Short-term effects of bowel function on global health quality of life after radical cystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy (RC) shows an important impact on quality of life (QoL), for various clinical aspects. The aim of our study was to evaluate the short-term bowel function in patients that underwent RC. METHODS: Two hundred and six patients with MIBC underwent RC with ONB or IC urinary diversion. QoL was measured using the EORTC QLQ C30 and the Short-Form SF-36 questionnaires before surgery and at 12 months postoperatively. Baseline characteristics, including demographic profile, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), modified Frailty Index (m-FI), pathological tumor stage, Clavien-Dindo grade, and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The uni-variate and multivariate analysis (OR) were performed for constipation, diarrhea and m-FI of patients underwent RC for localized MIBC according to global health status score (poor/good vs very good). Multivariate analysis showed that constipation medium/high was significant associated with global health status poor/good (OR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.22-4.71; P=0.01); Diarrhea medium/high was associated with global health status poor/good (OR=2.85; 95% CI:1.18-6.92; P=0.02), and m-FI ≥2 score (OR=2.13; 95% CI: 0.99-4.57; P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Diarrhea and constipation are associated with a lower QoL in cystectomized patients, both with ONB or IC urinary diversion; such association is especially significant in more fragile patients (Frailty Index ≥2).

Diagnosis of prostate cancer with magnetic resonance imaging in men treated with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate if exposure to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) modifies the effect of MRI for the diagnosis of clinically significant Prostate Cancer (csPCa) (ISUP Gleason grade ≥ 2). METHODS: This study is a multicenter cohort study including patients undergoing prostate biopsy and MRI at 24 institutions between 2013 and 2022. Multivariable analysis predicting csPCa with an interaction term between 5-ARIs and PIRADS score was performed. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative (NPV) and positive (PPV) predictive values of MRI were compared in treated and untreated patients. RESULTS: 705 patients (9%) were treated with 5-ARIs [median age 69 years, Interquartile range (IQR): 65, 73; median PSA 6.3 ng/ml, IQR 4.0, 9.0; median prostate volume 53 ml, IQR 40, 72] and 6913 were 5-ARIs naïve (age 66 years, IQR 60, 71; PSA 6.5 ng/ml, IQR 4.8, 9.0; prostate volume 50 ml, IQR 37, 65). MRI showed PIRADS 1-2, 3, 4, and 5 lesions in 141 (20%), 158 (22%), 258 (37%), and 148 (21%) patients treated with 5-ARIs, and 878 (13%), 1764 (25%), 2948 (43%), and 1323 (19%) of untreated patients (p < 0.0001). No difference was found in csPCa detection rates, but diagnosis of high-grade PCa (ISUP GG ≥ 3) was higher in treated patients (23% vs 19%, p = 0.013). We did not find any evidence of interaction between PIRADS score and 5-ARIs exposure in predicting csPCa. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of PIRADS ≥ 3 were 94%, 29%, 46%, and 88% in treated patients and 96%, 18%, 43%, and 88% in untreated patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to 5-ARIs does not affect the association of PIRADS score with csPCa. Higher rates of high-grade PCa were detected in treated patients, but most were clearly visible on MRI as PIRADS 4 and 5 lesions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT05078359.

Outcomes and treatment failure after open or robotic ureteral reconstruction for iatrogenic injuries.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the aetiology, perioperative outcomes and treatment failure of contemporary patients undergoing open or robot-assisted ureteral reconstruction for iatrogenic injuries. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analysed consecutive patients who underwent ureteral reconstruction for iatrogenic injuries at two academic centres 07/2013 and 06/2022. A variety of open or robot-assisted procedures were performed, including uretero-cystoneostomy, Boari bladder flap, uretero-ureterostomy, ileal replacement and pyelo-ureteroplasty. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon with extensive experience in open and robot-assisted surgery and preference-based management. Outcome measures were aetiology, estimated blood loss, length of stay, postoperative complications and treatment failure, defined as upper tract obstruction requiring permanent urinary drainage. We also planned a subgroup analysis comparing the outcomes between open and robot-assisted procedures. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included. Most injuries were consequent to endourological procedures (44%). The most frequently performed procedures were uretero-cystoneostomy (49.2%) and Boari bladder flap (32.2%). Forty (67.8%) were open, and 19 (32.2%) were robot-assisted procedures. Major postoperative complications were recorded in seven (11.9%) patients. After a median follow-up of 42 months (interquartile range 12-24), treatment failure was observed in seven (11.9%) cases. Robot-assisted versus open procedures were associated with decreased estimated blood loss (p = 0.01), length of stay (p < 0.001) and treatment failure (0/19 vs. 7/36, p = 0.04). Conclusion: In our series of iatrogenic ureteral lesions requiring reconstructive surgery, endourological procedures were the most frequent cause. Major postoperative complications were infrequent, and treatment failure rate was low. The robot-assisted approach was associated with improved perioperative outcomes and lower failure rate compared with open.

