Stage IA papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: effectiveness of cryoablation and partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of cryoablation compared to partial nephrectomy in patients with stage IA papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (pRCC; chRCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 2004-2016 National Cancer Database was queried for adult patients with stage IA pRCC or chRCC treated with cryoablation or partial nephrectomy. Patients receiving systemic therapy or radiotherapy, as well as those with bilateral RCC or prior malignant disease were excluded. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Nearest neighbor propensity matching (1:1 cryoablation:partial nephrectomy, stratified for pRCC and chRCC) was used to account for potential confounders. RESULTS: A total of 11122 stage IA renal cell carcinoma patients were included (pRCC 8030; chRCC 3092). Cryoablation was performed in 607 (5.5%) patients, and partial nephrectomy in 10515 (94.5%) patients. A higher likelihood of cryoablation treatment was observed in older patients with non-private healthcare insurance, as well as in those with smaller diameter low-grade pRCC treated at non-academic centers in specific US geographic regions. After propensity score matching to account for confounders, there was no statistically significant difference in OS comparing cryoablation vs partial nephrectomy in patients with pRCC (HR = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.96-1.75, p = 0.09) and those with chRCC (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.67-2.82, p = 0.38). CONCLUSION: After accounting for confounders, cryoablation, and partial nephrectomy demonstrated comparable OS in patients with stage IA papillary and chromophobe RCC. Cryoablation is a reasonable treatment alternative to partial nephrectomy for these histological RCC subtypes when radiologically suspected or diagnosed after biopsy. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Cryoablation might be considered as an upfront treatment alternative to partial nephrectomy in patients with papillary and chromophobe stage IA renal cell carcinoma, as both treatment approaches yield comparable oncological outcomes. KEY POINTS: The utilization of cryoablation for stage IA papillary and chromophobe RCC increases. In the National Cancer Database, we found specific patterns of use of cryoablation. Cryoablation and partial nephrectomy demonstrate comparable outcomes after accounting for confounders.

Cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of a kidney. When the aim of nephrectomy is to reduce tumor burden in people with established metastatic disease, the procedure is called cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN). CN is typically combined with systemic anticancer therapy (SACT). SACT can be initiated before or immediately after the operation or deferred until radiological signs of disease progression. The benefits and harms of CN are controversial. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of cytoreductive nephrectomy combined with systemic anticancer therapy versus systemic anticancer therapy alone or watchful waiting in newly diagnosed metastatic renal cell carcinoma. SEARCH METHODS: We performed a comprehensive search in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, two trial registries, and other gray literature sources up to 1 March 2024. We applied no restrictions on publication language or status. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated SACT and CN versus SACT alone or watchful waiting. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies and extracted data. Primary outcomes were time to death from any cause and quality of life. Secondary outcomes were time to disease progression, treatment response, treatment-related mortality, discontinuation due to adverse events, and serious adverse events. We performed statistical analyses using a random-effects model. We rated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: Our search identified 10 records of four unique RCTs that informed two comparisons. In this abstract, we focus on the results for the two primary outcomes. Cytoreductive nephrectomy plus systemic anticancer therapy versus systemic anticancer therapy alone Three RCTs informed this comparison. Due to the considerable heterogeneity when pooling across these studies, we decided to present the results of the prespecified subgroup analysis by type of systemic agent. Cytoreductive nephrectomy plus interferon immunotherapy versus interferon immunotherapy alone CN plus interferon immunotherapy compared with interferon immunotherapy alone probably increases time to death from any cause (hazard ratio [HR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51 to 0.89; I²= 0%; 2 studies, 326 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Assuming 820 all-cause deaths at two years' follow-up per 1000 people who receive interferon immunotherapy alone, the effect estimate corresponds to 132 fewer all-cause deaths (237 fewer to 37 fewer) per 1000 people who receive CN plus interferon immunotherapy. We found no evidence to assess quality of life. Cytoreductive nephrectomy plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy versus tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy alone We are very uncertain about the effect of CN plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy compared with TKI therapy alone on time to death from any cause (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.37; 1 study, 450 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Assuming 574 all-cause deaths at two years' follow-up per 1000 people who receive TKI therapy alone, the effect estimate corresponds to 38 more all-cause deaths (38 fewer to 115 more) per 1000 people who receive CN plus TKI therapy. We found no evidence to assess quality of life. Immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy versus deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy One study evaluated CN followed by TKI therapy (immediate CN) versus three cycles of TKI therapy followed by CN (deferred CN). Immediate CN compared with deferred CN may decrease time to death from any cause (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.53; 1 study, 99 participants; low-certainty evidence). Assuming 620 all-cause deaths at two years' follow-up per 1000 people who receive deferred CN, the effect estimate corresponds to 173 more all-cause deaths (18 more to 294 more) per 1000 people who receive immediate CN. We found no evidence to assess quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: CN plus SACT in the form of interferon immunotherapy versus SACT in the form of interferon immunotherapy alone probably increases time to death from any cause. However, we are very uncertain about the effect of CN plus SACT in the form of TKI therapy versus SACT in the form of TKI therapy alone on time to death from any cause. Immediate CN versus deferred CN may decrease time to death from any cause. We found no quality of life data for any of these three comparisons. We also found no evidence to inform any other comparisons, in particular those involving newer immunotherapy agents (programmed death receptor 1 [PD-1]/programmed death ligand 1 [PD-L1] immune checkpoint inhibitors), which have become the backbone of SACT for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. There is an urgent need for RCTs that explore the role of CN in the context of contemporary forms of systemic immunotherapy.

Epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of primary renal sarcomas in adult patients.

To assess epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment and overall survival of adult patients with renal sarcomas, the 2004-2016 SEER and NCDB databases were queried for adult patients diagnosed with renal sarcoma, calculating average annual age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) as well as overall survival (OS). In n = 1279 included renal sarcoma patients, AAIR remained constant over the study period (average 0.53 cases/1million; AAPC = 0.7, p = 0.6). Leiomyosarcoma (AAIR 0.14 cases/1 million) and malignant rhabdoid tumors (0.06 cases/1 million) were most common. Sarcoma histiotypes demonstrated considerable heterogeneity regarding demographic and cancer-related variables. Patients presented with advanced local extent (T3 33.3%; T4 14.2%) or distant metastases (29.1%) and commonly underwent surgical resection (81.6%). Longer OS was independently associated with younger age, female sex, lower comorbidity index, low T stage, negative surgical margins, absence of tumor necrosis or distant metastases and leiomyosarcoma histiotype (multivariable p < 0.05 each). Treatment efficacy varied according to sarcoma histiotype (interaction p < 0.001). Accounting for 0.25% of renal malignancies, renal sarcomas include 43 histiotypes with distinct epidemiology, clinical presentation, outcomes and sensitivity to systemic therapy, thereby reflecting soft-tissue sarcoma behavior. Renal sarcoma treatment patterns follow recommendations by renal cancer guidelines with surgical resection as the cornerstone of therapy.

Radiomics and machine learning for renal tumor subtype assessment using multiphase computed tomography in a multicenter setting.

OBJECTIVES: To distinguish histological subtypes of renal tumors using radiomic features and machine learning (ML) based on multiphase computed tomography (CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical treatment for renal tumors at two tertiary centers from 2012 to 2022 were included retrospectively. Preoperative arterial (corticomedullary) and venous (nephrogenic) phase CT scans from these centers, as well as from external imaging facilities, were manually segmented, and standardized radiomic features were extracted. Following preprocessing and addressing the class imbalance, a ML algorithm based on extreme gradient boosting trees (XGB) was employed to predict renal tumor subtypes using 10-fold cross-validation. The evaluation was conducted using the multiclass area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Algorithms were trained on data from one center and independently tested on data from the other center. RESULTS: The training cohort comprised n = 297 patients (64.3% clear cell renal cell cancer [RCC], 13.5% papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), 7.4% chromophobe RCC, 9.4% oncocytomas, and 5.4% angiomyolipomas (AML)), and the testing cohort n = 121 patients (56.2%/16.5%/3.3%/21.5%/2.5%). The XGB algorithm demonstrated a diagnostic performance of AUC = 0.81/0.64/0.8 for venous/arterial/combined contrast phase CT in the training cohort, and AUC = 0.75/0.67/0.75 in the independent testing cohort. In pairwise comparisons, the lowest diagnostic accuracy was evident for the identification of oncocytomas (AUC = 0.57-0.69), and the highest for the identification of AMLs (AUC = 0.9-0.94) CONCLUSION: Radiomic feature analyses can distinguish renal tumor subtypes on routinely acquired CTs, with oncocytomas being the hardest subtype to identify. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Radiomic feature analyses yield robust results for renal tumor assessment on routine CTs. Although radiologists routinely rely on arterial phase CT for renal tumor assessment and operative planning, radiomic features derived from arterial phase did not improve the accuracy of renal tumor subtype identification in our cohort.

[Management of Injuries to the Parenchymal Abdominal Organs]. / Management von Verletzungen parenchymatöser Abdominalorgane.

