In-Bore Versus Fusion MRI-Targeted Biopsy of PI-RADS Category 4 and 5 Lesions: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis Using Propensity Score Weighting.

BACKGROUND. Few published studies have compared in-bore and fusion MRI-targeted prostate biopsy, and the available studies have had conflicting results. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare the target-specific cancer detection rate of in-bore prostate biopsy with that of fusion MRI-targeted biopsy. METHODS. The records of men who underwent in-bore or fusion MRI-targeted biopsy of PI-RADS category 4 or 5 lesions between August 2013 and September 2019 were retrospectively identified. PI-RADS version 2.1 assessment category, size, and location of each target were established by retrospective review by a single experienced radiologist. Patient history and target biopsy results were obtained by electronic medical record review. Only the first MRI-targeted biopsy of the dominant lesion was included for patients with repeated biopsies or multiple targets. In-bore and fusion biopsy were compared by propensity score weights and multivariable regression to adjust for imbalances in patient and target characteristics between biopsy techniques. The primary endpoint was target-specific prostate cancer detection rate. Secondary endpoints were detection rate after application of propensity score weighting for cancers in International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group 2 (GG2) or higher and detection rate with the use of off-target systematic sampling results. RESULTS. The study sample included 286 men (in-bore biopsy, 191; fusion biopsy, 95). Compared with fusion biopsy, in-bore biopsy was associated with significantly greater likelihood of detection of any cancer (odds ratio, 2.28 [95% CI, 1.04-4.98]; p = .04) and nonsignificantly greater likelihood of detection of ISUP GG2 or higher cancer (odds ratio, 1.57 [95% CI, 0.88-2.79]; p = .12) in a target. When off-target sampling was included, in-bore biopsy and combined fusion and systematic biopsy were not different for detection of any cancer (odds ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 0.54-2.45]; p = .71) or ISUP GG2 and higher cancer (odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.66-2.01]; p = .62). CONCLUSION. In this retrospective study in which propensity score weighting was used, in-bore MRI-targeted prostate biopsy had a higher target-specific cancer detection rate than did fusion biopsy. CLINICAL IMPACT. Pending a larger prospective randomized multicenter comparison between in-bore and fusion biopsy, in-bore may be the preferred approach should performing only biopsy of a suspicious target, without concurrent systematic biopsy, be considered clinically appropriate.

Primary Focal Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: A Review of the Literature.

This article describes the available focal therapy options for primary treatment of localized PCa, along with their respective outcomes, drawbacks, and applicability.

Predictors of Long-Term Survival after Renal Cancer Surgery.

PURPOSE: Renal cancer surgery can adversely impact long-term function and survival. We evaluated predictors of chronic kidney disease 5 years and nonrenal cancer mortality 10 years after renal cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the records of 4,283 patients who underwent renal cancer surgery from 1997 to 2008. Radical and partial nephrectomy were performed in 46% and 54% of patients, respectively. Cumulative probability ordinal modeling was used to predict chronic kidney disease status 5 years after surgery and multivariable logistic regression was used to predict nonrenal cancer mortality at 10 years. Relevant patient, tumor and functional covariates were incorporated, including the preoperative glomerular filtration rate (A), the new baseline glomerular filtration rate after surgery (B) and the glomerular filtration rate loss related to surgery (C), that is C = A - B. In contrast, partial or radical nephrectomy was not used in the models due to concerns about strong selection bias associated with the choice of procedure. RESULTS: Multivariable modeling established the preoperative glomerular filtration rate and the glomerular filtration rate loss related to surgery as the most important predictors of the development of chronic kidney disease (Spearman ρ = 0.78). Age, gender and race had secondary roles. Significant predictors of 10-year nonrenal cancer mortality were the preoperative glomerular filtration rate, the new baseline glomerular filtration rate, age, diabetes and heart disease (all p <0.05). Multivariable modeling established age and the preoperative glomerular filtration rate as the most important predictors of 10-year nonrenal cancer mortality (c-index 0.71) while the glomerular filtration rate loss related to surgery only changed absolute mortality estimates 1% to 3%. CONCLUSIONS: Glomerular filtration rate loss related to renal cancer surgery, whether due to partial or radical nephrectomy, influences the risk of chronic kidney disease but it may have less impact on survival. In contrast, age and the preoperative glomerular filtration rate, which reflects general health status, are more robust predictors of nonrenal cancer mortality, at least in patients with good preoperative function or mild chronic kidney disease.