Double-Layered Hand-Sewn versus Stapled Intestinal Anastomosis in Patients Who Underwent Ileal Urinary Diversion in Radical Cystectomy: A Comparative and Cost Effective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal anastomosis can be performed by hand suturing (single layer or double layer) or by a mechanical suturing machine. The aim of the study was to compare complications, operative time, and costs of the intestinal anastomosis techniques. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study was conducted including patients who underwent radical cystectomy and uretero-ileo-cutaneostomy or vescica ileale Padovana orthotopic neobladder. Double-layered hand-sewn intestinal anastomosis (HS-IA) were performed using Vicryl stitches. Mechanical-stapled intestinal anastomosis (MS-IA) were performed with a mechanical stapler. RESULTS: Data of 195 patients who underwent were collected. 100 (51.3%) patients underwent HS-IA and 95 (48.7%) patients underwent MS-IA. Considering the complications classified according to Clavien-Dindo, a statistical difference with higher incidence for grade one in the HS-IA both in the ileal conduit group and in the neobladder one than the MS-IA (15.8% and 8.7%, respectively, in HS-IA vs. 1.7% and none in MS-IA). There is not a significant difference in time to flatus and time to defecation. Difference is recorded in the ileal conduit groups for the length of stay (10 days, range 9-12 with HS-IA vs. 13 days range 12-16 days with MS-IA (p < 0.001). The cost of the suture thread used for a single operation was 0.40 euros, whereas the overall cost of a disposable mechanical stapler and one refill was 350.00 €. CONCLUSION: Both HS-IA and MS-IA are safe and effective for patients. The cost for the stapling device is 350 €, in contrast, the cost for Vicryl sutures is negligible.

Canonical and truncated transglutaminase-2 regulate mucin-1 expression and androgen independency in prostate cancer cell lines.

Androgen independency is associated with poor prostate cancer (PCa) survival. Here we report that silencing of transglutaminase-2 (TG2) expression by CRISPR-Cas9 is associated with upregulation of androgen receptor (AR) transcription in PCa cell lines. Knockout of TG2 reversed the migratory potential and anchorage independency of PC3 and DU145 cells and revealed a reduced level of mucin-1 (MUC1) RNA transcript through unbiased multi-omics profiling, which was restored by selective add-back of the truncated TG2 isoform (TGM2_v2). Silencing of AR resulted into increased MUC1 in TG2KO PC3 cells showing that TG2 affects transcriptional regulation of MUC1 via repressing AR expression. Treatment of PC3 WT cell line with TG2 inhibitor ZDON led to a significant increase in AR expression and decrease in MUC1. ZDON also blocked the formation of MUC1-multimers labelled with TG amine-donor substrates in reducing conditions, revealing for the first time a role for TG2, which we show to be externalised via extracellular vesicles, in MUC1 stabilisation via calcium-dependent transamidation. A specific antibody towards TGM2_v2 revealed its restricted nuclear location compared to the canonical long form of TG2 (TGM2_v1), which is predominantly cytosolic, suggesting that this form contributes to the previously suggested TG2-mediated NF-κB activation and AR transcriptional repression. As TGM2_v2 transcription was increased in biopsies of early-stage prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) patients compared to subjects presenting inflammatory prostatitis, and total TG2 protein expression significantly increased in PRAD versus normal tissue, the role of TG2 and its truncated form as a prostate malignancy marker is suggested. In conclusion, this investigation has provided the first unbiased discovery of a novel pathway mediated by TG2 via MUC1, which is shown to contribute to androgen insensitivity and malignancy of PCa cells and be upregulated in PCa biopsies, with potential relevance to cancer immune evasion.

