Search

Purpose To test the value of preoperative and postoperative cystatin C (CysC) as a predictor on kidney function after partial (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with normal preoperative renal function. Methods From 01/2011 to 12/2014, 195 consecutive RCC patients with a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 ml/min/1.73m2 underwent surgical RCC treatment with either PN or RN. Logistic and linear regression models tested for the effect of CysC as a predictor of new-onset chronic kidney disease in follow-up (eGFR 2). Moreover, postoperative CysC and creatinine values were compared for kidney function estimation. Results Of 195 patients, 129 (66.2%) underwent PN. In postoperative and in follow-up setting (median 14 months, IQR 10–20), rates of eGFR 2 were 55.9 and 30.2%. In multivariable logistic regression models, preoperative CysC [odds ratio (OR): 18.3] and RN (OR: 13.5) were independent predictors for a reduced eGFR 2 in follow-up (both p 2. Finally, we observed a plateau of postoperative creatinine values in the range of 1.2–1.3 mg/dl, when graphically depicted vs. postoperative CysC values (‘creatinine blind area’). Conclusion Preoperative CysC predicts renal function impairment following RCC surgery. Furthermore, CysC might be superior to creatinine for renal function monitoring in the early postoperative setting.

Purpose To evaluate the interplay of stricture recurrence, sexual function, and treatment satisfaction after substitution urethroplasty. Methods Observational study of men undergoing 1-stage buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture between 2009 and 2016. Patients were dichotomized by self-reported treatment satisfaction. Sexual function was assessed by validated and non-validated patient-reported outcome measures. Functional recurrence was defined as symptomatic need of re-intervention. Bivariate analyses, Kaplan–Meier estimates, qualitative and quantitative analyses by uni- and multivariable regression were employed to evaluate the interplay of sexual function, functional recurrence, and treatment satisfaction. Results Of 534 men with bulbar (82%), penobulbar (11%), and penile strictures (7.3%), 451 (84%) were satisfied with the surgery. There were no differences in stricture location, previous treatment, graft length, or surgical technique between satisfied and unsatisfied patients (all p ≥ 0.2). Recurrence-free survival was 85% at a median follow-up of 33 mo and decreased significantly with each Likert item towards increasing dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). Dissatisfied patients more often reported postoperative loss of rigidity, tumescence, reduced ejaculatory volume, ejaculatory pain, and reduced penile length (all p ≤ 0.042). In 83 dissatisfied men, functional recurrence (28%) and oral morbidity (20%) were the main drivers of dissatisfaction in qualitative analysis. Multivariable analyses revealed functional recurrence and impaired postoperative ejaculatory function as independent predictors of treatment dissatisfaction (all p ≤ 0.029) after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion We found an association of both functional success and sexual function with patient-reported treatment satisfaction after substitution urethroplasty. Such findings validate the clinical significance of defining the symptomatic need for re-intervention as an endpoint and underline the importance of further research evaluating sexual function before and after open urethral reconstruction.

The aim of the present study was to analyze copy number variations (CNV) of multiple oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in genomic DNA from primary tumor tissue, lymph node metastasis and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from serum of 72 urothelial carcinoma of bladder (UCB) patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC), using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). We hypothesized that primary tumor and lymph node metastasis show similar CNV profiles, and CNV are more present in lymph node metastasis compared to primary tumor tissue. Samples from 43 (59.7%) patients could be analyzed. In total, 35 (83%), 26 (68%) and 8 (42%) patients had CNV in primary tumor, serum and lymph node metastasis, respectively. MYC, CCND1, ERBB2 and CCNE1 displayed the most frequent amplifications. In particular, CNV in ERBB2 was associated with aggressive tumor characteristics. CNV in both ERBB2 and TOP2A were risk factors for disease recurrence. The current findings show that CNV are present in various oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in genomic DNA from primary tumor, lymph node metastasis and cfDNA from serum. CNV were more present in genomic DNA from primary tumor tissue compared to cfDNA from serum and genomic DNA from lymph node metastasis. Patients with CNV in ERBB2 and TOP2A are at increased risk for disease recurrence following RC. Further studies are necessary to validate, whether these genes may represent promising candidates for targeted-therapy.

Objectives To evaluate the impact of cardiovascular, metabolic and smoking related risk factors on recurrence in patients with buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for anterior urethral strictures. Patients and Methods Retrospective single-center analysis between 2009 and 2016. Covariates included American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, body mass index, and smoking status (never vs ever), coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, change in hemoglobin, creatinine, c-reactive protein, and leucocyte count. Descriptive and survival analyses evaluated the association with stricture recurrence. Results Overall, 1039 patients had buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty of which 517 remained for final analysis. Patients with stricture recurrence (n = 76) were significantly older (P Conclusion A larger drop of hemoglobin is independently associated with recurrence free survival. This may be considered as a surrogate marker for good microvascular circulation of the corpus spongiosum and therefore neovascularization of the graft. Contrary to the existing and mostly heterogenous previous studies, our findings suggest that stricture recurrence is largely independent of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.

Objective We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the available literature regarding the surgical and oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing salvage radical cystectomy (SV-RC) for recurrence or failure of bladder sparing therapy (BST) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Methods We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Google Scholar databases in May 2020. We included all studies of patients with ≥ cT2N0/xM0 bladder cancer that were eligible for all treatment modalities at the time of treatment decision who underwent BST including radiotherapy (RTX). A meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled rate of several variables associated with an increased need for SV-RC. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using MINORS criteria. Results 73 studies comprising 9110 patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. Weighted mean follow-up time was 61.1 months (range 12–144). The pooled rate of non-response to BST and local recurrence after BST, the two primary reasons for SV-RC, was 15.5% and 28.7%, respectively. The pooled rate of SV-RC was 19.2% for studies with a follow-up longer than 5 years. Only three studies provided a thorough report of complication rates after SV-RC. The overall complication rate ranged between 67 and 72% with a 30-day mortality rate of 0–8.8%. The pooled rates of 5 and 10-year disease-free survival after SV-RC were 54.3% and 45.6%, respectively. Conclusion Approximately one-fifth of patients treated with BST with a curative intent eventually require SV-RC. This procedure carries a proportionally high rate of complications and is usually accompanied by an incontinent urinary diversion.

