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Purpose: To investigate functional, oncological and complication outcomes in women undergoing robot-assisted cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder. Methods: From a multi-institutional database, we identified females with bladder cancer treated with RARC and intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder. We evaluated the continence rate, short-term oncological outcomes, and complication rates. Analyses were repeated and stratified by the status of preserving gynecological organs. Results: The study involved 146 patients with the median age 60 years (IQR, 51–66 years). Pelvic organ-preserving procedure (POP) was performed in 77 patients (53%). Overall daytime and nighttime continence rates were 54% and 53%, respectively. For POP, the continence rate was 58% for both daytime and nighttime continence. In the non-POP cohort, the continence rate was 50% for daytime and 49% for nighttime continence. Both groups had balanced positive surgical margin rates (5,3% for POP and 4,7% for non-POP). In the whole cohort, high-grade (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) early and late complication rate was 7,5% and 7,5%, respectively. Conclusions: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder in females demonstrate excellent functional and complication outcomes. Pelvic organ-preserving cystectomy enhances urinary continence rates without adversely affecting surgical margins. Orthotopic neobladder in selected women with bladder cancer, along with pelvic organ-preserving cystectomy may be used for improved functional outcomes without compromising oncological results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review article is to provide a contemporary overview of benign uretero-enteric anastomotic stricture (UAS) management and outcomes. Recent Findings: In this article, we will review the most recent studies investigating UAS and evaluate etiology, potential risk factors, presentation, diagnosis, and management options, along with personal insight gained from our experience with managing this challenging reconstructive complication. Summary: Benign UAS is a relatively common long-term complication of intestinal urinary diversion, affecting approximately 1 in 10 patients. It is thought to be caused by ureteral tissue ischemia and fibrosis at the anastomotic site. Risk factors appear to include any that increase the likelihood of leak or ischemia; it is not clear if anastomotic approach impacts risk for stricture as well. Management options are varied and include endourologic, open, and robotic approaches. Endoscopic approaches may be less morbid but are considerably less effective than reconstruction performed after a period of ureteral rest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to assess the role of indocyanine green (ICG) to evaluate distal ureteral vascularity during robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion and its impact on the incidence of benign ureteroenteric strictures (UES). Methods: The study included patients who underwent RARC for bladder cancer between 2018 and 2023. All patients included underwent intracorporeal urinary diversion with ileal conduit or neobladder. Bricker technique was performed in all ureteroenteric anastomosis. ICG was employed during the study period to evaluate ureteral vascularity. We divided patients into 2 groups depending on the utilization of ICG during surgery and compared demographic, clinicopathological and perioperative outcomes, including benign UES rates. Results: We identified 221 patients that underwent RARC with intracorporeal urinary diversion. Ileal conduit was performed in 173 (78.3%) patients and neobladder in 48 (21.7%) cases. A total of 142 (64.3%) and 79 (35.7%) patients were in the non-ICG and ICG group, respectively. With a median follow-up of the entire cohort of 21.1 months, there were no differences in the rate of benign UES after RARC between the non-ICG and the ICG group (p = 0.901). In the non-ICG group, 26 (18.3%) patients developed benign UES and in the ICG group 15 (19.0%) patients. Most of the strictures appeared in the left ureter in both groups (80.8% non-ICG vs. 66.7% ICG, p = 0.599). Median time to stricture diagnosis was 4 months (IQR 3-7.25) for the non-ICG and 3 months (IQR 2–5) for the ICG group (p = 0.091). The ICG group had a slightly greater length of ureter resected compared with the non-ICG group (1.5 vs. 1.3 cm, p = 0.007). Conclusion: In our experience, choosing to use ICG intraoperatively to evaluate distal ureteral vascularity may not reduce the rate of benign UES after robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion and Bricker ureteroileal anastomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Die Urologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This study aims to report on psychosocial distress and QoL in bladder cancer patients after radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion to obtain a better basis for patient counseling and postoperative care. Methods: The study relied on prospectively collected data for 842 patients, who underwent three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation after RC and creation of an ileal conduit (IC) or ileal neobladder (INB). Data on QoL and psychosocial distress were collected by validated questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors for high psychosocial distress. Results: Four-hundred and forty-seven patients (326 male, 121 female) received an IC, while 395 patients (357 male, 38 female) received an INB. Health-related QoL improved steadily in the whole cohort during follow-up. Patients with an INB reported better physical function but suffered more from diarrhea and financial worries. Patients with an IC reported reduced satisfaction with their body image, increased worries about the future, and suffered more from constipation. Psychosocial distress increased significantly during follow-up. One year after surgery, 43.1% of patients suffered from high psychosocial distress. Multivariate regression analysis identified age ≤ 59 years (OR 1.731; CI 1.056–2.838; p = 0.030) and lymph node metastases (OR 2.073; CI 1.133–3.793; p = 0.018) as independent predictors for high psychosocial distress. Conclusion: QoL improves significantly in all patients one year after RC. However, psychosocial distress remains high in a substantial number of patients. Implications for Cancer Survivors: To prevent chronic psychological disorders, easily accessible opportunities for psycho-oncological counseling are needed for patients following RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Analysis of temporal trends of urinary diversion (UD) and identification of predictive factors for continent urinary diversion (CUD) in patients with bladder cancer (BC) is scarce and data on large cohorts are missing. We aimed to describe longitudinal temporal trends and predictive factors for UD among patients with BC receiving radical cystectomy (RC). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analysed institutional data collected from patients undergoing RC from 1986 to 2022 to describe changes in patients' characteristics and UD. Primary end points were patients' characteristics associated with type of UD. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictive factors for CUD. Results: In total, 2224 patients (77.16% male, 22.84% female) with a mean age of 66 years [standard deviation (SD), 10.64 years] were included. We observed an increase in mean age from 59.86 (10.8) years (1986–1990) to 69.85 (9.99) years (2016–2022) (p < 0.001). The proportion of CUD gradually declined from 43.72% (94/215; 1986–1990) to 18.38% (86/468; 2016–2022). Patients who were male [odds ratio (OR): 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43–2.57, p < 0.001), younger (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.87–0.89, p < 0.001) and had no hydronephrosis prior to RC (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.66–2.92, p < 0.001) were more likely to receive CUD. Conclusions: We report the largest European single-center cohort of UD after RC, demonstrating a significant shift from CUD to IUD, accompanied by an increasing age. Finally, our data mirrors the development and extensive experience with the Mainz Pouch-I in the 1980's and 1990's together with other colon pouches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ureterovascular fistula (UVF) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Since its primary description by Moschkowitz in 1908, many case reports, studies and reviews have been written about this condition with the suggestive symptoms and risk factors repeatedly discussed. This study will be focusing on the different locations of 532 out of 605 fistulae published from 1908 up to 2022 besides eight new patients of our own. Material and methods: A systematic review of the literature started using PubMed database searching for "ureteroarterial fistula", "arteriovascular fistula" and "uretero vascular fistula" was performed yielding 122, 62 and 188 results respectively. Those studies and the cited literature in each study were examined to include studies, which did not appear in the primary search. A total of 605 patients in 315 publications were gathered. Only studies mentioning new patients, a clear indication of the location of the UVF, the presence/absence of urinary diversion (UD) as well as the type of UD if present were included. Ten duplicates as well as studies lacking information regarding the UVF and/or the UD (seven publications with 63 patients) were excluded, with 298 publications including 532 external patients remaining. Eight internal cases were included with a total of 540 cases. Results: From the 540 included cases, 384 patients (71.1%) had no UD compared to 156 patients (28.9%) with UD. Due to the anatomical ureteral course, the common iliac artery (CIA) was the most common vascular component of UVF, irrespective of the presence or absence of UD. Any dispute to whether the crossing point is the common or the external iliac artery (EIA) was settled for the CIA. Further common vascular components besides CIA include the aorta, EIA, internal iliac artery (IIA) including its branches and vascular bypasses including the anastomosis sites. Other unusual arterial localizations were stated under the "others" category. Conclusion: Identifying the location of the bleeding artery in UVF is critical and represents the most important step for successful management. We present the largest summary of described locations up to date including our own. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report perioperative and long-term postoperative outcomes of cystectomy patients with ileal conduit (IC) urinary diversion undergoing parastomal hernia (PSH) repair. Method: We reviewed patients who underwent cystectomy and IC diversion between 2003 and 2022 in our center. Baseline variables, including surgical approach of PSH repair and repair technique, were captured. Multivariable Cox regressionanalysis was performed to test for the associations between different variables and PSH recurrence. Results: Thirty-six patients with a median (IQR) age of 79 (73–82) years were included. The median time between cystectomy and PSH repair was 30 (14–49) months. Most PSH repairs (32/36, 89%) were performed electively, while 4 were due to small bowel obstruction. Hernia repairs were performed through open (n=25), robotic (10), and laparoscopic approaches (1). Surgical techniques included direct repair with mesh (20), direct repair without mesh (4), stoma relocation with mesh (5), and stomarelocation without mesh (7). The 90-day complication rate was 28%. In a median follow-up of 24 (7–47) months, 17 patients (47%) had a recurrence. The median time to recurrence was 9 (7–24) months. On multivariable analysis, 90-day complication following PSH repair was associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Conclusions: In this report of one of the largest series of PSH repair in the Urology literature, 47% of patients had a recurrence following hernia repair with a median follow-up time of 2 years. There was no significant difference in recurrence rates when comparing repair technique or the use of open or minimally invasive approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Aim of this study is to investigate the association between DM and oncological outcomes among patients with muscle-invasive (MI) or high-risk non-muscle invasive (NMI) bladder cancer (BC) who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (RARC). Methods: An IRB approved multi-institutional BC database was queried, including patients underwent RARC between January 2013 and June 2023. Patients were divided into two groups according to DM status. Baseline, clinical, perioperative, pathologic data were compared. Chi-square and Student t tests were performed to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between DM and oncologic outcomes. Results: Out of 547 consecutive patients, 97 (17.7%) had DM. The two cohorts showed similar preoperative features, except for ASA score (p = 0.01) and Hypertension rates (p < 0.001). No differences were detected for perioperative complications, pT stage, pN stages and surgical margins status (all p > 0.12). DM patients displayed significantly lower 5-yr disease-free survival (DFS) (44.6% vs. 63.3%, p = 0.007), 5-yr cancer-specific survival (CSS) (45.1% vs. 70.1%, p = 0.001) and 5-yr Overall survival (OS) (39.9% vs. 63.8%, p = 0.001). At Multivariable Cox-regression analyses DM status was identified as independent predictor of worse cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR 2.1; p = 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR 2.05; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Among BC patients who underwent RARC, DM patients showed worse oncologic outcomes than the non-DM patients, with DM status playing an independent negative predicting role in CSS and OS. Future prospective studies are awaited, stimulating basic and translational research to identify possible mechanisms of interaction between DM and BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated late urinary adverse events (UAEs) in patients who underwent pelvic radiation therapy, with a focus on occurrence, diagnostic characteristics and the impact of subsequent extirpative surgery with the need of urinary diversion on quality of life. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 20 patients after pelvic radiotherapy (2016–2022) was conducted. Data included demographics, perioperative details, oncological parameters, and patient-reported outcomes. Imaging (CT, MRI) was examined for early manifestations of late UAEs. Results: In the study cohort, prostate cancer was the primary malignancy in 85% with a mean radiation dose of 84 Gray over 35 days. Time to diagnosis of late UAEs was 4.0 years post-radiation. Radiological assessment demonstrated a progressive increase in typical CT and MRI features of pubic bone osteomyelitis over time. Surgical interventions, mainly cystectomy, were required with variable outcomes in patient-reported post-surgery quality of life. Conclusion: Diagnosing and managing late UAEs after pelvic radiation necessitate an understanding of their occurrence, diagnostic features and appropriate management strategies. Early imaging, particularly MRI, is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment planning. Variable post-surgery quality of life underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing late UAEs. The study contributes to understanding these complications and emphasizes their consideration in post-radiation follow-up care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Studies of right colon pouch urinary diversion have widely varying estimates of the risk of perioperative complications, reoperation, and readmission. We sought to describe the association between specific risk factors and complication, readmission, and reoperation rates following right colon pouch urinary diversion. Patients undergoing robot-assisted right colon pouch urinary diversion from July 2013 to December 2022 were analyzed. Outcome measures include high-grade (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ 3) complications within 90 days, readmission within 90 days, and reoperation at any time during follow-up. Specific risk factors such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and prior radiation were analyzed to establish an association with these outcomes. During the study period, 77 patients underwent the procedure and were eligible to study. The average follow-up was 88.7 (SD 14) months. 90-day high-grade complications were 24.67%, and 90-day readmission was 33.76%. The cumulative rate of any reoperation was 40.2%, and major reoperation was 24.67%. Female gender (OR 3.3, p = 0.015), 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI (OR 3.77, p = 0.014), diabetes (OR 3.49, p = 0.021), higher CCI (OR 1.59, p = 0.034), prior radiation (OR 1.97, p = 0.026), lower eGFR (OR 0.99, p = 0.032) and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR 3.9, p value 0.02) was associated with Clavien III–IV complications. Female gender (OR 3.3, p = 0.015), diabetes (OR 3.97, p = 0.029), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 1.73, p = 0.031), prior radiation (OR 1.45, p = 0.029), lower eGFR (OR 0.87, p = 0.037) and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR 3.86, p = 0.031) were predictive of reoperation. Overall, the rate of postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperation was high but consistent with other studies. This study helps further characterize surgical outcomes after right colon pouch urinary diversion and highlights patients who may benefit from enhanced preoperative management for minimising complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Die Urologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This comprehensive review delves into the evolving field of neurointervention for intracranial aneurysms, exploring the critical adjunct of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) to endovascular coiling, stent-assisted coiling (SAC), flow-diversion stents, and flow-disruption (intrasaccular) devices. Despite growing evidence supporting the success of DAPT in reducing thromboembolic events, the lack of consensus on optimal regimens, doses, and duration is evident. Factors contributing to this variability include genetic polymorphisms affecting treatment response and ongoing debates regarding the clinical significance of hemorrhagic complications associated with DAPT. This review analyzes pre- and post-procedural antiplatelet usage across various interventions. The imperative lies in ongoing research to define optimal DAPT durations, ensuring a nuanced approach to the delicate balance between thrombosis and hemorrhage in intracranial aneurysm management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ileal conduit parastomal hernias (ICPHs) are frequent after radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion, but their management is debated. This study aimed to review the results of ICPH repair according to Sugarbaker or Sandwich techniques, with special interest in ICPH recurrence and urological complications. Methods: The authors reviewed a consecutive series of patients undergoing ICPH repair between January 2014 and December 2020. Primary endpoints were ICPH recurrences at clinical exam and cross-sectional abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. Secondary endpoints were any other complications possibly related to the ICPH repair. Results: Twenty-three patients underwent ICPH repair surgery (16 Sugarbaker and 7 Sandwich techniques) during the study period. Sixteen patients underwent a primary laparoscopic approach. All but one patient underwent at least one abdominal CT during the follow-up. Median clinical and CT scan follow-up times were 57 and 50.5 months, respectively. Clinical and CT ICPH recurrence rates were 4.5% and 13% at 5 years, respectively. Eighteen patients (78%) suffered no urological complications during the follow-up period, but three patients (13%) needed redo surgery on the urinary ileal conduit. Conclusion: The modified Sugarbaker or Sandwich techniques might be considered as promising techniques for ICPH repair with a low rate of recurrence. The urological complications, and particularly the ileal conduit-related issues, need to be evaluated in further studies. Controlled and prospective data are required to compare the Sugarbaker and Sandwich techniques to the Keyhole approach for ICPH repairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of concomitant squamous metaplasia (SM), the initial histological change from normal urethra to urethral stricture, in bulbar urethral strictures and to investigate the associated clinical factors. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 165 male patients with bulbar urethral strictures who underwent excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) between 2010 and 2020, for whom complete clinical data and excised urethral specimens were available. An experienced pathologist histologically evaluated concomitant SM in paraffin sections of the proximal end of the excised urethra blinded to the clinical data. Disease duration was calculated as the period from the initial diagnosis of urethral stricture to the date of EPA. The association between concomitant SM and clinical background was investigated. Results: SM was identified in 86 (52.1%) patients. The median disease duration in patients with SM (38 months) was significantly longer than that in patients without SM (9 months, p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, the longer disease duration, non-traumatic stricture etiology, and failure to maintain urethral rest with urinary diversion via a suprapubic tube for more than 90 days were independent factors predicting concomitant SM. No significant difference was observed in success rates of EPA between patients with SM (93.2%) and those without SM (97.5%, p = 0.18). Conclusions: Reconstructive urologists need to be aware that concomitant SM is frequent in patients with bulbar urethral stricture, especially in those with long disease duration and those who were voiding volitionally during the period of urethral rest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chiari 1 malformation and hind brain hernia can be associated with skull base and craniocervical anomalies. One of the more recently associated anomalies is a retroverted or retroflexed odontoid process or dens. We conducted a retrospective study of our operated symptomatic and conservatively managed asymptomatic Chiari cohort to assess the impact of dens retroflexion on rate of revision or cerebrospinal fluid diversion following primary foramen magnum decompression (FMD). Methods: We undertook a retrospective study of all foramen magnum decompression (FMD) cases for Chiari type 1 malformation performed over a 15-year period in a single tertiary paediatric neurosurgical unit. For comparison, non-operated asymptomatic Chiari cases were considered as reference cohort. Information gathered included: demographics, age, sex, length of cerebellar tonsils below McRae's line, pB-C2 distance (a line drawn perpendicular to one drawn between the basion and the posterior aspect of the C2 body), angle of retroflexion (angle formed between a line drawn through the odontoid synchondrosis and its intersection with a line drawn from the tip of the odontoid process) and angle of retroversion (angle formed between the line drawn from the base of C2 and its intersection with a line drawn from the tip of the odontoid process). Grade of retroflexion was measured using pre-operative mid-sagittal MR images and classified as grade 0 (> 90°), grade 1 (85°–89°); grade 2 (80°–84°) and grade 3 (< 80°). The rates for redo surgery or need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion were obtained from clinical records and compared in the operated and non-operated groups. Results: One hundred twenty-six Chiari 1 patients were included in this study with adequate imaging. Sixty-five patients were in the non-operated asymptomatic cohort with 61 patients in the operated symptomatic cohort. Mean age of non-operated cohort was 10.2 years with M:F ratio (30:35). Mean cerebellar tonsillar length below McRae's line was 10.3 mm. 7.7% of this cohort had associated syrinx. Mean angles of retroversion and retroflexion were 76 and 78°, respectively. Retroflexion grades included (9.2% grade 1, 35% grade 2 and 52.3% grade 3). pB-C2 distance was 6.8 mm. Mean age of operated cohort was 11.3 years, with M:F ratio (21:40). Mean cerebellar tonsillar length below McRae's line was 15 mm. 45.9% of this cohort had associated syrinx. Mean angles of retroversion and retroflexion were 73 and 74.5°, respectively. Retroflexion grades included (4.9% grade 1, 16.5% grade 2 and 78.6% grade 3). pB-C2 distance was 6.9 mm. No association was identified between retroflexion grade and rate of revision or CSF diversion following primary foramen magnum decompression. Conclusion: The operated Chiari 1 cohort had more retroflexed dens, longer tonsils and associated syrinx compared to the non-operated asymptomatic cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate differences in sociodemographic characteristics and short-term outcomes between patients undergoing prenatal versus postnatal myelomeningocele repair. Methods: Patients who underwent myelomeningocele repair at our institution were stratified based on prenatal or postnatal timing of repair. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify whether prenatal repair was a predictor of outcomes independent of socioeconomic measures. Results: 49 patients underwent postnatal repair, and 30 underwent prenatal repair. Patients who underwent prenatal repair were more likely to have private insurance (73.3% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.03) and live farther from the hospital where they received their repair (251.5 ± 447.4 vs. 72.5 ± 205.6 miles, p = 0.02). Patients who underwent prenatal repair had shorter hospital stays (14.3 ± 22.7 days vs. 25.3 ± 20.1 days, p = 0.03), fewer complications (13.8% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.01), fewer 30-day ED visits (0.0% vs. 34.0%, p < 0.001), lower CSF diversion rates (13.8% vs. 38.8%, p = 0.02), and better functional status at 3-months (13.3% vs. 57.1% delayed, p = 0.009), 6-months (20.0% vs. 56.7% delayed, p = 0.03), and 1-year (29.4% vs. 70.6% delayed, p = 0.007). On multivariate analysis, prenatal repair was an independent predictor of inpatient complication (OR(95%CI): 0.19(0.05–0.75), p = 0.02) and 3-month (OR(95%CI): 0.14(0.03–0.80) p = 0.03), 6-month (OR(95%CI): 0.12(0.02–0.73), p = 0.02), and 1-year (OR(95%CI): 0.19(0.05–0.80), p = 0.02) functional status. Conclusion: Prenatal repair for myelomeningocele is associated with better outcomes and developmental functional status. However, patients receiving prenatal closure are more likely to have private health insurance and live farther from the hospital, suggesting potential barriers to care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Anastomotic leak (AL) is a complication of low anterior resection (LAR) that results in substantial morbidity. There is immense interest in evaluating immediate postoperative and long-term oncologic outcomes in patients who undergo diverting loop ileostomies (DLI). The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between fecal diversion, AL, and oncologic outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter cohort study using patient data obtained from the US Rectal Cancer Consortium database compiled from six academic institutions. The study population included patients with rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing LAR. The primary outcome was the incidence of AL among patients who did or did not receive DLI during LAR. Secondary outcomes included risk factors for AL, receipt of adjuvant therapy, 3-year overall survival, and 3-year recurrence. Results: Of 815 patients, 38 (4.7%) suffered AL after LAR. Patients with AL were more likely to be male, have unintentional preoperative weight loss, and are less likely to undergo DLI. On multivariable analysis, DLI remained protective against AL (p < 0.001). Diverted patients were less likely to undergo future surgical procedures including additional ostomy creation, completion proctectomy, or pelvic washout for AL. Subgroup analysis of 456 patients with locally advanced disease showed that DLI was correlated with increased receipt of adjuvant therapy for patients with and without AL on univariate analysis (SHR:1.59; [95% CI 1.19–2.14]; p = 0.002), but significance was not met in multivariate models. Conclusion: Lack of DLI and preoperative weight loss was associated with anastomotic leak. Fecal diversion may improve the timely initiation of adjuvant oncologic therapy. The long-term outcomes following routine diverting stomas warrant further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of antithrombotic medication following acute flow diversion for a ruptured intracranial aneurysm (IA) is challenging with no current guidelines. We investigated the incidence of treatment-related complications and patient outcomes after flow diversion for a ruptured IA before and after the implementation of a standardized antithrombotic medication protocol. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study including consecutive patients treated for acutely ruptured IAs with flow diversion during 2015–2023. We divided the patients into two groups: those treated before the implementation of the protocol (pre-protocol) and those treated after the implementation of the protocol (post-protocol). The primary outcomes were hemorrhagic and ischemic complications. A secondary outcome was clinical outcome using the modified Ranking Scale (mRS). Results: Totally 39 patients with 40 ruptured IAs were treated with flow diversion (69% pre-protocol, 31% post-protocol). The patient mean age was 55 years, 62% were female, 63% of aneurysms were in the posterior circulation, 92% of aneurysms were non-saccular, and 44% were in poor grade on admission. Treatment differences included the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (pre-group 48% vs. post-group 100%), and the use of early dual antiplatelets (pre-group 44% vs. 92% post-group). The incidence of ischemic complications was 37% and 42% and the incidence of hemorrhagic complications was 30% and 33% in the pre- and post-groups, respectively, with no between-group differences. There were three (11%) aneurysm re-ruptures in the pre-group and none in the post-group. There were no differences in mortality or mRS 0–2 between the groups at 6 months. Conclusion: We found no major differences in the incidence of ischemic or hemorrhagic complications after the implementation of a standardized antithrombotic protocol for acute flow diversion for ruptured IAs. There is an urgent need for more evidence-based guidelines to optimize antithrombotic treatment after flow diversion in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Neuro-endoscopic lavage (NEL) is an increasingly popular intervention for intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), with considerable variation in technique dependent on clinician and clinical circumstances. Whilst efforts to standardise the technique are ongoing, this work describes a tertiary centre experience utilising NEL, highlighting potential caveats to standardisation. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic case notes for patients undergoing temporising surgical intervention for IVH between 2012 and 2021 at our centre was performed. Data collected included (i) gestational age, (ii) aetiology of hydrocephalus, (iii) age at time of intervention, (iv) intervention performed, (v) need for permanent CSF diversion, (vi) 'surgical burden', i.e. number of procedures following primary intervention, and (vii) wound failure and infection rate. Data was handled in Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis SPSS v27.0 Results: 49 neonates (n = 25 males) were included. Overall mean gestational age was 27 weeks and at intervention 35 + 3 weeks. IVH was the predominant cause of hydrocephalus (93.8%) and primary surgical interventions included insertion of a ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS) in n = 41 (83.6%) patients, NEL in n = 6 (12.2%) patients and insertion of an EVD in n = 2 (4.1%). N = 9 (18.4%) patients underwent NEL at some point during the time interval reviewed; n = 4 (8.2%) received NEL monotherapy and n = 5 (10.2%) also received a VSGS. Rate of conversion to definitive CSF diversion between NEL (n = 8, 88.9%) and VSGS cohorts (n = 37, 92.5%) was not significantly different (p = 0.57), nor between NEL alone (n = 3, 75%) and NEL + VSGS (n = 5, 100%) (p = 0.44). None of the patients that underwent NEL monotherapy had any wound issues or CNS infection as a result of the initial intervention, compared to n = 3 (60%) of those that underwent NEL and implantation of VSGS (p = 0.1). Conclusion: Both NEL and VSGS are effective in temporising hydrocephalus in neonates, occasionally offering a definitive solution in and of themselves. The benefit of dual therapy however remains to be seen, with the addition of VSGS potentially increasing the risk of wound failure in an already vulnerable cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate factors associated with in-hospital mortality in children diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) hydrocephalus and HIV co-infection undergoing cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures and their complications. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively between 2007 and 2022. Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, antiretroviral therapy (ART) status, biochemistry results, CD4 count, radiology findings, CSF diversion procedures (and complications), length of hospital stay (LOHS), and in-hospital mortality. Results: Thirty-one children were included, with a mean age of 6.7 ± 5.3 years and 67.7% males. Median admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 11 (IQR 9–15). Hypertonia (64.5%) and seizures (51.6%) were frequently observed clinical characteristics. Sixty-one percent of children were on ART. Cerebral infarcts and extra-meningeal TB were diagnosed in 64.5% and 19.3% of cases, respectively. The median CD4 count was 151 (IQR 70–732) cells/µL. Surgical procedures included ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in 26 cases and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in five children. VPS complication rate was 27%. No complications were reported for ETV. Median LOHS was 7 days (IQR 4–21). Eleven children (35.5%) died during admission. Factors associated with mortality included GCS (p = 0.032), infarcts (p = 0.004), extra-meningeal TB (p = 0.003), VPS infection (p = 0.018), low CD4 count (p = 0.009), and hyponatremia (p = 0.002). No statistically significant factors were associated with VPS complications. Conclusion: TBM hydrocephalus in HIV-infected children carries a high mortality. Clinicians in high-prevalence settings should have a high suspicion index and institute early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the oncological outcome of performing ePLND before or after RC in 200 patients in a prospective randomized manner. Materials and methods: From January 2014 to December 2019, 200 patients with T2-T3b N0M0 BCa were included in the current study after signing an informed consent. Patients were divided into two groups, 100 in each one. Group I underwent ePLND before RC, whereas group II underwent ePLND after RC. Postoperative evaluation included clinical, laboratory, and radiographic studies. Results: Patients' characteristics were comparable between both groups. The mean operative time excluding that of urinary diversion was significantly shorter in group II than in group I (p = 0.01). The mean number of LNs removed was 25 ± 6 in group I and 32 ± 8 in group II (p = 0.141). Intraoperative complications occurred in four patients in the form of external iliac artery and vein injury [two in each group (p = 0. 245)]. Postoperative complications were comparable between both groups with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.375). Oncological failure occurred in 28 patients [16 (17.6%) in group I and 12 (22%) in group II (p = 0.389)]. Conclusions: EPLND before and after RC has comparable oncological outcomes. The stage of the disease, the time since the first diagnosis till RC and the surgeon experience in performing meticulous ePLND are more important. In absence of oncological superiority, the timing of ePLND should be judged according to the patient-related factors to facilitate safe RC with minimal morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the limited success rate and considerable challenges associated with conventional ultrasonography (US) guidance for percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) in non-hydronephrotic kidneys, this study proposed a solution with ultrasound contrast agent to enhance the success rate and mitigate the difficulties. Materials and Methods: From January 2017 to August 2023, a total of thirteen patients diagnosed with non-hydronephrotic kidney were included in the study. Following routine ultrasonography examination, no significant dilatation of the renal collecting system was observed. US-guided percutaneous nephrostomy PCN was performed with the assistance of ultrasound contrast agent (UCA). The patients were subsequently monitored to assess the improvement of symptoms and postoperative recovery. Results: The success rate was found to be 100% for all patients (13/13) and kidneys (20/20). The average volume of UCA solution used was 19 ± 6.7 mL (range, 11–35 mL), while the mean duration of the operation was 18.92 ± 8.96 min (range, 7–36 min). A majority of the patients (12/13) underwent a single puncture procedure. Throughout the follow-up period, no serious complications were observed, and surgery resulted in significant alleviation of symptoms in all patients. Conclusion: The use of UCA-assisted US guidance PCN has been shown to be effective in achieving urinary diversion and alleviating associated clinical symptoms in non-hydronephrotic kidneys. In comparison to traditional methods, this approach demonstrates a high success rate and safety profile, while also offering a simplified operative procedure. Consequently, it presents a novel method and concept for managing non-hydronephrotic kidneys afflicted by urine leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Metabolic surgery remains underutilized for treating type 2 diabetes, as less invasive alternative interventions with improved risk profiles are needed. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of a novel magnetic compression device to create a patent limited caliber side-to-side jejunoileal partial diversion in a nonhuman primate model. Materials and Methods: Using an established nonhuman primate model of diet-induced insulin resistance, a magnetic compression device was used to create a side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis. Primary outcomes evaluated feasibility (e.g., device mating and anastomosis patency) and safety (e.g., device-related complications). Secondary outcomes evaluated the device's ability to produce metabolic changes associated with jejunoileal partial diversion (e.g., homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and body weight). Results: Device mating, spontaneous detachment, and excretion occurred in all animals (n = 5). There were no device-related adverse events. Upon completion of the study, ex vivo anastomoses were widely patent with healthy mucosa and no evidence of stricture. At 6 weeks post-device placement, HOMA-IR improved to below baseline values (p < 0.05). Total weight also decreased in a linear fashion (R2 = 0.97) with total weight loss at 6 weeks post-device placement of 14.4% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of this novel magnetic compression device to create a limited caliber side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis is safe and likely feasible in a nonhuman primate model. The observed glucoregulatory and metabolic effects of a partial jejunoileal bypass with this device warrant further investigation to validate the long-term glucometabolic impact of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of reduced intracranial compliance (ICC) in the outcome after foramen magnum decompression (FMD) was demonstrated in adults with Chiari malformation Type 1 (CMI). However, similar observations from children treated for CMI are missing. Methods: We reviewed pediatric cases of CMI referred to FMD between 2006 and 2022. Children with clinical and/or radiological signs suggesting reduced ICC (Group A) underwent overnight measurements of the pulsatile intracranial pressure (ICP): mean ICP wave amplitude (MWA) served as a surrogate marker of ICC. Children with more typical symptoms of CMI (Group B) underwent FMD without preoperative ICC estimation. This study presents the clinical, radiological, and outcome differences between these groups. Results: Sixty-four children (mean age 11.1 ± 4.3 years) underwent FMD: In Group A (n = 30), the finding of reduced ICC as estimated from preoperative ICP measurement resulted in CSF diversion (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) before FMD in 11 children. Two patients required shunt due to complications after FMD (total shunt rate 43%). In Group B (n = 34) treated with FMD without preoperative ICC estimation, five children (15%) required shunting due to complications. In Group A, we found a significantly higher frequency of headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. The outcome assessed by the modified Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (mean follow-up 83 ± 57 months) was comparable between the groups, but the complication rate after FMD was significantly lower in Group A (7% vs. 32%; p = 0.011). The number of procedures (ICP measurement, FMD, shunt, re-do FMD, shunt revisions) was significantly higher in Group A (2.6 ± 0.9 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1 per patient; p < 0.001). Conclusion: In symptomatic children with CMI, the preoperative estimation of ICC from the overnight measurement of pulsatile ICP was more reliable for identifying those with reduced ICC than clinical and radiological assessment alone. When children with abnormally reduced ICC were identified and treated with CSF diversion before FMD, the complication rate was significantly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) offers decreased blood loss during surgery, shorter hospital length of stay, and lower risk for thromboembolic events without hindering oncological outcomes. Cutaneous ureterostomies (UCS) are a seldom utilized diversion that can be a suitable alternative for a selected group of patients with competing co-morbidities and limited life expectancy. Objective: To describe operative and perioperative characteristics as well as oncological outcomes for patients that underwent RARC + UCS. Methods: Patients that underwent RARC + UCS during 2013–2023 in 3 centers (EU = 2, US = 1) were identified in a prospectively maintained database. Baseline characteristics, pathological, and oncological outcomes were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis were performed using R language version 4.3.1. Results: Sixty-nine patients were included. The median age was 77 years (IQR 70–80) and the median follow-up time was 11 months (IQR 4–20). Ten patients were ASA 4 (14.5%). Nine patients underwent palliative cystectomy (13%). The median operation time was 241 min (IQR 202–290), and the median hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 6–11). The 30-day complication rate was 55.1% (grade ≥ 3a was 14.4%), and the 30-day readmission rate was 17.4%. Eleven patients developed metastatic recurrence (15.9%), and 14 patients (20.2%) died during the follow-up period. Overall survival at 6, 12, and 24 months was 84%, 81%, and 73%, respectively. Conclusions: RARC + UCS may offer lower complication and readmission rates without the need to perform enteric anastomosis, it can be considered in a selected group of patients with competing co-morbidities, or limited life expectancy. Larger prospective studies are necessary to validate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: An abnormal lower urinary tract poses significant challenges for transplant surgeons. Besides the ureteral anastomosis to an ileal conduit, there are diverse complex reconstructive solutions. Due to its rarity, standardization and teaching of complex urinary diversion is extremely difficult. Methods: The indications and outcomes of complex urinary diversions after kidney transplantation (KT) were retrospectively investigated at eight urologic transplant centers including a current follow-up. Results: Of 37 patients with 21 (56%) males, vesicoureteral reflux (24%), spina bifida (22%), and glomerulonephritis (12%) were the most common causes of terminal renal failure. In 30 (81%) patients, urinary diversion was performed before KT, at a median of 107.5 (range, 10; 545) months before. Transplantations were held at a median patient age of 43 (10; 68) years, including six (16%) living donations. Urinary diversion was modified during 12 (32%) transplantations. After KT, the ileal conduit was the most common incontinent urinary diversion in 25 (67%) patients; a Mainz pouch I and bladder augmentation were the most frequent continent diversions (each n = 3). At a median follow-up of 120 months (range 0; 444), 12 (32%) patients had a graft failure with a 5-year graft survival of 79% (95%CI 61; 90). The median overall survival was 227 months (168; 286) and the 5-year overall survival 89% (69.3; 96.4). Conclusion: The mid-term kidney transplant function with complex urinary diversion appears to be comparable to transplants with regular urinary diversions. Hence, complex urinary diversion should always be considered as a surgical option, even during transplantation, if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate urinary symptoms (continence and stoma care), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial distress (PD) in the early postoperative period after radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion for ileal conduit (IC) and ileal neobladder (INB) to obtain a better basis for patient counseling. Methods: Data for 842 bladder cancer patients, who underwent 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation (IR) after RC and urinary diversion (447 IC, 395 INB) between April 2018 and December 2019 were prospectively collected. HRQoL, PD, and urinary symptoms were evaluated by validated questionnaires at the beginning (T1) and the end of IR (T2). In addition, continence status and micturition volume were objectively evaluated in INB patients by 24-h pad test and uroflowmetry, respectively. Results: Global HRQoL was severely impaired at T1, without significant difference between the two types of urinary diversion. All functioning and symptom scales of HRQoL improved significantly from T1 to T2. In INB patients, all continence parameters improved significantly during IR, while patients with an IC reported fewer problems concerning urostomy management. The proportion of patients suffering from high PD decreased significantly from 50.7 to 34.9%. Age ≤ 59 years was the only independent predictor of high PD. Female patients and patients ≤ 59 years were more likely to use individual psycho-oncological counseling. Conclusion: HRQoL, PD and urinary symptoms improved significantly in the early recovery period after RC. Patients with urinary continence reported higher HRQoL and less PD. Psychosocial support should be offered especially to younger patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this review, we aim to provide readers with a balanced understanding of all aspects of single incision robotic cystectomy (SIRC) and urinary diversion using the single-port (SP) robot. The review will trace the historical progression from open surgery to the introduction of minimally invasive approaches and present an in-depth description of the SIRC technique, offering a step-by-step guide for reference. Emphasis will be placed on indications and patient selection criteria to equip surgeons with well-rounded insights for decision-making. Methods: The review analyzes preliminary surgical outcomes by drawing from existing literature and clinical experiences, endeavoring to present a balanced view of the potential benefits and limitations. Addressing the learning curve and training prerequisites is paramount, and this review explores strategies and challenges in preparing surgeons for proficiency. Finally, the focus shifts to current challenges and future directions, identifying key issues and potential advancements in the field. Conclusions: By presenting historical context, technical insights, clinical evidence, and strategic foresight, the review aims to provide a comprehensive resource that engages surgeons, researchers, and trainees from diverse perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the impact of different urinary diversion (UD) techniques on the peri- and postoperative complications of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with ileal conduit. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 373 patients undergoing RARC with ileal conduit at 11 institutions in Japan between April 2018 and December 2021. Propensity score weighting was performed to adjust for confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, performance status, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, previous abdominal surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and preoperative high T stage (≥ cT3) and high N stage (≥ cN1). Perioperative complications were then compared among three groups: extracorporeal, intracorporeal, and hybrid urinary diversion (ECUD, ICUD, and HUD, respectively). Results: A total of 150, 68, and 155 patients received ECUD, HUD, and ICUD, respectively. Bowel reconstruction time and UD time were significantly shorter in the ECUD group (p < 0.001), and console time was significantly longer and blood loss was significantly higher in the ICUD group (p < 0.001). For postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo Classification grade ≥ 3), surgical site infection (p = 0.004), pelvic abscess (p = 0.013), anastomotic urine leak (p = 0.007), and pelvic organ prolapse (p = 0.011) significantly occurred in the ECUD group. For all grades, ileus was more common in the HUD group, whereas anastomotic stricture was more common in the ECUD group compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Severe complications did not increase after HUD and ICUD compared with ECUD; however, console time tended to be longer and blood loss was slightly higher during RARC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This document is a retracted article titled "Long-term results of standard procedures in urology: the ileal neobladder." The authors of the article withdrew it on May 8, 2006. The article was written by R. E. Hautmann, J. E. Gschwend, B. G. Volkmer from the Department of Urology at the University of Ulm in Germany, and M. Schumacher and U. E. Studer from the Department of Urology at the University of Berne in Switzerland. The article was published in the World Journal of Urology in 2006. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction and hypothesis: The objective was to evaluate sexual function, vaginal prolapse, and quality of life (QoL) in women after radical cystectomy (RC) using validated questionnaires and pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) measurement. Methods: Female bladder cancer patients who underwent RC at our tertiary care center were included (January 2008 to March 2022). Patients received three validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Vaginal Symptoms [ICIQ-VS] Part A, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire IUGA revised [PISQ], European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC] C30/BLM30). Patients who consented were examined with vaginal POP-Q measurement. Results: Out of 322 patients, 193 were still alive, 54 patients were lost to follow-up, and 43 were excluded, resulting in 96 patients who received the questionnaire. Finally, 35 patients were included, of whom 17 patients consented to vaginal examination. Complaints due to vaginal symptoms were low (ICIQ-VS 6.17 + 5.37). Sexual activity was reported by 12 patients (34.3%); 23 patients (65.71%) were not sexually active. No apical prolapse was found in POP-Q measurement; 6 patients (35.3%) had anterior, and 14 patients (82.4%) posterior prolapse; the highest prolapse stage was 2. No significant differences were found regarding POP stages, sexual function, and QoL (all p > 0.05) when comparing continent and incontinent urinary diversions. Comparing the vaginal approach (no sparing vs sparing), significant differences were found in only two PISQ subscales (significantly higher scores after vagina sparing, p = 0.01 and p = 0.02). Conclusions: The type of urinary diversion, POP-Q stages, and tumor stages did not show significant differences regarding sexual function, QoL, and prolapse complaints in women after RC, whereas a vagina- sparing approach showed significant differences only in two subscales without clinical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a standard treatment in hydrocephalus of certain aetiologies. The most widely used predictive model is the ETV success score. This is frequently used to predict outcomes following ETV in adult patients; however, this was a model developed in paediatric patients with often distinct aetiologies of hydrocephalus. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of the model and to identify factors that influence ETV outcomes in adults. Methods: A retrospective study design was used to analyse consecutive patients who underwent ETV at a tertiary neurosurgical centre between 2012 and 2020. Observed ETV outcomes at 6 months were compared to pre-operative predicted ETV success scores. A multivariable Bayesian logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors that best predicted ETV success and those factors that were redundant. Results: A total of 136 patients were analysed during the 9-year study. Thirty-one patients underwent further cerebrospinal fluid diversion within 6 months. The overall ETV success rate was 77%. Observed ETV outcomes corresponded well with predicted outcomes using the ETV success score for the higher scores, but less well for lower scores. Location of obstruction at the aqueduct irrespective of aetiology was the best predictor of success with odds of 1.65 of success. Elective procedures were also associated with higher success compared to urgent ones, whereas age under 70, nature and location of obstructive lesion (other than aqueductal) did not influence ETV success. Conclusion: ETV was successful in three-quarters of adult patient with hydrocephalus within 6 months. Obstruction at the level of the aqueduct of any aetiology was a good predictor of ETV success. Clinicians should bear in mind that adult hydrocephalus responds differently to ETV compared to paediatric hydrocephalus, and more research is required to develop and validate an adult-specific predictive tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Critical evaluation of literature published in last 5 years pertaining to management of the devastated urethra in female patients. Recent Findings: The devastated female urethra is a debilitating heterogenous disease that can be extremely difficult to manage. The recent published literature has largely been retrospective in nature but has shown good long-term outcomes for multiple operative approaches. Summary: Female patients with incontinence due to devastation of the urethra pose a challenge due to limited surgical options. To achieve dryness, all patients will require closure of the bladder outlet, whether a permanent surgical closure, a functional closure, or cystectomy. If urinary diversion is required, it can be accomplished either through placement of a suprapubic tube, creation of an ileovesicostomy, creation of a catheterizable channel (i.e., Mitrofanoff procedure), or complete diversion with an ileal conduit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: The current literature available to providers on urgency urinary incontinence in orthotopic neobladder patients will be reviewed. Recent Findings: In this review, we will examine the most recent studies evaluating potential therapies for urgency urinary incontinence in neobladder patients. Summary: Urgency urinary incontinence in patients with neobladders is a challenging symptom to manage for both patients and providers, both due to the pathophysiology as well as a lack of data on effective therapies. Given the similar symptom profile to patients with overactive bladder as well as comparable functional derangement to irritable bowel syndrome, we explore the potential use of traditional overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome therapies in this patient population. Further study is needed in the diagnostic workup and management in urgency neobladder urinary incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: This review will examine the current literature regarding cutaneous vesicostomy use in the pediatric population. We will discuss the various indications for vesicostomy, currently used surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes pertinent to each population. Recent Findings: The literature on pediatric vesicostomy is sparse and largely limited to retrospective series. The procedure plays a role in a variety of diagnoses, further making the vesicostomy population heterogeneous and the data difficult to interpret. However, vesicostomy has undeniably been shown to provide rapid and reliable bladder drainage leading to improvements in renal function, upper urinary tract dilation, and vesicoureteral reflux in most patients. Although initially thought of as a temporary option for young patients, more recent studies highlight the potential for vesicostomy as a long-term option, even in select older patients. Summary: Overall, vesicostomy has proven over the years to be a reliable and safe form of urinary diversion. As we learn more about which populations benefit from vesicostomy, we may see its use expand from a temporizing measure to a permanent form of diversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urogenital reconstructive surgery can be impeded by lack of tissue. Further developments within the discipline of tissue engineering may be part of a solution to improve clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to design an accessible and easily assembled tubular graft with autologous tissue, which could be constructed and implanted as a single-staged surgical procedure within the premises of an ordinary operating room. The ultimate goals would be to optimize current treatment-options for long-term urinary diversion. Therefore, we evaluated the optimal composition of a collagen-based scaffold with urothelial micrografts in vitro, and followingly implanted the construct in vivo as a bladder conduit. The scaffold was evaluated in relation to cell regeneration, permeability, and biomechanical properties. After