Comparison of perioperative outcomes between robot-assisted adrenalectomy and laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a propensity score matching analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RAA) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) using propensity score matching. This retrospective study included 395 patients who underwent minimally invasive adrenalectomy: 354 who underwent LA and 41 who underwent RAA between February 2015 and March 2023. To mitigate potential confounding factors, 2:1 propensity score matching was conducted based on age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumor laterality, and tumor size. Perioperative outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups, and prognostic factors for complications were analyzed. Propensity score matching analysis identified 123 patients, with 82 and 41 in the LA and RAA groups, respectively. Operative time (81.4 ± 26.6 min vs. 83.5 ± 25.9 min, P = 0.675), estimated blood loss (77.7 ± 68.3 mL vs. 83.2 ± 73.9 mL, P = 0.683), and post-operative stay (3.8 ± 1.0 days vs. 4.0 ± 0.9 days, P = 0.211) showed no significant differences between two groups. Intraoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (9.8%) in the LA group, while no patients (0%) experienced intraoperative complications in the RAA group (P = 0.051). In both groups, post-operative complications occurred in 2.4% (P = 1). The only factor contributing to complications after adrenalectomy was tumor size (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.001-1.051, P = 0.042). RAA exhibited comparable perioperative outcomes and presented an improved intraoperative complication rate compared with LA. Tumor size was the only factor that contributed to complications after adrenalectomy.

Analysis of progression after elective distal ureterectomy and effects of salvage radical nephroureterectomy in patients with distal ureteral urothelial carcinoma.

We compared the progression patterns after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and elective distal ureterectomy (DU) in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the distal ureter. Between Jan 2011 and Dec 2020, 127 patients who underwent RNU and 46 who underwent elective DU for distal ureteral cancer were enrolled in this study. The patterns of progression and upper tract recurrence were compared between the two groups. Progression was defined as a local recurrence and/or distant metastasis after surgery. Upper tract recurrence and subsequent treatment in patients with DU were analyzed. Progression occurred in 35 (27.6%) and 10 (21.7%) patients in the RNU and DU groups, respectively. The progression pattern was not significantly different (p = 0.441), and the most common progression site was the lymph nodes in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pT2 stage, concomitant lymphovascular invasion, and nodal stage were significant predictors of disease progression. Upper tract recurrence was observed in nine (19.6%) patients with DU, and six (66.7%) patients had a prior history of bladder tumor. All patients with upper tract recurrence after DU were managed with salvage RNU. Elective DU with or without salvage treatment was not a risk factor for disease progression (p = 0.736), overall survival (p = 0.457), cancer-specific survival (p = 0.169), or intravesical recurrence-free survival (p = 0.921). In terms of progression patterns and oncological outcomes, there was no difference between patients who underwent RNU and elective DU with/without salvage treatment. Elective DU should be considered as a therapeutic option for distal ureter tumor.

Single Early Intravesical Instillation of Epirubicin for Preventing Bladder Recurrence After Nephroureterectomy in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Purpose: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of early single intravesical administration of epirubicin in preventing intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical nephroureterectomy between November 2018 and May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Intravesical epirubicin was administered within 48 hours if no evidence of leakage was observed. Epirubicin (50 mg) in 50 mL normal saline solution was introduced into the bladder via a catheter and maintained for 60 min. The severity of adverse events was graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. We compared intravesical recurrence rate between the two groups. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the independent predictors of bladder recurrence following radical nephroureterectomy. Results: Epirubicin (n=55) and control (n=116) groups were included in the analysis. No grade 1 or higher bladder symptoms have been reported. A statistically significant difference in the intravesical recurrence rate was observed between the two groups (11.8% at 1 year in the epirubicin group vs. 28.4% at 1 year in the control group; log-rank p=0.039). In multivariate analysis, epirubicin instillation (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.93; p=0.033) and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13-0.65; p=0.003) were independently predictive of a reduced incidence of bladder recurrence. Conclusion: This retrospective review revealed that a single immediate intravesical instillation of epirubicin is safe and can reduce the incidence of intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy. However, further prospective trials are required to confirm these findings.

