Prolonged hormonal therapy and external beam radiation independently increase the risk of Persistent Hypogonadism in men treated with prostate brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To identify variables that predict persistent hypogonadism and castration in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with brachytherapy (BT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 1,053 patients receiving BT ± external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) ± hormone therapy (HT) for NCCN low, intermediate, or high-risk PCa between 1990 and 2011. Patients were categorized as not receiving HT (n = 438, 41.6%), ≤6 months (n = 317, 31.1%) or > 6 months (n = 298, 28.3%) of HT. 572 (54.3%) received BT alone, and 481 had combination therapy. The five- and 10-year freedom from persistent hypogonadism (T < 280 ng/dL) and castration (T < 50 ng/dL) for each group was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier estimates. Multivariable cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of persistent hypogonadism and castration at a median followup of 6.5 years (posttreatment to final T) (IQR: 4.3-9.1 years; range: 1.0-19.2 years). RESULTS: The 5-year freedom from hypogonadism rates were 92.4%, 88.9%, and 87.0% for patients with no HT, ≤ 6 months and >6 months of HT, respectively (10-year rates: 66.7%, 55.3%, 40.5%); p < 0.01. The 5-year freedom from castration rates were 99.2%, 98.0%, and 98.4%, respectively (10-year rates: 97.9%, 95.5%, 90.9%); p = 0.078. Number of months of HT (HR = 1.04, p = 0.030) and BT with EBRT vs. BT alone (HR = 1.56, p = 0.010) significantly increased the risk of persistent hypogonadism. Number of months of HT was the only variable which increased the risk of persistent castration (HR = 1.09, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of EBRT to BT is an independent risk factor for persistent hypogonadism. Prolonged HT additionally increases the risk of persistent hypogonadism and castration.

Intracorporeal renal hypothermia with ice slush for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in a highly complex renal mass

ABSTRACT

Intracorporeal renal hypothermia with ice slush for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in a highly complex renal mass.

OBJECTIVE: To report our step-by-step technique for robotic partial nephrectomy using intracorporeal renal hypothermia (RPNIRH) in a highly complex renal mass. The robotic technology has allowed surgeons to recreate the principles of open surgery in a minimally invasive approach (1). With increasing experience, larger deeply infiltrative tumors can be treated with this technique (2). In complex cases, when a long warm ischemia time is expected, intracorporeal renal hypothermia can be useful to prevent permanent renal function loss (3).

Transperitoneal Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy with Minimum Follow-up of 5 Years: Oncological and Functional Outcomes from a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is an established, minimally invasive nephron-sparing technique with excellent perioperative and intermediate oncological outcomes. However, long-term oncological outcomes have not been reported to date. OBJECTIVE: To report oncological and functional outcomes of RAPN among patients with minimum follow-up of 5 yr. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Data for consecutive patients undergoing RAPN since October 2006 were extracted from a prospectively-maintained institutional PN database. Patients with benign tumors, genetic mutations, prior radical or ipsilateral PN, and those with follow-up of <5 yr were excluded. INTERVENTION: Transperitoneal RAPN for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). OUTCOMES MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Demographic, perioperative, postoperative, functional, and oncological data were evaluated. A linear random-effects model was used to estimate the effect of follow-up duration on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after adjustment for potential confounders. Univariable competing-risks regression analyses were performed to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) for cancer-related events for the variables of interest. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 278 RAPNs for RCC were included. eGFR was significantly lower at follow-up time points than at baseline. At last follow-up (median 46 mo, interquartile range 30-58) the mean eGFR difference was -10.6ml/min (95% confidence interval -12.56 to -8.66; p < 0.0001). There were 28 deaths (10.1%) in the cohort during the follow-up period, of which five (1.8%) were related to metastatic RCC. The 5-yr and 7-yr cumulative incidence of RCC deaths was 1.80% at both 5 and 7 yr, while the cumulative incidence of local recurrence was 3.61% and 4.16%, and that of metastasis was 3.24% and 4.57% at 5 and 7 yr, respectively. Univariable competing-risks regression revealed that higher Fuhrman grade (HR 8.76; p = 0.051), larger tumor size (HR 1.67; p < 0.0001), and tumor necrosis (HR 16.73; p = 0.0019) were independent predictors of RCC death. The retrospective design and potential selection bias due to patient selection in the early RAPN experience may limit the generalizability of the findings. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study reporting minimum oncological follow-up of 5 yr after RAPN. The results demonstrate excellent long-term oncological outcomes after RAPN in a selected cohort of patients. Our data confirm that the renal functional deterioration after RAPN remains stable over time after the early postoperative decrease. PATIENT SUMMARY: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is being more widely used as a standard treatment for small localized renal cell carcinomas. This study reveals excellent long-term cancer control for both local recurrences and distant metastases. Renal function is stable after an initial postoperative deterioration.