Acute Kidney Injury after Partial Nephrectomy of Solitary Kidneys: Impact on Long-Term Stability of Renal Function.

PURPOSE: Acute kidney injury often leads to chronic kidney disease in the general population. The long-term functional impact of acute kidney injury observed after partial nephrectomy has not been adequately studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2004 to 2014 necessary studies for analysis were available for 90 solitary kidneys managed by partial nephrectomy. Functional data at 4 time points included preoperative serum creatinine, peak postoperative serum creatinine, new baseline serum creatinine 3 to 12 months postoperatively and long-term followup serum creatinine more than 12 months postoperatively. Adjusted acute kidney injury was defined by the ratio, observed peak postoperative serum creatinine/projected postoperative serum creatinine adjusted for parenchymal mass loss to reveal the true effect of ischemia. The long-term change in renal function (the long-term functional change ratio) was defined as the most recent glomerular filtration rate/the new baseline glomerular filtration rate. The relationship between the grade of the adjusted acute kidney injury and the long-term functional change was assessed by Spearman correlation analysis and multivariable regression. RESULTS: Median patient age was 64 years and median followup was 45 months. Median parenchymal mass preservation was 80%. Adjusted acute kidney injury occurred in 42% of patients, including grade 1 injury in 20 (22%) and grade 2/3 in 18 (20%). On univariable analysis the degree of the adjusted acute kidney injury did not correlate with the long-term glomerular filtration rate change (p = 0.55). On multivariable analysis adjusted acute kidney injury was not associated with a long-term functional change (p >0.05) while diabetes and warm ischemia were modestly associated with a long-term functional decline (each p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acute kidney injury after partial nephrectomy was not a significant or independent predictor of long-term functional decline in our institutional cohort. A prospective study with larger sample sizes and longer followup is required to evaluate factors associated with long-term nephron stability.

Impact of Comorbidities on Functional Recovery from Partial Nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Parenchymal mass preservation, and ischemia type and/or duration can influence functional recovery after partial nephrectomy. Some groups have hypothesized that relevant comorbidities may also impact nephron stability and functional recovery but this has not been adequately investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At our center 405 patients treated with partial nephrectomy from 2007 to 2015 had the necessary data to determine the function and parenchymal mass preserved in the ipsilateral kidney. Comorbidities potentially associated with renal functional status were reviewed, including various degrees of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, smoking status and related medications. Multivariable linear regression was done to assess factors associated with functional recovery, defined as the percent of preserved ipsilateral glomerular filtration rate. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 3.5 cm and the median R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar lines and tumor touching main renal artery or vein) score was 8. Warm and cold ischemia were done in 264 (65%) and 141 patients for a median duration of 21 and 27 minutes, respectively. The median preserved ipsilateral glomerular filtration rate was 79%. Patient age, comorbidity index, hypertension and proteinuria were each associated with the preoperative glomerular filtration rate (all p <0.01). On univariable and multivariable analyses the preserved parenchymal mass, and ischemia type and duration were significantly associated with functional recovery (all p <0.001). On univariable analysis of comorbidities only hypertension was significantly associated with functional recovery. However, on multivariable analysis none of the analyzed comorbidities were associated with functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery of function after partial nephrectomy depends primarily on parenchymal mass preservation and ischemia characteristics. Comorbidities failed to be associated with functional outcomes. Comorbidities can impact function, leading to surgery, and may influence long-term functional stability. However, our data suggest that they do not influence short-term recovery after partial nephrectomy.

Current Therapeutic Strategies in Clinical Urology.

The field of urology encompasses all benign and malignant disorders of the urinary tract and the male genital tract. Urological disorders convey a huge economic and patient quality-of-life burden. Hospital acquired urinary tract infections, in particular, are under scrutiny as a measure of hospital quality. Given the prevalence of these pathologies, there is much progress still to be made in available therapeutic options in order to minimize side effects and provide effective care. Current drug delivery mechanisms in urological malignancy and the benign urological conditions of overactive bladder (OAB), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), and urinary tract infection (UTI) will be reviewed herein. Both systemic and local therapies will be discussed including sustained release formulations, nanocarriers, hydrogels and other reservoir systems, as well as gene and immunotherapy. The primary focus of this review is on agents which have passed the preclinical stages of development.