Based on unfavorable oncological and functional outcomes of non-organ-confined (NOC) prostate cancer (PCa), defined as ≥ pT3, pN1 or both, we aimed to develop a NOC prediction tool based on multiparametric MRI-guided targeted fusion biopsy (TBx). Analyses were restricted to 594 patients with simultaneous PCa detection at systematic biopsy (SBx), TBx and subsequent radical prostatectomy (RP) at our institution. Development (n = 396; cohort 1) and validation cohorts (n = 198; cohort 2) were used to develop and validate the NOC nomogram. A head-to-head comparison was performed between stand-alone TBx model and combined TBx/SBx model. Second validation was performed in patients with positive TBx, but negative SBx (n = 193; cohort 3). The most parsimonious TBx model included three independent predictors of NOC: pretreatment PSA (OR 1.05 95% CI: 1.01–1.08), highest TBx-detected Gleason pattern (3 + 3 [REF] vs. ≥ 4 + 5; OR 9.3 95% CI 3.8–22) and presence of TBx-detected perineural invasion (OR 2.2 95% CI: 1.3–3.6). The combined TBx/SBx model had the same predictors. For the stand-alone TBx and combined TBx/SBx model, external validation yielded accuracy of 76.5% (95% CI: 69.3–83.1) and 76.6% (95% CI: 69.4–83.6) within cohort 2. The external validation of the stand-alone TBx model yielded 72.4% (95% CI: 65.0–79.6) accuracy within cohort 3. Our stand-alone TBx-based nomogram can identify PCa patients at the risk of NOC, using three simple variables, with the similar accuracy as the TBx/SBx-based model. It is non-inferior to combined TBx/SBx-based model and performs with sufficient accuracy in specific patients with positive TBx, but negative SBx.

Objectives To evaluate objective treatment success and subjective patient-reported outcomes in patients with radiation-induced urethral strictures undergoing single-stage urethroplasty. Patients and methods Monocentric study of patients who underwent single-stage ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for a radiation-induced stricture between January 2009 and December 2016. Patients were characterized by descriptive analyses. Kaplan–Meier estimates were employed to plot recurrence-free survival. Recurrence was defined as any subsequent urethral instrumentation (dilation, urethrotomy, urethroplasty). Patient-reported functional outcomes were evaluated using the validated German extension of the Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (USS PROM). Results Overall, 47 patients were available for final analyses. Median age was 70 (IQR 65–74). Except for two, all patients had undergone pelvic radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Predominant modality was external beam radiation therapy in 70% of patients. Stricture recurrence rate was 33% at a median follow-up of 44 months (IQR 28–68). In 37 patients with available USS PROM data, mean six-item LUTS score was 7.2 (SD 4.3). Mean ICIQ sum score was 9.8 (SD 5.4). Overall, 53% of patients reported daily leaking and of all, 26% patients underwent subsequent artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Mean IIEF-EF score was 4.4 (SD 7.1), indicating severe erectile dysfunction. In 38 patients with data regarding the generic health status and treatment satisfaction, mean EQ-5D index score and EQ VAS score was 0.91 (SD 0.15) and 65 (SD 21), respectively. Overall, 71% of patients were satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion The success rate and functional outcome after BMGU for radiation-induced strictures were reasonable. However, compared to existing long-term data on non-irradiated patients, the outcome is impaired and patients should be counseled accordingly.

Background No procedure-specific definitions in complication reporting have been universally accepted in urological surgery, and conventional classification systems do not reflect cumulative morbidity. Objective To conduct a rigorous assessment of 30-d complications after radical cystectomy and improve morbidity estimates by introducing the novel Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Design, setting, and participants A retrospective proof-of-concept study of 506 patients with bladder cancer between 2009 and 2017. Intervention Radical cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection. Outcome measurements and statistical analyses Thirty-day complications were extracted from digital charts based on a procedure-specific catalog. Each complication was graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC), and each individual CCI was calculated. We evaluated traditional morbidity endpoints and tested the ability of both classification tools to mirror cumulative morbidity. Multivariable regression analyses were employed for risk modeling using conventional and novel endpoints. The study fulfilled all the European Association of Urology (EAU) criteria of standardized reporting. Limitations include restricted follow-up of 30 d. Results and limitations Of 506 patients, 503 (99%) experienced a total of 2485 complications, of which the majority was classified as “minor” (CDC grade ≤ IIIa; 89%). Overall, 29 (5.7%), 20 (4.0%), and 12 (2.4%) patients were reoperated, readmitted, and died within 30 d, respectively. When using the CCI to capture cumulative morbidity, the proportion of patients with most severe complication burden (CDC grade ≥ IIIb or corresponding CCI > 33.7) increased to 31% as compared with 11% when considering only the highest-grade complication according to the CDC. Age-adjusted comorbidity and delta hemoglobin were the main drivers of perioperative complications for all outcomes in multivariable models. Conclusions The assessment of short-term morbidity after radical cystectomy may be refined and optimized by employing the EAU criteria of standardized reporting and using the CCI to capture cumulative morbidity. These are the cornerstones of urgently needed procedure-tailored benchmarking to improve comparability and quality control. Patient summary Characterization of short-term morbidity after radical cystectomy was improved by using several validated assessment tools and adhering to existing guidelines for reporting surgical complications.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:For short and obliterative bulbar strictures, non-transecting excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) has come of age to avoid disrupting spongiosal blood flow. Longer obl...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:There are only few reconstructive options in men with recurrent, panurethral strictures, and diversion, perineostomy or suprapubic catheter are frequently inevitable. We ...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Recently, pentafecta criteria (PC) have been proposed by an international expert panel to objectively assess quality of care after open radical cystectomy (ORC) in bladde...

Background To test for the impact of patient comorbidities and medical risk factors on kidney function after partial (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with normal preoperative renal function. Materials and methods From January 2011 to December 2014, 195 consecutive RCC patients with a preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 underwent PN or RN. Stratification was performed according to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) vs. no AKI. Moreover, logistic regression models tested for risk factors predicting postoperative AKI and subsequent new-onset chronic kidney disease (eGFR Results Of all eligible patients, 127 (65.1%) exhibited AKI. AKI patients underwent more frequently RN (44.9 vs. 13.2% PN) and harbored more often preoperative diabetes (17.3 vs. 5.9% no diabetes), hypertension (46.5 vs. 23.5% no hypertension) and larger median tumor size (4.5 vs. 2.5 cm, all p 60 years and RN as well as preoperative diabetes were risk factors for postoperative eGFR Conclusions Postoperative AKI is a non-negligible event especially after RN that can be further triggered by comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. Comorbidities should be considered in clinical decision-making for RCC surgery and patients need to be counseled about the increased risk of consecutive renal function impairment.

