Robotic partial nephrectomy is associated with a significantly decreased rate of postoperative pseudoaneurysm compared to open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

While partial nephrectomy offers oncologic efficacy and preserves renal function for T1 renal tumors, renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) remains a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. This study compared RAP incidence across robotic-assisted (RAPN), laparoscopic (LPN), and open (OPN) partial nephrectomies in a large tertiary oncological center. This retrospective study analyzed 785 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy between 2012 and 2022 (398 RAPN, 122 LPN, 265 OPN). Data included demographics, tumor size/location, surgical type, clinical presentation, treatment, and post-operative outcomes. The primary outcome was RAP incidence, with secondary outcomes including presentation, treatment efficacy, and renal function. Seventeen patients (2.1%) developed RAP, presenting with massive hematuria (100%), hemorrhagic shock (5.8%), and clot retention (23%). The median onset was 12 days postoperatively. RAP occurred in 4 (1%), 4 (3.3%), and 9 (3.4%) patients following RAPN, LPN, and OPN, respectively (p = 0.04). Only operative length and surgical approach were independently associated with RAP. Selective embolization achieved immediate bleeding control in 94%, with one patient requiring a second embolization. No additional surgery or nephrectomy was needed. Estimated GFR at one year was similar across both groups (p = 0.53). RAPN demonstrated a significantly lower RAP incidence compared to LPN and OPN (p = 0.04). Emergency angiographic embolization proved effective, with no long-term renal function impact. This retrospective study lacked randomization and long-term follow-up. Further research with larger datasets and longer follow-ups is warranted. This study suggests that robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is associated with a significantly lower risk of RAP compared to traditional approaches. Emergency embolization effectively treats RAP without compromising long-term renal function.

High ambient temperature impact on the pattern of emergency-room visits due to renal colic in the Middle East.

Urolithiasis has a seasonal pattern, with an established increase in incidence during the summer months. This study aims to assess the impact of high ambient temperatures on emergency room (ER) visits related to renal colic (RC) in a Middle Eastern country over the past decade. Population data were extracted using the MDClone Big Data platform. We recorded demographic and clinical data on all RC-associated ER visits from January 2012 to April 2023 and calculated the heat index (HI) that combines daily average coastal plane temperatures and humidity percentages. There was a total of 12,770 ER visits (median age 48 years, 9,236 (72%) males). The number of visits increased during the hottest months (July-October), with the highest numbers recorded during August. The number of visits remained stable throughout the study. We identified a linear association between humidity and the incidence of ER visits (p = 0.002), and a non-linear association between ambient temperature (p < 0.0001) and HI (p < 0.0001). There was a direct relationship between high temperatures and ER visits on the same day (risk ratio [RR]: 1.75, p = 0.036), with a 2-day lag (RR: 1.123, p = 0.024). In Conclusion, there is a significant relationship between temperature, humidity, HI, and the number of ER visits due to RC. Adjusted resource allocation and healthcare workforce availability are essential for managing additional cases during heat waves. Clinical implications: Increased demand is expected during heatwaves and within a 2-day lag, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies to effectively manage RC patients.

Do Urine Cytology and FISH Analysis Have a Role in the Follow-Up Protocol of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend a stringent follow-up regimen that includes interval cystoureteronephscopy, CT urography, and selective urine cytology sampling for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients undergoing endoscopic treatment and management. There are no recommendations regarding FISH analysis. Our purpose was to assess the efficacy of cytology and FISH as part of the follow-up protocol and its significance to clinical decision-making in this scenario. METHODS: The medical records of all patients who managed endoscopically for UTUC at our institute between 2014 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data, histology, cytology, and FISH results were collected. FISH analysis was considered malignant according to Paris criteria. RESULTS: During the study period, 62 patients underwent 561 ureteroscopies as part of the treatment and follow-up regimen of low-grade UTUC. Urine from the affected upper tract was sampled for cytology in 377 procedures, and FISH analyses were performed in 273. In 75.4% of FISH analyses, the result was different from the cytology results: FISH found malignant aberrations in 15.5% of cases where cytology was benign. Furthermore, FISH classified all the cells defined as atypical via cytology as either benign or malignant. In only one case (0.17%), the urinary cytology report changed the follow-up regimen. CONCLUSION: Cytology may be omitted from the follow-up protocol of low-grade UTUC. In the handful of cases cytology does assist the diagnosis of UTUC, there is an additional benefit to performing FISH analysis, particularly when cellular atypia is reported in the cytology results.

