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Objective: The objective of this study was to prospectively assess the extent to which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can differentiate malignant from benign lesions of the testis. Materials and Methods: All included patients underwent multiparametric testicular MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and subtraction dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Subsequently, all patients underwent a histopathological examination via orchiectomy or testicular biopsy/partial resection. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were applied for statistical analysis. Results: We included 48 male patients (median age 37.5 years [range 18-69]) with testicular tumors. The median tumor size on MRI was 2.0 cm for malignant tumors and 1.1 cm for benign tumors (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed for the type (type 0-III curve, p < 0.05) and pattern of enhancement (homogeneous, heterogeneous, or rim-like, p < 0.01) between malignant and benign tumors. The minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was 0.9 for benign tumors and 0.7 for malignant tumors (each ×103 mm2/s, p < 0.05), while the mean ADC was 0.05. The mean ADC value was significantly lower for malignant tumors; the mean ADC value was 1.1 for benign tumors and 0.9 for malignant tumors (each ×103 mm2/s, p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of multiparametric MRI for differentiating malignant from benign testicular lesions were 94.3%, 76.9%, 91.7%, and 83.3%, respectively. The surgical procedures performed included orchiectomy (n = 33; 71.7%) and partial testicular resection (n = 11; 23.9%). Histopathology (HP) revealed malignancy in 35 patients (72.9%), including 26 with seminomas and 9 with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). The HP was benign in 13 (27.1%) patients, including 5 with Leydig cell tumors. Conclusions: Malignant and benign tumors differ in MRI characteristics in terms of the type and pattern of enhancement and the extent of diffusion restriction, indicating that MRI can be an important imaging modality for the accurate diagnosis of testicular lesions.
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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the early learning curve of BipolEP (Bipolar Enucleation of the Prostate). SUBJECTS/PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter analysis of surgical and functional outcomes of patients treated with BipolEp for BPO (benign prostatic obstruction). We evaluated the first 20 cases of BipolEp performed by four different surgeons in three different countries. The following baseline parameters were obtained: age, IPSS, indwelling catheter, transrectal measured prostate volume, post void residual volume (PVR) and uroflowmetry. The learning curve was analysed based on perioperative parameters and the influence of perioperative parameters was correlated with the sequence of BipolEp cases. RESULTS: 84 BipolEp operations performed by 4 different surgeons in their early learning curve were studied. Mean prostate volume was 75 ml, 39% of cases had an indwelling catheter and the average operating time was 101 min. Three out of four surgeons performed at least 50% of successful operations according to Trifecta (complete enucleation and morcellation < 90 min., no conversion to TUR-P). Conversion rate to TURP was 11.9% in total which however was driven by a single surgeon with an almost 50% conversion rate. Mean enucleated prostate was 33.3 gr (18-54.5). Intraoperative complications and reported stress incontinence ranged from 0 to 38.1%. At six-weeks review, the IPPS improved by 12.5 (8-16) points and Qmax by 208% (109.8-266.7). Uroflowmetry outcomes correlated with the sequence of cases with a linear improvement during 20 consecutive cases (p = 0.018) in all centres. Major complications (Clavien Dindo ≥ 3) were rare (4.8%) and comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: Surgeons starting to learn BipolEp can expect to be able to achieve a linear improvement in Uroflow at the six-week postoperative evaluation after 20 consecutive cases. BipolEp can be successfully performed during the early learning curve with an acceptable rate of conversion to standard TUR-P.
Subject(s)
Learning Curve , Prostatectomy , Prostatic Hyperplasia , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies , Aged , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Middle Aged , Prostatectomy/methods , Cohort Studies , Treatment Outcome , Aged, 80 and overABSTRACT
Surgical approaches for benign prostatic hyperplasia have evolved and diversified over the past decades. While numerous studies document the efficacy of surgical procedures for moderate prostate sizes, there remains insufficient data for large prostate volumes >200 ml, leaving important questions unanswered regarding their effectiveness and safety. Consequently, selecting and adapting suitable therapeutic options for this specific patient group often poses a significant challenge. In this context, this review comprehensively summarizes and discusses current insights into surgical treatment options for large prostate volumes (>200 ml) following an extensive literature review.In summary, the surgical treatment of prostate volumes >200 ml is a challenge regardless of the chosen surgical method. Minimally invasive approaches should be considered standard practice today. Anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate is a size-independent method and has the lowest morbidity. As it may be performed in spinal anaesthesia, endoscopic enucleation is feasible in patients with an increased anaesthetic risk. In extremely large prostate glands, the procedure poses challenges even for highly experienced surgeons. Especially in obese patients, the surgeon should be familiar with different exit strategies. Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy provides a minimally invasive alternative that may also treat pathologies such as diverticula or large bladder stones in the same surgical session. Due to its transabdominal approach, the morbidity and anaesthetic risk is comparatively higher. Each centre and surgeon should individually decide in which method they have the greatest expertise and which option is best suited for the specific case. In cases of limited expertise, it is advisable to refer patients to a centre with appropriate specialization.
