Rational use of Ga-68 PSMA PET-CT according to nomograms and risk groups for the detection of lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to ensure efficient utilization of PSMA PET-CT by examining the correlation of pathological lymph node metastasis with nomogram scores and risk classifications. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissections for pelvic lymph nodes were performed using the same template. Bilaterally pelvic lymph nodes were removed within the boundaries of genitofemoral nerves, psoas muscle and lateral pelvic wall laterally, ureteric crossing of the iliac vessels superiorly, lateral bladder wall medially, Cooper ligaments distally, and endopelvic fascia, neurovascular bundles and internal iliac arteries posteriorly. Clinical nomograms were used to calculate the probability of lymph node metastasis preoperatively. Using receiver operating characteristics analysis, discriminatory cut-offs were calculated. The diagnostic performance of PSMA PET-CT was determined for detecting lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: For 81 patients, the median age was 64 years. The median PSA was 6.8 ng/ml. Most patients were in the D'Amico intermediate (56.8%) and high (37%) risk groups. Median Briganti 2017, MSKCC, and Partin scores were 35 (4-99), 37 (8-90), and 12 (2-38), respectively, in pN1 patients. The area under the curve for Briganti 2017, MSKCC, Partin nomograms and PSMA PET-CT scans were 0.852, 0.871, 0.862, and 0.588. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for Ga-68 PSMA PET-CT for lymph node metastasis detection were 21.4%, 94%, 42.9%, and 85.1%, respectively, for the whole group. By using higher threshold values for clinical nomograms (Briganti 2017 >32, MSKCC >12, Partin >5), PSMA PET-CT had higher sensitivity (42.9, 30, 27.2) in detecting lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the D'Amico high-risk group and those with high nomogram scores are the best candidates who will benefit from preoperative PSMA PET-CT staging to estimate lymph node metastasis.

Zero ischemia robotic partial nephrectomy: Oncological and functional outcomes of a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The functional and oncological outcomes of zero ischemia robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) procedures were evaluated. METHODS: A total of 56 patients underwent zero ischemia RPN transperitoneally, and their data were collected prospectively. Radius, exo/endophytic, nearness, anterior/posterior, location (R.E.N.A.L.) nephrometry, and PADUA scores were calculated. Patient and tumor characteristics were evaluated. Intra- and perioperative (0-30 days) complications were evaluated by Clavien classification. The change in serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were evaluated during preoperative, immediate postoperative periods, and at postoperative 6th months. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 52.2 ± 8.1 (27-75) years. R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry and PADUA scores were 6.1 ± 1.3 and 7.3 ± 1.0, respectively. The duration of surgery was 108.4 ± 18.2 min and estimated blood loss was 166.2 ± 124.7 mL. There were no intraoperative complications in any of the patients. Clavien Grade 1 and 3 complications were seen in 2 patients in the perioperative period. In the perioperative period (1-30 days), one patient required blood transfusion and angiographic intervention due to postoperative bleeding (Clavien Grade 3), and one patient required hospitalisation due to prolonged subileus (Clavien Grade 1) that resolved conservatively. The radiological and pathological tumor sizes were 3.1 ± 1.1 cm and 2.8 ± 1.4 cm, respectively. The surgical margins were positive in two patients with tumour sizes of 1.5 and 4 cm. Neither local recurrence nor distant metastasis was detected, during 33.6 ± 12.3 (3-76) months. There were no statistically significant differences between preoperative eGFR and serum creatinine levels, compared with those of immediate postoperative and postoperative 6th month periods. DISCUSSION: Zero ischemia RPN is a safe and applicable method with acceptable oncological and functional outcomes in small renal tumors and even in selected larger renal tumors.

Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cannot Predict the Presence of a Rare Myoid Gonadal Stromal Testicular Tumor: A Case Report.