Purpose of review Treatment of penile and distal urethral strictures including the fossa navicularis and the meatus remains challenging due to their adverse etiology and lack of ventral tissue support. In this contemporary review, we summarize the available evidence and recent advancements in reconstructive techniques. Recent findings Over the last years, several refinements of already established techniques have been added to the reconstructive armamentarium in the management of penile urethral strictures. These include the single-stage combination of flap and graft, the additional use of tissue glue, or an optimized single-stage tubularization using a free graft. Summary There is a shift toward an increased use of single-stage procedures even in complex strictures of the penile and distal urethra. This is reflected by advancements and refinements in operative techniques. Nonetheless, staged urethroplasty remains a cornerstone of curative management in such patients with durable success rates. Future research should focus on identifying distinct patient and stricture characteristics to determine the individual therapeutic approach with optimal functional outcomes.

To describe the operative technique and report outcomes from the largest series of patients who underwent single-stage dorsal inlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (BMGU) for isolated meatal stenoses and fossa navicularis strictures. First, we evaluated patients who underwent single-stage BMGU for distal urethral strictures (meatus and fossa navicularis) between 2009 and 2016 at our department. Clinical and surgical characteristics were prospectively collected in an institutional database. Recurrence was defined as symptomatic need of any instrumentation during follow-up, was retrospectively assessed by patient interview, and recurrence-free survival was plotted using Kaplan–Meier curves. Second, a systematic literature review was performed through Medline to summarize the available evidence on distal urethroplasty using flaps or grafts. Of 32 patients, 16 (50%) presented with a hypospadias-associated stricture, followed by seven (22%), five (16%), and four (13%) patients with iatrogenic, inflammatory, and congenital strictures, respectively. At a median follow-up of 42 months (IQR 23–65), single-stage dorsal inlay BMGU was successful in 22 patients (69%), and estimated recurrence-free survival rates were 79% and 74% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Overall, 62 patients from five studies in the literature review underwent BMGU for isolated distal strictures and success rates ranged from 56 to 100%. Recurrent meatal stenoses and fossa navicularis strictures represent some of the most complex uro-reconstructive challenges. Inlay BMGU proves to be a valid and efficient last-resort single-stage technique. However, higher recurrence risk must be considered and staged urethroplasty should be discussed individually. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to prove the superiority of flaps, grafts or staged approaches over each other in this context.

Objective To analyze functional outcomes and complication rates of distal double cuffs (DC) or transcorporal cuffs (TC) as salvage approaches in high-risk patients, since there is an ongoing debate about optimal cuff-placement in a salvage setting (SV). Existing studies analyzing DC or TC are controversial with respect to functional outcomes and complication rates. Studies directly comparing both approaches in SV are scarce. Methods and Patients Prospective data collection was performed since 2009. DC/TC were applied according to a standardized protocol in SV. Salvage DC was chosen in case of a membranous single cuff explantation due to erosion or infection. TC were implanted after bulbar urethroplasty or DC explantation. Activation was performed 6 weeks postoperatively. Further follow-up was scheduled 6/24 months postoperatively and every 2 years thereafter. Primary/secondary endpoints were continence/complication rates. Results In total, 71 high-risk patients were available for analysis (58 DC, 13 TC). Median age was 70 years. Median follow-up was 24 months. Objective/social continence were 88%/94% in the DC and 72%/100% in the TC cohort, respectively (P = .37/P = 1). Overall, there were no significant differences with respect to infections, erosions, mechanical failure, and explantation rates. The times of explantation-free survival were similar in Kaplan-Meier analysis (Log-rank 0.399). Conclusion Complication and continence rates were not significantly different between both cohorts. Hence, a DC in SV can be considered as equally safe and effective. A sequential implantation (first DC, second TC) may be a viable approach to extend overall AUS incontinence therapy.

Objectives To analyse functional outcomes and complication rates of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation with a distal bulbar double cuff (DC) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in men with and without a history of external beam radiotherapy (RT). Patients and methods Data of all patients undergoing AUS implantation with a distal bulbar DC (DC-AUS) were collected prospectively from 2009 to 2015. Indications for DC implantation were based on urethral risk factors in terms of RT and previous proximal bulbar urethral interventions including, endoscopic or open surgery for urethral stricture or SUI. Implantation was carried out to a standardised protocol. Activation of the AUS was performed 6 weeks after implantation. Further follow-up (FU) included pad test, uroflowmetry, post-void residual urine measurements, radiography, and a standardised questionnaire. Continence and complication rates were compared between patients with a history of RT and non-RT patients. Explantation-free survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. Firth's penalized Cox-regression analyses were performed to analyse proportional hazard ratios for explantation. Results In all, 150 men (median age 70 years, interquartile range [IQR] 66-74) after DC-AUS implantation were available for analysis. Overall, 73 men (48.7%) had a history of RT. The median (IQR) FU was 24 (7.25-36) months. Baseline clinical characteristics only differed regarding previous open SUI surgery (P = 0.016). Social and objective continence was achieved in 94.8% and 84.3% of all patients treated by implantation of a DC-AUS, respectively. Between the RT and non-RT patients there were no statistically significant differences in continence rates [social continence: 100% vs 90.2% (P = 0.194); objective continence: 87% vs 82% (P = 0.877)]. For complications rates there were no significant differences between RT and non-RT patients after DC-AUS implantation [infection (P = 0.09), erosion (P = 0.31), mechanical failures (P = 0.14)]. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis explantation rates in patients with a history of RT (26.0%) vs non-RT patients (20.8%), estimated explantation-free survival, and AUS durability, did not differ significantly (log-rank P = 0.219). Conclusion Our data from a large institutional series indicate DC-AUS implantation to be an effective and safe treatment strategy in men with SUI and a history of RT.

Context Radiotherapy used for treating localized prostate cancer is effective at prolonging cancer-specific and overall survival. Still, acute and late pelvic toxicities are a concern, with gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) sequelae being most common as well as other pelvic complications. Objective To present a critical review of the literature regarding the incidence and risk factors of pelvic toxicity following primary radiotherapy for prostate cancer and to provide a narrative review regarding its management. Evidence acquisition A collaborative narrative review of the literature from 2010 to present was conducted. Evidence synthesis Regardless of the modality used, the incidence of acute high-grade pelvic toxicity is low following conventionally fractionated external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). After moderate hypofractionation, the crude cumulative incidences for late grade 3 or higher (G3+) GI and GU complications are as high as 6% and 7%, respectively. After extreme hypofractionation, the 5-yr incidences of G2+ GU and GI toxicities are 3–9% and 0–4%, respectively. Following brachytherapy monotherapy, crude rates of late G3+ GU toxicity range from 6% to 8%, while late GI toxicity is rare. With combination therapy (EBRT and brachytherapy), the cumulative incidence of late GU toxicity is high, between 18% and 31%; however, the prevalence is lower at 4–14%. Whole pelvic radiotherapy remains a controversial treatment option as there is increased G3+ GI toxicity compared with prostate-only treatment, with no overall survival benefit. Proton beam therapy appears to have similar toxicity to photon therapies currently in use. With respect to specific complications, urinary obstruction and urethral stricture are the most common severe urinary toxicities. Rectal and urinary bleeding can be recurrent long-term toxicities. The risk of hip fracture is also increased following prostate radiotherapy. The literature is mixed on the risk of in-field secondary pelvic malignancies following prostate radiotherapy. Urinary and GI fistulas are rare complications. Management of these toxicities may require invasive treatment and reconstructive surgery for refractory and severe symptoms. Conclusions There has been progress in the delivery of radiotherapy, enabling the administration of higher doses with minimal tradeoff in terms of slightly increased or equal toxicity. There is a need to focus future improvements in radiotherapy on sparing critical structures to reduce GU and GI morbidities. While complications such as fistulae, bone toxicity, and secondary malignancy are rare, there is a need for higher-quality studies assessing these outcomes and their management. Patient summary In this report, we review the literature regarding pelvic complications following modern primary prostate cancer radiotherapy and their management. Modern radiotherapy technologies have enabled the administration of higher doses with minimal increases in toxicity. Overall, high-grade long-term toxicity following prostate radiotherapy is uncommon. Management of late high-grade pelvic toxicities can be challenging, with patients often requiring invasive therapies for refractory cases.