Impact of urinary diversion type on urethral recurrence following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: propensity score matched and weighted analyses of retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: The absence of randomized controlled trials and the presence of inherent selection bias in existing studies have led to ongoing uncertainty regarding the impact of urinary diversion (UD) type (orthotopic UD or nonorthotopic UD) on urethral recurrence (UR) following radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. This study aimed to assess the impact of the UD types on UR after RC and to identify predictive factors associated with UR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis encompassed 612 male patients who underwent RC for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Among them, 341 patients received nonorthotopic UD [ileal conduit (IC) or ureterocutaneostomy (UC)], whereas 271 received orthotopic neobladder (NB) between January 2012 and October 2022. To mitigate potential biases, we employed 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) and stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW). Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests were employed to assess UR-free survival between the IC/UC and NB groups, while multivariable Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine predictive factors for UR. RESULTS: Among the 612 patients included, 33 (5.4%) experienced UR. PSM yielded matched cohort comprising 412 patients, evenly distributed with 206 patients in each group (IC/UC and NB). Clinicopathological data demonstrated similarity between the two groups. Patients who underwent NB exhibited significantly superior UR-free survival in both PSM (log-rank P =0.033) and IPTW cohorts (log-rank P =0.009). NB reconstruction (vs. IC/UC) emerged as a substantial protective factor against UR [hazard ratio (HR) 0.283; 95% CI: 0.088-0.916; P =0.035], whereas prostatic urethral involvement was identified as a significant risk factor (HR 5.328; 95% CI: 1.298-21.868; P =0.020) in the PSM cohort. Additionally, in the IPTW cohort, NB reconstruction (vs. IC/UC) maintained its significance as a protective factor against UR (HR 0.336; 95% CI: 0.131-0.858; P =0.023) along with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.335; 95% CI: 0.116-0.969; P =0.044), whereas prostatic urethral involvement remained a significant risk factor (HR 3.752; 95% CI: 1.484-9.488; P =0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Even after mitigating selection bias, NB reconstruction holds a protective effect against UR in male patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer.

Optimal endoscopic treatment and partial cystectomy with or without bladder augmentation for Hunner-type interstitial cystitis.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) presents a significant challenge for urologists in terms of management, owing to its chronic nature and adverse impact on patient quality of life. Given the potential distinction between two disease entities within IC/BPS, namely Hunner-type IC and BPS without Hunner lesion, there is a need for an optimal therapeutic approach that focuses on the bladder lesions in Hunner-type IC. In cases where Hunner lesions are observed, complete transurethral ablation of these lesions should be prioritized as the initial intervention, as it has demonstrated effectiveness in symptom control. However, recurrence remains a limitation of this intervention. The techniques of resection and coagulation are equally effective in terms of symptom relief and recurrence prevention. Reconstructive surgery becomes necessary in cases of end-stage IC/BPS where various therapeutic approaches have failed. Patient selection is crucial in reconstructive surgery, particularly for patients with clear Hunner lesions and small bladder capacity who have not responded to previous treatments. Furthermore, it is vital to consider the patients' expectations and preferences adequately. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature and our own clinical experiences, subtotal cystectomy followed by bladder augmentation is considered a safe and effective surgical option. This stepwise and tailored therapeutic approach aims to optimize patients' quality of life by specifically targeting Hunner-type IC.

How far has robot-assisted partial nephrectomy reached?

Nephron-sparing surgery is the standard treatment for small renal mass (SRM). Nephron-sparing surgery has evolved from an open to a minimally invasive technique. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is the latest technique in this field and is reported to be safe and feasible, showing oncologically and functionally superior or compatible results compared with open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for SRM. This is not limited to only SRM but also applies to large and complex renal masses and other challenging situations. RAPN showed good oncological and functional outcomes for ≥clinical T2 renal tumors, complex renal masses (PADUA score ≥10, RENAL score ≥10), hilar renal tumors, and multiple renal tumors. In addition, the outcomes of RAPN in these challenging cases were not inferior to those in conventional cases. RAPN could also be applied to a number of challenging cases in which the open technique was considered first. RAPN showed good results in patients with a solitary kidney, horseshoe kidney, and in repeat surgeries. Furthermore, RAPN could be safely performed on obese, elderly, and pediatric patients. Finally, this review evaluates efficiency and utility of RAPN based on the results of challenging cases of renal masses and to project the future of RAPN.

