Spider silk erectile nerve reconstruction in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a first-in-men feasibility analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and feasibility of spider silk interposition for erectile nerve reconstruction in patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: The major-ampullate-dragline from Nephila edulis was used for spider silk nerve reconstruction (SSNR). After removal of the prostate with either uni- or bilateral nerve-sparing, the spider silk was laid out on the site of the neurovascular bundles. Data analysis included inflammatory markers and patient reported outcomes. RESULTS: Six patients underwent RARP with SSNR. In 50% of the cases, only a unilateral nerve-sparing was performed, bilateral nerve-sparing could be performed in three patients. Placement of the spider silk conduit was uneventful, contact of the spider silk with the surrounding tissue was mostly sufficient for a stable connection with the proximal and distal ends of the dissected bundles. Inflammatory markers peaked until postoperative day 1 but stabilized until discharge without any need for antibiotic treatment throughout the hospital stay. One patient was readmitted due to a urinary tract infection. Three patients reported about erections sufficient for penetration after three months with a continuous improvement of erectile function both after bi- and unilateral nerve-sparing with SSNR up to the last follow-up after 18 months. CONCLUSION: In this analysis of the first RARP with SSNR, a simple intraoperative handling without major complications was demonstrated. While the series provides evidence that SSNR is safe and feasible, a prospective randomized trial with long-term follow-up is needed to identify further improvement in postoperative erectile function due to the spider silk-directed nerve regeneration.

Rules and regulations for a pregnant endourologist: the European perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Working in surgery while pregnant is challenging. Navigating this period safely is of paramount importance. Anecdotal observation suggests that there exists great variation among European nations in regard to maternity leave and radiation safety. The aim of this article was to gain insight into policy patterns and variations across Europe regarding these issues. METHODS: A series of core question items was distributed to representatives across 12 nations Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Spain and the United Kingdom). RESULTS: The total number of weeks with full pay ranged from as little as 4 weeks in Belgium to 32 and Iceland. All countries included in this study give the option of additional weeks beyond the initial period, however at reduced pay. Some offer unpaid leave beyond this. Only 5/12 countries had a specific policy on when the pregnant surgeon should come off the on-call rota. Only Austria, Italy and Poland stipulate a requirement for the pregnant clinician to be replaced or be completely exempt in cases involving radiation. Only Germany, Iceland, Norway and Poland highlight the need to limit radiation dose in the first trimester. Beyond this, Germany alone provides written guidance for reduction in gown weight and along with Poland, display arguably the most forward-thinking approach to resting. CONCLUSION: There is a marked range in maternal leave policies across Europe. There also exists a lack of universal guidance on radiation safety for the pregnant urologist. There is urgent need for this void to be addressed.

Circulating and tissue IMP3 levels are correlated with poor survival in renal cell carcinoma.

Tissue protein expression of IMP3 is emerging as a promising prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The most commonly used immunohistochemical (IHC) antibody has been criticized for its low specificity. In addition, blood levels of IMP3 have not yet been analyzed in RCC. Therefore, we compared the prognostic performance of two different IMP3 IHC antibodies and assessed the prognostic relevance of IMP3 plasma levels in RCC. IMP3 levels were assessed in an overall number of 425 RCC (344× clear cell [ccRCC], 63× papillary [pRCC], 18× chromophobe [chRCC]) patients in three partly overlapping cohorts. Plasma IMP3 concentrations were determined by ELISA in 98 RCC (79× ccRCC, 15× pRCC, 4× chRCC) patients and 20 controls. IMP3 mRNA expression levels were analyzed in 73 frozen tissue samples (55× ccRCC, 12× pRCC, 6× chRCC), while protein expressions were assessed in 366 FFPE samples (294× ccRCC, 56× pRCC, 16× chRCC) using the M3626 and N-19 antibodies. IMP3 plasma and mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls and in high-grade compared to low-grade tumors. In addition, IMP3 plasma and tissue protein levels (by M3626) were higher and IMP3 mRNA expression levels tended to be higher in patients with distant metastasis. Multivariate analyses in clear cell RCC revealed high IMP3 plasma concentration and mRNA expression as independent predictors of disease-specific survival. IMP3 immunostainings by M3626 but not by N-19 were independently associated with poor overall and disease-specific survival. High plasma and tissue levels of IMP3 are independently associated with poor RCC prognosis. The applied antibody significantly impacts the prognostic performance of analysis. IMP3 analysis may improve risk-stratification of RCC patients and therefore could help to optimize therapeutic and follow-up decisions.

