Neuronally differentiated macula densa cells regulate tissue remodeling and regeneration in the kidney.

Tissue regeneration is limited in several organs including the kidney, contributing to the high prevalence of kidney disease globally. However, evolutionary and physiological adaptive responses and the presence of renal progenitor cells suggest existing remodeling capacity. This study uncovered endogenous tissue remodeling mechanisms in the kidney that were activated by the loss of body fluid and salt and regulated by a unique niche of a minority renal cell type called the macula densa (MD). Here we identified neuronal differentiation features of MD cells that sense the local and systemic environment, secrete angiogenic, growth and extracellular matrix remodeling factors, cytokines and chemokines, and control resident progenitor cells. Serial intravital imaging, MD nerve growth factor receptor and Wnt mouse models and transcriptome analysis revealed cellular and molecular mechanisms of these MD functions. Human and therapeutic translation studies illustrated the clinical potential of MD factors including CCN1 as a urinary biomarker and therapeutic target in chronic kidney disease. The concept that a neuronally differentiated key sensory and regulatory cell type responding to organ-specific physiological inputs controls local progenitors to remodel or repair tissues may be applicable to other organs and diverse tissue regenerative therapeutic strategies.

Robotic-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for stage II testicular cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the perioperative as well as early oncological outcomes of patients undergoing robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for treatment of testicular cancer. Methods: We conducted a prospective consecutive case series of patients undergoing robotic assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for metastatic testicular cancer between May 2018 and July 2021 at our institution. Data were collected on patient and tumour characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative parameters, and functional and oncological outcomes. Descriptive statistics are presented. Results: Nineteen patients were identified; 18 (94.7%) completed the procedure robotically and one was converted to open surgery; 78.9% of patients had stage ≥IIB and 12 (63.2%) patients had undergone prior chemotherapy. The median operative time was 300 (interquartile range [IQR] 240-315) min. Median blood loss was 100 (IQR 50-175) mL. Median length of stay was 2 (range 1-11) days. All robotically completed patients commenced diet and passed flatus on Day 1 and were discharged by Day 3. The median lymph node yield was 40.5 (IQR 38-51) nodes. All patients undergoing nerve-sparing procedures recovered antegrade ejaculatory function. One patient had a Clavien-Dindo III complication (chylous ascites requiring drainage). At a median follow-up of 22.3 (IQR 16.3-24.9) months, one patient developed retroperitoneal recurrence, which was successfully treated with second-line chemotherapy; no other patients have had recurrences. Conclusion: Robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is a safe and feasible alternative to open surgery in appropriately selected patients, offering low morbidity. Early oncological outcomes are promising. Larger cohorts and longer follow-ups are required to validate our institution's findings.

Improved early and late continence following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with concurrent bladder neck fascial sling (RoboSling).

Objective: To describe a novel RoboSling technique performed at the time of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and its utility for enhancing urinary function recovery postoperatively. Materials and Methods: The surgical technique involves harvesting a vascularised, fascial flap from the peritoneum on the posterior aspect of the bladder. Following completion of prostatectomy, the autologous flap is tunnelled underneath the bladder and incorporated into the rectourethralis and vertical longitudinal detrusor fibres at the posterior bladder neck with a modified Rocco suture. After urethra-vesical anastomosis is completed, the corners of the flap are hitched up to Cooper's ligament bilaterally with V-Loc sutures, tensioned and secured creating a bladder neck sling. A prospective, longitudinal cohort study was performed of 193 consecutive patients undergoing RARP between December 2016 and September 2019. The first 163 patients underwent standard RARP, and the last 30 patients had the RoboSling technique performed concurrently. Continence outcomes were the primary outcomes assessed using pad number and Expanded Prostate Cancer Composite (EPIC)-urinary domain questionnaire. Operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), complications and oncological outcomes were secondary outcomes. Results: The two groups were comparable for demographics and clinicopathological variables. At 3 months, zero pad usage (p = 0.005) and continence rates, defined as EPIC score ≥ 85 (p = 0.007), were both higher in the RoboSling group. EBL, complication rate and positive surgical margin rate did not differ between the two groups. Superior zero pad usage was observed at 1 year in the RoboSling group (p = 0.029). The RoboSling technique added on average 16 min to OT. Conclusions: The RoboSling procedure at the time of RARP was associated with earlier return to continence without negatively impacting other postoperative outcomes. This improvement in continence outcomes was maintained long term.