A clinical evaluation of an ex vivo organ culture system to predict patient response to cancer therapy.

Introduction: Ex vivo organ cultures (EVOC) were recently optimized to sustain cancer tissue for 5 days with its complete microenvironment. We examined the ability of an EVOC platform to predict patient response to cancer therapy. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, single-arm observational trial. Samples were obtained from patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor and from core needle biopsies of patients with metastatic cancer. The tumors were cut into 250 µM slices and cultured within 24 h, then incubated for 96 h with vehicle or intended to treat drug. The cultures were then fixed and stained to analyze their morphology and cell viability. Each EVOC was given a score based on cell viability, level of damage, and Ki67 proliferation, and the scores were correlated with the patients' clinical response assessed by pathology or Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Results: The cancer tissue and microenvironment, including endothelial and immune cells, were preserved at high viability with continued cell division for 5 days, demonstrating active cell signaling dynamics. A total of 34 cancer samples were tested by the platform and were correlated with clinical results. A higher EVOC score was correlated with better clinical response. The EVOC system showed a predictive specificity of 77.7% (7/9, 95% CI 0.4-0.97) and a sensitivity of 96% (24/25, 95% CI 0.80-0.99). Conclusion: EVOC cultured for 5 days showed high sensitivity and specificity for predicting clinical response to therapy among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and other solid tumors.

Primary Ureteroscopy without Pre-Stenting for Proximal Ureteral Stones-Is It Feasible?

BACKGROUND: Primary ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is the treatment of choice for distal ureteral stones. However, in cases of proximal ureteral stones, some urologists recommend the preliminary insertion of a ureteral stent and deferred ureteroscopy. We aimed to evaluate the necessity of preliminary ureteral stent insertion in the management of proximal ureteral stones by comparing the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing primary ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for proximal vs. distal ureteral stones. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent ureteroscopy between 2016 and 2017 in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographic data, stone size, renal function, intra- and post-operative complications, and stone-free rate (SFR). Patients were divided into two groups: proximal ureteral stones and distal ureteral stones. RESULTS: The cohort included 241 patients who underwent ureteroscopy. Among them, 106 had a proximal ureteral stone. The median age was 51 (IQR 41-65) years. Patients who underwent ureteroscopy for proximal ureteral stones were significantly older (p = 0.007). The median stone's maximal diameter was 7 (5-10) mm. The complication rate and stone-free rate (SFR) were similar in both groups (p = 0.657 and p = 1, respectively). The prevalence of post-procedural ureteral stent insertion was higher among patients who underwent ureteroscopy for proximal ureteral stones: 92.5% vs. 79.3% (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our study concludes that primary ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for proximal ureteral stones is a valid and feasible treatment with a similar surgical outcome compared to distal ureteral stones. Preliminary ureteral stent insertion seems to be unnecessary.

The Added Value of Systematic Sampling in In-Bore Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Prostate Biopsy.

