[Rectourethral fistula treatment using the modified York Mason technique: Failure factors assessment]. / Cure de fistule recto-urétrale par la technique modifiée de York Mason : évaluation des facteurs d'échec.

OBJECTIVES: To assess surgical outcomes and failure factors in the management of rectourethral fistulas treated surgically with the modified York Mason technique based on our center's 25 years of experience. METHODS: From 1997 to 2021, in a single center study, a total of 35 consecutive patients, underwent rectourethral fistula cure, using the modified York Mason technique. Preoperative patient data, surgical outcomes and failure factors were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients, 28 were successfully managed without the need of further intervention (80%). Median age was 67 years (IQR 62-72) and median follow-up time was 71 months (IQR 30-123). There was no significant difference between the patients that had recurrence or not after the first York Mason. CONCLUSIONS: The modified York Mason technique offers a high success rate for the cure of iatrogenic rectourethral fistulas. No predictive factor of failure, after a first cure of recto-uretral fistula by modified York-Mason technique was reported. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Techniques to Improve Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize current options available for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy RECENT FINDINGS: Partial nephrectomy (PN) is a standard treatment option for management of cT1 renal masses. It may be carried out by multiple approaches. Robot-assisted (RA) PN is one such option. The goal of treatment is both correct oncological (negative surgical margins) and functional (preservation of sufficient amount of renal parenchyma of the operated kidney) outcome. Appropriate outcomes depend on multiple factors. There are many, but among others tumor characteristics (size, location, i.e., tumor complexity), patient baseline renal function, patient comorbidities, and performance status etc. Based on all these, the surgeon adapts the intervention for each mass/patient by preoperative planning, absence/use/duration of warm or cold ischemia, perioperative imaging, resection technique adapted to tumor location and depth of invasion, use of hemostatics, type and degree of renal parenchymal closure and others details. Nephroprotective agents have not shown efficacy so far. It should not be forgotten that surgeon's experience plays a key role in the achievement of good results. Although multiple factors have a role in the RA partial nephrectomy, surgeon experience and adaptation of technique of intervention have the crucial role in the achievement of both functional and oncological results.

Renal Tumor Biopsy: Rationale to Avoid Surgery in Small Renal Masses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The use of renal tumor biopsy (RTB) for small renal masses (SRMs) in daily practice, although safe and accurate, is unusual. Considering the large number of benign tumors in patients with renal masses < 4 cm, some patients with benign tumors are directly referred for surgery instead. This study aimed to report the diagnostic rates of RTB, determine the concordance with surgical pathology, and assess the number of procedures that could have been avoided. We retrospectively studied 255 patients who underwent RTB at our institution in 2010-2019. Of them, 73 were excluded from the analysis (exclusion criteria: > 4 cm, cystic lesion, missing data). The remaining 182 with undetermined SRMs ≤ 4 cm underwent RTB under computed tomography guidance. RECENT FINDINGS: Biopsies were diagnostic in 154/182 (84.6%) cases. Of the non-diagnostic biopsies, 11 were diagnostic when repeated. When RTB was performed of all undetermined SRMs, active treatment (surgery or cryotherapy) was avoided in 50/182 patients (27.5%) because of a benign diagnosis, while 9/182 patients (4.9%) underwent surveillance after a shared multidisciplinary decision. The overall diagnostic rate was 90.6%. All adverse events (approximately 4%) were Clavien-Dindo grade I and did not require active treatment. RTB histology results and nuclear grade were highly concordant with the final pathology (96% and 86.6%, respectively). On univariate logistic regression analysis, male sex was the only contributing factor of diagnostic biopsy. RTB of SRMs should be performed more frequently as part of a multidisciplinary decision-making process since it avoided unnecessary surgical treatment in 1 of 3 patients in our institution.

[Evaluation and results of ablative therapies in prostate cancer]. / Modalités d'évaluation et résultats des traitements ablatifs dans le cancer de la prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a state of the art about methods of evaluation and present results in ablative therapies for localized prostate cancer. METHODS: A review of the scientific literature was performed in Medline database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) using different associations of keywords. Publications obtained were selected based on methodology, language and relevance. After selection, 102 articles were analysed. RESULTS: Analyse the results of ablative therapies is presently difficult considering the heterogeneity of indications, techniques and follow-up. However, results from the most recent and homogeneous studies are encouraging. Oncologically, postoperative biopsies (the most important criteria) are negative (without any tumor cells in the treated area) in 75 to 95%. Functionally, urinary and sexual pre-operative status is spared (or recovered early) in more than 90% of the patients treated. More and more studies underline also the correlation between the results and the technique used considering the volume of the gland and, moreover, the "index lesion" localization. CONCLUSION: The post-treatment pathological evaluation by biopsies (targeted with MRI or, perhaps in a near future, with innovative ultrasonography) is the corner stone of oncological evaluation of ablative therapies. Ongoing trials will allow to standardize the follow-up and determine the best indication and the best techniques in order to optimize oncological and functional results for each patient treated.

