Robotic kidney transplantation.

Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease owing to improved survival and quality of life compared with dialysis. The surgical approach to kidney transplantation has been somewhat stagnant in the past 50 years, with the open approach being the only available option. In this scenario, evidence of reduced surgery-related morbidity after the introduction of robotics into several surgical fields has induced surgeons to consider robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) as an alternative approach to these fragile and immunocompromised patients. Since 2014, when the RAKT technique was standardized thanks to the pioneering collaboration between the Vattikuti Urology Institute and the Medanta hospital (Vattikuti Urology Institute-Medanta), several centres worldwide implemented RAKT programmes, providing interesting results regarding the safety and feasibility of this procedure. However, RAKT is still considered an alternative procedure to be offered mainly in the living donor setting, owing to various possible drawbacks such as prolonged rewarming time, demanding learning curve, and difficulties in carrying out this procedure in challenging scenarios (such as patients with obesity, severe atherosclerosis of the iliac vessels, deceased donor setting, or paediatric recipients). Nevertheless, the refinement of robotic platforms through the implementation of novel technologies as well as the encouraging results from multicentre collaborations under the umbrella of the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section are currently expanding the boundaries of RAKT, making this surgical procedure a real alternative to the open approach.

Unlocking the Potential of Adequate Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Immunotherapy in Very-high-risk Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Carcinoma: A Multicenter Analysis of Oncological Outcomes and Risk Dynamics.

BACKGROUND: The European Association of Urology (EAU) recommends discussing upfront radical cystectomy for all patients with very high risk (VHR) non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC), but the role of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To analyze oncological outcomes in VHR NMIBC patients (EAU risk groups) treated with adequate BCG. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A multi-institutional retrospective study involving patients with VHR NMIBC who received adequate BCG therapy from 2007 to 2020 was conducted. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A survival analysis estimated recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and the cumulative incidence of cancer-specific mortality (CSM) after accounting for other causes of mortality as competing risk events and of the overall mortality (OM). Conditional survival probabilities for 0-4 yr without events were computed. Cox regression assessed the predictors of oncological outcomes. RESULTS AND LIMITATION: A total of 640 patients, with a median 47 (32-67) mo follow-up for event-free individuals, were analyzed. High-grade RFS and PFS at 5 yr were 53% (49-57%) and 78% (74-82%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of CSM and OM at 5 yr was 13% (10-16%) and 16% (13-19%), respectively. Conditional RFS, PFS, overall survival, and cancer-specific survival at 4 yr were 91%, 96%, 87%, and 94%, respectively. Cox regression identified tumor grade (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.54; 1.1-2) and size (HR: 1.3; 1.1-1.7) as RFS predictors. Tumor multiplicity predicted RFS (HR: 1.6; 1.3-2), PFS (HR: 2; 1.2-3.3), and CSM (HR: 2; 1.2-3.2), while age predicted OM (HR: 1.48; 1.1-2). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with VHR NMIBC who receive adequate BCG therapy have a more favorable prognosis than predicted by EAU risk groups, especially among those with a sustained response, in whom continuing maintenance therapy emerges as a viable alternative to radical cystectomy. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our research shows that a sustained response to bacillus Calmette-Guérin in patients can lead to favorable outcomes, serving as a viable alternative to cystectomy for select cases.

A new machine-learning model to predict long-term renal function impairment after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy: the Fundació Puigvert predictive model.

PURPOSE: To provide a new model to predict long-term renal function impairment after partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS: Data of consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive PN from 2005 to 2022 were analyzed. A minimum of 12 months of follow-up was required. We relied on a machine-learning algorithm, namely classification and regression tree (CART), to identify the predictors and associated clusters of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage migration during follow-up. RESULTS: 568 patients underwent minimally invasive PN at our center. A total of 381 patients met our inclusion criteria. The median follow-up was 69 (IQR 38-99) months. A total of 103 (27%) patients experienced CKD stage migration at last follow-up. Progression of CKD stage after surgery, ACCI and baseline CKD stage were selected as the most informative risk factors to predict CKD progression, leading to the creation of four clusters. The progression of CKD stage rates for cluster #1 (no progression of CKD stage after surgery, baseline CKD stage 1-2, ACCI 1-4), #2 (no progression of CKD stage after surgery, baseline CKD stage 1-2, ACCI ≥ 5), #3 (no progression of CKD stage after surgery and baseline CKD stage 3-4-5) and #4 (progression of CKD stage after surgery) were 6.9%, 28.2%, 37.1%, and 69.6%, respectively. The c-index of the model was 0.75. CONCLUSION: We developed a new model to predict long-term renal function impairment after PN where the perioperative loss of renal function plays a pivotal role to predict lack of functional recovery. This model could help identify patients in whom functional follow-up should be intensified to minimize possible worsening factors of renal function.