Robotic partial nephrectomy after pazopanib treatment in a solitary kidney with segmental vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate our surgical technique of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in a patient with a solitary kidney who received neoadjuvant Pazopanib, highlighting the multidisciplinary approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our video, we present the case of 77-year-old male, Caucasian with 6.6cm left renal neoplasm in a solitary kidney. An initial percutaneous biopsy from the mass revealed clear cell RCC ISUP 2. After multidisciplinary tumor board meeting, Pazopanib (800mg once daily) was administered for 8 weeks with repeat imaging at completion of therapy. Post-TKI image study was compared with the pre-TKI CT using the Morphology, Attenuation, Size, and Structure criteria showing a favorable response to the treatment. Thereafter, a RPN was planned3. Perioperative surgical outcomes are presented. RESULTS: Operative time was 224 minutes with a cold ischemia time of 53 minutes. Estimated blood loss was 800ml and the length of hospital stay was 4 days. Pathology demonstrated a specimen of 7.6cm with a tumor size of 6.5cm consistent with clear cell renal carcinoma ISUP 3 with a TNM staging pT1b Nx. Postoperative GFR was maintained at 24 ml / min compared to the preoperative value of 33ml / min. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach is effective for patients in whom nephron preservation is critical, providing na opportunity to select those that may benefi t from TKI therapy. Pazopanib may allow for PN in a highly selective subgroup of patients who would otherwise require radical nephrectomy. Prospective data will be necessary before this strategy can be disseminated into clinical practice. Available at: http://www.intbrazjurol.com.br/video-section/20180240_Garisto_et_al.

cT1a Renal Masses Less Than 2 versus 2 cm or Greater Managed by Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: A Propensity Score Matched Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes.

PURPOSE: We performed a single center evaluation to compare perioperative, pathological and functional outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy of T1a renal masses less than vs greater than 2 cm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Propensity score 1:1 matching of queried patients was performed using the institutional robotic partial nephrectomy database from January 2007 to January 2017. Matching was done by patient age, gender, race, body mass index, the Charlson comorbidity index, smoking status, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, ASA® (American Society of Anesthesiologists®) score, estimated glomerular filtration rate, chronic kidney disease stage and R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar line and abutting main renal artery or vein) score. We analyzed the records of 524 patients, including 262 with a renal mass less than 2 cm vs 262 with a renal mass 2 cm or greater. Perioperative, pathological and functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Smaller renal masses (less than 2 cm) were associated with significantly lower operative time, blood loss, ischemia time (mean ± SD 14.3 ± 9.58 vs 21.5 ± 9.51 minutes, p <0.001) and intraoperative transfusions (0% vs 2.7%, p = 0.015). Moreover, we found superior early renal functional outcomes as assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate on postoperative day 1 (mean 83.1 ± 21.3 vs 76.6 ± 22.0 mg/ml/1.73 m, p = 0.001), greater parenchymal preservation (mean 89.9% ± 9.45% vs 83.6% ± 8.20%, p <0.001) and a trend toward a lower rate of postoperative complications (13.5% vs 19.5%, p = 0.080). A higher incidence of malignancy was found in larger tumors (85.9% vs 74.8%, p = 0.002) but no difference was recorded in positive surgical margins. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic partial nephrectomy tends to be a low morbidity treatment modality for renal masses less than 2 cm. Although active surveillance is a common option for such tumors, robotic partial nephrectomy remains an alternative in select patients.

