Predictors of disease recurrence in high-risk non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients post-surgical resection A single-center, retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 20-40% of kidney cancer patients treated for localized disease experience post-surgical recurrence. Several prognostic models exist to help clinicians determine the risk of distant recurrence, but these models vary in criteria and endpoints. We aimed to examine the recurrence rate and clinicopathologic factors as predictors of recurrence in high-risk renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective chart review of pT3 RCC patients who underwent a nephrectomy between January 2000 and December 2015. Patients registered in clinical trials for adjuvant therapy and those with fewer than three years of followup were excluded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to identify the rate and predictors of disease recurrence. RESULTS: Eighty-eight pT3 RCC patients were included, and 39 patients had recurrence with a median of 23.5 months (range 1.6-127.5). Nine patients had disease recurrence beyond 58 months. Kaplan-Meier log-rank tests identified patients with negative surgical margins and low Fuhrman nuclear grades had greater recurrence-free survival. Univariate Cox regression revealed positive surgical margins, high Fuhrman nuclear grade, and large tumor sizes were significant predictors. In the multivariate Cox regression model, high Fuhrman nuclear grade and positive surgical margins were significant predictors of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Disease recurrence occurred in 44% of pT3-staged patients. High Fuhrman nuclear grade and positive surgical margins were associated with time to recurrence. Physicians should use prognostic models to facilitate conversations about disease recurrence and continue to monitor high-risk patients beyond the recommended five-year followup period. We recommend monitoring pT3 resected patients for up to 10 years post-surgery.

A systematic review of postoperative outcomes of kidney stone surgery and meta-analysis of outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in individuals with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes of surgical treatment for nephrolithiasis in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: We systematically reviewed the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for studies examining outcomes of kidney stone procedures in individuals with SCI. Our primary outcomes were stone-free rate (SFR) and complications as categorized by Clavien-Dindo classification. A meta-analysis of comparative studies was performed to assess differences in SFR and complication rate between individuals with and without SCI following PCNL. RESULTS: A total of 27 retrospective and observational articles were included. Interventions for kidney stones included PCNL, shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), and ureteroscopy. Pooled SFR in individuals with SCI was 54%, for SWL, 74% for PCNL, and 36% for ureteroscopy. Meta-analyses found that there was higher rate of grades I (OR 9.54; 95% CI, 3.06 to 29.79), II (OR 3.38; 95% CI, 1.85 to 6.18), and III-V (OR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.35 to 4.19) complications in individuals with SCI compared to non-SCI individuals following PCNL. The rate of infectious complications was also higher in individuals with SCI (OR 6.15; 95% CI, 1.86 to 20.39). However, there was no difference in SFR (OR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.15 to 2.64) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with SCI are at higher risk of minor, major, and infectious complications following PCNL compared to non-SCI individuals. There was no significant difference between groups in SFR following PCNL, suggesting that PCNL is an effective surgery for kidney stones in individuals with SCI.

The impact of tranexamic acid on perioperative outcomes in urological surgeries A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent widely used in surgery to decrease bleeding and reduce the need for blood product transfusion. The role of TXA in urology is not well-summarized. We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting outcomes of TXA use in urological surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted from the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Two reviewers performed title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data collection. Primary outcomes included estimated blood loss (EBL), decrease in hemoglobin, decrease in hematocrit, and blood transfusion rates. Secondary outcomes included TXA administration characteristics, length of stay, operative time, and postoperative thromboembolic events. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies consisting of 3261 patients were included in the final analysis. These included 11 studies on percutaneous nephrolithotomy, 10 on transurethral resection of prostate, three on prostatectomy, and one on cystectomy. EBL, transfusion rate, hemoglobin drop, operative time, and length of stay were significantly improved with TXA administration. In addition, the use of TXA was not associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE ). The route, dosage, and timing of TXA administration varied considerably between included studies. CONCLUSIONS: TXA use may improve blood loss, transfusion rates, and perioperative parameters in urological procedures. In addition, there is no increased risk of VTE associated with TXA use in urological surgery; however, there is still a need to determine the most effective TXA administration route and dose. This review provides evidence-based data for decision-making in urological surgery.