We sought to characterize a standardized postoperative radiographic and functional voiding trial, and determine its impact on outcomes after substitution urethroplasty.This is an observational, monocenter study of men who underwent 1-stage ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for bulbar urethral stricture between January 2009 and December 2016. Patients were stratified by voiding trial success vs failure, including radiographic (extravasation or residual narrowness) and functional (post-void residual volume greater than 100 ml) failure, 21 days postoperatively. End points were voiding trial failure and recurrence-free survival. Regression models were created to determine risk factors of voiding trial failure and evaluate the impact of voiding trial failure on recurrence.The voiding trial succeeded and failed in 437 (85.2%) and 76 (14.8%), respectively, of 513 men. Of the latter men 54 (71.1%) showed evidence of extravasation and 22 (28.9%) had residual narrowness or functional failure. On multivariable logistic regression analyses no preoperative predictor of voiding trial failure was found (all p0.05). At a median followup of 32 months Kaplan-Meier analyses (log rank test p = 0.033) and multivariable Cox regression analyses (HR 1.86, p = 0.037) revealed an association of voiding trial failure and stricture recurrence. When further stratifying voiding trial failure, residual narrowness or functional failure (HR 4.60, p0.001) but not extravasation (HR 1.08, p = 0.9) was a risk factor for recurrence. Limitations include the retrospective assessment of investigated end points.Residual narrowness or functional failure at an early voiding trial after buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty may predict stricture recurrence. Identifying intraoperative complexity factors predicting initial voiding trial failure might be a key to identifying those individuals with early recurrence.

Vesico-urethral anastomotic stenosis is a well-known sequela after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer and has significant impact on quality of life. This review aims to summarize contemporary therapeutical approaches and to give an overview of the available evidence regarding endoscopic interventions and open reconstruction. Initial treatment may include dilation, incision or transurethral resection. In treatment-refractory stenoses, open reconstruction via an abdominal (retropubic), transperineal or combined abdominoperineal approach is a viable option with high success rates. All of the open surgical procedures are generally accompanied by a high risk of developing de novo incontinence and patients may need further interventions. In such cases, subsequent artificial urinary sphincter implantation is the most common treatment option with the best available evidence.

Introduction and Objectives: Knowledge about the significance of sarcopenia (muscle loss) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of skeletal muscle index (SMI) on early functional and pathological outcome in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).Materials and Methods: One hundred randomly chosen patients who received RP between November 2016 and April 2017 at Martini-Klinik (Hamburg, Germany) were retrospectively assessed. SMI (skeletal muscle mass cross-sectional area at L3/m2) was measured by preoperative staging computed tomography scans at L3 level. Cox regression analysis was applied to determine the impact of SMI on post-operative outcome. Follow-up was 12 months. Continence was defined as no more than one safety pad per day.Results: Mean age of the cohort was 63.6 years. Mean SMI was 54.06 cm2/m2 (range, 40.65–74.58 cm2/m2). Of the patients, 41.4% had pT2, 28.7% had pT3a, and 29.9% had pT3b or pT4 PCa. SMI revealed to be without significant correlation on tumor stage. Follow-up data of 55 patients were available for early functional outcome analysis. SMI showed no significant influence on erectile function in multivariable Cox regression analysis. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, SMI turned out to have no influence on continence rates 6 weeks after surgery.Conclusion: The present study shows that patients undergoing RP have a wide range of SMI. Unlike in other urological malignancies, there was no significant impact of SMI on early functional outcome and pathological outcome. A larger cohort is needed to confirm these results.

(1) Background: The intravesical instillation of interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been shown to be very well tolerated and promising in patients with bladder malignancies. This study aims to confirm the use of a new IL-2 containing immunotherapy candidate as safe for intravesical application. IL-2, produced in mammalian cells, is glycosylated, because of its unique solubility and stability optimized for intravesical use. (2) Materials and Methods: Urothelial cells and fibroblasts were generated out of porcine bladder and cultured until they reached second passage. Afterwards, they were cultivated in renal epithelial medium (REM) and Dulbecco&rsquo, s modified Eagles medium (DMEM) with the IL-2 candidate (IMS-Research) and three more types of human interleukin-2 immunotherapy products (IMS-Pure, Natural IL-2, Aldesleukin) in four different concentrations (100, 250, 500, 1000 IU/mL). Cell proliferation was analyzed by water soluble tetrazolium (WST) proliferation assay after 0, 3, and 6 days for single cell culture and co-culture. (3) Results: Proliferation assays showed that all IL-2 products induced very similar cultivation results and none of the IL-2 variants had a negative impact on the proliferation of urothelial cells and fibroblast in either concentration. (4) Conclusion: Human recombinant glycosylated IL-2 as well as human non-glycosylated IL-2 have no negative influence on the tissue cell proliferation of porcine urothelial cells and fibroblasts in vitro and represent a promising and innovative potential intravesical therapy candidate for patients in high need.

