Outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare biochemical recurrence, sexual potency and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines were performed. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed. Biochemical recurrence at three and five years; incontinence rate (patients who used one pad or more) and erectile dysfunction rate at 12 and 36 months (patients who did not have sufficient erection to achieve sexual intercourse) were evaluated. The Mantel-Haenszel method was applied to estimate the pooled risk difference (RD) in the individual studies for categorical variables. All results were presented as 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Random effects models were used regardless of the level of heterogeneity (I²). (PROSPERO CRD42022296998). RESULTS: Eight studies comprising 2,677 men with prostate cancer were included. There was no difference in biochemical recurrence between ablative and radical treatments. We observed the same biochemical recurrence between ablative therapy and radical treatment within five years (19.3% vs. 16.8%, respectively; RD 0.07; 95%CI=-0.05, 0.19; I2=68.2%; P=0.08) and continence rate at 12 months (9.2% vs. 31.8%, respectively; RD -0.13; 95%CI, -0.27, 0.01; I2=89%; P=0.32). When focal treatment was analyzed alone, two studies with 582 patients found higher erectile function at 12 months in the ablative therapy group than in the radical treatment (88.9% vs. 30.8%, respectively; RD -0.45; 95%CI -0.84, -0.05; I2=93%; P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Biochemical recurrence and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment were similar. Ablative therapy appears to have a high rate of sexual potency.

Urodynamic profile of voiding in patients with pelvic organ prolapse after surgery: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a defect of the female pelvic floor. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and obstructive symptoms may occur in these patients. The objective of surgical treatment is to restore the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor; however, it may prompt urinary symptoms not present previously. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine urodynamic changes in patients undergoing surgical correction for POP. METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for studies that contained data from urodynamic evaluation before and after vaginal surgery for POP. The main urodynamic data collected were free uroflowmetry (maximum flow [Qmax], voided volume, and post-void residual volume [PVR]), cystometry (bladder capacity, presence of detrusor overactivity [DO], SUI or UUI, and Valsalva leak point pressure), and pressure × flow study (detrusor pressure at maximum flow [PdetQmax], Qmax, and PVR). RESULTS: A total of 22 studies were included (1,549 women). Patients had a significantly higher prevalence of DO before surgery (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.06-2.29), and surgeries without sling placement demonstrated a tendency to ameliorate DO. Patients who did not receive a sling were more incontinent after surgery. Bladder-emptying parameters improved after surgery, with higher PdetQmax before surgery (IV = 3.23; 95% CI = 0.45-1.18). Patients who did not receive MUS presented a lower Qmax (IV = -3.19; 95%CI = -4.09 to -2.30) and a higher PVR (IV = 27.89; 95%CI = 15.68-40.1) before surgery. CONCLUSION: Correction surgery for POP yields better urodynamic emptying parameters, with a reduction in the prevalence of DO. In contrast, sling placement enhances obstructive parameters.

Analysis of adrenalectomy for the treatment of adrenal diseases performed by the Public Health Service in São Paulo between 2008 and 2019.

INTRODUCTION: treating benign (hormonally active or nonfunctional) and malignant adrenal cancer includes adrenalectomy. The expertise of surgeons and surgery performed by high-volume surgeons were associated with fewer complications and lower cost. We aimed to describe and compare the number of surgeries, mortality rate, and length of hospital stay for adrenalectomies performed between 2008 and 2019 in the public health system of São Paulo. METHODS: this was an ecological study. The data were collected using the TabNet Platform of the Unified Health System Department of Informatics. Outcomes analyzed included the number of surgeries performed, mortality rate during hospital stay, and length of hospital stay. Public hospitals in Sao Paulo were divided into three subgroups according to the surgical volume of adrenalectomies performed as well as hospitals with and without a residency program in Urology, and the results were compared among them. RESULTS: a total of 943 adrenalectomies were performed in Sao Paulo between 2008 and 2019. Mortality rates during hospital stay according to hospital surgical volume were no reported deaths in low-volume, 0.015% in intermediate-volume, and 0.004% in high-volume hospitals. The average length of the ICU stay was 1.03 days in low-volume, 2.8 in intermediate-volume, and 1.12 in high-volume hospitals (analysis between intermediate and high volume centers with statistical significance, p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: despite no statistically significant differences among the groups analyzed, mortality rates were very low in all groups. ICU stay was shorter in high-volume centers than in intermediate-volume centers.