UroBOT: A national survey of Canadian urology residents and fellows on robot-assisted surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has a positive impact on the quality of care given to patients. Its increasing adoption in Canadian urology practice also influences the surgical training of residents and fellows. Currently, the lack of clear objectives makes RAS education challenging. The main objective of our study was to highlight how urology trainees perceive the importance of RAS and the standardization of its training. METHODS: In 2021, we conducted a survey of all the residents and fellows enrolled in a Canadian urology program. The questions assessed their opinion on the importance of RAS and on their robotic surgery training. RESULTS: The response rate was 29%. The majority of participants (67%) wished they would have a better exposure to RAS during their surgical training. Only 7% of respondents reported that their program had clear criteria to help them progress through the steps of RAS, and most trainees (81%) felt their residency program should provide them with a formal RAS training program. Seventy-six percent of respondents believed that RAS would become a core skill required by the Royal College in the future, although 32% feared it would hinder their ability to learn other important techniques, such as open surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that although most respondents are interested in RAS, their training lacks standardization. Moreover, the potential integration of RAS as a core skill of the Royal College faces some important challenges, mostly due to the perceived lack of time to learn a new surgical technique.

Survey of Canadian urology residency programs: Perception of virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many residency programs to pivot from traditional face-to-face to virtual teaching. The objective of this study was to assess the state of virtual education in Canadian urology programs and gauge interest in a national virtual curriculum. METHODS: An electronic 15-item survey was distributed to all 13 Canadian urology programs' directors and administrative assistants for circulation to residents. Data collection took place over six weeks from September to November 2020. A mixed-methods approach was used, including descriptive statistics and an inductive thematic analysis of responses to open-ended questions. RESULTS: Eleven program directors and 32 residents from all four geographic areas (Atlantic, Ontario, Quebec, Western [MB, AB, BC]) responded to the survey. Overall, 95.3% of respondents indicated a role for virtual education in their program during the pandemic. Most respondents (74.4%) believe there is a significant or very significant role for a virtual national urology curriculum. All program directors indicated they are at least somewhat likely to require resident participation in such a curriculum. Most (90.6%) resident respondents indicated they believe such a curriculum will be at least somewhat important to their learning. Commonly described benefits include exposure to subspecialties, expertise at other institutions, and standardization of teaching. Commonly described barriers include difficulty with engagement, time zone differences, and lack of dedicated time for attendance. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual education has become well-integrated in Canadian urology programs. This study highlights interest in the development of a national virtual urology curriculum and puts forth some key considerations to ensure its success.

Visceral adipose tissue loss and 24-hour urinary profile changes post-bariatric surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between obesity and nephrolithiasis is a well-documented phenomenon. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has been proposed to be an accurate indicator of metabolic derangement. We present a study that investigates the relationship between computed tomography (CT) delineated VAT measurements and 24-hour urine (24 HU) profiles in the context of profound weight loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 86 patients with a history of nephrolithiasis who underwent bariatric surgery were reviewed. All patients had pre and postoperative 24 HU analysis and CT kidney and urinary bladder performed. CT-based fat delineation program, AnalyzePro, was used to measure VAT at levels L4-L5 (VAT 1) and L1-L2 (VAT2). Univariate and multivariate analysis was utilized to examine associations between VAT measurements and comorbidities, 24 HU values, and postoperative urinary changes. RESULTS: Preoperative VAT2 was correlated with preoperative serum creatinine and all 24 HU (R2: 0.23-0.43, p = < 0.001-0.030). Only VAT1 and VAT2 had relationships with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome (R2: 0.25-0.30, p = 0.004-0.015). The percent change in VAT1 and VAT2 was a significant predictor of change in 24 HU uric acid (respectively, R2: 0.14, beta: -0.03, p = 0.002 and R2: 0.13, beta: -0.03, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This study found VAT to have strong correlations with urinary outcomes in obese patients, especially in the excretion of uric acid. These findings support a potential use of CT delineated measurements of fat as a surrogate measure for urinary metabolites, and may be used as a marker for patient counseling in stone prevention.

Extraperitoneal versus transperitoneal approach for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis.

