Contemporary techniques and outcomes of robotic cystectomy and intracorporeal urinary diversions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) is being increasingly performed worldwide. This review summarizes recent technical developments and outcome data for RARC with ICUD. RECENT FINDINGS: With the recent description of intracorporeal continent cutaneous diversion, all classes of urinary diversion can presently be performed totally intracorporeally. The summary of our seven cases of intracorporeal continent cutaneous diversion in this article brings the number of reported cases in the literature to 17. Additional recent advancements in ICUD focus on novel technical descriptions and outcome data. Several intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder techniques have been described with intermediate perioperative outcomes. There is some rationale for reduced overall, wound, gastrointestinal and genitourinary complications with ICUD. SUMMARY: RARC with intracorporeal diversion is a feasible option for patients with bladder cancer. Prospective and randomized outcome data are needed to better characterize the benefit of ICUD in patients following radical cystectomy.

Infectious complications associated with the use of temporary prostatic urethral stents in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: To examine the infectious outcomes after the insertion of the temporary prostatic urethral stent (TPUS) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between November 2007 and September 2012, ninety TPUS were used in 33 patients with BPH at our institution. All patients had negative urine cultures prior to the first stent insertion. TPUS were sent for cultures at time of removal or exchange. Stents were removed at the time of definite surgical intervention, at 4-6 weeks, or when patients elected another course of treatment. Colonization was defined as asymptomatic positive stent culture. Infection was defined as symptomatic positive stent culture requiring treatment. Infection and colonization rates are reported. Logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of infection at any point. Predictors examined were age, body mass index, history of prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, neurologic disorder, erectile dysfunction and the sequence of stent placement. RESULTS: The majority of the subjects, 72% (24/33) had 1-2 stents, 9.0% (3/33) had 3-4 stents, 6.0% (2/33) had 5-6 stents, and 12% (4/33) of patients had more than 6 stents. From the 69 available culture results, the symptomatic infection rate was 16% (11/69) (95% CI: 8.2%-26.7%). The colonization rate was 58% (40/69) (95% CI: 45.5%-69.7%). None of the predictors examined were identified as a predictor of infection. There was no colonization detected when stents were removed in the first 20 days. CONCLUSION: Infection rates with TPUS in BPH patients are acceptable and early removal may prevent colonization.

Comparative analysis of the pressure profilometry of vesicocutaneous continent catheterizable conduits between patients with and without rectus abdominis neosphincter (Yachia principle).

AIMS: To assess whether crossing rectus abdominis muscle strips, as proposed by Yachia, would change urinary catheterizable conduit's pressure profilometry, in static and dynamic conditions. METHODS: Non-randomized selection of 20 continent patients that underwent Macedo's ileum-based reservoir, 10 including Yachia's technique (Study Group) and 10 without this mechanism of continence (Control Group). Demographics and cystometric data were assessed. Conduit's pressure profilometry was obtained by infusing saline through a multichannel catheter, at rest and during Valsalva maneuver. We assessed the pressure: (a) in the bladder; (b) in conduit's proximal segment; and (c) in conduit's distal segment, which is presumably the abdominal wall and crossed muscle strips site. RESULTS: Mean age at surgery was 6.1 years in the Control Group and 7.7 years in the Study Group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding maximum cystometric bladder capacity and leakage point pressure. At rest, the pressure profilometry showed similar results between groups in all segments analyzed. During Valsalva maneuver, pressure profilometry showed similar results between groups in bladder and conduit's proximal segment pressure. In this condition, conduit's distal segment pressure in the Study Group (Mean = 72.9 and Peak = 128.7 cmH2 O) was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than conduit's distal segment pressure in the Control Group (Mean = 48.3 and Peak = 65.1 cmH2 O). CONCLUSIONS: Crossing muscle strips over the conduit significantly increases the pressure in its distal segment during contraction of the rectus abdominis muscle, which can be important in moments of sudden increase in abdominal pressure in order to keep continence.