Background Little is known about patient-reported intensity and quality of pain at the receiver site as well as postoperative complications following one-stage buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (BMGU). Objective To evaluate perineogenital pain intensity and quality as well as short-term complications after BMGU, and to describe the impact of pain and complications on stricture recurrence. Design, setting, and participants A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial including 135 patients, who underwent BMGU from 2014 to 2015, was performed. Intervention One-stage BMGU. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Patient-reported perineogenital pain was assessed by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire preoperatively and at 1, 5, and 21 d, and 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively. Complications were assessed by the Clavien-Dindo classification and the Comprehensive Complication Index. Pain and complications were compared according to stricture recurrence. Results and limitations At a mean follow-up of 21 ± 15 mo, 29 patients (21%) had stricture recurrence. Pain intensity as well as sensory and affective pain quality decreased over time, reaching a minimum at 6 mo. Postoperative complications at days 5 (95% of patients) and 21 (27% of patients) were predominantly “minor” (Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≤ IIIa). Neither patient-reported perineogenital pain nor cumulative morbidity burden was different between patients with and those without stricture recurrence (all p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions Perineogenital pain is frequent after BMGU, but pain intensity and quality decrease over time. The same holds true for postoperative complications, which are frequent but mostly present as minor events. Current findings allow for thorough preoperative patient counseling regarding the expected perineogenital pain intensity and quality over time as well as complications following BMGU. Patient summary In this study, we looked at pain intensity and pain quality as well as complications following buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty. We found that pain in the perineogenital region is frequent, but pain intensity and quality decrease over time. Similarly, postoperative complications are frequent, but mainly present as minor events.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Although radical cystectomy (RC) is increasingly indicated in the geriatric patient, evidence regarding comparative morbidity after different diversions is scarce and mos...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Recently, a new risk stratification of patients harboring biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) has been proposed by the EAU: EAU low-risk BCR (Gl...

Objective To prospectively study the impact of smoking on pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). Materials & methods We collected standard clinicopathological variables, including smoking status (never, former, current) in patients undergoing NAC and RC for UCB at 12 European tertiary care centers between 12/2013-12/2015. Clinicopathological variables were compared according to smoking status. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to assess the association of smoking status and a) complete (no residual disease), b) partial (residual, non-muscle invasive disease), c) no pathological response (residual muscle invasive or lymph node positive disease). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were employed to study the impact of response to NAC on survival. Results and limitations Our final cohort consisted of 167 NAC patients with a median follow-up of 15 months (interquartile range (IQR) 9–26 months) of whom 48 (29%), 69 (41%), and 50 (30%) where never, former, and current smokers, respectively. Smoking was significantly associated with advanced age (p = 0.013), worse ECOG performance status (p = 0.049), and decreased pathological response to NAC (p = 0.045). On multivariable logistic regression analyses, former and current smoking status was significantly associated with lower odds of complete pathological response (odds ratio (OR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16–0.87, p = 0.023, and OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13–0.85, p = 0.021), while current smoking status was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of no pathological response (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.02–6.06, p = 0.045). Response to NAC was confirmed as powerful predictor of survival. Conclusions Smoking status is adversely associated with pathological response to NAC. Smokers should be informed about these adverse effects, counseled regarding smoking cessation, and possibly be considered for immunotherpeutics as they may be more effective in smokers.

Rectal injury (RI) during radical prostatectomy (RP) is a severe complication. So far, only limited data describing the incidence, risk factors, management, and complications of RI are available. In an analysis of data for 24178 patients, we identified 113/24076 patients (0.47%) undergoing open or robotic RP and 7/102 patients (6.86%) after salvage RP who experienced an RI. Besides salvage RP, local tumor stage, Gleason grade, lymph node status, and surgical experience, but not surgical approach (robotic vs open), could be identified as risk factors for RI in univariate and multivariate analysis. Intraoperative management of RI comprised closure with two to three layers. In 13/109 patients (11.9%), a diverting colostomy/ileostomy was carried out. Some 12% of men with closure of an RI developed a recto-anastomosis fistula, and 57% of those who had an additional diverting enterostomy. Thus, the overall incidence of recto-anastomosis fistula after RP was0.1%. The extent of rectal laceration, prior radiation, and intraoperative signs of rectal infiltration were associated with the development of a subsequent recto-anastomosis fistula. Some 83% of patients with a recto-anastomosis fistula needed further intervention. PATIENT SUMMARY: We analyzed the incidence, risk factors, management, and complications of rectal injury during radical prostatectomy. Overall, the incidence of rectal injury and subsequent development of recto-anastomosis fistulas is low unless the patient has significant risk factors.

Background Optimal surgical management of the buccal mucosa harvest site in patients with urethral stricture disease during buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (BMGU) remains controversial. Objective To analyze in detail intensity and quality of pain as well as oral morbidity following closure (C) versus nonclosure (NC) of the donor site. Design, setting, and participants Randomized controlled trial on 135 patients treated with BMGU between October 15, 2014 and December 18, 2015. Intervention Following computer-based randomization, 63 and 72 patients, respectively, received C and NC of the donor site at the inner cheek. Preoperatively, on days 1, 5, and 21 as well as at 3 and 6 mo postoperatively, patients completed standardized questionnaires, including validated questions on intensity and quality of pain as well as oral morbidity. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis The coprimary end points were intensity and quality of oral pain. Secondary end points included oral morbidity and intensity of pain of the perineogenital region. Generalized linear mixed models evaluated the effect of various covariates on intensity and quality of oral pain, oral morbidity, as well as intensity of pain of the perineogenital region. Results and limitations There was noninferiority for NC versus C in intensity and affective quality of oral pain at every time point following BMGU. Oral morbidity and complications included pain, bleeding, swelling, numbness, alteration of salivation and taste, as well as impairment of mouth opening, smiling, whistling, diet, and speech. Time from BMGU had significant effects on intensity ( p p p p p =0.001) and quality of oral pain (sensory pain: p =0.020, total pain: p =0.042). Conclusions NC is noninferior to C of the donor site in intensity and quality of oral pain, and offers a treatment alternative. Time from BMGU and length of the buccal mucosa graft have effects on oral morbidity and complications. Patient summary We investigated pain, morbidity, and complications following closure (C) versus nonclosure (NC) of the buccal mucosa harvest site in patients undergoing buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (BMGU). We found that NC is not worse than C regarding oral pain. In addition, time from BMGU and length of the buccal mucosa graft have effects on oral morbidity and complications.