Benefits and Harms of Benign Prostatic Obstruction Treatments in Renal Transplanted Patients.

CONTEXT: In an increasingly ageing transplant population, timely management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is key to preventing complications that result in graft dysfunction or compromise survival. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate benefits/harms of BPO treatments in transplant patients by reviewing current literature. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A computerised bibliographic search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed for studies reporting outcomes on BPO treatments in transplanted patients. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 5021 renal transplants (RTs) performed between 1990 and 2016 were evaluated. BPO incidence was 1.61 per 1000 population per year. Overall, 264 men underwent intervention. The mean age was 58.4 yr (27-73 yr). In all, 169 patients underwent surgery (n = 114 transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP]/n = 55 transurethral incision of the prostate [TUIP]) and 95 were treated with an un-named alpha-blocker (n = 46) or doxazosin (n = 49). There was no correlation between prostate volume and treatment modality (mean prostate size = 26 cc in the surgical group where reported and 48 cc in the medical group). The mean follow-up was 31.2 mo (2-192 mo). The time from RT to BPO treatment was reported in six studies (mean: 15.4 mo, range: 0-156 mo). The time on dialysis before RT was recorded in only three studies (mean: 47.3 mo, range: 0-288 mo). There was a mean improvement in creatinine after intervention from 2.17 to 1.77 mg/dl. A total of 157 men showed an improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score (from 18.26 to 6.89), and there was a significant reduction in postvoid residual volume in 199 (mean fall 90.6 ml). Flow improved by a mean of 10 ml/s following intervention in 199 patients. Complications included acute urinary retention (4.1%), urinary tract infections (8.4%), bladder neck contracture (2.2%), and urethral strictures (6.9%). The mean reoperation rate was 1.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature is heterogeneous and of low-level evidence. Despite this, alpha-blockers, TUIP, and TURP showed a beneficial increase in the peak urinary flow and reduced symptoms in transplants patients with BPO. Improvement in the mean graft creatinine was noted after intervention. Complications were under-reported. A multicentre comparative cohort study is needed to draw firm conclusions about the ideal treatment for BPO in RT patients. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we looked at the outcomes for transplant patients undergoing medical or surgical management of benign prostatic obstruction. Although the literature was very heterogeneous, we found that medical management and surgery with transurethral resection/incision of the prostate are beneficial for improving urinary flow and bothersome symptoms. We conclude that further prospective studies are required for better clarity about timing and modality of intervention in transplant patients.

Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Endoscopic Management of High-Risk Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: The Fundació Puigvert's Experience.

Objectives: Many patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) outside of the low-risk criteria may possess low absolute risks of distant progression. Herein, we hypothesized that careful selection of high-risk patients undergoing an endoscopic approach could result in acceptable oncologic outcomes. Materials and Methods: Patients with high-risk UTUC managed endoscopically between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained single academic institution database. Elective and imperative indications for endoscopic treatment were considered. Regarding elective indications, the decision to perform endoscopic treatment was systematically proposed to high-risk patients in whom macroscopically complete ablation was deemed feasible, excluding invasive appearance on CT scan, and without histologic variant. Results: A total of 60 patients with high-risk UTUC met our inclusion criteria (29 imperative and 31 elective indications). The median follow-up in patients without any event was 36 months. At 5 years, the estimated overall survival, cancer-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, UTUC recurrence-free survival, radical nephroureterectomy-free survival, and bladder recurrence-free survival were 57% (41-79), 75% (57-99), 86% (71-100), 56% (40-76), 81% (70-93), and 69% (54-88), respectively. All oncologic outcomes were similar between patients with elective and imperative indications (all log-rank p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, we report the first large series of endoscopic treatment in patients with high-risk UTUC, arguing that promising oncologic outcomes can be achieved in properly selected candidates. We encourage multi-institutional collaborative work as a large cohort of high-risk patients treated endoscopically may allow subgroup analyses to define the best candidates.