Are there limits of robotic partial nephrectomy? TRIFECTA outcomes of open and robotic partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumors.

BACKGROUND: To compare the outcomes of robot-assisted (RAPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for completely endophytic renal tumors. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing OPN or RAPN for entirely endophytic tumors in four high-volume centers between 2008 and 2016 were identified. Endophytic masses were identified based on sectional imaging. Patient characteristics and surgical outcome were compared using Mann-Whitney-U-test and chi-squared-tests. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of TRIFECTA achievement and excisional volume loss. RESULTS: Out of 1128 patients, 10.9% (64) of RAPN and 13.9% (76) of OPN underwent surgery for entirely endophytic tumors. Operative time was longer for RAPN (169 vs 140 min, P = 0.03) while ischemia time was shorter (13 vs 18 min, P = 0.001). Complication rates were comparable (21% OPN vs 22% RAPN, P = 0.91) and TRIFECTA achievement was not different between the groups (68% OPN vs 75% RAPN, P = 0.39). In multivariate analyses type of surgery was not associated with TRIFECTA achievement or excisional volume loss. Here, only tumor complexity (OR 0.48, P = 0.001) and size (OR 1.01, P = 0.002) were independent predictors. CONCLUSION: For entirely endophytic tumors, both RAPN and OPN offer good TRIFECTA achievement. This encourages the use of NSS even for these highly complex tumors using the surgeon's preferred approach.

Feasibility of Using a Novel Drop-In Gamma Probe for 99m Tc-PSMA-I&S-Guided Lymph Node Detection During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for Primary Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radioguided surgery (RGS) has gained increased interest in prostate cancer (PCa). This analysis aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and limitations of RGS with a novel drop-in gamma probe in primary PCa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of 13 patients with primary PCa undergoing RGS were analyzed retrospectively. After preoperative administration of 99m Tc-PSMA-I&S, a SPECT/CT was conducted and a robotic radical prostatectomy was performed the following day including intraoperative assessment of the lymph node stations using a novel robotic drop-in gamma probe. This was followed by an extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) with ex vivo control measurement using the drop-in and a conventional rigid gamma probe. RESULTS: Eleven patients (median PSA value of 11 ng/mL) had high-risk and 2 patients had intermediate-risk PCa. Overall, a median of 22 ePLND lymph nodes were dissected. In 1 patient, preoperative SPECT/CT imaging showed suspicious lymph nodes, which could be confirmed intraoperatively with the robotic drop-in probe and subsequently in the final histopathological analysis. RGS failed to identify 2 patients with micrometastases (<3 mm) preoperatively and intraoperatively. No postoperative complications related to 99m Tc-PSMA-I&S RGS or ePLND occurred. CONCLUSIONS: RGS with the novel drop-in gamma probe and 99m Tc-PSMA-I&S allows for a reliable intraoperative screening for lymph node metastases in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for primary PCa with an acceptable safety profile. However, limitations in the detection of micrometastases need to be overcome before omitting extended ePLND in patients at risk for lymphatic spread.

Risk-adjusted Screening for Prostate Cancer-Defining the Low-risk Group by Data from the PROBASE Trial.