Achieving tumour control when suspecting sinus fat involvement during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: step-by-step.

OBJECTIVES: To report a single expert robotic surgeon's step-by-step surgical technique for achieving local cancer control during robot-assisted PN (RAPN) for T3 tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since January 2010 to December 2016, the institutional RAPN database was queried for patients who underwent transperitoneal RAPN performed by a single surgeon for tumours ≤4 mm from the collecting system at preoperative computed tomography (three points on the 'N [Nearness]' R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry-score item) that were pT3a involving sinus fat at final pathology. Baseline characteristics, perioperative and oncological outcomes (particularly positive surgical margins, PSMs), were identified. RESULTS: Of 1497 masses that underwent RAPN, 512 scored 3 points on the 'N' item of the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score assessment. In all, 24 patients had pT3a tumours involving sinus fat at final pathology and represented the analysed cohort. RAPN were performed according to the here described technique. No PSMs were reported. Trifecta achievement was 54.2%. Within a median follow-up of 30 months, two and one patients had recurrence or metastasis, respectively. Two patients died unrelated to renal cancer. Retrospective analysis and limited follow-up represent study limitations. CONCLUSION: In a selected cohort of patients with renal tumours near the sinus fat at baseline R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score assessment and confirmed pT3a at final pathology, the described RAPN technique was able to achieve optimal local cancer control.

Robotic versus open partial nephrectomy for highly complex renal masses: Comparison of perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to compare perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes between robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for highly complex renal tumors (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry Score > 9). METHODS: A retrospective review of 1,497 patients who consecutively underwent partial nephrectomy at a single academic tertiary center between 2008 and 2016 was performed to get data about patients who underwent RAPN and OPN for renal masses with RENAL score > 9. Baseline, perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Two hundred and three RAPN and 76 OPN were extracted. Patients' demographics and tumors' characteristics were comparable between the groups. Blood loss (200 vs. 300 cc, P < 0.0001), intraoperative transfusion rates (3% vs. 15.8%, P < 0.001), and length of stay (3 vs. 5 days, P < 0.01) were lower for RAPN. A significant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed from preoperative to postoperative period, regardless the approach (OPN, P = 0.026 vs. RAPN, P = 0.014). Conversion to radical nephrectomy was 7.8% and 5.9% for OPN and RAPN, respectively. At multivariable regression, open approach was predictive of intraoperative transfusion and reoperation. Overall actuarial rate of recurrence or metastasis was 4.3%, with 3 cancer-related deaths occurring after a median follow-up of 25 months. No differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSION: In our large single-institutional series of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy for highly complex renal tumors, robotic approach appeared to be a valuable alternative to OPN, with the advantages of reduced blood loss, ischemia time, transfusions rate, and length of stay.

Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Complex Hilar Tumors: Step by step.

OBJECTIVE: To report our step-by-step technique and provide tips and tricks for robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in a highly complex renal mass. Robotic surgery has widened the indications of the conservative treatment for renal masses. With increasing experience, larger deeply infiltrative tumors, or tumors involving the renal hilum can be treated with robotic partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 78-year-old male came to our attention for a complex right renal mass. Past medical history included severe hypertension and a myocardial infarction with subsequent stent placement in 2014. Baseline renal function assessed by serum creatinine was 0.93 mg/dl. The preoperative computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance showed a right enhancing posterior renal mass, 7.6 cm in diameter, cT2a, and RENAL score 12. The patient was scheduled for robotic partial nephrectomy. Transperitoneal approach with three arms robotic configuration was chosen. RESULTS: Operative time including robot's docking was 195 minutes. Warm ischemia time was 19 minutes. Blood losses were negligible, with no transfusions required. Serum creatinine at discharge was 1.15 mg/dl. Final pathology revealed a clear cell renal cell carcinoma, pT3b, and ISUP grade 3, involving the sinus fat and the renal vein. Surgical margins were negative. CONCLUSION: Robotic partial nephrectomy can be successfully performed in cases of completely endophytic central, hilar masses. Consistent experience is needed before embarking on this surgery. Future studies are needed to determine the long-term outcomes for partial nephrectomy for these complex tumors.