Testicular myoid gonadal stromal tumors (MGSTs) are rare neoplasms. While past research has detailed the pathological characteristics of these tumors, the radiological differences between MGST and other types of testicular tumors have not been elucidated. Our study aimed to reveal the possible distinctive features of MGST using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report a 24-year-old patient presenting with a left scrotal mass. During the patient's preoperative MRI, we observed a testicular tumor measuring 2.5 cm that was consistent with the findings of a seminoma. The serum tumor markers were within the normal range. The T1-weighted MRI revealed a solid mass that was isointense-slightly hyperintense compared to the testicular parenchyma, while the mass appeared homogeneously hypointense on the T2-weighted imaging. The patient was planned to undergo left inguinal orchiectomy with the final pathological diagnosis of MGST. The MGST cannot be distinguished from other testicular tumors with certainty based on any MRI findings. The main tool for diagnosis should be based on the histomorphological characteristics and the immunohistochemical profile of the mass.

Intraoperative Frozen Section via Neurosafe During Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in the Era of Preoperative Risk Stratifications and Primary Staging With mpMRI and PSMA-PET CT: Is There a Perfect Candidate?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to analyze the effect of preoperative risk assessment including Ga-68 PSMA PET and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) on nerve sparing practices, positive surgical margin (PSM) rates and oncological outcomes based on a comparison between patients underwent RARP with and without Neurosafe (NS). METHODS: Patients underwent RARP with NS (RARP-NS) or without (RARP-only) NS retrospectively evaluated. Suspicion for extracapsular extension on mpMRI and/or Ga-68 PSMA PET was recorded as i(imaging)T3. NS was performed according to the Martini-Klinik technique. PSM at preserved bundle side were called PSM at region of interest (ROI) while the others were elsewhere. RESULTS: A total of 208 patients (90 in RARP-NS, 118 in RARP-only groups) were included. Preoperatively the RARP-only group showed significantly higher mean PSA (p = .01) and PIRADS 5 (p = .002) findings and had more D'Amico high risk (DAHR) patients (p = .08). The overall PSM rates for pT2 versus pT3 disease were 7.5% versus 21.6 and 15.6% versus 55% in RARP-NS and RARP-only groups, respectively. NS resulted in more bilaterally preserved bundles (81.1% vs. 66.3%) and less PSM at the ROI (3.3% vs. 23.4%) than RARP-only group. NS outperformed RARP-only in all clinical settings had its highest differential benefit in more bilateral nerve sparing and less PSM at ROI in patients with both DAHR and iT3 disease. BCR rates were 2.2% and 2.5% for RARP-NS and RARP only groups, respectively (p = .4). One patient in RARP-NS and 9 in RARP-only groups had PSA persistence (p = .02). CONCLUSION: RARP-NS led to more preserved bundles with less PSM. It was especially useful in DAHR patients with preoperative extracapsular extension suspicion in imaging simultaneously.

Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy with Orthotopic Neobladder Reconstruction: Techniques and Functional Outcomes in Males.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and intracorporeal neobladder (ICNB) reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: To report on urinary continence (UC) and erectile function (EF) at 12 mo after RARC and ICNB reconstruction and investigate predictors of these outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We used data from a multi-institutional database of patients who underwent RARC and ICNB reconstruction for bladder cancer. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: The cystoprostatectomy sensu stricto followed the conventional steps. ICNB reconstruction was performed at the physician's discretion according to the Studer/Wiklund, S pouch, Gaston, vescica ileale Padovana, or Hautmann technique. The techniques are detailed in the video accompanying the article. MEASUREMENTS: The outcomes measured were UC and EF at 12 mo. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 732 male patients were identified with a median age at diagnosis of 64 yr (interquartile range 58-70). The ICNB reconstruction technique was Studer/Wiklund in 74%, S pouch in 1.5%, Gaston in 19%, vescica ileale Padovana in 1.5%, and Hautmann in 4% of cases. The 12-mo UC rate was 86% for daytime and 66% for nighttime continence, including patients who reported the use of a safety pad (20% and 32%, respectively). The 12-mo EF rate was 55%, including men who reported potency with the aid of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (24%). After adjusting for potential confounders, neobladder type was not associated with UC. Unilateral nerve-sparing (odds ratio [OR] 3.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.88-7.85; p < 0.001) and bilateral nerve-sparing (OR 6.25, 95% CI 3.55-11.0; p < 0.001), were positively associated with EF, whereas age (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91-0.95; p < 0.001) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.89; p < 0.02) were inversely associated with EF. CONCLUSIONS: RARC and ICNB reconstruction are generally associated with good functional outcomes in terms of UC. EF is highly affected by the degree of nerve preservation, age, and comorbidities. PATIENT SUMMARY: We investigated functional outcomes after robot-assisted removal of the bladder in terms of urinary continence and erectile function. We found that, in general, patients have relatively good functional outcomes at 12 months after surgery.