Sequential Treatment With Bacillus Calmette-Güerin (BCG) and Mitomycin C Administered With Electromotive Drug Administration (EMDA) in Patients With High-Risk Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer After BCG Failure.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, there is no standard non-surgical treatment for patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in whom Bacillus Calmette-Güerin (BCG) therapy has failed. OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical and oncological outcomes of sequential treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and Mitomycin C (MMC) administered with Electromotive Drug Administration (EMDA) in patients with high-risk NMIBC who fail BCG immunotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with NMIBC who failed BCG and received alternating BCG and Mitomycin C with EMDA between 2010 and 2020. Treatment schedule consisted in an induction therapy with 6 instillations (BCG, BCG, MMC + EMDA, BCG, BCG, MMC + EMDA) and a 1-year maintenance. Complete response (CR) was defined as the absence of high-grade (HG) recurrences during follow-up, and progression was defined as the occurrence of muscle invasive or metastatic disease. CR rate was estimated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Progression rate and toxicity were also assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included with a median age of 73 years. Fifty percent of tumors were single, 90% were smaller than 1.5cm, 40% were GII (HG) and 40% were Ta. CR rate was 95.5%, 81% and 70% at 3 and 6 months, 12 months and 24 months, respectively. With a median follow-up of 28.8 months, 6 patients (27%) presented HG recurrence and only 1 patient (4.5%) progressed and ended in cystectomy. This patient died due to metastatic disease. Treatment was well tolerated and 22% of the patients presented adverse effects, being dysuria the most frequent one. CONCLUSION: Sequential treatment with BCG and Mitomycin C with EMDA achieved good responses and low toxicity in selected patients who did not respond to BCG. Only 1 patient ended in cystectomy and died due to metastatic disease, therefore, cystectomy was avoided in most cases.

To drain or not to drain in uro-oncological robotic surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of routine drainage insertion vs. no drainage in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), and robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was conducted through April 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. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Eleven studies comprising 8447 RARPs and 1890 RAPNs met our inclusion criteria. Our search strategy did not identify any studies within the RARC framework. In RARP, patients without postoperative drainage had lower rate of postoperative ileus (OR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.74; P<0.001) and similar low-grade (Clavien 1-2, P=0.41) and high-grade (Clavien ≥3; P=0.85) complications, urinary leakage (P=0.07), pelvic hematoma (P=0.35), symptomatic lymphocele (P=0.13), fever (P=0.25), incisional hernia (P=0.31), reintervention (P=0.57), length of hospital stay (P=0.22), and readmission (P=0.74) compared with routinely drained patients. In RAPN, patients without postoperative drainage had shorter length of hospital stay (mean difference: -0.84 days, 95% CI: -1.06 to -0.63; P<0.001) and similar low-grade (P=0.94) and high-grade (P=0.31) complications, urinary leakage (P=0.49), hemorrhage (P=0.39), reintervention (P=0.69), and readmission (P=0.20) compared with routinely drained patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, patients without drainage had similar perioperative course to patients with prophylactic drain insertion after RARP and RAPN. Omission of drain insertion was associated with a lower rate of postoperative ileus for RARP and a shorter hospital stay for RAPN. In the era of robotic surgery, routine drain placement is no longer indicated in unselected patients.

Optimizing decision-making process of benign uretero-enteric anastomotic stricture treatment after radical cystectomy.

PURPOSE: To identify preoperative predictors of endo-urological treatment (EUT) failure while promoting a new diagnostic and therapeutic pathway for benign uretero-enteric anastomosis stricture (UES) management after radical cystectomy (RC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We relied on a prospectively maintained database including 96 individuals (122 renal units) who developed a benign UES at our institution between 1990 and 2018. UES was classified into two different types according to morphology: FP1 (i.e., sharp or duckbill) and FP2 (i.e., flat or concave). EUT feasibility, success rate, as well as intra and postoperative complications were recorded. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analysis (MVA) assessed for predictors of EUT failure. RESULTS: Overall, 78 (63.9%) and 32 (26.3%) cases were defined as FP1 and FP2, respectively. EUT was not feasible in 33 (27.1%) cases. After a median follow-up of 50 (IQR 5-240) months, successful treatment was reached only in 15/122 (12.3%) cases. EUT success rates raised when considering short (< 1 cm) (16.8%), FP1 morphology (16.7%) strictures, or the combination of these characteristics (22.4%). Overall, 5 (5.2%) cases had CD ≥ III complications. FP2 (OR: 1.91, 95%CI 1.21-5.31, p = 0.03) and stricture length ≥ 1 cm (OR: 9.08, 95%CI 2.09-65.71, p = 0.009) were associated with treatment failure at MVA. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment for benign UES after RC is feasible but harbors a low success rate. Stricture length and radiological morphology of the stricture are related to endoscopic treatment failure. Surgeons should be aware of the stricture features during the preoperative decision-making process to choose the optimal candidate for endoscopic treatment.