Cystectomy for benign disease: readmission, morbidity, and complications.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to elucidate outcomes and risks associated with cystectomy and urinary diversion for benign urological conditions compared to malignant conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients who underwent cystectomy and urinary diversion for benign and malignant diseases through the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program database for the period 2007-2015. Patients were selected for inclusion based upon their current procedure terminology and International Classification of Disease, Ninth revision codes. Primary outcome was 30 day morbidity including return to the operating room (OR); infectious, respiratory, and/or cardiovascular complications; readmission to the hospital; and mortality. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. RESULTS: A total of 317 patients underwent cystectomy and urinary diversion for benign disease, and 5510 patients underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion for cancer. Rates of major morbidity (43.2% versus 38.6%), mortality (0.9% versus 1.9%), return to OR (5% versus 5.8%), readmission (19.7% versus 21.4%), postoperative sepsis (14.5% versus 12%), and wound complications (16.1% versus 14.2%) were similar among patients undergoing cystectomy for benign and malignant conditions. In the group with cystectomy for benign conditions, smoking (OR: 3.11) and longer operative duration (OR: 1.06) were significantly associated with increased overall morbidity. Wound complications were significantly higher in smokers (OR: 3.09) and with an ASA ≥ III (OR: 5.71) CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing cystectomy and urinary diversion for benign disease are at similar risk for 30 day morbidity and mortality as patients undergoing surgery for malignant conditions. Risk factors are identified that can potentially be targeted for morbidity reduction.

Clinical Correlates of Benefit From Radium-223 Therapy in Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: We sought to identify potential clinical variables associated with outcomes after radium-223 therapy in routine practice. METHODS: Consecutive non-trial mCRPC patients who received ≥1 dose of radium dichloride-223 at four academic and one community urology-specific cancer centers from May 2013 to June 2014 were retrospectively identified. Association of baseline and on-therapy clinical variables with number of radium doses received and clinical outcomes including overall survival were analyzed using chi-square statistics, cox proportional hazards, and Kaplan-Meier methods. Bone Scan Index (BSI) was derived from available bone scans using EXINI software. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-five patients were included. Radium-223 was administered for six cycles in 74 patients (51%). One-year survival in this heavily pre-treated population was 64% (95%CI: 54-73%). In univariate and multivariate analysis, survival was highly associated with receiving all six doses of Radium-223. Receipt of six doses was associated with ECOG PS of 0-1, lower baseline PSA & pain level, no prior abiraterone/enzalutamide, <5 BSI value, and normal alkaline phosphatase. In patients who reported baseline pain (n = 72), pain declined in 51% after one dose and increased in 7%. PSA declined ≥50% in 16% (18/110). Alkaline phosphatase declined ≥25% in 48% (33/69) and ≥50% in 16/69 patients. BSI declined in 17 (68%) of the 25 patients who had bone scan available at treatment follow-up. Grade ≥3 neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in 4% (n = 114), 4% (n = 125), and 5% (n = 123), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients earlier in their disease course with <5 BSI, low pain score, and good ECOG performance status are optimal candidates for radium-223. Radium-223 therapy is well tolerated with most patients reporting declines in pain scores and BSI. Prostate 77:479-488, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Devascularized Parenchymal Mass Associated with Partial Nephrectomy: Predictive Factors and Impact on Functional Recovery.

PURPOSE: Parenchymal mass loss is the predominant factor associated with functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy. It is primarily due to excised and/or devascularized parenchymal mass. We evaluated the importance of excised and devascularized parenchymal mass relative to functional recovery after partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 168 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy the necessary studies were done to determine excised and devascularized parenchymal mass, and evaluate parenchymal mass changes and functional loss of the operated kidney. Parenchymal mass loss in the ipsilateral kidney was measured on contrast enhanced computerized tomography less than 2 months before and 3 to 12 months after partial nephrectomy. Excised parenchymal mass was estimated by subtracting tumor volume from specimen volume. Devascularized parenchymal mass was defined as total parenchymal mass loss minus excised parenchymal mass. We used the Pearson correlation to evaluate relationships between glomerular filtration rate preservation and parenchymal mass loss. Multivariable analysis was done to assess factors associated with devascularized parenchymal mass. RESULTS: Median tumor size was 3.4 cm and median R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic tumor properties, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior and location relative to polar lines) score was 7. Warm and cold ischemia was used in 100 and 68 patients, respectively. Median excised parenchymal and devascularized parenchymal mass was 9 and 16 cm3, respectively (p <0.001). Total parenchymal mass loss and devascularized parenchymal mass were associated strongly with glomerular filtration rate preservation in the operated kidney (each r ≥0.55, p <0.001). However, excised parenchymal mass was only weakly associated with functional outcomes (r = 0.23). The preoperative glomerular filtration rate and endophytic status were associated with devascularized parenchymal mass on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge we report the first study to specifically evaluate the relative contributions of devascularized and excised parenchymal mass to functional recovery after partial nephrectomy. Our study suggests that devascularized parenchymal mass has more impact, which may have implications regarding surgical technique. Prospective study is required to further evaluate the relative contributions of excised and devascularized parenchymal mass in various settings.

