Does mpMRI guidance improve HIFU partial gland ablation compared to conventional ultrasound guidance? Early functional outcomes and complications from a single center

ABSTRACT Background Focal therapy (FT) for localized prostate cancer (PCa) treatment is raising interest. New technological mpMRI-US guided FT devices have never been compared with the previous generation of ultrasound-only guided devices. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed prospectively recorded data of men undergoing FT for localized low- or intermediate-risk PCa with US- (Ablatherm®-2009 to 2014) or mpMRI-US (Focal One®-from 2014) guided HIFU. Follow-up visits and data were collected using internationally validated questionnaires at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results We included n=88 US-guided FT HIFU and n=52 mpMRI-US guided FT HIFU respectively. No major baseline differences were present except higher rates of Gleason 3+4 for the mpMRI-US group. No major differences were present in hospital stay (p=0.1), catheterization time (p=0.5) and complications (p=0.2) although these tended to be lower in the mpMRI-US group (6.8% versus 13.2% US FT group). At 3 months mpMRI-US guided HIFU had significantly lower urine leak (5.1% vs. 15.9%, p=0.04) and a lower drop in IIEF scores (2 vs. 4.2, p=0.07). Of those undergoing 12-months control biopsy in the mpMRI-US-guided HIFU group, 26% had residual cancer in the treated lobe. Conclusion HIFU FT guided by MRI-US fusion may allow improved functional outcomes and fewer complications compared to US- guided HIFU FT alone. Further analysis is needed to confirm benefits of mpMRI implementation at a longer follow-up and on a larger cohort of patients.

Experiências sexuais após prostatectomia radical não poupadora de nervos / Experiencias sexuales después de prostatectomía radical sin conservación de bandeletas neurovasculares / Sexual experiences after non-nerve sparing radical prostatectomy

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar as experiências e expectativas de pacientes submetidos a prostatectomia radical não poupadora de nervos. Métodos Estudo qualitativo, descritivo-exploratório, baseado na fenomenologia hermenêutica. Foram realizadas dezesseis entrevistas em profundidade entre fevereiro e dezembro de 2017 e análise indutiva dos dados. Resultados Dois temas que refletem as experiências dos pacientes emergiram da análise: (1) As mudanças sexuais como fator-chave da resposta adaptativa, com os subtemas "Dificuldades sexuais após a cirurgia" e "Questões com relacionamentos íntimos e bem-estar psicossocial"; (2) Prostatectomia: a necessidade de adaptação a uma sexualidade holística, com os subtemas "Questionamento das experiências a partir do comportamento sexual atual" e "Adaptação da sexualidade e a intimidade após a cirurgia". Conclusão Pacientes submetidos à prostatectomia enfrentam dificuldades sexuais como disfunção erétil. Essas mudanças causam problemas nos relacionamentos sexuais e íntimos que afetam seu bem-estar. Diante dessa situação, alguns participantes questionam suas práticas sexuais habituais e tentam se adaptar a uma sexualidade holística não centrada no coito, incorporando formas inovadoras de sexualidade. Conhecer as experiências de homens submetidos a prostatectomia radical pode ajudar os profissionais de saúde a oferecer novas estratégias para lidar com as mudanças ambientais envolvidas na cirurgia da próstata.

Resumen Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las experiencias y expectativas de pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical sin conservación de bandeletas neurovasculares. Métodos Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo-exploratorio, basado en la fenomenología hermenéutica. Se realizaron 16 entrevistas en profundidad entre febrero y diciembre de 2017 y un análisis inductivo de los datos. Resultados A partir del análisis, surgieron dos temas que reflejan las experiencias de los pacientes: (1) Los cambios sexuales como factor clave de la respuesta adaptativa, con dos subtemas "Dificultades sexuales después de la cirugía" y "Cuestiones sobre relaciones íntimas y bienestar psicosocial" y (2) Prostatectomía: necesidad de adaptación a una sexualidad holística, con los subtemas "Cuestionamiento de las experiencias a partir del comportamiento sexual actual" y "Adaptación de la sexualidad e intimidad después de la cirugía". Conclusión Los pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía enfrentan dificultades sexuales como disfunción eréctil. Estos cambios causan problemas en las relaciones sexuales e íntimas que afectan su bienestar. Ante esta situación, algunos participantes cuestionan sus prácticas sexuales habituales e intentan adaptarse a una sexualidad holística no centrada en el coito, incorporando formas innovadoras de sexualidad. Conocer las experiencias de hombres sometidos a prostatectomía radical puede ayudar a los profesionales de la salud a ofrecer nuevas estrategias para lidiar con los cambios ambientales relacionados con la cirugía de próstata.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and expectations of patients who underwent non-nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. Methods A qualitative descriptive, exploratory, study, based on hermeneutic phenomenology. Sixteen in-depth interviews were carried out between February and December 2017. An inductive analysis of data was performed. Results Two themes reflecting the patients' experiences emerged from the analysis: (1) Sexual changes as a key factor of the adaptive response, with the subthemes "Sexual difficulties after surgery" and "Issues with intimate relationships and psychosocial wellbeing". (2) Prostatectomy: the need of adaptation to a holistic sexuality, with the subthemes "Questioning the experiences from the current sexual behavior" and "Adapting sexuality and intimacy after surgery". Conclusion Patients undergoing prostatectomy face sexual difficulties such as erectile dysfunction. These changes cause problems in sexual and intimate relationships that affect their wellbeing. Given this situation, some participants question their usual sexual practices and try to adapt to a holistic sexuality not centered on coitus by incorporating innovative forms of sexuality. Knowing the experiences of men who underwent radical prostatectomy might help healthcare workers to provide new strategies for coping with the environmental changes involved in prostate surgery.

