Prediction of the risk of surgical complications in patients undergoing monopolar transurethral resection of bladder tumour - a prospective multicentre observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to identify predictors of surgical complications of transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively recruited 983 consecutive patients undergoing TURBT within 7 months in six academic institutions. All patients were followed up from the surgery up to 30 days postoperatively with at least one telephone contact at the end of the observation. The primary study endpoint was any intra- or postoperative surgical complication. For the identification of predictors of complications, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03029663). Registered 24 January 2017. RESULTS: Surgical complications were noticed in 228 (23.2%) patients, including 83 (8.4%) patients with more than one complication and 33 cases of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 complications (3.3%). The most common in-hospital complications were bleeding (n = 139, 14.1%) and bladder perforation (n = 46, 4.7%). In a multivariate analysis, nicotine use, high ASA score, and the presence of high-grade tumour were the most significant predictors of high-grade complications. The stage of the disease was the strongest predictor of bleeding, while the presence of muscle in the specimen and resident surgeon were the strongest predictors for bladder perforation. CONCLUSIONS: TURBT poses a significant risk of surgical complications, the majority of which are of low grade.

Preoperative pyuria predicts the presence of high-grade bladder carcinoma in patients with bladder tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative identification of high-grade bladder cancer presence can optimize patient management. The aim of this study was to assess the association between preoperative pyuria and the pathological features of bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis enrolled 943 patients undergoing transurethral resection of a bladder tumor. Patients were divided into two study groups based on the presence of pyuria in preoperative urine analysis, defined as the presence of >5 leukocytes in the high power field. Pyuria status as a potential predictive factor was then confronted with pathological features based on standard microscopic examination of the surgical specimen. RESULTS: Among 943 recruited patients, 294 (31.2%) presented with pyuria. Patients with pyuria were older (71 vs. 68 years, p <0.05), had higher rates of large (≥3 cm) tumors (37% vs. 26%, p <0.05), and more frequently presented concomitant hematuria (58% vs. 24%, p <0.05). In case of recurrent tumors patients with pyuria more often received intravesical chemotherapy in the past (4.8% vs. 1.4%, p <0.05). Regarding oncological data, patients with pyuria had significantly higher tumor stage and grade. On multivariable analysis pyuria was independently associated with high-grade tumors (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.45-2.67). Specificity and negative predictive value of pyuria as a biomarker of high-grade tumors were 76% and 68%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative pyuria can be regarded as a predictor of the presence of high-grade bladder carcinoma in patients with bladder tumors.

[Infectious complications of prostate biopsy].

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men in Poland. Prostate biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Every year, the number of procedures is increasing, so knowledge of possible complications is becoming crucial. Over time, a continuous increase in infectious complications of prostate biopsy is observed, so it is important to identify risk factors and preventive methods. Antibiotic prophylaxis is mandatory for prostate biopsy. Simultaneously, complications after prostate biopsy affect as many as 90% of patients, including up to 17% of infective complications. In some patients, complications are severe and require urgent medical intervention. The risk of death from septic complications is approximately 0.1%. Significant risk factors are diabetes, older age, enlarged prostate gland and recent antibiotic exposure. Transperineal or MRI guided biopsy is associated with a significantly lower incidence of severe infectious complications.

Anaesthesia of the posterior urethra and pain reduction during cystoscopy - a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Standard intra-urethral instillation of anaesthetic gel may not sufficiently exclude pain perception during cystoscopy. AIM: To evaluate the impact of the anaesthesia within the posterior urethra on pain intensity related to cystoscopy in men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-seven men undergoing cystoscopy were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group (66 vs. 61 patients). Intra-urethral instillation of 2% lidocaine gel was done in both groups. In the experimental group, the posterior urethra was additionally anaesthetized with distribution of the lidocaine gel by catheterisation. The study endpoints were pain intensity at successive time points of the procedure assessed on a numeric rating scale, overall pain intensity assessed on a Likert scale, the need for analgesics during 6 h after the procedure, and the frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) during 14 days after the procedure. RESULTS: Pain perception during cystoscopy did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, after 6 h patients in the experimental group were more likely to declare that the cystoscopy was painless (81.8% vs. 70.2%, relative risk = 1.17). The need for analgesics and the incidence of UTI were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences regarding pain perception were observed depending on patients' age and the number of transurethral procedures performed in the past, with no relation to type of anaesthesia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anaesthesia of the posterior urethra is not more efficacious in reducing pain related to cystoscopy than standard instillation of anaesthetic gel. However, it improves the general perception of the procedure, and hence may positively influence patients' compliance.

The effect of surgical treatment of phaeochromocytoma on concomitant arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus in a single-centre retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Phaeochromocytoma is one of the numerous causes of secondary hypertension. Furthermore, phaeochromocytoma may first present with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of adrenalectomy on patient recovery with regards to normotension and well-controlled glycaemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective analysis involved 67 patients with phaeochromocytoma operated between 2006 and mid-2012. The pre-operative diagnoses were made in the departments of internal medicine and endocrinology. Based on laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging, we were able to confirm the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma in 42 (62.7%) patients. We verified the influence of adrenalectomy on the level of patient recovery, with regards to normotension and glycaemic control: arterial pressure and fasting glycaemia levels were obtained on the day of hospital discharge, at follow-up 3 months post-operatively and 1 year after surgical intervention. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients operated for phaeochromocytoma, 48 (71.6%) were treated laparoscopically, whereas 19 (28.4%) underwent open adrenalectomy. Arterial hypertension was recorded in 53 (79.1%) cases. Furthermore, among this group, diabetes mellitus coexisted in 21 (31.3%) cases. Postoperatively, 70% of cases of arterial hypertension and 90% of type 2 diabetes mellitus were cured. Additionally, a high rate of patients reported a quantitative reduced use of antihypertensive medicines. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of patients, surgical treatment of symptomatic phaeochromocytoma leads to a regression of arterial hypertension, or a reduction of the number or doses of medicines taken in one's treatment, and glucose-intolerance symptoms.