Subject(s)
Endoscopy , Prostatectomy , Prostatic Hyperplasia , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Humans , Male , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods , Prostatectomy/methods , Endoscopy/methods , Prostate/surgery , Prostate/pathology , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methodsABSTRACT
In En-Bloc Resection of Bladder Tumours (ERBT), tumours are not removed in fragments, but are dissected in one layer and, if possible, extracted in one piece. This method represents a significant shift in the surgical management of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumours, providing multiple benefits over the traditional transurethral resection of the bladder (TUR-B). The histological analysis of ERBT specimens is more accurate, enhancing diagnostic precision. Additionally, the presence of detrusor muscle in ERBT specimens is more frequent, indicating a more complete removal of the tumours. Recent years have seen the consolidation of a robust evidence base emphasizing the advantages of ERBT. Notably, a multicentric, prospective randomized trial has recently revealed a significant reduction in recurrence rates at 12 months follow-up compared with TUR-B. Experienced endourologists should explore this technique, as it may soon become the standard of care. The technique's elegance and effectiveness make it too important to be ignored.
Subject(s)
Cystectomy , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , Cystectomy/methods , Urinary Bladder/surgery , Urinary Bladder/pathology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery , CystoscopyABSTRACT
Background: The selection of suitable patients for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is a challenge in persons ≥75 years of age. Methods: After a systematic literature search of PubMed, 22 articles were included in this review. Clinical and functional parameters were evaluated statistically. Results: The mean age of the patients was ≥79 years. The mean duration of postoperative catheterization ranged between 2 (d) (ThuLEP, thulium laser enucleation of the prostate) and 4.4 days (TURP, transurethral resection of the prostate). Complication rates ranged between 6% (HoLAP, holmium laser ablation of the prostate) and 34% (PVP, photoselective vaporization of the prostate); the maximum rate of severe complications was 4% (TURP). The mean postoperative maximal urinary flow (Qmax) in mL/sec. ranged between 12.9 mL/sec. (HoLAP) and 19.8 mL/sec (Hol-TUIP, holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate). The mean quality of life (QoL) score fell from 4.7 ± 0.9 to 1.8 ± 0.7 (HoLEP), from 4.1 ± 0.4 to 1.9 ± 0.8 (PVP), from 5.1 ± 0.2 to 2.1 ± 0.2 (TURP), and from 4 to 1 (ThuVEP, thulium laser vapoenucleation of the prostate). Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) revealed a positive linear correlation between age and inferior functional outcome (higher postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) [r = 0.4175]), higher overall complication rates (r = 0.5432), and blood transfusions (r = 0.4474) across all surgical techniques. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides the summary estimates for perioperative and postoperative functional outcome and safety of endoscopic treatment options for BPO in patients ≥ 75 years of age. Of particular importance is that all surgical techniques significantly improve the postoperative quality of life of patients in this age group compared to their preoperative quality of life.