Assessment of the lower urinary tract symptoms after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: the behavior of voiding, storage and post micturition symptoms / Avaliação dos sintomas do trato urinário inferior após prostatectomia radical robótica-assistida: o comportamento dos sintomas de esvaziamento, armazenamento e pós-miccionais

ABSTRACT Introduction: despite being infrequent, urinary incontinence has a huge impact on the quality of life of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, even with the robotic-assisted technique. Objective: to assess the evolution of urinary symptoms from preoperative to 12 months after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Methods: data was collected from 998 patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Demographic data, preoperative and postoperative information on patients were documented. The ICIQ and IPSS questionnaires were also applied preoperatively and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation. Results: Out of 998 patients, 257 correctly completed all questionnaires. The mean age of the patients was 60 ± 0.74 years. We found that the total IPSS increased initially and at 6 months after the operation, it was already lower than the initial preoperative value (7.76 at 6 months vs. 9.90 preoperative, p <0.001), being that questions regarding voiding symptoms were the first to improve followed by the questions regarding post micturition and storage symptoms. As for the ICIQ variables, there was an increase with radical prostatectomy and none of them returned to the preoperative level (p<0.001). Conclusions: robotic assisted radical prostatectomy causes, at first, a worsening of urinary symptoms in the lower tract with subsequent recovery. Recovery begins with voiding symptoms, followed by post micturition and storage symptoms. The symptoms assessed by the IPSS evolve to better parameters even than those of the preoperative period, while the symptoms of incontinence assessed by the ICIQ do not reach the preoperative levels in the studied interval.

RESUMO Introdução: apesar de infrequente, a incontinência urinária gera imenso impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes submetidos a prostatectomia radical, mesmo com a técnica robótica-assistida. Objetivo: avaliar a evolução dos sintomas urinários desde o pré-operatório até 12 meses após a prostatectomia radical robótica-assistida. Métodos: foram coletados os dados de 998 pacientes submetidos à prostatectomia radical robótica-assistida. Foram documentados dados demográficos, informações pré-operatórias e pós-operatórias dos pacientes. Também foram aplicados os questionários ICIQ e IPSS no pré-operatório e após 1, 3, 6 e 12 meses de pós-operatório. Resultados: de 998 pacientes, 257 preencheram corretamente todos os questionários. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 60±0,74 anos. Verificou-se que o IPSS total subia inicialmente e aos 6 meses após a operação, este já se tornava inferior ao valor inicial pré-operatório (7,76 aos 6 meses vs. 9,90 pré-operatório, p<0.001), sendo que as questões referentes a sintomas de esvaziamento foram as primeiras a melhorar e posteriormente as questões referentes a sintomas pós-miccionais e de armazenamento. Quanto às variáveis do ICIQ, houve elevação com a prostatectomia radical e nenhuma delas retornou ao patamar pré-operatório (p<0,001). Conclusões: a prostatectomia radical robótica assistida causa num primeiro momento uma piora nos sintomas urinários do trato inferior com uma recuperação subsequente. A recuperação se inicia pelos sintomas de esvaziamento, seguido dos sintomas pós-miccionais e de armazenamento. Os sintomas avaliados pelo IPSS acabam evoluindo a parâmetros melhores inclusive que os do pré-operatório, enquanto os sintomas de perda urinária avaliados pelo ICIQ não atingem os níveis pré-operatórios no intervalo estudado.