PSA change after antibiotic treatment should not affect decisionmaking on performing a prostate biopsy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of antibiotic treatment on PSA when deciding on prostate biopsy. METHODS: A total of 206 patients with an elevated PSA level (2.5-30) were included. Mp-MRI could be done on 129 patients. Patients were given ciprofloxacin (500 mg, b.i.d. p.o.) for 4 weeks and PSA measurements were repeated. Systematic prostate biopsy was performed regardless of PSA changes on all patients. Additionally, cognitive biopsies were performed from PI-RADs III, IV, and V lesions. RESULTS: : Prostate cancer was detected in 36.4% of patients. 53.3% had Gleason score of 3+3, 46.7% had Gleason score ≥ 3+4. PSA values decreased in 56.3% and in 43.7% and remained the same or increased but cancer detection rates were not different: 34.5% vs. 38.9%, respectively (p = 0.514). PSA change in whole group was significant (6.38 ng/mL vs. 5.95 ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.01). No significant PSA decrease was observed in cancer patients (7.1 ng/mL vs. 7.05 ng/mL, p = 0.09), whereas PSA decrease was significant in patients with benign pathology (6.1 ng/mL vs. 5.5 ng/mL, p = 0.01). In patients with PI-RADs IV-V lesions, adenocarcinoma was present in 33.9% and 30.4% with or without PSA decrease, respectively (p = 0.209). Clinically significant cancer was higher in patients with after antibiotherapy PSA values >4 ng/mL regardless of PI-RADs grouping (p = 0.08). Addition of any PSA value to PI-RADs grouping did not have any significant effect on the detection of cancer. DISCUSSION: PSA change after antibiotic treatment has no effect in detecting cancer and should not delay performing a biopsy.

The role of the size and number of index lesion in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer in patients with PI-RADS 4 lesions who underwent in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the contribution of the size and number of the sampled lesions to the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC) in patients who had PI-RADS 4 lesions. METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 159 patients who had PI-RADS 4 lesions and underwent In-bore MRI-Guided prostate biopsy were included. Patients with a lesion classified as Grade Group 2 and above were considered to have CSPC. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the factors affecting the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) and CSPC. RESULTS: A great majority (86.8%) of the patients were biopsy-naïve. About three-fourths (71.7%) had PCa, and half (54.1%) had CSPC. When the patients were divided into three groups according to the index lesion size (< 5 mm, 5-10 mm, and > 10 mm), the prevalence of PCa was 64.3, 67.5, and 82.4% and the prevalence of CSPC was 42.9, 51.2, and 64.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age, index lesion size, prostate volume (< 50 ml) and being biopsy-naïve were found significant for PCa, while age and prostate volume (< 50 ml) were significant for CSPC. CONCLUSION: The number of lesions was found to be insignificant in predicting PCa and CSPC. While the size of PI-RADS 4 lesions was significant in predicting PCa, it had no significance in detecting CSPC.

Fluorescence-guided extended pelvic lymphadenectomy during robotic radical prostatectomy.

