Management of Node-Positive Bladder Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radical Cystectomy: A Survey of Current UK Practice.

INTRODUCTION: Because of the lack of published evidence, this study was done to explore the decisions and rationale of uro-oncology consultants regarding the treatment of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who have positive lymph nodes after radical cystectomy (RC) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to UK pelvic cancer centers regarding: (1) choice of NAC regimen; (2) indications for reimaging; (3) choice and indication of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for patients with nodal disease after NAC and RC; (4) choice and indication of chemotherapy regimen if disease continues to progress in patients with advanced bladder cancer; and (5) guidelines used by those surveyed. RESULTS: Consultant uro-oncologists from 77% of UK pelvic cancer centers responded, who treated a median of 13 patients per year with NAC before RC. Three cycles of gemcitabine and cisplatin was the most common NAC regimen, with 93% and 67% respondents giving it for downstaging of cN1- and cN2- and 3-positive patients, respectively. Forty-five percent would not give AC after NAC and RC in patients with positive lymph nodes. The patient's performance status, followed by response to NAC were key factors in dictating the use of AC. In the presence of disease progression, 46% of participants would use a taxane. Fifty-two percent of responders do not follow any guidelines. CONCLUSION: In the United Kingdom, the treatment of patients with nodal disease after NAC and RC is variable. There is little evidence on which to base the management of such patients. The creation of national and international guidelines might help clinicians to optimize care for these patients.

A rare aetiology for increased drain output following a robotic-assisted prostatectomy.

Robotic prostatectomies are being performed increasingly, with greater visualisation and improved precision, resulting in fewer postoperative complications. Despite advances in surgical techniques, drain output still remains one of the first signs of potential complications. We present the case of an iatrogenic cause for high drain output postoperatively, in order to highlight the potential problems of the drain itself. A 69-year-old man presented with a pelvic drain output of over 2 L a day as a result of the drain tip being placed at the site of the anastomosis. Here we discuss the rates of the three main causes of increased drain outputs following robotic prostatectomy, as well as highlighting the resulting complications. Overall, this case highlights the potential complications arising from the drain, which could potentially be avoided by either routine evaluation of the drain position postoperatively or by omitting the drain entirely if the anastomosis is performed well.

Unrecognized bladder perforation with mid-urethral slings.

OBJECTIVE: To present a series of women with late presentation of mid-urethral synthetic slings perforating the bladder and their management, this is rare but can lead to significant morbidity with medico-legal consequences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the case notes of nine women with urinary symptoms referred to our unit for further investigation after synthetic mid-urethral sling placement. RESULTS: The women presented between 8 weeks and 18 months after initial sling placement. Eight patients underwent a tension-free vaginal tape insertion via the retropubic route and one patient had an 'outside-in' obturator sling with the I-Stop device (CL Medical, Lyon, France). The frequencies of presenting symptoms were: dysuria in six; recurrent urinary tract infection in four; frequency and urgency in four and pelvic pain in two. Seven of the nine women developed bladder calculi on the exposed sling material, all of which were visible on plain X-ray. In six women, perforations were present at more than one site; in three urethral perforation had occurred together with an anterolateral bladder injury and in the remaining three there was bilateral bladder perforation. Initial management included cystoscopy and cystolithopaxy followed by transurethral resection (TUR) of the visible prolene mesh into the detrusor muscle. One woman required two TURs to clear all the mesh. Two women required further open surgery to remove all of the remaining mesh, both for ongoing pelvic pain that resolved after revision surgery. All the women had resolution of symptoms but all had recurrent stress urinary incontinence after tape division/excision. We used a novel technique to remove intraurethral mesh using a nasal speculum urethrally and excising the tape under direct vision, where resection proved impossible due to poor endoscopic views, with significant risk of sphincter injury. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of unrecognized tape perforation or erosion must be considered in women with persistent urinary symptoms, infection or pain after any form of mid-urethral sling procedure. Bladder stones almost invariably develop if the exposed mesh has been present for >3 months. Most patients can be managed with endoscopic resection to remove all intravesical tape. Cystoscopy should remain a mandatory procedure together with any form of mid-urethral sling placement but does not prevent unrecognized perforations in inexperienced hands.

Successful use of steroids and ureteric stents in 24 patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a chronic inflammatory disorder causing obstructive nephropathy and renal failure. We reviewed our management of this condition. METHOD: All patients with RPF treated at a single center over a 15-year period were identified. A full review of notes and computer records was undertaken. RESULTS: Data was available on 27 patients, 3 of which were excluded from later analysis. Diagnosis was based on clinical history and cross-sectional imaging. Retroperitoneal biopsy was undertaken in 3 patients. 96% had significant renal impairment at presentation with a mean serum creatinine of 688 micromol/l. 46% required emergency hemodialysis. All patients were treated with a combination of ureteric stents and/or steroids with an excellent clinical response. The mean best creatinine reached by the cohort was 136 micromol/l, and renal function remained stable in the long term. No patients required chronic dialysis. Ureteric stents were removed within 12 months and low-dose steroids were continued for a mean of 34 months. Recurrent disease was observed in 25% of patients, who all responded well to further steroid therapy. Mean duration of follow-up was 76 months. CONCLUSIONS: RPF is very effectively treated by a combination of ureteric stents and steroids, with excellent long-term results using this approach. Continued follow-up is advised because of the possibility of recurrent disease.

Novel method for open-access laparoscopic port insertion using the killian nasal speculum: the lister technique.

PURPOSE: Safe insertion of the first port during laparoscopic surgery has always been problematic, from the early use of the Veress needle to the open Hasson technique. We describe a novel, safe, and well-illuminated technique of port entry using the Killian nasal speculum. This technique has been used successfully in transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy as well as extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy in our department. The Killian nasal speculum has an built-in light source allowing excellent vision, and its narrow "beak" perfectly separates the fat and rectus sheath, and allows muscle splitting without the need for any other instrument or assistant. This technique has been employed in obese patients, allowing easy access, and it creates a tight, leakproof entry port. The Killian nasal speculum is available in all hospitals that offer an ear, nose, and throat service, and comes in four different sizes and lengths to suit all types of patients.

Complications of vasectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Vasectomy is a common method of sterilisation. However, it is less popular than tubal ligation world-wide. It is also a frequent cause of litigation relating to its complications. This article reviews the early and late risks associated with the procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data collection was done using the internet to search Medline for obtaining evidence-based medicine reviews. Cross-references were obtained from key articles. Websites of government bodies and medical associations were searched for guidelines relating to vasectomy. DISCUSSION: Early complications include haematoma, wound and genito-urinary infections, and traumatic fistulae. Vasectomy failure occurs in 0-2% of patients. Late recanalisation causes failure in 0.2% of vasectomies. Significant chronic orchalgia may occur in up to 15% of men after vasectomy, and may require epididyectomy or vasectomy reversal. Antisperm antibodies develop in a significant proportion of men post-vasectomy, but do not increase the risk of immune-complex or atherosclerotic heart disease. Similarly, vasectomy does not enhance risk of testicular or prostate cancer. Vasectomy has a lower mortality as compared to tubal occlusion, but is still significantly high in non-industrialised countries because of infections. CONCLUSIONS: Vasectomy, though safe and relatively simple, requires a high level of expertise to minimise complications. Adequate pre-operative counselling is essential to increase patient acceptability of this method of permanent contraception.