Serving as a bedside surgeon before performing robotic radical prostatectomy improves surgical outcomes

ABSTRACT Introduction: To evaluate the influence of previous experience as bedside assistants on patient selection, perioperative and pathological results in robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: The first 50 cases of two robotic surgeons were reviewed retrospectively. Group 1 consisted of the first 50 cases of the surgeon with previous experience as a robotic bedside assistant between September 2016-July 2018, while Group 2 included the first 50 cases of the surgeon with no bedside assistant experience between February 2009-December 2009. Groups were examined in terms of demographics, prostate volume, presence of median lobe, prostate specific antigen (PSA), preoperative Gleason score, positive core number, clinical stage, console surgery time, estimated blood loss, postoperative Gleason score, pathological stage, positive surgical margin rate, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and biochemical recurrence rate. Results: Previous abdominal surgery and the presence of median lobe hypertrophy rates were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (20% vs. 4%, p=0.014; 24% vs. 6%, p=0.012; respectively). In addition, patients in Group 1 were in a higher clinical stage than those in Group 2 (cT2: 70% vs. 28%, p=0.001). Median console surgery time and median length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group 1 than in Group 2 (170 min vs. 240 min, p=0.001; 3 vs. 4, p=0.022; respectively). Clavien grade 3 complication rate was higher in Group 2 but was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Our findings might reflect that previous bedside assistant experience led to an increase in self-confidence and the ability to manage troubleshooting and made it more likely for surgeons to start with more difficult cases with more challenging patients. It is recommended that novice surgeons serve as bedside assistants before moving on to consoles.

Effects of perioperative pelvic floor muscle training on early recovery of urinary continence and erectile function in men undergoing radical prostatectomy: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Aims: Radical prostatectomy (RP) can result in urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED), which negatively impact quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a perioperative pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program versus usual care on early recovery of urinary continence and erectile function after RP. Materials and Methods: Of 59 eligible men, 31 were randomly allocated into 2 groups: Group 1 (Control, N=15) received usual post-RP care; and Group 2 (Physical therapy, N=16) received two pre-RP physical therapist-guided PFMT sessions, including exercises and electromyographic biofeedback, and verbal and written instructions to continue PFMT until RP, which was then resumed after urethral catheter removal. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire were used to evaluate UI and ED, respectively. Results: Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Three months after RP, the UI rate was 72.7% and 70.0% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P >0.05). The severity and frequency of UI and its impact on QoL were evaluated by the ICIQ-Short Form, with scores of 6.9±6.26 in Group 1 and 7.0±5.12 in Group 2 (P >0.05). The IIEF-5 scores were similar in Groups 1 and 2 (5.73±7.43 vs. 6.70±6.68, respectively) (P >0.05). Conclusion: Our pre-RP protocol of two physical therapist-assisted sessions of PFMT plus instructions did not significantly improve urinary continence or erectile function at 3 months after RP.

A comparison of perioperative outcome between robot-assisted and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: experience of a single institution

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare perioperative and pathological results in different approaches of robotic or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 206 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) from June 2016 to October 2017 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. A total of 132 cases underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) including 54 patients on transperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (Tp-RLRP) and 78 on extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (Ep-RLRP). Meanwhile, 74 patients performed with extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (Ep-LPR) were also included. Perioperative and pathological data were compared among these groups. Results All operations were completed without conversion. There was no significant difference in basic and pathological characteristics of patients between each two groups. In Tp-RLRP vs. Ep-RLRP: Significant differences were found in the comparison in total operation time [235.98 ± 59.16 vs. 180.45 ± 50.27 min, P = 0.00], estimated blood loss (EBL) [399.07 ± 519.57 vs. 254.49 ± 308.05 mL, P = 0.0473], postoperative pelvic drainage time [5.37 ± 2.33 vs. 4.24 ± 3.08 d, P = 0.0237] and postoperative length of stay [8.15 ± 3.30 vs. 6.49 ± 3.49 d, P = 0.0068] while no significant differences were detected in other variables. In Ep-RLRP vs. Ep-LPR: Longer total operation time was observed in Ep-RLRP when compared to Ep-LPR [180.45 ± 50.27 vs. 143.80 ± 33.13 min, P = 0.000]. No significant differences were observed in other variables. Conclusion In RLRP, Ep-RLRP was proved a safe and effective approach based on the perioperative results compared to Tp-RLRP. Ep-RLRP and Ep-LPR provides equivalent perioperative and pathological outcomes.