BACKGROUND: Risk-adjusted screening for prostate cancer (PCa) aims to reduce harms by less frequent retesting, especially in men at a low risk of PCa. Definitions of low risk are based mainly on studies in men starting screening at age 55-60 yr. OBJECTIVE: To identify men at age 45 yr with a low risk of PCa. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A population-based, risk-adjusted PCa screening trial was conducted in Germany using baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) starting in young men (PROBASE). INTERVENTION: PSA measurements starting at the age of 45 yr. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The incidence of PCa within 5 yr was assessed in men with screen-negative baseline PSA <1.5 ng/ml compared with those with PSA 1.5-≤3.0 ng/ml. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of 23301 men who received a first PSA test at age 45 yr, 0.79% had a screen-positive PSA value of ≥3 ng/ml. Among the 89% of men who had a screen-negative baseline PSA value of <1.5 ng/ml, only 0.45% received a positive PSA test ≥3 ng/ml upon retesting after 5 yr. By contrast, for those with a screen-negative baseline PSA value of 1.5-3 ng/ml, 13% surpassed 3 ng/ml upon biennial testing within the next 4 yr. The incidence of PCa in subsequent screening rounds increased with increasing baseline PSA levels, from 0.13 per 1000 person-years for men with initial PSA level of <1.5 ng/ml to 8.0 per 1000 person-years for those with PSA levels of 1.5-3.0 ng/ml. A limitation is a follow-up time of only 5 yr, so far. CONCLUSIONS: Men with baseline PSA <1.5 ng/ml at age 45 yr are at a very low risk of PCa over the next 5 yr. PATIENT SUMMARY: The PROBASE study showed that men with baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) <1.5 ng/ml at age 45 yr have a very low prostate cancer detection rate over 5 yr and do not need PSA retesting during this time.

[Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer-data from 17,149 patients from 125 certified centers]. / Harninkontinenz nach radikaler Prostatektomie beim Prostatakarzinom ­ aktuelle Daten von 17.149 Patienten aus 125 zertifizierten Zentren.

BACKGROUND: In addition to erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence is the most common functional limitation after radical prostatectomy (RPE) for prostate cancer (PCa). The German S3 guideline recommends informing patients about possible effects of the therapy options, including incontinence. However, only little data on continence from routine care in German-speaking countries after RPE are currently available, which makes it difficult to inform patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to present data on the frequency and severity of urinary incontinence after RPE from routine care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information from the PCO (Prostate Cancer Outcomes) study is used, which was collected between 2016 and 2022 in 125 German Cancer Society (DKG)-certified prostate cancer centers in 17,149 patients using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite Short Form (EPIC-26). Changes in the "incontinence" score before (T0) and 12 months after RPE (T1) and the proportion of patients who used pads, stratified by age and risk group, are reported. RESULTS: The average score for urinary incontinence (value range: 0-worst possible to 100-best possible) was 93 points at T0 and 73 points 12 months later. At T0, 97% of the patients did not use a pad, compared to 56% at T1. 43% of the patients who did not use a pad before surgery used at least one pad a day 12 months later, while 13% use two or more. The proportion of patients using pads differs by age and risk classification. CONCLUSION: The results provide a comprehensive insight into functional outcome 12 months after RPE and can be taken into account when informing patients.

Corrigendum to "RPN (Radius, Position of tumour, iNvasion of renal sinus) Classification and Nephrometry Scoring System: An Internationally Developed Clinical Classification To Describe the Surgical Difficulty for Renal Masses for Which Robotic Partial Nephrectomy Is Planned" [Eur. Urol. Open Sci. 54 (2023) 33-42].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2023.05.007.].