[Indications and limits of ablative therapies in prostate cancer]. / Indications et limites actuelles des traitements ablatifs dans le cancer de la prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a state of the art about indications and limits of ablative therapies for localized prostate cancer. METHODS: A review of the scientific literature was performed in Medline database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) using different associations of keywords. Publications obtained were selected based on methodology, language and relevance. After selection, 107 articles were analysed. RESULTS: The objective to combine reduction of side effects and oncological control has induced recent development of several ablative therapies. Beyond this heterogeneity, some preferential indications appear: unilateral cancer of low risk (but with significant volume, excluding active surveillance) or intermediate risk (excluding majority of grade 4); treatment targeted the index lesion, by quarter or hemi-ablation, based on biopsy and mpMRI. In addition, indications must considered specific limits of each energy, such as gland volume and tumor localization. CONCLUSION: Based on new imaging and biopsy, ablative therapies will probably increased its role in the future in management of localize prostate cancer. The multiple ongoing trials will certainly be helpful to better define their indications and limits.

[Management of ablative therapies in prostate cancer]. / Traitements ablatifs pour cancer de prostate : modalités de prise en charge.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the specific modalities of ablative therapies management in prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the scientific literature was performed in Medline database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) using different associations of keywords. Publications obtained were selected based on methodology, language and relevance. After selection, 61 articles were analysed. RESULTS: Development of innovations such as ablative therapies in prostate cancer induces specific modalities in their management, during pre-, per- and post-procedure. More than for classical and well-known treatments, the decision to propose an ablative therapy requires analysis and consensus of medical staff and patient's agreement. Patient's specificities and economical aspects must also be considered. Procedures and follow-up must be realized by referents actors. CONCLUSION: Indication, procedure and follow-up of ablative therapies in prostate cancer require specific modalities. They must be respected in order to optimize the results and to obtain a precise and objective evaluation for defining future indications.

Older patients with low Charlson score and high-risk prostate cancer benefit from radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to identify the appropriate level of Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) in older patients (>70 years) with high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) to achieve survival benefit following radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1008 older patients (>70 years) who underwent RP with pelvic lymph node dissection for high-risk prostate cancer (preoperative prostate-specific antigen >20 ng/mL or clinical stage ≥T2c or Gleason ≥8) from 14 tertiary institutions between 1988 and 2014. The study population was further grouped into CCI < 2 and ≥2 for analysis. Survival rate for each group was estimated with Kaplan-Meier method and competitive risk Fine-Gray regression to estimate the best explanatory multivariable model. Area under the curve (AUC) and Akaike information criterion were used to identify ideal 'Cut off' for CCI. RESULTS: The clinical and cancer characteristics were similar between the two groups. Comparison of the survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier curve between two groups for non-cancer death and survival estimations for 5 and 10 years shows significant worst outcomes for patients with CCI ≥ 2. In multivariate model to decide the appropriate CCI cut-off point, we found CCI 2 has better AUC and p value in log rank test. CONCLUSION: Older patients with fewer comorbidities harboring high-risk PCa appears to benefit from RP. Sicker patients are more likely to die due to non-prostate cancer-related causes and are less likely to benefit from RP.

Standardization of definitions in focal therapy of prostate cancer: report from a Delphi consensus project.

PURPOSE: To reach standardized terminology in focal therapy (FT) for prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A four-stage modified Delphi consensus project was undertaken among a panel of international experts in the field of FT for PCa. Data on terminology in FT was collected from the panel by three rounds of online questionnaires. During a face-to-face meeting on June 21, 2015, attended by 38 experts, all data from the online rounds were reviewed and recommendations for definitions were formulated. RESULTS: Consensus was attained on 23 of 27 topics; Targeted FT was defined as a lesion-based treatment strategy, treating all identified significant cancer foci; FT was generically defined as an anatomy-based (zonal) treatment strategy. Treatment failure due to the ablative energy inadequately destroying treated tissue is defined as ablation failure. In targeting failure the energy is not adequately applied to the tumor spatially and selection failure occurs when a patient was wrongfully selected for FT. No definition of biochemical recurrence can be recommended based on the current data. Important definitions for outcome measures are potency (minimum IIEF-5 score of 21), incontinence (new need for pads or leakage) and deterioration in urinary function (increase in IPSS >5 points). No agreement on the best quality of life tool was established, but UCLA-EPIC and EORTC-QLQ-30 were most commonly supported by the experts. A complete overview of statements is presented in the text. CONCLUSION: Focal therapy is an emerging field of PCa therapeutics. Standardization of definitions helps to create comparable research results and facilitate clear communication in clinical practice.