Minimal Fat Content in Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed with Dual-Layer Dual-Energy CT.

A 56-year-old man with a previous right nephrectomy for multiple papillary renal cell carcinomas (pRCC) underwent a follow-up CT scan. Using a dual-layer dual-energy CT (dlDECT), we demonstrated the presence of a small amount of fat in a 2.5 cm pRCC that mimicked the diagnosis of angiomyolipoma (AML). Histological examination demonstrated the absence of macroscopic intratumoral adipose tissue, showing a fair amount of enlarged foam macrophages loaded with intracytoplasmic lipids. The presence of fat density in an RCC is an extremely rare occurrence in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first description using dlDECT of a minimal amount of fat tissue in a small RCC due to the presence of tumor-associated foam macrophages. Radiologists should be aware of this possibility when characterizing a renal mass with DECT. The option of RCCs must be considered, especially in the case of masses with an aggressive character or a positive history of RCC.

Incidence of Rectal Injury After Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: Rectal injury (RI) is a dreaded complication after radical prostatectomy (RP), increasing the risk of early postoperative complications, such as bleeding and severe infection/sepsis, and late sequelae, such as a rectourethral fistula (RUF). Considering its traditionally low incidence, uncertainty remains as to predisposing risk factors and management. Objective: To examine the incidence of RI after RP in contemporary series and to propose a pragmatic algorithm for its management. Evidence acquisition: A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline and Scopus databases. Studies reporting data on RI incidence were selected. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the differential incidence by age, surgical approach, salvage RP after radiation therapy, and previous benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related surgery. Evidence synthesis: Eighty-eight, mostly retrospective noncomparative, studies were selected. The meta-analysis obtained a pooled RI incidence of 0.58% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.73) in contemporary series with significant across-study heterogeneity (I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001). The highest RI incidence was found in patients undergoing open RP (1.25%; 95% CI 0.66-2.38) and laparoscopic RP (1.25%; 95% CI 0.75-2.08) followed by perineal RP (0.19%; 95% CI 0-276.95) and robotic RP (0.08%; 95% CI 0.02-0.31). Age ≥60 yr (0.56%; 95% CI 0.37-06) and salvage RP after radiation therapy (6.01%; 95% CI 3.99-9.05), but not previous BPH-related surgery (4.08%, 95% CI 0.92-18.20), were also associated with an increased RI incidence. Intraoperative versus postoperative RI detection was associated with a significantly decreased risk of severe postoperative complications (such as sepsis and bleeding) and subsequent formation of a RUF. Conclusions: RI is a rare, but potentially devastating, complication following RP. RI incidence was higher in patients ≥60 yr of age, and in those who underwent open/laparoscopic approach or salvage RP after radiation therapy. Intraoperative RI detection and repair apparently constitute the single most critical step to significantly decrease the risk of major postoperative complications and subsequent RUF formation. Conversely, intraoperatively undetected RI can lead more often to severe infective complications and RUF, the management of which remains poorly standardised and requires complex procedures. Patient summary: Accidental rectum tear is a rare, but potentially devastating, complication in men undergoing prostate removal for cancer. It occurs more often in patients aged 60 yr or older as well as in those who underwent prostate removal via an open/laparoscopic approach and/or prostate removal after radiation therapy for recurrent disease. Prompt identification and repair of this condition during the initial operation are the key to reduce further complications such as the formation of an abnormal opening between the rectum and the urinary tract.