A Drop-in Gamma Probe for Minimally Invasive Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection in Prostate Cancer: Preclinical Evaluation and Interim Results From a Multicenter Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the performance of a drop-in gamma probe for prostate cancer (PCa) sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) in a pelvic phantom, porcine model, and in PCa patients as part of an ongoing prospective multicenter clinical trial. METHODS: Two design variants of the drop-in gamma probe (SENSEI; Lightpoint Medical Ltd) were assessed in the pelvic phantom, and the preferred design was evaluated in a porcine model with clinically representative volumes and 99mTc activities. In the clinical trial, radical prostatectomy, SLND, and extended pelvic lymph node dissection were performed the day after 99mTc-nanocolloid injection and imaging. Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were detected with the drop-in probe and a rigid laparoscopic gamma probe (RLGP). An interim analysis was performed after 10 patients were recruited. RESULTS: The narrow field of view probe design outperformed the wide field of view design in the pelvic phantom (detection rate, 100% vs 50%). In the porcine model, all activity concentrations could be successfully detected. The drop-in gamma probe successfully detected SLNs in all 10 patients (detection rate, 100%). Two of the SLNs identified by the drop-in gamma probe could not be found with the RLGP. No false-negative cases and no adverse events related to the SLND procedure or the drop-in gamma probe occurred. CONCLUSION: The drop-in gamma probe meets the usability and performance requirements for SLND in PCa and provides performance advantages over the RLGP. The final clinical study results will confirm the performance of the technique across multiple sites.

Patient's Desire and Real Availability Concerning Supportive Measures Accompanying Radical Prostatectomy: Differences between Certified Prostate Cancer Centers and Non-Certified Centers Based on Patient-Reported Outcomes within the Cross-Sectional Study Improve.

Certification as a prostate cancer center requires the offer of several supportive measures to patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). However, it remains unclear how patients estimate the relevance of these measures and whether the availability of these measures differs between certified prostate cancer centers (CERTs) and non-certified centers (NCERTs). In 20 German urologic centers, a survey comprising questions on the relevance of 15 supportive measures was sent to 1000 patients at a median of 15 months after RP. Additionally, patients were asked to rate the availability of these measures using a four-item Likert scale. The aim of this study was to compare these ratings between CERTs and NCERTs. The response rate was 75.0%. In total, 480 patients underwent surgery in CERTs, and 270 in NCERTs. Patients rated 6/15 supportive measures as very relevant: preoperative medical counselling concerning treatment options, a preoperative briefing answering last questions, preoperative pelvic floor exercises (PFEs), postoperative PFEs, postoperative social support, and postoperative rehabilitation addressing physical fitness recovery. These ratings showed no significant difference between CERTs and NCERTs (p = 0.133-0.676). In addition, 4/9 of the remaining criteria were rated as more detailed by patients in CERTs. IMPROVE represents the first study worldwide to evaluate a patient-reported assessment of the supportive measures accompanying RP. Pertinent offers vary marginally between CERTs and NCERTs.

Digital Rectal Examination Is Not a Useful Screening Test for Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Annual digital rectal examination (DRE) is recommended as a stand-alone screening test for prostate cancer (PCa) in Germany for 45+ yr olds. DRE diagnostic performance in men as young as 45 yr old has not been proved by a screening trial. OBJECTIVE: To determine DRE diagnostic performance in a screening trial. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This analysis was conducted within the multicentric, randomized PROBASE trial, which enrolled >46 000 men at age 45 to test risk-adapted prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for PCa. INTERVENTION: (1) DRE was analyzed as a one-time, stand-alone screening offer at age 45 in 6537 men in one arm of the trial and (2) PCa detection by DRE was evaluated at the time of PSA-screen-driven biopsies (N = 578). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: (1) True-/false-positive detection rates of DRE as compared with PSA screening and (2) DRE outcome at the time of a prostate biopsy were evaluated. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: (1) A prospective analysis of 57 men with suspicious DRE at age 45 revealed three PCa. Detection rate by DRE was 0.05% (three of 6537) as compared with a four-fold higher rate by PSA screening (48 of 23 301, 0.21%). The true-positive detection rate by DRE relative to screening by PSA was 0.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.07-0.72]) and the false-positive detection rate by DRE was 2.2 (95% CI = [1.50-3.17]). (2) Among PSA-screen-detected PCa cases, 86% had unsuspicious DRE (sensitivity relative to PSA was 14%), with the majority of these tumors (86%) located in the potentially accessible zones of the prostate as seen by magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of stand-alone DRE to screen for PCa is poor. DRE should not be recommended as a PCa screening test in young men. Furthermore, DRE does not improve the detection of PSA-screen-detected PCa. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our report demonstrated the poor diagnostic performance of digital rectal examination in the screening for prostate cancer in young men.