Background Vesico- and ureterovaginal fistulas are defined as abnormal connections between the urinary tract, on the one side, and the female genital system, on the other. Despite being highly prevalent as an acquired pathology of the urogenital system, there has as yet been no standardized protocol in place for diagnosing and treating these fistulas. This review analyses the current literature concerning vesico- and ureterovaginal fistulas in order to profile common diagnostic and therapeutic concepts. Methods Literature research was carried out using the data bases of Medline and PubMed. A general internet research was added as well as the subsequent analysis of textbooks. Subsequently 40 scientific publications, four textbooks and one internet source were consulted. Results In the diagnostic process of not only vesicovaginal, but also ureterovaginal fistulas a timely vaginal examination followed by a cystoscopy and further imaging by retrograde vaginal methylene blue instillation should be carried out. In order to further the differential diagnosis of ureterovaginal fistulas in particular, additional imaging techniques may be required. However, the therapies of both fistulas manifest essential differences. Ureterovaginal fistulas are closed in a two-stage procedure. At first, a percutaneous nephrostomy is placed to decompress the renal collecting system and further drain the urine, followed by a second intervention, which closes the fistula. The management of vesicovaginal fistulas includes both conservative and surgical concepts, the latter of which may in turn be divided into a transabdominal and/or a transvaginal approach. Essentially, transabdominal fistula surgery should, at first, include the identification of the orifices of both ureters to subsequently splint them as indicated. This should be followed by the excision of the fistula. In the case of large fistulas a flap reconstruction of the area may be considered after the mobilisation of the surrounding tissue. Despite almost all surgical techniques leading to successful outcomes, patients with radiogenic damage to the area might require an alternative form of urinary drainage. Conclusions Industrial and developing countries continue to display significant differences in the etiology of fistulas as well as the operative treatment. The therapeutic concepts in place exhibit high success rates irrespecitve of the surgical approach and should be individually developed in accordance with the etiology, location and size of the fistula as well as the condition of the surrounding tissue.

Introduction Cystectomy is a first line treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer and a last resort option for several benign bladder conditions. It is currently unknown how the perioperative outcomes of cystectomy for cancer differ from those of cystectomy for benign conditions. Methods Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database we extracted data on cystectomy between 2006 and 2013. Bivariate comparison of baseline characteristics was performed and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of cystectomy indication on 30-day outcomes. Results Overall 3,166 and 248 cystectomies were performed for cancer and benign conditions, respectively. Patients in the noncancer group were younger (median age 62.5 vs 70.0 years), had worse American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (3-4, 81.5% vs 73.8%) and functional health status (19.0% vs 1.6%), and more frequently had preoperative sepsis (3.2% vs 1.1%) and paresis (4.8% vs 0.3%) compared to patients in the cancer group (all values p ≤0.013). On adjusted analyses patients without cancer were more likely to experience prolonged length of stay (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.60–2.86) and to be discharged to a special care facility (OR 3.08, 95% CI 2.13–4.47) compared to patients with cancer (all values p Conclusions Cystectomy performed for benign conditions is associated with higher odds of prolonged length of stay and adverse discharge disposition, which may be the result of worse baseline functional status and comorbid conditions. Adapting postoperative pathways after cystectomy in consideration of patients’ baseline characteristics might be one approach to mitigate such outcome differences.

// Armin Soave 1 , Felix K.-H. Chun 1 , Timo Hillebrand 2 , Michael Rink 1 , Lars Weisbach 1 , Bettina Steinbach 3 , Margit Fisch 1 , Klaus Pantel 3 and Heidi Schwarzenbach 3 1 Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany 2 AJ Innuscreen GmbH, Berlin, Germany 3 Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany Correspondence to: Heidi Schwarzenbach, email: hschwarzenbach@uke.de Keywords: urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, copy number variation, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), chromosomal region Received: March 21, 2017 Accepted: April 26, 2017 Published: May 07, 2017 ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to establish a rapid profiling method using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and characterize copy number variations (CNV) in circulating, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in 85 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC). MLPA was tested for the use of cfDNA extracted from serum and plasma by various commercial extraction kits. Eighteen probes served as reference to control denaturation, ligation and amplification efficiency. MLPA was exclusively suitable for cfDNA extracted from serum. Serum from 72 patients (84.7%) could be analyzed. Thirty-five patients (48.6%) had presence of CNV in cfDNA. The median CNV count in patients with presence of CNV was 2. Predominantly, CNV were located in the genes CDH1, ZFHX3, RIPK2 and PTEN in 15 patients (20.8%), 12 patients (16.7%), 9 patients (12.5%) and 7 patients (9.7%), respectively. CNV in TSG1, RAD21, KIAA0196, ANXA7 and TMPRSS2 were associated with presence of variant UCB histology ( p = 0.029, 0.029, 0.029, 0.029, 0.043, respectively). Furthermore, CNV in miR-15a, CDH1 and ZFHX3 were associated with presence of incidental prostate cancer ( p = 0.023, 0.003, 0.025, respectively). Patients with CNV in KLF5, ZFHX3 and CDH1 had reduced cancer-specific survival, compared to patients without CNV in these genes (pairwise p = 0.028, 0.026, 0.044, respectively). MLPA represents an efficient method for the detection of CNV among numerous genes on various chromosomal regions. CNV in specific genes seem to be associated with aggressive UCB biologic features and presence of incidental prostate cancer, and may have a negative impact on cancer-specific survival.

To examine income-related disparities in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over a one-year period after surgery (radical prostatectomy) and its contributory factors in a longitudinal perspective. Evidence of associations between income and HRQOL among patients with prostate cancer (PCa) is sparse and their explanations still remain unclear.246 males of two German hospitals filled out a questionnaire at the time of acute treatment, 6 and 12 months later. Age, partnership status, baseline disease and treatment factors, physical and psychological comorbidities, as well as treatment factors and adverse effects at follow-up were additionally included in the analyses to explain potential disparities. HRQOL was assessed with the EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) QLQ-C30 core questionnaire and the prostate-specific QLQ-PR25. A linear mixed model for repeated measures was calculated.The fixed effects showed highly significant income-related inequalities regarding the majority of HRQOL scales. Less affluent PCa patients reported lower HRQOL in terms of global quality of life, all functional scales and urinary symptoms. After introducing relevant covariates, some associations became insignificant (physical, cognitive and sexual function), while others only showed reduced estimates (global quality of life, urinary symptoms, role, emotional and social function). In particular, mental disorders/psychological comorbidity played a relevant role in the explanation of income-related disparities.One year after surgery, income-related disparities in various dimensions of HRQOL persist. With respect to economically disadvantaged PCa patients, the findings emphasize the importance of continuous psychosocial screening and tailored interventions, of patients' empowerment and improved access to supportive care.