Combination of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and transperineal template-guided mapping prostate biopsy to determine potential candidates for focal therapy.

Background: We assessed the ability of the combination of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy (TTMB) to determine the eligibility for focal therapy (FT) (hemiablation) in men and compared it with that of histology from radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. Materials and methods: In this study, 120 men who underwent mpMRI, TTMB, and RP in a single tertiary center from May 2017 to June 2021 were analyzed. The criteria of hemiablation eligibility were unilateral low-to intermediate-risk prostate cancer (limited to a maximum of International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group 3 and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) <20 ng/mL) and clinical stage ≤T2. Evidence of non-organ-confined disease or contralateral Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2 score ≥4 on mpMRI was classified as ineligible for hemiablation. Clinically significant cancer at RP was defined as any of the following: (1) ISUP grade group 1 with tumor volume ≥1.3 mL; (2) ISUP grade group ≥2; or (3) the presence of advanced stage (≥pT3). Results: Of the 120 men, data of 52 men who met the selection criteria for hemiablation were compared with final RP findings. Of these 52 men, 42 (80.7%) could be considered suitable for hemiablation on RP. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of mpMRI and TTMB in predicting FT eligibility were 80.7%, 85.1%, and 82.5%, respectively. The rate of undetected contralateral significant cancer was 10 (19.2%) on mpMRI and TTMB. Six had bilateral significant cancer and four had small volumes of ISUP grade group ≥2. Conclusions: The combination of mpMRI and TTMB substantially improves the prediction of potential candidates for hemiablation based on consensus recommendations. Improved selection criteria and further investigative tools are required to improve patient selection for hemiablation.

Clinicopathologic Features of IDEDNIK (MEDNIK) Syndrome in a Term Infant: Histopathologic Features of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Report of a Novel AP1S1 Variant.

Inherited syndromes of congenital enteropathy are rare, with many genetic causes described. Mutations of the AP1S1 gene results in the syndrome of intellectual disability, enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratoderma (IDEDNIK, formerly in the medical literature as MEDNIK). The clinicopathologic features of the enteropathy in IDEDNIK syndrome have not been fully explored. We describe a female infant who presented with metabolic acidosis, lethargy, and 14 watery stools per day. In the intensive care unit she required parenteral nutrition. She was found to have a novel homozygous pathogenic variant in the AP1S1 gene c.186T>G (p.Y62*). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy at 6 months of age were grossly normal. However, histologic sections of the duodenum showed mild villous blunting and enterocytes with cytoplasmic vacuoles. CD10 immunostaining highlighted the disrupted brush border. MOC31 immunostaining was wild-type with a membranous pattern of expression. Electron microscopy of the duodenum showed scattered enterocytes cells with shortened and disrupted apical microvilli. Although there is a mixed gap diarrhea and disrupted brush border, there are no significant inclusions typical of microvillus inclusion disease, nor tufted enterocytes typical of tufting enteropathy, making the clinical and histopathologic features for this syndrome unique.

Effects of hormone therapy on the clinical outcomes of endoscopic intervention in patients with endometriosis-related ureteral obstruction.

