Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on prostate cancer outcomes at an uro-oncology referral center

ABSTRACT Introduction To evaluate the possible effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the oncologic results of patients with prostate cancer regarding clinical staging, presence of adverse pathological outcomes, and perioperative complications. Materials and methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. The time between biopsy and surgery, staging tests, final histopathological evaluation after surgery, lymphadenectomy rate, postoperative complications, and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels (initial and 30 days after surgery) were analyzed and compared in a group of patients before and during the pandemic period. Results We included 226 patients: 88 in the pre-pandemic period and 138 during the pandemic period. There was no statistically significant difference in mean age, body mass index, ASA, pathological locally advanced disease, the proportion of patients who underwent lymphadenectomy, and ISUP grade in the biopsy between the groups. Positive surgical margins, prostatic extracapsular extension, and PSA levels at 30 days were also similar between the groups. The mean time between medical consultation and surgery was longer in the pandemic period than in the pre-pandemic (124 vs. 107 days, p<0.001), and the mean time between biopsy and medical consultation (69.5 days vs. 114 days, p<0.001) and between biopsy and surgery (198.5 days vs. 228 days, p=0.013) was shorter during the pandemic. The incidence of severe early and late perioperative complications was similar between the periods. Conclusions There was no delay between diagnosis and treatment at our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic period. No worsening of the prostate cancer features was observed.

Spermatic cord torsion: a retrospective analysis

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the time interval and possible delay in transportation to referral units for the treatment of testicular torsion. Methods We retrospectively analyzed all cases of spermatic cord torsion surgically treated at a university hospital between January 2018 to December 2021. We evaluated the time intervals, including pain onset until the first presentation (D1), interhospital transference time (D2), pain onset until urological evaluation in a tertiary service (D3), urological evaluation until surgery (D4), and time from pain onset to surgical treatment (D5). We analyzed demographic and surgical data, orchiectomy rates, and time intervals (D1-D5). Torsions presented to the first medical presentation within 6h were considered early for testicular preservation. Results Of the 116 medical records evaluated, 87 had complete data for the time interval analysis (D1 to D5) and were considered the total sample. Thirty-three had D1 ≤6h, 53 had D1 ≤24h (includes patients in the D1 ≤6h subgroup), and 34 had D1 >24h. The median time intervals of the total samples and subgroups D1 ≤6h, D1 ≤24h, and D1 >24h were D1 = 16h 42min, 2h 43min, 4h 14min and 72h, D2 = 4h 41min, 3h 39min, 3h 44min and 9h 59min; D3 = 24h, 6h 40min, 7h and 96h; D4 = 2h 20min, 1h 43min, 1h 52min and 3h 44min; D5 = 24h 42min, 8h 03min, 9h 26min and 99h 10min, respectively. Orchiectomy rates of the total sample, subgroups D1 ≤6h, D1 ≤24h, and D1 >24h were 56.32%, 24.24% (p<0.01), 32.08% (p<0.01), and 91.18% (p<0.01), respectively. Conclusion Late arrival at the emergency department or a long interhospital transference time determined a large number of patients who underwent orchiectomy. Thus, public health measures and preventive strategies can be developed based on the data from this study aiming to reduce this avoidable outcome.

Testicular decompression and tunica vaginalis flap in human acute testicular torsion: modified step-by-step technique description and preliminary outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective To report the effects of a tunica vagina flap on testicular compartment syndrome. Methods This single-arm clinical trial was conducted from September 2020 to October 2021. Consecutive patients with suspected testicular torsion within 24 hours of pain onset were included. Patients with past testicular torsion, bilateral torsion, or previous atrophy were excluded. The tunica vaginalis was opened, and the intratesticular pressure was measured before testicular retrieval from the scrotum and detorsion (P1), after detorsion (P2), and after transverse incision (P3). A tunica vaginalis flap was performed and a new intratesticular pressure was recorded (P4). The contralateral testicular pressure was recorded before fixation (Pc). The minimum follow-up period was 6 months. Results Fifteen patients were recruited from September 2020 to October 2021. Nine patients completed the follow-up. The median age (range) was 15 years (9-19). The mean P1, P2, P3, P4, and Pc (range) were 43, 60, 23, 20, and 14mmHg, respectively. The atrophy rate was 66.3% and the viability was 88.9%. No major complications were observed. Conclusion The modified tunica vaginalis flap in acute testicular torsion decreased intratesticular pressure. Furthermore, normal testicular pressure can improve testicular preservation. It can also decrease testicular pressure to normal levels and preserve the testicular parenchyma.