Combination of PI-RADS score and mRNA urine test-A novel scoring system for improved detection of prostate cancer.

Available tests to detect clinically significant prostate cancer frequently lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Our study assessed the feasibility of combining a urinary biomarker-based risk score (SelectMDx®) and multiparametric MRI outcomes in order to identify patients with prostate cancer on prostate biopsy with increased accuracy and reliability. Samples of 74 men with suspicion of prostate cancer and available multiparametric MRI were analysed in a prospective cross-sectional study design. First-voided urine for determination of HOXC6 and DLX1 mRNA levels was collected after digital rectal examination and prior to MRI/ultrasound fusion-guided prostate biopsy. All multiparametric MRI images were centrally reviewed by two experienced radiologists blinded for urine test results and biopsy outcome. The PI-RADS v2 was used. SelectMDx® score, PI-RADS and Gleason Sore were obtained. Associations between Gleason Score, PI-RADS scores and SelectMDx® were assessed using ANOVA and t-test. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed and evaluated as area-under-the-curve of the receiver operating characteristic. Upon biopsy, 59.5% of patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer, whereby 40.6% had high-grade prostate cancer (GS ≥ 7a). SelectMDx® scores were significantly higher for patients with positive biopsy findings (49.07 ± 25.99% vs. 22.00 ± 26.43%; p < 0.001). SelectMDx® scores increased with higher PI-RADS scores. Combining SelectMDx®, history of prior biopsy with benign histology and PI-RADS scores into a novel scoring system led to significant prostate cancer detection rates with tiered detection rate of 39%, 58%, 81% and 100% for Gleason grade group II, III, IV, and V, respectively. The area-under-the-curve for our novel sum score in receiver operating characteristic analysis was 0.84. The synergistic combination of two non-invasive tests into a sum score with increased sensitivity may help avoiding unnecessary biopsies for initial prostate cancer diagnosis. For confirmation, further prospective studies with larger sample sizes and univariate and multivariate regression analyses and decision curve analyses are required.

Impact of Surgical Experience Before Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy on Surgical Outcomes: A Multicenter Analysis of 2500 Patients.

Background: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is a challenging procedure that is influenced by a multitude of factors. Objective: To assess the impact of prior surgical experience on perioperative outcomes in RAPN. Design setting and participants: In this retrospective multicenter study, results for 2548 RAPNs performed by 25 surgeons at eight robotic referral centers were analyzed. Perioperative data for all consecutive RAPNs from the start of each individual surgeon's experience were collected, as well as the number of prior open or laparoscopic kidney surgeries, pelvic surgeries (open, laparoscopic, robotic), and other robotic interventions. Intervention: Transperitoneal or retroperitoneal RAPN. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The impact of prior surgical experience on operative time, warm ischemia time (WIT), major complications, and margin, ischemia, complication (MIC) score (negative surgical margins, WIT ≤20 min, no major complications) was assessed via univariate and multivariable regression analyses accounting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists score, PADUA score, and RAPN experience. Results and limitations: BMI, PADUA score, and surgical experience in RAPN had a strong impact on perioperative outcomes. A plateau effect for the learning curve was not observed. Prior laparoscopic kidney surgery significantly reduced the operative time (p < 0.001) and WIT (p < 0.001) and improved the MIC rate (p = 0.022). A greater number of prior robotic pelvic interventions decreased WIT (p = 0.011) and the rate of major complications (p < 0.001) and increased the MIC rate (p = 0.011), while prior experience in open kidney surgery did not. One limitation is the short-term follow-up. Conclusions: Mastering of RAPN is an ongoing learning process. However, prior experience in laparoscopic kidney and robot-assisted pelvic surgery seems to improve perioperative outcomes for surgeons when starting with RAPN, while experience in open surgery might not be crucial. Patient summary: In this multicenter analysis, we found that a high degree of experience in keyhole kidney surgery and robot-assisted pelvic surgery helps surgeons in achieving good initial outcomes when starting robot-assisted kidney surgery.