Minimally Invasive Management of Ureteral Distal Strictures: Robotic Ureteroneocystostomy With a Bilateral Boari Flap.

OBJECTIVE: To describe robotic ureteroneocystostomy performed by bilateral Boari flap. METHODS: An 82-year-old female with bilateral mid ureteral strictures secondary to uterine cancer treated with radiation was managed with ureteral stenting and bilateral nephrostomy tubes. Nevertheless, patient had severe colic and recurrent urinary tract infections and thus agreed to undergo bilateral robotic ureteral reconstructive surgery. Patient positioning and ports placement were similar to those of robotic prostatectomy. Ureters were divided at the level of the common iliac bifurcation and mobilized proximally. Strictures were excised and ureters were spatulated. After the bladder was dropped from the abdominal wall, a bladder flap was created with a broad base to ensure adequate blood supply. The ureteral anastomosis to the bladder flap was started using 3-0 Vicryl interrupted sutures to secure the posterior ureter to the bladder flap. The flap was then bisected in the midline to create a tension-free anastomosis. The ureteral anastomosis was completed over a double J ureteral stent. The wings of the bisected bladder flap were reapproximated with a 3-0 barbed suture to form a "Y" bladder configuration. Procedures were done bilaterally. The remainder of the cystotomy was closed with barbed suture. The bladder was tested for leakages and a drain was placed. RESULTS: Blood loss was 50 mL. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on postoperative day 4 with nephrostomy tubes and Jackson-Pratt drain removed prior to discharge. Follow-up cystogram revealed no leakage and bilateral reflux in the reconstructed bladder. Ureteral stents were removed 4 weeks postoperatively. Follow-up for these patients is recommended with either a renal scan or CT scan with delayed imaging. For this patient with severe chronic kidney disease, she unfortunately could not receive intravenous contrast and renal scan proved unreliable. Therefore, our follow-up was performed on the basis of her renal function (creatinine) which remained stable without nephrostomies or ureteral stents. Postoperatively, the patient did not complain of de novo lower urinary tract symptoms nor did she require anticholinergics. CONCLUSION: Robotic bilateral Boari flap is feasible for patients with bilateral distal ureteral strictures. Further studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes. Given the significant degree of bladder reconstruction required for this procedure, we recommend an assessment of bladder capacity preoperatively in the form of a gravity cystogram or video urodynamics.

Trifecta Outcomes in Renal Hilar Tumors: A Comparison Between Robotic and Open Partial Nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To report a comparative analysis of outcomes in patients who underwent excisions of renal hilar tumors using both open and robotic approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed robotic and open patients who underwent partial nephrectomy of renal hilar tumors between 2011 and 2016. "Trifecta" was defined as negative surgical margins, no complications, and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) preservation of ≥90% at last follow-up. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to equilibrate treatment groups, minimize selection bias, and optimize inference on the basis of each patient's clinicodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: One hundred robotic and 64 open patients had sufficient data for IPTW. After weighting, there were no statistical differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (p < 0.05). On adjusted analyses, robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) achieved equivalent rates of trifecta to open surgery (21.1% vs 13.9%, respectively, p = 0.387). There were no differences between robotic and open cohorts for negative margin rates (72.8% vs 90.4%, p = 0.124), absence of complications (68.6% vs 75.2%, p = 0.587), or GFR ≥90% (39.4% vs 21.6%, p = 0.111). The robotic cohort had a shorter mean length of stay (3.8 vs 5.0 days, p = 0.012), and no difference in estimated blood loss (253.3 vs 357.1, p = 0.091) or operating time (199.8 vs 200.4, p = 0.961). CONCLUSIONS: In our analysis both open and RPN for hilar tumors were equally likely to achieve a low "trifecta" outcome with a shorter mean length of stay in the robotic cohort.