Tips and tricks for intracorporeal robot-assisted urinary diversion.

Since 2003, Karolinska University Hospitals have performed totally intracorporeal robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in carefully selected patients. As our technique has evolved, the proportion of patients undergoing RARC has progressively increased. Whilst open radical cystectomy remains the gold standard, several high-volume centres have now demonstrated that RARC is both feasible and safe. RARC comprises three stages: radical cystectomy, extended lymph node dissection and urinary diversion. The majority of centres in the United States currently perform RARC utilizing an extracorporeal approach for the urinary diversion stage, perceiving this to be a more accessible option with a reduced risk of complications. We assess the evidence for this perception, reviewing the literature and reporting the functional outcomes and complication rates for a totally intracorporeal RARC approach. We also describe our technique for both intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder and intracorporeal ileal conduit, identifying the potential hazard steps and the 'tips and tricks' to optimize outcomes.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal neobladder diversion: The Karolinska experience.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this report is to describe our surgical technique of totally intracorporeal robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with neobladder formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2003 and March 2013, a total of 147 patients (118 male, 29 female) underwent totally intracorporeal RARC for urinary bladder cancer. We also performed a systematic search of Medline, Embase and PubMed databases using the terms RARC, robotic cystectomy, robot-assisted, totally intracorporeal RARC, intracorporeal neobladder, intracorporeal urinary diversion, oncological outcomes, functional outcomes, and complication rates. RESULTS: The mean age of our patients was 64 years (range 37-87). On surgical pathology 47% had pT1 or less disease, 27% had pT2, 16% had pT3 and 10% had pT4. The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 21 (range 0-60). 24% of patients had lymph node positive dAQ1isease. Positive surgical margins occurred in 6 cases (4%). Mean follow-up was 31 months (range 4-115 months). Two patients (1.4%) died within 90 days of their operation. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, overall survival and cancer specific survival at 60 months was 68% and 69.6%, respectively. 80 patients (54%) received a continent diversion with totally intracorporeal neobladder formation. In the neobladder subgroup median total operating time was 420 minutes (range 265-760). Daytime continence and satisfactory sexual function or potency at 12 months ranged between 70-90% in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with totally intracorporeal RARC demonstrates acceptable oncological and functional outcomes that suggest this is a viable alternative to open radical cystectomy.

Prostate-sparing radical cystectomy for selected patients with bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To review the current literature about prostate-sparing radical cystectomy (PSRC) and its potential for management of a selected population of patients with bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched for the key words 'prostate', 'sparing' and 'cystectomy' between 1984 and 2012. Articles in English, French and German were considered relevant for review. Institutional experience with this procedure was also included. RESULTS: PSRC remains a controversial procedure for the treatment of patients harboring bladder carcinoma, mainly due to insufficient knowledge of clear indications and/or contraindications. Experience with PSRC is still limited to very few referral centers and there is a lack of large series with long-term outcomes. The potential for excellent functional outcomes must be carefully balanced against inconsistent oncological results. CONCLUSIONS: PSRC may become an option for carefully selected and extensively informed patients. Suggestions for possible indications and contraindications are presented.

Robotic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (R-LESS) in urology: an evidence-based analysis.

The objective of this manuscript is to provide an evidence-based analysis of the current status and future perspectives of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (R-LESS). A PubMed search has been performed for all relevant urological literature regarding natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). All clinical and investigative reports for robotic LESS and NOTES procedures in the urological literature have been considered. A significant number of clinical urological procedures have been successfully completed utilizing R-LESS procedures. The available experience is limited to referral centers, where the case volume is sufficient to help overcome the challenges and learning curve of LESS surgery. The robotic interface remains the best fit for LESS procedures but its mode of use continues to evolve in attempts to improve surgical technique. We stand today at the dawn of R-LESS surgery, but this approach may well become the standard of care in the near future. Further technological development is needed to allow widespread adoption of the technique.

Oncological outcomes and pathological characteristics of cT1 upstaging to pT3a renal cell carcinoma compared with de novo pT3a tumors. / Resultados oncológicos y características patológicas de la sobrestadificación de cT1 a carcinoma de células renales pT3a en comparación con los tumores pT3a de novo.

