Impact of previous malignancy at diagnosis on oncological outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The evidence of prognostic factors and individualized surveillance strategies for upper tract urothelial carcinoma are still weak. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the history of previous malignancy (HPM) affects the oncological outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: The CROES-UTUC registry is an international, observational, multicenter cohort study on patients diagnosed with UTUC. Patient and disease characteristics from 2380 patients with UTUC were collected. The primary outcome of this study was recurrence-free survival. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed by stratifying patients according to their HPM. RESULTS: A total of 996 patients were included in this study. With a median recurrence-free survival time of 7.2 months and a median follow-up time of 9.2 months, 19.5% of patients had disease recurrence. The recurrence-free survival rate in the HPM group was 75.7%, which was significantly lower than non-HPM group (82.7%, P = 0.012). Kaplan-Meier analyses also showed that HPM could increase the risk of upper tract recurrence (P = 0.048). Furthermore, patients with a history of non-urothelial cancers had a higher risk of intravesical recurrence (P = 0.003), and patients with a history of urothelial cancers had a higher risk of upper tract recurrence (P = 0.015). Upon multivariate Cox regression analysis, the history of non-urothelial cancer was a risk factor for intravesical recurrence (P = 0.004), and the history of urothelial cancer was a risk factor for upper tract recurrence (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Both previous non-urothelial and urothelial malignancy could increase the risk of tumor recurrence. But different cancer types may increase different sites' risk of tumor recurrence for patients with UTUC. According to present study, more personalized follow-up plans and active treatment strategies should be considered for UTUC patients

Robot-assisted segmental ureterectomy with psoas hitch ureteral reimplantation: Oncological, functional and perioperative outcomes of case series of a single centre.

Introduction: According to the Urology guidelines, in selected cases of distal upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) segmental ureterectomy (SU) can be offered. There is no consensus in the surgical technique of preference. Robot-assisted SU could be an option to overcome all the limitations of open and laparoscopic techniques. We describe our first experience of robot assisted SU with psoas hitch ureteral reimplantation (RAPHUR). Materials and methods: 11 patients underwent RAPHUR for distal UTUC between 2013 and 2017 in a single centre. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Conventional imaging was performed after 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year from surgery as follow up protocol. We retrospectively evaluated the technical feasibility, oncological and functional outcomes. Results: Median age was 71 years (57-91). The median length of the ureteral defect was 23 mm (10-40). Median preoperative creatinine level was 1.22 mg/dl (0.7-1.85) and median eGFR was 57.5 ml/min/1.73m2 (31-80). Five (45.5%) patients were symptomatic and 7 (63.6%) had hydronephrosis. Median operative time was 185 min (120-240), with a median blood loss of 100 ml (50-300). No case required conversion to open surgery. Overall, only 1 (9%) patient developed Clavien Dindo ≥ 3 postoperative complications. Average hospital stay was 7 (2-9) days. Mean postoperative creatinine was 1.05 mg/dl (0.8-1.85) and mean postoperative eGFR was 72 (36-83). During a median follow up time of 25.5 months (12-53), 4 (36.4%) patients experienced recurrence of urothelial cancer at conventional imaging follow up and 2 (18.2%) died due to its progression. Conclusions: In our initial experience RAPHUR can be proposed to selected cases of distal ureteral carcinoma with optimal perioperative and functional outcomes. However, cancer control may be undermined compared to nephroureterectomy. Thus, further prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings

Robot-geassisteerde nefro-ureterectomie voor urotheelCa van de hogere urinewegen : resultaten van 3 high-volume robot centra