We evaluated and described the impact of prostatic indocyanine green (ICG) injection on extended pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection (ePLND) in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Between January 2019 and December 2021, we included consecutive 50 PCa patients who underwent ePLND during RARP with (n = 25) or without (n = 25) prostatic ICG injection. ICG injection was performed during abdominal port placement and robot docking. Pelvic LNs reflecting green color were initially excised and then the template was completed. The outcomes of two groups were compared. Overall, nine (36%) and five (20%) of the patients had metastatic LN involvement in the ICG and non-ICG groups, respectively. Of the 509 dissected LNs in the ICG group, 122 (23.9%) were fluorescence active. 20 LNs (3.9%) were metastatic in this group, 9 (45%) of which were ICG+. 408 LNs were resected on the non-ICG group with 8(1.9%) being metastatic. Eight (88.9%) of nine pN+ patients were florescent positive in the ICG group. Out of six patients with pN+ disease, Ga68 PSMA-PET/CT detected positive LNs preoperatively. In addition to preoperative Ga68 PSMA-PET/CT investigation, ICG-guided ePLND might increase identification and removal of metastatic LNs duirng RARP. Improvements in staging and oncologic outcomes may also be seen in intermediate- and high-risk patients.

Pathological Accuracy in Prostate Cancer: Single-Center Outcomes of 3 Different Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Biopsy Techniques and Random Systematic Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare systematic, cognitive fusion, in-bore, and software fusion prostate biopsies regarding rates of and risk factors for pathological upgrading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Charts of 291 patients with systematic biopsy (n = 105), magnetic resonance imaging- targeted cognitive fusion (n = 58), in-bore (n = 68), and software fusion biopsy (n = 60), and who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy were retrospectively evaluated. The degree of similarity between the grade groups reported in the biopsy and radical prostatectomy pathology results was recorded. Analyses of the associated factors for concordance and discordance were performed with univariate and multivariate methods. RESULTS: The concordance rates were as follows: systematic biopsy = 42.8%, cognitive fusion-targeted biopsy = 50%, in-bore fusion-targeted biopsy = 61.8, and software fusion biopsy = 58.4%. The upgrade rate of systematic biopsy (46.6%) was higher than cognitive fusion-targeted biopsy (27.6%), in-bore fusiontargeted biopsy (26.4%), and software fusion-targeted biopsy (18.3%). The number of positive cores was significantly associated with grade group concordance for the systematic biopsy group (P = .040). Within the cognitive fusion-targeted biopsy cohort, number of positive cores was the only parameter that exhibited a significant association with grade group concordance in multivariate analysis (P = .044). Considering the in-bore fusion-targeted biopsy group, maximum tumor length was statistically significant (P = .021). In the software fusion-targeted biopsy group, low prostate volume was found to be the only significant predictor for grade group accordance (P = .021). CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy techniques showed higher concordance and lower upgrade rates compared to systematic biopsy. For systematic biopsy and cognitive fusion-targeted biopsy, the number of positive cores was associated with grade group concordance, while maximum tumor length in in-bore fusion-targeted biopsy and low prostate volume for in-bore fusion-targeted biopsy were associated with grade group concordance. Among the MRI-targeted biopsy methods, in-bore fusion-targeted biopsy and software fusion-targeted biopsy were more accurate than cognitive fusion-targeted biopsy in terms of grade group.

Endopelvic Fascia Sparing Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Studer Pouch with Balbay's Technique.

Background and Objectives: Robotic radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion is a technically complicated, time-consuming procedure. The aim of this study was to present the operative, pathological, oncological, and functional outcomes of patients who underwent endopelvic fascia sparing (EPFS) RARC with intracorporeal Studer pouch formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is first series in the literature that includes EPFS RARC. Methods: Between October 1, 2019 and April 30, 2022, 10 bladder cancer patients underwent EPFS RARC, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection with intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction with Balbay's technique. Patient demographics, operative, and post-operative parameters were recorded. Results: Among 10 patients, 8 were male and 2 were female. Mean operative time, median estimated blood loss, and median duration of hospital stay was 530 minutes, 316 ml, and 8 days, respectively. One month postoperatively, the mean maximum flow, average flow rate, mean voided, and post-voided urine volume were 20.2 ml/sec, 4.4 ml/sec, 273.6 ml, and 3.5 ml, respectively. All of the patients were fully continent during day-time, three had mild night-time incontinence requiring pad use (both patients 1 pad per night). During a mean 11.5 months of follow up, zero patients died. One patient with a pathological, stage 4 tumor, had nodal recurrence at six months postoperatively. No distant metastasis were detected. Conclusion: Endopelvic fascia sparing RARC has very promising early functional results with safe oncological outcomes and low complication rates.