PURPOSE: We investigated whether endoscopic interventions, including laser endoureterotomy and balloon dilatation following hormone therapy, are a good choice to treat ureteral obstruction due to ureteral endometriosis instead of laparoscopic or open surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with ureteral obstruction due to endometriosis who underwent endoscopic intervention between 2004 and 2021 were reviewed. Patients with other causes of ureteral obstruction or previous ureteral surgery were excluded from the study. The primary endpoint was the 3-month success rate of endoscopic intervention with or without hormone therapy. Secondary endpoints were the success rate of endoscopic intervention between the hormone-treated and hormone-untreated groups at 6 months and the success rate according to the hormone therapy response of endometriosis at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with 19 ureter units were evaluated in this study, including 12 patients receiving hormone therapy and six patients not receiving hormone therapy. Among patients receiving hormone therapy, one patient had bilateral ureteral obstruction. The success rate of endoscopic intervention was higher in patients who received hormone therapy than in those who did not receive hormone therapy three months after endoscopic intervention (76.9% vs. 0.0%, p=0.003). The same result was also found 6 months after endoscopic intervention (75.0% vs. 0.0%, p=0.005). In addition, the success rates were higher in the hormone-responsive group than in the non-responsive group (100.0% vs. 57.1%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.122). CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral obstruction caused by endometriosis can be effectively treated by endoscopic intervention with hormone therapy in select patients.

Chromosomal Instability in Cell-free DNA as a Prognostic Biomarker of Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer Treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Although patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) undergo androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the disease can progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). There are no reliable biomarkers for predicting this progression. Chromosomal instability resulting in copy number alterations (CNAs) is characteristically observed in patients with various cancers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of chromosomal instability in patients with mHSPC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective study analyzed cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in pretreatment plasma samples from 75 patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen. Low-depth whole-genome sequencing of cfDNA was performed to identify CNAs. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The I score (sum of the product of the absolute Z score and the corresponding chromosome length) was used as a measure of chromosomal instability. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the I score and time to progression (TTP) and the prognostic value of chromosomal instability in predicting castration resistance, respectively. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of 22 patients with a positive I score, 86.4% (19/22) had metastatic prostate cancer. Of these 19 cases, 94.7% (18/19) were mHSPC, which was high-volume mHSPC in 83.3% (15/18). None of the patients with localized prostate cancer had a positive I score. TTP in patients with mHSPC was significantly shorter in the positive than in the negative I-score group (16.4 vs 36.9 mo; p = 0.001). Only the I score could independently predict mCRPC development (hazard ratio 10.315, 95% confidence interval 1.141-93.208; p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The I score could be a biomarker for ADT response and progression to mCRPC in patients with mHSPC. PATIENT SUMMARY: We investigated whether genetic changes in cell-free DNA can predict outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer that still responds to hormone therapy. We found that chromosomal instability could be a potential predictor of the development of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Clinical Utility of Prostate Health Index for Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer in Patients with PI-RADS 3 Lesions.

The risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2 (PI-RADSv2) score-3 lesions is equivocal; it is regarded as an intermediate status of presented PCa. In this study, we evaluated the clinical utility of the prostate health index (PHI) for the diagnosis of PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) in patients with PI-RADSv2 score-3 lesions. The study cohort included patients who underwent a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided, cognitive-targeted biopsy for PI-RADSv2 score-3 lesions between November 2018 and April 2021. Before prostate biopsy, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) derivatives, such as total PSA (tPSA), [-2] proPSA (p2PSA) and free PSA (fPSA) were determined. The calculation equation of PHI is as follows: [(p2PSA/fPSA) × tPSA ½]. Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the values of PSA derivatives measured by the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were compared. For this study, csPCa was defined as Gleason grade 2 or higher. Of the 392 patients with PI-RADSv2 score-3 lesions, PCa was confirmed in 121 (30.9%) patients, including 59 (15.1%) confirmed to have csPCa. Of all the PSA derivatives, PHI and PSA density (PSAD) showed better performance in predicting overall PCa and csPCa, compared with PSA (all p < 0.05). The AUC of the PHI for predicting overall PCa and csPCa were 0.807 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.710−0.906, p = 0.001) and 0.819 (95% CI: 0.723−0.922, p < 0.001), respectively. By the threshold of 30, PHI was 91.7% sensitive and 46.1% specific for overall PCa, and was 100% sensitive for csPCa. Using 30 as a threshold for PHI, 34.4% of unnecessary biopsies could have been avoided, at the cost of 8.3% of overall PCa, but would include all csPCa.

