Kidney stones in renal transplant recipients: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Lithiasis in renal graft recipients might be a dangerous condition with a potential risk of organ function impairment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature search was conducted through February 2023. The primary objective was to assess the incidence of lithiasis in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. The secondary objective was to assess the timing of stone formation, localization and composition of stones, possible treatment options, and the incidence of graft loss. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 41 non-randomized studies comprising 699 patients met our inclusion criteria. The age at lithiasis diagnosis ranged between 29-53 years. Incidence of urolithiasis ranged from 0.1-6.3%, usually diagnosed after 12 months from KT. Most of the stones were diagnosed in the calyces or in the pelvis. Calcium oxalate composition was the most frequent. Different treatment strategies were considered, namely active surveillance, ureteroscopy, percutaneous/combined approach, or open surgery. 15.73% of patients were submitted to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), while 26.75% underwent endoscopic lithotripsy or stone extraction. 18.03% of patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy whilst 3.14% to a combined approach. Surgical lithotomy was performed in 5.01% of the cases. Global stone-free rate was around 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Lithiasis in kidney transplant is a rare condition usually diagnosed after one year after surgery and mostly located in the calyces and renal pelvis, more frequently of calcium oxalate composition. Each of the active treatments is associated with good results in terms of stone-free rate, thus the surgical technique should be chosen according to the patient's characteristics and surgeon preferences.

Trasplante renal abierto frente a trasplante renal asistido por robot: revisión sistemática del grupo de trabajo de trasplante renal de la sección de Jóvenes Urólogos Académicos (YAU) de la Asociación Europea de Urología (EAU) / Open versus robotic-assisted kidney transplantation: A systematic review by the European Association of Urology (EAU) – Young Academic Urologists (YAU) Kidney Transplant Working Group

Introducción En los últimos 20 años se ha evaluado el uso de la robótica en el campo del trasplante renal como abordaje miniinvasivo a esta población especialmente vulnerable. Al tratarse de un campo relativamente novedoso, pocos estudios han comparado el trasplante renal abierto (TRA) y el trasplante renal asistido por robot (TRAR), la mayoría en cohortes pequeñas. Para ampliar los conocimientos actuales, hemos querido reunir en este documento datos comparativos de TRA frente a TRAR en una revisión sistemática. Métodos Se realizó una revisión sistemática de acuerdo con la declaración de Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos Medline, Embase y Cochrane para identificar todos los estudios que informaran sobre los resultados postoperatorios del TRAR frente al TRA. Resultados Un total de 2.136 pacientes de 13 estudios fueron incluidos. La mediana de edad de los receptores fue de 42,6 años (TRA: 43,5 años y TRAR: 40,3 años). La mediana de la tasa de trasplante renal preventivo fue de 27,1% (TRA: 23,3% y TRAR: 33,2%). La mediana del tiempo quirúrgico total y de recalentamiento fueron: 235 y 49 min, respectivamente, en la población TRA; 250 y 60 min en la población TRAR. Las tasas de complicaciones postoperatorias fueron: 26,2% en la población TRA y 17,8% en la población TRAR. Las tasas de retraso en la función del injerto fueron: 4,9% en la población TRA y 2,3 en la población TRAR. Los resultados funcionales a medio plazo y la supervivencia del paciente y del injerto fueron similares entre las poblaciones TRA y TRAR. Conclusión Esta revisión sistemática demostró que el TRAR puede asociarse a una menor incidencia de retraso en la función del injerto y de complicaciones quirúrgicas postoperatorias, así como a unos resultados funcionales a medio plazo y una supervivencia del paciente y del injerto similares, en comparación con el TRA para los pacientes con enfermedad renal terminal (AU)

Introduction In the last 20 years, robotic assisted procedures were evaluated in the field of kidney transplantation to provide a mini-invasive approach for this particularly fragile population. As a relatively new issue, few studies compared open kidney transplantation (OKT) and robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT), mostly in small cohorts. To improve current knowledge, we wanted here to gather comparative data of OKT vs RAKT in a systematic review. Methods A systematic review was performed according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify all studies reporting post-operative outcomes of RAKT versus OKT. Results A total of 2,136 patients in 13 studies were included. Median recipient age was 42.6 years (OKT: 43.5 years and RAKT: 40.3 years). Median preemptive kidney transplantation rate was 27.1% (OKT: 23.3% and RAKT: 33.2%). Median total operative time and rewarming were respectively: 235 and 49 minutes in OKT population; 250 and 60 minutes in RAKT population.Post-operative complications rates were: 26.2% in OKT population and 17.8% in RAKT population. Delayed graft function rates were: 4.9% in OKT population and 2.3 in RAKT population. Mid-term functional outcomes, patient and graft survival were similar in OKT and RAKT population. Conclusion This systematic review showed that RAKT may be associated with a lower incidence of delayed graft function and post-operative surgical complications and similar mid-term functional outcomes, patient and graft survival, compared to OKT for end-stage renal disease patients (AU)

