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Objective: To report the incidence of malignancy in gynaecological organs removed during radical cystectomy (RC). Patients and Methods: A retrospective multicentre study of 1600 RCs at three high‐volume institutions between January 2009 and March 2022 was performed. Pathological findings in gynaecological organs in female RC specimens were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of malignant gynaecological organ involvement (GOI) at time of RC. Results: Overall, 302 females with a median (interquartile range) age of 68 (61–75) years underwent RC for clinical (c)Ta–T4 bladder cancer. In all, 56 patients (18.5%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Malignant GOI was seen in 20 patients (6.6%); the most common single sites of GOI were the uterus (five patients) and vaginal wall (four), followed by cervix (one), and ovaries (one). Nine patients had involvement of more than one gynaecological organ. No females had a primary gynaecological malignancy detected incidentally at RC. Patients with GOI were more likely to have cT3/T4 stage (P < 0.001), preoperative hydronephrosis (P = 0.004), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.002), and squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.005) than those without GOI. On multivariable analysis, cT4 stage was an independent predictor of malignant GOI (odds ratio 88.3, 95% confidence interval 10.1–1214; P < 0.001). Conclusion: To our knowledge, we present the largest multi‐institutional study examining malignant GOI in females with bladder cancer undergoing RC. The rate of GOI at the time of RC is low and associated with higher clinical stage. In the absence of clinical or radiological evidence of sexual organ involvement, our results do not support their routine removal at the time of RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Graham Roberts Study was initiated in 2018 and is the first Trials Within Cohorts (TwiCs) study for bladder cancer. Its purpose is to provide an infrastructure for answering a breadth of research questions, including clinical, mechanistic, and supportive care centred questions for bladder cancer patients. Participants: All consented patients are those aged 18 or older, able to provide signed informedconsent and have a diagnosis of new or recurrent bladder cancer. All patients are required to have completed a series of baseline questionnaires. The questionnaires are then sent out every 12 months and include information on demographics and medical history as well as questionnaires to collect information on quality of life, fatigue, depression, overall health, physical activity, and dietary habits. Clinical information such as tumor stage, grade and treatment has also been extracted for each patient. Findings to date: To date, a total of 125 bladder cancer patients have been consented onto the study with 106 filling in the baseline questionnaire. The cohort is made up of 75% newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients and 66% non-muscle invasive bladder cancer cases. At present, there is 1-year followup information for 70 patients, 2-year follow-up for 57 patients, 3-year follow-up for 47 patients and 4-year follow-up for 19 patients. Future plans: We plan to continue recruiting further patients into the cohort study. Using the data collected within the study, we hope to carry out independent research studies with a focus on quality of life. We are also committed to utilizing the Roberts Study Cohort to set up and commence an intervention. The future studies and trials carried out using the Roberts Cohort have the potential to identify and develop interventions that could improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a late 60s male who presented to hospital 3 years postradical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion with polyuria and acute kidney injury. CT of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (KUB) revealed mild hydronephrosis of a solitary left kidney and a 3-cm calculus in the ileal conduit. The patient subsequently underwent a laparotomy which revealed the cause of obstruction to be tethering of the small bowel anastomosis to the pubic bone. The conduit was excised with the calculus in situ and a new conduit was fashioned. The patient recovered from surgery without complication, and his kidney function improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its advantages over open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, uptake of robot-assisted surgery has rapidly increased. It is important to know whether the existing open or laparoscopic skills of robotic novices shorten the robotic surgery learning curve, potentially reducing the amount of training required. This systematic review aims to assess psychomotor skill transfer to the robot in clinical and simulated settings. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases were systematically searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines from inception to August 2021 alongside website searching and citation chaining. Article screening, data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken by two independent reviewers. Outcomes included simulator performance metrics or in the case of clinical studies, peri- and post-operative metrics. Twenty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria. All studies were judged to be at high or moderate overall risk of bias. Results were narratively synthesised due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures. Two of the three studies assessing open surgical skill transfer found evidence of successful skill transfer while nine of twenty-seven studies evaluating laparoscopic skill transfer found no evidence. Skill transfer from both modalities is most apparent when advanced robotic tasks are performed in the initial phase of the learning curve but quality and methodological limitations of the existing literature prevent definitive conclusions. The impact of incorporating laparoscopic simulation into robotic training curricula and on the cost effectiveness of training should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy is being performed with increasing frequency, but it is unclear whether total intracorporeal surgery improves recovery compared with open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.Objectives: To compare recovery and morbidity after robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal reconstruction vs open radical cystectomy.Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial of patients with nonmetastatic bladder cancer recruited at 9 sites in the UK, from March 2017-March 2020. Follow-up was conducted at 90 days, 6 months, and 12 months, with final follow-up on September 23, 2021.Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal reconstruction (n = 169) or open radical cystectomy (n = 169).Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the number of days alive and out of the hospital within 90 days of surgery. There were 20 secondary outcomes, including complications, quality of life, disability, stamina, activity levels, and survival. Analyses were adjusted for the type of diversion and center.Results: Among 338 randomized participants, 317 underwent radical cystectomy (mean age, 69 years; 67 women [21%]; 107 [34%] received neoadjuvant chemotherapy; 282 [89%] underwent ileal conduit reconstruction); the primary outcome was analyzed in 305 (96%). The median number of days alive and out of the hospital within 90 days of surgery was 82 (IQR, 76-84) for patients undergoing robotic surgery vs 80 (IQR, 72-83) for open surgery (adjusted difference, 2.2 days [95% CI, 0.50-3.85]; P = .01). Thromboembolic complications (1.9% vs 8.3%; difference, -6.5% [95% CI, -11.4% to -1.4%]) and wound complications (5.6% vs 16.0%; difference, -11.7% [95% CI, -18.6% to -4.6%]) were less common with robotic surgery than open surgery. Participants undergoing open surgery reported worse quality of life vs robotic surgery at 5 weeks (difference in mean European Quality of Life 5-Dimension, 5-Level instrument scores, -0.07 [95% CI, -0.11 to -0.03]; P = .003) and greater disability at 5 weeks (difference in World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 scores, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.15-0.73]; P = .003) and at 12 weeks (difference in WHODAS 2.0 scores, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.09-0.68]; P = .01); the differences were not significant after 12 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences in cancer recurrence (29/161 [18%] vs 25/156 [16%] after robotic and open surgery, respectively) and overall mortality (23/161 [14.3%] vs 23/156 [14.7%]), respectively) at median follow-up of 18.4 months (IQR, 12.8-21.1).Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with nonmetastatic bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy, treatment with robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion vs open radical cystectomy resulted in a statistically significant increase in days alive and out of the hospital over 90 days. However, the clinical importance of these findings remains uncertain.Trial Registration: ISRCTN Identifier: ISRCTN13680280; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03049410. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyze the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival and recurrence patterns in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy. Materials and methods: The International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical cystectomy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer between 2002 and 2019. Survival outcomes, response rates, and recurrence patterns were compared between patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not. Survival distributions were estimated using Kaplan–Meier analyses and compared using the log‐rank test. Results: A total of 1370 patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer were identified, of whom 353 (26%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After a median follow‐up of 27 months, neoadjuvant chemotherapy recipients had higher 3‐year overall survival (74% vs 57%; log‐rank P < 0.01), 3‐year cancer‐specific survival (83% vs 73%; log‐rank P = 0.03), and 3‐year relapse‐free survival (64% vs 48%; log‐rank P < 0.01). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was a predictor of higher overall survival, cancer‐specific survival, and relapse‐free survival in univariate but not multivariate analysis. Pathological downstaging (46% vs 23%; P < 0.01), complete responses (24% vs 8%; P < 0.01), and margin negativity (95% vs 91%; P < 0.01) at robot‐assisted radical cystectomy were more common in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy recipients had lower distant (15% vs 22%; P < 0.01) but similar locoregional (12% vs 13%; P = 0.93) recurrence rates. Conclusions: In this analysis from a large international database, patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before robot‐assisted radical cystectomy had higher rates of survival, pathological downstaging, and margin‐negative resections. They also experienced fewer distant recurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Different simulation modalities may be utilised in a curricular fashion to benefit from the strengths of each training model. The aim of this study is to evaluate a novel multi-modality ureterorenoscopy (URS) simulation curriculum in terms of educational value, content validity, transfer of skills and inter-rater reliability. Methods: This international prospective study recruited urology residents (n = 46) with ≤ 10 URS experience and no prior simulation training. Participants were guided through each phase of the expert-developed SIMULATE URS curriculum by trainers and followed-up in the operating room (OR). Video recordings were obtained during training. A post-training evaluation survey was distributed to evaluate content validity and educational value, using descriptive statistics. Performance was evaluated using the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) scale to measure improvement in scores throughout the curriculum. Pearson's correlation coefficient and Cohen's kappa tests were utilised to investigate correlation and agreement between raters. Results: Participants reported gaining OR-transferrable skills (Mean: 4.33 ± 0.67) and demonstrated marked improvement in throughout the curriculum, transferred to the OR for both semi-rigid URS (p = 0.004) and flexible URS (p = 0.007). 