Utility of multiple core biopsies during transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy for patients with large prostates and PI-RADS 1-2 on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: We investigated the necessity of multiple core biopsies when performing transperineal template-guided mapping biopsy (TTMB) for patients with large prostates and no suspicious lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 304 patients on active surveillance (AS), 212 patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-Bx) and 67 biopsy naïve patients who underwent TTMB between May 2017 and December 2020. The number of core biopsies and acute urinary retention (AUR) rates were analyzed in relation to the prostate volume (PV). Cancer detection rate according to the prostate volume and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores were compared using the Pearson Chi-square test. Results: AUR occurred more frequently in patients with PV over 39 cc (5.5% vs. 24.4%, P < 0.001). In addition, incidence of AUR was more in patients with PV over 39 cc and PI-RADS score of 1-2 on mpMRI (3.7% vs. 22.2%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the detection rates of any prostate cancer or clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCA) between the patients on AS with PV < 39 cc and PV ≥ 39 cc and PI-RADS score 1-2 (57.4% vs. 50%, P = 0.507; 17% vs. 8.8%, P = 0.412, respectively). Additionally, no significant difference was found in the detection rates of any prostate cancer or csPCA between the patients with PV < 39 cc and PV ≥ 39 cc and PI-RADS score 1-2 who either had a previously negative TRUS-Bx or were biopsy naïve (27.9% vs. 16.2%, P = 0.101, 8.2% vs. 4.1%, P = 0.31, respectively). Conclusion: Increasing the number of core biopsies of prostates measuring ≥39 cc with PI-RADS 1-2 on mpMRI does not significantly increase the detection rates of any prostate cancer or csPCA.

Utility of Contemporary Health Screening in the Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the utility of contemporary health screening (HS) in the diagnosis of bladder cancer (BCa). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 279,683 individuals who underwent HS between February 1995 and April 2015. Among these individuals, 74 were diagnosed with BCa within a year after the HS and were included in the analysis. Screen-detected BCa was defined as when a referral was made to a urologist due to microscopic hematuria (MH) on urinalysis, abnormal imaging, or any urological symptoms observed at the HS. Screen-undetected BCa was defined as when no referral was made to a urologist because of no abnormality observed at the HS, but a visit to a urological outpatient clinic later was followed by a BCa diagnosis. The incidences of screen-detected BCa and BCa in the Korean population were compared. Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between the screen-detected BCa and screen-undetected BCa groups. RESULTS: The detection rate of BCa was 17.2 per 100,000, which exceeded the 2020 estimated national crude incidence rate of 9.3 per 100,000 by approximately 1.7 times. Among the 74 patients diagnosed with BCa within a year after HS, 48 (64.9%) had screen-detected BCa. The screen-detected BCa group had a higher T stage (p = 0.009) and grade (p = 0.019) than the screen-undetected BCa group. However, the overall survival was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.677). A positive correlation between the MH grade and the T stage was identified (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although HS is not focused on BCa screening, contemporary HS can contribute to the detection of BCa.

Expression and Prognostic Implication of PD-L1 in Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma with Variant Histology (Squamous Differentiation or Micropapillary) Undergoing Radical Cystectomy.

The expression and prognostic role of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) has not been determined in urothelial carcinoma (UC) with variant histology. We retrospectively reviewed 90 patients (44 with micropapillary variant of UC (MPUC) and 46 with UC with squamous differentiation (UCSD)) who underwent radical cystectomy between January 2013 and December 2019. The expression of PD-L1 in TICs was measured using the VENTANA (SP-142) immunohistochemistry assay and dichotomized using a 5% cutoff value (positive ≥ 5%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate recurrence-free survival (RFS), and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors predicting tumor recurrence. Overall, positive PD-L1 expression in TICs was confirmed in 50 of 90 (55.6%) patients (40.1% (18/44) of MPUC and 69.9% (32/46) of UCSD). RFS was significantly shorter in patients with positive PD-L1 expression in TICs than in those with negative PD-L1 expression both in MPUC (p = 0.005) and UCSD (p = 0.046). Positive PD-L1 expression in TICs was significantly associated with an increased risk of tumor recurrence in both MPUC (HR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.323-2.672; p = 0.017) and UCSD (HR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.162-2.780; p = 0.032). In conclusion, positive PD-L1 expression in TICs was significantly associated with poorer RFS in both MPUC and UCSD patients. Our results support the use of adjuvant immunotherapy in these patients if they test positive for PD-L1 in their TICs.