Single Session of Robotic Human Cadaver Training: The Immediate Impact on Urology Residents in a Teaching Hospital.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate impact of robotic human cadaver training on the confidence with robotic surgery among urology residents. METHODS: After a preliminary survey assessing baseline skills, our institution's urology residents attended a single session of robotic training on fresh-frozen human cadavers, supervised by staff urologists. Post-training, both the residents and the supervisors were administered a survey querying the improvement of robotic skills and the sentiments toward the cadaver laboratory compared with alternative trainings (answers were given by Likert scale: 1 = negative/5 = positive). RESULTS: Twenty-two residents and five supervisors completed the surveys. Median residents' age was 32 years (IQR 29-33). Median year of residency was 4 (IQR 3-6). One hundred percent of the residents were familiar with robotics (86.4% had previous experience as bedside assistant; 90.9% have performed a median of 15 procedures at console). Post-training the residents evaluated their confidence with port placement and docking, EndoWrist® manipulation, Camera and Clutching, Fourth Arm Integration, and Needle Control and Driving with median scores of 4 (IQR 4-5), 4 (IQR 4-5), 4 (IQR 4-5), 4 (IQR 4-4), and 4 (IQR 3-4), with significant perceived improvement in all skills (P < .045). Almost all of them (86.4%) rated the cadaver training 5. When asked about the superiority of human cadaver training with respect to the virtual simulator and the pig laboratory, residents gave median scores of 5 (IQR 5-5) and 4 (IQR 3-5). At univariate analysis, increased experience with robotics was found to be inversely associated with improvement in the "camera and clutching" skill (P < .048). The supervisors felt that human cadaver training was effective in improving the residents' robotic skills (median answer of 5, IQR 4-5). CONCLUSIONS: Human cadaver robotic training demonstrated great acceptability among both the residents and the supervisors. It allowed for immediate improvement of the residents' robotic skills.

Robotic Single-port Partial Prostatectomy for Anterior Tumors: Transvesical Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of a single-port transvesical robotic approach for anterior partial prostatectomy in a cadaver model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cadavers were placed in a lithotomy position and secured to the operating table. A 3-cm midline incision was made in the suprapubic skin fold. After opening the Retzius space, a single-port mini device (GelPOINT, Rancho Margarita, CA) was introduced percutaneously directly into the bladder. The da Vinci Si robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) was docked to the GelPOINT by inserting 2 8-mm (robotic arms) and 1 12-mm (camera) trocar through the GelSeal Cap. The surgical steps for en bloc anterior prostatectomy were performed in the following order: (1) retrograde dissection of transition zone at the bladder neck, (2) lateral excision of the peripheral zone, and (3) urethrovesical anastomosis. Primary outcomes such as intraoperative complications, rate of conversion to standard techniques, and operative times were recorded. RESULTS: Single-port transvesical robotic approach for anterior partial prostatectomy was technically completed in 2 male cadavers. Both cases were completed successfully using the da Vinci Si surgical system without conversion or the need for additional ports. There were no intraoperative complications. The total operative time was 124.1 and 81.3 minutes. Step-specific times are listed in Table 1. CONCLUSION: Transvesical robotic partial prostatectomy is technically feasible using a single-port approach in a preclinical model. Further studies are needed for evaluation on patients with anterior localized prostate cancer. Prospective comparison with standard surgical techniques and focal therapy are warranted. Refinement of this technique may potentially expand the role of single-site surgery in the clinical practice.