We aim to evaluate the differences in peri-operative characteristics, surgical complications, and oncological and functional control between the extraperitoneal RARP (EP-RARP) and transperitoneal RARP (TP-RARP). A comprehensive database search was performed up to March 2021 for eligible studies comparing outcomes between EP-RARP versus TP-RARP. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. A leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was performed to control for heterogeneity and risk of bias. A total of 16 studies were included with 3897 patients, including 2201 (56.5%) EP-RARPs and 1696 (43.5%) TP-RARPs. When compared to TP-RARP, EP-RARP offers faster operative time (MD - 14.4 min; 95% CI - 26.3, - 2.3), decreased length of post-operative stay (MD - 0.9 days, 95% CI - 1.3, - 0.4), and decreased rates of post-operative ileus (RR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1, 0.7) and inguinal hernia formation (RR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1, 0.5). There were no significant differences in total complications, estimated blood loss, positive surgical margins, or continence at 6 months. In this review, EP-RARP delivered similar oncological and functional outcomes, while also offering faster operative time, decreased length of post-operative stay, and decreased rates of post-operative ileus and inguinal hernia formation when compared to TP-RARP. These findings provide evidence-based data for surgical approach optimization and prompts future research to examine whether these findings hold true with recent advances in single-port RARP and outpatient RARP.

Development and initial validation of a cost-effective, re-usable, ultrasound-compatible suprapubic catheter insertion training simulator.

INTRODUCTION: Suprapubic catheterization (SPC) is a fundamental skill required of urology trainees. A lack of affordable simulation models and unpredictability of bedside SPCs limit experiential learning opportunities. Our objective was to develop and initially validate a re-usable, low-cost, ultrasound (US)-compatible SPC simulator for acquiring skills that transfer to the bedside. METHODS: The model was constructed using six components. Staff urologists and interventional radiologists (IRs) conducted a SPC and rated the model on three domains with multiple subcategories on a five-point Likert scale: anatomic realism; usefulness as a training tool; and global/overall reaction. Participants in our first-year urology "boot camp" received SPC training, practiced, and were evaluated via an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Staff ratings and OSCE scores determined the model's initial face and content validity. RESULTS: Twelve staff physicians participated in the study. The mean scores for urologists and IRs, respectively, were: anatomical realism: 4.10 and 3.70; usefulness as a training tool: 4.23 and 4.24; and overall reaction: 4.40 and 4.44. Staff strongly agreed that the model should be incorporated into the residency curriculum. Over the past four years, 25 boot camp participants scored a mean of 99.7% (±1.8) on the OSCE, with high technical performance and entrustment scores (4.8 and 4.7, respectively). The model cost $55 CAD. CONCLUSIONS: This novel, multiple-use, low-cost, easily reproducible US-compatible SPC simulator demonstrated initial face and content validity via high staff urologist and IR ratings and OSCE scores of first-year urology residents. Additional research is required for construct validation.

Bariatric Surgery in Patients with a History of Nephrolithiasis: 24-h Urine Profiles and Radiographic Changes After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the differences in 24-h urine profiles, radiographic imaging, and stone events post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy in patients with a history of nephrolithiasis. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 102 patients with a history of nephrolithiasis who then underwent bariatric surgery at our tertiary academic center. Computed tomography imaging and 24-h urine profile values were performed pre-operatively and at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 42 had sleeve gastrectomy. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group had significant increases in oxalate and decreases in citrate (p = 0.009 and 0.003, respectively), while the sleeve gastrectomy group had decreases in oxalate and stable citrate (p = 0.013 and 0.906, respectively). Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was the only significant predictor of post-operative hyperoxaluria (OR 7.1 [95% CI 2.3-21.3], p = 0.001). Radiographically, 38.3% of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group and 26.2% of the sleeve gastrectomy group had an increase in stone burden, and post-operative stone procedure rate was 10.0% and 7.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At 1-year post-bariatric surgery, patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had exacerbated lithogenic urinary profiles, while those in sleeve gastrectomy patients improved. Although not statistically significant, stone burden increase and stone procedure rate were higher post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and will likely worsen at a longer follow-up due to the group's lithogenic 24-h urine profiles. These findings support pre-bariatric counseling and urinary monitoring in patients with a history of kidney stones who undergo RYGB, with a multi-disciplinary approach between urologists and general surgeons.

Point-of-care ultrasound in urology: Design and evaluation of a feasible introductory training program for Canadian residents.

