Open vs robot-assisted radical cystectomy (BORARC): a double-blinded, randomised feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine surgical outcomes and feasibility of blinding patients and care providers to the surgical technique of radical cystectomy (RC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-centre, parallel-group, double-blinded, randomised feasibility study of open RC (ORC) vs robot-assisted RC with intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC) in an 'Enhanced Recovery After Surgery' setup. A total of 50 patients aged ≥18 years with bladder cancer planned for RC with an ileal conduit were included. Patients with previous major abdominal/pelvic surgery, pelvic radiation or anaesthesiological contraindications were excluded. Primary outcomes were proportion of unblinded patients and success of blinding using Bang's Blinding Index. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), complication rates, blood loss, pain, and opioid consumption. RESULTS: A total of 26% of the patients were unblinded before discharge. We demonstrated that patients and doctors remained blinded for the allocated treatment, but nurses did not. Blood loss was greater in the ORC group as was operative time in the iRARC group. We found no difference in complication rate, LOS, or use of analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that blinding of surgical technique in RC is possible. The results of secondary outcomes are consistent with the findings of previous unblinded randomised controlled trials. Our study highlights that it is possible to perform a blinded phase III study to explore the optimal surgical technique in RC.

Radiation-induced cystitis treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (RICH-ART): a randomised, controlled, phase 2-3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Late radiation cystitis is an adverse effect of cancer treatment with radiotherapy in the pelvic region. Symptoms of late radiation cystitis can be assessed with the Expanded Prostate Index Composite Score (EPIC). Previous reports indicate that hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces symptoms from late radiation cystitis, but the evidence is predominantly based on non-randomised and retrospective studies. We aimed to assess whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy would mitigate symptoms of late radiation cystitis. METHODS: We did a randomised, controlled, phase 2-3 trial (RICH-ART [Radiation Induced Cystitis treated with Hyperbaric oxygen-A Randomised controlled Trial]) at five Nordic university hospitals. All patients aged 18-80 years, with pelvic radiotherapy completed at least 6 months previously, a score of less than 80 in the urinary domain of the Expanded Prostate Index Composite Score (EPIC), and referred to participating hyperbaric clinics due to symptoms of late radiation cystitis, were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were ongoing bleeding requiring blood transfusion exceeding 500 mL in the past 4 weeks, permanent urinary catheter, bladder capacity less than 100 mL, fistula in the urinary bladder, previous treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation injuries, and contraindications to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. After computer-generated 1:1 randomisation with block sizes of four for each stratification group (sex, time from radiotherapy to inclusion, and previous invasive surgery in the pelvic area), patients received hyperbaric oxygen therapy (30-40 sessions, 100% oxygen, breathed at a pressure of 240-250 kPa, for 80-90 min daily) or standard care with no restrictions for other medications or interventions. No masking was applied. The primary outcome was change in patient-perceived urinary symptoms assessed with EPIC from inclusion to follow-up at visit 4 (6-8 months later), measured as absolute change in EPIC urinary total score. RICH-ART closed enrolment on Dec 31, 2017; the last follow-up data will be compiled in 2023. RICH-ART is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01659723, and with the European Medicines Agency, number EudraCT 2012-001381-15. FINDINGS: Of 223 patients screened between May 9, 2012, and Dec 20, 2017, 87 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either hyperbaric oxygen therapy (n=42) or standard care (n=45). After excluding eight patients who withdrew consent directly after randomisation (one in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group and seven in the standard care group), 79 were included in the intention-to-treat analyses (n=41 in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group, n=38 in the standard care group). Median time from randomisation to visit 4 was 234 days (IQR 210-262) in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group and 217 days (195-237) in the standard care group. The difference between change in group mean of EPIC urinary total score at visit 4 was 10·1 points (95% CI 2·2-18·1; p=0·013; 17·8 points [SD 18·4] in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group vs 7·7 points [15·5] in the standard care group). 17 (41%) of 41 patients in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group experienced transient grade 1-2 adverse events, related to sight and hearing, during the period of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. INTERPRETATION: Our results suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy relieves symptoms of late radiation cystitis. We conclude that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and well tolerated treatment. FUNDING: The regional research fund of Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, the regional Health Technology Assessment Centre at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden, and Lions Cancer Research Fund of Western Sweden.