Visual impairment represents an infrequent form of cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity; however, visual deterioration has been reported in several studies. To evaluate potential morphological and functional retinal alterations in patients with germ cell cancer (GCC) treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBC). Multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional study design. Examination of 28 eyes of 14 male GCC patients, who had received at least one cycle of CBC. A matched control group of healthy, untreated patients were included in this study. Subjects underwent a retinal nerve fiber thickness (RNFL) measurement, color vision, visual acuity testing, full-field electroretinograms (ff-ERG). To assess a correlation between cumulative cisplatin dose and measured RNFL and ff-ERG Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was performed. Both study groups (CBC recipients vs. healthy controls) consisted each of 14 participants with a median patient age of 30 years (interquartile range (IQR) 26–37 years). Tumor histology was seminoma in 6 of 14 patients (43%), and non-seminomatous GCC in 8 of 14 patients (57%). Median cumulative cisplatin dosis at examination was 627 mg/m2 (IQR 413–1013 mg/m2). Morphological assessment revealed reduced RNFL in 11 of 14 patients (78.6%). Reduction in RNFL was significantly correlated to the cumulative CBC dose received (rho = + 0.70; p = 0.004). ff-ERG showed significant differences between CBC recipients and the control group in 2 of 5 tested categories (all p values

BACKGROUND. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend a pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) if a nomogram predicted risk of lymph node invasion (LNI) is ≥2%. We examined this and other thresholds, including nomogram validation. METHODS. We examined records of 26,713 patients treated with RP and PLND between 2010 and 2013, within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Nomogram thresholds of 2–5% were tested and external validation was performed. RESULTS. LNI was recorded in 4.7% of patients. Nomogram accuracy was 80.4% and maintained minimum accuracy of 75.6% in subgroup analyses, according to age, race, and nodal yield >10. With the NCCN recommended 2% nomogram threshold, PLND could be avoided in 22.3% of patients at the expense of missing 3.0% of individuals with LNI. Alternative thresholds of 3%, 4%, and 5% yielded respective PLND avoidance rates of 60.4%, 71.0%, and 79.8% at the expense of missing 17.8%, 27.2%, and 36.6% of patients with LNI. NCCN cut-off recommendation was best satisfied with a threshold of

Surgical or non-surgical treatment of prostate cancer is commonly associated with mid- or long-term complications, such as urethral stenoses, vesico-urethral anastomotic stenoses, or urorectal fistulae. Although such complications are relatively rare, they have significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. Within this book chapter, we aimed to review contemporary therapeutical approaches for those complications and sequelae following prostate cancer treatment.

We analyzed the number of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy cores per lesion needed to detect prostate cancer in patients treated with radical prostatectomy.Analyses focused on targeted biopsy of magnetic resonance imaging lesions suspicious for prostate cancer with a PI-RADS® (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) score of 3 or greater and consecutive radical prostatectomy. Descriptive statistics included the frequency/proportion and IQR. Multivariable logistic regression analyses on the per lesion level were used to predict the number of targeted biopsies with prostate cancer.In the total cohort of 771 radical prostatectomy cases 437 (57%) and 334 (43%) were systematic transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy naïve or had 1 or more prior negative systematic transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies, respectively. A maximum PI-RADS score of 3, 4 and 5 was present in 67 (8.7%), 567 (74%) and 137 patients (18%), respectively. A total of 1,459 multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging lesions suspicious for prostate cancer were identified for analysis. Prostate cancer was detected based on an initial, second, third, or fourth or greater targeted biopsy in 79%, 92%, 98% and 100% of cases, respectively. The rate of prostate cancer detection on the first targeted biopsy core increased with higher PI-RADS scores of 3, 4 and 5 (67%, 79% and 87%, respectively). The number of prior negative systematic transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies and pathological tumor stage emerged as independent predictors on multivariate analysis, addressing the need for 2 or more targeted biopsy cores to detect clinically significant prostate cancer.Radical prostatectomy based analyses demonstrated that most cancers could be detected by 2 targeted biopsies only while in a minority of cases 3 or more targeted biopsies were necessary. Such findings might indicate that the targeted biopsy procedure and the related technology have improved, especially in patients with intermediate/high risk prostate cancer.

To critically report outcomes from a contemporary series of patients undergoing single-stage Asopa dorsal inlay urethroplasty for penile stricture. First, we retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent Asopa urethroplasty for penile stricture between 2009 and 2016 at our department. Clinical and surgical characteristics were compared across treatment groups (proximal penile, mid-penile, distal penile). Recurrence-free survival was plotted using Kaplan–Meier curves. Treatment satisfaction was assessed using a validated outcome measurement tool. Second, a literature review was performed through Medline to summarize the available evidence on Asopa urethroplasty and put our own results into context. Of 125 patients, 38 (30%), 74 (59%), and 13 (10%) had distal penile, mid-penile, and proximal penile stricture, respectively. Patients with distal strictures were younger and graft length was shorter compared to other groups (P ≤ 0.009). The majority of strictures were iatrogenic (38%), followed by hypospadias related (24%), congenital (17%), traumatic (10%), inflammatory (9%), and post-infectious strictures (2.4%). At a median follow-up of 36 months, overall success rate was 70%. In sensitivity analyses, success rates were only marginally improved to 71% after exclusion of hypospadias- and lichen sclerosus-associated strictures. Patients with mid-penile strictures were significantly more satisfied compared to other groups. Overall, 272 patients from 9 studies in the literature review underwent Asopa urethroplasty and success rates ranged from 73 to 100%. Success rates of Asopa urethroplasty in penile strictures are lower than previously reported. This is most likely due to both complex stricture etiology and surgical history and last resort single-stage surgery in many cases. Pre-operative counseling must consider high recurrence risk and staged urethroplasty should be discussed in selective cases to optimize patient satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:To describe oncological outcomes of patients with high lymph node burden (≥4 positive nodes) and to assess the impact of adjuvant therapies.METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 273 patients with ≥4 positive lymph nodes after radical prostatectomy (RP) and lymph node dissection between 2007 and 2015. Patients received adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (aADT), aADT plus adjuvant radiation (aRT) or observation (including salvage ADT). Kaplan-Meier curves as well as multivariable Cox-regression analyses compared biochemical recurrence (BCR), metastatic progression (MP) and overall mortality (OM) between the different treatment modalities.RESULTS:Overall 55 patients received aADT, 34 aADT + aRT and 184 observation (including 96 with salvage ADT). For the entire cohort 2-year BCR-free survival, MP-free survival and overall survival rates were 33.0% (27.2-40.1%), 76.6% (71.0-82.8%) and 90.3% (86.1-94.8%). While patients with aADT + aRT had significantly better BCR-free survival rat...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Outcomes after urethroplasty are often contaminated by heterogeneous study populations and operative techniques. We report outcomes of the largest series of patients who...

