Triple-compartment strategy for abdominal sacral colpopexy using PVDF mesh: one-year report of anatomical and subjective outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Abdominal Sacral Colpopexy (ASC) is one of the best surgical methods to repair apical or uterine prolapse. We aimed to evaluate the short-term results of a triple-compartment open ASC strategy using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh in the treatment of patients with severe apical or uterine prolapse. METHODS: Women with high-grade uterine or apical prolapse with or without cysto-rectocele were prospectively enrolled in the study from April 2015 to June 2021. We performed all-compartment repair using a tailored PVDF mesh for ASC. We assessed the severity of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system at baseline and 12 months after the operation. The patients completed the International Continence Society Questionnaire Vaginal Symptom (ICIQ-VS) questionnaire at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirty-five women with a mean age of 59.8±10.0 years were included in the final analysis. Stage III and stage IV prolapse was evident in 12 and 25 patients, respectively. After 12 months, the median POP-Q stage was significantly lower compared to the baseline (4 vs 0, p=<0.0001). Vaginal symptoms score was also reduced significantly at 3-month (7.5±3.5), 6-month (7.3±3.6), and 12-month (7.2±3.1) compared to the baseline (39.5±6.7) (p values < 0.0001). We did not observe any mesh extrusion or high-grade complications. Six (16.7%) patients had cystocele recurrence during the 12-month follow-up, and two of them needed reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Our short-term follow-up showed that using an open ASC technique with PVDF mesh in treating high-grade apical or uterine prolapse is associated with a high rate of procedural success and low rates of complication.

Implementation and Impact of a Risk-Stratified Prostate Cancer Screening Algorithm as a Clinical Decision Support Tool in a Primary Care Network.

BACKGROUND: Implementation methods of risk-stratified cancer screening guidance throughout a health care system remains understudied. OBJECTIVE: Conduct a preliminary analysis of the implementation of a risk-stratified prostate cancer screening algorithm in a single health care system. DESIGN: Comparison of men seen pre-implementation (2/1/2016-2/1/2017) vs. post-implementation (2/2/2017-2/21/2018). PARTICIPANTS: Men, aged 40-75 years, without a history of prostate cancer, who were seen by a primary care provider. INTERVENTIONS: The algorithm was integrated into two components in the electronic health record (EHR): in Health Maintenance as a personalized screening reminder and in tailored messages to providers that accompanied prostate-specific antigen (PSA) results. MAIN MEASURES: Primary outcomes: percent of men who met screening algorithm criteria; percent of men with a PSA result. Logistic repeated measures mixed models were used to test for differences in the proportion of individuals that met screening criteria in the pre- and post-implementation periods with age, race, family history, and PSA level included as covariates. KEY RESULTS: During the pre- and post-implementation periods, 49,053 and 49,980 men, respectively, were seen across 26 clinics (20.6% African American). The proportion of men who met screening algorithm criteria increased from 49.3% (pre-implementation) to 68.0% (post-implementation) (p < 0.001); this increase was observed across all races, age groups, and primary care clinics. Importantly, the percent of men who had a PSA did not change: 55.3% pre-implementation, 55.0% post-implementation. The adjusted odds of meeting algorithm-based screening was 6.5-times higher in the post-implementation period than in the pre-implementation period (95% confidence interval, 5.97 to 7.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary analysis, following implementation of an EHR-based algorithm, we observed a rapid change in practice with an increase in screening in higher-risk groups balanced with a decrease in screening in low-risk groups. Future efforts will evaluate costs and downstream outcomes of this strategy.