Factors affecting urinary continence and sexual potency recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the most recent surgical technique for localized prostate cancer. The Da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) system was first introduced in Brazil in 2008, with a fast growing number of surgeries performed each year. Objective Our primary endpoint is to analyze possible predictors of functional outcomes, related to patient and tumor features. As secondary endpoint, describe functional outcomes (urinary continence and sexual potency) from RARP performed in the Sírio-Libanês Hospital (SLH), a private institution, in São Paulo, from April 2008 to December 2015. Materials and Method Data from 104 consecutive patients operated by two surgeons from the SLH (MA and SA) between 2008 and 2015, with a minimum 12 months follow-up, were collected. Patient features (age, body mass index - BMI, PSA, date of surgery and sexual function), tumor features (tumor stage, Gleason and surgical margins) and follow-up data (time to reach urinary continence and sexual potency) were the variables collected at 1, 3, 6 and 12 month and every 6 months thereafter. Continence was defined as the use of no pad on medical interview and sexual potency defined as the capability for vaginal penetration with or without fosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Results Mean age was 60 years old and mean BMI was 28.45 kg/m2. BMI >30kg/m2 (p<0.001) and age (p=0.011) were significant predictors for worse sexual potency after surgery. After 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, 20.7%, 45.7%, 60.9% and 71.8% from patients were potent, respectively. The urinary continence was reached in 36.5%, 80.3%, 88.6% and 92.8% after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Until the end of the study, only one patient was incontinent and 20.7% were impotent. Conclusion Age was a predictor of urinary and erectile function recovery in 12 months. BMI was significant factor for potency recovery. We obtained in a private hospital good functional results after 12 months of follow-up.

Impact of time from biopsy to surgery on complications, functional and oncologic outcomes following radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: To determine the impact of time from biopsy to surgery on outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP) as the optimal interval between prostate biopsy and RP is unknown. Material and methods: We identified 7, 350 men who underwent RP at our institution between 1994 and 2012 and had a prostate biopsy within one year of surgery. Patients were grouped into five time intervals for analysis: ≤ 3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 7-12 weeks, 12-26 weeks, and > 26 weeks. Oncologic outcomes were stratified by NCCN disease risk for comparison. The associations of time interval with clinicopathologic features and survival were evaluated using multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses. Results: Median time from biopsy to surgery was 61 days (IQR 37, 84). Median follow-up after RP was 7.1 years (IQR 4.2, 11.7) while the overall perioperative complication rate was 19.7% (1,448/7,350). Adjusting for pre-operative variables, men waiting 12-26 weeks until RP had the highest likelihood of nerve sparing (OR: 1.45, p = 0.02) while those in the 4-6 week group had higher overall complications (OR: 1.33, p = 0.01). High risk men waiting more than 6 months had higher rates of biochemical recurrence (HR: 3.38, p = 0.05). Limitations include the retrospective design. Conclusions: Surgery in the 4-6 week time period after biopsy is associated with higher complications. There appears to be increased biochemical recurrence rates in delaying RP after biopsy, for men with both low and high risk disease.

Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e fatores psicossociais após prostatectomia radical / Calidad de vida relacionada a la salud y factores psicosociales después de prostatectomía radical / Health-related quality of life and psychosocial factors after radical prostatectomy

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e correlações com fatores psicossociais (ansiedade, depressão e autoestima) em homens prostatectomizados. Métodos: Estudo descritivo correlacional realizado com 85 homens submetidos a prostatectomia radical há no mínimo três meses e no máximo cinco anos. Foram utilizados o European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer- QLQ C30 e European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer "Prostate Cancer" 25 items - EORTC QLQ-PR25; Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg e Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Resultados: Os participantes mostraram comprometimento da qualidade de vida no que se refere a prejuízos da função sexual e presença de sintomas urinários. Houve correlação entre os aspectos psicossociais e algumas escalas de avaliação da qualidade de vida, principalmente as escalas funcionais e de sintomas. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que a prostatectomia radical causa prejuízo na qualidade de vida dos homens, demandando assistência dos profissionais de saúde para minimizar os efeitos das complicações mais comuns. Recomenda-se a implementação de intervenções educativas e apoio multiprofissional pautados em melhor compreensão das implicações físicas e psicossociais para ajudar a melhorar a qualidade de vida dos homens após a prostatectomia radical.

Resumen Objetivo: Investigar la calidad de vida relacionada a la salud y correlación con factores psicosociales (ansiedad, depresión y autoestima) en hombres prostatectomizados. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo correlacional realizado con 85 hombres sometidos a prostatectomía radical hace al menos tres meses y máximo cinco años. Se utilizó el European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer- QLQ C30 y European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer "Prostate Cancer" 25 items - EORTC QLQ-PR25; Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg y Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Resultados: Los participantes mostraron su calidad de vida comprometida con relación al detrimento de la función sexual y presencia de síntomas urinarios. Hubo correlación entre los aspectos psicosociales y algunas escalas de evaluación de calidad de vida, principalmente las escalas funcionales y de síntomas. Conclusión: Quedó en evidencia que la prostatectomía radical perjudica la calidad de vida de los hombres y demanda asistencia de los profesionales de la salud para minimizar los efectos de las complicaciones más comunes. Se recomienda la implementación de intervenciones educativas y de apoyo multiprofesional para una mejor comprensión de las consecuencias físicas y psicosociales para ayudar a mejorar la calidad de vida de los hombres después de la prostatectomía radical.