70% of participants were successfully followed-up in the OR (n = 32). No differences were identified with the additional use of fresh frozen cadavers (p = 0.85, p = 0.90) and the URO Mentor VR simulator (p = 0.13, p = 0.22). A moderate level of correlation was noted on the video OSATS assessments, between two expert assessors (r = 0.70), but a poor agreement with the live rating. Conclusion: The SIMULATE URS training curriculum received high educational value from participants, who demonstrated statistically significant improvement with consecutive cases throughout the curriculum and transferability of skills to the OR in both semi-rigid and flexible URS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop and content validate a percutaneous nephrolithotomy assessment score, taking into consideration the procedure-specific risks. Methods: This prospective international study utilized the Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis to systematically outline percutaneous nephrolithotomy and failure modes for each step. A total of 25 h was spent observing percutaneous nephrolithotomy carried out by six expert surgeons. Hazard analysis scoring was carried out by 11 experts. It was determined if the steps were single point weaknesses. Single point weaknesses and those assigned a hazard score ≥4 were included in the percutaneous nephrolithotomy assessment score. The tool was then content validated by 16 experts from 10 countries. Results: Application of the Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis identified 64 failure modes; 37 failure modes had a hazard score ≥4. After adaptations based on expert feedback the final percutaneous nephrolithotomy assessment score was developed containing 10 phases, 21 processes and 47 subprocesses. All participants agreed that the tool contained pertinent procedural steps. Conclusions: This study has developed and shown the international content validity of a novel percutaneous nephrolithotomy assessment score. The tool can be utilized in modular operating room training to quantify operator progress, and can be used in conjunction with other modules as part of a complete percutaneous nephrolithotomy curriculum for trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop a wet laboratory training model for learning core laparoscopic surgical skills and evaluating learners' competency level outside the operating room. Methods: Participants completed three tasks (task 1: tissue dissection around the aorta; task 2: tissue dissection and division of the renal artery; task 3: renal parenchymal closure). Each performance was video recorded and subsequently evaluated by two experts, according to the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills and task‐specific metrics that we developed (Assessment Sheet of Laparoscopic Skills in Wet Lab score). Mean scores were used for analyses. The subjective mental workload was also assessed (NASA Task Load Index). Results: The 54 participants included 32 urologists, eight young trainees and 14 medical students. A total of 13 participants were categorized as experts (≥50 laparoscopic surgeries), eight as intermediates (10–49) and 33 as novices (0–9). There were significant differences in the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills and Assessment Sheet of Laparoscopic Skills in Wet Lab scores among the three groups in all three tasks. Higher NASA Task Load Index scores were observed in novices, and there were significant differences in tasks 1 (Kruskal–Wallis test, P = 0.0004) and 2 (P = 0.0002), and marginal differences in task 3 (P = 0.0745) among the three groups. Conclusions: Our training model has good construct validity, and differences in the NASA Task Load Index score reflect previous laparoscopic surgical experiences. Our findings show the ability to assess both laparoscopic surgical skills and mental workloads, which could help educators comprehend trainees' level outside the operating room. Given the decreasing opportunity to carry out pure laparoscopic surgeries because of the dissemination of robotic surgery, especially in urology, our model can offer practical training opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report the study protocol for the first international multicentre randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of simulation‐based surgical training and the development process for an evidence‐based training curriculum, to be delivered as an educational intervention. Participants and Methods: This prospective, international, multicentre randomized controlled clinical and educational trial will recruit urology surgical trainees who must not have performed ≥10 of the selected index procedure, ureterorenoscopy (URS). Participants will be randomized to simulation‐based training (SBT) or non‐simulation‐based training (NSBT), the latter of which is the current sole standard of training globally. The primary outcome is the number of procedures required to achieve proficiency, where proficiency is defined as achieving a learning curve plateau of 28 or more on an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) assessment scale, for three consecutive operations, without any complications. All participants will be followed up either until they complete 25 procedures or for 18 months. Development of the URS SBT curriculum took place through a two‐round Delphi process. Results: A total of 47 respondents, consisting of trainees (n = 24) with URS experience and urolithiasis specialists (n = 23), participated in round 1 of the Delphi process. Specialists (n = 10) finalized the content of the curriculum in round 2. The developed interventional curriculum consists of initial theoretic knowledge through didactic lectures followed by select tasks and cases on the URO‐Mentor (Simbionix, Lod, Israel) VR Simulator, Uro‐Scopic Trainer (Limbs & Things, Bristol, UK) and Scope Trainer (Mediskills, Manchester, UK) models for both semi‐rigid and flexible URS. Respondents also selected relevant non‐technical skills scenarios and cadaveric simulation tasks as additional components, with delivery subject to local availability. Conclusions: SIMULATE is the first multicentre trial investigating the effect and transferability of supplementary SBT on operating performance and patient outcomes. An evidence‐based training curriculum is presented, developed with expert and trainee input. Participants will be followed and the primary outcome, number of procedures required to proficiency, will be reported alongside key clinical secondary outcomes, (ISCRTN 12260261). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop and validate the Urethroplasty Training and Assessment Tool (UTAT) using Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) for training and assessment of urology trainees learning this urethral reconstruction technique, as urethroplasty is the 'gold standard' treatment for long and recurrent urethral strictures and with a variety of techniques and a lack of standardised reconstructive curricula, there is a need for procedure‐specific training tools to improve surgeon training and patient safety. Materials and Methods: This international observational study was performed over an 11‐month period. The HFMEA was used to identify and evaluate hazardous stages of urethroplasty to develop the UTAT. Hazard scores were calculated for the included steps of urethroplasty. Content validation was performed by 12 expert surgeons and multidisciplinary teams from international tertiary centres. Results: The HFMEA process resulted in an internationally validated UTAT. Hazard scores ≥4 and single point weaknesses were included to implement actions and outcome measures. Content validation was achieved by circulating the process map, hazard analysis table, and developed tools. Changes were implemented based on the feedback received from expert surgeons. The content validated dorsal onlay buccal mucosa graft bulbar UTAT contained five phases, 10 processes and 23 sub‐processes. Conclusions: The modular UTAT offers a comprehensive validated training tool developed via a detailed HFMEA protocol. This may be utilised to standardise the training and assessment of urology trainees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term oncological outcomes of laparoscopic (LRC) and robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) are still maturing compared with open radical cystectomy (ORC). To evaluate the 5-yr oncological outcomes of patients recruited into the randomised trial of Open, Laparoscopic and Robot Assisted Cystectomy (CORAL) and extracorporeal urinary diversion. A review of prospectively maintained database of 60 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) or high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (HRNMIBC) who were previously randomised in the CORAL trial to receive ORC, RARC, or LRC. This trial was designed to compare the perioperative and early oncological outcomes of these techniques. The outcomes of interest included 5-yr recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier curves were used to plot the recurrence and survival data. The curves between RFS, CSS, and OS were compared using the log-rank test. A two-sided p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results were analysed on the basis of intention to treat. A total of 60 patients with either MIBC (n = 38) or HRNMIBC (n = 21) were randomised in the CORAL trial to receive ORC, RARC, or LRC. The 5-yr RFS was 60%, 58%, and 71%; 5-yr CSS was 64%, 68%, and 69%; and 5-yr OS was 55%, 65%, and 61% for ORC, RARC, and LRC, respectively. There was no significant difference in RFS, CSS, and OS between the three surgical arms. The principal limitation is the small sample size. There was no difference in 5-yr RFS, CSS, and OS rates of patients who underwent ORC, RARC, and LRC for management of bladder cancer. Minimally invasive techniques achieved equivalent oncological outcomes to the gold standard of ORC. However, the study was based at a single institution with a small sample size. Patients who agreed to participate in the randomised trial of either open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer did not have different cancer outcomes at 5 yr. Patients who agreed to participate in the randomised trial of either open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer had equivalent cancer outcomes at 5 yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine if the presence of non‐urothelial variant histology (NUVH) is associated with a poorer prognosis following radical cystectomy (RC) compared to pure urothelial carcinoma (PUC). Patients and methods: A prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing RC at a high‐volume regional tertiary bladder cancer service between January 2010 and January 2017 was retrospectively analysed looking for patients with NUVH. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine disease recurrence, overall survival and bladder cancer‐specific survival, as well as lymph node positivity. Association of tumour stage was determined using chi‐squared analysis. Results: In total, 430 patients underwent RC of which 73 (17%) had NUVH and 357 (83%) had PUC. The median (range) follow‐up was 45.0 (8.5–100.2) months. The presence of NUVH was associated with both increased overall (hazard ratio [HR] 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–2.85) and bladder cancer‐specific mortality (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.91–3.01), as well as disease recurrence (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.06–2.75) in multivariate analysis. Squamous cell variant was also associated with increased overall mortality (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.16–3.13), cancer‐specific mortality (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.21–3.42) and disease recurrence (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.23–3.52), although this was not seen in other variant subtypes. Lymph node positivity was not associated with NUVH in multivariate analysis (HR 1.28, 95% CI 0.59–2.75), but NUVH was associated with advanced tumour stage on chi‐squared analysis (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results showed a risk of shorter survival in NUVH compared to PUC. This suggests NUVH as an independent predictor of worse outcomes. As a result, patients with NUVH should be counselled preoperatively that overall and disease‐specific outcomes are worse postoperatively and about the possible need for adjuvant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]