Doelstelling: Robot-geassisteerde nefro-ureterectomie (RANU) vormt een minimaal invasief alternatief voor open nefro-ureterectomie in de behandeling van urotheelcelcarcinoom van de hogere urinewegen (UTUC). Het doel van deze studie is om de perioperatieve en oncologische uitkomst na RANU te onderzoeken. Materiaal en Methoden: Tussen 2008 en 2017 ondergingen 78 patiënten RANU voor UTUC in 3 high-volume robot centra. Retrospectieve analyse met beschrijvende statistiek en Kaplan-Meier curves gebeurde om de intra- en postoperatieve complicaties te beschrijven, en de oncologische uitkomst (algeheel en gestratifieerd volgens hervaltype en pathologisch tumorstadium) te onderzoeken. Resultaten: De mediane leeftijd bij diagnose was 72jaar (IQR 65-78) met een mediane Charlson comorbidity index van 3 (IQR 1-6). Man-vrouw ratio was 2:1. De tumor bevond zich ter hoogte van het renaal/pyelo-calicieel systeem (52%), de proximale ureter (6%), midureteraal (19%), de distale ureter (2%) of multifocaal (21%). Het mediane geschatte bloedverlies was 75ml (IQR 35-180) en de mediane verblijfsduur 4dagen (IQR 4-6). Bloedtransfusies gebeurden bij 3% van de patiënten. Intraoperatieve complicaties traden op in 5% en postoperatieve complicaties in 25% van de gevallen. Clavien-Dindo graad ≥ III complicaties traden op bij 3%. Pathologisch tumorstadium betrof pTa (27%), pTis (3%), pT1 (21%), pT2 (17%), pT3 (24%), pT4 (5%) of pT0 (3%). Lymfeklierdissectie gebeurde bij 31 patiënten (40%) waarvan er bij 29% lymfeklieren waren betrokken. Bij een mediane opvolgingstijd van 15 maanden, is de geschatte algehele 2jaarsoverleving 79%. Gestratifieerd volgens hervaltype is dit respectievelijk 100% voor blaasherval en 16% voor patiënten met herval op afstand (p<0.001). Gestratifieerd volgens pT-stadium is dit 95%, 90% en 41% voor respectievelijk pTa-1, pT2 en pT3-4 tumoren (p=0.01). Peritoneale metastasering werd gezien bij 1 patiënt met pT4N2R1 UTUC. Conclusie: RANU is een veilige en doenbare chirurgische strategie als minimaal invasieve behandeling voor patiënten met UTUC. Postoperatieve morbiditeit is accepteerbaar en het aantal zware complicaties is zeer laag. Op korte termijn lijkt de oncologische uitkomst zeker aanvaardbaar zonder dat er aanwijzingen zijn op een verhoogd risico op peritoneale metastasering

Different approaches for bladder neck dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: the Aalst technique

ABSTRACT Introduction: Bladder neck dissection is one of the most delicate surgical steps of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) [1, 2], and it may affect surgical margins rate and functional outcomes [3, 4]. Given the relationship between outcomes and surgical experience [5–7], it is crucial to implement a step-by-step approach for each surgical step of the procedure, especially in the most challenging part of the intervention. In this video compilation, we described the techniques for bladder neck dissection utilized at OLV Hospital (Aalst, Belgium). Surgical Technique: We illustrated five different techniques for bladder neck dissection during RARP. The anterior technique tackles the bladder neck from above until the urethral catheter is visualized, and then the dissection is completed posteriorly. The lateral and postero-lateral approaches involve the identification of a weakness point at the prostate-vesical junction and aim to develop the posterior plane – virtually until the seminal vesicles – prior to the opening of the urethra anteriorly. Finally, we described our techniques for bladder neck dissection in more challenging cases such as in patients with bulky middle lobes and prior surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. All approaches follow anatomic landmarks to minimize positive surgical margins and aim to preserve the bladder neck in order to promote optimal functional recovery. All procedures were performed with DaVinci robotic platforms using a 3-instruments configuration (scissors, fenestrated bipolar, and needle driver). As standard protocol at our Institution, urinary catheter was removed on postoperative day two [8]. Conclusions: Five different approaches for bladder neck dissection during RARP were described in this video compilation. We believe that the technical details provided here might be of help for clinicians who are starting their practice with this surgical intervention