Floating docking technique: a simple modification to improve the working space of the instruments during single-port robotic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the range of motion and ergonomic characteristics of single-port robotic instruments in the setting of the "floating" versus "flat" docking technique using the GelPOINT® system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The basic principle of the floating docking technique resides in the GelSeal cap and trocar (s) being 8 cm off the skin level with the Alexis® acting as a conduit between the trocar (s) and the body while preserving insufflation. In the setting of a dry lab study, we measured the range of motion of one robotic instrument with the "floating" and the "flat" docking technique in two different situations depending on whether the distance between the incision and the target was more or less than 10 cm. RESULTS: The minimum required distances between the target and the tip of the cannula for activation of the wrist and elbow were 5 and 10 cm, respectively. When the target was near to the cannula (i.e., less than 10 cm), the floating technique was associated with a significant increase in the range of motion of the instrument in all directions. The working space volume of the instrument was increased by more than 390% (from 101 to 497 cm3) when the surgeon switched from flat (standard) to the floating technique in the setting of a target close (i.e., less than 10 cm) to the cannula CONCLUSION: The floating docking technique is a simple and effective way to increase the working surgical space, especially in confined and narrow surgical fields with a target closer than 10 cm from the skin.

Predictive factors of postoperative complications and hospital readmission after implementation of the single-port robotic platform: A single-center and single-surgeon experience.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the incidence, and identify potential risk factors of conversion, postoperative complication and readmission for patients treated with urological robotic single-port surgery. METHODS: All consecutive urological surgery procedures carried out with the single-port robotic platform by the same surgeon in a single institution between September 2018 and March 2020 were included in this retrospective analysis. Demographic data, main perioperative outcomes and information related to the surgical technique were gathered and analyzed. A logistic regression model was used to assess predictive factors for any grade and high-grade (e.g. Clavien grade ≥3) postoperative complications, as well as predictive factors for readmission. RESULTS: Analysis included 221 patients, of whom 194 (88%) underwent pelvic surgery and 27 (12.2%) underwent upper urinary tract surgery. Only one patient was converted to open surgery in the entire cohort. A total of 40 patients (18.1%) experienced postoperative complications, with grade ≥3 postoperative complications in 7.6% of the entire cohort. On multivariable analysis, the factors significantly associated with the risk of postoperative complication of any grade were diabetes (P < 0.001), perineal approach (P < 0.01) and postoperative pain management with opioids (P = 0.01). Only diabetes (P = 0.03) predicted a grade ≥3 complication. Overall, 17 patients (7.7%) were readmitted during the 3 months after surgery. A body mass index >30 kg/m2 was the only identified predictor of readmission (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: A wide range of pelvic, extraperitoneal and upper-tract urological procedures can be carried out using the robotic single-port platform with a minimal conversion rate and low complication or readmission rate.

Extraperitoneal versus Transperitoneal Single Port Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Comparative Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes.

PURPOSE: We compared intraoperative and perioperative outcomes between extraperitoneal and transperitoneal radical prostatectomy performed using a "purpose-designed" single port robotic platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 98 patients underwent single port robotic prostatectomy using the da Vinci SP® robotic system with extraperitoneal (group I, 52) vs transperitoneal (group II, 46) approach. Demographics and perioperative data including postoperative recovery outcomes were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Groups were similar in terms of demographics and prostate cancer risk category. Mean operative time (201±37.5 vs 248.2±42.3 minutes, p <0.00001) as well as median postoperative hospital stay (4.3 vs 25.7 hours p <0.0001) was significantly shorter with the extraperitoneal approach. Overall need for pain medications or narcotics as well as the required amount of narcotics per patient (if administered) were significantly lower with the extraperitoneal approach. Extraprostatic extension was detected in 48.1% vs 41.3% of patients in groups I and II, respectively. Surgical margins were positive in 26.9% in group I vs 41.3% in group II (p=0.13). More than 80% of patients with positive surgical margins had high risk features on final surgical pathology. The 90-day continence rate was similar between the 2 groups (60% vs 62.5%, p=0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Extraperitoneal and transperitoneal single port robotic radical prostatectomy are safe and feasible approaches. The extraperitoneal approach is associated with a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay and decreased need for postoperative narcotics. Randomized trials with adequate sample size and postoperative followup are advisable for further evaluation of the outcomes to clarify patient selection criteria for each approach.