Coagulation competence for predicting perioperative hemorrhage in patients treated with lactated Ringer's vs. Dextran--a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hemorrhage may depend on coagulation competence and this study evaluated the influence of coagulation competence on blood loss during cystectomy due to bladder cancer. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing radical cystectomy were included in a randomized controlled trial to receive either lactated Ringer's solution or Dextran 70 (Macrodex ®) that affects coagulation competence. RESULTS: By thrombelastography evaluated coagulation competence, Dextran 70 reduced "maximal amplitude" (MA) by 25 % versus a 1 % reduction with the administration of lactated Ringer's solution (P <0.001). Blinded evaluation of the blood loss was similar in the two groups of patients - 2339 ml with the use of Dextran 70 and 1822 ml in the lactated Ringer's group (P = 0.27). Yet, the blood loss was related to the reduction in MA (r = -0.427, P = 0.008) and by multiple regression analysis independently associated with MA (P = 0.01). Thus, 11 patients in the dextran group (58 %) developed a clinical significant blood loss (>1500 ml) compared to only four patients (22 %) in the lactated Ringer's group (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: With the use of Dextran 70 vs. lactated Ringer's solution during cystectomy, a relation between hemorrhage and coagulation competence is demonstrated. Significant bleeding develops based on an about 25 % reduction in thrombelastography determined maximal amplitude. A multivariable model including maximal amplitude discriminates patients with severe perioperative bleeding during cystectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was accepted on January 7(th), 2013 at www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu EudraCT 2012-005040-20.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit diversion versus open radical cystectomy with ileal conduit for bladder cancer in an ERAS setup (BORARC): protocol for a single-centre, double-blinded, randomised feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion is the recommended treatment for selected cases of non-metastatic high-risk non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It remains unknown whether robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy (RARC) offers any advantage in terms of safety compared to open cystectomy (ORC) in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) setup. Blinded randomised controlled trials (RCTs) between RARC versus ORC have never been conducted in cystectomy patients. We will investigate the feasibility of conducting a double-blinded RCT comparing ORC with RARC with intra-corporal ileal conduit (iRARC) in an ERAS setup. METHODS: This is a single-centre, double-blinded, randomised (1:1) clinical feasibility study for patients with non-metastatic high-risk non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive bladder cancer scheduled for cystectomy. All participants are recruited from Rigshospitalet, Denmark. The planned sample size is 50 participants to investigate whether blinding of the surgical technique is feasible. Participants and postoperative caring physicians and nurses are blinded using a pre-study designed abdominal dressing and blinding of the patient's electronic health record. Study endpoints are assessed 90 days postoperatively. The primary aim is to study the frequency and pattern of unplanned unblinding after surgery and the number of participants who cannot guess the surgical technique at the day of discharge. Eleven secondary endpoints are assessed: length of stay, days alive and out of hospital, in-hospital complication rate, 30-day complication rate, 90-day complication rate, readmission rate, quality of life, blood loss, pain, rate of moderate/severe post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) complications, and delirium. Participants are managed in an ERAS setup in both arms of the trial. DISCUSSION: We report on the design and objectives of a novel experimental feasibility study investigating whether blinding of the surgical technique in cystectomy patients is possible. This information is essential for the design of future blinded trials comparing ORC to RARC. There is a continued need to compare RARC and ORC in terms of both efficacy, safety, and oncological outcomes. Estimated end of study is March 2021. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03977831. Registered on the 6th of June 2019.

Circulating Forms of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Plasma Can Predict Recurrence and Survival in Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder.