establishing an optimized scaffold in vitro, consisting of high-density collagen with submerged autologous micrografts and reinforced with a mesh and stent, the construct was successfully implanted in an in vivo minipig model. The construct assemblance and surgical implantation proved feasible within the timeframe of a routine surgical intervention, and the animal quickly recovered postoperatively. Three weeks post-implantation, the conduit demonstrated good host-integration with a multilayered luminal urothelium. Our findings have encouraged us to support its use in more extensive preclinical large-animal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgery for congenital heart disease has progressed by leaps and bounds in the last few decades, but the right ventricular outflow tract continues to pose a challenge to the congenital heart surgeon. Objectives: We aim to describe the outcomes of patients with CHD who had surgical placement of right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits with a focus on the risk factors for redo-surgery. Methods: We performed a retrospective single-center clinical data review of patients who had RVOT surgery using RV-to-PA conduits Results: Thirty-three patients (54.5% males) were included. The mean age at first conduit placement was 3.57 ± 3.18 years, mean conduit size conduit was 14.45 ± 3.85 mm. 51.5% of patients received Contegra tubes. On a mean follow-up of 2.07 ± 2.36 years, 45.5% of patients underwent RV-to-PA conduits redo replacement after 5.67 ± 3.25 years from the first surgery, 2 patients underwent re-intervention for the second time, 7 patients had transcatheter interventions on RVOT or branch PAs. The main mode of conduit failure was stenosis. The median survival without the need for surgical reintervention was 2.5 years for the non-contegra subgroup versus 3 years for the contegra subgroup (P = 0.59). we predicted that 100% of the study group would require redo surgery for conduit replacement within the first 11 years post-initial surgery. For every year of age increase at follow-up, the hazard ratio for redo surgery increases by a factor of 1.47. For every year of age increase at the time of first operation, the hazard ratio for redo surgery decreases by a factor of 0.7. Conclusions: The use of conduits to treat the RV to PA discontinuity is a cornerstone in treating congenital heart diseases. Nevertheless, conduit failure and replacement are inevitable. In our experience the higher the age at the first conduit, the longer the re-intervention-free survival period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cutaneous ureterostomy (CU) urinary diversion after radical cystectomy has been relegated to highly comorbid patients due to presumed rates of stenosis and drainage tube dependence. Rates of stricture as high as 70% have been reported. Though a variety of techniques have been developed to obviate the need for prolonged stenting, CU remains uncommonly performed. Herein, we present our experience with CU diversion after radical cystectomy and stent-free rates post-operatively. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients undergoing radical cystectomy with single-stoma cutaneous ureterostomy from June 2020 to December 2022 at our institution. Demographic and clinical data were summarized. We recorded the presence of ureteral stent, nephrostomy, or nephroureteral catheter at the last follow-up. The primary outcome was "stent-free survival" incorporating all modalities of tube-dependent urinary drainage. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to determine stent-free survival at 12 months. Results and conclusions: We identified 28 patients meeting inclusion criteria with median age of 73 years (IQR: 66–78) and median body mass index of 25 (IQR: 22–28). Of patients that underwent stent-free trial (N = 23), the stent-free survival at 12 months was 74%. Five of 28 patients had continued tube dependence due to locally advanced disease with hydronephrosis rather than CU stenosis. These results suggest that single-stoma CU should be considered a viable option for patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Longer follow-up is needed to assess durability of stent-free rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate return to work (RTW), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial distress (PD) after radical cystectomy (RC) and creation of an ileal conduit (IC) or an orthotopic ileal neobladder (NB) for bladder cancer. Methods: The study relied on prospectively collected data for 842 patients, who underwent 3 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation (IR) after surgery between April 2018 and December 2019. HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) and PD (Questionnaire on Stress in Cancer Patients [QSC-R10]) were evaluated at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of IR as well as both 6 (T3) and 12 months after surgery (T4). Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of HRQoL and RTW, respectively. Results: Two hundred thirty patients (IC n = 51, NB n = 179) were employed before surgery (27.3%). HRQoL improved steadily, while high PD was present in 51.0% of patients at T4. RTW rate was 86.8 and 80.6% at T3 and T4, respectively. Linear regression analysis identified RTW as the only predictor for better HRQoL at T4 (OR [odds ratio] 12.823, 95% CI [confidence interval] 2.927–22.720, p = 0.012). Multivariate regression analysis identified age ≤ 59 years (OR 7.842; 95% CI 2.495–24.645; p < 0.001) as an independent positive predictor and lymph node metastasis (OR 0.220; 95% CI 0.054–0.893; p = 0.034) as an independent negative predictor of RTW at T4. Conclusion: Global HRQoL improved steadily during the follow-up and RTW rates are high. However, patients often reported high PD, reflecting a need for additional psychosocial support within aftercare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduits are used in the treatment of certain congenital heart disease (CHD). RV-PA conduit complications might develop over time and require intervention. To evaluate how well cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) performs compared to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in evaluating RV-PA conduit complications by using surgical findings as the reference standard. A retrospective chart review of all patients over a 5-year period who underwent CCTA for RV-PA conduit evaluation was performed. Patient demographics and clinical data were recorded. Preoperative CCTA and TTE findings were compared to the operative findings for concordance or discordance. Forty-one patients were included, 51% females. The complications were conduit stenosis (28.68%), infection (7.17%) and aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm (6.15%). TTE and CCTA were consistently able to visualize focal conduit stenosis (96%). The greatest discrepancy between TTE and CCTA was in evaluating for aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm, where TTE detected only 2/6 (33%) compared to CCTA which detected 6/6 (100%) of the cases. However, TTE was slightly better at detecting conduit infection (3/7, 43%) compared to CCTA (2/7, 29%). Note that 5 out of 7 patients with endocarditis had bovine jugular graft. CCTA and TTE provide similar diagnostic accuracy evaluating certain types of RV-PA conduit complications. However, certain complications were only visualized on CCTA or TTE making both modalities complementary to each other during diagnostic evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the ovarian reserve of different hemostatic methods after laparoscopic endometrioma stripping (LES) and explore which factors may affect ovarian reserve. Methods: Patients who underwent LES from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively included. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured before, and 3 months after surgery to determine changes of serum AMH in each patient. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify significant factors that were associated with the rate of decline of serum AMH levels at month 3 after surgery. Results: A total of 67 patients who underwent LES were included. Of these patients, 20 with gauze packing, 24 with bipolar dessication (BD), and 23 with suture to achieve hemostasis. The 3 groups were similar in terms of demographics, cyst diameter, and basal AMH levels, except basal hemoglobin levels. At 3 months after surgery, the decline rate of AMH levels was significantly greater in the suture and BD group compared with the gauze packing group [48.2% (interquartile range, IQR, 28.1–67.1) and 31.1% (IQR,14.6–49.1) vs. 15.1% (IQR,1.1–24.5), P = 0.001]. On multivariate regression models, significant predictors of the decline rate of serum AMH levels at 3 months after surgery were hemostatic methods (p < 0.001), basal AMH levels (p = 0.033), and lesion bilaterality (p = 0.017). Conclusion: Compared to BD or suturing hemostasis, gauze packing hemostasis led to less damage on ovarian reserve at 3 months after LES. Besides, hemostatic methods, bilateral endometriomas and basal ovarian reserve were independently correlated with the impairment of ovarian reserve after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report long-term oncologic and functional outcomes of a large consecutive single center series of Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC)- intracorporeal (IC) Urinary Diversion (UD), identifying their predicting factors. Methods: A single center Bladder cancer (BC) database was queried for "RARC" and "ICUD", including patients treated between January 2012 and September 2020. Kaplan–Meier curves were assessed disease-free (DFS), cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) probability. Univariable (UV) and multivariable (MV) analysis were adopted to identify predictors of DFS, CSS and OS. Kaplan–Meier method evaluated day- and night-time continence recovery