Bricker ileal conduit vs. Cutaneous ureterostomy after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Purpose: A systematic review of the literature with available published literature to compare ileal conduit (IC) and cutaneous ureterostomy (CU) urinary diversions (UD) in terms of perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of high-risk elderly patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC). Protocol Registration: PROSPERO ID CRD42020168851. Materials and Methods: A systematic review, according to the PRISMA Statement, was performed. Search through the Medline, Embase, Scopus, Scielo, Lilacs, and Cochrane Database until July 2020. Results: The literature search yielded 2,883 citations and were selected eight studies, including 1096 patients. A total of 707 patients underwent IC and 389 CU. Surgical procedures and outcomes, complications, mortality, and quality of life were analyzed. Conclusions: CU seems to be a safe alternative for the elderly and more frail patients. It is associated with faster surgery, less blood loss, lower transfusion rates, a lower necessity of intensive care, and shorter hospital stay. According to most studies, complications are less frequent after CU, even though mortality rates are similar. Studies with long-term follow up are awaited.

Bladder cancer trends and mortality in the brazilian public health system

ABSTRACT Introduction Considering the lack of data on BC trends in Brazilian population, mainly as a result of the difficulty on gathering data, the present manuscript provides an overview of bladder cancer incidence, hospitalization, mortality patterns and trends using the Brazilian Data Center for The Public Health System (DATASUS). Materials and Methods All hospital admissions associated with BC diagnosis (ICD-10 C67) between 2008 and 2017 were analyzed. Distributions according to year, gender, age group, ethnicity, death, length of hospital stay, and costs were evaluated. Demographic data was obtained from the last Brazilian national census. Results From 2008 to 2017 there were 119,058 public hospital admissions related to BC. Patients were mostly white males aged 60 to 79 years-old. Mortality rates for patients who have undergone surgery was 6.75% on average, being 7.38% for women and 6.49% for men. Mortality rates were higher when open surgeries were performed compared to endoscopic procedures (4.98% vs 1.18%). Considering only endoscopic procedures, mortality rates were three times higher after urgent surgeries compared to elective ones (2.6% vs 0.6%). Over the years the cystectomy/transurethral bladder resection (C/T) ratio significantly decreased in all Brazilian Regions. In 2008, the C/T ratio was 0.19, while in 2017 it reduced to 0.08. Conclusions Despite BC relatively low incidence, it still represents a significant social economic burden in Brazil, as it presents with recurrent episodes that might require multiple hospitalizations and surgical treatment. The set of data collected might suggest that population access to health care has improved between 2008-2017.

Penile cancer trends and economic burden in the Brazilian public health system / Tendências e carga econômica do câncer de pênis no sistema público de saúde brasileiro

ABSTRACT Objective: To gather information on penile cancer epidemiologic trends and its economic impact on the Brazilian Public Health System across the last 25 years. Methods: The Brazilian Public Health System database was used as the primary source of data from January 1992 to December 2017. Mortality and incidence data from the Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva was collected using the International Classification of Diseases ICD10 C60. Demographic data from the Brazilian population was obtained from the last census by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, performed in 2010 and its 2017 review. Results: There were 9,743 hospital admissions related to penile cancer from 1992 to 2017. There was a reduction (36%) in the absolute number of admissions per year related to penile cancer in 2017, as compared to 1992 (2.7versus 1.7 per 100,000; p<0.001). The expenses with admissions related to this condition in this period were US$ 3,002,705.73 (US$ 115,488.68/year). Approximately 38% of the total amount was spent in Northeast Region. In 1992, penile cancer costed US$ 193,502.05 to the public health system, while in 2017, it reduced to US$ 47,078.66 (p<0.02). Penile cancer incidence in 2017 was 0.43/100,000 male Brazilian, with the highest incidence rate found in the Northeast Region. From 1992 to 2017, the mortality rates of penile cancer in Brazil were 0.38/100,000 man, and 0.50/100,000 man in the North Region. Conclusion: Despite the decrease in admissions, penile cancer still imposes a significant economic and social burden to the Brazilian population and the Public Health System.