The Impact of Visible Tumor (PI-RADS ≥ 3) on Upgrading and Adverse Pathology at Radical Prostatectomy in Low Risk Prostate Cancer Patients: A Biopsy Core Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the characteristics of a single visible tumor (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System [PI-RADS]≥3) on upgrading and adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy (RP) in biopsy naïve low risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 64 biopsy naïve patients from 3 different referral centers between 2018 and 2020 with a PSA<10, cT1c disease, a single PI-RADS≥ 3 index lesion in multiparametric-MRI (mp-MRI), all bearing a GG 1 tumor sampled software fusion biopsy, who underwent RP. Preoperative clinical variables including the localization, number and tumor burden of positive cores for each PI-RADS category were related to upgrading and adverse pathology (GG>2 and/or pT3 and/or lymph node positive disease) at RP. RESULTS: Overall 37 patients (57.8%) were upgraded with a significant difference of upgrading in PI-RADS3 (30.0%) versus PI-RADS 4 (67.6%) (P = .007) and PI-RADS 4-5 (70.5%) lesions (P = .002). Thirty-three of 37 GG1 tumors were upgraded to GG2, while 6 of these 33 (18.2%) had adverse pathology as well. Overall 9 patients (14.1%) had adverse pathology at RP all harboring PI-RADS4-5 lesions. The number of positive cores differed significantly between the upgraded and nonupgraded patients. Adverse pathology group had significantly higher tumor volume at RP. CONCLUSION: PI-RADS4-5 lesions are the independent predictors of upgrading and adverse pathology in low risk PCa with visible tumors. Upgrading and adverse pathology were closely related to the number of positive combined cores reflecting the role of tumor volume. This should be kept in mind in shared decision making of an individual patient with low risk disease and a visible tumor.

A risk grouping algorithm for predicting factors of persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen in patients following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: After radical prostatectomy, prostate-specific antigen(PSA) value measuring ≥0.1 ng/mL is defined as persistent PSA(pPSA) and in many studies, it was found to be associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Our aim in this study is to point out the pathological and clinical factors affecting pPSA among the patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP) in an experienced academic centre and to make a useful risk grouping algorithm that can predict pPSA value based on operative data. METHODS: We examined records of 1273 patients who underwent RARP retrospectively. Preoperative, operative and postoperative data were collected. Based on the PSA values (ng/mL) measured after 4-to-8 weeks of RARP, patients were divided into two groups as pPSA group (Group1)(n = 97) with PSA values ≥0.1 ng/mL and undetectable PSA group (Group2)(n = 778) with PSA values <0.1 ng/mL. Later on, Group1 was further divided into Group1a (PSA:0.1-0.2 ng/mL) and Group 1b (PSA≥0.2 ng/mL) to evaluate biochemical recurrence(BCR). RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analyses of the collected data revealed that preoperative PSA≥20 ng/mL, operation time, a postoperative international society of urological pathology (ISUP) grade of ≥4, pT 3-4 and pN were independently associated with pPSA. Based on these results, a risk grouping algorithm predicting pPSA was developed. By looking at the risk grouping algorithm pPSA was found in 98.9% of the cases with a preoperative PSA value of ≥20 ng/mL, an operation time of 150 min, a postoperative ISUP grade of 4-5, a positive lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status, pT3-T4, and pN+; while pPSA was found in 25.5% of the cases with a preoperative PSA value of <20 ng/mL, an operation time of 100 min, a postoperative ISUP grade of <4-5, a negative LVI status, pT<3-4 and pN-. The estimated BCR-free survival time was 16.3 months in Group 1a and 57.0 months in Group2 (P < .001). Adjuvant treatment ratio was 64.9% in Group1 and 7.1% in Group2 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: For the patients who underwent RARP, factors associated with aggressive disease can predict the PSA persistence. To plan our treatment modalities accurately, an applicable risk grouping algorithm in daily practice would be useful.

