Cognitive Versus Software Fusion for MRI-targeted Biopsy: Experience Before and After Implementation of Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic performance of the 2 most common approaches of magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy (TB)-cognitive registration targeted biopsy (COG-TB) and software fusion targeted biopsy (FUS-TB)-we assessed our institutional experience with both methods. TB has emerged to complement systematic template biopsy (SB) in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis; however, which magnetic resonance imaging targeting methodology is diagnostically better remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 510 patients underwent TB at our institution before and after the adoption of fusion software with the UroNav platform (Invivo Corporation, Gainsville, FL). All patients had concurrent 12-core SB. We compared rates of clinically significant PCa detection, and rates of upstaging and missed diagnosis in reference to SB among patients who received COG-TB and patients who received FUS-TB. We also compared both COG-TB and FUS-TB results to their paired SB results. RESULTS: The rates of upstaging or missing clinically significant PCa with FUS-TB (in reference to SB) was not significantly different from COG-TB (P = 0.172), nor was the risk of missing clinically significant PCa different between FUS-TB vs COG-TB on logistic regression ( Odds ratio = 0.55, P = 0.106). No significant difference in biopsy outcomes was observed between FUS-TB and COG-TB (P = 0.171). We did find significant differences between FUS-TB and SB and between COG-TB and SB, with SB finding more clinically insignificant PCa (P < 0.001 and P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In our institutional experience, no significant difference was observed between the diagnostic ability of COG-TB vs FUS-TB for detecting clinically significant PCa. Greater evidence demonstrating an advantage of FUS-TB over COG-TB would be required for clear recommendations in favor of FUS-TB.

Development and Validity of a Silicone Renal Tumor Model for Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Training.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a training tool to address the technical challenges of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, we created silicone renal tumor models using 3-dimensional printed molds of a patient's kidney with a mass. In this study, we assessed the face, content, and construct validity of these models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgeons of different training levels completed 4 simulations on silicone renal tumor models. Participants were surveyed on the usefulness and realism of the model as a training tool. Performance was measured using operation-specific metrics, self-reported operative demands (NASA Task Load Index [NASA TLX]), and blinded expert assessment (Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Surgeons [GEARS]). RESULTS: Twenty-four participants included attending urologists, endourology fellows, urology residents, and medical students. Post-training surveys of expert participants yielded mean results of 79.2 on the realism of the model's overall feel and 90.2 on the model's overall usefulness for training. Renal artery clamp times and GEARS scores were significantly better in surgeons further in training (P ≤.005 and P ≤.025). Renal artery clamp times, preserved renal parenchyma, positive margins, NASA TLX, and GEARS scores were all found to improve across trials (P <.001, P = .025, P = .024, P ≤.020, and P ≤.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: Face, content, and construct validity were demonstrated in the use of a silicone renal tumor model in a cohort of surgeons of different training levels. Expert participants deemed the model useful and realistic. Surgeons of higher training levels performed better than less experienced surgeons in various study metrics, and improvements within individuals were observed over sequential trials. Future studies should aim to assess model predictive validity, namely, the association between model performance improvements and improvements in live surgery.

Anterior Urethral Stricture Disease Negatively Impacts the Quality of Life of Family Members.

Purpose. To quantify the quality of life (QoL) distress experienced by immediate family members of patients with urethral stricture via a questionnaire given prior to definitive urethroplasty. The emotional, social, and physical effects of urethral stricture disease on the QoL of family members have not been previously described. Materials and Methods. A questionnaire was administered prospectively to an immediate family member of 51 patients undergoing anterior urethroplasty by a single surgeon (SBB). The survey was comprised of twelve questions that addressed the emotional, social, and physical consequences experienced as a result of their loved one. Results. Of the 51 surveyed family members, most were female (92.2%), lived in the same household (86.3%), and slept in the same room as the patient (70.6%). Respondents experienced sleep disturbances (56.9%) and diminished social lives (43.1%). 82.4% felt stressed by the patient's surgical treatment, and 83.9% (26/31) felt that their intimacy was negatively impacted. Conclusions. Urethral stricture disease has a significant impact on the family members of those affected. These effects may last decades and include sleep disturbance, decreased social interactions, emotional stress, and impaired sexual intimacy. Treatment of urethral stricture disease should attempt to mitigate the impact of the disease on family members as well as the patient.

Urinary-cutaneous Fistulae in Patients With Neurogenic Bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with neurogenic bladder (NGB) patients who developed urinary-cutaneous fistulae (UCF). Patients with NGB can form UCF of multiple etiologies; however, little is known about the characteristics or long-term outcomes of these defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 21 patients with NGB who developed UCF between 1998 and 2013. The clinical end points of the study were development of UCF, fistula repair failure, and need for permanent urinary diversion. Possible risk factors associated with repair failures were examined. RESULTS: We evaluated 21 patients with a mean age of 39.5 years (23-76) and median follow-up of 67 months (1-179). Causes of UCF included decubitus ulcers (7), wound infections or abscess formation (5), condom catheter complications (4), traumatic catheterization (4), and pelvic trauma (1). Thirteen patients had their fistulae repaired surgically, with 9 patients eventually requiring urinary diversion with a suprapubic (SP) tube (7) or ileal conduit (2) (9 of 13, 69%). Eight patients had their urine diverted upon presentation, with ileal conduit (5 of 8, 63%), SP tube (2 of 8, 25%), or perineal urethrostomy (1 of 8, 12%). In total, 17 eventually required permanent surgical or SP tube urinary diversion (81%), of which 9 were with an SP tube (53%), 4 with an ileal conduit (23%), 3 with a conduit catheter (18%), and 1 with a perineal urethrostomy (6%). CONCLUSION: UCF repairs in patients with NGB are a challenge to manage. Patients who undergo surgical repair of their fistula are likely to require repeat repairs with eventual need for a permanent urinary diversion.

Seminoma presenting as renal mass, inferior vena caval thrombus, and regressed testicular mass.

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy of men aged 15-40. Metastatic spread classically begins with involvement of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, with metastases to the liver, lung, bone, and brain representing advancing disease. Treatment is based on pathologic analysis of the excised testicle and presence of elevated tumor markers. We report a case of a 34-year-old male presenting with back pain who was found to have a right renal mass with tumor extension into the inferior vena cava. Subsequent biopsy was consistent with seminoma. We review this rare case and discuss the literature regarding its diagnosis and management.