INTRODUCTION: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an increasingly used bedside tool. Applications in urology include the assessment of an undifferentiated acute scrotum, renal colic, and the guidance of suprapubic catheter placement. However, the user-dependent nature of this modality necessitates appropriate use and competence. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a low-cost, feasible, and guideline-based introductory POCUS program for Canadian urology residents. METHODS: Residents from McMaster University's urology program completed a three-hour online course, followed by a three-hour hands-on seminar. Course material was developed by ultrasound educators based on national guidelines. Low-cost testicular phantoms and suprapubic catheter insertion models were constructed. Pre- and post-course surveys focused on participant skill confidence, while multiple-choice questionnaires assessed theoretical knowledge. RESULTS: Fourteen residents participated in the course. Theoretical knowledge in POCUS improved significantly (p<0.001, d=2.2) and mean confidence scores improved for all skills, including performing kidney, bladder, and testicular POCUS (all p<0.001; d=3.4, 1.9, 2.9, respectively). Participants indicated that the course increased their confidence and likelihood of using POCUS in clinical practice, and that POCUS training should be integrated into urology training curricula. CONCLUSIONS: This novel study included the development of an inexpensive, feasible, guideline-based introductory training program for urological POCUS, developed in collaboration with ultrasound educators. Participants significantly improved in theoretical knowledge and skill confidence. Although this study was limited to one residency program, the basis of this course may serve as a foundation for the development of competency-based training for urological POCUS in Canada.

Development, implementation, and evaluation of a competency-based didactic and simulation-focused boot camp for incoming urology residents: Report of the first three years.

INTRODUCTION: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's Competence by Design (CBD) initiative presents curricula challenges to ensure residents gain proficiency while progressing through training. To prepare first-year urology residents (R1s), we developed, implemented, and evaluated a didactic and simulation-focused boot camp to implement the CBD curriculum. We report our experiences and findings of the first three years. METHODS: Urology residents from two Canadian universities participated in the two-day boot camp at the beginning of residency. Eleven didactic and six simulation sessions allowed for instruction and deliberate practice with feedback. Pre-and post-course multiple-choice questionnaires (MCQs) and an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) evaluated knowledge and skills uptake. For initial program evaluation, three R2s served as historical controls in year 1. RESULTS: Nineteen residents completed boot camp. The mean age was 26.4 (±2.8) and 13 were male. Participants markedly improved on the pre- and post-MCQs (year 1: 62% and 91%; year 2: 55% and 89%; year 3: 58% and 86%, respectively). Participants scored marginally higher than the controls on four of the six OSCE stations. OSCE scores remained >88% over the three cohorts. All participants reported higher confidence levels post-boot camp and felt it was excellent preparation for residency. CONCLUSIONS: During its first three years, our urology boot camp has demonstrated high feasibility and utility. Knowledge and technical skills uptake were established via MCQ and OSCE results, with participants' scores near or above those of R2 controls. This boot camp will remain in our CBD curriculum and can provide a framework for other urology residency programs.

Expert and Crowdsourced Evaluation of Image Quality From a Novel Endoscopy Phone Light Adapter.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the image quality of cystourethroscopy using a novel 3D printed phone light adapter with subject expert and crowdsourced evaluators. METHODS: A simple 3D printed light adaptor for a flexible cystoscopy was developed and made open source. Two videos were then recorded of a simulated cystourethroscopy, one using the novel adapter and the other using a traditional endoscopy light source. Expert evaluators (urology trainees and attendings) were then asked to evaluate the video quality using a double stimulus impairment scale. They were also asked to rate their level of confidence in using the novel adapter in clinical scenarios. Using Amazon's Mechanical Turk marketplace, 100 crowdsourced evaluators viewed the same videos and completed the same rating scale. The Mann-Whitney U test was then used to compare the expert and crowdsourced ratings. RESULTS: Expert and crowdsourced evaluators saw minimal degradation of video quality for the simulated urethroscopy (P= .66). However, while expert evaluators did identify degradation in the cystoscopy video, the crowdsourced evaluators did not (P = .012). 96% of the expert evaluators would either "often" or "always" use the novel adapter for difficult Foley placements and removal of ureteric stents. CONCLUSION: The novel light adapter caused minimal degradation in image quality for urethroscopy as compared to a traditional endoscopy light source, with vast majority of raters believing it would be adequate to perform common bedside cystoscopy procedures.

Surveillance post-radiofrequency ablation for small renal masses: Recurrence and followup.