Implementing a Checklist for Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor to Standardize Outcome Reporting: When High-quality Resection Could Influence Oncological Outcomes.

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) to conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (cTURBT) have reported controversial results. In particular, the 1-yr recurrence rate ranged from 5% to 40% for ERBT and from 11% to 31% for cTURBT. We provide an updated analysis of an RCT comparing the 1-yr recurrence rate for ERBT versus cTURBT for a cohort of 219 patients comprising 123 (56.2%) in the ERBT group and 96 (43.8%) in the cTURBT group. At 1 yr, 11 patients in the ERBT group and 12 in the cTURBT group experienced recurrence. The heterogeneity in recurrence observed in other RCTs could be explained by the scarce and heterogeneous adoption of tools and techniques that have been proved to lower the recurrence rate, supporting the need for implementation of a TURBT checklist. This prompted us to create a checklist of items for RCTs to standardize how TURBT is performed in trials, facilitate comparison between studies, assess the applicability of results in real-life practice, and provide a push towards high-quality resections to improve oncological outcomes. The checklist could have utility as a user-friendly guide for reporting TURBT procedures to improve our understanding of trials involving this procedure. Patient summary: We compared the recurrence rate at 1 year for bladder cancer treated with two different approaches to remove bladder tumors in our center. The rates were comparable for the two groups. Other studies have found widely differing recurrence rates, so we propose use of a checklist to standardize these procedures and provide more consistent outcomes for patients.

Energy source comparison in en-bloc resection of bladder tumors: subanalysis of a single-center prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: Different energy sources are employed to perform en-bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor (ERBT). No study compared different energy sources in ERBT. The aim is to compare the different ERBT sources in terms of pathological, surgical and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This is a sub-analysis of a prospective randomized trial enrolling patients submitted to ERBT vs conventional TURBT from 03/2018 to 06/2021 (NCT04712201). 180 patients enrolled in ERBT group were randomized 1:1:1 to receive monopolar (m-ERBT), bipolar (b-ERBT) or thulium laser (l-ERBT). Endpoints were the comparison between energies in term of pathological analysis, intra, and post-operative outcomes. RESULTS: 49 (35%) m-ERBT, 45 (32.1%) b-ERBT, and 46 (32.9%) l-ERBT were included in final analysis. The rate of detrusor muscle (DM) presence was comparable between the energies used (p = 0.796) or the location of the lesion (p = 0.662). Five (10.2%), 10 (22.2%) and 0 cases of obturator nerve reflex (ONR) were recorded in m-ERBT, b-ERBT and I-ERBT groups, respectively (p = 0.001). Conversion to conventional TURBT was higher for lesions located in the anterior wall/dome/neck (p < 0.001), irrespective from the energy used. The presence of artifact in the pathological specimen was higher for lesions at the posterior wall (p = 0.03) and trigone (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, no difference in staging feasibility among energies was found. Laser energy might be beneficial in lateral wall lesions to avoid ONR. Since there is an increased risk of ERBT conversion to conventional TURBT for lesions of the anterior wall, electrocautery might be preferred over laser to avoid waste of material.