INTRODUCTION: The significance of upstaging of cT1 renal tumors to pT3a is not clear. We evaluate the incidence of upstaging, identify predictors and analyze oncological outcomes of these patients versus those who did not upstage. We also compared the oncological outcomes of cT1 upstaging to pT3a with de novo pT3a renal tumors. METHODS: From a database of 1021 renal tumors with complete available follow-up data, 517 patients had cT1. Patients upstaging to pT3a were compared to those who did not. Baseline clinical, perioperative, histopathologic features and oncological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Out of 517 cT1 patients, 105 (20.3%) upstaged to pT3a and 412 (79.7%) did not. Proportion of patients in each group undergoing partial and radical nephrectomy, postoperative tumor size, histology, margin status and lymph node involvement were similar. Among upstaged, 9 patients (8.6%) developed first recurrence as compared to only 3 (0.7%) in those not upstaging (P <0.001). The median time to recurrence (57 vs. 107 months; P <0.001) was lesser in de novo pT3a renal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological upstaging from cT1 to pT3a and necrosis on histopathology were associated with recurrence. Advanced age, smoking, necrosis on histopathology, clear cell histology and higher Fuhrman grades contributed to pathological upstaging of cT1 tumors. De novo pT3a RCC had worse survival when compared to cT1 patients upstaging to pT3a RCC.

Immediate versus delayed prostatectomy and the fate of patients who progress to a higher risk disease on active surveillance. / Prostatectomía inmediata versus demorada en pacientes que progresan a una enfermedad de mayor riesgo en vigilancia activa.

INTRODUCTION: Oncological outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients progressing on active surveillance (AS) are debated. We compared outcomes of AS eligible patients undergoing RP immediately after diagnosis with those doing so after delay or disease progression on AS. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2014, 961 patients were AS eligible as per EAU criteria. RP within 6 months of diagnosis (IRP) or beyond (DRP), RP without AS (DRPa) and AS patients progressing to RP (DRPb) were compared. Baseline PSA, clinical and biopsy characteristics were noted. Oncological outcomes included adverse pathology in RP specimen and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Matched pair analysis was done between DRPb and GS7 patients undergoing immediate RP (GS7IRP). RESULTS: IRP, DRP, DRPa and DRPb had 820 (85%), 141 (15%), 118 (12.24%) and 23 (2.7%) patients respectively. IRP, DRPa and DRPb underwent RP at a median of 3, 9 and 19 months after diagnosis respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable. DRP vs. IRP had earlier median time (31 vs. 43 months; p<.001) and higher rate of progression to BCR (7.6 vs. 3.9%;p=.045). DRPb showed higher BCR (19 vs. 5%;p=.021) with earlier median time to BCR, compared to IRP and DRPa (p=.038). There was no difference in adverse pathology and BCR rates, but time to BCR was significantly lesser in DRPb (49 vs. 6 months;p<.001), compared to GS7IRP. CONCLUSIONS: Patients progressing on AS had worst oncological outcomes. RP for GS7 progression and matched pair of GS7 patients had similar outcomes. Worse oncological outcomes in AS progressors cannot be explained by a mere delay in RP.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the gold standard for the surgical management of small and medium adrenal masses. Nevertheless, there is still controversy for the laparoscopic treatment of adrenal carcinoma. The aim of this article was to report current standards on LA. The data for this review were obtained by a PubMed search of the English and Spanish available literature. The search was conducted with the term ''laparoscopic adrenalectomy''. Information identified was reviewed and the reference list of the identified articles was searched for further manuscripts. Experience with the procedure and technical nuances coined by the senior authors is also reflected in the manuscript. Even when available evidence in the literature is low for LA, it has become the standard of treatment for adrenal masses especially in benign lesions. The accurate preoperatory work-up and imaging remain cornerstone elements in surgical therapeutical decisions. The most employed surgical technique for LA is the lateral transabdominal, but novel approaches have been developed to treat surgically adrenal diseases and an objective evaluation of outcomes is awaited. Laparoscopic treatment of adrenal primary malignancy and metastases is still controversial although clear indications for laparoscopy in these cases are bounded to surgical experience. LA has definitively replaced open surgery in the surgical management of adrenal tumors < or = 12 cm, because of its advantages in terms of morbidity and recovery. Large and malignant tumors should be carefully approached by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

[Laparoscopic vesical autoaugmentation: an animal model in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)]. / Autoaumento vesical por laparoscopia. Modelo experimental en conejos (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