Abstract Objective: To investigate quality of life and its correlations with psychosocial factors (anxiety, depression and low self-esteem) in men who underwent prostatectomy. Methods: A descriptive, correlational study with 85 men who underwent radical prostatectomy at least three months and at most five years prior to the survey. The instruments used were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer- QLQ C30, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer "Prostate Cancer" 25 items - EORTC QLQ-PR25; the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: Participants showed impairment of quality of life associated with impairment of sexual function and presence of urinary symptoms. There was a correlation between the psychosocial aspects and some quality of life assessment scales, mainly the functional and symptom scales. Conclusion: It was shown that radical prostatectomy causes impairment in the quality of life of men, requiring care from health professionals to minimize the effects of the most common complications. Educational interventions and multi-professional support based on a better understanding of the physical and psychosocial implications are recommended to help improve the quality of life of men after radical prostatectomy.

Salvage radiotherapy for biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy: does the outcome depend on the prostate cancer characteristics?

ABSTRACT Objective: To build a model to evaluate the impact of salvage radiotherapy (SRT) in men with PSA rise or persistent PSA after undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). Materials and Methods: The study included 107 node-negative patients treated with SRT after RP at a single institution. Patients received SRT for either prostate-specific antigen (PSA) rising, or PSA persistence after RP. All patients received local radiation to the prostate / seminal vesicle bed. The primary measured outcome was the biochemical recurrence (BCR) free survival. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to develop a risk-stratification group to identify predictive factors associated with the probability of BCR at 5yr. Results: At a median follow-up of 52 months, the BCR free survival rate and overall survival in 5 years was 73% and 94%, respectively. At multivariable analysis, pre-SRT PSA level > 0.35ng / mL (p = 0.023), negative margins (p = 0.038), and seminal vesicles invasion (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with BCR free survival. Three risk groups using regression analysis for SRT administration was built. Low-, intermediate- and the high-risk groups had a BCR free survival in 5-years of 96%, 84%, and 44% (p = 0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: We developed a risk group stratification to show the impact of SRT based on prostate cancer characteristics. SRT showed to be extremely beneficial for patients with low- and intermediate-risk tumors. Moreover, the risk-group built could identify patients classified as high-risk who might benefit from more aggressive treatment for SRT.

Robot - assisted laparoscopic local recurrence resection after radical prostatectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction and objective: Local prostate cancer recurrence is usually treated with salvage radiation (sRDT) with or without adjuvant therapy. However, surgical resection could be an option. We aim to present the surgical technique for robot - assisted laparoscopic resection prostate cancer local recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) and sRDT in 2 cases. Patients and method: First case depicts a 70 year - old man who underwent RP in 2001 and sRDT in 2004. Following adjuvant therapy, patient had biochemical recurrence. MRI showed a solid mass in the prostatic fossa close to vesicourethral anastomosis, measuring 2.1 cm and PET / CT revealed hyper caption significant uptake in the prostatic fossa. Second case is a 59 year - old man who underwent RP in 2010 and sRDT in 2011. Again, patient presented with biochemical recurrence. PET / CT showed hyper caption in the prostatic fossa. Biopsy conformed a prostate adenocarcinoma. Both patients underwent robot - assisted extended pelvic lymph nodes dissection and local recurrence resection. A standard 4 robotic arms port placement was utilized. Results: Both procedures were uneventfully performed in less than 3 hours and there were no complications. Pathological examination showed a prostate adenocarcinoma Gleason 7 and 8 in the first and second case, respectively; surgical margins and lymph nodes were negative. After 6 months of follow-up, continence was not affected and both patients presented with PSA < 0.15 ng / mL. Conclusion: Robot - assisted laparoscopic resection of prostate cancer local recurrence after RP and sRDT detected by PSMA PET / CT seems to be safe in experienced hands. It may postpone adjuvant therapy in selected cases.

The importance of histopathologic review of biopsies in patients with prostate cancer referred to a tertiary uro - oncology center