Precise Clamping of Renal Artery With Endovascular Stents During Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Technical Hints to Optimize Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our surgical technique for robotic partial nephrectomy,1 focusing on specific technical hints for vascular clamping on patients with renal masses and endovascular stent (ES) in the renal artery. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 3 patients that underwent robotic partial nephrectomy in our institution with precise clamping of renal arteries due to previous placement of ES. Perioperative outcomes were recorded. In our video, we present the case of 73-year-old Caucasian with a 10-cm left renal neoplasm and associated fenestrated endograft due to endovascular aorta repair. After preoperative imaging was reviewed, a robotic approach was planned. RESULTS: Key hints for outcomes optimization during nephron sparing surgery on patients with ES on the renal arteries: (1) preoperative computed tomography scan is crucial for surgical planning on dissection of the renal pedicle,2 (2) an additional multiplanar volume rendering of the computed tomography scan may allow better 3-dimensional visualization and orientation of the renal vasculature and anatomy, (3) precise renal artery clamping distal from the renal artery stent is required to avoid renal stent occlusion, (4) extensive and meticulous dissection of the renal pedicle is mandatory to dictate correct clamping, and (5) an intraoperative Doppler ultrasound after clamping release confirms the blood flow through the renal arteries.3 From the patients analyzed, median age was 69.6 years, median body mass index was 31.3, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 36.6 mL/min. No cases were converted to open procedures. Perioperative outcomes are described in Table 1. CONCLUSION: Partial nephrectomy in patients with renal artery stents requires distal dissection of the renal artery beyond the stent. Our described technique provides feasible, reproducible, and valuable surgical suggestions for outcomes optimization during nephron-sparing surgery on patients with endovascular graft stents.

Robot-assisted transvesical partial prostatectomy using a purpose-built single-port robotic system.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of robot-assisted single-port (SP) transvesical partial prostatectomy (TVPP) using a novel purpose-built SP surgical platform in a pre-clinical model. METHODS: The cadavers were placed in the lithotomy position. A 3-cm midline incision was made in the suprapubic area 4-cm from the symphisis pubis. After opening the Retzius space, an access mini device (GelPOINT; Applied Medical, Rancho Margarita, CA, USA) was introduced percutaneously directly into the bladder. The da Vinci SP1098 robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) was docked to the GelPOINT by inserting a novel SP cannula through the GelSeal Cap. The surgical steps for en bloc anterior prostatectomy were performed in the following order: (i) antegrade dissection of the transition zone at the bladder neck; (ii) lateral excision of the peripheral zone; and (iii) urethrovesical anastomosis. Primary outcomes, such as intra-operative complications, rate of conversion to standard techniques and operating times, were recorded. RESULTS: The SP-TVPP procedure was technically completed in three male cadavers. All cases were completed successfully using the da Vinci SP1098 surgical system without conversion or the need for additional ports. There were no intra-operative complications. The mean total operating time was 49.3 min. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted TVPP is feasible using a novel purpose-built SP surgical platform in a cadaver model. Future clinical evaluation in humans is needed for assessment on patients with anterior localized prostate cancer. Prospective comparison with other surgical platforms and standard techniques is warranted.

The role of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis following urologic pelvic surgery.

With the emergence of evidence that venous thromboembolisms (VTE) typically occurs following discharge after urologic pelvic surgery, the focus on extended VTE prophylaxis has intensified. Urologists should have a comprehensive understanding of various VTE risk factors in order to weigh the risk of postoperative hemorrhage with the possibility of fatal pulmonary embolus. Risk factors such as advanced age, obesity, and active malignancy are especially common in patient's undergoing urologic pelvic surgery, and thus this issue becomes particularly relevant to the practicing urologist. In previous years, guidelines on extended VTE prophylaxis have either been vague or not urology specific; however, the European Association of Urology has recently issued recommendations on VTE prophylaxis stratified by VTE risk and surgery type. Although these guidelines are a major advance, definitive answers on this question may prove elusive in the form of prospective randomized data given the low incidence of clinically significant postoperative VTE.