The DEpth of Endoscopic Perforation scale to assess intraoperative perforations during transurethral resection of bladder tumor: subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Bladder perforation (BP) is the most important intraoperative adverse event of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). It is frequently underreported despite its impact on the postoperative course. There is no standardized classification of BP. The study aims to develop a classification of the depth of endoscopic bladder perforation during TURBT. METHODS: This is a sub-analysis of a prospective randomized trial enrolling 248 patients submitted to en-bloc vs conventional TURBT from 03/2018 to 06/2021. The DEpth of Endoscopic Perforation (DEEP) scale is as follows: "0" visible muscular layer with no perivesical fat; "1" visible muscle fibers with spotted perivesical fat; "2" exposition of perivesical fat; "3" intraperitoneal perforation. Logistic and linear regression models were used to investigate predictors of high-grade perforations (DEEP 2-3) and to assess whether the DEEP scale independently predicted patients' postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 146/248 (58.9%), 56/248 (22.6%), 41/248 (16.5%), 5/248 (2.0%) patients presented DEEP grade 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Female gender [B coeff. 0.255 (95% CI 0.001-0.513); p = 0.05], tumor location [B coeff. 0.188 (0.026-0.339); p = 0.015], and obturator-nerve reflex [B coeff. 0.503 (0.148-0.857); p = 0.006] were independent predictors of DEEP. The scale predicted independently major complications [Odd Ratio (OR) 2.221 (1.098-4.495); p = 0.026], no post-operative chemotherapy intravesical instillation [OR 9.387 (2.434-36.200); p = 0.001], longer irrigation time [B coeff. 0.299 (0.166-0.441); p < 0.001] and hospital stay [B coeff. 0.315 (0.111-0.519); p = 0.003]. CONCLUSION: The DEEP scale provides a visual tool for grading bladder perforation during TURBT, which can help physicians standardize complication reporting and plan postoperative management accordingly.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Interventions on Nephrolithiasis in Transplanted Kidney.

CONTEXT: De Novo nephrolithiasis in renal transplant can have severe consequences since renal transplantation involves a single functioning kidney with medical and anatomical specificities (heterotopic transplantation on iliac vessels, immunosuppressive treatments, and comorbidities). OBJECTIVE: To systematically review all available evidence on the prevalence of de novo nephrolithiasis in renal transplant, presentation, and stone characteristics, and to report in a meta-analysis the efficacy of stone treatments (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL], medical treatment, percutaneous nephrolithotomy [PCNL], open surgery, and ureteroscopy). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to November 2021 for all relevant publications reporting the management of de novo nephrolithiasis in renal allografts. The primary outcome was stone-free rate (SFR) at 3 mo. Secondary outcomes included prevalence, stone characteristics (size, density, and composition), symptoms on presentation, need for drainage, complications, and recurrence. Data were narratively synthesized in light of methodological and clinical heterogeneity, and a meta-analysis was performed for SFR. The risk of bias of each included study was assessed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We included 37 retrospective studies with 553 patients and 612 procedures; of the 612 procedures 20 were antegrade ureteroscopy, 154 retrograde ureteroscopy, 118 PCNL, 25 open surgery, 155 ESWL, and 140 surveillance/medical treatment. The prevalence of nephrolithiasis in renal transplant was 1.0%. The mean stone size on diagnosis was 11 mm (2-50). The overall SFR at 3 mo was 82%: 96% with open surgery, 95% with antegrade ureteroscopy, 86% with PCNL, 81% with retrograde ureteroscopy, and 75% with ESWL. CONCLUSIONS: De novo nephrolithiasis in renal transplant is an infrequent condition. A high SFR were obtained with an antegrade approach (ureteroscopy, PCNL, and open approach) that should be considered in renal transplant patients owing to the heterotopic position of the renal graft. The choice of technique was correlated with stone size: generally ureteroscopy and ESWL for stones 11-12 mm (mean stone size) versus PCNL and open surgery for 17-25 mm stones. PATIENT SUMMARY: De novo nephrolithiasis in renal transplants is an infrequent situation that can have severe consequences on the function of the renal graft. We evaluated the efficacy of each treatment and noted that antegrade approaches (open surgery, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and antegrade ureteroscopy) were associated with the highest stone-free rate. As opposed to the management of nephrolithiasis in native kidney, an antegrade approach should be considered more in renal transplant patients.

Oncological and Renal Function Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Simultaneous Radical Cystectomy and Nephroureterectomy for Synchronous or Metachronous Panurothelial Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical outcomes of patients who underwent simultaneous radical cystectomy (RC) and radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for panurothelial carcinoma (PanUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 67 patients who underwent simultaneous RC and unilateral RNU for PanUC, from 1996 to 2017. Kaplan-Meier estimates for remnant urothelium recurrence-free survival, metastasis-free survival, overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were performed. Cox multivariate models were constructed. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 38 months, 29.8% of patients had a recurrence, 34.3% had metastasis, 67.2% of patients died from any cause, and 37.3% died from urothelial carcinoma. Overall survival and CSS rates at 5 years were 44% and 61%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer before surgery, presence of muscle-invasive stages at RC and/or RNU, and prostatic urethra involvement were predictors for worse metastasis-free survival and CSS. Forty-one patients (61.2%) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min before surgery and the number rose to 56 (83.5%) after surgery; 29.8% patients needed renal function replacement therapy after surgery (16 haemodialysis and 4 renal transplant). CONCLUSION: Patients with PanUC who undergo simultaneous surgery have adverse oncological (only 4 out of every 10 remain alive at 5 years) and functional outcomes (1 out of 3 will need renal function replacement therapy after surgery). Up to a third of the patients had a recurrence (urethra or contralateral kidney) within 18 months, justifying close surveillance or considering prophylactic urethrectomy. These data should help in counsel on morbidity and life expectancy.

