Incisional hernia after cystectomy: incidence, risk factors and anthropometric predisposition.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative incisional hernias (PIH) are an established complication of abdominal surgery with rates after radical cystectomy (RC) poorly defined. The objective of this analysis is to compare rates and risk factors of PIH after open (ORC) and robotic-assisted (RARC) cystectomy at a tertiary-care referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing ORC and RARC from 2000-2015 with pre and postoperative cross-sectional imaging available. Images were evaluated for anthropometric measurements and presence of postoperative radiographic PIH (RPIH). Patient demographics, type of urinary diversion and postoperative hernia repair (PHR) were also assessed. RESULTS: Of the patients that met inclusion criteria (n = 469), the incidence of RPIH and PHR were 14.3% and 9.0%, respectively. Between ORC and RARC, analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in rates of RPIH (13.6% versus 20.3%, p = 0.152) or PHR (8.2% versus 12.5%, p = 0.214). Body mass index was associated with a slightly increased likelihood of RPIH on univariate analysis alone (OR 1.08, p = 0.008). Ileal conduit was associated with a decreased likelihood of RPIH (OR 0.42, p = 0.034) and PHR (OR 0.36, p = 0.023). Supraumbilical rectus diastasis width (RDW) was an independent predictor of both RPIH (OR 1.52, p = 0.023) and PHR (OR 1.43, p = 0.039) on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing RC are at significant risk of RPIH and PHR regardless of surgical approach. Anthropomorphic factors and urinary diversion type appear to be associated with PIH risk. Further research is needed to understand how risks of PIH can be reduced in patients undergoing cystectomy.

A Review of Translocation T(6;11) Renal Cell Carcinoma Tumors in the Adult Patient.

Historically, T(6;11) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been associated with the pediatric and adolescent populations and documentation of this tumor in adults has been rare. However, the frequency of translocation renal cell carcinoma (TRCC) may be widely underestimated in the adult population due to an inadequate immunohistochemical workup or misdiagnosis from similar gross and histological findings to other RCC. A subset of MiT family translocation carcinomas, t(6:11) (p21;q12) translocation tumors cause an alpha-TFEB gene fusion. Morphologically, this neoplasm tends to mimic the various types of RCC's, including clear cell, papillary, and even epitheloid angiomyolipomas. Adult cases of TRCC have shown to behave more aggressively than their indolent pediatric counterpart, but due to the limited number of reported cases the true nature of these tumors has yet to be determined. The aim of this review is to bring an awareness of translocation RCC to better understand its diagnoses, treatment and prognosis, and, in turn, to allow for new cases to further highlight the behavior of this rare variant.

A phase 2 study of TMX-101, intravesical imiquimod, for the treatment of carcinoma in situ bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: Imiquimod is a toll-like receptor agonist with proven antitumor activity as a topical treatment for skin cancer. TMX-101 (Vesimune) is a novel liquid formulation of imiquimod optimized for intravesical delivery. The agent demonstrated safety as an intravesical treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer in a phase 1 clinical trial. We report the results of a phase 2 prospective multicenter clinical trial assessing the safety and activity of TMX-101. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer containing carcinoma in situ were eligible for inclusion. Enrolled patients received 6 weekly intravesical administrations of 200mg/50ml TMX-101 0.4%. End points included rate of adverse events, changes in urinary cytokine levels following treatment, and clinical response at 6 weeks following final instillation, defined as negative posttreatment bladder biopsy and urine cytology results. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients were enrolled, with 10 available for efficacy analysis. Half of the patients (6/12) had received≥2 prior induction courses of bacillus Calmette-Guerin. All patients received all 6 doses of TMX-101 per protocol. Overall, 75% of patients experienced treatment-related adverse events, only 1 of which was>grade 2 (urinary tract infection). Furthermore, 2 patients demonstrated a negative cytology and biopsy result at 6 weeks following treatment. Significant increases in urinary cytokines, including IL-6 and IL-18, were seen following treatment. CONCLUSION: In this phase 2 pilot study in patients with carcinoma in situ bladder cancer, intravesical TMX-101 was safe and well tolerated with common, mild genitourinary adverse effects. Clinical activity was suggested by the increase in posttreatment urinary cytokines. Complete responders were seen. Further investigation of the agent is warranted.