Indicaciones e histología de 489 orquiectomías analizadas según la edad del paciente / Indications and histology of 489 orchiectomies analyzed by patient age

Objetivo Evaluar indicaciones e histología de nuestra serie de orquiectomías, analizando los resultados dependiendo de la edad del paciente. Métodos Estudio de las orquiectomías realizadas en nuestro centro entre 2005 y 2020 a pacientes mayores de 18 años. Evaluamos: datos demográficos, indicaciones, histología y efectividad del diagnóstico ecográfico según 3 grupos de edad. Resultados Se realizaron 489 orquiectomías, 364 (74%) en los pacientes entre 18-50 años (grupo A), 59 (12%) entre los pacientes de 51-70 años (grupo B) y 66 (13,4%) en mayores de 70 años (grupo C). En el grupo A, 284 (78%) orquiectomías fueron indicadas por sospecha tumoral, 261/284 (91,9%) fueron neoplasias malignas, 253 (89%) germinales. La ecografía testicular tuvo un valor predictivo positivo (VPP) para tumor testicular maligno del 90%. En el grupo B, 34 (57%) orquiectomías fueron indicadas por sospecha tumoral y 25/34 (73,5%) presentaron neoplasias malignas. La ecografía tuvo un VPP para malignidad del 68%. En el grupo C, la orquiepididimitis fue la causa más frecuente de orquiectomía con 30 casos (45,5%). Entre las 20 orquiectomías por sospecha de tumor (30,3%), se encontró malignidad en 6. La ecografía tuvo un VPP para malignidad del 31%. Conclusión En menores de 70 años la indicación principal de orquiectomía fue la sospecha tumoral y en mayores, la orquiepididimitis. Los tumores germinales fueron la histología más frecuente en los menores de 70 años; en los mayores la malignidad fue infrecuente. Con la edad, disminuyó el VPP de la ecografía testicular para neoplasia maligna. En los mayores de 50 años se debería mejorar el proceso diagnóstico antes de indicar orquiectomía por sospecha tumoral (AU)

Objective To evaluate the indications and histology of our series of orchiectomies, analysing the results by patient's age. Methods We included the orchiectomies realized in our hospital between 2005 and 2020 in patients older than 18 years. We estimated demographic data, indications, histology and effectiveness of testicular ultrasound by three groups of age. Results We included 489 orchiectomies, which 364 (74%) belonged to group A (patients between 18-50 years), 59 (12%) to group B (50-70 years) and 66 (14%) to group C (older than 70 years). In group A, 284 (78%) orchiectomies were indicated due to malignancy suspect. In 91.9% cases (261) malign neoplasm was confirmed at final histology and 253 (89%) were germinal cells. Testicular ultrasound had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 90% in this group. In group B, 34 (57%) orchiectomies were indicated because of malignancy suspect. At final histologic analysis, 25/34 (73.5%) confirmed malign neoplasm. Ultrasound had a PPV of 68%. In group C, orchiepididymitis was the main cause of testicular removal with 30 cases (45,5%). From the 20 cases (30.3%) with suspicion of malignancy, only 6 had confirmed malign histology. Testicular ultrasound PPV for malignancy was 31%. Conclusion In patients younger than 70 years the main orchiectomy's indication was suspect of malignancy and in older than 70, testicular inflammation. The germinal neoplasm was the predominant histology in younger than 70 years. In older than that, malignancy was infrequent. The positive predictive value of testicular ultrasound for malignancy decreased with patient's age. In patients older than 50 years proper image diagnosis to assess malignancy should be considered before orchiectomy is done (AU)

