CRT was associated with decreased mortality at year 1 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.96; P = 0.01), but at 2 years (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.6; P < 0.001) and 3 years onward (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.8; P < 0.001) CRT was associated with increased mortality. The 5-year OS was greater for RC than for CRT (38% vs 30%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Initially after treatment for MIBC the risk of mortality is lower with CRT compared to RC. However, at ≥2 years after treatment the mortality risk favours RC. Patients who are suitable surgical candidates, with a low risk of morbidity, may be better served by RC.

Racial disparity and survival outcomes between African-American and Caucasian American men with penile cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a survival difference for African-American men (AAM) versus Caucasian American men (CM) with penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC), particularly in locally advanced and metastatic cases where disease mortality is highest. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Florida Cancer Data System, we identified men with pSCC from 2005 to 2013. We compared age, follow-up, stage, race, and treatment type between AAM and CM. We performed Kaplan-Meier analysis for overall survival (OS) between AAM and CM for all stages, and for those with locally advanced and metastatic disease. A multivariable model was developed to determine significant predictors of OS. RESULTS: In all, 653 men (94 AAM and 559 CM) had pSCC and 198 (30%) had locally advanced and/or metastatic disease. A higher proportion of AAM had locally advanced and/or metastatic disease compared to CM (38 [40%] vs 160 [29%], P = 0.03). The median (interquartile range) follow-up for the entire cohort was 12.6 (5.4-32.0) months. For all stages, AAM had a significantly lower median OS compared to CM (26 vs 36 months, P = 0.03). For locally advanced and metastatic disease, there was a consistent trend toward disparity in median OS between AAM and CM (17 vs 22 months, P = 0.06). After adjusting for age, stage, grade, and treatment type, AAM with pSCC had a greater likelihood of death compared to CM (hazard ratio 1.64, P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: AAM have worse OS compared to CM with pSCC and this may partly be due to advanced stage at presentation. Treatment disparity may also contribute to lessened survival in AAM, but we were unable to demonstrate a significant difference in treatment utilisation between the groups.

Comparison of readmission and short-term mortality rates between different types of urinary diversion in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the impact of urinary diversion type following radical cystectomy (RC) on readmission and short-term mortality rates. METHODS: Patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer in the National Cancer Data Base were grouped based on the type of urinary diversion performed: non-continent [ileal conduit (IC)] or two continent techniques [continent pouch (CP) and orthotopic neobladder (NB)]. We used propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression models to compare 30-day readmission and 30- and 90-day mortality between the different types of urinary diversion. RESULTS: Among 11,933 patients who underwent RC, we identified 10,197 (85.5%) IC, 1044 (8.7%) CP, and 692 (5.8%) NB. Patients who received IC were significantly older and had more comorbidities (p < 0.0001). Continent diversions were more likely to be performed at an academic center (p < 0.0001). Surgery performed at a non-academic center was an independent predictor of 30-day readmission (OR 1.19, p = 0.010) and 30-day mortality (OR 1.27, p = 0.043). Patients undergoing NB had an increased likelihood of being readmitted (OR 1.41, p = 0.010). There was no significant difference in short-term mortality between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing NB had marginally increased rates of readmission compared to IC. Surgery performed at a non-academic center was associated with higher readmission and 30-day mortality. Similar short-term mortality rates were observed among the different types of urinary diversion.

Sociodemographic and survival disparities for histologic variants of bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the impact of perioperative factors on overall survival among patients with histologic variants of bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Data Base was utilized to identify patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (cT2-4, N0, M0) from 2004-2013. Variant histology bladder cancers (non-mucinous adenocarcinoma, mucinous/signet ring adenocarcinoma, micropapillary urothelial carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma) were compared to urothelial carcinoma with respect to overall survival. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated from a multivariable Cox regression model to examine factors affecting overall survival, T upstaging, N upstaging, and positive surgical margins. Median survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: A total of 5,856 patients were included in this study. Significant predictors of worse overall survival included: African-American ancestry (aHR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.03-1.48, p = 0.021), age (1.03, 1.02-1.03, p < 0.001), comorbidity (1.30, 1.20-1.40, p < 0.001), cT3 stage (1.41, 1.26-1.57, p < 0.001), and cT4 stage (1.59, 1.38-1.84, p < 0.001). Small cell carcinoma (2.10, 1.44-3.06, p < 0.001) and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (1.59, 1.15-2.20, p = 0.005) were significant predictors of worse overall survival compared to urothelial carcinoma. Small cell carcinoma had the worst 5 year overall survival (15.5%, 95% CI: 5.2%-30.9%) compared to urothelial carcinoma (48.7%, 95% CI: 47.2%-50.2%). Micropapillary urothelial carcinoma was a significant predictor of increased progression to node positivity and positive margin status after radical cystectomy compared to urothelial carcinoma (6.01, 3.11-11.63, p < 0.001; 4.38, 2.05-9.38; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among bladder cancer patients with equal treatment and staging, small cell carcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma variant histologies were predictive of worse overall survival compared to urothelial carcinoma. Patient demographics such as African-American ancestry and age were also predictive of worse overall survival among variant histology bladder cancer and urothelial carcinoma.