ABSTRACT Introduction: In view of the detailed histologic evaluation of prostate cancer (PC), it is usually advisable to provide a "second opinion" to confirm diagnosis. This study aimed to compare the Gleason score (GS) of initial diagnosis versus that of histopathologic review of patients with PC. The secondary objective was to compare initial GS versus histopathologic review versus post - surgical histopathology. Material and methods: Retrospective study based on chart review of patients with PC that attended the Uro - oncology Department of Hospital das Clínicas - UNICAMP - Campinas, Brazil, from April, 2002, to April, 2012. Data were divided in groups: patients with biopsies performed elsewhere, biopsies after pathological review and histopathological results following retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP). These were evaluated in relation to GS difference using Fleis's Kappa concordance coefficient. Results: 402 PC patients, with a median age of 66 years, were evaluated. Reviewed GS showed worsening, with accuracy of 61.2%, and Kappa concordance value = 0.466. Among 143 patients submitted to surgery, GS varied widely, regarding initial evaluation, review and post - surgical RRP. Joint concordance of evaluations was weak (Kappa = 0.216), mainly due to almost no existence concordance between initial evaluation and following RRP (Kappa = 0.041). Conclusion: There is a great histopathological variation of initial GS versus reviewed GS. There is also a better correlation of reviewed GS and post - surgical GS than with initial GS. The second opinion by an uropathologist improves diagnosis and should be advised for better therapeutic decision.

Impact of urinary incontinence on the quality of life of individuals undergoing radical prostatectomy / Impacto da incontinência urinária na qualidade de vida de indivíduos submetidos à prostatectomia radical / Impacto de la incontinencia urinaria en la calidad de vida de individuos sometidos a la prostatectomia radical

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the level of urinary incontinence and its impact on the quality of life of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Method: cross-sectional study carried out with prostatectomized patients. The data were collected from the following instruments: sociodemographic questionnaire, Pad Test, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form and King Health Questionnaire. Data were submitted to descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: a total of 152 patients participated, with a mean age of 67 years. Among incontinent patients, there was a predominance of mild urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence had a very severe impact on the general assessment of quality of life in the first months and severe impact after six months of surgery. The greater the urinary loss, the greater the impact on the quality of life domains Physical Limitations, Social Limitations, Impact of Urinary Incontinence and Severity Measures. Most participants reported no erection after surgery and therefore did not respond to the question of the presence of urinary incontinence during sexual intercourse. Conclusion: the present study evidenced the occurrence of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy at different levels and its significant impact on the quality of life of men, which reveals the need of interventions for controlling it.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o nível de incontinência urinária e o seu impacto na qualidade de vida de pacientes submetidos à prostatectomia radical. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com pacientes prostatectomizados. Os dados foram coletados a partir dos seguintes instrumentos: questionário sociodemográfico, Pad Test, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form e King Health Questionnaire. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e bivariada. O nível de significância adotado foi de 0,05. Resultados: participaram 152 pacientes, com idade média de 67 anos. Entre os pacientes incontinentes, houve predomínio da incontinência urinária leve. A incontinência urinária causou impacto muito grave na avaliação geral da qualidade de vida nos primeiros meses e grave após seis meses de cirurgia. Quanto maior a perda urinária, maior impacto nos domínios da qualidade de vida Limitações Físicas, Limitações Sociais, Impacto da Incontinência Urinária e Medidas de Gravidade. A maioria dos participantes relatou ausência de ereção após a cirurgia e por isso não respondeu à questão referente à presença de incontinência urinária durante a relação sexual. Conclusão: o estudo evidenciou a ocorrência da incontinência urinária após prostatectomia radical em diferentes níveis e o seu impacto significativo na qualidade de vida dos homens merecendo intervenções para o seu controle.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el nivel de incontinencia urinaria y su impacto en la calidad de vida de pacientes sometidos a la prostatectomia radical. Método: estudio transversal, realizado con pacientes prostatectomizados. Los datos fueron recogidos a partir de los siguientes instrumentos: cuestionario sociodemográfico, Pad Test, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form y King Health Questionnaire. Los datos fueron sometidos al análisis estadístico descriptivo y bivariado. El nivel de significancia adoptado fue de 0,05. Resultados: participaron 152 pacientes, con edad media de 67 años. Entre los pacientes incontinentes, hubo predominio de la incontinencia urinaria leve. La incontinencia urinaria causó impacto muy grave en la evaluación general de la calidad de vida en los primeros meses y grave después de seis meses de cirugía. Cuanto mayor la pérdida urinaria, mayor el impacto en los dominios de la calidad de vida Limitaciones Físicas, Limitaciones Sociales, Impacto de la Incontinencia Urinaria y Medidas de Gravedad. La mayoría de los participantes relató ausencia de erección después de la cirugía y por eso no respondió a la pregunta referente a la presencia de incontinencia urinaria durante la relación sexual. Conclusión: el estudio evidenció la ocurrencia de la incontinencia urinaria después de la prostatectomia radical en diferentes niveles y su impacto significativo en la calidad de vida de los hombres mereciendo intervenciones para su control.

