Robotic-Assisted Bladder Diverticulectomy: Indications, Technique, and Outcomes-A Case Series.

Purpose: This case series describes the experiences and outcomes of multiple Australian surgeons performing robotic-assisted bladder diverticulectomy (RABD), highlighting the procedural effectiveness and safety, for both benign and malignant indications for diverticulectomy. Methods: Outcomes were analyzed from 13 experienced Australian urologists who performed RABD between 2016 and 2023. Retrospective analysis was performed on prospectively collected data, which included patient demographics, diverticulum characteristics, surgical approaches, and post-operative outcomes. Surgical techniques included the extravesical and intravesical approaches, with the focus on maintaining oncological principles in cases of malignancy. Results: A total of 28 patients underwent RABD, with the majority being male and a mean age of 63.9 years. All surgeons utilized a four-port transperitoneal approach and opted for the extravesical dissection of the diverticular neck; one case utilized both an extravesical and a trans-diverticular approach. Functional outcomes demonstrated symptomatic resolution in patients with nonmalignant diverticula, whereas oncological outcomes indicated clear margins in 90% of malignant cases. The average length of the procedure was 106 minutes, with minimal blood loss and a mean hospital stay of 2.67 days. Early complications occurred in 14% with the majority Clavien-Dindo grade II. Conclusion: Robotic bladder diverticulectomy, predominantly via the transperitoneal extravesical approach, has emerged as a safe, effective, and reliable surgical intervention for both malignant and nonmalignant bladder diverticula. The consistent surgical approach and excellent outcomes demonstrated in this case series reinforce the procedure's potential as a safe option, even in the setting of malignancy within a diverticulum.

Intra-individual comparison of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography versus bone scan in detecting skeletal metastasis at prostate cancer diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic performance and radiological staging impact of 68 Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) compared to 99 Tc whole-body bone scan (WBBS) for the detection of skeletal metastasis in the primary staging of prostate cancer (PCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective institutional database was retrospectively examined for patients who underwent both PSMA PET and WBBS within a 1 week interval for PCa primary staging. Lesions were categorised as 'negative', 'equivocal', or 'definite' based on nuclear medicine physician interpretation. Metastatic burden was characterised for each imaging modality according to three groups: (i) local disease (no skeletal metastases), (ii) oligometastatic disease (three or fewer skeletal metastases), or (iii) polymetastatic disease (more than three skeletal metastases). RESULTS: There were 667 patients included. The median (interquartile range) prostate-specific antigen level was 9.2 (6.2-16) ng/mL and 60% of patients were high risk according to a modified D'Amico risk classification. The overall distribution of skeletal metastasis detection changed across the two scans overall (P = 0.003), being maintained within high-risk (P = 0.030) and low-risk (P = 0.018) groups. PSMA PET/CT identified more definite skeletal metastases compared to WBBS overall (10.3% vs 7.3%), and according to risk grouping (high: 12% vs 9%, intermediate: 4% vs 1%). Upstaging was more common with PSMA PET/CT than WBBS (P = 0.001). The maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax ) of the primary tumour was associated with upstaging of skeletal metastases on PSMA PET/CT (P = 0.025), while age was associated with upstaging on WBBS (P = 0.021). The SUVmax of the primary tumour and metastases were both higher according to extent of metastatic disease (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: More skeletal metastases were detected with PSMA PET/CT than WBBS, resulting in a higher upstaging rate mostly in high-risk patients. The SUVmax of the primary tumour and metastases was associated with upstaging.

68Ga-PSMA PET/CT versus CT and bone scan for investigation of PSA failure post radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of Gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-PSMA PET/CT), compared with conventional CT abdomen/pelvis (CTAP) and whole body single photon emission CT bone scan (BS), for detection of local or distant metastasis following biochemical failure/recurrence in post-prostatectomy patients. METHODS: We conducted a review of our prospectively maintained, institutional database to identify 384 patients with post-prostatectomy biochemical failure/recurrence who underwent PSMA PET/CT, CTAP and BS from February 2015 to August 2017 in Nepean Hospital, tertiary referral centre. The results of the three imaging modalities were analysed for their ability to detect local recurrence and distant metastases. PSMA PET/CT and CTAP imaging were separately performed on the same day and the BS was performed within several days (mostly in 24 h). Difference in detection rates was determined between the modalities and the Chi square test was used to determine significance. RESULTS: A total of 384 patients were identified with a median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of 0.465 ng/mL (interquartile range =0.19-2.00 ng/mL). Overall, PSMA PET/CT was positive for 245 (63.8%) patients whereas CTAP and BS were positive in 174 patients (45.3%). A total of 98 patients (25.5%) had local or distant metastasis detected on PSMA only, while 20 patients (5.2%) had recurrences detected on CTAP but not on PSMA PET/CT. CONCLUSION: The use of PSMA PET/CT has a higher detection rate of predicted local or distant metastasis compared to CTAP and BS in the staging of patients with biochemical recurrences after radical prostatectomy.