We sought to quantify the additive value of systematic biopsy (SB) using in-bore magnetic resonance (MR)-guided prostate biopsy (IBMRGpB) by retrospectively reviewing the records of 189 patients who underwent IBMRGpB for suspected prostate cancer or as part of the surveillance protocol for previously diagnosed prostate cancer. The endpoints included clinically significant and non-clinically significant cancer diagnosis. SB detected clinically significant disease in 67 (35.5%) patients. Five (2.65%) patients whose targeted biopsies indicated benign or non-clinically significant disease had clinically significant disease based on SB. SB from the lobe contralateral to the lesion detected clinically significant disease in 15 (12%) patients. The size of the prostate was larger and the percentage of lesions located in the peripheral zone of the prostate was higher in patients with SB-detected clinically significant disease. The location of the main lesion in the peripheral zone of the prostate was a predictor for clinically significant disease in the multivariate analysis (OR = 8.26, p = 0.04), a finding supported by a subgroup analysis of biopsy-naïve patients (OR = 10.52, p = 0.034). The addition of SB during IBMRGpB increased the diagnosis of clinically significant as well as non-clinically significant prostate cancer. The location of the main lesion in the peripheral zone emerged as a positive predictive factor for clinically significant disease based on SB. These findings may enhance patient-tailored management.

Unveiling the Challenges in Tandem Ureteral Stent Management for Malignant Ureteral Obstruction: Failure Rate, Risk Factors, and Durability of Their Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is a sequela of advanced malignant disease that requires renal drainage, with tandem ureteral stents (TUSs) being a viable option. This study aimed to evaluate the TUS failure rate, associated risk factors, and the feasibility of replacing failed TUSs with a new pair of stents. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of MUO patients treated with TUS insertion from 2014 to 2022 was conducted. TUS failure was defined as urosepsis, recurrent urinary tract infections, acute kidney failure, or new hydronephrosis on imaging. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified the independent predictors of TUS failure. RESULTS: A total of 240 procedures were performed on 186 patients, with TUS drainage failing in 67 patients (36%). The median time to failure was 7 months. Multivariate analysis revealed female gender (OR = 3.46, p = 0.002), pelvic mass (OR = 1.75, p = 0.001), and distal ureteral obstruction (OR = 2.27, p = 0.04) as significant risk factors for TUS failure. Of the failure group, 42 patients (22.6%) underwent TUS replacement for a new pair. Yet, 24 (57.2%) experienced a second failure, with a median time of 4.5 months. The risk factors for TUS second failure included a stricture longer than 30 mm (OR = 11.8, p = 0.04), replacement with TUSs of the same diameter (OR = 43, p = 0.003), and initial TUS failure within 6 months (OR = 19.2, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: TUS insertion for the treatment of MUO is feasible and has good outcomes with a relatively low failure rate. Primary pelvic mass and distal ureteral obstruction pose higher risks for TUS failure. Replacing failed TUSs with a new pair has a success rate of 42.8%. Consideration should be given to placing larger diameter stents when replacing failed TUS.

Strategies of Endoscopic Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma among Endourologists: A Global Survey.

Up-to-date guidelines on the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) are continuously published. We aim to assess the variability of diagnosis and treatment strategies in the endoscopic management of UTUC and adherence to European Association of Urology and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. A 15-question survey was designed to query practitioners on approaches to clinical practice and knowledge about endoscopic treatment indications and techniques. It was emailed to all members of the Endourologic Society through the society's office, and to all Israeli non-member endourologists. Eighty-eight urologists participated in the survey. Adherence to guidelines on indications for endoscopic management was only 51%. Most of the survey respondents (87.5%) use holmium laser for tumor ablation, and ~50% use forceps for biopsy while the other half use baskets. Only 50% stated that they would use Jelmyto® for specific indications. Most (80%) indicated that they repeat the ureteroscopy 3 months after the first one, and 52.3% continue with follow-up ureteroscopy every 3 months during the first year after diagnosis. There is vast variability among endourologists in the technical aspects of UTUC, the indications for endoscopic management, and adherence to the available guidelines for managing UTUC.

Autoimmune disorders caused by intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerine treatment: A systematic review.

Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a common and highly effective treatment for non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. BCG may cause an autoimmune reaction in some patients. One hundred and fifty-eight papers were analyzed, for a total of hundred and thirty patients with reactive arthritis, sixty patients with ocular manifestations and eighteen patients with other rheumatologic diseases. Among 130 subjects with reactive arthritis, an autoimmune symptom occurred after 5 instillations of intravesical BCG (IQR 4-6), which represents 5 weeks in most cases. Fifty-one patients had concurrent ocular involvement. The resolution of symptoms was achieved in a median of 32.5 days (IQR 14-90). Forty-two men and twenty women had ocular manifestations, most commonly conjunctivitis. Patients with HLA-B27 typing had earlier presentation of ocular symptoms related to the number of instillations (4.5 vs 6 [p < 0.05]. Resolution of symptoms was achieved at a median of 128 days (IQR 21-150). Among patients treated with NSAIDs (either with or without steroids), the duration of the disease was significantly shorter in both the articular and the ocular groups (28 vs. 120 [p < 0.05] and 30 vs.105 [p < 0.05], respectively). Other autoimmune manifestations included general autoimmune diseases, such as vasculitis, psoriasis and myasthenia gravis.

Association between COVID-19 Burden, Population Vaccination Status, and Urologic Oncology Surgery Volume: A National Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Initial deleterious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on urologic oncology surgeries are well described, but the possible influence of vaccination efforts and those of pandemic conditions on surgical volumes is unclear. Our aim was to examine the association between changing vaccination status and COVID-19 burden throughout the pandemic and the volume of urologic oncology surgeries in Israel. This multi-center cross-sectional study included data collected from five tertiary centers between January 2019 and December 2021. All 7327 urologic oncology surgeries were included. Epidemiological data were obtained from the Israeli Ministry of Health database. A rising trend in total urologic oncology surgery volumes was observed with ensuing COVID-19 wave peaks over time (X2 = 13.184, df = 3, p = 0.004). Total monthly surgical volumes correlated with total monthly hospitalizations due to COVID-19 (R = -0.36, p = 0.015), as well as with the monthly average Oxford Stringency Index (R = -0.31, p = 0.035). The cumulative percent of vaccinations and of new COVID-19 cases per month did not correlate with total monthly urologic surgery volumes. Our study demonstrates the gradual acclimation of the Israeli healthcare system to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, hospitalizations due to COVID-19, as well as restriction stringency, correlate with lower volumes of urologic oncological surgeries, regardless of the population's vaccination status.

Laparoscopic Versus Robot-Assisted Pyeloplasty in Adults-A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Laparoscopic (LP) and robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) are minimally invasive techniques for correcting uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes of all adults who underwent RAP (n = 41) to those who underwent LP (n = 24) for UPJO at our institution between 2003−2022. Methods: Age, sex, body mass index, surgical side, past abdominal/endoscopic surgeries, pre- and postoperative renal scans, pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels, operative time (OT), presence of crossing vessels, estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, time to JJ stent removal, follow-up length, and postoperative hydronephrosis were analyzed. Results: The groups were demographically comparable. The mean total and skin-to-skin OTs (minutes) were significantly longer in the RAP group than in the LP group (242.4 ± 55 vs. 161.4 ± 40 p < 0.001; 163.7 ± 41.8 vs. 124.3 ± 30.3 p = 0.006, respectively). Hospital stay (days) was shorter in the RAP group (3.3 ± 2.1 vs. 7.3 ± 2.5 p < 0.001). Postoperative complication rates were identical for both groups. The LP group had a significantly longer follow-up period (85.2 ± 73 vs. 19 ± 14 months p < 0.001). The success rates for the LP and RAP groups were 87.5% and 90.6% (p = 0.708). Conclusions: RAP achieves equivalent results to LP, in adult patients. A longer OT may be expected with the robotic system since it can handle more complicated cases.

Quality of life with tandem ureteral stents compared to percutaneous nephrostomy for malignant ureteral obstruction.