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder is a highly aggressive disease characterised by a very heterogeneous clinical outcome. Despite cystectomy, patients still have a high recurrence risk and shortened survival. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is present in tumour tissue specimens from patients with urothelial carcinoma. The different uPAR forms in blood are strong prognostic markers in other cancer types. We investigate the presence of different uPAR forms in tumour tissue and test the hypothesis that preoperative plasma levels of the uPAR forms predict recurrence free survival, cancer specific survival, and overall survival in patients treated with cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma. Using Western blotting we analyse neoplasia and adjacent benign-appearing urothelium from randomly selected patients for the presence of intact and cleaved uPAR forms. Prospectively collected preoperative plasma samples from 107 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma are analysed. The different uPAR forms are measured by time-resolved fluorescence immunoassays. uPAR in tumour tissue from patients with urothelial carcinoma is demonstrated in both an intact and cleaved form. The different uPAR forms in plasma are all significantly associated with both recurrence free survival, cancer specific survival, and overall survival, high concentrations predicting short survival. uPAR (I) has the strongest association with a HR of 2.56 for overall survival. In the multivariable survival analysis uPAR (I) is significantly associated with cancer specific survival and overall survival.

Morbidity and Days Alive and Out of Hospital Within 90 Days Following Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity after radical cystectomy (RC) is usually quantified in terms of rates of complications, mortality, reoperations, and readmissions, and length of stay (LOS). The overall burden following RC within the first 90 d following RC may be better described using days alive and out of hospital (DAOH), which is a validated, patient-centred proxy for both morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To report short-term morbidity, LOS, and DAOH within 90 d after RC and risk factors associated with these parameters. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The study included 729 patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer at a single academic centre from 2009 to 2019. Data were retrieved from national electronic medical charts. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Multivariate analysis was used to investigate variables associated with a major complication, LOS >7 d, and DAOH <80 d. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The 90-d complication rate was 80%, including major complications in 37% of cases. Median LOS was 7 d (interquartile range (IQR) 6-9) and median DAOH was 80 d (IQR 71-83) days. Body mass index and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) predicted major complications. CCI predicted LOS >7 d and DAOH <80 d. CONCLUSIONS: RC was associated with significant short-term morbidity and DAOH was a good marker for cumulative morbidity after RC. We propose that DAOH should be a standard supplement for reporting surgical outcomes following RC for bladder cancer, which may facilitate better comparison of outcomes across treating institutions. PATIENT SUMMARY: We studied complications after surgical removal of the bladder for bladder cancer. We assessed a novel patient-centred tool that more accurately describes the total burden of complications after surgery than traditional models. We found that patients with a high body mass index and coexisting chronic diseases had a higher risk of a complicated surgical course.

Simulation-based training for flexible cystoscopy - A randomized trial comparing two approaches.

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based training allows trainees to experiment during training and end-of-training tests could increase motivation and retention. The aim of this trial was to determine if a simulation-based training program including directed self-regulated learning and post-testing improved clinical outcomes compared to a traditional simulation-based training program. METHODS: A randomized trial was conducted involving 32 participants without prior experience in endoscopic procedures. The intervention group practiced independently in a simulation centre and got a post-test whereas the control group received traditional instructions and demonstrations before being allowed to practice. Three weeks after the intervention the participants performed cystoscopies on two consecutive patients. Clinical performance was assessed using a global rating scale (GRS) with established evidence of validity. Independent samples t-test, Cronbach's α, Pearson's r, and paired samples t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-five participants performed two cystoscopies on patients. There was no significant difference between the two study groups with respect to mean GRS of performance (p = 0.63, 95 % CI; -2.4-3.9). The internal consistency of the global rating scale was high, Cronbach's α = 0.91. Participants from both study groups demonstrated significant improvement between the first and second clinical procedures (p = 0.004, 95 % CI, 0.8-3.5). Eight (32%) and 15 (60%) participants demonstrated adequate clinical skills in their first and second procedure, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found on the clinical transfer when comparing the two programs. Neither of our training programs was able to ensure consistent, competent performance on patients and this finding could serve as an important argument for simulation-based mastery learning where all training continues until a pre-defined level of proficiency is met. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: The trial was submitted before enrolment of participants to the Regional Scientific Ethics Committee of the Capital Region which established that ethical approval was not necessary (H-4-2014-122). The trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02411747).