Urinary diversion during and after pediatric pyeloplasty: a population based analysis of more than 2,000 patients.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the use and efficacy of intraoperative urinary diversion with ureteral stent or nephrostomy tube during pyeloplasty in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Faculty Practice Solutions Center® national billing database was queried to identify all pediatric pyeloplasties performed from 2009 to 2012. Patient variables, surgical approach, use of intraoperative stent/nephrostomy tube and return for postoperative stent/nephrostomy tube or second pyeloplasty were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 2,435 children underwent open (1,792) or laparoscopic/robotic (643) pyeloplasty, with intraoperative urinary diversion rates of 45% and 83%, respectively. Comparing patients with and without an intraoperative stent/nephrostomy tube, 5.6% and 7.4%, respectively, returned to the hospital for urinary diversion. Multivariable analysis revealed no association with surgical approach, but higher surgeon volume (p <0.01) and use of an intraoperative stent/nephrostomy tube (p <0.01) were associated with decreased odds of requiring postoperative urinary diversion. Second pyeloplasty rate was 3.8% and was not associated with surgical approach or use of intraoperative stent/nephrostomy tube. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative stent/nephrostomy tube use and increased surgeon volume were each independently associated with a significant but small decrease in risk of postoperative stent/nephrostomy tube placement. Use of an intraoperative stent/nephrostomy tube was not associated with rate of second (redo ipsilateral or contralateral metachronous) pyeloplasty.

Novel prototype sewing device, EndoSew®, for minimally invasive surgery: an extracorporeal ileal conduit construction pilot study in 10 patients.

UNLABELLED: WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: The EndoSew(®) prototype was first tested in a porcine model several years ago. The investigators found it both simple to master and reliable, its greatest advantage being a 2.4-fold time saving compared with straight laparoscopic suturing. In addition to that publication, there is a single case report describing the performance of an open EndoSew(®) suture to close parts (16 cm) of an ileal neobladder. The time for suturing the 16 cm ileum was 25 min, which is in line with our experience. The knowledge on this subject is limited to these two publications. We report on the first consecutive series of ileal conduits performed in humans using the novel prototype sewing device EndoSew(®). The study shows that the beginning and the end of the suture process represent the critical procedural steps. It also shows that, overall, the prototype sewing machine has the potential to facilitate the intracorporeal suturing required in reconstructive urology for construction of urinary diversions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the novel prototype sewing device EndoSew(®) in placing an extracorporeal resorbable running suture for ileal conduits. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective single-centre pilot study of 10 consecutive patients undergoing ileal conduit, in whom the proximal end of the ileal conduit was closed extracorporeally using an EndoSew(®) running suture. The primary endpoint was the safety of the device and the feasibility of the sewing procedure which was defined as a complete watertight running suture line accomplished by EndoSew(®) only. Watertightness was assessed using methylene blue intraoperatively and by loopography on postoperative days 7 and 14. Secondary endpoints were the time requirements and complications ≤30 days after surgery. RESULTS: A complete EndoSew(®) running suture was feasible in nine patients; the suture had to be abandoned in one patient because of mechanical failure. In three patients, two additional single freehand stitches were needed to anchor the thread and to seal tiny leaks. Consequently, all suture lines in 6/10 patients were watertight with EndoSew(®) suturing alone and in 10/10 patients after additional freehand stitches. The median (range) sewing time was 5.5 (3-10) min and the median (range) suture length was 4.5 (2-5.5) cm. There were no suture-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The EndoSew(®) procedure is both feasible and safe. After additional freehand stitches in four patients all sutures were watertight. With further technical refinements, EndoSew(®) has the potential to facilitate the intracorporeal construction of urinary diversions.

Use of nonabsorbable staples for urinary diversion: a step in the wrong direction.

BACKGROUND: The use of bowel segments incorporated into the urinary tract is well established in urological surgery. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the use of absorbable and nonabsorbable staples for creation of a urine reservoir after radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review is based on a systematic Medline search assessing the period 1950-2010. RESULTS: Use of the autosuture stapling device for the construction of the urinary diversion significantly reduces operating time. Johnson and Fuerst reported its use for the first time to construct a ureteroileocutaneous urinary diversion in 1973. However, many studies demonstrated that exposed metal staples represent a nidus for stone formation when they are in direct contact with urine, particularly in urinary diversions such as Kock pouch and ileal conduit. Stone formation has been attributed in part to the use of nonabsorbable artificial materials, such as metal staples and Marlex mesh, strictures of the pouch and accumulation of mucus. The treatment options for pouch calculi include observation for spontaneous passage, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, percutaneous or endoscopic lithotripsy/lithotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Historically, the mean time to stone formation with nonabsorbable material (staples, Marlex mesh) is 34 months. None of the studies on use of nonabsorbable staples in urinary diversion has such a long follow-up. Until further studies with more appropriate observation time are completed, the use of nonabsorbable staples for continent and noncontinent urinary diversion should be discouraged.

