Repeat transurethral resection for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a contemporary series.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the depth of transurethral resections of bladder tumour (TURBT), residual cancer rates and up-staging rates in a contemporary Australian series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimen reports from a single, major reporting pathology centre, servicing a group of urological oncologists in Sydney were obtained for TURBTs performed between October 2008 and February 2013. We examined the depth of TURBT, rates of repeat-TURBT (re-TUR) and residual cancer rates at the 3-6 month check cystoscopy. RESULTS: One thousand and two hundred and nine transurethral resection specimens retrieved during this period were analysed. There were 162 (13.4%) T1 specimens and 631 (52.2%) Ta specimens, 218 (34.5%) of which were high grade. Muscularis propria was present in 506 (41.9%) specimens in total and in 151 (39.7%) of 380 high-risk specimens (high grade Ta, T1). Of the 380 high-risk non-muscle-invasive tumours, 85 (22.4%) proceeded to re-TUR. Of the 48 T1 specimens and 37 Ta high grade specimens that proceeded to re-TUR, 7 (14.6%) and 1 (2.7%) respectively were upstaged to muscle-invasive disease. Rates of residual disease/early recurrence at 3-6 months was significantly better for those with re-TUR compared to those without 56.8% vs 82.5% (P < 0.001) for Ta high grade and 39.6% vs 84% (P = 0.028) for T1 tumours respectively. CONCLUSION: Re-TUR rates in high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer are low. However in a contemporary series, the upstaging rates are low, but residual cancer rates high, supporting the need for re-TUR in this population.

Pathological evaluation and quality of surgery in radical cystectomy in New South Wales, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Australian bladder cancer patients especially women are thought to have worse outcomes when compared to the other international series. The objective of this study was to assess the pathological pattern of primary bladder cancer at the time of radical cystectomy as well as assessing the quality of resection in New South Wales. METHOD: Pathology reports of radical cystectomy performed for primary bladder cancer were reviewed for a period of 10 years in a single major pathology centre servicing the state of New South Wales. RESULTS: Two hundred one specimens reviewed over 10 years. The tumour stage at the time of cystectomy was: CIS 29 (14%), Tx,a 5 (2%), T1 24 (12%), T2 49 (24%), T3 57 (28%) and T4 37 (18%). Lymphovascular invasion was seen in 94 (47%). Soft tissue margins were positive in 31 (15%), pelvic lymph node dissection was not performed in 64 (32%) of patients and only 32 (16%) of the patients had 10 or more lymph nodes harvested. No significant differences between men and women were noted in tumour stages, soft tissue positive margin rates and performance of pelvic lymph node dissection. Improving trends were noted in rates of negative soft tissue margins and the lymph node count during this period. CONCLUSION: Pattern of disease at the time of cystectomy was similar to the North American and European cohorts. Higher main specimen margin rates as well as lower lymph nodes retrieval rates were observed. No sex discrimination was observed. Further study is recommended to investigate the survival impact of this finding.

Cancer identified incidentally in the prostate following radical cystoprostatectomy: an Australian study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and tumour characteristics of incidental prostatic cancer in Australian men with primary bladder cancer undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy (RCP). METHOD: Cystoprostatectomy specimens were reviewed for a 10-year period from a leading pathology centre in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Stamey classification was used to define significant prostate cancer. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine patients underwent RCP, 50 (39%) had prostatic adenocarcinoma, of which 35 (70%) were clinically significant. Apical involvement was seen in 10 (20%) of which 8 (16%) were clinically significant. High-grade intraepithelial neoplasia was seen in 27 (21%) and urothelial carcinoma or extension of bladder tumour was seen in 15 (12%) and 10 (8%) respectively. Bladder carcinoma in situ (CIS) was strongly associated with presence of urethral disease (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: High rates of prostatic involvement with adenocarcinoma and as well as urothelial malignancy was detected in patients with primary bladder cancer undergoing cystoprostatectomy. Large proportions of prostate adenocarcinoma were clinically significant. Presence of bladder CIS was significantly associated with presence of prostatic urethral disease.

Surgical management of recurrent ureteric endometriosis causing recurrent hypertension in a postmenopausal woman.

Endometriosis is a common condition that affects as many as 10% to 20% of women of reproductive age. Because of the subtle clinical signs and symptoms and limitations of imaging methods, the diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed, with serious consequences including hypertension, hydronephrosis, and loss of kidney function. We present an unusual case of recurrent ureteric endometriosis in a postmenopausal woman to highlight the challenges of screening for and management of endometriosis.