Arterial pseudoaneurysm: a rare complication following laser lithotripsy-case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a comprehensive narrative review that will examine the risk factors and treatment outcomes of arterial pseudoaneurysm following laser flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS). METHODS: A retrospective case series and a review of literature was performed. Clinical records from three patients treated for postoperative arterial pseudoaneurysm from January of 2021 to November 2023 were identified. A comprehensive literature review was also performed. The MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched. The analysis was made by a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Three cases of postoperative arterial pseudoaneurysm were included, one from our center, one from Dubai, UAE, and one from Barcelona. The literature review identified six case reports, two after endocorporeal laser lithotripsy with thulium fiber laser (TFL) and four with Ho:YAG laser. All cases, from our series and literature review, presented with macroscopic hematuria and used high-power laser settings. All cases were treated by selective embolization. CONCLUSION: Ho:YAG or TFL lasers are both capable of causing arterial pseudoaneurysms following F-URS if high-power settings are used. Selective artery embolization continues to be the treatment of choice with good outcomes.

Nomograms including the UBC® Rapid test to detect primary bladder cancer based on a multicentre dataset.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical utility of the urinary bladder cancer antigen test UBC® Rapid for the diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC) and to develop and validate nomograms to identify patients at high risk of primary BC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 1787 patients from 13 participating centres, who were tested between 2012 and 2020, including 763 patients with BC, were analysed. Urine samples were analysed with the UBC® Rapid test. The nomograms were developed using data from 320 patients and externally validated using data from 274 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of the UBC® Rapid test was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Brier scores and calibration curves were chosen for the validation. Biopsy-proven BC was predicted using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for the UBC® Rapid test were 46.4%, 75.5% and 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.64) for low-grade (LG) BC, and 70.5%, 75.5% and 0.73 (95% CI 0.70-0.76) for high-grade (HG) BC, respectively. Age, UBC® Rapid test results, smoking status and haematuria were identified as independent predictors of primary BC. After external validation, nomograms based on these predictors resulted in areas under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.72-0.87) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92-0.98) for predicting LG-BC and HG-BC, respectively, showing excellent calibration associated with a higher net benefit than the UBC® Rapid test alone for low and medium risk levels in decision curve analysis. The R Shiny app allows the results to be explored interactively and can be accessed at www.blucab-index.net. CONCLUSION: The UBC® Rapid test alone has limited clinical utility for predicting the presence of BC. However, its combined use with BC risk factors including age, smoking status and haematuria provides a fast, highly accurate and non-invasive tool for screening patients for primary LG-BC and especially primary HG-BC.

Consultation on kidney stones, Copenhagen 2019: lithotripsy in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the balance between existing evidence and expert opinions on the safety and efficacy of new technological improvements in lithotripsy techniques for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: A scoping review approach was applied to search literature in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Consensus by key opinion leaders was reached at a 2-day meeting entitled "Consultation on Kidney Stones: Aspects of Intracorporeal Lithotripsy" held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in September 2019. RESULTS: New-generation dual-mode single-probe lithotripsy devices have shown favourable results compared with use of ballistic or ultrasonic lithotripters only. However, ballistic and ultrasonic lithotripters are also highly effective and safe and have been the backbone of PCNL for many years. Compared with standard PCNL, it seems that mini PCNL is associated with fewer bleeding complications and shorter hospital admissions, but also with longer operating room (OR) time and higher intrarenal pressure. Use of laser lithotripsy combined with suction in mini PCNL is a promising alternative that may improve such PCNL by shortening OR times. Furthermore, supine PCNL is a good alternative, especially in cases with complex renal stones and large proximal ureteric stones; in addition, it facilitates endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). CONCLUSION: Recent technological improvements in PCNL techniques are promising, but there is a lack of high-level evidence on safety and efficacy. Different techniques suit different types of stones and patients. The evolution of diverse methods has given urologists the possibility of a personalized stone approach, in other words, the right approach for the right patient.

Consultation on UTUC, Stockholm 2018 aspects of risk stratification: long-term results and follow-up.

PURPOSE: To summarize current knowledge on upper urinary tract carcinoma (UTUC) regarding risk stratification, long-term results, and follow-up. METHODS: A scoping review approach was applied to search literature in Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase. Consensus was reached through discussions at Consultation on UTUC, September 2018, Stockholm. RESULTS: To optimize oncological outcome considering both cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS), it is essential to identify pre- and postoperative prognostic factors. In low-risk UTUC, kidney-sparing surgery (KSS) and radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) offer equivalent CSS, whereas RNU may result in poorer OS due to nephron loss. For more aggressive tumours, undergrading can lead to insufficient treatment. The strongest prognostic factors are tumour stage and grade. Determining grade is best achieved by ureterorenoscopy (URS) with focal samples, biopsy and cytology. Staging is more difficult but can be indirectly achieved by multiphase computed tomography urography (CTU) or tumour grade determined by cytology and histopathology. Patients treated with KSS should be monitored closely with regular follow-ups (URS and CTU). CONCLUSION: KSS should be offered in low-risk UTUC when feasible, whereas RNU is the treatment of choice in organ-confined high-risk UTUC. Intravesical recurrence (IVR) is common after RNU, but a single postoperative dose of mitomycin instillation decreases IVR. Endourological management has high local and bladder recurrence rates; however, its effect on CSS or overall survival OS is unclear. RNU is associated with significant risk of chronic kidney disease. Careful selection of patients and risk stratification are mandatory, and patients should be followed according to strict protocols.