PURPOSE: Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is treated with kidney decompression by a percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) or internal ureteral stents. The objective of this study was to compare quality of life (QoL) with a PCN compared to tandem ureteral stents (TUS) in cases of MUO. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients with MUO who were treated by PCN/TUS in our institution between June 2019 and May 2020. Patients were asked to fill out a QoL questionnaire, a tube-symptoms questionnaire, report a general health scale, and asked for a drain preference if they had experience with both drains. Scores of both groups were compared and predictors of all QoL and tube-symptoms measures were searched using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients with a PCN and 30 with TUS were included in the study. No statistically significant difference was found in all QoL and tube-symptoms measurements between the two drains. Type of drain was not found to be a predictor of QoL or tube-related symptoms. Eighty-four percent of patients (11/13) who have experience with both types of drains preferred TUS. CONCLUSION: TUS and PCN for relief of MUO have a negative and similar effect on various areas of QoL and urinary symptoms. Most patients who had experience with both types of drains preferred TUS over PCN. In this patient population with a grim prognosis, this negative effect must be communicated to patients, and calculated against the potential benefits of drainage.

Diagnosing Oncocytoma by Core Needle Biopsy: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Oncocytoma is one of the most common benign kidney tumors, accounting for 3-7% of all solid renal masses. Diagnosing oncocytomas using renal biopsy remains a controversy in the uro-pathologic community. With the increasing use of biopsies for assessment of renal lesions, reaching this pathologically benign diagnosis may prevent further surgical measures and have significant clinical benefit. Objective: To demonstrate our center's results using renal biopsy to diagnose oncocytomas and to suggest that this diagnosis can be made with high success rates. Design: , Setting, and Participants. From our center's database, we retrospectively identified and retrieved all cases of oncocytoma diagnosed between the years 2011 and 2020 by renal biopsy. Medical records of those patients were then reviewed to view follow-up meetings and imaging of the lesions biopsied. Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis. In 21 biopsies performed on 19 patients, diagnosis was supported by subsequent follow-up averaging at 3.44 years per patient. Results and Limitations. The lesions exhibited benign behavior during follow-up after biopsy, consistent with the diagnosis of oncocytoma. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that with good patient selection and proficient cooperation between urologists, radiologists and dedicated uro-pathologists, correctly diagnosing oncocytomas using RCB is a viable task. Patient Summary. Oncocytomas are benign lesions of the kidney. In our study, we reviewed all cases of oncocytomas pathologically diagnosed using renal biopsy from our center's database. We found that in subsequent follow-up later to biopsy, the lesions displayed benign behavior consistent with oncocytoma. The use of percutaneous biopsies to reach this diagnosis could save patients more extensive surgeries.

Reply to Veerman et al. Comment on "Rosenzweig et al. Very Low Prostate PET/CT PSMA Uptake May Be Misleading in Staging Radical Prostatectomy Candidates. J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12, 410".

We thank the commenters for their important insights [...].

Association between early change in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio after radical cystectomy and treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the associations of peri-operative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and change in NLR with survival after radical cystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a multicentre cohort of patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy between 2010 and 2020. Preoperative NLR, postoperative NLR, delta-NLR (postoperative minus preoperative NLR) and NLR change (postoperative divided by preoperative NLR) were calculated. Patients were stratified based on elevation of preoperative and/ or postoperative NLR above the median values. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate the associations of peri-operative NLR and NLR change with survival. RESULTS: The study cohort included 346 patients with a median age of 69 years. The median (interquartile range) preoperative NLR, postoperative NLR, delta-NLR and NLR change were 2.55 (1.83, 3.90), 3.33 (2.21, 5.20), 0.43 (-0.50, 2.08) and 1.2 (0.82, 1.96), respectively. Both preoperative and postoperative NLR were elevated in 110 patients (32%), 126 patients (36%) had an elevated preoperative or postoperative NLR, and 110 patients (32%) did not have an elevated NLR. On multivariable analysis, increased preoperative and postoperative NLR were significantly associated with decreased survival. While delta-NLR and NLR change were not associated with outcome, patients with elevations in both preoperative and postoperative NLR had the worst overall (hazard ratio [HR] 2.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78, 4.95; P < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival rates (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.3, 4.4; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative and postoperative NLR are significant predictors of survival after radical cystectomy; patients in whom both NLR measures were elevated had the worst outcomes. Future studies should evaluate whether an increase in NLR during long-term follow-up may precede disease recurrence.