Prone Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Does Bolster Orientation Matter?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether horizontal vs vertical bolster orientation affects kidney position during prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy as this could impact the need for supracostal access and therefore the likelihood of pleural injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective trial, 10 subjects with 20 renal units underwent magnetic resonance imaging in prone position with standard cylindrical bolsters oriented vertically and then horizontally. Vertical bolsters were placed along the lateral aspect of the chest. Horizontal bolsters were placed at the xiphoid and symphysis pubis. The position of the kidney relative to the pleura was assessed by measuring distances from the kidney upper pole to diaphragm, to the top of the first lumbar vertebra, and inferior-most rib. Nephrostomy tract length and tract proximity to adjacent organs were also measured. RESULTS: Right and left kidney-to-diaphragm distance significantly increased with horizontal vs vertical bolsters by 3.44 cm and 1.86 cm, respectively (P = .02, P = .01). Right kidney-to-rib distance significantly increased by 2.4 cm (P = .025); left kidney-to-rib distance increased by 0.5 cm (P = .123). Right kidney-to-vertebral distance significantly increased by 2.16 cm (P = .007); left kidney-to-vertebral distance increased by 0.9 cm (P = .059). There was no significant difference in maximum access angle, overall tract length, or colon position between horizontal and vertical bolsters. CONCLUSION: Orienting bolsters horizontally results in caudal kidney displacement without affecting access angle, overall tract length, or colon position. In comparison with vertical orientation, this may improve safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy by decreasing the need for supracostal access and increasing the safety of supracostal access when required.

Up and Away: Five Decades of Urologic Investigation in Microgravity.

A renewed global interest in manned space exploration has emerged, propelled by the challenge of reaching a new frontier: travel to the Red Planet, Mars. As the physiological changes induced by microgravity bear direct relevance to the safety and viability of these goals, we provide a historical narrative of the urologic investigations in space. We review the significant contributions to the understanding of the urologic consequences associated with exposure to microgravity, considerations for prolonged missions, and forward-looking efforts to manage emergent conditions remotely. Historical insights gleaned are poised to inform interplanetary travel, where urologic pathology will remain an important practical consideration.

The impact of timing of salvage hormonal therapy on survival after brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of timing of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on survival in a cohort of patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We retrospectively identified 2366 men receiving permanent prostate brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation therapy. Patients experiencing BCR were stratified by receipt of immediate or delayed (≥3 months) ADT and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure threshold of 10 ng/mL. Prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) and all-cause mortality (ACM) were evaluated using Fine-Gray's competing risks regression and Cox proportional hazard model, respectively. RESULTS: We identified 109 patients in the study cohort treated with ADT for BCR, followed for a median of 11.4 years. Competing risk regression revealed that there was no difference in PCSM for patients receiving delayed vs. immediate ADT (hazard ratio [HR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44-2.00: p = 0.871) or for those initiating hormonal therapy at PSA threshold of 10 vs. <10 ng/mL (HR, 0.85; 95% CI: 0.41-1.75; p = 0.649); similarly, there was no difference in ACM. PSA doubling time <6 months (HR, 2.52; 95% CI: 1.22-5.23; p = 0.013), time to BCR <3 years (HR, 3.27; 95% CI: 1.67-6.42; p = 0.003), and permanent prostate brachytherapy with external beam radiation therapy (HR, 5.21; 95% CI: 2.05-13.26; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with PCSM, as well as ACM. CONCLUSIONS: Among a cohort of brachytherapy patients, we identified no significant difference in survival for delayed salvage hormonal therapy. Shorter PSA doubling time and time to BCR are significantly associated with adverse outcomes, and these patients should be considered for immediate salvage therapy.

The Current State of Urological Residency Education.

INTRODUCTION: We reviewed literature pertaining to the current state of urological education for residents in the United States. METHODS: A literature review was performed to identify relevant manuscripts using a key word search of the PubMed® and MEDLINE® databases. Central themes of the literature were identified and summarized for the purpose of this review. RESULTS: A literature search identified 23 articles related to urological residency education. Key themes identified in the available literature included surgical simulation, decreasing open experience, and improving the efficiency and quality of resident education and evaluation. With increasing limitations in available resident training hours as well as increasing utilization of minimally invasive approaches in the field of urology it is important to critically assess how urological residents are trained. CONCLUSIONS: As the scope and complexity of medical knowledge and surgical approaches evolve in the field of urology it is imperative to critically evaluate how urological residents are trained to ensure that graduating residents are prepared to provide outstanding patient care as independent surgeons.