INTRODUCTION: Small renal masses (SRMs), enhancing tumors <4 cm in diameter, are suspicious for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The incidence of SRMs have risen with the increased quality and frequency of imaging. Partial nephrectomy is widely accepted as a nephron-sparing approach for the management of clinically localized RCC, with a greater than 90% disease-specific survival for stage T1a. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been emerging as an alternative management strategy, with evidence suggesting RFA as a safe alternative for SRMs. We aimed to evaluate the time to recurrence and recurrence rates of SRMs treated with RFA at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective review between October 2011 and May 2019 identified 141 patients with a single SRM treated with RFA at Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. Patients with familial syndromes and distant metastases were excluded. Repeat RFAs of the ipsilateral kidney for incomplete ablation were not considered a new procedure. The primary variable measured was time from initial ablation to recurrence. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify possible prognostic variables for tumor recurrence defined a priori, including age, gender, mass size, RENAL nephrometry, and PADUA scores. RESULTS: The overall average age of our patients was 69.0±11.1 years, with 71.6% being male. Average tumor size was 2.6±0.8 cm. There were 22/154 total recurrences (15.6%) post-RFA. Median followup time was 67 (18-161) months. Those with new recurrences had median time to recurrence of 15 months and no recurrence beyond 53 months. Thirteen of 141 patients had residual disease (9.2%) and were identified within the first eight months post-RFA. The only prognostic variable identified as a predictor of residual disease was tumor size (hazard ratio 2.265; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the risk of a new recurrence following RFA for SRMs is 6.4%. Most recurrences (9.2%) were a result of residual tumor at the ablation site identified within the first eight months post-RFA. No recurrences were identified beyond 53 months, with a total median followup time of 67 months. Tumor size alone, without need for complex scoring systems, may serve as a predictor of incomplete ablation following RFA and could be used to assist in shared decision-making on management strategies.

Economic evaluation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy compared to open radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment in Ontario, Canada.

INTRODUCTION: Recent health technology assessments (HTAs) of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in Ontario and Alberta, Canada, resulted in opposite recommendations, calling into question whether benefits of RARP offset the upfront investment. Therefore, the study objectives were to conduct a cost-utility analysis from a Canadian public payer perspective to determine the cost-effectiveness of RARP. METHODS: Using a 10-year time horizon, a five-state Markov model was developed to compare RARP to open radical prostatectomy (ORP). Clinical parameters were derived from Canadian observational studies and a recently published systematic review. Costs, resource utilization, and utility values from recent Canadian sources were used to populate the model. Results were presented in terms of increment costs per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. A probabilistic analysis was conducted, and uncertainty was represented using cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEACs). One-way sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Future costs and QALYs were discounted at 1.5%. RESULTS: Total cost of RARP and ORP were $47 033 and $45 332, respectively. Total estimated QALYs were 7.2047 and 7.1385 for RARP and ORP, respectively. The estimated incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) was $25 704 in the base-case analysis. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50 000 and $100 000 per QALY gained, the probability of RARP being cost-effective was 0.65 and 0.85, respectively. The model was most sensitive to the time horizon. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis suggest that RARP is likely to be cost-effective in this Canadian patient population. The results are consistent with Alberta's HTA recommendation and other economic evaluations, but challenges Ontario's reimbursement decision.

Compliance of the recurrent renal stone former with current best practice guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: Patient compliance to best practice guidelines is a significant factor in preventing renal stone recurrence. While patient compliance has been historically poor, there remains a paucity of data in the renal stone setting. We evaluated compliance of the recurrent renal stone former with current Canadian Urological Association (CUA) best practice guidelines. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate patient compliance. Recurrent renal stone former patients were consecutively recruited from McMaster's Institute of Urology and completed a one-time questionnaire developed in accordance with CUA best practice guidelines. Questionnaire sections included: 1) demographics; 2) interaction(s) and satisfaction with their healthcare provider; and 3) knowledge, attitudes, and compliance with best practices. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the study; 55.3% were men, 69.5% had a history of stone surgery, while 23.7% had a positive family history. Participants perceived satisfactory education from their urologist and primary care physician 82.7% and 59.7% of the time, respectively (p<0.05). Nearly a quarter of patients (22.8%) perceived their stone disease to be severe and 67.1% of patients believed in the efficacy of preventative stone measures. Overall, 45.8% of patients were compliant with CUA best practice guidelines. The majority of patients (72.6%) complied with high fluid intake, the most critical stone preventative practice. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with previous studies, compliance to dietary recommendations in this evaluation of recurrent stone formers was low. Study findings may be attributed to insufficient knowledge translation, lack of perceived disease severity, and/or patient uncertainty in the importance of preventative stone practices.