[One clip too many]. / Ein Clip zu viel.

A patient with a Mainz II pouch due to muscle invasive bladder cancer presented to our urology department with de novo hydronephrosis on the left kidney after a regular colonoscopy. In the course of diagnostic workup, it was found that the neo-ostia were removed and clipped as a "polyp". Via rendezvous technique of antegrade ureterenoscopy and colonoscopy after nephrostomy placement urine outflow was successfully reconstituted by inserting a biliary stent into the left neo-ostium, which consolidated after stent removal as a permanent state.

Perugia ileal neobladder: functional results and complications.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term functional results and complications of an orthotopic ileal neobladder, defined as perugia ileal neobladder (PIN), in a group of patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy (RC). METHODS: Between 1993 and 2009, 237 consecutive patients who underwent RC for non-metastatic bladder cancer and orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction were enrolled. The neobladder was created using a modified Camey-II technique and consisted of a detubularized ileal loop of 45 cm using a vertical "Y" shape. Complications (<90 days) were reviewed and staged according to Clavien-Dindo classification and evaluated at long-term follow-up. Standard monitoring for cancer recurrence (computerized tomography, bone scan), cystourethrography, urodynamics and frequency/volume charts were performed during follow-up. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 64 months, and the 5-year overall survival rate was 64 %. Early complications were mostly grade I and II; grade III and IV complications were observed in 27 patients. Perioperative mortality rate was 1.6 %. The most frequent late complications were neobladder-ureteral reflux, urolithiasis and urethral anastomotic stricture. Daytime and nighttime urinary continence were 93.5 and 83.9 %, respectively. All patients were able to completely empty neobladders. Twenty patients were followed up for at least 10 years and presented satisfactory functional results. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical morbidity of RC and orthotopic neobladder was significant; however, the rate of grade III-IV complications was low. The long-term functional results of the PIN were interesting, confirming that appropriate patients' selection, adequate surgical technique, accurate patients' counseling and follow-up are essential.

Radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder for invasive bladder cancer: a critical analysis of long-term oncological, functional, and quality of life results.

PURPOSE: The present contribution analyses long-term data regarding oncological, functional, and quality of life aspects of patients subjected to cystectomy due to malignancy with subsequent orthotopic bladder substitution. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to review literature published from 1887 until today. Oncological aspects, special considerations on female patients, quality of life, geriatric patients, and impact of minimally invasive surgery were also addressed and discussed. RESULTS: After more than three decades, orthotopic bladder substitution subsequent to radical cystectomy has stood the test of time by providing adequate long-term survival and low local recurrence rates. Compared to radical cystectomy, neither radiation nor chemotherapy, nor a combination of both, offer similar long-term results. Orthotopic bladder substitution does not compromise oncological outcome and can be performed with excellent results regarding functional and quality of life issues. Chronological age is generally not a contraindication for cystectomy. CONCLUSION: Orthotopic bladder substitution should be the diversion of choice both in men and in women, whenever possible. For orthotopic urinary diversion, a careful patient selection considering tumor extent, patient motivation, preoperative sphincter function, other local and systemic adverse confounding factors, and overall life expectancy must be taken into account. Minimally invasive techniques are promising concepts for the future, awaiting confirmation in larger patient cohorts.