Impacto clínico de no aplicar el protocolo ERAS en los pacientes sometidos a cistectomía durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Clinical impact of the suspension of the ERAS protocol on patients undergoing radical cystectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción Al inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 no se pudo implementar ni prehabilitación ni rehabilitación multimodal por sobrecarga del sistema sanitario. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar evolución, complicaciones y supervivencia hasta el año de pacientes sometidos a cistectomía radical en nuestro centro desde el 1 de marzo hasta el 31 de mayo de 2020 (primera ola). Comparamos resultados con pacientes también cistectomizados fuera de pandemia donde sí estaba instaurado el protocolo ERAS. Material y métodos Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo, unicéntrico, de pacientes programados para cistectomía radical desde el 1 de marzo de 2020 hasta el 31 de mayo de 2020; se emparejaron con pacientes intervenidos anteriormente a través de score de emparejamiento por propensión 1:2. Las variables de emparejamiento fueron datos demográficos, condiciones clínicas preoperatorias e intraoperatorias. Resultados Se realizaron 23 cistectomía en este periodo; en ningún caso se aplicó ni prehabilitación ni seguimiento del protocolo ERAS, y esta fue la única diferencia en el tratamiento entre grupos. Tres pacientes se diagnosticaron de COVID-19 durante su ingreso presentando complicaciones respiratorias graves y alta mortalidad intrahospitalaria. La tasa de transfusión sanguínea fue mayor en el grupo pandemia. La estancia hospitalaria aumentó en tres días en grupo pandemia. Conclusiones Los pacientes sometidos a cistectomía en nuestro centro durante la primera ola de pandemia por COVID-19 presentaron complicaciones respiratorias y no respiratorias en mayor número y más graves que los cistectomizados fuera de este periodo. La no aplicación del protocolo ERAS fue la principal diferencia en el tratamiento entre grupos (AU)

Introduction During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in our center, neither prehabilitation nor multimodal rehabilitation could be applied due to the excessive patient load on the health system and to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The objective of our study was to analyze the evolution, complications, and survival up to one year of patients who underwent radical cystectomy in our hospital from March 1st to May 31st, 2020 (period of the first wave COVID-19 pandemic in Spain). We also compared the results with cystectomized patients outside the pandemic period and with application of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. Material and methods Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients scheduled for radical cystectomy from March 1st,2020 to May 31st, 2020. They were matched with previously operated patients using a 1:2 propensity matching score. The matching variables were demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative clinical conditions. Results A total of 23 radical cystectomies with urinary diversion were performed in the period described. In none of the cases the prehabilitation or the follow-up of our ERAS protocol could be applied, and this was the only difference we found between the 2 groups. Although the minimally invasive approach was more frequent in the pandemic group, the difference was not statistically significant. Three patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during their admission, presenting severe respiratory complications and high in-hospital mortality. Apart from respiratory complications secondary to SARS-CoV-2, we also found statistically significant differences in other postoperative complications. The hospital stay increased by 3 days in the pandemic group (AU)

Manejo del carcinoma in situ de tramo urinario superior diagnosticado por biopsia ureteroscópica: ¿es el bacilo de Calmette-Guérin una alternativa a la nefroureterectomía? / Management of primary upper urinary tract carcinoma in situ diagnosed by ureteroscopic biopsy: Is bacillus Calmette-Guerin an alternative to nephroureterectomy?

Introducción La nefroureterectomía radical (NFU) es el tratamiento estándar del carcinoma de tramo urinario superior (TUS). No obstante, desde 1985 se ha introducido el tratamiento conservador en el manejo del carcinoma in situ en TUS (cis-TUS). El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la evolución oncológica de los pacientes con cis-TUS tratados en nuestro centro con NFU vs. instilaciones de bacilo de Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Métodos Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con diagnóstico de cis-TUS primario entre 1990-2018. Todos los pacientes presentaban diagnóstico histológico de cis-TUS con ausencia de otro carcinoma de TUS concomitante. La confirmación histológica se obtuvo mediante ureteroscopia con múltiples biopsias. Los pacientes fueron tratados mediante NFU, ureterectomía distal o instilaciones de BCG. Los datos clinicopatológicos y la evolución oncológica fue comparada entre los grupos NFU y BCG. Resultados Se incluyeron un total de 28 pacientes, 29 unidades renales (UR). Dieciséis (57,1%) pacientes (17 UR) recibieron BCG. Las instilaciones fueron administradas por nefrostomía en 4 pacientes, catéter en J simple en 5 y doble J en 7. La respuesta completa y la persistencia o recurrencia fueron detectadas en 10 (58,8%) y 7 (41,2) UR tratadas con BCG. Ocho UR (27,6%) fueron tratadas con NFU, con una recurrencia contralateral detectada en 4 casos (50%). Finalmente, 4 UR con cis-TUS (13,8%) fueron tratadas con ureterectomía distal. No se detectaron diferencias en la supervivencia libre de recurrencia (p=0,841) ni en la supervivencia cáncer específica (p=0,77) entre los grupos de NFU y BCG. Conclusiones Aunque la nefroureterectomía radical representa el tratamiento estándar para el CIS de tramo urinario superior, nuestros resultados confirman que las instilaciones con BCG también son efectivas. La confirmación histológica de cis-TUS debería realizarse previamente a la decisión terapéutica (AU)