Robot-assisted radical adrenalectomy with clamping of the vena cava for excision of a metastatic adrenal vein thrombus: A case report

Background Renal or adrenal neoplastic vein thrombi are relative contra-indications for laparoscopic treatment. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first robot-assisted radical adrenalectomy (RARA) with the presence of a thrombus in the adrenal vein. Methods A 54 year-old male with a history of laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy for clear cell carcinoma was referred to our department with a diagnosed right adrenal tumour extending into the adrenal vein. A RARA was planned through a trans-peritoneal approach, and an en bloc resection of the adrenal and its vein with clamping of the vena cava was performed. Results Console time was 94 min and the estimated blood loss was 44 ml. The pathology report confirmed clear cell carcinoma with negative surgical margins. Convalescence was uneventful. Conclusion RARA with thrombectomy and vascular reconstruction can be safe, effective and feasible in experienced hands, using robotic bulldog

Early Catheter Removal after Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical Technique and Outcomes for the Aalst Technique (ECaRemA Study)

Background Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a widespread option for the treatment of patients with clinically localised prostate cancer. Modifications in the surgical technique may help to further improve functional outcomes. Objective To assess the outcome of early catheter removal 48 h after surgery, as opposed to standard catheter removal 6 d after surgery following RARP, using a newly developed surgical technique for posterior reconstruction and anastomosis (Aalst technique). Design, setting, and participants Patients scheduled for RARP were prospectively scheduled for early catheter removal at postoperative d 2 (group A, n = 37) and standard catheter removal at postoperative d 6 (group B, n = 37). Surgical procedure RARP was performed using the Da Vinci Si system. The Aalst technique for the urethro-vesical anastomosis including posterior reconstruction was used as previously described. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The primary endpoint was spontaneous voiding after catheter removal. Secondary endpoints were rate of anastomotic urinary leakage after catheter removal, presence and severity of urethral, perineal, and abdominal pain, as well as patient's bother after catheter removal using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Rate and severity of urinary incontinence after catheter removal were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-MLUTS) questionnaire. Results and limitations There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to baseline and perioperative parameters, as well as pathological features; however, significantly more patients underwent bilateral nerve-sparing procedures in group A (34 vs 23, p = 0.008). After catheter removal, patients in both groups showed spontaneous voiding, whereas only 11% and 8% of the patients in group A and group B experienced urinary retention after catheter removal (p = 0.7). Patients in group B had significantly higher maximum flow rates, but lower voided volumes after catheter removal in comparison with patients in group A (21 ml/s vs 10 ml/s, p 64 0.001 and 170 ml vs 200 ml, p 64 0.001, respectively). ICIQ-MLUTS questionnaire and VAS scores showed no significant differences between the groups at any time point. Conclusions The Aalst technique allows the removal of catheters 2 d after RARP and results in spontaneous voiding. Early removal showed no increased rate of urinary leakage, no negative impact on short-term continence and on perineal, urethral or penile pain, and no increase in urinary retention rates. Future studies have to confirm these results with longer follow-up including detailed parameters on return to daily activity. Patient summary We provide evidence that it is possible to remove the bladder catheter as early as 2 d after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy without any negative effects on voiding and pain parameters. Thus, leaving the hospital early without a catheter in place could represent a significant and relevant benefit for the patient. \ua9 2015 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Robot-assisted Simple Prostatectomy for Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Enlargement: Surgical Technique and Outcomes in a High-volume Robotic Centre