Patients Regret Their Choice of Therapy Significantly Less Frequently after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy as Opposed to Open Radical Prostatectomy: Patient-Reported Results of the Multicenter Cross-Sectional IMPROVE Study.

Patient's regret (PatR) concerning the choice of therapy represents a crucial endpoint for treatment evaluation after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCA). This study aims to compare PatR following robot-assisted (RARP) and open surgical approach (ORP). A survey comprising perioperative-functional criteria was sent to 1000 patients in 20 German centers at a median of 15 months after RP. Surgery-related items were collected from participating centers. To calculate PatR differences between approaches, a multivariate regressive base model (MVBM) was established incorporating surgical approach and demographic, center-specific, and tumor-specific criteria not primarily affected by surgical approach. An extended model (MVEM) was further adjusted by variables potentially affected by surgical approach. PatR was based on five validated questions ranging 0−100 (cutoff >15 defined as critical PatR). The response rate was 75.0%. After exclusion of patients with laparoscopic RP or stage M1b/c, the study cohort comprised 277/365 ORP/RARP patients. ORP/RARP patients had a median PatR of 15/10 (p < 0.001) and 46.2%/28.1% had a PatR >15, respectively (p < 0.001). Based on the MVBM, RARP patients showed PatR >15 relative 46.8% less frequently (p < 0.001). Consensual decision making regarding surgical approach independently reduced PatR. With the MVEM, the independent impact of both surgical approach and of consensual decision making was confirmed. This study involving centers of different care levels showed significantly lower PatR following RARP.

Lessons learned after one year of COVID-19 from a urologist and radiotherapist view: A German survey on prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, COVID-19 has changed the medical landscape. International recommendations for localized prostate cancer (PCa) include deferred treatment and adjusted therapeutic routines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To longitudinally evaluate changes in PCa treatment strategies in urological and radiotherapy departments in Germany, a link to a survey was sent to 134 institutions covering two representative baseline weeks prior to the pandemic and 13 weeks from March 2020 to February 2021. The questionnaire captured the numbers of radical prostatectomies, prostate biopsies and case numbers for conventional and hypofractionation radiotherapy. The results were evaluated using descriptive analyses. RESULTS: A total of 35% of the questionnaires were completed. PCa therapy increased by 6% in 2020 compared to 2019. At baseline, a total of 69 radiotherapy series and 164 radical prostatectomies (RPs) were documented. The decrease to 60% during the first wave of COVID-19 particularly affected low-risk PCa. The recovery throughout the summer months was followed by a renewed reduction to 58% at the end of 2020. After a gradual decline to 61% until July 2020, the number of prostate biopsies remained stable (89% to 98%) during the second wave. The use of RP fluctuated after an initial decrease without apparent prioritization of risk groups. Conventional fractionation was used in 66% of patients, followed by moderate hypofractionation (30%) and ultrahypofractionation (4%). One limitation was a potential selection bias of the selected weeks and the low response rate. CONCLUSION: While the diagnosis and therapy of PCa were affected in both waves of the pandemic, the interim increase between the peaks led to a higher total number of patients in 2020 than in 2019. Recommendations regarding prioritization and fractionation routines were implemented heterogeneously, leaving unexplored potential for future pandemic challenges.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: A single-center matched-pair analysis of the retroperitoneal versus the transperitoneal approach.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of the retroperitoneal (RRPN) perioperative variables and the transperitoneal (TRPN) robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) using a matched-pair analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out for 224 patients who underwent RPN between 2014 and 2019. A matched-pair analysis was performed on 51 pairs of patients. The matching criteria were age, Charlson comorbidity index, body mass index, the grade of renal insufficiency, tumor diameter, and Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical Classification of Renal Tumors score. RESULTS: The time to reach the renal hilum (P < .001), the overall complication rate (P » .008), and the major complication rate (P » .01) were lower in the RRPN group. The operative time was 143 vs 150minutes (P » .63) in RRPN vs TRPN, respectively. Warm ischemia time was 10minutes in RRPN vs 12minutes in TRPN (P » .07). Early unclamping was used in 71% in RRPN vs 48% in TRPN (P » .02). The length of hospital stay was 6 days in both groups (P » .11). The cases' complexity, the rate of positive surgical margins, and postoperative kidney function were comparable in both groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The advantages of RRPN lie in the shorter time to reach the renal hilum and the lower complication rates; the comparability with the other parameters proves the safety and feasibility of the RRPN access for localized kidney tumors.