Robotic post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer: A multicenter collaborative study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the perioperative and oncological/functional outcomes of robotic post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this retrospective study, we included patients who underwent robotic post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection at 7 academic centers between 2011 and 2021. Patients' characteristics, perioperative findings, as well as oncological and functional outcomes are reviewed. Relationships with the main outcome (90-day complications) were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients with a median (IQR) age of 30 (25-37) years were included. The main primary histologic type was non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (89%). Seven patients (8%) were electively converted to open. Median estimated blood loss, operative time, and length of hospital stay were 150 ml, 5.6 hours, and 2 days, respectively. Final pathology revealed teratoma in 49 (55%), necrosis/fibrosis in 29 (32%), and viable germ cell tumor in 12 (13%) patients. The 90-day complication rate was 16.7%, most of which were low-grade (Clavien-Dindo < III) and managed conservatively. On multivariable analysis, pure seminoma (odds ratio 17.4) and bilateral dissection template (odds ratio 4.2) were independently associated with 90-day complications. No 90-day hospital readmission was recorded. With a median (IQR) follow-up of 16 (4-32) months, 6 (6.7%) patients had disease recurrence and there was 1 cancer-related death. CONCLUSION: With appropriate patient selection at centers with expertise in testicular cancer and minimally invasive surgery, robotic post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection appears safe and effective, although longer follow-up is warranted.

A meta-analysis of clinicopathologic features that predict necrosis or fibrosis at post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in individuals receiving treatment for non-seminoma germ cell tumours.

Purpose: Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND) for residual nodal masses is a critical component of care in metastatic testicular germ cell tumour (GCT). However, the procedure is not of therapeutic value in up to 50% of individuals in whom histopathology demonstrates post-treatment necrosis or fibrosis alone. Improved diagnostic tools and clinicopathologic features are needed to separate individuals who benefit from pcRPLND and avoid surgery in those who do not. Methods: A prospectively registered meta-analysis of studies reporting clinicopathologic features associated with teratoma, GCT and/or necrosis/fibrosis at pcRPLND for metastatic non-seminoma GCT (NSGCT) was undertaken. We examined the effect of various clinicopathologic factors on the finding of necrosis/fibrosis at pcRPLND. The log odds ratios (ORs) of each association were pooled using random-effects models. Results: Using the initial search strategy, 4,178 potentially eligible abstracts were identified. We included studies providing OR relating to clinicopathologic factors predicting pcRPLND histopathology, or where individual patient-level data were available to permit the calculation of OR. A total of 31 studies evaluating pcRPLND histopathology in 3,390 patients were eligible for inclusion, including two identified through hand-searching the reference lists of eligible studies. The following were associated with the presence of necrosis/fibrosis at pcRPLND: absence of teratomatous elements in orchidectomy (OR 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.94-4.17); presence of seminomatous elements at orchidectomy (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.37-5.37); normal pre-chemotherapy serum bHCG (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.62-2.36); normal AFP (OR 3.22, 95% CI 2.49-4.15); elevated LDH (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.37-2.17); >50% change in mass during chemotherapy (OR 4.84, 95% CI 3.94-5.94); and smaller residual mass size (<2 cm versus >2 cm: OR 3.93, 95% CI 3.23-4.77; <5 cm versus >5 cm: OR 4.13, 95% CI 3.26-5.23). Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, clinicopathologic features helped predict the presence of pcRPLND necrosis/fibrosis. Collaboration between centres that provide individual patient-level data is required to develop and validate clinical models and inform routine care to direct pcRPLND to individuals most likely to derive benefits. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021279699.