A clinical evaluation of the new digital single-use flexible ureteroscope (UscopePU3022): an international prospective multicentered study.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the clinical performance of a new digital single-use flexible ureteroscope (UscopePU3022). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out across 11 centers (July-Oct. 2017). The UscopePU3022 was assessed regarding ease of insertion; deflection, image quality, maneuverability and overall performance using either a visual analog* or Likert scale. RESULTS: A total of 56 procedures were performed in 11 centers (16 surgeons) with the indication being renal stones in 83%. The median score for ease of scope insertion was 10 (3-10). Intraoperative maneuverability was rated as 'good' in 38% and 'very good' in 52%. Visual quality was rated as 'poor or bad' in 18%, 'fair' in 37% and 'good or very good' in 43%. Two scopes failed intraoperatively (4%). Preoperative and postoperative median upward and downward deflection was 270 degrees. Compared to standard flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) maneuverability was rated as 'equivalent' in 30% and 'better' in 60%; visual quality was 'worse' in 38% and 'equivalent or better' in 62%; limb fatigue scores were 'better' in 86%; and overall performance was 'worse' in 55% and 'equivalent or better' in 45%. CONCLUSIONS: UscopeTM3022 performed well with regards to maneuverability, deflection and limb fatigue and appears to be at least non-inferior to standard f-URS with regards to these parameters. Poor image quality is a concern for UscopePU3022 with it receiving a low overall performance rating when compared to standard f-URS. Despite this it scored highly when investigators were asked if they would use it in their practice if it was cost-effective to do so.

Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of UBC® Rapid in bladder cancer: a Swedish multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of UBC® Rapid - a urine-based marker for bladder cancer - in patients with bladder cancer and controls, and to compare the test results across risk groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective phase II study was conducted at four Swedish hospitals. UBC Rapid was evaluated in four groups: A, newly diagnosed bladder cancer (n = 94); B, follow-up of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (n = 75); C, benign urinary tract diseases (n = 51); and D, healthy controls (n = 50). Tumours were divided into high risk (carcinoma in situ, TaG3, T1, T2 and T3) and low risk (low malignant potential, TaG1 and TaG2). Urine samples were quantitatively analysed by UBC Rapid. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated based on optimal cut-off (receiver operator characteristics curve analysis). A linear regression compared the UBC Rapid results in the different risk groups. RESULTS: The optimal cut-off was 8.1 µg/l. The median UBC Rapid values were 9.3 µg/l [interquartile range (IQR) 30.9] and 4.3 µg/l (IQR 7.8) in patients with positive and negative cystoscopy, respectively (p < .001). The value for group A was 15.6 µg/l (IQR 37.9), group B 5.6 µg/l (IQR 8.6), group C 5.1 µg/l (IQR 9.0) and group D 3.3 µg/l (IQR 7.1). Sensitivity was 70.8%, specificity 61.4%, PPV 71.3% and NPV 60.8%. The high-risk group had significantly higher UBC Rapid values than the low-risk group: 20.5 µg/l (IQR 42.2), sensitivity 79.2% and specificity 61.4% versus 7.0 µg/l (IQR 9.9), sensitivity 60.0% and specificity 61.4% (p = .039). CONCLUSIONS: The UBC Rapid urine-based marker for bladder cancer gave higher values in patients with positive than in those with negative cystoscopy. The diagnostic accuracy was better in patients with high-risk than in those with low-risk tumours, and was better during primary detection than during surveillance.

Pilot study of adoptive immunotherapy with sentinel node-derived T cells in muscle-invasive urinary bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine by computed tomography (CT) whether treatment with tumor-draining lymph-node-derived expanded autologous T lymphocytes results in objective responses and/or improved survival in patients with metastatic urinary bladder cancer (UBC) and to record the toxicity of the treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with metastatic UBC were prospectively selected from two centers. The preoperative staging was T2-T4bN1-2 and/or M0-M1 or MX. Tumor-draining lymph nodes were harvested at intended cystectomy for the extraction of T lymphocytes. This was followed by expansion of the T lymphocytes in a cell culture, and subsequent reinfusion of these autologous tumor-specific T lymphocytes. Responses to therapy were evaluated by CT scans according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) and clinical follow-up, according to the research protocol. RESULTS: Nine out of 18 patients were treated. Treatment was feasible and safe. In two out of nine immunologically treated patients, objective responses were detected in terms of diminished or obliterated nodal metastases. When excluding three patients with disseminated osseous metastases plus one with a T4b tumor left in situ, a success rate of two out of six treated patients was seen. The two responders had survival times of 35 and 11 months, respectively. No toxicity was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of expanded autologous tumor-specific T lymphocytes is feasible and safe, and objective responses according to RECIST were recorded. One objective responder to immunotherapy displayed notably long overall survival.