Predictive factors for prolonged hospital stay after retropubic radical prostatectomy in a high-volume teaching center

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the length hospital stay and predictors of prolonged hospitalization after RRP performed in a high-surgical volume teaching institution, and analyze the rate of unplanned visits to the office, emergency care, hospital readmissions and perioperative complications rates. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a standardized database for patients with localized prostate cancer undergoing RRP in our institution between January/2010 - January/2012. A logistic regression model including preoperative variables was initially built in order to determine the factors that predict prolonged hospital stay before the surgical procedure; subsequently, a second model including both pre and intraoperative variables was analyzed. Results: 1011 patients underwent RRP at our institution were evaluated. The median hospital stay was 2 days, and 217 (21.5%) patients had prolonged hospitalization. Predictors of prolonged hospital stay among the preoperative variables were ICC (OR. 1.40 p=0.003), age (OR 1.050 p<0.001), ASA score of 3 (OR. 3.260 p<0.001), prostate volume on USG-TR (OR, 1.005 p=0.038) and African-American race (OR 2.235 p=0.004); among intra and postoperative factors, operative time (OR 1.007 p=0.022) and the presence of any complications (OR 2.013 p=0.009) or major complications (OR 2.357 p=0.01) were also correlated independently with prolonged hospital stay. The complication rate was 14.5%. Conclusions: The independent predictors of prolonged hospitalization among preoperative variables were CCI, age, ASA score of 3, prostate volume on USG-TR and African-American race; amongst intra and postoperative factors, operative time, presence of any complications and major complications were correlated independently with prolonged hospital stay.

Diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in detecting extracapsular extension in intermediate and high - risk prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of preoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) as a predictor of extracapsular extension (ECE) and unfavorable Gleason score (GS) in patients with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). Materials and Methods: Patients with clinically localized PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and had preoperative mp-MRI between May-2011 and December-2013. Mp-MRI was evaluated according to the European Society of Urogenital Radiology MRI prostate guidelines by two different readers. Histopathological RP results were the standard reference. Results: 79 patients were included; mean age was 61 and median preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 7.0. On MRI, 28% patients had ECE evidenced in the mp-MRI, 5% seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) and 4% lymph node involvement (LNI). At RP, 39.2% had ECE, 26.6% SVI and 12.8% LNI. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of mp-MRI for ECE were 54.9%, 90.9%, 76%, 81% and 74.1% respectively; for SVI values were 19.1%, 100%, 77.3%, 100% and 76.1% respectively and for LNI 20%, 98.4%, 86.7%, 66.7% and 88.7%. Conclusions: Major surgical decisions are made with digital rectal exam (DRE) and ultrasound studies before the use of Mp-MRI. This imaging study contributes to rule out gross extraprostatic extension (ECE, SVI, LNI) without competing with pathological studies. The specificity and NPV are reasonable to decide surgical approach. A highly experienced radiology team is needed to provide accurate estimations of tumor extension and aggressiveness.

The association between the outcomes of extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and the anthropometric measurements of the prostate by magnetic resonance imaging

ABSTRACT Introduction and objective To determine the association between the anthropometric measurements by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and perioperative outcomes of extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (ELRP). Materials and Methods From 2008 to June 2016, 86 patients underwent preoperative MRI prior to undergoing ELRP for localized prostate cancer. We analyzed the associations between anthropometric measurements of MRI and the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent ELRP. Results The mean patient age was 69.61±8.30 years. The medians of operating time and blood loss were 2.30 hours and 725.30ml, respectively. The total post-surgical complication rate was 1.16%. The median hospital stay was 6.50 days. The pathological stages for T2 and T3 were 45.74% and 34.04%, respectively. The rate as positive surgical margins (PSMs) was 18.09% (pT2 and pT3; 6.38% and 9.57%). The angles between pubic bone and prostate gland (angle 1&2), were significantly associated with operative time and hospital stay, respectively (p<0.05). There was no correlation between the pelvimetry and positive surgical margin. Conclusions The findings of the present study suggest that anthropometric measurements of the MRI are related to operative difficulties in ELRP. This study confirmed that MRI planning is the key to preventing complications in ELRP.

Prospective evaluation of vesicourethral anastomosis outcomes in robotic radical prostatectomy during early experience in a university hospital

ABSTRACT Purpose: Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) presents challenges for the surgeon, especially during the initial learning curve. We aimed to evaluate early and mid-term functional outcomes and complications related to vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA), in patients who underwent RARP, during the initial experience in an academic hospital. We also assessed possible predictors of postoperative incontinence and compared these results with the literature. Materials and Methods: We prospectively collected data from consecutive patients that underwent RARP. Patients with at least 6 months of follow-up were included in the analysis for the following outcomes: time to complete VUA, continence and complications related to anastomosis. Nerve-sparing status, age, BMI, EBL, pathological tumor staging, and prostate size were evaluated as possible factors predicting early and midterm continence. Results were compared with current literature. Results: Data from 60 patients was assessed. Mean time to complete VUA was 34 minutes, and console time was 247 minutes. Continence in 6 months was 90%. Incidence of urinary leakage was 3.3%, no patients developed bladder neck contracture or postoperative urinary retention. On multivariate analysis, age and pathological staging was associated to 3-month continence status. Conclusion: Our data show that, during early experience with RARP in a public university hospital, it is possible to achieve good results regarding continence and other outcomes related to VUA. We also found that age and pathological staging was associated to early continence status.