probabilities; UV and MV analysis were adopted to identify predictors of Day-time continence. Results: Overall, 251 patients were included. Among them, 192 patients underwent intracorporeal ileal orthotopic neobladder (ION) (76.5%). Five-year DFS, CSS and OS rates were 66.5%, 65.4% and 61.5%; pT stage ≥ 3 and pathologic nodal involvement were identified as negative independent predictors of DFS (HR 2.39, p = 0.001, HR 4.64, p ≤ 0.001), CSS (HR 2.20, p = 0.01, HR 3.97, p < 0.001) and OS (HR 2.25, p = 0.005, HR 3.95, p < 0.001). In RARC-ION patients, Trifecta rate was 64.1%. One-year day- and night-time continence rates were 78.6% and 48.3%. Age (HR 0.98, p = 0.03), female gender (HR 0.57, p = 0.008) and complications Clavien grade ≥ 3 (HR 0.55, p = 0.03) were identified as independent predictors of day-time incontinence. Conclusions: Long-term oncologic outcomes and their predicting factors seem aligned to the largest historical open series and multi-institutional robotic series data. According to the identified predicting factors undermining a proper achievement of day-time continence, this represents an objective support, in order to properly advice specific sub-group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to report on functional outcomes in a large cohort of patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation (IR) in a highly specialized, high-volume German urologic rehabilitation center after radical cystectomy (RC) and creation of an ileal neobladder (INB). Methods: Data for 842 patients, who underwent three weeks of IR after RC and urinary diversion between April 2018 and December 2019 were prospectively collected. INB patients were surveyed on continence and sexual function. Data were collected at 4 weeks (T1), 6 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) after RC. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify predictors of better functional outcomes. Results: INB was chosen as urinary diversion in 395 patients (357 male, 38 female). Social continence (maximum of one safety pad/24 h) was reported by 78.3% of men and 64.0% of women at T3. Severe incontinence was reported by 27.3% of men and 44.0% of women. Male sex was identified as an independent predictor for the use of no pads at T3 (OR 4.110; 95% CI 1.153–14.655; p = 0.029). Nerve-sparing surgery was identified as an independent predictor both for the use of only a safety pad (OR 1.918; 95% CI 1.031–3.569; p = 0.040) and good erectile function at T3 (OR 4.377; 95% CI 1.582–12.110; p = 0.004). Conclusion: Urologists should aspire for nerve-sparing surgery. When advising patients before RC, functional outcomes (continence, sexual function) should be given special attention. Women should be counseled on potentially prolonged urinary incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Totally robotic-assisted biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) learning curve has been described to be longer at approximately 50 cases, at which point operative time and complications rate decrease and tend to stabilize. This study aimed to form an analysis of the impact of the learning curve on the safety outcomes of the totally robotic-assisted BPD/DS. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent primary totally robotic-assisted BPD/DS by one of our certified bariatric and metabolic surgeon member of our institution was performed. The patients were classified into two groups, the learning stage group (first 50 cases) and the mastery stage group. Differences in operative time in minutes and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: Two hundred seventy-six patients were included. The operative time and the postoperative length of stay were significantly higher in the learning stage group (173.8 ± 35.8 min vs. 139.2 ± 30.2 min, p= 0.0001; 3.4 ± 1.4 days vs. 2.6 ± 0.9 days, p= 0.0002). The overall leakage rate was significantly higher in the learning stage group (8% vs. 0.4%, p= 0.0001). The global rate of complications for the learning stage group was 14%, and for the mastery stage group was 6.6% (p= 0.08). Conclusions: After the first 50 cases, the operative time, the length of stay, and the overall rate of complications decreased, being especially significant the decrease in the duodeno-ileal anastomosis leakage rate after reaching the learning curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parastomal incisional hernia (PH) is a frequent complication following the creation of an ileal conduit (IC), and it can be a significant detriment to quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of PH repair following IC for urinary diversion. Method: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted of 6 academic hospitals in France. The study's population included patients who underwent surgical treatment for parastomal hernia following IC creation from 2013 to 2021. Results: Fifty-one patients were included in the study. Median follow up was 15.3 months. Eighteen patients presented with a recurrence (35%), with a median time to recurrence of 11.1 months. The vast majority of PH repair was performed through an open approach (88%). With regard to technique, Keyhole was the most reported technique (46%) followed by Sugarbaker (22%) and suture only (20%). The Keyhole technique was associated with a higher risk of recurrence compared to the Sugarbaker technique (52% vs 10%, p = 0.046). Overall, there was a 7.8% rate of major complications without a statistical difference between PH repair techniques for major complications. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of parastomal hernia following IC was associated with a high risk of recurrence. Novel surgical approaches to PH repair should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The perioperative treatment of hydrocephalus in pediatric posterior fossa tumors with an external ventricular drain (EVD) is the treatment of choice in our center. We analyzed our experience in using EVD concerning safety and effectivity. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of 100 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent resection for a newly diagnosed tumor in the posterior fossa between 2011 and 2022. Results: Of the 100 patients with posterior fossa tumors, 80 patients (80%) had radiological signs of hydrocephalus at presentation, 49 patients (49%) of whom underwent placement of an EVD. In 40 patients, the EVD was inserted at a mean of 2.25 days prior to the tumor resection; 9 had the EVD inserted during tumor resection (frontal trajectory in 7 patients, occipital trajectory in 2 patients). Histology revealed pilocytic astrocytoma in 48 patients, medulloblastoma in 32, ependymoma in 11, and other histologic entities in 9 patients. Gross total/near-total resection was achieved in 46 (95.83%) of the 48 pilocytic astrocytomas, 30 (93.75%) of the 32 medulloblastomas, and 11 (100%) of the 11 ependymomas. The mean number of total days with the EVD in place was 8.61 ± 3.82 (range 2–16 days). The mean number of days with an EVD after tumor resection was 6.35 ± 3.8 (range 0–16 days). EVD-associated complications were seen in 6 patients (12.24%) including one infection. None of these resulted in a worse clinical course or any long-term sequelae. Permanent CSF diversion at 6 months after surgery was necessary in 13 patients (13%), including two VP shunt, two SD-shunt, six endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and three combined VP shunt and ETV procedures. Patients with a medulloblastoma or ependymoma had a higher rate of permanent CSF diversion needed than the group of pilocytic astrocytoma patients (27.9% versus 2.13%, p < 0.001). In patients with metastatic disease, 7 of 17 patients (41.18%) needed a permanent CSF diversion, compared to 6 of 83 patients (7.23%) in the group without metastasis (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The treatment of hydrocephalus in pediatric posterior fossa tumors with an EVD as a temporary measure is safe and effective, provided that a multi-professional understanding for its handling is given and there is no need for a long transport of the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is a major urological surgery burdened both by a high rate of short- and long-term complications and by a high emotional and psychological impact. Post-operative recovery is extremely important and the application of ERAS protocols can facilitate the return to functional autonomy. The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy of our ERAS programme on outcomes of recovery after surgery of patients undergoing radical cystectomy with various urinary diversions. Methods: This is a before–after study comparing the historical group (n. 77) of radical cystectomies following a peri-operative standard of care with the prospective observational group (n. 83) following our ERAS programme. Recovery after surgery outcomes evaluated were length of stay, re-admission rate at 30–90/days and post-operative complications. Results: Patients treated following the ERAS protocol presented less intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.001) and less intra-operative fluid infusions (p < 0.001). Time of first flatus was shorter in the ERAS group, though no difference was found in timing of nasogastric tube removal and defecation. Removal of drainage was done significantly earlier in the ERAS group. The median length of stay decreased from 12 to 9 days (p = 0.003) with a significant reduction also in re-admission rates at 30 and long-term complications at 90 days from surgery. Conclusion: The application of an opioid-free ERAS protocol to patients undergoing open radical cystectomy was associated, as compared with prior traditional care, with significant reductions of recovery time and length of stay, number of total in-hospital complications, in particular functional ileus and re-admissions by 30 and 90 days after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]