Current status and future directions of the use of novel immunotherapeutic agents in bladder cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To report the available information on the current status and future direction of the use of checkpoint inhibitors as novel immunotherapeutic agents in bladder cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: In the past 3 years, five immunotherapies targeting programmed cell death 1 (Pembrolizumab and Durvalumab) or programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (Atezolizumab, nivolumab and Avelumab) pathways have been approved in second-line setting for patients who progressed during or after cisplatin-based chemotherapy. According to the most recent update, these patients should be PD-L1-positive to be eligible for immunotherapy. The use of novel checkpoint inhibitors was also very promising in other settings: Metastatic urothelial carcinoma without prior systemic treatment (IMvigor-130), as neoadjuvant treatment before radical cystectomy in patients with muscle invasive disease (PURE-01), and in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) refractory nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (KEYNOTE 057). SUMMARY: Ongoing trials on the role of checkpoint inhibitors in bladder cancer may change our approach to different stages of bladder cancer. For metastatic urothelial carcinoma, the role of combined immune and chemotherapy may improve survival. For localized bladder cancer, immunotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy may be associated with less toxicity and better tolerability. Finally, in the setting of a BCG-refractory or BCG-naïve nonmuscle invasive disease checkpoint inhibitors may reduce/delay the risk of progression and subsequent cystectomy.

The impact of post-procedural ureteric stent duration on the outcome of retrograde endopyelotomy for management of failed open pyeloplasty in children: a preliminary report.

Background: To evaluate the outcome of retrograde endopyelotomy as a minimally invasive option for management of failed open pyeloplasty in children and assess how the duration of post-procedural stenting may affect the endopyelotomy outcome. Methods: A total of 15 patients with secondary UPJO (Ureteropelvic junction obstruction) underwent retrograde endopyelotomy. The procedure was done using low-energy monopolar electrocautery hook under direct vision of pediatric ureteroscope and control of fluoroscopy. Double J stent was placed after the operation in all cases. Stent was removed in another session, 8 weeks (Group A, n=7) vs. 12 weeks (Group B, n=8) after endopyelotomy. Patients in both Groups were followed one, six and twelve months after the stent removal, and the anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter (APD), renal cortical thickness (CT) and degree of hydronephrosis (HDN) were recorded using the repeated measure test. P-value less than 0.05 were significant. We analyzed the data using SPSS software, version 20. Results: The median interquartile range (IQR) age at time of surgery for group A and B were 24 (62) months and 12 (50) months respectively. Median (IQR) times between previous pyeloplasty and endopyelotomy were 6 (6) months and 12 (8.5) months in groups A and B, respectively. The success rate of endopyelotomy after 12 months was 57.1% in group A and 87.5% in group B. The resolution of HDN was more prominent in the 12 week stenting group compared to the 8 week group during the 12 months follow-up period (p=0.030). The APD and CT in group B compared to group A was improved during follow-up period. Conclusion: A higher one-year success rate of retrograde endopyelotomy in terms of improvements in the degree of HDN, APD and CT was observed when the double j stent was remained for 12-weeks rather than 8-weeks. This observation need to be validated in a large cohort study with a long term post procedural follow up.

Influence of African American race on the association between preoperative biopsy grade group and adverse histopathologic features of radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The current study was performed to evaluate the influence of race on the association between biopsy grade group (GrGp) and the risk of detectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and adverse histopathological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: Data regarding 4073 men (1344 African American men; 33%) who were treated with RP were categorized based on the 5-tiered GrGp system. Logistic regression was used to test the association between biopsy GrGp and PSA nadir (<0.1 ng/mL) after RP as well as adverse pathological features among all patients and stratified by race. RESULTS: Those patients with a higher biopsy GrGp were found to have lower odds of achieving a PSA nadir <0.1 ng/mL after RP on unadjusted and multivariable analysis (both P < .001). On unadjusted and multivariable analysis, higher GrGp was associated with increased odds of each of the adverse pathological features, namely, GrGp ≥3, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion, positive surgical resection margin, and positive lymph nodes (all P < .001). Race had no significant interaction with biopsy GrGp in the prediction of PSA nadir after RP (P = .91) or any adverse pathological features (all P > .06) except positive lymph nodes. When the models were stratified by race, the associations between preoperative biopsy GrGp and having a PSA nadir <0.1 ng/mL, high-grade final pathology, or other adverse histopathologic features were similar in both races except as noted for positive lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Higher preoperative biopsy GrGp is associated with increased odds of adverse histopathological findings as well as lower odds of a PSA nadir <0.1 ng/mL after RP. These associations are largely independent of race, suggesting that GrGp is an accurate tool for risk stratification in both black and white men.