Long-term Recurrence and Progression Patterns in a Contemporary Series of Patients with Carcinoma In Situ of the Bladder With or Without Associated Ta/T1 Disease Treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin: Implications for Risk-adapted Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder managed according to current clinical practice guidelines. OBJECTIVE: To assess the patterns of recurrence, progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in patients with CIS, and to compare the effectiveness of adequate versus inadequate bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective analysis of 386 patients with CIS of the bladder with or without associated pTa/pT1 disease treated with BCG between 2008 and 2015. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Kaplan-Meier estimations and an inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-Cox regression were performed to compare recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and UTUC incidence over time for patients who received adequate versus inadequate BCG treatment. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median follow-up was 70.5 mo. At 5 and 10 yr, RFS was 82% and 52%, PFS was 93.6% and 75.8%, and UTUC incidence was 1.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Most recurrence (73.6%) and progression (69.1%) events occurred in the first 3 yr of follow-up, while 38.7% of UTUC incident events were recorded after 5 yr of follow-up. IPTW-Cox regression revealed that patients who received BCG treatment had a lower risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13-0.34), progression (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.87), and UTUC incidence (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09-0.64). Limitations include the retrospective design and potential selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CIS of the bladder show a high risk of recurrence, progression, and UTUC incidence. Most of these outcomes occur during the first 3 yr of follow-up, but a significant proportion of the events occur at long-term follow-up. Although receipt of adequate BCG treatment improves outcomes, intensive and long-term surveillance may be warranted. PATIENT SUMMARY: We investigated the long-term cancer control outcomes for patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS; cancerous cells that have not spread from where they first formed) of the bladder. Patients with CIS have a high risk of cancer recurrence and progression. Treatment with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) improves outcomes.

En Bloc Versus Conventional Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors: A Single-center Prospective Randomized Noninferiority Trial.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) improves the quality of tumor resection. A recent international collaborative consensus statement on ERBT underlined the lack of high-quality prospective studies precluding the achievement of solid conclusion on ERBT. OBJECTIVE: To compare conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (cTURBT) and ERBT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study (NCT04712201) was a prospective, randomized, noninferiority trial enrolling patients diagnosed with bladder cancer (BC) undergoing endoscopic intervention. Inclusion criteria were: tumor size ≤3 cm, three or fewer lesions, and no sign of muscle invasion and/or ureteral involvement. For a noninferiority rate in BC staging of 5% (α risk 2.5%; ß risk 20%), a total of 300 subjects were randomized to ERBT treatment at a 1:1.5 allocation ratio. INTERVENTION: TURBT and ERBT. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was the presence of detrusor muscle at final histology. Secondary outcomes include BC staging, T1 substaging, artifacts, complications, the rate of adjuvant treatment, and oncological outcomes. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: From April 2018 to June 2021, 300 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 248 (83%) underwent the assigned intervention: 108 patients (44%) underwent cTURBT and 140 (57%) underwent ERBT. The rate of detrusor muscle presence for ERBT was noninferior to that for TURBT (94% vs 95%; p = 0.8). T1 substaging was feasible in 80% of cTURBT cases versus 100% of ERBT cases (p = 0.02). Complication rates, rates of postoperative adjuvant treatment, catheterization time, and hospital stay were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). The recurrence rate at median follow-up of 15 mo (interquartile range 7-28) was 18% for cTURBT versus 13% for ERBT (p = 0.16). Limitations include the single high-volume institution and the short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has the highest level of evidence for comparison of ERBT versus TURBT. ERBT was noninferior to TURBT for BC staging. The rate of T1 substaging feasibility was significantly higher with ERBT. PATIENT SUMMARY: We compared two techniques for removing tumors from the bladder. The en bloc technique removes the tumor in one piece and is not inferior to the conventional method in terms of the quality of the surgical resection and cancer staging assessment.