Spontaneous bleeding from an unusual renal mass: A case of gestational choriocarcinoma related to previous pregnancy over a decade earlier.

Gestational choriocarcinoma is an uncommon trophoblastic malignancy, occurring in females after pregnancy, which is rarely encountered by urologists. It can be rapidly progressive, however metastases to other organs can occur after a prolonged latency period. We describe a rare case of solitary metastatic gestational choriocarcinoma presenting with spontaneous bleeding from a renal mass, over a decade after the associated pregnancy with a presumed sub-clinical primary tumour. This case demonstrates the importance of recognising gestational choriocarcinoma as a potential differential diagnosis of spontaneous bleeding renal mass in females of child-bearing age as a urologist given the often-aggressive nature of the disease.

Bladder infusion versus standard catheter removal for trial of void: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and time-to-discharge of two methods of trial of void (TOV): bladder infusion versus standard catheter removal. METHODS: Electronic searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing bladder infusion versus standard catheter removal were performed using multiple electronic databases from dates of inception to June 2020. Participants underwent TOV after acute urinary retention or postoperatively after intraoperative indwelling catheter (IDC) placement. Quality assessment and meta-analyses were performed, with odds ratio and mean time difference used as the outcome measures. RESULTS: Eight studies, comprising 977 patients, were included in the final analysis. Pooled meta-analysis demonstrated that successful TOV was significantly higher in the bladder infusion group compared to standard TOV (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.53-3.8, p = 0.0005), without significant heterogeneity (I2=19%). The bladder infusion group had a significantly shorter time-to-decision in comparison to standard TOV (weighted mean difference (WMD)-148.96 min, 95% CI - 242.29, - 55.63, p = 0.002) and shorter time-to-discharge (WMD - 89.68 min, 95% CI - 160.55, - 18.88, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The bladder infusion technique of TOV may be associated with a significantly increased likelihood of successful TOV and reduced time to discharge compared to standard TOV practices.

A prospective, matched comparison of ultra-low and standard-dose computed tomography for assessment of renal colic.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) compared with standard-dose CT (SDCT) in the evaluation of patients with clinically suspected renal colic, in addition to secondary features (hydroureteronephrosis, perinephric stranding) and additional pathological entities (renal masses). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, comparative cohort study was conducted amongst patients presenting to the emergency department with signs and symptoms suggestive of renal or ureteric colic. Patients underwent both SDCT and ULDCT. Single-blinded review of the image sets was performed independently by three board-certified radiologists. RESULTS: Among 21 patients, the effective radiation dose was lower for ULDCT [mean (SD) 1.02 (0.16) mSv] than SDCT [mean (SD) 4.97 (2.02) mSv]. Renal and/or ureteric calculi were detected in 57.1% (12/21) of patients. There were no significant differences in calculus detection and size estimation between ULDCT and SDCT. A higher concordance was observed for ureteric calculi (75%) than renal calculi (38%), mostly due to greater detection of calculi of <3 mm by SDCT. Clinically significant calculi (≥3 mm) were detected by ULDCT with high specificity (97.6%) and sensitivity (100%) compared to overall detection (specificity 91.2%, sensitivity 58.8%). ULDCT and SDCT were highly concordant for detection of secondary features, while ULDCT detected less renal cysts of <2 cm. Inter-observer agreement for the ureteric calculi detection was 93.9% for SDCT and 87.8% for ULDCT. CONCLUSION: ULDCT performed similarly to SDCT for calculus detection and size estimation with reduced radiation exposure. Based on this and other studies, ULDCT should be considered as the first-line modality for evaluation of renal colic in routine practice.