Preoperative frailty predicts postoperative complications and mortality in urology patients.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to determine the impact of preoperative frailty, as measured by validated Risk Analysis Index (RAI), on the occurrence of postoperative complications after urologic surgeries in a national database comprised of diverse practice groups and cases. STUDY DESIGN: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2005 to 2011 for a list of abdominal, vaginal, transurethral and scrotal urological surgeries using Current Procedural Terminology codes. The study population was subdivided into two groups based on the nature of procedures performed: complex procedures (inpatient) and simple procedures (outpatient). Risk Analysis Index score was calculated using preoperative NSQIP variables to determine preoperative frailty. Major postoperative morbidities (pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal and infectious), mortality, return to operating room, discharge destination and readmission to the hospital were examined. RESULTS: The study identified 42,715 patients who underwent urological procedures, 25,693 complex and 17,022 simple procedures. Mean RAI score (range) was 7.75 (0-53). The majority of patients scored low on the RAI (90.57 % with RAI < 10). As the RAI score increased, there was a significant increase in postoperative complication and mortality rate (both p < 0.0001). Similarly, the rate of return to operating room and hospital readmission rate increased as RAI increased (both p < 0.0001). Additionally, rate of discharge to home decreased. Interestingly, mortality rate in patients with high RAI did not differ comparing simple to complex procedures (p = 0.90), whereas complications were significantly greater in the complex operation (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increase in frailty, as measured by RAI score, is associated with increased postoperative complications and mortality. RAI may allow for rapid identification and counseling of patients who are at high risk of adverse perioperative outcomes.

Urinalysis findings are not predictive of positive urine culture in patients with indwelling stents.

INTRODUCTION: Indwelling stents produce symptoms and urinalysis findings mimicking urinary tract infection (UTI). In this study, we investigated the correlation of urinalysis findings with urine culture in patients with indwelling ureteral stents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with ureteral stents who underwent stent removal in urology clinic from July 2013 to January 2015 and had urine culture available immediately prior to stent removal were included in this study. Urine culture results as well as age, gender, duration of indwelling stent, and reason for stent placement were collected. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients were included in this study. The two most common reasons for ureteral stent placement included urolithiasis (65.6%) and renal transplant (22.1%). Red blood cell (RBC), leukocytes and nitrite were positive in 92.9%, 70.2% and 17.9% of urine samples respectively. Only 17 patients (13.9%) had positive urine culture. Although renal transplant patients had significantly longer duration of stent retention, no statistically significant difference was noted in rate of positive urine culture compared to urolithiasis patients (p = 1.0). Among patients with positive urine culture, 62.5% had resistant bacteria to common antibiotic treatments and two patients had yeast in urine culture (12.5%). The duration of stent retention did not correlate with bacterial resistance. Multivariate analysis failed to show significant correlation of gender, reason for stent, stent duration, RBC and nitrite with positive urine culture. CONCLUSIONS: Positive findings on urinalysis in patients with indwelling ureteral stent have poor correlation to positive urine culture and therefore the use of urine culture to diagnose UTI is warranted.

Does endorectal coil MRI increase the accuracy of preoperative prostate cancer staging?