Robotic Repair of Ureteroenteric Stricture Following Radical Cystectomy: A Multi-Institutional Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety, feasibility and durability of robotic reimplantation of ureteroenteric stricture after radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multi-institutional review was performed for all patients undergoing robotic repair of ureteroenteric stricture from January 2010 to January 2019. Functional outcomes and complications were followed and data were analyzed with SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients and 58 renal units were identified, of which 15 had right sided, 19 left sided and 12 patients had bilateral strictures. Presentation of stricture was asymptomatic in 14 (30.4%) patients. Symptomatic presentations included infection in 22 (47.8%), worsening renal function in 11 (23.9%) and pain in 3 (6.5%) patients. Median time from cystectomy to diagnosis of stricture was 5 months (1-40). Median stricture length was 1.5 cm (range 0.5-10). All strictures were of benign etiology except for 4 (6.9%), which were due to malignancy. Overall, 49 (84.5%) ureters underwent primary re-implantation, while 9 (15.5%) required Boari-like advancement flaps prior to re-implantation. Median operative time was 190 min (range 45-540) with median estimated blood loss of 50 mL (range 25-2000) and median length of stay of 2 days (range 1-33, IQR 2-4). Seven (15.2%) patients experienced complications; 3 (6.5%) were low grade and 4 (8.7%) high grade. With median follow up of 18 months (range 1-51) the stricture recurrence rate was 8.6%. CONCLUSION: Robotic reimplantation of ureteroenteric strictures following radical cystectomy is safe and feasible in experienced centers with high success rates.

A new view of macula densa cell microanatomy.

Although macula densa (MD) cells are chief regulatory cells in the nephron with unique microanatomical features, they have been difficult to study in full detail due to their inaccessibility and limitations in earlier microscopy techniques. The present study used a new mouse model with a comprehensive imaging approach to visualize so far unexplored microanatomical features of MD cells, their regulation, and functional relevance. MD-GFP mice with conditional and partial induction of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression, which specifically and intensely illuminated only single MD cells, were used with fluorescence microscopy of fixed tissue and live MD cells in vitro and in vivo with complementary electron microscopy of the rat, rabbit, and human kidney. An elaborate network of major and minor cell processes, here named maculapodia, were found at the cell base, projecting toward other MD cells and the glomerular vascular pole. The extent of maculapodia showed upregulation by low dietary salt intake and the female sex. Time-lapse imaging of maculapodia revealed highly dynamic features including rapid outgrowth and an extensive vesicular transport system. Electron microscopy of rat, rabbit, and human kidneys and three-dimensional volume reconstruction in optically cleared whole-mount MD-GFP mouse kidneys further confirmed the presence and projections of maculapodia into the extraglomerular mesangium and afferent and efferent arterioles. The newly identified dynamic and secretory features of MD cells suggest the presence of novel functional and molecular pathways of cell-to-cell communication in the juxtaglomerular apparatus between MD cells and between MD and other target cells.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study illuminated a physiologically regulated dense network of basal cell major and minor processes (maculapodia) in macula densa (MD) cells. The newly identified dynamic and secretory features of these microanatomical structures suggest the presence of novel functional and molecular pathways of cell-to-cell communication in the juxtaglomerular apparatus between MD and other target cells. Detailed characterization of the function and molecular details of MD cell intercellular communications and their role in physiology and disease warrant further studies.

Timing, Patterns and Predictors of 90-Day Readmission Rate after Robotic Radical Cystectomy.