Feasibility and Safety of Stentless Uretero-Intestinal Anastomosis in Radical Cystectomy with Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the feasibility and safety of stentless uretero-intestinal anastomosis (UIA) during radical cystectomy (RC) with an ileal orthotopic neobladder. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 403 patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer between August 2014 and December 2018. The primary objective was to study the effect of stentless UIA on uretero-intestinal anastomosis stricture (UIAS), and the secondary objective was to evaluate the association between stentless UIA and other complications, including paralytic ileus, febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), and urine leakage. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate UIAS-free survival, and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to identify factors associated with the risk of UIAS. RESULTS: Among 403 patients with 790 renal units, UIAS was identified in 39 (9.7%) patients and 53 (6.7%) renal units. Forty-four (83.0%) patients with UIAS were diagnosed within 6 months. The 1- and 2-year overall UIAS-free rates were 93.9% and 92.7%, respectively. Paralytic ileus was identified in 105 (26.1%) patients and resolved with supportive treatment. Febrile UTI occurred in 57 patients (14.1%). However, there was no leak of the UIA. CONCLUSIONS: Stentless UIA during RC with an ileal orthotopic neobladder is a feasible and safe surgical option. Further prospective randomized trials are required to determine the clinical usefulness of stentless UIA during RC.

The Role of Prostate Combination Biopsy Consisting of Targeted and Additional Systematic Biopsy.

BACKGROUND: To identify the role of combination biopsy, which consists of both targeted and additional systematic cores, in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with PSA levels 2.5-15 ng/mL who have a suspicious prostate lesion (with the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) ≥ 3) on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) between January 2016 and December 2018. We analyzed biopsy results by PI-RADS score and biopsy methods (systematic, targeted, and combination biopsy). RESULTS: Of the 711 total patients, an average of 4.0 ± 1.8 targeted and 8.6 ± 3.1 additional systematic biopsies were performed. The additional systematic biopsies were sampled outside the targeted biopsy area. The combination biopsies detected more csPCa (201 patients, 28.3%) than did the targeted (175 patients, 24.6%) or systematic (124 patients, 17.4%) biopsies alone (p < 0.001). In the initial biopsy samples, there was a 7% increase in the detection of csPCa than in targeted biopsy (62% to 69%). It increased by 11% in repeat biopsy (46% to 57%). There was no statistical significance in both groups (p = 0.3174). CONCLUSIONS: Combination biopsy has the benefit of detecting csPCa in both initial and repeat biopsy when there is a suspicious lesion on mpMRI.

Preoperative versus Postoperative Compensation of the Contralateral Normal Kidney in Patients Treated with Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: We sought to identify the factors affecting renal compensatory processes that occur preoperatively as well as postoperatively in patients treated with radical nephrectomy (RNx) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 906 patients treated with RNx for RCC. We defined the early compensatory process (process 1) as compensatory adaptation of the contralateral normal kidney (CNK) before RNx. We defined the late compensatory process (process 2) as compensatory adaptation of the CNK after RNx. Total compensation was defined as the combination of these two processes. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant factors associated with processes 1, 2 and total compensation. RESULTS: Mean preoperative, 1-week, and 5-year postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were 84.5, 57.6 and 63.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Female sex (p < 0.001), lower body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), absence of hypertension (p = 0.019), lower preoperative eGFR (p < 0.001), larger tumor volume (p < 0.001), and larger CNK volume (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with process 1. Younger age (p = 0.019), higher BMI (p < 0.001), and absence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.033) were significantly associated with process 2. Female sex (p < 0.001), younger age (p < 0.001), absence of DM (p = 0.002), lower preoperative eGFR (p < 0.001), and larger tumor (p = 0.001) and CNK volumes (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with total compensation. CONCLUSIONS: Different factors affected each compensatory process. Process 1 made a greater contribution to the entire renal compensatory process than process 2.