Background To evaluate outcome of buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (BMGU) for the treatment of urethral stricture disease, including a detailed analysis of success, morbidity and quality of life (QoL). Methods Between 12/05/2008 and 07/21/2010, 187 patients with urethral stricture disease, who were treated with BMGU at our University Medical Center, received a standardized questionnaire, evaluating postoperative success, morbidity and QoL. The primary endpoint was the success, i.e., stricture recurrence-free survival plus patients’ satisfaction with surgery. Secondary endpoints included erectile function, voiding symptoms, pain and health-related QoL, which were assessed with a modified Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient Reported Outcome Measure (USS PROM), including the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF), Incontinence Questionnaire Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-MLUTS) and EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D). Results In total, 83 patients (51.9%) completed the questionnaire. Bulbar, penile and panurethral strictures were found in 69 patients (83.1%), 13 patients (15.7%) and one patient (1.2%), respectively. The median length of the stricture was 5 cm (range: 1–16). At a median follow-up of 46 months (range: 36–54), 65 patients (78.3%) had no stricture recurrence and were satisfied with BMGU. Median scores for ICIQ-MLUTS, IIEF-EF and EQ-5D visual analogue scale were 6, 22 and 80, respectively. Based on USS PROM, postoperative improvement of QoL and satisfaction with BMGU was found in 67 patients (80.7%) and 68 patients (81.9%), respectively. Conclusions In patients with urethral stricture disease, BMGU offers excellent success, morbidity and QoL.

Introduction Definitive, curatively intended therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer can be associated with significant morbidity and adverse effects on quality of life, leaving patients reluctant to opt for these interventions. We sought to provide perspective to patients and clinicians exploring therapy options. Materials and Methods We examined stage-by-stage overall survival of definitive therapy (DT) (either radical cystectomy in conjunction with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or trimodal therapy) versus non-DT (including palliative transurethral resection, chemotherapy and radiation treatment) among 42,144 patients within the National Cancer Database (2004-2012). Results The median overall survival stratified by receipt of DT versus non-DT was 45.3 versus 16.4 months, 26.7 versus 9.6 months, and 21.2 versus 7.5 months in American Joint Committee on Cancer stages II, III, and IV, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, DT conferred a significant survival benefit in all stages, most pronounced in American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IV (hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.49; P Conclusion Despite potentially significant morbidity and adverse effects on quality of life, DT is associated with a sizable survival benefit.

Pediatric anterior urethral strictures are rare and recommendations regarding treatment strategies derive from small monocentric case series. In 2014, a collaborative effort of the Société Internationale d'Urologie and the International Consultation on Urological Diseases drafted the first systematic and evidence-based guideline for diagnosis and treatment of urethral strictures in children. Against this backdrop, we performed an updated literature review to provide a comprehensive summary of the available evidence and contemporary outcomes with a focus on comparative effectiveness of endoscopic treatment (dilation or urethrotomy) vs. open surgical reconstruction. Overall, 22 articles reporting on children with anterior urethral strictures were included into the review. Most strictures were iatrogenic (48%) and traumatic (34%), whereas congenital (13%), inflammatory (4%), or postinfectious strictures (1%) were rather rare. The cumulative success rate of endoscopic treatment and urethroplasty was 46% (range: 21–75; N = 334) and 84% (range: 25–100; N = 347), respectively. After stratifying patients according to urethroplasty technique, success rates were 82% (range: 25–100; N = 206) for excision and primary anastomosis, 94% (range: 75–100; N = 40) for graft augmentation, 97% (range: 87–100; N = 30) for flap urethroplasty, and 70% (one study; N = 20) for pull-through urethroplasty. In conclusion, endoscopic approaches are rather ineffective in the long-term and open surgical reconstruction via urethroplasty should be preferred to avoid multiple, repetitive interventions. Future research may involve multi-institutional, collaborative, and prospective studies, incorporating well-defined outcome criteria and assessing objective surgical endpoints as well as patient-reported functional outcomes.

Objective To externally validate the updated 2012 Partin Tables in contemporary North American patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer (PCa) at community institutions. Materials and methods We examined records of 25,254 patients treated with RP and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) between 2010 and 2013, within the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database. The ROC derived AUC assessed discriminant properties of the updated 2012 Partin Tables of organ confined disease (OC), extracapsular extension (ECE), seminal vesical invasion (SVI), and lymph node invasion (LNI). Calibration plots focused on calibration between predicted and observed rates. Results Proportions of OC, ECE, SVI, and LNI at RP were 69.8%, 18.4%, 7.4%, and 4.4%, respectively. Accuracy for prediction of OC, ECE, SVI, and LNI was 70.4%, 59.9%, 72.9%, and 77.1%, respectively. In subgroup analyses in patients with nodal yield >10, accuracy for LNI prediction was 76.0%. Subgroup analyses in elderly patients and in African American patients revealed decreased accuracy for prediction of all four endpoints. Last but not least, SVI and LNI calibration plots showed excellent agreement, versus good agreement for OC (maximum underestimation of 10%) and poor agreement for ECE (maximum overestimation of 12%). Conclusion Taken together, the updated 2012 Partin Tables can be unequivocally endorsed for prediction of OC, SVI, and LNI in community-based patients with localized PCa. Conversely, ECE predictions failed to reach the minimum accuracy requirements of 70%. Prostate 77:105-113, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

To answer the question of which surgical technique represents the most efficient procedure for urethral reconstruction, the most common techniques are described. Depending on stricture length, stricture location, and patient history, suitable techniques are presented. Preoperative examination and intraoperative findings, such as the condition of the urethral plate, guide the choice of technique. Excision and primary anastomosis is the technique of choice in post-traumatic and short strictures. Flaps and free transplants are necessary in longer strictures. In cases of destruction of the urethral plate, two-stage urethroplasties using buccal mucosa or skin grafts are necessary. For decision making about the adequate urethroplasty technique, underlying pathophysiology, previous treatments, stricture length and location, and shape of the urethral plate have to be considered. Patient summary After unsuccessful primary treatment of urethral strictures and in long urethral strictures, open urethroplasties represent the gold standard treatment. Several techniques are available. Selecting the optimal technique depends on preoperative diagnostic evaluation and intraoperative findings.

Objective: To compare the trends of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) in 2 European tertiary referral centers with regards to guideline changes. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,573 patients who underwent RN or PN for localized (≤T2) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were included. Logistic regression analyses assessed the predictors of PN and laparoscopy over time. Results: Out of the total, 1,013 patients (65.6%) were treated with RN and 560 patients (34.4 %) with PN. Also, 1,233 patients (80%) had open surgery whereas 340 patients (22%) were treated with a laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic RN and PN were performed in 216 (13.7%) and 124 (7.8%) patients, respectively. T1b tumors were 73% less likely (p < 0.001) to be treated with PN compared to T1a tumors. The odds of undergoing PN or laparoscopy in 2008-2010 relative to 2000-2001 were 6.5-fold (p < 0.001) and 36-fold higher (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Tumor size and year of surgery are independent predictors of PN in our cohort. Our data exemplify the adoption of PN for RCC in tertiary care centers in Austria and Germany in line with implemented guideline changes. The utilization of PN has increased over time regardless of surgical approach. Further studies need to address the use of robot-assisted surgery and care in community hospitals.