INTRODUCTION: We sought to investigate the association of preprostatectomy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical pathologic findings in patients with prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with prostate cancer and preprostatectomy MRI available between 2002 and 2015 were included. Age, prostate-specific antigen at diagnosis, Gleason score at biopsy, MRI technique, radiology report suggestive of prostate cancer, extraprostatic invasion and seminal vesicle involvement, lymphadenopathy and final pathology report were retrospectively reviewed. Data was analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of MRI findings for predicting T3 disease. Consistency of MRI findings with pathology report was compared between MRIs with or without endorectal coil (ERC). RESULTS: A cohort of 83 patients was identified. Eighty-seven percent of the patients had MRI findings suggestive of prostate cancer. MRI was performed with and without ERC in 21 (25.3%) and 62 (74.3%) patients respectively. Eighty-five percent of patients with ERC and 88.7% of those without ERC had MRI findings suggestive of prostate cancer (p = 0.659). MRI correlated with final surgical pathology stage T3 in 53 patients (64%). MRI findings were consistent with final pathology report in 70% of ERC group and 61.3% of non ERC group (p = 0.482). In terms of extra prostatic invasion or seminal vesicle involvement, MRI had specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of 84.44%, 37.84%, 66.67% and 62.3% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MRI was specific but not sensitive in determining extraprostatic or seminal vesicle invasion. MRI was not accurate for lymph node involvement. In addition, using an ERC did not increase the accuracy of prostate MRI in this small cohort.

Utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer in elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) improves overall survival in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Older patients often do not receive NAC due to its potential toxicities. We examined treatment patterns of elderly MIBC patients as well as impact of NAC on survival in this population. The National Cancer Database was queried from 2006 to 2019 for stage T2-T4a MIBC patients ≥ 80 years old. Treatment exposures (extirpative surgery; chemotherapy; radiation) were ascertained. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated based on treatment modalities (no treatment; radiation only; chemotherapy only; chemoradiation; surgery only; NAC with surgery). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression assessed associations with overall survival (OS). The cohort included 16,391 patients (mean age 86 years); 51% received treatment. MIBC treatment was less common with advancing age; patients receiving NAC then surgery were younger and had lower comorbidity scores. From 2006 to 2019, more patients received chemoradiation, while rates of NAC rose modestly. Median OS for the NAC with surgery group was 48 months versus 9 months for the no treatment group. Log-rank tests showed significantly improved survival in the NAC with surgery group compared to the surgery only group, while Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed highest survival benefit in the NAC with surgery group. Only half of elderly MIBC patients received treatment, with fewer undergoing curative intent. NAC with surgery was associated with the greatest survival benefit. While our findings should be taken in the context of potential selection bias and patient preferences, they support NAC as part of shared-decision making regardless of age.

Role of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging on the surgical outcomes of radical prostatectomy: Does preoperative tumor recognition reduce the positive surgical margin in a specific location? Experience from a Thailand prostate cancer specialized center.

Objective: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the standard of care for the diagnosis of prostate cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative MRI on the positive surgical margin (PSM) rates. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1070 prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) at Siriraj Hospital between January 2013 and September 2019. PSM rates were compared between those with and without preoperative MRI. PSM locations were analyzed. Results: In total, 322 (30.1%) patients underwent MRI before RP. PSM most frequently occurred at the apex (33.2%), followed by posterior (13.5%), bladder neck (12.7%), anterior (10.7%), posterolateral (9.9%), and lateral (2.3%) positions. In preoperative MRI, PSM was significantly lowered at the posterior surface (9.0% vs. 15.4%, p=0.01) and in the subgroup of urologists with less than 100 RP experiences (32% vs. 51%, odds ratio=0.51, p<0.05). Blood loss was also significantly decreased when a preoperative image was obtained (200 mL vs. 250 mL, p=0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that only preoperative MRI status was associated with overall PSM and PSM at the prostatic apex. Neither the surgical approach, the neurovascular bundle sparing technique, nor the perioperative blood loss was associated with PSM. Conclusion: MRI is associated with less overall PSM, PSM at apex, and blood loss during RP. Additionally, preoperative MRI has shown promise in lowering the PSM rate among urologists who are in the early stages of performing RP.

Selecting patients for magnetic resonance imaging cognitive versus ultrasound fusion biopsy of the prostate: A within-patient comparison.