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PURPOSE: To identify laser settings and limits applied by experts during laser vaporization (vapBT) and laser en-bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) and to identify preventive measures to reduce complications. METHODS: After a focused literature search to identify relevant questions, we conducted a survey (57 questions) which was sent to laser experts. The expert selection was based on clinical experience and scientific contribution. Participants were asked for used laser types, typical laser settings during specific scenarios, and preventive measures applied during surgery. Settings for a maximum of 2 different lasers for each scenario were possible. Responses and settings were compared among the reported laser types. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 29 (79.3%) invited experts completed the survey. Thulium fiber laser (TFL) is the most common laser (57%), followed by Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Ho:YAG) (48%), continuous wave (cw) Thulium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Tm:YAG) (26%), and pulsed Tm:YAG (13%). Experts prefer ERBT (91.3%) to vapBT (8.7%); however, relevant limitations such as tumor size, number, and anatomical tumor location exist. Laser settings were generally comparable; however, we could find significant differences between the laser sources for lateral wall ERBT (p = 0.028) and standard ERBT (p = 0.033), with cwTm:YAG and pulsed Tm:YAG being operated in higher power modes when compared to TFL and Ho:YAG. Experts prefer long pulse modes for Ho:YAG and short pulse modes for TFL lasers. CONCLUSION: TFL seems to have replaced Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG. Most laser settings do not differ significantly among laser sources. For experts, continuous flow irrigation is the most commonly applied measure to reduce complications.
Subject(s)
Aluminum , Thulium , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Yttrium , Humans , Thulium/therapeutic use , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery , Lasers , TechnologyABSTRACT
In the acute diagnostics of a suspected nephroureterolithiasis, ultrasonography should be the examination modality of choice. In cases of suspected urolithiasis, unclear flank pain with fever or in cases of a solitary kidney, a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan should always subsequently be performed. If the sonography findings are inconclusive in pregnant women a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination can be considered. If there are indications for urinary diversion, a retrograde imaging study should be performed as part of the urinary diversion. This or CT imaging is also suitable for preinterventional imaging before shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy or ureteroscopy. Postinterventional imaging is not always necessary and sonography is often sufficient. In a conservative treatment approach an abdominal plain Xray can be used for follow-up assessment.
Subject(s)
Kidney Calculi , Urinary Diversion , Urolithiasis , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Kidney Calculi/diagnostic imaging , Urolithiasis/therapy , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Ureteroscopy/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Research on penile cancer (PeCa) is predominantly conducted in countries with centralized treatment of PeCa-patients. In Germany and Austria (G + A), no state-regulated centralization is established, and no information is available on how PeCa-research is organized. METHODS: Current research competence in PeCa was assessed by a 36-item questionnaire sent to all chairholders of urological academic centers in G + A. Based on PubMed records, all scientific PeCa-articles of 2012-2022 from G + A were identified. Current research trends were assessed by dividing the literature search into two periods (P1: 2012-2017, P2: 2018-2022). A bibliometric analysis was supplemented. RESULTS: Response rate of the questionnaire was 75%, a median of 13 (IQR: 9-26) PeCa-patients/center was observed in 2021. Retrospective case series were conducted by 38.9% of participating clinics, while involvement in randomized-controlled trials was stated in 8.3% and in basic/fundamental research in 19.4%. 77.8% declared an interest in future multicenter projects. 205 PeCa-articles were identified [median impact factor: 2.77 (IQR: 0.90-4.37)]. Compared to P1, P2 showed a significant increase in the median annual publication count (29 (IQR: 13-17) vs. 15 (IQR: 19-29), p < 0.001), in multicenter studies (79.1% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.018), and in multinational studies (53% vs. 28.9%, p < 0.001); the proportion of basic/fundamental research articles significantly declined (16.5% vs. 28.9%, p = 0.041). Four of the top-5 institutions publishing PeCa-articles are academic centers. Bibliometric analyses revealed author networks, primary research areas in PeCa, and dominant journals for publications. CONCLUSIONS: Given the lack of centralization in G + A, this analysis highlights the need for research coordination within multicenter PeCa-projects. The decline in basic/fundamental research should be effectively addressed by the allocation of funded research projects.