Retroperitoneal Versus Transperitoneal Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: A Multicenter Matched-pair Analysis.

BACKGROUND: With increasing acceptance of robotic partial nephrectomy over the last decade, there is an ongoing discussion about the transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal access. OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes after transperitoneal (TRPN) versus retroperitoneal (RRPN) robotic partial nephrectomy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 754 patients were identified from the databases of three high-volume centers who underwent either TRPN (n = 551) or RRPN (n = 203). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Perioperative data were evaluated retrospectively. A propensity score matched-pair analysis was performed with the following variables: grade of renal insufficiency, age, body mass index, tumor diameter, and preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical (PADUA) score with a subsequent subgroup analysis for tumor location. For quality outcomes, the margin, ischemia, and complications (MIC) criteria were used (negative margins, ischemia time <20 min, and no major complications). Statistical analyses included chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In all, 176 patients could be matched in each group. The median tumor diameter was 28 mm with a PADUA score of 9. In 11% of RRPN versus 44% of TRPN cases, an anterior tumor location was found, and in 55% versus 30%, a posterior lesion was found (p < 0.001). Operative time (119 vs 139 min, p < 0.001) and warm ischemia time (9 vs 10 min, p = 0.003) were significantly shorter for RRPN. No significant differences were observed between intra- and postoperative complication rates, with 8% major complications in TRPN versus 3% in RRPN (p = 0.06). The MIC criteria were achieved in 90% in the RRPN versus 88% in the TRPN group, without differences for tumor location. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences between TRPN and RRPN could be found for intraoperative time, while complication rates and quality outcomes were comparable. RRPN can also be a considerable alternative for anterior tumors. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study, we demonstrate that robotic partial nephrectomy is feasible with either a transperitoneal or a retroperitoneal surgical access. The posterior approach can also be used for anterior renal tumors and may result in shorter operative time.

Intraoperative 68Ga-PSMA Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging for Surgical Margins in Radical Prostatectomy: A Feasibility Study.

Our objective was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) for assessment of surgical margins intraoperatively during radical prostatectomy. Methods: A single-center feasibility study included 10 patients with high-risk primary prostate cancer (PC). 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT scans were performed followed by radical prostatectomy and intraoperative CLI of the excised prostate. In addition to imaging the intact prostate, in the first 2 patients the prostate gland was incised and imaged with CLI to visualize the primary tumor. We compared the tumor margin status on CLI to postoperative histopathology. Measured CLI intensities were determined as tumor-to-background ratio. Results: Tumor cells were successfully detected on the incised prostate CLI images as confirmed by histopathology. Three of 10 men had histopathologically positive surgical margins (PSMs), and 2 of 3 PSMs were accurately detected on CLI. Overall, 25 (72%) of 35 regions of interest proved to visualize a tumor signal according to standard histopathology. The median tumor radiance in these areas was 11,301 photons/s/cm2/sr (range, 3,328-25,428 photons/s/cm2/sr), and median tumor-to-background ratio was 4.2 (range, 2.1-11.6). False-positive signals were seen mainly at the prostate base, with PC cells overlaid by benign tissue. PSMA immunohistochemistry revealed strong PSMA staining of benign gland tissue, which impacts measured activities. Conclusion: This feasibility showed that 68Ga-PSMA CLI is a new intraoperative imaging technique capable of imaging the entire specimen's surface to detect PC tissue at the resection margin. Further optimization of the CLI protocol, or the use of lower-energy imaging tracers such as 18F-PSMA, is required to reduce false-positives. A larger study will be performed to assess diagnostic performance.