Objectives: To compare overall agreement between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-ultrasound (US) fusion biopsy (FB) and MRI cognitive fusion biopsy (CB) of the prostate and determine which factors affect agreement for prostate cancer (PCa) who underwent both modalities in a prospective within-patient protocol. Patients and Methods: From August 2017 to January 2021, patients with at least one Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PI-RADS) 3 or higher lesion on multiparametric MRI underwent transrectal FB and CB in a prospective within-patient protocol. CB was performed for each region of interest (ROI), followed by FB, followed by standard 12 core biopsy. Patients who were not on active surveillance were analysed. The primary endpoint was agreement for any PCa detection. McNemar's test and kappa statistic were used to analyse agreement. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to analyse disagreement across clinical and MRI spatial variables. A multivariable generalized mixed-effect model was used to compare the interaction between select variables and fusion modality. Statistics were performed using SAS and R. Results: Ninety patients and 98 lesions were included in the analysis. There was moderate agreement between FB and CB (k = 0.715). McNemar's test was insignificant (p = 0.285). Anterior location was the only variable associated with a significant variation in agreement, which was 70% for anterior lesions versus 89.7% for non-anterior lesions (p = 0.035). Discordance did not vary significantly across other variables. In a mixed-effect model, the interaction between anterior location and use of FB was insignificant (p = 0.411). Conclusion: In a within-patient protocol of patients not on active surveillance, FB and CB performed similarly for PCa detection and with moderate agreement. Anterior location was associated with significantly higher disagreement, whereas other patient and lesion characteristics were not. Additional studies are needed to determine optimal biopsy technique for sampling anterior ROI.

Single-port robotic inguinal lymph node dissection: A safe and feasible option for penile cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) is essential to the accurate staging of advanced penile cancer and in determining prognosis. Open ILND is associated with significant morbidity. The robotic-assisted approach has been described with comparable nodal yield with the advantage of decreased postoperative complications when studied with the multiport robotic platform. This video shows our approach for an ILND with the Intuitive single port (SP) robotic platform. METHOD: A 54-year-old man underwent a partial penectomy for a penile mass that revealed squamous cell carcinoma invading the corpus spongiosum (pT2). Patient had non-palpable lymph nodes on physical examination. We proceeded with the bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection using the Intuitive da Vinci Single-Port Robot. RESULTS: A standard template dissection was performed on both sides. Due to nodal enlargement noted on the pre-operative CT scan on the right side, superficial and deep ILND were performed on that side. Intra-operative frozen section pathologies of superficial lymph nodes were negative on the left side. Bilateral saphenous veins were preserved. Total procedure time was 4 hours and 51 minutes in duration with minimal blood loss noted (<30 mL). Pathology revealed one 4.5cm superficial positive node on the right with no extra-nodal extension and no other positive nodes. No complications were noted. He was discharged on post-operative day 1 with minimal pain or leg swelling. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the technique and feasibility of ILND using the SP robotic platform. This approach has the potential to reduce morbidity with comparable nodal dissection as the open approach.

Gender Representation in American Urological Association Guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: To study patterns and factors associated with female representation in the American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines. METHODS: We gathered publicly available information about the panelists, including the AUA section, practice setting, academic rank, fellowship training, years in practice, and H-index. The factors associated with the proportion of female panelists and trends were investigated. We also examined the proportion of female panelists in the European Association of Urology (EAU) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) urology guidelines. RESULTS: There were 483 non-unique panelists in AUA guidelines, and 17% are female. Non-urologist female panelists in AUA guidelines represented a higher proportion than female urologists (30% vs 13%, P<0.0001). Compared with male panelists, females had lower H-indices (median 23 vs 35, P<0.001), and fewer were fellowship-trained (77.2% vs 86.8%; P=0.042). On multivariate analysis, non-urologists and panelists with lower H-indices were more likely to be female but there was no association between guideline specialties, academic ranking, geographic section, years in practice, and fellowship training with increased female authorship. Overtime, the proportion of female participation in guidelines remained stable. In the EAU and NCCN guideline panels, 12.2% and 10.7% were female, respectively. CONCLUSION: Female representation among major urologic guidelines members is low and unchanged overtime. Female urologist participation was proportional to their representation in the urology workforce. Being a non-urologist and lower H-indices were associated with female membership in guideline panels.

Urethral Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate: An Uncommon and Diagnostically Complex Disease.

A 66-year-old male presented with hematuria and mucosuria. A transurethral resection of the prostate revealed adenocarcinoma in situ with mucinous features. He underwent a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy with lymph node dissection. Pathology confirmed T2 primary mucin-producing urothelial type adenocarcinoma in the prostatic urethra. Urothelial adenocarcinoma arising in the prostatic urethra is an uncommon disease that warrants clear differentiation from other malignancies due to its aggressive nature. The differential includes urologic and gastrointestinal malignancies making diagnosis complex. Accurate diagnosis is critical to providing appropriate treatment as these patients are at high risk of developing recurrence and metastatic disease.