Very Low Prostate PET/CT PSMA Uptake May Be Misleading in Staging Radical Prostatectomy Candidates.

Purpose: to evaluate a unique subpopulation of radical prostatectomy (RP) candidates with "negative" prostate 68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) imaging scans and to characterize the clinical implications of misleading findings. Materials and Methods: This case-control retrospective study compared the final histological outcomes of patients with "negative" pre-RP PSMA PET/CT prostate scans (with a prostate maximal standardized uptake value [SUVmax] below the physiologic uptake) to those with an "intense" prostatic tracer uptake (with a SUVmax above the physiologic uptake). The patients underwent an RP between March 2015 and July 2019 in five academic centers. Data on the demographics, comorbidities, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and rectal exam findings, prior biopsies, imaging results, biopsies, and RP histology results were collected. Results: Ninety-seven of the 392 patients who underwent an RP had PSMA PET/CT imaging preoperatively. Fifty-two (54%) had a "negative" uptake (in the study group), and 45 (46%) had a "positive" uptake (in the control group). Only the lesion size and SUVmax values on the PSMA PET/CT differed between the groups preoperatively. On the histological analysis, only the ISUP score, seminal vesicles invasion, T stage, and positive margin rates differed between the groups (p < 0.05), while 50 (96%) study group patients harbored clinically significant disease (ISUP ≥ 2), with an extra-prostatic disease in 24 (46%), perineural invasion in 35 (67%), and positive lymph nodes in 4 (8%). Conclusions: Disease aggressiveness generally correlated with an intense PSMA uptake on the preoperative PSMA PET/CT, but a subpopulation of patients with clinically significant cancer and aggressive characteristics showed a deceptively weak PSMA uptake. These data raise a concern about the unqualified application of PSMA PET/CT for staging RP candidates.

Palliative urinary diversion in patients with malignant ureteric obstruction due to gynaecological cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors aiding the selection of patients with gynaecological cancer with malignant urinary obstruction who are least likely to benefit from palliative urinary diversion (UD), and to create a risk-stratification model for decision-making. METHODS: This historic cohort study comprised 74 consecutive patients with urinary obstruction resulting from gynaecological malignancies. All underwent palliative UD by percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). Using the Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test, we developed a prognostic score identifying candidates least likely to benefit from the intervention. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 4.72 (range 0-5.71) years. Hydronephrosis was diagnosed in most patients on recurrent or persistent disease (81%). It was bilateral in 37.8%. Intervention-related complications included urinary sepsis (8%), catheter dislodgment requiring replacement (17%) and gross haematuria necessitating blood transfusions (13%). After PCN, conversion to an internal ureteral stent was feasible in 46%. The median survival was 11.13 (range 0-67) months. Two patients died within a month of UD. Multivariate analysis identified diabetes mellitus (DM), poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status >1 and ascites as significant negative survival factors. A prognostic index based on those factors identified the short-term and long-term survivors. Risk factor-based mortality HRs were 11.37 (95% CI 4.12 to 31.37) with one factor, 26.57 (95% CI 9.14 to 77.26) with two factors and 67.25 (95% CI 15.6 to 289.63) with three factors (all with p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed prognostic index, based on ascites, ECOG performance status and DM, might help select patients with gynaecological cancer least likely to benefit from palliative UD.

The association between adrenal adenoma size, autonomous cortisol secretion and metabolic derangements.