Intracorporeal Versus Extracorporeal Neobladder After Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy: Results From the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes of intracorporeal (ICNB) and extracorporeal neobladder (ECNB) following robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) from a multi-institutional, prospectively maintained database, the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium (IRCC). METHODS: A retrospective review of IRCC database between 2003 and 2020 (3742 patients from 33 institutions across 14 countries) was performed (I-79606). The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to assess utilization of ICNB over time. Multivariate logistic regression models were fit to evaluate variables associated with receiving ICNB, overall complications, high-grade complications, and readmissions after RARC. Kaplan Meier curves were used to depict recurrence-free, disease-specific, and overall survival. RESULTS: Four hundred eleven patients received neobladder, 64% underwent ICNB. ICNB utilization increased significantly over time (P <.01). Patients who received ICNB were readmitted and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy more frequently (36% vs 24%, P = .03, 35% vs 8%, P <.01, respectively). ICNB was associated with older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, P = .001), receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 4.63, 95% CI 2.34-9.18, P <.01), and more recent RARC era (2016-2020) (OR 12.6, 95% CI 5.6-28.4, P <.01). On multivariate analysis, ICNB (OR 5.43, 95% CI 2.34-12.58, P <.01), positive surgical margin (OR 4.88, 95% CI 1.29-18.42, P = .019), longer operative times (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00-1.58, P = .048), and institutional annual RARC volume (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.12, P <.01) were associated with readmissions. CONCLUSION: Utilization of ICNB increased significantly over time. Patients who underwent RARC and ICNB had shorter hospital stays and fewer 30-d reoperations but were readmitted more frequently compared to those who underwent ECNB.

Guar bean in urinary cytology: a morphologic pitfall.

INTRODUCTION: Various types of contaminants can be encountered in cytologic specimens. This study describes a vegetable material that we encountered in ileal conduit urine specimens. We aim to describe the cytomorphology and the source of origin of this vegetable material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cytology database for the past 5 years (January 2015-April 2020) was searched for ileal conduit urine cytology specimens with a reported vegetable contaminant. The details of the ostomy procedure and device used were recorded. Histologic sections were prepared from the ostomy devices as well as from guar beans and seeds. RESULTS: A total of 17 urinary specimens from 8 patients were identified that showed the presence of a vegetable contaminant. All the patients were using Coloplast (Minneapolis, MN) SenSura Mio ostomy device. The urine cytology showed presence of polygonal thick-walled cells with a dark brown/orange core with irregular outlines. Similar cells were also seen in the histologic sections prepared from the ostomy adhesive and the guar seed and bean. CONCLUSIONS: Guar gum is a naturally occurring hydrocolloid that is used in ostomy wafer adhesives. Correct identification and familiarity with the cytomorphology of the guar cells in samples of ileal conduit urine is essential to avoid a potential diagnostic pitfall when evaluating urine cytology specimens from these diversion specimens.

Orthotopic ileal bladder substitution following radical cystectomy using the linear-cutter stapling device.

We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and potential benefits of using the linear-cutter staplers in the ileal reanastomosis and ileal pouch reconstruction following radical cystectomy in patients with invasive carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal bladder substitution procedures were performed in 40 patients with invasive carcinoma of the urinary bladder. In 20 patients the linear- cutter stapling device was used for the ileo-ilial reanastomosis and reconstruction of the pouch, while in the other 20 patients the standard hand-suturing technique was used. Using the linear-cutter stapler in the ileo-ileal reanastromasis and ileal pouch reconstruction saved approximately 60 to 90 minutes of operative time, and there was also a significant reduction of blood loss during this period. The leakage rate and hospital stay were less in patients with a stapled pouch. Urodynamic characteristics were comparable to standard ileal neobladders.

The mystery of the ureteric stent in the lumen of the terminal ileum.

A 65-year-old comorbid female patient presented to our urology department with a history of multiple interventions to treat severe overactive bladder symptoms. She had a history of clam ileocystoplasty, which was then converted to an ileal conduit due to failure to resolve her symptoms. She subsequently developed multiple complications, most significantly ureteroileal stenosis, managed with bilateral ureteric stents. She later decided on bilateral nephrostomies and subsequent antegrade stent insertion. At follow-up, the proximal end of the left stent remained within the kidney and the distal end was free within the abdominal cavity. There was further migration of the stent in its entirety into the lumen of the terminal ileum on subsequent imaging. She denied any significant gastrointestinal symptoms, signs or peritonitis. Consideration was made for the endoscopic removal of the stent by the gastrointestinal team; however, the patient refused any further procedures preferring to be monitored.