Analysis of adrenalectomy for the treatment of adrenal diseases performed by the Public Health Service in São Paulo between 2008 and 2019 / Análise da adrenalectomia para tratamento de doenças adrenais realizadas pelo Serviço Público de Saúde de São Paulo entre 2008 e 2019

ABSTRACT Introduction: treating benign (hormonally active or nonfunctional) and malignant adrenal cancer includes adrenalectomy. The expertise of surgeons and surgery performed by high-volume surgeons were associated with fewer complications and lower cost. We aimed to describe and compare the number of surgeries, mortality rate, and length of hospital stay for adrenalectomies performed between 2008 and 2019 in the public health system of São Paulo. Methods: this was an ecological study. The data were collected using the TabNet Platform of the Unified Health System Department of Informatics. Outcomes analyzed included the number of surgeries performed, mortality rate during hospital stay, and length of hospital stay. Public hospitals in Sao Paulo were divided into three subgroups according to the surgical volume of adrenalectomies performed as well as hospitals with and without a residency program in Urology, and the results were compared among them. Results: a total of 943 adrenalectomies were performed in Sao Paulo between 2008 and 2019. Mortality rates during hospital stay according to hospital surgical volume were no reported deaths in low-volume, 0.015% in intermediate-volume, and 0.004% in high-volume hospitals. The average length of the ICU stay was 1.03 days in low-volume, 2.8 in intermediate-volume, and 1.12 in high-volume hospitals (analysis between intermediate and high volume centers with statistical significance, p=0.016). Conclusions: despite no statistically significant differences among the groups analyzed, mortality rates were very low in all groups. ICU stay was shorter in high-volume centers than in intermediate-volume centers.

RESUMO Introdução: o tratamento do câncer de adrenal benigno (hormonalmente ativo ou não funcional) e maligno inclui a adrenalectomia. A experiência dos cirurgiões e a cirurgia realizada por cirurgiões de alto volume foram associadas a menos complicações e menor custo. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever e comparar o número de cirurgias, a taxa de mortalidade e o tempo de internação para adrenalectomias realizadas entre 2008 e 2019 na rede pública de saúde de São Paulo. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo ecológico. Os dados foram coletados da Plataforma TabNet do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde. Os hospitais foram divididos em três subgrupos de acordo com o volume cirúrgico e hospitais com e sem programa de residência médica em Urologia. Os resultados foram comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: no período estudado, 943 adrenalectomias foram realizadas em São Paulo. As taxas de mortalidade durante a internação de acordo com o volume cirúrgico hospitalar foram: não foram relatados óbitos em hospitais de baixo volume; 0,015% em hospitais de volume intermediário e 0,004% em alto volume. O tempo médio de permanência na UTI foi de 1,03 dias nos hospitais de baixo volume; 2,8 nos de médio volume e 1,12 nos de alto volume (análise entre centros de médio e alto volume com significância estatística, p=0,016). Conclusão: as taxas de mortalidade foram muito baixas em todos os grupos. A permanência na UTI foi menor em centros de alto volume do que em centros de volume intermediário.

Comparison of outcomes and costs of surgery versus sclerotherapy to treat hydrocele.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes and costs associated with surgery versus sclerotherapy as treatment of hydroceles. METHODS: A total of 53 men consecutively treated for hydrocele at our organization, between December 2015 and June 2019, were retrospectively analyzed (39 with Jaboulay technique and 14 with sclerotherapy). All charts were reviewed, assessing clinical data, ultrasound findings, surgical data, and post-procedure outcomes. The hospital finance department calculated the cost of outpatient evaluation, complementary tests, supplies, drugs, and professionals' costs throughout all procedures. RESULTS: The median age for both groups was similar (58 and 65 years old). Comorbidities were less frequent in the Surgery Group (20; 51%) than in the Sclerotherapy Group (14; 100%, p<0.05). The median length of hospital stay was 34.5±16.3 hours for the Surgery Group and 4 hours for the Sclerotherapy Group. The mean follow-up period was similar for both groups (85.4±114.8 days after surgery, and 60.9±80.1 days after sclerotherapy, p=0.467). No significant complications occurred in any patient. Success rates were 94.8% after surgery and 92.8% after sclerotherapy. The mean cost per patient was US$2,558.69 in the Surgery Group (Hydrocelectomy Group) and US$463.58 in the Sclerotherapy Group (p<0.0001). Costs directly related to in-hospital treatment procedures were significantly higher for surgery versus sclerotherapy (US$2,219.82±US$1,629.06 versus US$130.64±US$249.60; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Sclerotherapy is an excellent treatment option for idiopathic hydrocele as compared to traditional Jaboulay. It has a high success rate, low complication rates, fast discharge and patients return quicker to activities of daily living.