Metachronous ureteral metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma in a duplex collecting system 1 year after nephrectomy.

While renal cell carcinoma is known to metastasise in an unpredictable pattern, even after resection of a primary tumour, delayed ureteric metastasis is a very rarely reported phenomenon. In this case report, we describe a case of ipsilateral metachronous ureteric metastasis in a patient with a complete duplex collecting system. This case demonstrates some useful strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of renal cell carcinoma in this context. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of delayed ureteric metastasis of a renal clear cell carcinoma in a patient with a duplex collecting system.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pelvic Drain Insertion After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

Purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis and to assess the clinical benefit of prophylactic pelvic drain (PD) placement after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in patients with localized prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: An electronic search of databases, including Scopus, Medline, and EMbase, was conducted for articles that considered postoperative outcomes with PD placement and without PD (no drain) placement after RALP. The primary outcome was rate of symptomatic lymphocele (requiring intervention) and secondary outcomes were complications as described by the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Quality assessment was performed using the Modified Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Quality Assessment. Results: Six relevant articles comprising 1783 patients (PD = 1253; ND = 530) were included. Use of PD conferred no difference in symptomatic lymphocoele rate (risk difference 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.007 to 0.027), with an overall incidence of 2.2% (95% CI 0.013-0.032). No difference in low-grade (I-II; risk difference 0.035, 95% CI -0.065 to 0.148) or high-grade (III-V; risk difference -0.003, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.044) complications was observed between PD and ND groups. Low-grade (I-II) complications were 11.8% (95% CI 0-0.42) and 7.3% (95% CI 0-0.26), with similar rates of high-grade (III-V) complications, being 4.1% (95% CI 0.008-0.084) and 4.3% (95% CI 0.007-0.067) for PD and ND groups, respectively. Conclusion: PD insertion after RALP with extended PLND did not confer significant benefits in prevention of symptomatic lymphocoele or postoperative complications. Based on these results, PD insertion may be safely omitted in uncomplicated cases after consideration of clinical factors.

Single use versus reusable digital flexible ureteroscopes: A prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance and surgical outcomes of two different single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes with a reusable video flexible ureteroscope. METHODS: Patients undergoing retrograde flexible ureteroscopy at Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia, were included in this study. Three different flexible ureteroscopes were used in this study: (i) single-use digital LithoVue (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA); (ii) single-use digital PU3022A (Pusen, Zhuhai, China); and (iii) reusable digital URF-V2 (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). Visibility and maneuverability was rated on a 5-point Likert scale by the operating surgeon. Operative outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included in the present study. Of these, 141 patients had ureteroscopy for stone treatment, four for endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery and five for diagnostic/tumor treatment. There were 55 patients in the LithoVue group, 31 in the PU3022A group and 64 patients in the Olympus URF-V2 group. The URF-V2 group had higher visibility scores than both the single-use scopes and higher maneuverability scores when compared with the PU3022A. The LithoVue had higher visibility and maneuverability scores when compared with the PU3022A. There were no differences in operative time, rates of relook flexible ureteroscopes, scope failure or complication rates observed. CONCLUSIONS: Single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes have visibility and maneuverability profiles approaching that of a reusable digital flexible ureteroscope. Single-use flexible ureteroscopes achieve similar clinical outcomes to the more expensive reusable versions.

The current status of MRI in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer is a controversial topic. Until recently there has not been a reliable imaging mo-dality for identification of cancer within the prostate. New evidence suggests that multiparametric magngenetic resonance im-aging (MRI) has the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: This article explains the potential roles for multiparametric MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. DISCUSSION: Multiparametric MRI can help identify regions which may represent clinically significant prostate cancer. MRI may also be used to guide varying prostate cancer treatment modalities. An experienced radiologist and adequately powered MRI scanner are es-sential. Multiparametric MRI in the hands of an experienced uroradiology team is emerging as a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer however this technology is still in its infancy and requires further evaluation. At this time prostate MRI should only be ordered by the treating urologist.

The effect of the modified Z trendelenburg position on intraocular pressure during robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a randomized, controlled study.