Robotic-assisted reconstructive urology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The use of robotic surgery in reconstructive urology has steadily increased since the year 2000. Articles in the MEDLINE database (from January 2000 to May 2011) identified using the Boolean search: robotic or robot-assisted and reconstructive surgery and urology. In addition, the reference lists of previously published articles on robotic-assisted reconstructive surgery were checked for additional studies. This review will summarize the current advances in robotic-assisted reconstructive urology. RECENT FINDINGS: Even though many advocate the introduction of robot-assisted technique in reconstructive urology, relatively few studies have been published. Researchers do report shorter hospital stays and less blood loss than are reported for patients operated on with open reconstructive techniques and also report acceptable short-term outcomes. SUMMARY: The current literature shows that complex robot-assisted urological reconstructive surgical procedures may be used for both children and adults. With appropriate experience, this technique offers the expected advantages of decreased blood loss and transfusion rate, reduced analgesic requirements, and early hospital discharge in comparison with the open approach. However, robotic-assisted reconstructive urologic surgery needs to be evaluated in larger randomized studies with long-term follow-up.

FOXP3 and survival in urinary bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible impact of FOXP3 expression in T-cells, as well as in tumour cells, on long-term survival in patients with urinary bladder cancer (UBC) invading muscle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, tumour specimens from 37 patients cystectomized for T1-T4 UBC during 1999-2002 at the Karolinska University Hospital were examined by immunohistochemistry for tumour expression and/or infiltration of immune cells expressing FOXP3 as well as CD3. The results obtained were correlated with clinicopathological parameters, where the primary and secondary outcomes investigated were overall survival and progression-free survival, respectively. RESULTS: Infiltration of CD3(+) and FOXP3(+) lymphocytes (≥3 cells per high-power field) were both correlated with better survival, and this relationship persisted throughout the whole study period (all P < 0.05). Patients with FOXP3(+) tumour cells had decreased long-term survival compared to those patients with FOXP3(-) tumours (P < 0.05). Despite a limited amount of patient material, the results of the present study indicate that FOXP3 expression, in both lymphocytes and tumour cells, is an important prognostic factor in UBC. CONCLUSIONS: FOXP3 expression in UBC cells is associated with decreased long-term survival and thus may be a novel negative prognostic factor in UBC invading muscle. By contrast, the presence of FOXP3(+) tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes was correlated with a positive prognosis. Because FOXP3 is up-regulated upon activation in human T-cells, FOXP3 may serve more as an activation marker than as a regulatory T-cell indicator in this case. These results support the need for larger prospective studies aiming to confirm the results obtained and to examine the underlying mechanisms in detail.

Feasibility of T-cell-based adoptive immunotherapy in the first 12 patients with advanced urothelial urinary bladder cancer. Preliminary data on a new immunologic treatment based on the sentinel node concept.

BACKGROUND: Expected 2-yr survival for patients with urothelial urinary bladder cancer (UBC) with lymph node involvement (pN2) is 20%, regardless of standard neoadjuvant/adjuvant oncologic treatment. Tumor-reactive lymphocytes are present in sentinel nodes (SNs) draining human bladder cancer and display immunologic function on restimulation in vitro. Metinel nodes (MNs) drain secondarily from metastatic tumors and also possess tumor-reactive lymphocytes, which might be a source for adoptive T-cell immunotherapy. OBJECTIVES: To determine if MN detection and subsequent expansion of autologous T-helper cells with subsequent reinfusion was feasible and safe to perform in patients with metastatic UBC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In an open trial, the first 12 included patients are described. Patients were prospectively selected from a single tertiary academic center and had metastatic UBC. All 12 patients were preoperatively staged as T2-T4b N1-2 and/or M0-M1 or MX. INTERVENTIONS: MNs were excised in conjunction with intended cystectomy. T lymphocytes were extracted with enhancement and expansion of tumor specific T-helper cells, followed by reinfusion of expanded T cells. MEASUREMENTS: All patients were preoperatively staged with transurethral resection of the bladder and routine computed tomography scan. Intended detection of MNs was performed intraoperatively with intended cystectomy. Harvested T cells were evaluated and cell cultures were established. Assessment of reinfusion of expanded, autologous, tumor-specific T-helper cells to six of the patients was performed, focusing on adverse effects. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In six patients, it was feasible to administer the treatment. Reinfusion of these T cells was performed without any major adverse effects. In six other patients, we encountered technical failures. CONCLUSIONS: A novel adoptive immunotherapy based on T cells from tumor-draining lymph nodes is feasible in advanced UBC. Infusion of expanded, autologous, tumor-specific T-helper cells might be a future treatment option in metastasized UBC. Long-term overall survival remains to be determined.