Plasma pro-atrial natriuretic peptide to indicate fluid balance during cystectomy: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: During surgery the volume of administered fluid is debated. Pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP) is released by atrial distension, and we evaluated the relationship between changes in proANP associated with perioperative fluid balance. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: One university/tertiary centre. PARTICIPANTS: The study included patients who underwent radical cystectomy. Plasma for determination of proANP was obtained before surgery, after resection of the bladder, and at the end of surgery for 20 robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and 20 open radical cystectomy (ORC) procedures. RESULTS: The blood loss was 1871 (95% CI 1267 to 2475) vs 589 mL (378 to 801) in the ORC and RARC groups (p=0.001), respectively, and fluid balance was positive by 1518 mL (1215 to 1821) during ORC, and by 1858 mL (1461 to 2255) during RARC (p=0.163). Yet, at the end of ORC, plasma proANP was reduced by 23% (14% to 32%, p=0.001), while plasma proANP did not change significantly during RARC. Thus, plasma proANP was associated both with the perioperative blood loss (r= -0.475 (0.632 to -0.101), p=0.002), and with fluid balance (r=0.561 (0.302 to 0.740), p=0.001), indicating that a stable plasma proANP required a fluid surplus by 2.4 L (2.0 to 2.7). CONCLUSIONS: There was a correlation between intraoperative haemorrhage and a decrease in plasma proANP and, taking plasma proANP to indicate filling of the heart, about 2.5 L surplus volume of lactated Ringer's solution appears to maintain cardiac preload during cystectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: EudraCT (2012-005040-20), Results.

Impact of Albumin on Coagulation Competence and Hemorrhage During Major Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

For patients exposed to a massive blood loss during surgery, maintained coagulation competence is important. It is less obvious whether coagulation competence influences bleeding during elective surgery where patients are exposed to infusion of a crystalloid or a colloid. This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether administration of 5% human albumin (HA) or lactated Ringer solution (LR) affects coagulation competence and in turn blood loss during cystectomy due to bladder cancer. Forty patients undergoing radical cystectomy were included to receive either 5% HA (n = 20) or LR (n = 20). Nineteen patients were analyzed in the HA group and 20 patients in the lactated Ringer group. Blinded determination of the blood loss was similar in the 2 groups of patients: 1658 (800-3300) mL with the use of HA and 1472 (700-4330) mL in the lactated Ringer group (P = 0.45). Yet, by thrombelastography (TEG) evaluated coagulation competence, albumin affected clot growth (TEG-angle 69 ±â€Š5 vs 74°â€Š±â€Š3°, P < 0.01) and strength (TEG-MA: 59 ±â€Š6 vs 67 ±â€Š6 mm, P < 0.001) more than LR. Furthermore, by multivariate linear regression analyses reduced TEG-MA was independently associated with the blood loss (P = 0.042) while administration of albumin was related to the changes in TEG-MA (P = 0.029), aPPT (P < 0.022), and INR (P < 0.033). This randomized controlled trial demonstrates that administration of HA does not affect the blood loss as compared to infusion of LR. Also the use of HA did not affect the need for blood transfusion, the incidence of postoperative complications, or the hospital in-stay. Yet, albumin decreases coagulation competence during major surgery and the blood loss is related to TEG-MA rather than to plasma coagulation variables.

uPAR Expression Pattern in Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder--Possible Clinical Implications.

The objective of the present study was to confirm the expression and localisation pattern of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) focusing on its possible clinical relevance in patients with urothelial neoplasia of the bladder. uPAR is a central molecule in tissue remodelling during cancer invasion and metastasis and is an established prognostic marker in various cancer diseases other than bladder cancer. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tumour-tissue blocks from 186 patients treated with radical cystectomy were analysed. uPAR expression was scored as either negative or positive as well as by the actual score. Separate scores were obtained for cancer cells, macrophages and myofibroblasts at the invasive front and in tumour core. We were able to confirm, in an independent patient cohort, the tissue expression and localisation pattern of uPAR as investigated by Immunohistochemistry as well as a significant association between uPAR positivity and increasing tumour stage and tumour grade. This demonstrates the robustness of our previous and current findings. In addition the association between uPAR positive myofibroblasts and poor survival was reproduced. The highest hazard ratios for survival were seen for uPAR positive myofibroblasts both at the invasive front and in tumour core. Evaluating uPAR expression by the actual score showed a significant association between uPAR positive myofibroblasts in tumour core and an increased risk of cancer specific mortality. Our investigations have generated new and valuable biological information about the cell types being involved in tumour invasion and progression through the plasminogen activation system.