PURPOSE: We examine the timing, patterns and predictors of 90-day readmission after robotic radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2009 to March 2017, 271 consecutive patients undergoing robotic radical cystectomy with intent to cure bladder cancer (intracorporeal diversion 253, 93%) were identified from our prospectively collated institutional database. Readmission was defined as any subsequent inpatient admission or unplanned visit occurring within 90 days from discharge after the index hospitalization. Multiple readmissions were defined as 2 or more readmissions within a 90-day period. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors related to single and multiple 90-day readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 78 (28.8%) patients were readmitted at least once within 90 days after discharge, of whom 20 (25.6%) reported multiple readmissions. The cumulative duration of readmission was 6.2 (6.17) days with 6 (7.6%) patients having less than 24 hours readmission. Metabolic, infectious, genitourinary and gastrointestinal complications were identified as the primary cause of readmission in 39.5%, 23.5%, 22.3% and 17%, respectively. Fifty percent of readmissions occurred in the first 2 weeks after hospital discharge. On multivariable logistic regression analysis in-hospital infections (OR 2.85, p=0.001) were independent predictors for overall readmission. Male gender (OR 3.5, p=0.02) and in-hospital infections (OR 4.35, p=0.002) were independent predictors for multiple readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: The 90-day readmission rate following robotic radical cystectomy is significant. In-hospital infections and male gender were independent factors for readmission. Most readmissions occurred in the first 2 weeks following discharge, with metabolic derangements and infections being the most common causes.

Value of Indocyanine Green Angiography to Guide Wound Management and Prevent Necrosis in a Robotic Surgical Procedure.

Background: Inguinal lymph node dissection is performed in penile cancers and has a high complication rate with mostly wound-related complications. This case study demonstrates the use of robotic technique, tissue perfusion assessment, and negative pressure wound dressing to minimize wound-related complications. Case Presentation: A 67-year-old Maltese man was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ on biopsy of a self-detected penile lump. The patient underwent a partial penectomy and histopathology report confirmed moderately differentiated SCC with clear surgical margins. A positron emission tomography/CT scan was performed preoperatively, which showed several nodes in the right inguinal region with increased metabolic activity and nonspecific findings in the left inguinal region. The patient had a robotic right inguinal node dissection the following month. Assessment of the skin flap was performed using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography with the SPY system and there was excellent vascularity. Further treatment was performed 3 months later with a robotic left inguinal node dissection. Again, assessment of the skin flap was performed using the SPY system but showed an area of poor perfusion in the left femoral triangle, which suggested a high risk of inadequate wound healing and tissue necrosis. The clinical decision to use the negative pressure PICO dressing was made intraoperatively to enhance perfusion of the skin. When the PICO dressing was removed it revealed excellent tissue viability and vascularity of the skin flap. Histopathology analysis showed no evidence of malignancy in the nodes removed and patient was discharged to the outpatient care of their urologist. Conclusion: This case study demonstrates that the use of a tissue perfusion assessment tool avoided a potentially poor clinical outcome for the patient. Robotic inguinal lymph node dissection was performed in coordination with ICG angiography to guide the use of negative pressure wound therapy and facilitate good wound healing.

Patterns of infection following transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate in a regional New South Wales Centre.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rates, severity and patterns of resistance in patients presenting with post-transrectal ultrasound infection in a regional centre in New South Wales, Australia. DESIGN: A single-centre retrospective review from August 2013 until August 2017. SETTING: Murrumbidgee Local Health District, New South Wales. PARTICIPANTS: All patients who underwent transrectal ultrasonography biopsy of the prostate in the public health system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of infection and sepsis following biopsy of the prostate requiring readmission to hospital within 30 days from the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 317 men underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate over the study period. Nineteen (6%) patients presented with clinical signs of post-transrectal ultrasound infection, of which 18 (5.7%) required readmission for intravenous antibiotics. Median time to readmission was 2 days (0-7), and the average length of hospital stay was 5 days (1-15). Three (0.3%) patients required admission to intensive care for inotropic support. Thirteen patients (68%) had positive blood cultures, and all were positive for Escherichia coli. Four of these patients (21%) had extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing isolates resistant to their preoperative antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Prostate cancer is common in the elderly community with worse outcomes in regional settings. Infective complications from transrectal ultrasound biopsy were 6% in this regional setting with high rates of multi-resistant organisms. Awareness of this is important for rural health practitioners who are likely to be exposed to this patient population.