OBJECTIVE: Autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) is common in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI). ACS is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Data regarding the association between radiological characteristics of adrenal adenomas, their hormonal functionality and metabolic outcomes, are scarce and inconclusive. In this study, we aim to delineate the association between radiological characteristics of AI, ACS and metabolic status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 77 patients with AI who underwent a comprehensive hormonal evaluation. Radiological assessments were performed by an independent radiologist blinded to the clinical and hormonal phenotype of each case. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between post dexamethasone suppression test (DST) cortisol levels, metabolic indices and radiological measurements. RESULTS: Mean maximal adenoma diameter was greater in patients with versus without ACS (20.35 ± 6 vs. 27.09 ± 9.3 mm, respectively, p < .01). Maximal adenoma diameter was found to be positively and linearly correlated with post-DST morning cortisol levels across their entire range (R = .474, p < .01). Linear correlations between maximal adenoma diameter and indices of glycemic control showed a correlation coefficient (R) of .481 and .463 for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), respectively, p < .01. When analysis included only patients with ACS, an R = .584 and R = .565 was observed for FPG and HbA1c, respectively (p < .01 for both). The association between maximal adenoma diameter and both FPG and post-DST morning cortisol intensified in patients with metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: There is a quantitative positive mild correlation between AI size and both cortisol autonomy and metabolic parameters.

The urologist's learning curve of "in-bore" magnetic resonance-guided prostate biopsy.

BACKGROUND: The combination of multi-parametric MRI to locate and define suspected lesions together with their being targeted by an MRI-guided prostate biopsy has succeeded in increasing the detection rate of clinically significant disease and lowering the detection rate of non-significant prostate cancer. In this work we investigate the urologist's learning curve of in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy which is considered to be a superior biopsy technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following Helsinki approval by The Chaim Sheba Medical Center ethics committee in accordance with The Sheba Medical Center institutional guidelines (5366-28-SMC) we retrospectively reviewed 110 IB-MRGpBs performed from 6/2016 to 1/2019 in a single tertiary center. All patients had a prostate multi-parametric MRI finding of at least 1 target lesion (prostate imaging reporting and data system [PI-RADS] score ≥ 3). We analyzed biopsy duration and clinically significant prostate cancer detection of targeted sampling in 2 groups of 55 patients each, once by a urologist highly trained in IB-MRGpBs and again by a urologist untrained in IB-MRGpBs. These two parameters were compared according to operating urologist and chronologic order. RESULTS: The patients' median age was 68 years (interquartile range 62-72). The mean prostate-specific antigen level and prostate size were 8.6 ± 9.1 ng/d and 53 ± 27 cc, respectively. The mean number of target lesions was 1.47 ± 0.6. Baseline parameters did not differ significantly between the 2 urologists' cohorts. Overall detection rates of clinically significant prostate cancer were 19%, 55%, and 69% for PI-RADS 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Clinically significant cancer detection rates did not differ significantly along the timeline or between the 2 urologists. The average duration of IB-MRGpB targeted sampling was 28 ± 15.8 min, correlating with the number of target lesions (p < 0.0001), and independent of the urologist's expertise. Eighteen cases defined the cutoff for the procedure duration learning curve (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a very short learning curve for IB-MRGpB-targeted sampling duration, and that clinically significant cancer detection rates are not influenced by the learning curve of this technique.

Nutritional Status Impairment Due to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Predicts Post-Radical Cystectomy Complications.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is associated with improved patient survival. The impact of NAC on nutritional status is understudied, while the association between malnutrition and poor surgical outcomes is well known. This study aims to examine the association between NAC, nutritional status impairment, and post-operative morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included MIBC patients who underwent RC and received NAC from multiple academic centers in Israel. Cross-sectional imaging was used to measure the psoas muscle area and normalized it by height (smooth muscle index, SMI). Pre- and post-NAC SMI difference was calculated (represents nutritional status change). The primary outcomes were post-RC ileus, infection, and a composite outcome of any complication. Logistic regression models were fit to identify independent predictors of the outcomes. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were included in the study. The median SMI change was -0.71 (-1.58, -0.06) cm2/m2. SMI decline was significantly higher in patients with post-RC complications (-18 vs. -203, p < 0.001). SMI change was an independent predictor of all complications, ileus, infection, and other complications. The accuracy of SMI change for predicting all complications, ileus, infection, and other complications was 0.85, 0.87, 0.75, and 0.86, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NAC-related nutritional deterioration is associated with increased risk of complications after RC. Our results hint towards the need for nutritional intervention during NAC prior to RC.