Predictors of Positive Surgical Margins after Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Localized Renal Tumors: Insights from a Large Multicenter International Prospective Observational Project (The Surface-Intermediate-Base Margin Score Consortium).

Background: To explore predictors of positive surgical margins (PSM) after robotic partial nephrectomy (PN) in a large multicenter international observational project, harnessing the Surface-Intermediate-Base (SIB) margin score to report the resection technique after PN in a standardized way. Methods: Data from consecutive patients with cT1-2N0M0 renal masses treated with PN from September 2014 to March 2015 at 16 tertiary referral centers and included in the SIB margin score International Consortium were prospectively collected. For the present study, only patients treated with robotic PN were included. Uni- and multivariable analysis were fitted to explore clinical and surgical predictors of PSMs after PN. Results: Overall, 289 patients were enrolled. Median (IQR) preoperative tumor size was 3.0 (2.3−4.2) cm and median (IQR) PADUA score was 8 (7−9). SIB scores of 0−2 (enucleation), 3−4 (enucleoresection) and 5 (resection) were reported in 53.3%, 27.3% and 19.4% of cases, respectively. A PSM was recorded in 18 (6.2%) patients. PSM rate was 4.5%, 11.4% and 3.6% in case of enucleation, enucleoresection and resection, respectively. Patients with PSMs had tumors with a higher rate of contact with the urinary collecting system (55.6% vs. 27.3%; p < 0.001) and a longer median warm ischemia time (22 vs. 16 min; p = 0.02) compared with patients with negative surgical margins, while no differences emerged between the two groups in terms of other tumor features (i.e., pathological diameter, PADUA score). In multivariable analysis, only enucleoresection (SIB score 3−4) versus enucleation (SIB score 0−2) was found to be an independent predictor of PSM at final pathology (HR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.25−7.63; p = 0.04), while resection (SIB score 5) was not. Conclusions: In our experience, enucleoresection led to a higher risk of PSMs as compared to enucleation. Further studies are needed to assess the differential impacts of resection technique and surgeon's experience on margin status after robotic PN.

Impact of Trifecta definition on rates and predictors of "successful" robotic partial nephrectomy for localized renal masses: results from the Surface-Intermediate-Base Margin Score International Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, five different Trifecta score definitions have been proposed to optimize the framing of "success" in partial nephrectomy (PN) field. However, such classifications rely on different metrics. The aim of the present study was to explore how the success rate of robotic PN, as well as its drivers, vary according to the currently available definitions of Trifecta. METHODS: Data from consecutive patients with cT1-2N0M0 renal masses treated with robotic PN at 16 referral centers from September 2014 to March 2015 were prospectively collected. Trifecta rate was defined for each of the currently available definitions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate possible predictors of "Trifecta failure" according to the different adopted formulation. RESULTS: Overall, 289 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among the definitions, Trifecta rates ranged between 66.4% and 85.9%. Multivariable analysis showed that predictors for "Trifecta failure" were mainly tumor-related (i.e. tumor's nephrometry) for those Trifecta scores relying on WIT as a surrogate metric for postoperative renal function deterioration (definitions 1,2), while mainly surgery-related (i.e. ischemia time and excision strategy) for those including the percentage change in postoperative eGFR as the functional cornerstone of Trifecta (definitions 3-5). CONCLUSIONS: There was large variability in rates and predictors of "unsuccessful PN" when using different Trifecta scores. Further research is needed to improve the value of the Trifecta metrics, integrating them into routine patient counseling and standardized assessment of surgical quality across institutions.