Subject(s)
Penile Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Austria , Germany , Retrospective Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Two randomized trials demonstrated a survival benefit of triplet therapy (androgen deprivation therapy [ADT]) plus androgen receptor pathway inhibitor [ARPI] plus docetaxel) over doublet therapy (ADT plus docetaxel), thus changing treatment strategies in metastatic hormonesensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted the first real-world analysis comprising 97 mHSPC patients from 16 Austrian medical centers, among them 79.4% of patients received abiraterone and 17.5% darolutamide treatment. Baseline characteristics and clinical parameters during triplet therapy were documented. Mann-Whitney U test for continuous or X²-test for categorical variables was used. Variables on progression were tested using logistic regression analysis and tabulated as hazard ratios (HR), 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Of 83.5% patients with synchronous and 16.5% with metachronous disease were included. 83.5% had high-volume disease diagnosed by conventional imaging (48.9%) or PSMA PET-CT (51.1%). While docetaxel and ARPI were administered consistent with pivotal trials, prednisolone, prophylactic gCSF and osteoprotective agents were not applied guideline conform in 32.5%, 37%, and 24.3% of patients, respectively. Importantly, a nonsimultaneous onset of chemotherapy and ARPI, performed in 44.3% of patients, was associated with significantly worse treatment response (P = .015, HR 0.245). Starting ARPI before chemotherapy was associated with significantly higher probability for progression (P = .023, HR 15.781) than vice versa. Strikingly, 15.6% (abiraterone) and 25.5% (darolutamide) low-volume patients as well as 14.4% (abiraterone) and 17.6% (darolutamide) metachronous patients received triplet therapy. Adverse events (AE) occurred in 61.9% with grade 3 to 5 in 15% of patient without age-related differences. All patients achieved a PSA decline of 99% and imaging response was confirmed in 88% of abiraterone and 75% of darolutamide patients. CONCLUSIONS: Triplet therapy arrived in clinical practice primarily for synchronous high-volume mHSPC. Regardless of selected therapy regimen, treatment is highly effective and tolerable. Preferably therapy should be administered simultaneously, however if not possible, chemotherapy should be started first.
Subject(s)
Prostatic Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Androgen Antagonists/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Austria , Docetaxel/therapeutic use , Hormones , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography , Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology , Randomized Controlled Trials as TopicABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In countries characterized by a centralization of therapy management, patients with penile cancer (PeCa) have shown improvements in guideline adherence and ultimately, improved carcinoma-specific survival. Germany and Austria (G + A) have no state-regulated centralization of PeCa management, and the perspectives of urological university department chairs (UUDCs) in these countries, who act as drivers of professional and political developments, on this topic are currently unknown. METHODS: Surveys containing 36 response options, including specific questions regarding perspectives on PeCa centralization, were sent to the 48 UUDC in G + A in January 2023. In addition to analyzing the responses, closely following the CROSS checklist, a modeling of the real healthcare situation of in-house PeCa patients in G + A was conducted. RESULTS: The response rate was 75% (36/48). 94% and 89% of the UUDCs considered PeCa centralization meaningful and feasible in the medium term, respectively. Among the UUDCs, 72% estimated centralization within university hospitals as appropriate, while 28% favored a geographically oriented approach. Additionally, 97% of the UUDCs emphasized the importance of bridging the gap until implementation of centralization by establishing PeCa second-opinion portals. No country-specific differences were observed. The median number of in-house PeCa cases at the university hospitals in G + A was 13 (interquartile range: 9-26). A significant positive correlation was observed between the annual number of in-house PeCa cases at a given university hospital and the perspective of the UUDCs that centralization as meaningful by its UUDC (0.024). Under assumptions permissible for modeling, the average number of in-house PeCa cases in academic hospitals in G + A was approximately 30 times higher than in nonacademic hospitals. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first data on the perspectives of UUDCs in G + A concerning centralization of PeCa therapy management. Even without state-regulated centralization in G + A, there is currently a clear focusing of PeCa treatments in university hospitals. Further necessary steps toward a structured PeCa centralization are discussed in this manuscript.
Subject(s)
Penile Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Penile Neoplasms/therapy , Austria , GermanyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 infection on male fertility and sexual function. METHODS: Thirty-one patients were investigated over a mean follow-up of 90 days (22-527) after a COVID-19 infection. Erectile dysfunction (ED), blood tests for sexual hormones, semen analysis including analysis of oxidative stress (OS), as well as COVID-19 antibody titer and the nasal COVID-19 PCR test were evaluated pre- and post-infection. RESULTS: Five patients reported a mild de novo ED (16.13%). One patient had a de novo positive mixed antiglobulin reaction test after the infection. We found no significant difference between pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 spermiogram parameters (p = 0.815). OS showed no significant association with COVID-19 infection, but with pathological spermiogram categories, sperm concentration, total sperm count, testis volume, FSH and testosterone. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection does not appear to affect sperm quality and OS negatively in the intermediate term. Further investigations will be needed to assess the potential long-term effects of the infection and vaccination on male sexual function and fertility.