INTRODUCTION: Small contracted bladder remains a challenge in clinical urological practice and treatment options are not always effective. Urothelium sparing surgical techniques represent a reasonable therapeutical option. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a rabbit model (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the teaching and training setting for laparoscopic vesical autoaugmentation. METHODS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation was performed in five New Zealand male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). A three port technique was used for all cases. Circumferential detrusorectomy was performed with vascular pedicles sparing, subsequently submucosal detailed blunt dissection allowed the creation of a bladder diverticulum which was verified intraoperatively. Eye-ball cystometry was performed preoperatively and postoperatively to verify bladder capacity variations. Postoperatively cystometry was done immediately after the procedure and 7 and 15 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed with T-student model. A p-value < 0.05 was considered of significance for the analysis. Surgical procedure and perioperative animal care was minutely precised according to the Guidelines of the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council. RESULTS: Five New Zealand male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were surgically treated as described. Median operative time was 68.8 minutes (range 44 -120). Median preoperatory bladder capacity for the series was 25.8 cc (7-52). Median postoperative bladder capacity was diminished in 33% immediately after the operation. Then, bladder capacity augmented 72% and 52% for 7th and 15th postoperative days, respectively. Percentage variation in bladder capacity is statistically significant. Two operative complications (mucosal tear) were reported. A postoperatory abscess was observed in one animal. CONCLUSION: The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) model for the laparoscopic bladder autoaugmentation is feasible for teaching, training and research. Bigger series and longer follow-up should be addressed.

Visceral and gastrointestinal complications in robotic urologic surgery. / Complicaciones viscerales y gastrointestinales en la cirugía urológica robótica.

INTRODUCTION: with the widespread use of minimally invasive techniques, robot-assisted urologic surgery has become widely adopted. Despite their infrequency, visceral and gastrointestinal complications could be life-threatening. OBJECTIVES: To identify the main gastrointestinal injuries that occur in a robot-assisted urologic surgery. To know the overall incidence and how is their management. ACQUISITION OF THE EVIDENCE: Search in PubMed of articles related to visceral and gastrointestinal complications in robot-assisted urology surgery, written in English or Spanish. Relevant publications as well literature reviews and chapters from books were reviewed. SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: Along with vascular injuries, visceral and gastrointestinal lesions are among most dangerous complications. A complete preoperative study to individualize each patient characteristics and the correct use of imaging could help us to avoid complications in the first place. To know all the risky steps in the different robotic urologic procedures will let us anticipate the damage. Knowledge of main and most dangerous injuries in the different abdominal and pelvic organs is fully recommended. Early diagnosis and evaluation of lesions will let us an acute management during surgery. Recognition delay could change a repairable injury into a life-threatening situation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the undeniable benefits of robotic approach, there are minor and major gastrointestinal injuries that all urologic surgeons must know. Those related with trocar placement are especially important. Immediate diagnosis and management is mandatory.

Predictive factors and the important role of detectable prostate-specific antigen for detection of clinical recurrence and cancer-specific mortality following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate predictive factors associated with detectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and describe clinical recurrence (CR) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: The study included 2500 patients who were treated with RARP at a single institution between 2000 and 2016. All patients had clinically localized PCa. Patients were divided into two groups according to PSA value at 6 weeks after surgery: undetectable (n = 2271; PSA < 0.1 ng/dl) and persistently elevated (n = 229; PSA ≥ 0.1 ng/dl). The association between various covariates and: (1) detectable PSA and (2) CR was evaluated. Kaplan-Meier analyses estimated CR and CSM rates according to PSA persistence. RESULTS: Inside the group of detectable PSA, 146 men (63.75%) received adjuvant treatments, 44 patients (19.21%) salvages therapies and 38 men (16.5%) experienced CR. Factors associated with aggressive disease predicted PSA persistence. Within patients with detectable PSA, pathologic stage ≥ pT3a (HR 2.71; p < 0.029) and to received adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) due to bad prognosis tumors (HR 13.36; p < 0.001) were associated with CR. Overall 14 (0.56%) died of PCa. 5 and 10-year CSM rates were higher for patients with CR (9.6 and 23.7%, p < 0.001), and Gleason ≥ 8 (5.7 and 6.9%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: A detectable PSA is affected by factors associated with aggressive prostate cancer. Within men with persistent PSA, those with higher pathologic stage and who received adjuvant ADT are more likely to have CR. Patients with CR, Gleason ≥ 8, and those who received adjuvant ADT must have a close monitoring due to the high rate of mortality.