Survival outcomes and practice trends for off-label use of adjuvant targeted therapy in high-risk locoregional renal cell carcinoma.

IMPORTANCE: The appropriate use of adjuvant targeted therapy (TT) for high-risk locoregional renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after nephrectomy is currently unclear due to mixed results from the relevant randomized controlled trials. National-level survival outcomes and practice trends for the use of adjuvant TT in the United States have not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To compare overall survival for patients who did and did not receive adjuvant TT after nephrectomy for high-risk locoregional RCC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cohort study reviewed the National Cancer Database from 2006 to 2015. Patients with nonmetastatic clear cell RCC who underwent nephrectomy with either stage pT3a or greater or pN+ were included. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Adjuvant TT was defined as receipt of TT within 3 months of nephrectomy. The primary end point was overall survival from initial diagnosis to date of death or censored at last follow-up. Baseline characteristics were described, and a multivariable analysis identified associations for receipt of adjuvant TT. Nearest-neighbor propensity matching was performed to create similar groups for comparison. A survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. RESULTS: The final study population included 41,127 patients. Two thousand seventy-one patients (5.04%) received off-label adjuvant TT. Younger age, white race, private insurance, positive margins, pT4, and pN+ were associated with receipt of adjuvant TT. After nearest-neighbor propensity matching for clinically and statistically relevant covariates, 1,604 patients remained in the matched cohort, with statistically nonsignificant differences between the groups for all baseline characteristics. Median overall survival was 52 months for patients in the Adjuvant TT group versus 79 months for those who did not receive adjuvant TT (P < 0.001). Decreased overall survival for patients receiving adjuvant therapy was also seen in pathologic subgroups with and without lymph node involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The propensity matched survival analysis revealed significantly decreased overall survival in patients who received off-label adjuvant TT for high-risk locoregional RCC.

Vascularized Parenchymal Mass Preserved with Partial Nephrectomy: Functional Impact and Predictive Factors.

BACKGROUND: Percentage parenchymal mass preserved (PPMP) is a key determinant of functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy (PN); however, predictors of PPMP have not been defined. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive analysis of the functional impact of and potential predictive factors for PPMP. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We analyzed data for 464 patients managed with PN at our center with necessary studies to determine vascularized parenchymal mass and function preserved within the operated kidney. PPMP was measured from computed tomography scans <2 mo before and 3-12 mo after PN. INTERVENTION: PN. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS/STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Recovery from ischemia was defined as percentage ipsilateral glomerular filtration rate (GFR) preserved normalized by PPMP. We used Pearson correlation to evaluate the relationships between GFR preserved and PPMP. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess predictors of PPMP. RESULT AND LIMITATIONS: Ninety-six patients (21%) had a solitary kidney. The median tumor size and RENAL score were 3.5cm and 8, respectively. Cold/warm ischemia were utilized in 183/281 patients for which the median ischemia time were 28/20min. The median preoperative and postoperative vascularized parenchymal mass in the operated kidney were 194 and 157cm3, respectively, resulting in median PPMP of 84%. GFR preservation correlated strongly with PPMP (r=0.64; p<0.001). Recovery from ischemia was suboptimal (<80%) in 71 patients (15%), while suboptimal PPMP (<80%) was a more common adverse event, occurring in 160 patients (34%; p<0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that greater tumor size and complexity were associated with lower PPMP (p≤0.04), while solitary kidney and hypothermia were associated with higher PPMP (p<0.001). Longer ischemia time was also associated with lower PPMP (p=0.003), probably reflecting the complexity of the surgery. Limitations include the retrospective design. CONCLUSION: PPMP correlates strongly with functional outcomes after PN, and lower PPMP is the most common and important source of functional decline after PN. Larger tumors, greater tumor complexity, and prolonged ischemia time were associated with lower PPMP, while PPMP tended to be greater for solitary kidneys, confirming that PPMP is a modifiable factor. PATIENT SUMMARY: Kidney function after partial nephrectomy primarily depends on the amount of vascularized kidney preserved by the procedure. Lower recovery of function is seen when operating on larger tumors in unfavorable locations, but preservation of the parenchymal mass can be improved when truly necessary, such as when operating on a tumor in a solitary kidney.