Pharmacodynamics effects of CDK4/6 inhibitor LEE011 (ribociclib) in high-risk, localised prostate cancer: a study protocol for a randomised controlled phase II trial (LEEP study: LEE011 in high-risk, localised Prostate cancer).

INTRODUCTION: Despite the development of new therapies for advanced prostate cancer, it remains the most common cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. It is critical to develop novel agents for the treatment of prostate cancer, particularly those that target aspects of androgen receptor (AR) signalling or prostate biology other than inhibition of androgen synthesis or AR binding. Neoadjuvant pharmacodynamic studies allow for a rational approach to the decisions regarding which targeted therapies should progress to phase II/III trials. CDK4/6 inhibitors have evidence of efficacy in breast cancer, and have been shown to have activity in preclinical models of hormone sensitive and castrate resistant prostate cancer. The LEEP trial aims to assess the pharmacodynamic effects of LEE011 (ribociclib), an orally bioavailable and highly selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for high-risk, localised prostate cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The multicentre randomised, controlled 4:1 two-arm, phase II, open label pharmacodynamic study will recruit 47 men with high risk, localised prostate cancer who are planned to undergo radical prostatectomy. Participants who are randomised to receive the study treatment will be treated with LEE011 400 mg daily for 21 days for one cycle. The primary endpoint is the frequency of a 50% reduction in Ki-67 proliferation index from the pretreatment prostate biopsy compared to that present in prostate cancer tissue from radical prostatectomy. Secondary and tertiary endpoints include pharmacodynamic assessment of CDK4/6 cell cycle progression via E2F levels, apoptotic cell death by cleaved caspase-3, changes in serum and tumour levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), pathological regression, safety via incidence of adverse events and exploratory biomarker analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was approved by a central ethics review committee (St Vincent's Hospital HREC) for all participating sites (HREC/17/SVH/294). Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. DRUG SUPPLY: Novartis. PROTOCOL VERSION: 2.0, 30 May 2019 TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618000354280).

Use of indocyanine green to minimise uretero-enteric strictures after robotic radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of indocyanine green (ICG) for assessing ureteric vascularity on the rate of uretero-enteric stricture formation after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 179 patients undergoing RARC and ICUD between January 2014 and May 2017, and divided the patients into two groups based on the utilisation of ICG for the assessment of ureteric vascularity (non-ICG group and ICG group). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records to identify the length of ureter excised. Demographic, perioperative outcomes (including 90-day complications and readmissions), and the rate of uretero-enteric stricture were compared between the two groups. The two groups were compared using the t-test for continuous variables and the chi-squared test for categorical variables. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 132 and 47 patients were in the non-ICG group and the ICG group, respectively. There were no differences in baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes including operating time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay. The ICG group was associated with a greater length of ureter being excised during the uretero-enteric anastomosis and a greater proportion of patients having long segment (>5 cm) ureteric resection. The median follow-up was 14 and 12 months in the non-ICG and ICG groups, respectively. The ICG group was associated with no uretero-enteric strictures compared to a per-patient stricture rate of 10.6% and a per-ureter stricture rate of 6.6% in the non-ICG group (P = 0.020 and P = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of ICG fluorescence to assess distal ureteric vascularity during RARC and ICUD may reduce the risk of ischaemic uretero-enteric strictures. The technique is simple, safe, and reproducible. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm our findings.