Evaluation and Active Treatment versus Active Surveillance of Localized Prostate Cancer in Renal Transplant Patients in the Era of Low and Very Low Risk Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: Current trends in renal transplantation, such as improved allograft/recipient survival and expanded organ transplantation eligibility criteria in older recipients, are concomitant with increasingly detected low risk prostate cancer in candidates for or recipients of renal transplantation. We reviewed the evidence regarding prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and management in renal transplant candidates and recipients. We focused on published reports of prostate cancer incidence and diagnosis in patients with end stage renal disease, pretransplant screening recommendations, and recommendations regarding waiting time between treatment and active wait listing after the prostate cancer diagnosis in renal transplant candidates. In addition, we examined the natural history of prostate cancer development after renal transplantation in the setting of standard immunosuppression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the English language literature using search terms including prostate cancer, end stage renal disease, renal transplantation, prostate cancer screening, prostate specific antigen, prostate cancer treatment and active surveillance in various combinations. RESULTS: Prostate cancer screening is still widely done in almost all patients with end stage renal disease before and after transplantation. Active treatment of any patients with prostate cancer and a 5-year waiting period before transplantation can negatively affect the collective pool of participants and the overall survival of patients on dialysis. Several groups have proposed a shorter waiting time to kidney transplantation in patients with low risk prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: There are no standardized guidelines for screening and management of prostate cancer before and after transplantation. In the era of low risk prostate cancer end stage renal disease is a significant competing mortality risk factor. The role of active surveillance in these complex cases has yet to be well investigated. Further studies and nomograms are urged to integrate risk stratified screening and treatment protocols before and after renal transplantation.

Prostate Specific Antigen Density as a Predictor of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer When the Prostate Specific Antigen is in the Diagnostic Gray Zone: Defining the Optimum Cutoff Point Stratified by Race and Body Mass Index.

PURPOSE: We assessed the predictive value of prostate specific antigen density to detect clinically significant prostate cancer, defined as prostate cancer grade group 2 or greater, in a series of men undergoing prostate biopsy with prostate specific antigen 4 to 10 ng/ml. We sought to define an optimum cutoff point for prostate specific antigen density and assess how race and body mass index affects prostate specific antigen density performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data on 2,162 men, of whom 56% were African American, with serum prostate specific antigen 4 to 10 ng/ml who underwent prostate biopsy. We compared the AUC between prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen density to predict clinically significant and any prostate cancer vs no cancer. We calculated the negative predictive value of prostate specific antigen density cutoff points ranging from 0.05 to 0.15 by every 0.01 step. We a priori defined the optimal cutoff point of prostate specific antigen density as a negative predictive value of 95% and tested whether the cutoff was sensitive to body mass index and race by comparing the negative predictive value across strata. RESULTS: Median prostate specific antigen was 5.6 ng/ml (IQR 4.8-7) and median prostate specific antigen density was 0.15 ng/ml/cc (IQR 0.1-0.22). Prostate specific antigen density improved the performance of prostate specific antigen to detect significant cancer (AUC 0.58 to 0.68) and any cancer (AUC 0.55 to 0.69, each p <0.001). We identified a prostate specific antigen density cutoff point of less than 0.08 ng/ml/cc with a 96% negative predictive value for grade group 2 or greater. This was largely unchanged among different races and body mass indexes. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of race or body mass index men with prostate specific antigen density less than 0.08 were unlikely to harbor grade group 2 or greater disease when prostate specific antigen was 4 to 10 ng/ml. If validated, prostate specific antigen density is a simple inexpensive and available tool that can be used to identify men who can likely forego prostate biopsies, thus reducing the over detection and morbidity of unnecessary biopsies.