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OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term reoperation rate and functional outcomes between EEP (endoscopic enucleation of the prostate) and TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature review of Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted with primary outcome assessed being reoperation rate and secondary outcomes after a long term (> 3 years) being functional outcomes or related values (prostate volume, PSA level, etc.). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Five studies were found with long-term follow-up 4-7 years. EEP reoperation rate ranged from 0 to 1.27%, while from 1.7 to 17.6% for TURP. Meta-analysis showed significantly lower OR for EEP, 0.27 (95% CI 0.24-0.31), with notable homogeneity of the results, I2 = 0%. Long-term Qmax and IPSS were significantly better for EEP. Qmax pooled mean difference was 1.79 (95% CI 1.72-1.86) ml/s with a high concordance among the studies, I2 = 0%. IPSS mean difference -1.24 (95% CI - 1.28 to - 1.2) points, I2 = 57% but QoL did not differ, with mean difference being 0.01 (95% CI - 0.02 to 0.04), I2 = 0%. IIEF-5 score was also significantly better for EEP, mean difference 1.08 (95% CI 1.03-1.13), but heterogeneity was high, I2 = 70%. PSA level and prostate volume were only reported in one study and favored EEP slightly yet statistically significant. CONCLUSION: EEP had a significantly lower reoperation rate and better functional outcomes (Qmax and IPSS) at long term compared with TURP. It may also be beneficial in terms of IIEF-5, PVR, and PSA level.
Subject(s)
Prostatic Hyperplasia , Transurethral Resection of Prostate , Male , Humans , Transurethral Resection of Prostate/methods , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Prostatic Hyperplasia/complications , Quality of Life , Prostate-Specific Antigen , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report a series of three patients with traumatic renal AV fistulas after blunt renal laceration. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the renal trauma cases treated in the Department of Urology of Salzburg University Clinic during a time period of 10 years concerning traumatic AV fistula formation and other clinical parameters. RESULTS: In total, 3 cases of traumatic AV fistula formation were identified in 106 blunt renal trauma patients (2.8%), with a mean age of 39 (17-56) years. All renal traumas were classified as American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade IV. Two patients were primarily treated with ureteral stent; one was managed conservatively. All AV fistulas were diagnosed after a mean time of 7 (1-13) days. Two patients were symptomatic with gross hematuria, and the mean time between trauma and onset of symptoms was 11 (9-13) days. All cases were managed via coil embolization after a mean of 10 (8-13) days. Two patients received a second intervention after a mean of 18 (11-25) days. The mean AV fistula size was 18.7 (12-24) mm. Mean hemoglobin loss was 3.6 g/dL. One patient received one erythrocyte concentrate. Discharge was after a mean time of 13.3 (7-12) days, with the mean time of intensive care treatment being 2.3 (1-3) days. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic renal AV fistula is a rare but severe complication associated with higher-grade renal trauma. It can become evident through hematuria or blood loss several days after the initial trauma. The availability of coil embolization in a trauma center can help kidney preservation management.