PURPOSE: The Trendelenburg position has a dramatic effect on circulation, consequently increasing cerebral and intraocular pressure. We evaluated whether modifying the Trendelenburg position would minimize the increase in intraocular pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, controlled study we compared intraocular pressure in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy while in the Trendelenburg position or the modified Z Trendelenburg position. In group 1 intraocular pressure, blood pressure and endotracheal CO2 were measured in the patient at anesthesia induction (time 1), before positioning (time 2), and while in the Trendelenburg position (time 3) and in the modified Z Trendelenburg position (time 4). They were also measured after pneumoperitoneum (time 5), every 30 minutes (times 6 to 16), while supine at the end of pneumoperitoneum (time 17) and before awakening (time 18). We modified the Trendelenburg position by placing the head and shoulders horizontally. RESULTS: Group 1 included 29 patients in the modified Z Trendelenburg position. Group 2 included 21 patients in the Trendelenburg position. No difference was found in patient demographics or surgical outcomes. Median intraocular pressure was in the low normal range at times 1 and 2, and increased in time 3 in each group. From time 4 intraocular pressure decreased and at all time points it was significantly lower in group 1 by a mean of 4.61 mm Hg (95% CI -6.90-2.30, p <0.001). At time 17 mean intraocular pressure decreased to normal (19.6 mm Hg) in group 1 but remained in the hypertensive range (24.9 mm Hg) in group 2. At time 18 mean intraocular pressure was 17 mm Hg in each group. Blood pressure was significantly lower in group 1 with a mean reduction in systolic and diastolic pressure of 6.3 and 4.3 mm Hg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that modifying the Trendelenburg position during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy has a significant positive effect on patient neuro-ocular safety by lowering intraocular pressure and accelerating its recovery to the normal range without affecting the operation.

Invasive renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: cardiac anesthesia in liver transplant settings.

OBJECTIVES: Resection of renal cell carcinomas (RCC) with tumor thrombus invasion into the inferior vena cava (IVC) is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality. This study examined the intra- and inter-departmental collaboration among cardiac, liver transplantation, and urologic surgeons and anesthesiologists in caring for these patients. DESIGN: After IRB approval, medical records of patients who underwent resection of RCC tumor thrombus level III and IV, from 1997 to 2010 in this institution, were reviewed. Data were collected and analyzed by one way-ANOVA and chi-square test. SETTING: Major academic institution, tertiary referral center. PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective study based on the medical records of patients who underwent resection of RCC tumor thrombus level III and IV, from 1997 to 2010. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (82.9%) with level III thrombus and 12 patients (17.1%) with level IV thrombus were analyzed. Sixty-five (92.9%) did not require any extracorporeal circulatory support; 5 (2 with level III and 3 with level IV; 7.1%) required cardiopulmonary bypass. No patients required veno-venous bypass. Compared to patients with level III thrombus extension, patients with level IV had higher estimated blood loss (6978±2968 mL v 1540±206, p<0.001) and hospital stays (18.8±1.6 days v 8.1±0.7, p<0.001). Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was utilized in 77.6% of patients with level III thrombus extension and in 100% of patients with level IV thrombus extension. Intraoperative TEE guidance resulted in a significant surgical plan modification in 3 cases (5.2%). Short-term mortality was low (n = 3, 4.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of specialized liver transplantation and cardiac surgical techniques in the resection of RCC with extension into the IVC calls for a close intra-and interdepartmental collaboration between surgeons and anesthesiologists. The transabdominal approach to suprahepatic segments of the IVC allowed avoidance of extracorporeal circulatory support in most of these patients. Perioperative management of these patients reflected the critical importance of TEE-proficient practitioners experienced in liver transplantation and cardiac anesthesia.