Introduction Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) still represents the gold standard treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC); however, since the 1980s attempts have been made to treat upper urinary tract CIS (UT-CIS) conservatively. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with primary UT-CIS treated in our center by means of RNU vs. bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillations. Methods This retrospective study included patients with diagnosis of primary UT-CIS between 1990 and 2018. All patients had histological confirmation of UT-CIS in the absence of other concomitant UTUC. Histological confirmation was obtained by ureteroscopy with multiple biopsies. Patients were treated with RNU, distal ureterectomy, or BCG instillations. Clinicopathological features and outcomes were compared between the RNU and BCG groups. Results A total of 28 patients and 29 renal units (RUs) were included. Sixteen (57.1%) patients (17 RUs) received BCG. BCG was administered via a nephrostomy tube in 4 patients, a single-J ureteral stent in 5, and a Double-J stent in 7. Complete response and persistence or recurrence were detected in ten (58.8%) and seven (41.2%) RUs treated with BCG, respectively. Eight (27.6%) RUs underwent RNU, with contralateral recurrence detected in four (50%), and 4 (13.8%) RUs underwent distal ureterectomy. No differences were found in recurrence-free survival (p=0.841) and cancer-specific survival (p=0.77) between the RNU and BCG groups. Conclusions Although RNU remains the gold standard treatment for UT-CIS, our results confirm that BCG instillations are also effective. Histological confirmation of UT-CIS is mandatory before any treatment (AU)

Assessment of intrarenal temperature dynamics when using holmium and thulium: YAG lasers in an ex vivo porcine kidney model.

AIM: To measure the temperature dynamics at the renal surface and within the urinary tract when using Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG lasers for tissue ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Porcine kidneys were used. Both types of lasers with different configurations and fiber sizes were used through a flexible ureteroscope. The temperature at the renal surface was recorded using a thermal camera while the intrarenal temperature was measured using two thermal probes, the first one at the ureteropelvic junction and the second one at the calyx used for lasering. Temperature was determined at 0.5-1-3-5 and 10 min. RESULTS: Recordings at the ureteropelvic junction and calyx revealed significant increases when using Tm:YAG with the 273 µm (10 W to 50 W) (p ≤ 0.02) and 550 µm (10 W) fiber (p = 0.04). With Ho:YAG there was a significant increase when using 273 µm (at 10 W and 20 W) (p ≤ 0.03) and 365 µm (10 W) fibers (p = 0.04). Regarding fiber size there was a significant difference when using Tm:YAG (at 20 W and 40 W) (p < 0.05). The thermal camera recorded a mean increase of 8 °C in the UPJ while the remaining areas of the kidney did not undergo significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature changes were greater when using the Ho:YAG laser with respect to Tm:YAG at similar power settings for tissue ablation. The greatest temperature increase was recorded at the UPJ from where the heat dissipated throughout the kidney.

Reduced- vs full-dose BCG in bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the oncologic outcomes and the safety profile of a reduced-dose versus full-dose BCG regimen in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched in January 2022 for studies that analyzed oncological outcomes and compared between reduced- and full-dose BCG regimens. RESULTS: Seventeen studies including 3757 patients met our inclusion criteria. Patients who received reduced-dose BCG had significantly higher recurrence rates (OR 1.19; 95%CI, 1.03-1.36; p = 0.02). The risks of progression to muscle-invasive BC (OR 1.04; 95%CI, 0.83-1.32; p = 0.71), metastasis (OR 0.82; 95%CI, 0.55-1.22; p = 0.32), death from BC (OR 0.80; 95%CI, 0.57-1.14; p = 0.22), and all-cause death (OR 0.82; 95%CI, 0.53-1.27; p = 0.37) were not statistically different. When restricting the analyses to randomized controlled trials, we found similar results. In subgroup analysis, reduced dose was associated with a higher rate of BC recurrence in studies that used only an induction regimen (OR 1.70; 95%CI, 1.19-2.42; p = 0.004), but not when a maintenance regimen was used (OR 1.07; 95%CI, 0.96-1.29; p = 0.17). Regarding side effects, the reduced-dose BCG regimen was associated with fewer episodes of fever (p = 0.003), and therapy discontinuation (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This review found no association between BCG dose and BC progression, metastasis, and mortality. There was an association between reduced dose and BC recurrence, which was no longer significant when a maintenance regimen was used. In times of BCG shortage, reduced-dose regimens could be offered to BC patients.