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Preoperative homeostasis of sex hormones in testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients is scarcely characterized. We aimed to explore regulation of sex hormones and their implications for histopathological parameters and prognosis in TGCT using a data-driven explorative approach. Pre-surgery serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and prolactin were measured in a retrospective multicenter TGCT cohort (n = 518). Clusters of patients were defined by latent class analysis. Clinical, pathologic and survival parameters were compared between the clusters by statistical hypothesis testing, Random Forest modeling and Peto-Peto test. Cancer tissue expression of sex hormone-related genes was explored in the publicly available TCGA cohort (n = 149). We included 354 patients with pure seminoma and 164 patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT), with a median age of 36 years. Three hormonal clusters were defined: 'neutral' (n = 228) with normal sex hormone homeostasis, 'testicle' (n = 91) with elevated T and E2, low pituitary hormones, and finally 'pituitary' subset (n = 103) with increased FSH and LH paralleled by low-to-normal levels of the gonadal hormones. Relapse-free survival in the hormonal subsets was comparable (p = 0.64). Cancer tissue expression of luteinizing hormone- and follicle-stimulating hormone-coding genes was significantly higher in seminomas, while genes of T and E2 biosynthesis enzymes were strongly upregulated in NSGCT. Substantial percentages of TGCT patients are at increased risk of sex hormone dysfunction at primary diagnosis before orchiectomy. TGCT may directly influence systemic hormonal homeostasis by in-situ synthesis of sex hormones.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal , Seminoma , Testicular Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Adult , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Gonadal Steroid Hormones , Luteinizing Hormone , Follicle Stimulating Hormone, HumanABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To learn about the history and development of en bloc resection of bladder tumour (ERBT), and to discuss its future directions in managing bladder cancer. METHODS: In this narrative review, we summarised the history and early development of ERBT, previous attempts in overcoming the tumour size limitation, consolidative effort in standardising the ERBT procedure, emerging evidence in ERBT, evolving concepts in treating large bladder tumours, and the future directions of ERBT. RESULTS: Since the first report on ERBT in 1980, there has been tremendous advancement in terms of its technique, energy modalities and tumour retrieval methods. In 2020, the international consensus statement on ERBT has been developed and it serves as a standard reference for urologists to practise ERBT. Recently, high-quality evidence on ERBT has been emerging. Of note, the EB-StaR study showed that ERBT led to a reduction in 1-year recurrence rate from 38.1 to 28.5%. An individual patient data meta-analysis is currently underway, and it will be instrumental in defining the true value of ERBT in treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. For large bladder tumours, modified approaches of ERBT should be accepted, as the quality of resection is more important than a mere removal of tumour in one piece. The global ERBT registry has been launched to study the value of ERBT in a real-world setting. CONCLUSION: ERBT is a promising surgical technique in treating bladder cancer and it has gained increasing interest globally. It is about time for us to embrace this technique in our clinical practice.
Subject(s)
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Humans , Cystectomy/methods , Urinary Bladder/pathology , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology , Meta-Analysis as TopicABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: En bloc transurethral resection of the bladder (eTURB) might improve the surgical management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in comparison to conventional TURB (cTURB). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether eTURB is superior to cTURB in resection of NMIBC and specimen retrieval. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a randomized, multicenter trial in patients with up to three cTa-T1 NMIBC tumors of 1-3 cm in size, who were enrolled from January 2019 to January 2022. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized 1:1 to undergo eTURB (n = 192) or cTURB (n = 192). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was the prevalence of detrusor muscle (DM) in the specimen retrieved. Secondary endpoints included bladder perforation, persistent disease at second-look TURB, positive lateral resection margin, positive deep resection margin, operation time, perforation rate, obturator reflex, conversion from eTURB to cTURB, recurrence-free survival, and disease recurrence at 3 mo. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 384 patients were randomized to undergo eTURB or cTURB. A total of 452 tumors were resected and analyzed for the primary outcome. eTURB was superior to cTURB in retrieval of DM (80.7% vs 71.1%; mixed-model p = 0.01). Bladder perforation (5.6% vs 12%; difference -6.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] -12.2% to -0.6%) and obturator reflex (8.4% vs 16%; difference -7.6%; 95% CI -14.3% to -0.9%) were less frequent in the eTURB arm than in the cTURB arm. Operation time did not differ between the two techniques (26 min, interquartile range [IQR] 20-38 for eTURB vs 25 min, IQR 17-35 for cTURB; difference 1 min, 95% CI -25.9 to 4.99). Second-look TURB was performed in 24 patients in the eTURB arm and 34 in the cTURB arm, with no difference in the rate of residual papillary disease (pTa/pT1: 56% vs 55.9%; difference 0.1%, 95% CI -25.5% to 25.7%). At median follow-up of 13 mo (IQR 7-20), 18.4% of the patients in the eTURB arm and 16.7% in the cTURB arm had experienced bladder cancer recurrence (Cox hazard ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.49-1.52; p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with clinical NMIBC with up to three tumors of 1-3 cm in size, tumor removal via eTURB resulted in a higher rate of DM in the pathologic specimen in comparison to cTURB. Moreover, eTURB was associated with lower frequency of obturator reflex and bladder perforation than cTURB was. While improving on the quality indicators for NMIBC, the long-term differential oncologic benefits of eTURB remain uncertain. PATIENT SUMMARY: We compared two techniques for removal of bladder tumors and found that tumor removal in a single piece, called en bloc resection, provides a better-quality specimen for pathology analysis and fewer complications in comparison to the conventional method. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03718754.