Metastatic Prostate Cancer Presenting as Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Mass: A Rare Case Presentation.

A 69-year-old homeless African American male with prostate cancer diagnosed 2 years prior presents a large mass in the right thigh. An evaluation of the patient revealed a prostate-specific antigen of 9362 ng/mL. Biopsy of the leg mass was performed and final pathology indicated metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Although metastatic prostate cancer presents most commonly in bone, lymph nodes, lungs, and liver, metastatic disease presenting as a soft tissue mass is extremely rare (Bubendorf et al, 2000; Molenaar et al, 1996; Ward and Bourken, 1984). The advent of screening with prostate-specific antigen has led to earlier diagnosis of lower-grade disease, yet underserved populations continue to present with aggressive and morbid disease (Winer et al, 2014).

Sarcomatoid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis Masquerading as Emphysematous Pyelonephritis with Staghorn Calculus.

BACKGROUND: Staghorn calculi are well-established risk factors for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and subsequent renal deterioration. Less commonly, long-term urothelial irritation from a calculus may also pose a risk of malignant transformation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old male with multiple medical comorbidities presented with a chronic right renal pelvic staghorn calculus and findings concerning for emphysematous pyelonephritis. He was subsequently taken to the operating room for a planned laparoscopic right nephrectomy. Final pathology analysis revealed sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the renal pelvis with superimposed pyelonephritis and renal abscesses. Preoperative imaging was not suggestive of malignancy. CONCLUSION: Although SCC of the urothelium can be caused by chronic irritation, its presentation is usually isolated to the lower urinary tract and is rarely encountered in the renal pelvis. Our patient's presentation with sarcomatoid SCC is an even rarer entity. Chronic staghorn calculi must be considered as a potential risk factor for the development of both UTI and malignant urothelial transformation.

The Diagnostic and Treatment Patterns of Urologists in the United States for Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is not completely understood, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. The current literature elucidating this disease process is inconsistent. Without a clear consensus regarding management it is important to evaluate how urologists are treating these patients. METHODS: Urologists across the United States completed a 19-item survey addressing diagnostic and treatment methods for interstitial cystitis. Participation was voluntary and no compensation was provided to complete the survey. RESULTS: A total of 95 surveys were completed and returned between December 2012 and January 2013. Of the respondents 92% considered themselves general urologists and most preferred to manage interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome themselves with only 33% referring these patients. Of the respondents 47% believed that the etiology of interstitial cystitis is still unknown. Cystoscopy with hydrodistention was the most common approach to diagnosis (70% of respondents) followed closely by validated symptoms scores (65%). Oral medication was the most commonly used treatment (92% of respondents), of which pentosan polysulfate was the most commonly used agent. Oral medication was followed by intravesical treatment and bladder hydrodistention at 77% and 74% of respondents, respectively. Most urologists ultimately used multimodal therapy. AUA (American Urological Association) guidelines were followed by only 15% of respondent urologists. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is variable and many urologists use multiple modalities for diagnosis and treatment. This variability in diagnosis and/or treatment reflects the deficiency of our current understanding of this disease process. Until the pathophysiology is better delineated diagnosis and treatment will remain without consensus.

A Case Series of Spontaneous Rupture of the Urinary Bladder.

We report 2 cases of spontaneous bladder rupture related to chronic outlet obstruction and urinary retention. In both cases, focal perforation was identified within diverticula. Bladder rupture in the absence of trauma is a rare and serious event with a mortality rate approaching 50%. These injuries are often initially misdiagnosed and it is our goal to provide insight to the presentation, management and treatment of this rare event.