Comparison of Removing Double-J Stent With and Without Cystoscopy in Kidney Transplant Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: The ureteric stent can be attached to the Foley catheter in kidney transplantation to exclude cystoscopy for its removal. It is rarely practiced in renal transplantation. There has been no randomized trial to evaluate the outcome of this procedure on major urologic complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-three kidney transplant patients were randomized into an intervention group in which the stent was attached to the Foley catheter and removed together and a control group in which stent was removed by cystoscopy. In both groups, stents were removed around the 8th post-operative day. RESULTS: From March 2016 to June 2017, out of 234 kidney transplants performed in our center, one hundred Sixty-three (69.6%) patients met the study inclusion criteria.  91patients (55.8%) were allocated to the intervention group. Mean days before JJ removal for intervention and control groups ("per-protocol" group) were 8.08 ± 1.52 and 8.57 ± 1.58, respectively (P = .09). There was no difference between groups regarding major urologic complications (P = .679). Visual analog scale pain scores were significantly higher in the control group (p = .001). The procedure reduced 63-120 USD from the cost of operation in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: In selected kidney transplant patients, attaching stent to the Foley catheter and removing both of them early may be a safe maneuver regarding major urological complications, reduces pain, and eliminates the cost of cystoscopy.

Knotted ureteral catheter in an 83-year-old man: case presentation and urological non-invasive management in the elderly.

Ureteral catheters are important devices in the management of upper urinary tract obstruction; severe complications due to insertion or stent permanence are unusual. We report the clinical case and management of a knotted ureteral stent in an 83-year-old man.

Incisional hernia involving the neobladder: technical considerations to avoid complications.

The management of incisional hernia following radical cystectomy (RC) and neobladder diversion poses a special challenge. Mesh erosion into the neobladder is a potential complication of hernia repair in this setting. We describe our experience and steps to avoid this complication. Three patients developed incisional hernias following RC involving the neobladder. The incisional hernias were repaired by the same surgeon. A systematic dissection and repair of the hernias with an onlay dual-layer mesh (made of polyglactin and polypropylene) was carried out. The critical steps were placing the polyglactin side of the mesh deeper and positioning of an omental flap anterior to the neobladder. The omental flap adds a protective layer that prevents adhesions between the neobladder and abdominal wall, and prevents erosion of the mesh into the fragile neobladder wall. All of these patients had received two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to RC. The time duration from RC to the repair of hernia was 7, 42, and 54 months. No intraoperative injury to the neobladder or other complication was noted during hernia repair. The patients were followed after hernia repair for 20, 22, and 42 months with no recurrence, mesh erosion, or other complications. Careful understanding and attention to details of the technique can minimize the risk of complications, especially incisional hernia recurrence, injury to the neobladder, and erosion of mesh into the neobladder wall.

Stoma care nursing management: cost implications in community care.

Successfully rehabilitating the stoma patient in the community means continuing the care provided by the hospital and preparing the patient for this new phase of life. It is well documented that this transition from hospital to home can often be a difficult time for the stoma patient and that home visits and ongoing support from the district nursing team are needed for many patients in the long term. This article aims to help community nurses understand the needs of the stoma patient in their homes and looks at the current situation, including costs, of supplying stoma appliances in the community.

Accessories or necessities? Exploring consensus on usage of stoma accessories.

Usage and opinion of accessory products in stoma care vary enormously. The aim of this study was to identify what constitutes an accessory product and to find out whether there is any standardization regarding their recommendation. Views of both patients and stoma nurses were examined. Patients identify accessory products as being necessary both physically and psychologically in improving their quality of life. While stoma nurses identify that the psychological effects of having a stoma should never be underestimated, there is still concern regarding the cost of recommending these products and their clinical necessity. It would appear that clinical necessity is based on nurses' opinions and is not always evidence or research based. Since accessory products have been shown to be essential to many patients with a stoma, should stoma nurses be more empathetic when considering their recommendation?

Iliac-Ileal Conduit Fistula.

One of the possible complications of chronic ureteral stenting is an artery-urinary tract fistula, although it is very rare. If it occurs, it is an emergency that needs surgery because of hemorrhage. We describe a case of an iliac-ileal conduit fistula, which is extremely rare, that was successfully treated by endovascular stent grafting.