Prostate Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients: Results from a Large Contemporary Cohort.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the natural history of prostate cancer (PCa) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and to clarify the controversy over whether RTRs have a higher risk of PCa and poorer outcomes than non-RTRs, due to factors such as immunosuppression. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective multicenter study of RTRs diagnosed with cM0 PCa between 2001 and 2019. Primary outcomes were overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Secondary outcomes included biochemical recurrence and/or progression after active surveillance (AS) and evaluation of variables possibly influencing PCa aggressiveness and outcomes. Management modalities included surgery, radiation, cryotherapy, HIFU, AS, and watchful waiting. Results: We included 166 men from nine institutions. Median age and eGFR at diagnosis were 67 (IQR 60−73) and 45.9 mL/min (IQR 31.5−63.4). ASA score was >2 in 58.4% of cases. Median time from transplant to PCa diagnosis was 117 months (IQR 48−191.5), and median PSA at diagnosis was 6.5 ng/mL (IQR 5.02−10). The biopsy Gleason score was ≥8 in 12.8%; 11.6% and 6.1% patients had suspicion of ≥cT3 > cT2 and cN+ disease. The most frequent management method was radical prostatectomy (65.6%), followed by radiation therapy (16.9%) and AS (10.2%). At a median follow-up of 60.5 months (IQR 31−106) 22.9% of men (n = 38) died, with only n = 4 (2.4%) deaths due to PCa. Local and systemic progression rates were 4.2% and 3.0%. On univariable analysis, no major influence of immunosuppression type was noted, with the exception of a protective effect of antiproliferative agents (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16−0.97, p = 0.04) associated with a decreased risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) or progression after AS. Conclusion: PCa diagnosed in RTRs is mainly of low to intermediate risk and organ-confined at diagnosis, with good cancer control and low PCa death at intermediate follow-up. RTRs have a non-negligible risk of death from causes other than PCa. Aggressive upfront management of the majority of RTRs with PCa may, therefore, be avoided.

Nomograms including the UBC® Rapid test to detect primary bladder cancer based on a multicentre dataset.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical utility of the urinary bladder cancer antigen test UBC® Rapid for the diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC) and to develop and validate nomograms to identify patients at high risk of primary BC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 1787 patients from 13 participating centres, who were tested between 2012 and 2020, including 763 patients with BC, were analysed. Urine samples were analysed with the UBC® Rapid test. The nomograms were developed using data from 320 patients and externally validated using data from 274 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of the UBC® Rapid test was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Brier scores and calibration curves were chosen for the validation. Biopsy-proven BC was predicted using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for the UBC® Rapid test were 46.4%, 75.5% and 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.64) for low-grade (LG) BC, and 70.5%, 75.5% and 0.73 (95% CI 0.70-0.76) for high-grade (HG) BC, respectively. Age, UBC® Rapid test results, smoking status and haematuria were identified as independent predictors of primary BC. After external validation, nomograms based on these predictors resulted in areas under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.72-0.87) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92-0.98) for predicting LG-BC and HG-BC, respectively, showing excellent calibration associated with a higher net benefit than the UBC® Rapid test alone for low and medium risk levels in decision curve analysis. The R Shiny app allows the results to be explored interactively and can be accessed at www.blucab-index.net. CONCLUSION: The UBC® Rapid test alone has limited clinical utility for predicting the presence of BC. However, its combined use with BC risk factors including age, smoking status and haematuria provides a fast, highly accurate and non-invasive tool for screening patients for primary LG-BC and especially primary HG-BC.

Impact of surgical approach and resection technique on the risk of Trifecta Failure after partial nephrectomy for highly complex renal masses.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to compare the outcomes of open vs robotic partial nephrectomy (PN), focusing on predictors of Trifecta failure in patients with highly complex renal masses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We queried the prospectively collected database from the SIB International Consortium, including 507 consecutive patients with cT1-2N0M0 renal masses treated at 16 high-volume referral centres, to select those with highly complex (PADUA score ≥10) tumors undergoing PN. RT was classified as enucleation, enucleoresection or resection according to the SIB score. Trifecta was defined as achievement of negative surgical margins, no acute kidney injury and no Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 postoperative surgical complications. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess independent predictors of Trifecta failure. RESULTS: 113 patients were included. Patients undergoing open PN (n = 47, 41.6%) and robotic PN (n = 66, 58.4%) were comparable in baseline characteristics. RT was classified as enucleation, enucleoresection and resection in 46.9%, 34.0% and 19.1% of open PN, and in 50.0%, 40.9% and 9.1% of robotic PN (p = 0.28). Trifecta was achieved in significantly more patients after robotic PN (69.7% vs. 42.6%, p = 0.004). On multivariable analysis, surgical approach (open vs robotic, OR: 2.62; 95%CI: 1.11-6.15, p = 0.027) and tumor complexity (OR for each additional unit of the PADUA score: 2.27; 95%CI: 1.27-4.06, p = 0.006) were significant predictors of Trifecta failure, while RT was not. The study is limited by lack of randomization; as such, selection bias and confounding cannot be entirely ruled out. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor complexity and surgical approach were independent predictors of Trifecta failure after PN for highly complex renal masses.