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Introduction: First external validation of the Bladder Complexity Score (BCS) for predicting complex transurethral resection of bladder tumours (TURBT). Methods: For BCS calculation, TURBTs performed at our institution between January 2018 and December 2019 were reviewed for the presence of preoperative characteristics listed in the Bladder Complexity Checklist (BCC). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used for BCS validation. To establish a modified BCS (mBCS) with maximum area under the curve (AUC), multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed with all BCC-characteristics for different definitions of complex TURBT. Results: 723 TURBTs were included in statistical analyses. Cohort's mean BCS was 11.2 ± 2.4 points (range: 5.5–22 points). In ROC analysis, BCS could not predict complex TURBT (AUC 0.573 [95% CI: 0.517–0.628]). MLR identified tumour size (OR 2.662, p < 0.001), and tumour number > 10 (OR 6.390, p = 0.032) as sole predictors for the modified endpoint of complex TURBT defined as a procedure meeting > 1 criterion: incomplete resection, surgery > 1 h, intraoperative complication, postoperative complications Clavien-Dindo ≥ III. mBCS increased the prediction to an AUC of 0.770 (95% CI: 0.667–0.874). Conclusion: In this first external validation, BCS remained an insufficient predictor of complex TURBT. mBCS requires reduced parameters, is more predictive and easier to apply in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Upper tract urinary cancer recurrence (UTUCR) after radical cystectomy (RC) is outcome-limiting. Surgical recommendations on intraoperative performance of frozen section analysis (FSA) and management of positive ureteral margin (PUM) are lacking. Methods: 634 RC cases were identified (2010–2018). In patients with PUM, sequential ureteral resections up to a negative margin were performed. We investigated the accuracy of FSA, significance of PUM, and identified risk factors (RFs) to stratify patients for UTUCR. Results: FSA was performed in 355 patients, including a total of 693 ureters. FSA sensitivity was 0.93 and specificity 0.99. PUM conversion was possible in 52 (91.2%) cases. UTUCR occurred in 17 (4.8%) patients. Identified UTUCR RFs are non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma (NMIBC) (OR 3.8, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.4–10.2, p = 0.008), multifocal bladder cancer in cystectomy specimen (OR 4.7, CI 1.1–20.8, p = 0.042), and recurrent NMIBC (OR 4.1, CI 1.5–10.9, p = 0.006). Risk-group stratification showed a six-fold increase in UTUCR risk (low-to high-risk). Conclusion: FSA is a sensitive and specific method to identify PUM. UTUCR occurs significantly more often in patients with recurrent, multifocal NMIBC at the time of RC. Patients can be risk stratified for UTUCR. In case of NMIBC-PUM, surgeons can safely opt for a kidney preserving strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To create and evaluate a realistic, anatomically accurate, and user-friendly bladder phantom for reproducible endourological training purposes and endoscope mastery. Materials and Methods: The anatomy of full bladders was mapped from human computed tomography datasets. After a 3D model development process, content evidence and response process evidence (RPE) of the phantom were evaluated using the system usability scale (SUS), 5-point Likert scale questionnaires, and task execution of experienced urologists (U) and endoscopy-naive medical students (MS) in two training sessions (first vs second). Required validation cohort sizes (1:10) of the evaluating urologists (n = 12) and students (n = 115) were precalculated. Time measurements were recorded. Students were additionally evaluated by a validated global psychomotor assessment score (GPSS). Group comparisons were calculated by the Mann–Whitney U test. All tests were two sided with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Content evidence was assessed by urologists with an "excellent" SUS score of 89.4 ± 5.9 and an average "agreement" of ≥4 pts in the Likert scale questionnaires. RPE was assessed by intra- and intergroup time comparison for the execution of endoscopic tasks (cystoscopy [CY], guidewire insertion, and tumor biopsy). For CY, U: first 17.6 ± 4.4 seconds vs second 12.4 ± 2.0 seconds, p = 0.002; MS: first 56.6 ± 28.2 seconds vs second 28.6 ± 14.7 seconds, p < 0.001; U vs MS: first U 17.6 ± 4.4 seconds vs first MS 56.6 ± 28.2 seconds, p < 0.001, second U 12.4 ± 2.0 seconds vs second MS 28.6 ± 14.7 seconds, p < 0.001. Significant time differences were documented for all tasks and sessions (p < 0.001). Additionally, significant GPSS differences were recorded between the sessions (GPSS: first 20.4 ± 5.1 pts vs second 24.7 ± 4.0 pts, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our low-fidelity 3D-printed bladder, called BladCap, is an easy-to-assemble, inexpensive, and robust phantom. We present data, which establish construct validity to support use as a clinical training device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) for reporting complications in lower urinary tract transurethral procedures and compare it with the Clavien–Dindo classification (CDC). Materials and Methods: A total of 450 consecutive patients were included into the analyses [150 each of transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and transurethral enucleation of the prostate using Tm:YAG, (ThuLEP)]. Complications were assessed according to the modified CDC. The CCI was calculated using a freely accessible online tool. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were applied to quantify operational differences and length of stay (LOS) between CDC and CCI. Sample size calculations for hypothetical clinical trials were contrasted for CDC and CCI application. Results: Overall n = 150 patients with complications (33.3%) within the first 60 days after operation were identified. Of these, n = 125 (83.4%) were minor complications up to CDC grade IIIa. Of patients with complications, n = 57 patients (12.6%) experienced more than one complication. Here, the cumulative CCI led to an upgrade of at least one CDC grade in 33 patients. Hence, in 22.0% of cases, the highest CDC grade underestimated the degree of complications. CCI showed higher correlation with LOS compared with CDC (all r > 0.2, all p-values ≤0.0001). Using CCI instead of CDC for sample calculation resulted in a strong reduction of the required number of patients for all three interventions (percentage of patient number decrease: −93.2% for TURBT, −71.8% for TURP, and −81.1% for ThuLEP). Conclusion: The CCI gives a more precise interpretation of the postinterventional complications of TURBT, TURP, and ThuLEP. CCI application may reduce the required sample size for clinical trials and will relieve their recruitment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Systematic evaluations focusing on the perception of body image and social support in relation to quality of life (QoL) outcomes in patients radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion (UD) are currently lacking. This study investigated the relationship between body image perception, social support, and QoL in bladder cancer patients who underwent RC with UD. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using validated general oncology tools to assess QoL in relation to newly implemented tools assessing body image perception and social support. Body image perception was assessed with the Self-Image Scale, and social support was assessed using the Illness-Specific Social Support Scale. Logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with QoL and body image, respectively. Results: The survey revealed a significant association of body image perception with QoL, as well as social support with body image perception. This is the first study to systematically evaluate these psychosocial factors in the context of QoL for RC patients, highlighting their critical role in patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion: Body image perception and social support are important psychosociological factors that affect QoL of bladder cancer patients post-RC. Targeted psychosocial interventions could be promising for improving QoL patients post-RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the preclinical and clinical performance of the pivoting lens rigid Endocameleon (ECAM) endoscope in white light cystoscopy (WLC).Materials and Methods: Preclinical evaluation was performed ex vivo in CT-based, anatomically accurate and validated bladder phantoms. Six defined tasks with objective endpoints were compared between ECAM-WLC and rigid WLC (30° view angle, rWLC) in 30 interventions. Subsequently, the comparison was transferred to in vivo n = 21 interventions. A validated usability score (System Usability Scale, SUS) as well as physician and patient-related outcomes were assessed using Likert-scale-based questionnaires. Intra- and postinterventional complications were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.Results: The ex vivo evaluation showed a significant superiority of ECAM-WLC in 4 of 6 endoscopic tasks. Noteworthy is the lower pressure on the bladder neck due to the endoscopesalteration of the endoscope (4/60 vs 17/60, P <.0001) and a more precise imaging of all bladder regions (22/30 vs 30/30, P = .046), including the anterior wall (0/30 vs 28/30, P <.0001). In vivo, surgeons rated the ECAM-WLC with an "excellent" SUS of 86.79%, also expressing that ECAM-WLC would enhance bladder surface visualization (4.52/5.0 ± 0.51), with a preferred use for ECAM-WLC during their next cystoscopy (4.62 ± 0.50). Patients reported ECAM-WLC to be less painful (4.5/5.0 ± 0.84) compared to rWLC. No intervention-related complications were observed.Conclusion: ECAM-WLC is a safe and accessible procedure that could improve conventional diagnostic WLC by combination of the advantages of fWLC and rWLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]