Evaluación de la dinámica de la temperatura intrarrenal con el uso de láseres holmio y tulio YAG en un modelo exvivo de riñón porcino / Assessment of intrarenal temperature dynamics when using holmium and thulium: YAG lasers in an ex vivo porcine kidney model

Objetivo Medir la dinámica de la temperatura en la superficie renal y dentro de la vía urinaria al usar los láseres Ho:YAG y Tm:YAG para la ablación tisular. Materiales y métodos Se utilizaron riñones porcinos. Ambos tipos de láseres con diferentes configuraciones y tamaños de fibras se usaron a través de un ureteroscopio flexible. La temperatura en la superficie renal fue registrada mediante una cámara termográfica mientras que la intrarrenal fue medida a través de dos termómetros, el primero en la unión pieloureteral y el segundo en el cáliz elegido para el uso del láser. La temperatura fue determinada a los 0,5-1-3-5 y 10 minutos. Resultado Los registros en la unión pieloureteral y en el cáliz revelaron incrementos significativos al usar el Tm:YAG con la fibra de 273μm (10W a 50W) (p≤0,02) y de 550μm (10W) (p=0,04). Con el Ho:YAG se registró un incremento significativo al usar fibras de 273μm (a 10W y 20W) (p≤0,03) y de 365μm (10W) (p=0,04). Respecto al tamaño de las fibras, hubo una diferencia significativa al usar el Tm:YAG (a 20W y 40W) (p<0,05). La cámara termográfica registró un incremento medio de 8°C en la unión pieloureteral mientras que el resto del riñón no sufrió cambios significativos. Conclusione Los cambios de temperatura fueron mayores al usar el láser Ho:YAG respecto al Tm:YAG a configuraciones de poder similares para la ablación tisular. El mayor incremento de temperatura fue registrado en la unión pieloureteral desde donde el calor se disipaba al resto del riñón (AU)

Aim To measure the temperature dynamics at the renal surface and within the urinary tract when using Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG lasers for tissue ablation. Materials and methods Porcine kidneys were used. Both types of lasers with different configurations and fiber sizes were used through a flexible ureteroscope. The temperature at the renal surface was recorded using a thermal camera while the intrarenal temperature was measured using two thermal probes, the first one at the ureteropelvic junction and the second one at the calyx used for lasering. Temperature was determined at 0.5-1-3-5 and 10minutes. Results Recordings at the ureteropelvic junction and calyx revealed significant increases when using Tm:YAG with the 273μm (10W to 50W) (p≤0.02) and 550μm (10W) fiber (p=0.04). With Ho:YAG there was a significant increase when using 273μm (at 10W and 20W) (p≤0.03) and 365μm (10W) fibers (p=0.04). Regarding fiber size there was a significant difference when using Tm:YAG (at 20W and 40W) (p<0.05). The thermal camera recorded a mean increase of 8°C in the UPJ while the remaining areas of the kidney did not undergo significant changes. Conclusions Temperature changes were greater when using the Ho:YAG laser with respect to Tm:YAG at similar power settings for tissue ablation. The greatest temperature increase was recorded at the UPJ from where the heat dissipated throughout the kidney (AU)

Open versus robotic-assisted kidney transplantation: A systematic review by the European Association of Urology (EAU) - Young Academic Urologists (YAU) Kidney Transplant Working Group.