Retzius-sparing vs. standard robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for clinically localised prostate cancer: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is not yet universally accepted due to still limited functional data and some concerns on oncological safety compared to the standard one. We assessed perioperative, pathological and early functional outcomes in patients with clinically localised prostate cancer treated with Retzius-sparing versus standard RARP. METHODS: A single-surgeon cohort of 207 consecutive patients undergoing RARP was analysed. A later study group of 102 patients receiving the Retzius-sparing approach was compared with an earlier control group of 105 patients receiving the standard one. Urinary continence recovery 1 week after catheter removal was the primary study outcome. Urinary continence recovery 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after catheter removal, potency recovery 6 months postoperatively, rate of perioperative complications and positive surgical margins were secondary study outcomes. RESULTS: Patients in the study group reported significantly higher urinary continence recovery rates 1 week (91.2% vs. 54.3%, p < 0.001), 1 month (92.2% vs. 66.7%, p < 0.001), 2 months (95.1% vs. 74.3%, p < 0.001), 3 months (96.1% vs. 83.8%, p = 0.01), but not 6 months (97% vs 90.5%, p = 0.09) after catheter removal compared to controls. Potency recovery rates 6 months after catheter removal were significantly higher in the study than the control group (68.2% vs 51.6%, p = 0.03). On multivariable analyses, the Retzius-sparing approach was an independent predictor of 1-week urinary continence recovery, but not of 6-month potency recovery. There were significant differences neither in perioperative complication rate (9.8% in the study vs. 14.3% in the control group, p = 0.28) nor in positive surgical margin rate (9.8% in the study vs. 8.6% in the control group, p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: In a comparative study, we observed a significant improvement in immediate urinary continence, but not in early potency recovery, using the Retzius-sparing compared to the standard approach for RARP, with no increase in perioperative complication and positive surgical margin rate.

Robot-assisted Bladder Diverticulectomy Using a Transperitoneal Extravesical Approach.

Background: Acquired bladder diverticula (BD) are a possible complication of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostate enlargement (BPE). Robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy (RABD) has been proposed as an alternative to open removal; however, only a few small series have been published. Objective: To describe our surgical technique for RABD and to assess perioperative results and functional outcomes at 6-mo follow-up. Design setting and participants: A prospective single-centre, single-surgeon cohort of 16 consecutive men with posterior or posterolateral BD due to BOO/BPE undergoing RABD between May 2017 and December 2021 was analysed. Surgical procedure: RABD was performed with a four-arm robotic system via a transperitoneal approach. BD were identified intraoperatively via bladder distension with saline solution through an indwelling catheter with or without concomitant illumination using flexible cystoscopy and fluorescence imaging. Extravesical BD dissection and removal were performed. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Operating room time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, indwelling catheter time, and timing of associated procedures for BOO/BPE were assessed. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and postvoid residual volume (PVR) were compared between baseline and 6 mo after surgery. Results and limitations: Median age and maximum BD diameter were 68 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 54-74) and 69 mm (IQR 51-82), respectively. The median operative time was 126 min (IQR 92-167) and the median estimated blood loss was 20 ml (IQR 15-40). No intraoperative complications were recorded. The urethral catheter was removed on median postoperative day 5 (IQR 5-7). Two men experienced 90-d postoperative complications (persistent urinary infection requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy). Bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate was performed 3 wk before RABD in seven men and concomitant to RABD in nine men. Median IPSS significantly decreased from 25 (IQR 21-30) to 5 (IQR 5-6), and median PVR from 195 ml (IQR 140-210 ml) to 30 (IQR 28-40) ml (both p < 0.001) at 6-mo follow-up in comparison to baseline. A limitation is the rather small cohort with no control group. Conclusions: RABD is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for treatment of acquired BD in men with BOO/BPE. Validation of our results in larger series with longer follow-up is warranted. Patient summary: We describe our surgical technique for robot-assisted removal of pouches in the bladder wall (called diverticula) in men with bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostate enlargement, and report functional results at 6 months after the operation. This minimally invasive technique was found to be safe and effective.

Comparison of Fluoroquinolones and Other Antibiotic Prophylaxis Regimens for Preventing Complications in Patients Undergoing Transrectal Prostate Biopsy.

Our study aimed to compare the incidence of infective complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSBx) when adopting different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens. A multi-institutional cohort of 1150 patients who underwent TRUSBx was retrospectively analyzed. Procedures were performed between 2017 and 2019 (before and after the EMA warning about the use of fluoroquinolones for the antibiotic prophylaxis of patient candidates to TRUSBx). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of infective complications, including sepsis and/or fever. The population was stratified according to the antibiotic prophylaxis adopted: fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, prulifloxacin), cephalosporins (cefixime, ceftriaxone) or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Univariable and multivariable binomial logistic regression models were used to assess the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) testing of the risk of infective complication after adjusting for each prebiopsy covariate. In total, 478 (41.6%) patients received fluoroquinolone-based prophylaxis. Among these, 443 (38.5%), 25 (2.2%) and 10 (0.9%) patients received levofloxacin prophylaxis, ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin, respectively while 14.6% received cefixime, 20.7% received the comedication of ceftriaxone/fosfomycin and 23.1% received trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolone regimens were significantly associated with a lower risk of infective complications (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03−0.48, p = 0.003 and OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06−0.43, p < 0.001, respectively). The ceftriaxone/fosfomycin (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.04−0.92, p = 0.04) and fluoroquinolone (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.00−0.70, p = 0.048) prophylaxis were associated with a lower risk of infective sequelae. Fluoroquinolone-based prophylaxis was associated with a lower risk of infective complications after TRUSBx compared to other prophylaxis regimens although its clinical application was recently forbidden by European Medical Agency restrictions.