RESUMO Objetivo: Reunir informações sobre as tendências epidemiológicas do câncer de pênis e seu impacto econômico no Sistema Único de Saúde nos últimos 25 anos. Métodos: O banco de dados de informações do Sistema Único de Saúde foi utilizado como fonte primária de dados de janeiro 1992 a dezembro 2017. Os dados demortalidade e incidência do Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva foram coletados usando a Classificação Internacional de Doença CID10 C60. Os dados demográficos da população brasileira foram obtidos do último censo do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, realizado em 2010, e em sua revisão, de 2017. Resultados: Ocorreram 9.743 internações relacionadas ao câncer de pênis de 1992 a 2017. Houve redução (36%) nas internações anuais absolutas em 2017 em comparação com 1992 (2,7 versus 1,7 por 100.000; p<0,001). Os gastos com internações neste período foram de US$ 3,002,705.73 (US$ 115,488.68/ano). Cerca de 38% do valor total foi gasto na Região Nordeste. Em 1992, o câncer de pênis custou US$ 193,502.05 ao sistema público, enquanto em 2017 reduziu para US$ 47,078.66 (p<0,02). A incidência em 2017 foi de 0,43/100.000 brasileiro do sexo masculino, com a maior taxa de incidência encontrada na Região Nordeste. De 1992 a 2017, as taxas de mortalidade por câncer de pênis foram de 0,38/100.000 homem, sendo 0,50/100.000 homem na Região Norte. Conclusão: Apesar da diminuição nas hospitalizações, o câncer de pênis ainda impõe uma carga econômica e social significativa à população brasileira e ao Sistema Único de Saúde.

Mortality after radical cystectomy is strongly related to the institution's volume of surgeries / Mortalidade pós-cistectomia radical está fortemente associada ao volume de cirurgias da instituição

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze mortality rates and hospitalization data after radical cystectomy in each public healthcare center in São Paulo in the last decade, considering the number of surgeries performed at each center. Methods: This study included patients from the Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde from the state of São Paulo, who underwent radical cystectomy between 2008 and 2018. Data analyzed included organization name, number of procedures/year, in-hospital death rates and hospital length of stay. Results: A total of 1,377 radical cystectomies were registered in the public health system in São Paulo, between 2008-2018. A total of 91 institutions performed at least one radical cystectomy in the decade analyzed. The number of radical cystectomies performed per organization during the years analyzed ranged from one to 161. Only 45.6% of patients were operated in organizations that performed more than five radical cystectomies yearly. A total of 684 patients were operated in organizations with higher surgical volume. There were 117 in-hospital deaths, representing an 8.5% mortality rate for the state of São Paulo during the last decade. Whereas highest volume organizations (>6 radical cystectomies/year) had a mortality rate of 6.1%, the lowest volume (<1 radical cystectomy /year) had a 17.5% in-hospital mortality rate. Conclusion: There was a strong relation between organization volume of radical cystectomy and in-hospital mortality rate after radical cystectomy in São Paulo from 2008-2018. Unfortunately, we could not observe a trend toward centralization of such complex procedures, as it has occurred in developed countries during the last decades.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as taxas de mortalidade e os dados de hospitalização após cistectomia radical em cada unidade pública de saúde de São Paulo na última década, levando em conta o número de cirurgias realizadas por unidade. Métodos: Este estudo incluiu pacientes do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde de São Paulo submetidos à cistectomia radical entre 2008 e 2018. Os dados analisados incluíram o nome da instituição, o número de procedimentos/ano, taxas de mortalidade hospitalar e tempo de internação hospitalar. Resultados: Foram registrados 1.377 cistectomias radicais no sistema público de saúde de São Paulo no período. Um total de 91 instituições realizou pelo menos uma cirurgia na década analisada. O número de cistectomias realizadas por instituição durante os anos analisados variou de uma a 161. Apenas 45,6% dos pacientes foram operados em instituições com volume cirúrgico maior do que cinco cistectomias radicais/ano. Ao todo, 684 pacientes foram operados em instituições com maior volume cirúrgico. Houve 117 óbitos hospitalares, representando taxa de mortalidade de 8,5% para o estado de São Paulo na última década. Enquanto instituições com o maior volume (seis cistectomias radicais/ano) apresentaram mortalidade de 6,1%, as instituições com menor volume (<1 cistectomia radical/ano) apresentaram taxa de mortalidade de 17,5%. Conclusão: Houve forte relação entre o volume institucional de cistectomia radical e a taxa de mortalidade hospitalar após cistectomia radical em São Paulo, no período de 2008 a 2018. Infelizmente, não se observa no Brasil tendência de centralização de procedimentos complexos, como tem ocorrido em países desenvolvidos nas últimas décadas.