Genitalia Preserving Robotic Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Studer Pouch Formation in the Female: Experience in 5 Cases.

We present operative, postoperative, oncologic and functional outcomes of genital tract sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node (LN) dissection and intracorporeal Studer pouch construction on five female patients with bladder cancer. One of the cases had concomitant nephroureterectomy performed due to a non-functioning kidney. Median patient age, mean operation time, median estimated blood loss and mean duration of hospital stay were 59 (39-78), 462 ± 25, 400 (50-970), 8.8 ± 2.5, respectively. Pathologic stages were pTis (n=1), pT1 (n=1), pT3 (n=1), pT4a (n=1) and pT4b (n=1). Mean LN yield was 32.4 ± 8.9. Positive surgical margins were detected in 2 patients with pT4 diseases. Only minor complications developed that were resolved with medical treatment. Two patients had no, 1 patient had mild, and 2 patients had moderate daytime incontinence. One patient had good, 3 patients had fair, and 1 had poor night-time incontinence. This complex robotic surgery can be performed safely with acceptable short-term surgical, oncological and functional outcomes.

The clinical impact of Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System classification in patients with haemospermia undergoing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate.

In this study, we evaluated the role of the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) classification of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to determine the likelihood of prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with haemospermia. Fifty-one patients presenting with haemospermia between 2018 and 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Forty-two of the patients (82.4%) were over 40 years, and the median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 1.4 ng/ml. Fourteen of the patients (27.5%) had recurrent haemospermia. All patients underwent mpMRI, and assessments were classified according to PI-RADS v2. The mpMRI revealed PI-RADS one to four lesions in 10 (19.6%), 30 (58.8%), 6 (11.8%) and 5 (9.8%) patients respectively. One patient with PI-RADS 3 and five with PI-RADS 4 lesions underwent cognitive fusion prostate biopsy depending on MRI findings, and two patients with PI-RADS 4 lesions were diagnosed with PCa. Patients with haemospermia and risk factors, that is aged over 40 years, a high PSA level or familial history of PCa, need a more thorough evaluation with mpMRI.

68Ga-PSMA-11 Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Primary Lymph Node Staging Before Radical Prostatectomy: Central Review of Imaging and Comparison with Histopathology of Extended Lymphadenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Results from prospective trials have shown higher accuracy of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in detection of lymph node metastasis (LNM) compared to conventional imaging. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for LNM detection in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Between June 2014 and November 2020, 96 patients with 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT for primary staging underwent RP and extended PLND. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results from 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT were compared with histologic data from primary PLND in 96 patients. All 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans were centrally reviewed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of 96 patients, 15.6% (n = 15) harbored LNMs. The median prostate-specific antigen at 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was 8.0 ng/ml (interquartile range 5.5-11.7). The majority of patients had intermediate- (52.1%) or high-risk disease (41.7%). Biopsy grade group 4 and 5 was present in 22.9% and 15.6%, respectively. The 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans identified eight of 15 patients (53.3%) as LN-positive (true positive). The calculated per-patient sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in the detection of LNM were 53.3%, 98.8%, 88.9%, 92.0%, and 91.7%, respectively. The per-patient sensitivity and specificity in the detection of LNMs larger than 2 mm were 61.5% and 98.8%, respectively. The main limitation is the retrospective design of the study. CONCLUSIONS: 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT is accurate in lymph node staging and the results support its use for primary staging of prostate cancer. PATIENT SUMMARY: We compared prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) findings with histopathology results after extended lymph node dissection and showed that it is accurate in detecting lymph node metastases. Our results support the use of PSMA PET/CT for primary staging of prostate cancer.

Outcomes and complications of radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion: A comparison between open, semi-robotic and totally robotic surgery.