Background Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to large benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Objective To present the perioperative and short-term functional outcomes of RASP in a large series of patients with LUTS due to BPE treated in a high-volume referral center. Design, setting, and participants We retrospectively collected data for 67 consecutive patients who underwent RASP from October 2008 to August 2014. Surgical procedure RASP was performed using a Da Vinci S or Si system with a transvesical approach. Measurements Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Continuous variables are reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). Comparison of preoperative and postoperative outcomes was assessed by Wilcoxon test. A two-sided value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results and limitations The median preoperative prostate volume was 129 ml (IQR 104-180). For the 45 patients who did not have an indwelling catheter, the median preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 25 (20.5-28), the median maximum flow rate (Qmax) was 7 ml/s (IQR 5-11), and the median post-void residual volume (PVRV) was 73 ml (IQR 40-116). The median operative time was 97 min (IQR 80-127) and the median estimated blood loss was 200 ml (IQR 115-360). The postoperative complication rate was 30%, including three cases (4.5%) with grade 3b complications (major bleeding requiring cystoscopy and coagulation). The median catheterization time was 3 d (IQR 2-4) and the median length of stay was 4 d (IQR 3-5). The median follow-up was 6 mo (IQR 2-12). At follow-up, the median IPSS was 3 (IQR 0-8), the median Qmax was 23 ml/s (IQR 16-35), and the median PVRV was 0 ml (IQR 0-36) (all p < 0.001 vs baseline values). The retrospective design is the major study limitation. Conclusions Our data indicate good perioperative outcomes, an acceptable risk profile, and excellent improvements in patient symptoms and flow scores at short-term follow-up following RASP. Patient summary We analyzed the perioperative and functional outcomes of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy in the treatment of male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to large prostatic adenoma. The procedure was associated with a relatively low risk of complications and excellent functional outcomes, including considerable improvements in symptoms and flow performance. We can conclude that the procedure is a valuable option in the treatment of such patients. However, comparative studies evaluating the efficacy of the procedure in comparison with endoscopic treatment of large prostatic adenomas are neede

Low Pressure Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy With the AirSeal System at OLV Hospital: Results From a Prospective Study

Micro-Abstract Limited studies examined the effects of pneumoperitoneum during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and with AirSeal. The aim of this study was to assess the effect on hemodynamics of lower pressure pneumoperitoneum (8 mmHg) with AirSeal, during RARP in steep Trendelenburg 45\ub0, proving how the combination of steep Trendelenburg, lower pressure pneumoperitoneum and the extreme surgeon's experience allows to safely perform RARP using a low-impact surgery. Background Limited studies examined effects of pneumoperiotneum during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and with AirSeal. The aim of this study was to assess the effect on hemodynamics of a lower pressure pneumoperitoneum (8 mmHg) with AirSeal, during RARP in steep Trendelenburg 45\ub0 (ST). Materials and Methods This is an institutional review board-approved, prospective, interventional, single-center study including patients treated with RARP at OLV Hospital by one extremely experienced surgeon (July 2015-February 2016). Intraoperative monitoring included: arterial pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac output, heart rate, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, intrathoracic pressure, airways pressures, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic areas/volumes and ejection fraction, by transesophageal echocardiography, an esophageal catheter, and FloTrac/Vigileo system. Measurements were performed after induction of anesthesia with patient in horizontal (T0), 5 minutes after 8 mmHg pneumoperitoneum (TP), 5 minutes after ST (TT1) and every 30 minutes thereafter until the end of surgery (TH). Parameters modification at the prespecified times was assessed by Wilcoxon and Friedman tests, as appropriate. All analyses were performed by SPSS v. 23.0. Results A total of 53 consecutive patients were enrolled. The mean patients age was 62.6 \ub1 6.9 years. Comorbidity was relatively limited (51% with Charlson Comorbidity Index as low as 0). Despite the ST, working always at 8 mmHg with AirSeal, only central venous pressure and mean airways pressure showed a statistically significant variation during the operative time. Although other significant hemodynamic/respiratory changes were observed adding pneumoperitoneum and then ST, all variables remained always within limits safely manageable by anesthesiologists. Conclusion The combination of ST, lower pressure pneumoperitoneum and extreme surgeon's experience enables to safely perform RAR