Incidence, Predictive Factors and Preventive Measures for Inguinal Hernia following Robotic and Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Inguinal hernia is a known sequel of radical prostatectomy which contributes to patient morbidity and health care expenditure. In this systematic review we evaluated the incidence of inguinal hernia associated with minimally invasive radical prostatectomy, in addition to predictive factors and preventive measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed® and Embase® between 2000 and February 2018 using the search terms inguinal hernia and radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: In concordance with search terms and selection criteria we identified a total of 155 reports with 27 studies eligible for inclusion. Collated results demonstrated a variable prevalence of inguinal hernia after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and robotic assisted radical prostatectomy ranging from 4.3% to 8.3% and from 3% to 19.4 %, respectively. There was a higher mean prevalence of inguinal hernia after robotic assisted prostatectomy. Factors predicting inguinal hernia following minimally invasive radical prostatectomy included low body mass index, poor stream and straining prior to prostatectomy detected on symptom score instruments, a patent processus vaginalis or an intraoperative incidental inguinal hernia. Herniotomy or herniorrhaphy with onlay mesh repair was the most commonly reported intraoperative repair technique at the time of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. Recurrence of repaired incidental hernia is rare. CONCLUSIONS: Inguinal hernia is common after minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. There is a lack of high level evidence to clarify risk factors and preventive strategies for inguinal hernia after minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. There is a justification for randomized controlled trials to further evaluate this under recognized clinical problem.

Long term oncologic outcome in patients with bladder cancer after radical cystectomy: Impact of carcinoma in situ in the era of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of carcinoma in situ (CIS) on oncologic outcomes in patients who underwent radical cystectomy, with a focus on those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) including patients with down-staging to ≤ pT1cancer after chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent radical cystectomy for urothelial cancer with curative intent from 1985 to 2011 were included. The impact of CIS on recurrence free and overall survival (OS) was assessed in the whole cohort and a subgroup who received NAC as well as those with response to chemotherapy and down-staging to ≤ pT1. RESULTS: A total of 2518 patients with a median follow-up period of 9 years were included. Among all, 1397 (55.5%) had concomitant CIS on final pathology. CIS was associated with high risk pathologic features including high-grade disease, multifocality, and nodal involvement as well as worse recurrence free survival (RFS) with no impact on OS. We did not find a significant association between CIS and oncologic outcomes in a subset of patients who received NAC including those with down-staging to ≤ pT1 disease. In multivariate analysis, CIS had no association with either recurrence free or OS. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant CIS in radical cystectomy specimens is associated with decreased RFS; however, in multivariate analysis, it was not an independent predicting factor of oncologic outcomes. Moreover, the impact of CIS on oncologic outcomes in a subset of patients who received NAC was insignificant.

Histological Validation of 11Carbon-Acetate Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography in Detecting Lymph Node Metastases in Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: Conventional imaging cannot definitively detect nodal metastases of prostate cancer. We histologically validated C-acetate positron emission tomography/computerized tomography to identify nodal metastases, examining prostate cancer factors that influence detection rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with C-acetate avid positron emission tomography/computerized tomography imaged pelvic/retroperitoneal lymph nodes underwent high extended robotic lymphadenectomy. A standardized mapping template comprising 8 predetermined anatomical regions was dissected during lymphadenectomy, allowing for matched, region based analysis and comparison of imaging and histological data. RESULTS: In 25 patients a total of 2,149 lymph nodes were excised (mean 86 per patient, range 27 to 136) and 528 (22%) harbored metastases (mean 21 positive nodes per patient, range 0 to 109). A total of 174 anatomical regions had matching imaging histological data. C-acetate positron emission tomography/computerized tomography accurately identified 48 node-positive regions and accurately ruled out 88 regions as metastasis-free. C-acetate sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 67%, 84%, 74% and 79%, respectively. An increasing, histologically measured metastatic lesion size in long axis diameter of 5 or less, 6 to 10, 11 to 15, 16 to 20 and 21 mm or greater correlated with improved C-acetate detection rates of 45%, 62%, 81%, 89% and 100%, respectively. Each standard uptake value unit increase correlated with a 1.9 mm increase in nodal long axis diameter (p <0.001) and a 1.2 mm increase in short axis diameter (p <0.001). Positive C-acetate positron emission tomography/computerized tomography findings correlated with histological lymph node size (long axis diameter 12 mm and short axis diameter 6 mm), metastatic lesion size (long axis diameter 11 mm and short axis diameter 6 mm) and extranodal extension (positive 88% vs false-negative 58%, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: C-acetate positron emission tomography/computerized tomography can identify prostate cancer metastatic nodal disease. However, it underestimates the true cephalad extent of nodal involvement, performing better in the pelvis than in the retroperitoneum. Standard uptake value, histological nodal size, intranodal metastasis size and extranodal extension correlate with cancer bearing nodes.