Shedding light on polypragmasy of pain after transurethral prostate surgery procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the incidences of post-operative pelvic pain (PPP) in patients undergoing ablation, enucleation and conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Using MEDLINE via PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL, randomised control trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting PPP rates post-ablation, enucleation or TURP were identified. The risk of biases (RoB) in RCTs and observation studies were assessed using the Cochrane RoB1.0 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, respectively. RESULTS: 62 studies were included for qualitative analysis, while 51 of them reported number of patients with PPP post-intervention. Three observational studies and 13 RCTs compared the rates of PPP in patients undergoing ablation, enucleation or TURP. The most reported types of PPP are dysuria, abdominal pain and irritative symptoms. The pooled incidence of PPP at 1-month follow-up in patients undergoing ablation, enucleation and TURP were 0.15 (95% CI 0.10-0.22), 0.09 (95% CI 0.04-0.19 and 0.10 (95% CI 0.06-0.15), respectively. PPP is no longer prevalent at 3-months and onwards post-operatively. Ablation is associated with a higher risk of PPP than enucleation (RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.04-4.62) and TURP (RR 2.40, 95% CI 1.03-5.62) in observational studies but not RCTs; and there were no significant differences in the rates of PPP upon comparison of other modalities. CONCLUSION: PPP is common after transurethral benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery. Patients undergoing ablation had a higher rate of post-intervention PPP than those undergoing enucleation and TURP in observational studies.

Comparison of outcomes and costs of surgery versus sclerotherapy to treat hydrocele / Comparação entre resultados e custos de cirurgia e de escleroterapia para tratamento de hidrocele

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the outcomes and costs associated with surgery versus sclerotherapy as treatment of hydroceles. Methods: A total of 53 men consecutively treated for hydrocele at our organization, between December 2015 and June 2019, were retrospectively analyzed (39 with Jaboulay technique and 14 with sclerotherapy). All charts were reviewed, assessing clinical data, ultrasound findings, surgical data, and post-procedure outcomes. The hospital finance department calculated the cost of outpatient evaluation, complementary tests, supplies, drugs, and professionals' costs throughout all procedures. Results: The median age for both groups was similar (58 and 65 years old). Comorbidities were less frequent in the Surgery Group (20; 51%) than in the Sclerotherapy Group (14; 100%, p<0.05). The median length of hospital stay was 34.5±16.3 hours for the Surgery Group and 4 hours for the Sclerotherapy Group. The mean follow-up period was similar for both groups (85.4±114.8 days after surgery, and 60.9±80.1 days after sclerotherapy, p=0.467). No significant complications occurred in any patient. Success rates were 94.8% after surgery and 92.8% after sclerotherapy. The mean cost per patient was US$2,558.69 in the Surgery Group (Hydrocelectomy Group) and US$463.58 in the Sclerotherapy Group (p<0.0001). Costs directly related to in-hospital treatment procedures were significantly higher for surgery versus sclerotherapy (US$2,219.82±US$1,629.06 versus US$130.64±US$249.60; p<0.0001). Conclusion: Sclerotherapy is an excellent treatment option for idiopathic hydrocele as compared to traditional Jaboulay. It has a high success rate, low complication rates, fast discharge and patients return quicker to activities of daily living.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar resultados e custos associados à cirurgia e à escleroterapia como tratamentos das hidroceles. Métodos: Foram tratados consecutivamente para hidrocele em nossa instituição 53 homens, entre dezembro de 2015 e junho de 2019, os quais foram analisados retrospectivamente (39 pela técnica de Jaboulay e 14 por escleroterapia). Todos os prontuários foram revisados, avaliando dados clínicos, achados de ultrassom, dados cirúrgicos e desfechos pós-procedimento. O departamento financeiro do hospital calculou o custo da avaliação ambulatorial, dos exames complementares, dos insumos, dos medicamentos e dos profissionais em todos os procedimentos. Resultados: A idade mediana foi semelhante nos dois grupos (58 e 65 anos). Comorbidades foram menos frequentes no Grupo Cirurgia (20; 51%) do que no Grupo Escleroterapia (14; 100%; p<0,05). O tempo mediano de internação hospitalar foi 34,5±16,3 horas para o Grupo Cirurgia e 4 horas para Grupo Escleroterapia. O período médio de seguimento foi semelhante nos dois grupos (85,4±114,8 dias após a cirurgia e 60,9±80,1 dias após escleroterapia; p=0,467). Nenhuma complicação significativa ocorreu nos pacientes. As taxas de sucesso foram de 94,8% após a cirurgia e 92,8% após a escleroterapia. O custo médio por paciente foi de US$2,558.69 para Grupo Cirurgia e US$463.58 para Grupo Escleroterapia (p<0,0001). Os custos relacionados aos procedimentos de tratamento hospitalar foram significativamente maiores para cirurgia em relação à escleroterapia (US$2,219.82±US$1,629.06 versus US$130.64±US$249.60; p<0,0001). Conclusão: A escleroterapia é uma excelente opção de tratamento para hidrocele idiopática em comparação com a tradicional Jaboulay. Apresenta alta taxa de sucesso, baixas taxas de complicações e alta rápida, além de os pacientes retornarem mais rapidamente às atividades diárias.

Anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: The next gold standard? No! (or not yet!).

Most cases of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia are initially managed through medical therapy. In cases that surgery is indicated, the anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (aEEP), first described in 1983, allegedly presents the same safety profile as the best endoscopic non-enucleating procedures and the same long-term functional outcomes as simple prostatectomy. Thus, why aEEP has not yet been consolidated as the gold-standard BPH surgical treatment? The main reasons are as follows: (a) Multiple energy sources and techniques; (b) High costs; (c) Steep learning curve; (d) Rare in-residency training; (e) Reimbursement issues; (f) Outcomes and (g) Complications. We do believe aEEP is an important advance and a "practice-changing" procedure that will play an important role in the BPH surgical options arsenal, especially for larger prostates. However, there is a need to start an in-residency training program, with a mentor guidance, and, over time, the cost will likely be reduced due to greater competition between companies and greater support from health insurers. Considering these points, in the future, EEP may be considered the gold-standard treatment for BPH… but not yet.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of endoscopic enucleation and non-enucleation procedures for benign prostatic enlargement.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate safety and efficacy of different endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) techniques, by comparing laser (L-EEP) and non-laser (NL-EEP) procedures; and EEP versus other endoscopic non-enucleation (ENE) surgeries for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed for randomized clinical trials (RCT) that compared different endoscopic treatments for BPE, between 1982 and 2018. Two analyses were performed: (1) EEP versus ENE; and (2) L-EEP versus NL-EEP. Efficacy was assessed using perioperative data (removed tissue volume, operation time (OT), catheterization time, length of hospital stay); and functional outcomes [IPSS, IIEF-5, maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual volume (PVR), quality of life (QoL)]. Safety was assessed through complications (Hb and sodium decrease, transfusion rate). Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan® 5.3. RESULTS: Out of 35 RCTs (4066 patients), 31 (3909 patients) evaluated EEP versus ENE, and 4 (327 patients) evaluated L-EEP versus NL-EEP. EEP presented greater Qmax. Also, EEP presented less catheterization time, length of hospital stay, Hb decrease, transfusion rate. OT and bladder injury were greater with EEP. There were no significant differences between other items. L-EEP removed more tissue volume, with a smaller drop in serum Hb. There were no significant differences in other perioperative data, functional outcomes, complications. CONCLUSIONS: EEP and ENE are effective and safe for treating BPE. Perioperative data favors EEP. Statistical differences, with questionable clinical significance in functional outcomes and complication rates were encountered. L-EEP provides greater tissue removal and smaller Hb decrease then NL-EEP, with similar functional profiles.