INTRODUCTION: In the last 20 years, robotic assisted procedures were evaluated in the field of kidney transplantation to provide a mini-invasive approach for this particularly fragile population. As a relatively new issue, few studies compared open kidney transplantation (OKT) and robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT), mostly in small cohorts. To improve current knowledge, we wanted here to gather comparative data of OKT vs RAKT in a systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify all studies reporting post-operative outcomes of RAKT versus OKT. RESULTS: A total of 2136 patients in 13 studies were included. Median recipient age was 42.6 years (OKT: 43.5 years and RAKT: 40.3 years). Median preemptive kidney transplantation rate was 27.1 % (OKT: 23.3 % and RAKT: 33.2 %). Median total operative time and rewarming were respectively: 235 and 49 min in OKT population; 250 and 60 min in RAKT population. Post-operative complications rates were: 26.2 % in OKT population and 17.8 % in RAKT population. Delayed graft function rates were: 4.9 % in OKT population and 2.3 in RAKT population. Mid-term functional outcomes, patient and graft survival were similar in OKT and RAKT population. CONCLUSION: This systematic review showed that RAKT may be associated with a lower incidence of delayed graft function and post-operative surgical complications and similar mid-term functional outcomes, patient and graft survival, compared to OKT for end-stage renal disease patients.

Robot-assisted vs. open radical cystectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been launched in the last decade to examine the surgical safety and oncological efficacy of robot-assisted (RARC) vs open radical cystectomy (ORC) for patients with bladder cancer. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to compare the perioperative and oncological outcomes of RARC vs ORC. METHODS: A literature search was conducted through July 2022 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The outcomes were intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological outcomes of RARC vs ORC. RESULTS: A total of eight RCTs comprising 1,024 patients met our inclusion criteria. RARC was associated with longer operative time (mean 92.34min, 95% CI 83.83-100.84, p<0.001) and lower blood transfusion rate (Odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% CI 0.30-0.61, p<0.001). No differences emerged in terms of 90-day overall (p=0.28) and major (p=0.57) complications, length of stay (p=0.18), bowel recovery (p=0.67), health-related quality of life (p=0.86), disease recurrence (p=0.77) and progression (p=0.49) between the two approaches. The main limitation is represented by the low number of patients included in half of RCTs included. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that RARC is not inferior to ORC in terms of surgical safety and oncological outcomes. The benefit of RARC in terms of lower blood transfusion rate need to be balanced with the cost related to the procedure.

[CLINICAL IMPACT OF THE SUSPENSION OF THE ERAS PROTOCOL ON PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADICAL CYSTECTOMY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.] / IMPACTO CLÍNICO DE NO APLICAR EL PROTOCOLO ERAS EN LOS PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CISTECTOMÍA DURANTE LA PANDEMIA COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in our center, neither prehabilitation nor multimodal rehabilitation could be applied due to the excessive patient load on the health system and to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The objective of our study was to analyze the evolution, complications, and survival up to one year of patients who underwent radical cystectomy in our hospital from March 1st to May 31st, 2020 (period of the first wave COVID-19 pandemic in Spain). We also compared the results with cystectomized patients outside the pandemic period and with application of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients scheduled for radical cystectomy from March 1st,2020 to May 31st, 2020. They were matched with previously operated patients using a 1:2 propensity matching score. The matching variables were demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 23 radical cystectomies with urinary diversion were performed in the period described. In none of the cases the prehabilitation or the follow-up of our ERAS protocol could be applied, and this was the only difference we found between the 2 groups. Although the minimally invasive approach was more frequent in the pandemic group, the difference was not statistically significant. Three patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during their admission, presenting severe respiratory complications and high in-hospital mortality. Apart from respiratory complications secondary to SARS-CoV-2, we also found statistically significant differences in other postoperative complications. The hospital stay increased by 3 days in the pandemic group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our center during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a higher number and severity of respiratory and non-respiratory complications. Discontinuation of the ERAS protocol was the main difference in treatment between groups.

Clinical impact of the suspension of the ERAS protocol on patients undergoing radical cystectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in our center, neither prehabilitation nor multimodal rehabilitation could be applied due to the excessive patient load on the health system and to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The objective of our study was to analyze the evolution, complications, and survival up to one year of patients who underwent radical cystectomy in our hospital from March 1st to May 31st, 2020 (period of the first wave COVID-19 pandemic in Spain). We also compared the results with cystectomized patients outside the pandemic period and with application of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients scheduled for radical cystectomy from March 1st, 2020 to May 31st, 2020. They were matched with previously operated patients using a 1:2 propensity matching score. The matching variables were demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 23 radical cystectomies with urinary diversion were performed in the period described. In none of the cases the prehabilitation or the follow-up of our ERAS protocol could be applied, and this was the only difference we found between the 2 groups. Although the minimally invasive approach was more frequent in the pandemic group, the difference was not statistically significant. Three patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during their admission, presenting severe respiratory complications and high in-hospital mortality. Apart from respiratory complications secondary to SARS-CoV-2, we also found statistically significant differences in other postoperative complications. The hospital stay increased by 3 days in the pandemic group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our center during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a higher number and severity of respiratory and non-respiratory complications. Discontinuation of the ERAS protocol was the main difference in treatment between groups.