HRQOL related to urinary diversion in Radical Cystectomy: a systematic review of recent literature

ABSTRACT Introduction: The health-related QoL is a patient-centered evaluation covering several aspects. This evaluation seems to be particularly important in patients submitted to radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion with ileal conduit (IC) or a neobladder (NB). Objective: Review all recent data comparing QoL outcomes after radical cystectomy with NB and IC diversions. Evidence Acquisition: A systematic search in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement in December 2018. All articles published from January 01, 2012 to December 31, 2018, were included. A study was considered relevant if it compared QoL outcomes using validated questionnaires (EORTC QLQ C30, FACT-G, FACT-BL, FACT-VCI, and BCI). Evidence Synthesis: In 11 included studies, a total of 1389 participants were accounted (730 NB and 659 IC cases). The studies were conducted in 8 different countries, two were prospective, and none was randomized. There were two studies favoring results with a neobladder, 3 with incontinent diversion and 6 with no differences. The EORTC-QLQ-C30 was the most used instrument (5 studies) followed by FACT VCI and BCI (3 studies each). Given the heterogeneity of data and lack of prospective studies, a meta-analysis was not performed. Conclusion: No superiority of one urinary diversion was characterized. It seems that the choice must be individualized with an extensive preoperative orientation of the patient and their relatives. That will probably influence how the patient accepts the new condition.

Impact of local treatment on overall survival of patients with metastatic prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Context Currently, standard treatment of metastatic prostatic cancer (MPCa) is androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). Recent studies suggested that local treatment of MPCa is related to increase of survival of those patients, as observed in other tumors. Objective To evaluate the impact of local treatment on overall survival and cancer specific survival in 3 and 5 years in patients with MPCa. Materials and Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis of population studies published at PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, Cochrane and EMBASE databases until June 2016. Several large cohorts and Post-Roc studies were included, that evaluated patients with MPCa submitted to local treatment (LT) using radiotherapy (RDT), surgery (RP) or brachytherapy (BCT) or not submitted to local treatment (NLT). Results 34.338 patients were analyzed in six included papers, 31.653 submitted to NLT and 2.685 to LT. Overall survival in three years was significantly higher in patients submitted to LT versus NLT (64.2% vs. 44.5%; RD 0.19, 95% CI, 0.17-0.21; p<0.00001; I2=0%), as well as in five years (51.9% vs. 23.6%; RD 0.30, 95% CI, 0.11-0.49; p<0.00001; I2=97%). Sensitive analysis according to type of local treatment showed that surgery (78.2% and 45.0%; RD 0.31, 95% CI, 0.26-0.35; p<0.00001; I2=50%) and radiotherapy (60.4% and 44.5%; RD 0.17, 95% CI, 0.12-0.22; p<0.00001; I2=67%) presented better outcomes. Conclusion LT using RDT, RP or BCT seems to significantly improve overall survival and cancer-specific survival of patients with metastatic prostatic cancer. Prospective and randomized studies must be performed in order to confirm our results.

Código de nomenclatura de marcapassos e cardiodesfibriladores: [revisão] / Nomenclature code of pacemakers and cardiodesfibrilators: [review]

Com o advento da estimulação cardíaca artificial, surgiu a preocupação em expor seus princípios de maneira simples e prática. Em 1974, a Inter-Society Commission for Heart Disease Resources [ICHD] tomou essa iniciativa, ao desenvolver um código de três letras baseado no conceito sugerido por Nicholas P. D. Smyth, quatro anos antes. Ao longo dos anos, novos equipamentos cardio-estimuladores entraram no mercado, criando a necessidade de novas designações para as funções e os modos de operação, cada vez mais complexos. Em 1981, a revista PACE publicou a revisão do código ICHD, que passou a apresentar cinco letras. Outras nomenclaturas foram propostas pelo comitê composto por NASPE e BPEG, na tentativa de abranger dispositivos antibradicardia e antitaquicardia, por meio dos códigos NBG e NBD. Contradizendo todas as versões subsequentes ao código proposto por Nicholas Smyth, que objetivavam incluir o que de mais novo havia no assunto, foi proposta nova revisão do código NBG em 2002, que se mostra bastante simplificada e prática. Conclusão: A partir deste estudo, percebe-se que, independente das decisões dos fabricantes e do surgimento de novas tecnologias, o código de nomenclatura visa facilitar o entendimento das especificações dos dispositivos cardioestimuladores.