Factors influencing intraoperative conversion from planned orthotopic to non-orthotopic urinary diversion during radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine and investigate the intraoperative factors that contribute to a change in plan from continent orthotopic neobladder to ileal conduit or continent cutaneous diversion at the time of radical cystectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained bladder cancer database was performed. Of the 711 patients who underwent radical cystectomy from 2012 to 2016, 387 (54.4%) had given consent to have a NB. Of these 387 patients, 348 (89.9%) ultimately received a neobladder while 34 (8.8%) received an ileal conduit and 5 (1.3%) continent cutaneous diversion. The factors involved in the intraoperative change of plan were examined in this study. RESULTS: Patients who ultimately received a neobladder were significantly more likely to have clinical node-negative disease (p = 0.045), negative soft tissue margins (p = 0.001), lower body mass index (p = 0.045) and higher volume surgeons (p < 0.001). Oncologic reasons for intraoperative conversions were more common than technical reasons (58.3% vs 35.9%), in both robotic and open surgical techniques. The choice of surgical approach (open vs robotic) did not influence the rate of intraoperative conversion. CONCLUSION: The factors influencing intraoperative decision not to perform neobladder are predominantly oncologic rather than technical. A clear understanding of the factors involved in influencing the intraoperative change in the urinary diversion plan may improve shared decision making in patients undergoing radical cystectomy in the future.

Needle lost in minimally invasive surgery: management proposal and literature review.

The reported incidence of intraoperative retained instruments, such as needles, hangs around 0.06-0.11%. Leaving a needle inside the abdominal cavity can have significant medical and legal consequences. In addition, the retrieval can be hampered due to the limited visualization of the scope during minimally invasive surgery. Factors associated with an increased probability for NL have been described. Prevention for this situation includes: having one needle at a time inside the cavity, effective communication between all personnel in the operating room, evaluation of the strength of the suture-needle connection, avoid parking of needles intraoperatively, and a proper needle withdrawal. Notwithstanding, no agreement has been made regarding NL management. Herein, we present a literature review, and a management proposal in which through a series of systematic steps, the surgical team can efficiently locate and retrieve a lost needle such as: examination of the surgical field, trocar visualization, trocar disassembly, and revision of the suction device. Finally, intraoperative or postoperative imaging can be utilized.

Advances in Renal Cell Imaging.

A great variety of cell imaging technologies are used routinely every day for the investigation of kidney cell types in applications ranging from basic science research to drug development and pharmacology, clinical nephrology, and pathology. Quantitative visualization of the identity, density, and fate of both resident and nonresident cells in the kidney, and imaging-based analysis of their altered function, (patho)biology, metabolism, and signaling in disease conditions, can help to better define pathomechanism-based disease subgroups, identify critical cells and structures that play a role in the pathogenesis, critically needed biomarkers of disease progression, and cell and molecular pathways as targets for novel therapies. Overall, renal cell imaging has great potential for improving the precision of diagnostic and treatment paradigms for individual acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease patients or patient populations. This review highlights and provides examples for some of the recently developed renal cell optical imaging approaches, mainly intravital multiphoton fluorescence microscopy, and the new knowledge they provide for our better understanding of renal pathologies.