Urethral fixation technique improves urinary continence recovery in men undergoing open radical cystectomy and ileal orthotopic neobladder.

BACKGROUND: We assessed urinary continence recovery and perioperative complications in patients operated on with the novel urethral fixation technique during open radical cystectomy (RC) with ileal orthotopic neobladder (IONB). METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 82 consecutive male patients undergoing open RC with IONB between 07/2013 and 06/2020 was analyzed. A study group of 48 patients operated on with the urethral fixation technique was compared with a control group of 34 patients receiving standard neovesico-urethral anastomosis. In the study group, the urethral stump was fixed to the dorsal median raphe posteriorly and to the medial portion of levator ani muscle postero-laterally in order to avoid urethral retraction/deviation. Urinary continence recovery and perioperative complications were assessed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with regard to demographic, clinical and pathological variables. At the median follow-up of 36 months, 42 (87.5%) patients in the study, and 22 (64.7%) in the control group during daytime, and 32 (66.7%) patients in the study, and 15 (44.1%) patients in the control group during nighttime used no pads or a safety pad (P=0.01 and P=0.04, respectively). Ninety-day postoperative complications were observed in 14 (29.2%) patients in the study, and in 10 (29.4%) cases in the control group (P=0.77). CONCLUSIONS: In our exploratory case-control study of male patients undergoing open RC with IONB, we observed a significant improvement in daytime and nighttime urinary continence recovery with no increase in perioperative complications using the novel urethral fixation technique compared to the standard neovesical-urethral anastomosis.

Retrosigmoid ileal conduit without transposition of the left ureter after open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To assess perioperative outcomes, complications, and rate of uretero-ileal anastomotic stricture (UAS) in patients undergoing retrosigmoid ileal conduit after radical cystectomy (RC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical records of consecutive patients receiving retrosigmoid ileal conduit after open RC for bladder cancer between March 2016 and June 2020 at two academic centres were prospectively collected. Two expert surgeons performed all cases. Operating room (OR) time, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion rate, and 90-day postoperative complications classified according to the Clavien-Dindo system, were assessed. In particular, rate of UAS, defined as upper urinary tract dilatation requiring endourological or surgical management, was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients were analysed. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) OR time was 245 (215-290) min, median (IQR) EBL was 350 (300-500) mL, and blood transfusions were given to 15 (15.5%) cases. There were no intraoperative complications. There were 90-day postoperative complications in 33 patients (34%), being major (Grade III-V) in 19 (19.6%). Two patients died from early postoperative complications. At a median (IQR) follow-up of 25 (14-40) months, there was only one case (1%) of UAS, involving the right ureter and requiring an open uretero-ileal re-implantation. CONCLUSION: The retrosigmoid ileal conduit is a safe and valid option for non-continent urinary diversion after RC, ensuring a very low risk of UAS at an intermediate-term follow-up.

Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Using the Novel Urethral Fixation Technique Versus Standard Vesicourethral Anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Urinary continence recovery after radical prostatectomy is a major issue even in the robotic era. Surgical techniques aimed at improving earlier return to continence are continuously sought. OBJECTIVE: To describe our novel surgical technique of urethral fixation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to assess early urinary continence recovery and perioperative complications. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective, single-center, single-surgeon cohort of 70 consecutive patients undergoing RARP between January and December 2019 was analyzed. A study group of 35 patients operated on with the urethral fixation technique was compared with a control group of 35 patients receiving standard vesicourethral anastomosis. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Urethral fixation versus standard vesicourethral anastomosis during RARP was evaluated. In the study group, the urethral stump was fixed to the dorsal median raphe posteriorly and to the medial portion of the levator ani muscle posterolaterally. The same posterior musculofascial reconstruction incorporating the vesicourethral anastomosis was performed in both groups. MEASUREMENTS: Urinary continence recovery, perioperative complications, operating room time, and estimated blood loss were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The two groups were comparable with regard to all demographic, clinical, and pathological variables. Recovery of urinary continence at 3 mo after catheter removal was reported by 34 (97.1%) patients in the study and 28 (80%) patients in the control group (p = 0.02). Patients in the study group reported significantly higher rates of urinary continence even at 1 wk and 1 mo after catheter removal compared with the control group (68.6% vs 45.7%, p = 0.04, and 80% vs 54.3%, p = 0.04, respectively). No differences were observed in operating room time (p = 0.7) or estimated blood loss (p = 0.65). Ninety-day postoperative complications were observed in one (2.9%) patient in the study and in four (11.4%) in the control group (p = 0.3). The main limitation is the nonrandomized comparison of relatively small cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we observed a significant improvement in early urinary continence recovery, with no increase in operating room time or perioperative complications, using the novel urethral fixation technique compared with the standard vesicourethral anastomosis during RARP. PATIENT SUMMARY: We describe our novel surgical technique of urethral fixation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Compared with the standard technique, utilization of our technique was found to be associated with an improved early recovery of urinary continence, with no increase in operating room time or perioperative complications.

Relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis on cystogram is a strong and reproducible predictor of early urinary continence recovery following radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether bladder neck angle and position on cystogram predict early urinary continence in patients scheduled for early catheter removal after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: A total of 103 patients undergoing open or robot-assisted RP by one expert surgeon between January and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A cystogram was performed on postoperative day 3 or 4 to evaluate anastomotic leakage, and, if none or minimal, the catheter was removed. Urinary continence was evaluated with a validated questionnaire at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after RP. Four investigators of different experience assigned bladder neck angle and relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis on archived cystogram images. Association between these two parameters and urinary continence rates at different follow-up times was assessed with logistic regression analysis adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics, and surgical technique. Interobserver agreement in assigning the two parameters was measured with k statistic. RESULTS: Catheter was removed immediately after cystogram in 101 (98%) patients. On multivariable analysis, only relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis was an independent predictor of 1-week (odds ratio [OR] 30. 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 6-138, p < 0.001), 1-month (OR 11. 95%CIs 3.8-32, p < 0.001), and 3-month (OR 19. 95%CIs 3.6-98, p < 0.001) urinary continence. Interobserver agreement for bladder neck and relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis was fair to moderate, and substantial to almost perfect, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Relative position of bladder neck to pubic symphysis on cystogram is a strong and reproducible predictor of early urinary continence after RP.

Computed tomography features predicting aggressiveness of malignant parenchymal renal tumors suitable for partial nephrectomy.

The aim of this study was to identify and standardize computed tomography (CT) features having a potential role in predicting aggressiveness of malignant parenchymal renal tumors suitable for partial nephrectomy (PN). We performed a non-systematic review of the recent literature to evaluate the potential impact of CT variables proposed by the Society of Abdominal Radiology Disease-Focused Panel on Renal Cell Carcinoma in predicting aggressiveness of newly diagnosed malignant parenchymal renal tumors. The analyzed variables were clinical tumor size, tumor growth rate, enhancement characteristics, amount of cystic component, polar and capsular location, tumor margins and distance between tumor and renal sinus. Unfavorable behavior was defined as: 1) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with stage ≥pT3; 2) nuclear grade 3 or 4; 3) presence of sarcomatoid de-differentiation; or 4) non-clear cell subtypes with unfavorable prognosis (type 2 papillary RCC, collecting duct or renal medullary carcinoma, unclassified RCC). Beyond clinical tumor size, tumor growth rate, enhancement characteristics, amount of cystic component, tumor margins and distance between tumor and renal sinus are highly relevant features predicting an unfavorable behavior. Moreover, several studies supported the role of necrosis as preoperative predictor of tumor aggressiveness. Peritumoral and intratumoral vasculature as well as capsule status are emerging variables that need to be further evaluated. Tumor size, enhancement characteristics, tumor margins and distance to the renal sinus are highly relevant CT features predicting biological aggressiveness of malignant parenchymal renal tumors. Combination of these parameters might be useful to generate tools to predict the unfavorable behavior of renal tumors suitable for PN.