Open radical prostatectomy reproducing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Involving antegrade nerve sparing and continuous anastomosis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To present modified RRP using the same method as RALP and compare its surgical outcomes with RALP. Materials and Methods: Demographics, perioperative and functional outcomes of the 322 patients that underwent RRP (N=99) or RALP (N=223) at our institution from January 2011 through June 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Postoperative incontinence and erectile dysfunction are involved functional outcomes. During the modified procedure, the bladder neck was dissected first as for RALP. After dissection of vas deference and seminal vesicle, the prostate was dissected in an antegrade fashion with bilateral nerve saving. Finally, the urethra was cut at the prostate apex. After a Rocco suture was applied, and then urethrovesical anastomosis was performed with continuous suture as for RALP. Results: Perioperative characteristics and complication rates were similar in the RRP and RALP groups except for mean estimated blood loss (p<0.001) and operative time (p<0.001). Incontinence rates at 3 and 12 months after RRP decreased from 67.6% to 10.1 and after RALP decreased from 53.4% to 5.4%. Positive surgical margin rates were non-significantly different in the RRP and RALP groups (30.3% and 37.2%, respectively). Overall postoperative potency rate at 12 months was not significant different in RRP and RALP groups (34.3% and 43.0%). Conclusions: RRP reproducing RALP was found to have surgical outcomes comparable to RALP. This technique might be adopted by experienced urologic surgeons as a standard procedure.

Lack of evidence of HPV etiology of prostate cancer following radical surgery and higher frequency of the Arg/Pro genotype in turkish men with prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the possible role of HPV in the development of prostate cancer (PCa) and investigate the distribution of the p53 codon 72 polymorphism in PCa in a Turkish population. Materials and methods A total of 96 tissues, which had been obtained using a radical surgery method, formalin-fixed and parafin-embedded, were used in this study. The study group consisted of 60 PCa tissues (open radical prostatectomy) and the control group contained 36 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues (BPH) (transvesical open prostatectomy). The presence of HPV and the p53 codon 72 polymorphism was investigated in both groups using real-time PCR and pyrosequencing. Results The results of the real-time PCR showed no HPV DNA in any of the 36 BPH tissue samples. HPV-DNA was positive in only 1 of the 60 PCa samples (1.7%). The HPV type of this sample was identified as HPV-57. The distribution of the three genotypes, Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro was found to be 45.6, 45.6, and 8.8% in the PCa group and 57.1%, 34.3% and 8.6% in the control group, respectively. Compared with the control group, patients with PCa had a higher frequency of the Arg/Pro genotype and Proline allele (odds ratio (OR)=1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.68-4.09, p=0.044; OR=1.13, 95% CI=0.76-1.68, p=0.021, respectively). Conclusions The results of the study do not support the hyphothesis that prostate cancer is associated with HPV infection but indicated that Proline allele can be a risk factor in the development of PCa in the Turkish population.

Artificial urinary sphincter for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: a historical cohort from 2004 to 2015

ABSTRACT This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate a cohort of patients with prostate cancer and persistent urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. From January 2004 to December 2015, eighty-six individuals were identified to have received an AUS implant, provided by a private nonprofit HMO operating in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. On total, there were 91 AUS implants, with a median interval between radical prostatectomy and AUS implant of 3.6 years (IQR 1.9 to 5.5). The rate of AUS cumulative survival, after a median follow-up of 4.1 years (IQR 1.7-7.2 years), was 44% (n=40). The median survival of AUS implants was 2.9 years (IQR 0.5-7.9 years). Thirty-seven AUS implants (40.7%) resulted in grade III surgical complications. There were 5 deaths at 2.1, 4.7, 5.7, 5.7 and 6.5 years of follow-up, but none due to causes directly associated to the AUS implant. Persistent severe incontinence was documented in 14 (15.3%) additional patients. From the 51 AUS implants which resulted in grade III surgical complications or persistent severe incontinence, 24 (47.1%) underwent surgical revisions. Explantation of the sphincter or its components was observed in 6 cases (25.0%). Mechanical failure, described as fluid loss and/or inability to recycle the AUS device, was observed in 4 devices (16.7%). In conclusion, although AUS implants are recommended as the gold-standard treatment of severe urinary incontinence after prostatectomy, the observed high rates of malfunction and grade III adverse events are a matter of concern warranting further assessment on the safety and efficacy of these devices.