To defer or not to defer? A German longitudinal multicentric assessment of clinical practice in urology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: After the outbreak of COVID-19 unprecedented changes in the healthcare systems worldwide were necessary resulting in a reduction of urological capacities with postponements of consultations and surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An email was sent to 66 urological hospitals with focus on robotic surgery (RS) including a link to a questionnaire (e.g. bed/staff capacity, surgical caseload, protection measures during RS) that covered three time points: a representative baseline week prior to COVID-19, the week of March 16th-22nd and April 20th-26th 2020. The results were evaluated using descriptive analyses. RESULTS: 27 out of 66 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate: 41%). We found a decrease of 11% in hospital beds and 25% in OR capacity with equal reductions for endourological, open and robotic procedures. Primary surgical treatment of urolithiasis and benign prostate syndrome (BPS) but also of testicular and penile cancer dropped by at least 50% while the decrease of surgeries for prostate, renal and urothelial cancer (TUR-B and cystectomies) ranged from 15 to 37%. The use of personal protection equipment (PPE), screening of staff and patients and protection during RS was unevenly distributed in the different centers-however, the number of COVID-19 patients and urologists did not reach double digits. CONCLUSION: The German urological landscape has changed since the outbreak of COVID-19 with a significant shift of high priority surgeries but also continuation of elective surgical treatments. While screening and staff protection is employed heterogeneously, the number of infected German urologists stays low.

Validation of survivin and HMGA2 as biomarkers for cisplatin resistance in bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Cisplatin-based chemotherapy represents the gold standard in the treatment of advanced bladder cancer (BC) both in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting. Since novel immunooncologic agents are available for cisplatin-resistant or ineligible patients, biological markers for the prediction of cisplatin resistance become more important in treatment decisions. Therefore, we aimed to assess the therapy predictive value of 8 promising tissue biomarkers with regard to cisplatin therapy. METHODS: Emmprin, survivin, HMGA2, MTA1, RhoGDI, PEG10, TGM2, and TLN1 expressions were analyzed in paraffin-embedded bladder cancer tissue samples of 106 patients who underwent adjuvant or salvage cisplatin-based chemotherapy by using immunohistochemistry. Results were correlated with the clinicopathological and follow-up data by performing both univariable and multivariable survival analyses. RESULTS: Higher HMGA2 nuclear staining intensity and positive survivin nuclear staining were associated with worse overall survival (OS) (P = 0.045 and P = 0.002, respectively). In accordance, survivin nuclear staining also significantly correlated with shorter progression free survival (PFS, P = 0.024), while HMGA2 nuclear positivity tended to correlate with shorter PFS (P = 0.069) after at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy. In the multivariable analyses only survivin remained as an independent predictor of both OS and PFS (P = 0.008 and P = 0.025). None of the other markers proved to be significant predictors of adjuvant or salvage cisplatin-based chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that survivin represents a promising marker for the prediction of cisplatin resistance in BC. In addition the therapy predictive role of HMGA2 should be further investigated. Immunohistochemical analysis of BC samples provides a feasible way for the prediction of cisplatin-resistance and may therefore provide a valuable tool for optimizing treatment decisions in advanced BC.