Dosis reducida vs. dosis completa de BCG en el cáncer de vejiga: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Reduced- vs full-dose BCG in bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objetivo Evaluar los resultados oncológicos y el perfil de seguridad de un régimen de Bacilo Calmette-Guérin (BCG) de dosis reducida frente a uno de dosis completa en pacientes con cáncer de vejiga no músculo infiltrante (CVNMI). Material y métodos Se realizó una revisión sistemática de acuerdo con la declaración Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Se realizaron búsquedas de estudios que analizaran los resultados oncológicos entre los regímenes de BCG con reducción de dosis y dosis completa en las bases de datos PubMed, Embase y Web of Science en enero del 2022. Resultados Diecisiete estudios que incluían a 3.757 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Los pacientes que recibieron reducción de dosis de BCG tuvieron tasas de recidiva significativamente mayores (OR 1,19; IC del 95%, 1,03-1,36; p = 0,02). Los riesgos de progresión a un cáncer de vejiga (CV) músculo infiltrante (OR 1,04; IC 95%, 0,83-1,32; p = 0,71), de metástasis (OR 0,82; IC 95%, 0,55-1,22; p = 0,32), de muerte por CV (OR 0,80; IC 95%, 0,57-1,14; p = 0,22) y de muerte por cualquier causa (OR 0,82; IC 95%, 0,53-1,27; p = 0,37) no fueron estadísticamente diferentes. Al restringir los análisis a ensayos controlados aleatorizados, se encontraron resultados similares. En el análisis de subgrupos, la reducción de dosis se asoció con una mayor tasa de recidiva de CV en los estudios que utilizaron solo un régimen de inducción (OR 1,70; IC 95%, 1,19-2,42; p = 0,004), lo cual no se observó cuando se empleó un régimen de mantenimiento (OR 1,07; IC 95%, 0,96-1,29; p = 0,17). En cuanto a los efectos secundarios, el esquema reducido de BCG se asoció con menos episodios de fiebre (p = 0,003) y de interrupción del tratamiento (p = 0,03). Conclusión Esta revisión no encontró ninguna asociación entre la dosis de BCG y la progresión, la metástasis y la mortalidad del CV (AU)

Objective To assess the oncologic outcomes and the safety profile of a reduced-dose versus full-dose BCG regimen in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Material and Methods We performed a systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched in January 2022 for studies that analyzed oncological outcomes and compared between reduced- and full-dose BCG regimens. Results seventeen studies including 3757 patients met our inclusion criteria. Patients who received reduced-dose BCG had significantly higher recurrence rates (OR 1.19; 95%CI, 1.03-1.36; p = 0.02). The risks of progression to muscle-invasive BC (OR 1.04; 95%CI, 0.83-1.32; p = 0.71), metastasis (OR 0.82; 95%CI, 0.55-1.22; p = 0.32), death from BC (OR 0.80; 95%CI, 0.57-1.14; p = 0.22), and all-cause death (OR 0.82; 95%CI, 0.53-1.27; p = 0.37) were not statistically different. When restricting the analyses to randomized controlled trials, we found similar results. In subgroup analysis, reduced dose was associated with a higher rate of BC recurrence in studies that used only an induction regimen (OR 1.70; 95%CI, 1.19-2.42; p = 0.004), but not when a maintenance regimen was used (OR 1.07; 95%CI, 0.96-1.29; p = 0.17). Regarding side effects, the reduced-dose BCG regimen was associated with fewer episodes of fever (p = 0.003), and therapy discontinuation (p = 0.03). Conclusion This review found no association between BCG dose and BC progression, metastasis, and mortality. There was an association between reduced dose and BC recurrence, which was no longer significant when a maintenance regimen was used. In times of BCG shortage, reduced-dose regimens could be offered to BC patients (AU)