Perioperative outcomes and complication predictors associated with open and minimally invasive nephroureterectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive nephroureterectomy (MINU) and open nephroureterectomy (ONU) have similar oncological outcomes for treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We investigated perioperative outcomes and predictors of complications associated with MINU and ONU. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, 912 patients were identified that underwent radical nephroureterectomy for UTUC between 2005 and 2013. Logistic regression and contingency table methods used preoperative covariates to predict rates of major (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3) and 16 common perioperative complications. Additional comparisons between treatment groups were performed using unpaired t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, or Fisher's Exact tests. P values were adjusted to maintain an experiment-wise p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 625 (69%) and 287 (31%) patients underwent MINU and ONU, respectively. ONU was associated with a higher rate of major complications (OR: 2.5, CI: 1.2-5.1, p < 0.03). The incidence of pulmonary embolism (bias adjusted OR: 24, CI: 1.3-441, p < 0.003), postoperative pneumonia (OR: 4.9, CI: 1.7-16, p < 0.0016), and transfusion (OR: 2.7, CI: 1.8-4.0, p < 0.0001) was higher for ONU compared to MINU. There were no significant differences in the incidence of other complications. MINU took longer on average (median 223 versus 213 mins, p < 0.02). Time to discharge was longer for ONU (median 5 versus 4 days, p < 0.0001). No other covariates were independent predictors of major complications regardless of surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of major complications were higher for ONU compared to MINU. These data suggest that MINU is an acceptable surgical option with lower morbidity compared to ONU for the management of UTUC.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: AUA/SUO Guideline.

PURPOSE: Although associated with an overall favorable survival rate, the heterogeneity of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) affects patients' rates of recurrence and progression. Risk stratification should influence evaluation, treatment and surveillance. This guideline attempts to provide a clinical framework for the management of NMIBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review utilized research from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and additional supplementation by the authors and consultant methodologists. Evidence-based statements were based on body of evidence strength Grade A, B, or C and were designated as Strong, Moderate, and Conditional Recommendations with additional statements presented in the form of Clinical Principles or Expert Opinions.(1) RESULTS: A risk-stratified approach categorizes patients into broad groups of low-, intermediate-, and high-risk. Importantly, the evaluation and treatment algorithm takes into account tumor characteristics and uniquely considers a patient's response to therapy. The 38 statements vary in level of evidence, but none include Grade A evidence, and many were Grade C. CONCLUSION: The intensity and scope of care for NMIBC should focus on patient, disease, and treatment response characteristics. This guideline attempts to improve a clinician's ability to evaluate and treat each patient, but higher quality evidence in future trials will be essential to improve level of care for these patients.

Increasing use of observation among men at low risk for prostate cancer mortality.

PURPOSE: There are growing concerns regarding the overtreatment of localized prostate cancer. It is also relatively unknown whether there has been increased uptake of observational strategies for disease management. We assessed the temporal trend in observation of clinically localized prostate cancer, particularly in men with low risk disease, who were young and healthy enough to undergo treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the SEER-Medicare database in 66,499 men with localized prostate cancer between 2004 and 2009. The main study outcome was observation within 1 year after diagnosis. We performed multivariable analysis to develop a predictive model of observation adjusting for diagnosis year, age, risk and comorbidity. RESULTS: Observation was performed in 12,007 men (18%) with a slight increase with time from 17% to 20%. However, there was marked increase in observation from 18% in 2004 to 29% in 2009 in men with low risk disease. Men 66 to 69 years old with low risk disease and no comorbidities had twice the odds of undergoing observation in 2009 vs 2004 (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.73-2.59). Age, risk group, comorbidity and race were independent predictors of observation (each p <0.001), in addition to diagnosis year. CONCLUSIONS: We identified increasing use of observation for low risk prostate cancer between 2004 and 2009 even in men young and healthy enough for treatment. This suggests growing acceptance of surveillance in this group of patients.