Prostate sampling by 12-core biopsy: comparison of the biopsy results with tumor location in prostatectomy specimens.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diagnostic performance of individual prostate biopsy cores. The 12-core transrectal prostate biopsy scheme has emerged as a standard of care. However, quality of sampling may vary in different areas of the prostate included in this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two-hundred fifty men underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution. All participants had a systematic 12-core transrectal prostate biopsy containing lateral and medial cores from each side of the apical, medial and basal thirds of the prostate. Biopsy results were matched with histologic maps of the prostatectomy specimens. Sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), and overall accuracy were calculated for each biopsy core location and compared between different groups of cores. In addition, patients in the upper quartile of prostate weight were compared with the rest of the cohort. RESULTS: Sensitivity, NPV, and overall accuracy were significantly lower for apical cores. Average NPV and overall accuracy of basal and mid-lateral biopsies were inferior to those of medial biopsies on the same levels. However, sensitivity of these lateral cores was similar to that of the medial cores. Sensitivities of apical and mid cores were significantly lower in patients with larger prostates. CONCLUSION: Decreased accuracy in lateral mid- and basal cores results from higher frequencies of cancer in corresponding prostate areas, and therefore additional samples should be taken at these locations. In addition, diagnostic accuracy of apical cores may be improved through better targeting of the prostatic apex. This may be particularly important in patients with larger prostates.

Lower urinary tract symptoms - current management in older men.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms are a common problem in men and the incidence of these symptoms increases with age. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an update on the evaluation and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in older men. In particular, we describe current nomenclature, diagnosis, the International Prostate Symptom Score, and currently available medical and surgical treatments as well as indications for referral to a urologist. DISCUSSION: Lower urinary tract symptoms may be divided into voiding and storage, and men may present with a combination of the two symptom groups. Voiding symptoms include weak stream, hesitancy, and incomplete emptying or straining and are usually due to enlargement of the prostate gland. Storage symptoms include frequency, urgency and nocturia and may be due to detrusor overactivity. In elderly men who present with lower urinary tract symptoms, indications for early referral to a urologist include haematuria, recurrent infections, bladder stones, urinary retention and renal impairment. In uncomplicated cases, medical therapy can be instituted in the primary care setting. Options for medical therapy include alpha blockers to relax the smooth muscle of the prostate, 5 alpha reductase inhibitors to shrink the prostate, and antimuscarinics to relax the bladder. The International Prostate Symptom Score is beneficial in assessing symptoms and response to treatment. If symptoms progress despite medical therapy or the patient is unable to tolerate medical therapy, urological referral is warranted.

Bladder cancer--current management.

BACKGROUND: Over 2000 cases of bladder cancer were diagnosed in Australia in 2005. Bladder cancer is a relatively common disease with high morbidity if left untreated. Bladder cancer is categorised as either 'nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer' or 'muscle invasive bladder cancer'. Treatment varies significantly for each type. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an update on the presentation of bladder cancer, its risk factors, investigations and treatment, and discusses the role of chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment. DISCUSSION: Bladder cancer most commonly presents with microscopic or macroscopic haematuria. Evaluation is required of all patients with macroscopic haematuria, patients with persistent microscopic haematuria, and at risk patients with a single episode of microscopic haematuria. Evaluation consists of imaging, urine cytology and cystoscopy. Nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer patients can undergo tumour resection with adjuvant intravesical treatments, while muscle invasive bladder cancer patients are optimally treated with cystectomy and urinary diversion.

Anomalies of the inferior vena cava and renal veins and implications for renal surgery.

Abnormalities of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and renal veins are extremely rare. However, with the increasing use of computed tomography (CT), these anomalies are more frequently diagnosed. The majority of venous anomalies are asymptomatic and they include left sided IVC, duplicated IVC, absent IVC as well as retro-aortic and circumaortic renal veins. The embryological development of the IVC is complex and involves the development and regression of three sets of paired veins. During renal surgery, undiagnosed venous anomalies may lead to major complications. There may be significant hemorrhage or damage to vascular structures. In addition, aberrant vessels may be mistaken for lymphadenopathy and may be biopsied. In this review we discuss the embryology of the IVC and the possible anomalies of IVC and its tributaries paying particular attention to diagnosis and implications for renal surgery.

Androgen deficiency in the aging man.

BACKGROUND: Androgen deficiency in the aging man is an area of considerable debate because a gradual decline in testosterone may simply be part of the normal aging process. However, there is an alternative view that androgen deficiency in the aging man may constitute a valid and underdiagnosed disorder. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the aetiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management of androgen deficiency in the aging man. DISCUSSION: Late onset hypogonadism has clinical features that overlap with both normal aging and some pathological conditions. It can only be diagnosed on the basis of both suggestive clinical features and clear biochemical evidence of testosterone deficiency. In this group of patients medication may play a role.