A Contemporary Case Series of Complex Surgical Repair of Surgical/Endoscopic Injuries to the Abdominal Ureter.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic ureteral injuries are devastating complications potentially resulting in irreversible impairment of renal function and/or infectious sequelae. Only few data are available on the management of such injuries to the abdominal ureter. OBJECTIVE: To report the etiology, perioperative outcomes, and treatment failure rate of different reconstructive surgical interventions for iatrogenic injuries to the abdominal ureter in a contemporary case series. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent reconstructive surgery for iatrogenic injuries to the abdominal ureter at our academic centers between July 2013 and April 2019. All interventions were performed via either an open or a robot-assisted approach by a single expert surgeon. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Different surgical reconstructive procedures, such as Boari bladder flap, ureteroureterostomy, ileal replacement, and pyeloureteroplasty, have been adopted. MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measures were the etiology of iatrogenic injuries, rate of postoperative complications, and rate of treatment failure, defined as upper urinary tract obstruction requiring permanent urinary drainage. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Nineteen patients were included. Injuries were consequent to endourological procedures in nine (47.4%), gynecological procedures in two (10.5%), colonic surgery in two (10.5%), vascular surgery in two (10.5%), and other surgeries in four (21.1%) cases. Boari bladder flap was performed in 12 (63.2%), ureteroureterostomy in two (10.5%), ileal substitution in two (10.5%), and pyeloureteroplasty in three (15.8%) cases. Only four (21.1%) procedures were performed robotically. Major postoperative complications were recorded in three (15.8%) patients. After a median follow-up of 16 (interquartile range 12-24) mo, treatment failure was observed in two (15.8%) cases. We accept the limitations of a small retrospective single-surgeon series with preference-based management choice. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, endourological procedures were the most frequent cause of iatrogenic injuries to the abdominal ureter requiring reconstructive surgery. A Boari bladder flap was the preferred option to bridge extensive ureteral defects. Despite the complexity of such procedures, major postoperative complications were infrequent and treatment failure rate was low. PATIENT SUMMARY: We report on a contemporary series of patients with disparate iatrogenic injuries to the abdominal ureter requiring complex reconstructive surgery. Despite the difficulty of such procedures, we found that major postoperative complications were infrequent and treatment failure rate was low.

Absolok® versus Hem-o-Lok® clips for renorrhaphy during partial nephrectomy for parenchymal renal tumors.

BACKGROUND: To compare perioperative and functional outcomes associated with renorrhaphy performed with two different types of clips (Absolok® vs. Hem-o-Lok®) in a contemporary series of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy. METHODS: Patients in whom Absolok® clips were used to perform haemostasis at the level of tumor bed or to block the running sutures during sliding-clip renorrhaphy (study group) were compared with a contemporary control group of patients in whom renorrhaphy was performed with Hem-o-Lok® clips. Both groups received the same surgical technique via an open or robot-assisted approach. Inner renorrhaphy was performed with one or more 3-0 (26 mm needle) monofilament running suture(s) preloaded with medium Absolok® clips in the study group, and with medium Hem-o-Lok® clips in the control group. Cortical renorrhaphy was performed using interrupted 2-0 (26 mm needle) polyfilament sutures placed at intervals of 1 cm using the sliding-clip technique with Absolok® clips in the study group and with Hem-o-Lok® clips in the control group. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Absolok® clips were used in 57 patients, while Hem-o-Lok® clips were used in 40 patients. The two groups were comparable for all preoperative patient and tumor characteristics. No differences were observed in terms of operating room time (P=0.29), off-clamp technique rate (P=0.96), warm ischemia time (P=0.19) and estimated blood loss (P=0.18). No difference in the rate of positive surgical margins was detected (P=0.21). Ninety-day complications were observed in 32 (33%) cases. No difference in overall and major postoperative complications were observed between the two groups (P=0.20). Abdominal CT scan performed after 3 months following surgery showed no Absolok® clips in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Absolok® clips are a valid alternative to Hem-o-Lok® clips to secure blood vessels at the level of tumor bed and to perform a sliding-clip renorrhaphy in patients who underwent open or robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.