BACKGROUND: It was aimed to compare open versus robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC), versus RARC with extracorporeal ileal conduit (ECIC) formation for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Open, RARC-ECIC and RARC-ICIC groups were compared in terms of patient demographics, operative and postoperative parameters, pathological parameters, complications and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Mean operative times were lower in the RARC-ECIC group (p = 0.004). Mean estimated blood loss was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the robotic groups. The blood transfusion was lower in RARC-ICIC groups (p < 0.001). Rates of stage pT3-4 disease were the highest in the RARC-ICIC group (p = 0.004). LOS was significantly shorter in the RARC-ICIC group (p = 0.01). Numbers of Clavien 3-5 complications were lower in the robotic groups (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: RARC and ICIC is a complex procedure involving an increased operation time but with the advantages of lower estimated blood loss, transfusion rates, complications and hospital stays compared with open surgery.

Feasibility, safety and efficacy of argon beam coagulation in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for solid renal masses ≤ 7 cm in size.

One of the most important steps of the partial nephrectomy (PN) is hemostatic control of tumor bed which also effects the warm ischemia time (WIT). Argon beam coagulation (ABC) for decades is a well-known method for surface controls during major open surgical sites. This study aimed to compare peri- and postoperative relevant parameters in patients with ABC or internal renorrhaphy (IR) during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). One hundred seventy patients with ≤ 7 cm tumors, who underwent RAPN at our institutions, were included in this retrospective study. Tumor bed was controlled by either IR or by ABC after closing isolated overt collecting system defects. No additional IR was performed in patients with ABC. Estimated blood loss (EBL), WIT, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change, on- vs. off-clamp procedure as well as Clavien-Dindo > 2 complications in both groups were compared. Eighty-seven (51.1%) patients had ABC and 83 (48.9%) had IR as their tumor bed control method. Tumor size, side and RENAL nephrometry score in both groups were similar. Mean warm ischemia time (WIT) was 20.8 min in ABC group and 23.8 min in IR group (p = 0.03). In 4-7 cm tumors, WIT was 19.9 min in ABC group while 26.6 min in IR group (p = 0.026). eGFR change from baseline and EBL favored ABC in entire cohort as well as in 4-7 cm tumors with statistical significance. There were more off-clamp procedures with ABC in ≤ 4 cm tumors. No ABC specific complications were observed. Within 2 years of follow-up, no patient developed recurrences. The control of the tumor base with ABC during RAPN shortens the warm ischemia times significantly compared to IR. Besides, ABC had better EBL and GFR changes outcomes. With close monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure and frequent venting, disturbing complications of ABC could completely be avoided. ABC was found to be feasible, safe and effective during RAPN.

Robot Assisted Radical Cystectomy Outcomes in Micropapillary and Plasmacytoid Variants.

PURPOSE: To compare the patients who underwent robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (EPLND) and whose pathology result was reported as micropapillary variant (MV), plasmacytoid variant (PV) and pure urothelial carcinoma (PUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 133 patients who underwent RARC and EPLND with the postoperative pathology results reported as MV, PV and PUC were analyzed. According to the postoperative pathology results, patients were divided into two groups in initial analyses as variant pathologies group (n=14) and PUC group (n=119). In secondary analyses, patients were divided into three groups as MV group (n=7), PV group (n=7) and PUC group (n=119). The operative data, oncologic outcomes and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Median operation time and estimated blood loss were significantly increased in variant pathologies group (P <0.001 and P = .001, respectively). The postoperative pathological T stage, positive surgical margin rate and lymph node involvement were also significantly increased in variant pathologies (P = .001, P = 0.004, P <0.001, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significant decrease in OS and CSS times in PV group compared to PUC group (P = .048 and P = .016, respectively). CONCLUSION: MV and PV are rarely seen variant pathologies with higher pathological T stages. RARC is a minimally invasive surgical technique that can be performed successfully by an experienced surgical team with low morbidity rates and similar oncological results, even in challenging cases.