Prognostic Role of Programmed Death Ligand-1 on Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in "High-Risk" Patients Following Radical Cystectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic role of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in patients after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BCa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 92 "high-risk" (≥pT3a and/or pN+) patients who underwent RC for BCa, without adjuvant chemotherapy (AC), between April 2014 and December 2019. PD-L1 on TIICs was measured only using the VENTANA (SP-142) immunohistochemistry assay. Patients were categorized into three groups based to the percentage of the tumor area covered by PD-L1 on TIICs: IC0 (<1%), IC1 (≥1% and <5%), and IC2/3 (≥5%). Positive PD-L1 was defined as IC2/3 (≥5%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to illustrate recurrence-free survival (RFS), and Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify predictive factors of tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Within the cohort, the proportions of PD-L1 IC0, IC1, and IC2/3 were 21.7%, 23.9%, and 54.4%, respectively. At follow-up (mean 31.3 months), tumor recurrence was identified in 49 patients (53.3%). Using multivariable analysis, tumor stage (pT4; P=0.005), positive lymph nodes (P=0.021), and positive PD-L1 on TIICs (P=0.010) were independent predictors of tumor recurrence. The 2- and 3-year RFS rates were 67.7% and 64.2% in negative PD-L1 on TIICs, while 27.8% and 22.3% in positive PD-L1 on TIICs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Positive PD-L1 on TIICs was significantly associated with poorer RFS in "high-risk" patients after RC without AC. Our results support the use of adjuvant immunotherapy in "high-risk" patients with positive PD-L1 on TIICs after RC.

Comparison of Risk Factors for the Development of Proteinuria After Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We investigated compensatory structural hypertrophy and functional hyperfiltration in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after radical nephrectomy (RN) according to the presence of proteinuria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 471 patients who underwent RN for RCC between October 2005 and December 2013. These patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of postoperative proteinuria (trace or greater (≥1+) urine dipstick). We obtained computed tomography images before and 1 year after surgery to calculate the functional renal volume (FRV). The preoperative and postoperative Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation-calculated glomerular filtration rates (CKD-EPI GFRs) per unit FRV (GFR/FRV) were used to calculate the degree of hyperfiltration. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 54.7±11.1 years, and the mean preoperative CKD-EPI GFR, FRV, and GFR/FRV were 89.3±13.3 mL/min/1.73 m2, 357.2±71.8 cm3, and 0.26±0.05 mL/min/1.73 m2/cm3, respectively. The percentage reduction rate of the GFR was not significantly different according to the presence of proteinuria (normal: -28.5±11.6% vs proteinuria: -28.7±15%; p=0.902); however, the postoperative hypertrophic FRV in the remnant kidney was significantly different (normal: 17.5±9.1% vs proteinuria: 13.8±14.1%; p=0.001). Meanwhile, the change in the percentage rate of the GFR/FRV was not significantly different (normal: 21.1±23% vs proteinuria: 23.8±28.3%; p=0.324). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (p=0.010) and the GFR/FRV (p<0.001) were significant predictors of postoperative proteinuria. CONCLUSION: Compensatory structural hypertrophy and functional hyperfiltration are positive adaptations that reduce the occurrence of proteinuria.

Comparison of oncologic and functional outcomes between radical nephroureterectomy and segmental ureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

This study aims to compare oncologic and functional outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and segmental ureterectomy (SU) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We retrospectively collected data on patients who underwent either RNU or SU of UTUC. Propensity score matching was performed among 394 cases to yield a final cohort of 40 RNU and 40 SU cases. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to compare overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRFS) between the groups. We also compared the change in postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). There was no significant difference in terms of CSS, PFS, and IVRFS between the RNU and SU groups, but the RNU group had a better OS than the SU group (p = 0.032). Postoperative eGFR was better preserved in the SU group than in the RNU group (p < 0.001). SU provides comparable CSS, PFS, and IVRFS for patients with UTUC compared to RNU, even in patients with advanced-stage and/or high-grade cancer. Further, SU achieves better preservation of renal function.