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BACKGROUND: Currently, 959 men in Germany and 67 in Austria are diagnosed with penile cancer each year, with an increase of approximately 20% in the last decade [RKI 2021, Statcube.at 2023]. Despite the rising incidence, the number of cases per hospital remains low. The median annual number of penile cancer cases at university hospitals in the DACH region was 7 patients (IQR 5-10) in 2017 [E-PROPS group 2021]. The compromised institutional expertise due to low case numbers is compounded with inadequate adherence to penile cancer guidelines, as shown in several studies. The centralization, which is rigorously implemented in countries such as the UK, enabled a significant increase in organ-preserving primary tumor surgery and stage-adapted lymphadenectomies, as well as improved patient survival in cases of penile cancer, resulting in a claim for a similar centralization in Germany and Austria. The aim of this study was to determine the current effects of case volume on penile cancer related treatment options at university hospitals in Germany and Austria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In January 2023, a survey was sent to the heads of 48 urological university hospitals in Germany and Austria, including questions regarding case volume in 2021 (total number of inpatient and penile cancer cases), treatment options for primary tumors and inguinal lymphadenectomy (ILAE), the availability of a designated penile cancer surgeon, and the professional responsibility for systemic therapies in penile cancer. Correlations and differences related to case volume were statistically analyzed without adjustments. RESULTS: The response rate was 75% (n=36/48). In total, 626 penile cancer patients were treated at the 36 responding university hospitals in 2021, representing approximately 60% of the expected incidence in Germany and Austria. The annual median total number of cases was 2807 (IQR 1937-3653), and for penile cancer, it was 13 (IQR 9-26). There was no significant correlation between the total inpatient and penile cancer caseloads (p=0.34). The number of organ-preserving therapy procedures for the primary tumor, the availability of modern ILAE procedures, the presence of a designated penile cancer surgeon, and the responsibility for systemic therapies were not significantly influenced by the total inpatient or penile cancer case volume of the treating hospitals, regardless of whether the case volumes were dichotomized at the median or upper quartile. No significant differences between Germany and Austria were observed. CONCLUSION: Despite a significant increase in the annual number of penile cancer cases at university hospitals in Germany and Austria compared to 2017, we found no case volume-related effects on structural quality with respect to penile cancer therapy. In the light of the proven benefits of centralization, we interpret this result as an argument for the necessity of establishing nationally organized penile cancer centers with even higher case volumes compared to the status quo, in light of the proven benefits of centralization.
Subject(s)
Penile Neoplasms , Male , Humans , Hospitals, University , Penile Neoplasms/epidemiology , Penile Neoplasms/surgery , Austria , Surveys and Questionnaires , GermanyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) is recommended for first line surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) caused by moderate and large prostatic adenoma. However, its role in the retreatment setting after failed previous surgical treatment for BPO remains uncaptured. In this scope, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to assess the safety and efficacy of AEEP in the retreatment setting. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases from inception to March 2022 for prospective or retrospective studies involving patients undergoing prostatic enucleation for recurrent or residual BPO after previous standard or minimally invasive surgical treatments for BPO. Based on data availability, we performed a meta-analysis comparing AEEP in patients with recurrent or residual BPO versus AEEP for primary BPO. PROSPERO: CRD42022308941). RESULTS: We included 15 studies in the systematic review and 10 in the meta-analysis (6553 patients, 841 with recurrent or residual BPO and 5712 with primary BPO). All included studies involved patients undergoing HoLEP or ThuLEP. In terms of Qmax, post-void residual, International Prostate Symptom Score, removed adenoma, operative time, duration of catheterization and hospital stay, as well as complications, HoLEP for recurrent or residual BPO was equally effective compared to HoLEP for primary BPO up to 1 year postoperatively. Importantly, the beneficial effect of HoLEP on the retreatment setting was observed after previous standard or minimally invasive surgical treatments for BPO. The overall strength of evidence for all outcomes was deemed very low. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP may be safely and effectively used in experienced hands for the surgical treatment of recurrent or residual BPO in patients with large or moderate prostates following previous open, endoscopic or minimally invasive surgical treatment for BPO.