The most common organs affected by abdominal trauma are the spleen and the liver, often in combination. Pancreatic injuries are rare. In the case of blunt abdominal trauma, which is much more common, a clinical and laboratory examination as well as sonography should be performed. In the initial assessment, the circulatory situation must be screened. If there is haemodynamic instability and presentation of free fluid, an emergency laparotomy is indicated. If the situation is stable or stabilised and a pathological sonography is present, it is essential to perform triphasic contrast enhanced computed tomography, which is also mandatory in polytraumatised patients. If a renal injury is suspected, a late venous phase should be attached. In addition to the classification of the injury, attention should be paid to possible vascular injury or active bleeding. In this case, angiography with the possibility of intervention should be performed. Endoscopic treatment is possible for injuries of the pancreatic duct. If the imaging does not reveal any intervention target and a circulation is stable, a conservative approach is possible with continuous monitoring using clinical, laboratory and sonographic controls. Most injuries can be successfully treated by non-operative management (NOM).There are various surgical options for treating the injury, such as local and resecting procedures. There is also the option of "damage control surgery" with acute bleeding control and second look. Complex surgical procedures should be performed at centres. Postoperative complications arise out of elective surgery.In the less common case of penetrating abdominal trauma, the actual extent of the injury cannot be estimated from the visible wound. Here again, the circulatory situation determines the next steps. An emergency laparotomy should be carried out in case of instability. If the condition is stable, further diagnostics should be performed using contrast enhanced computed tomography. If penetration through the peritoneum cannot be clearly excluded, diagnostic laparoscopy should be performed.

Surgical approach affecting long-term urinary continence status after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy prospectively evaluated using self-reported functional status (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, EPIC-26).

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the influence of the surgical approach for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) on long-term urinary continence status in the era of self-reported functional status measures using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite 26. Materials and methods: This is a prospective evaluation of 232 patients undergoing RALP between September, 2019 and September, 2020. Urinary continence status and postoperative incontinence (pad usage) were evaluated 12 months after RALP using Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite 26 questionnaires. Patients were categorized according to their surgical approach and outcome into the following groups: successful nerve sparing (NS), primarily without nerve sparing (prim. NNS), and no nerve sparing by secondary resection (NNS by SR). The median levels of their questionnaire outcomes were evaluated and compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test with continuity correction. Results: Urinary continence status 12 months after RALP differed significantly between the NS and prim. NNS (p = 0.0071) and the NS and NNS by SR (p = 0.0076) groups. There was no significant difference between the prim. NNS and NNS by SR (p = 0.53) groups. Pad usage 12 months after RALP had no significant difference with regard to SR of the neurovascular bundle (p = 0.14). Conclusions: Patient-reported outcomes of long-term urinary continence status seem to show no difference in postoperative continence, regardless of whether a non-nerve-sparing result was planned or reached through SR. Instead, preservation of neurovascular bundle seems to lead to better long-term continence rates.

Sunitinib for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Real-World Data from the STAR-TOR Registry and Detailed Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the effectiveness and safety profile of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib in patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (a/mRCC) in a real-world setting. METHODS: We analyzed data of adult a/mRCC patients treated with sunitinib. Data were derived from the German non-interventional post-approval multicenter STAR-TOR registry (NCT00700258). Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated using descriptive statistics and survival analyses for the entire cohort and patient subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 116 study sites recruited 702 patients treated with sunitinib (73.1% male; median age 68.0 years; median Karnofsky index 90%) between November 2010 and May 2020. The most frequent histological subtype was clear cell RCC (81.6%). Sunitinib was administered as first-line treatment in 83.5%, as second line in 11.7%, and as third line or beyond in 4.8% of the patients. Drug-related AEs and serious AEs were reported in 66.3% and 13.9% of the patients, respectively (most common AE: gastrointestinal disorders; 39.7% of all patients). CONCLUSIONS: This study adds further real-world evidence of the persisting relevance of sunitinib for patients with a/mRCC who cannot receive or tolerate immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study population includes a high proportion of patients with unfavorable MSKCC poor-risk score, but shows still good PFS and OS results, while the drug demonstrates a favorable safety profile. The STAR-TOR registry is also registered in the database of US library of medicine (NCT00700258).

[Comparison of hospital rating websites among each other and with data from hospital quality reports and quality assurance based on routine data]. / Vergleich von Patientenbewertungen auf Online-Portalen untereinander und mit Qualitätsberichten der Krankenhäuser und der Qualitätssicherung mit Routinedaten.

BACKGROUND: In addition to the objectifiable treatment quality, patients' perspectives are gaining relevance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize available hospital rating websites (HRW) with regards to patient ratings and to compare them with data from hospital quality reports and quality assurance based on routine data (QSR) for urological departments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a structured online search for HRWs, websites were compared based on patient ratings from the 10 urologic departments with the largest intervention rates in 2021 using generalized estimated equations. For radical prostatectomy (RPE), quantitative comparison of patient ratings (klinikbewertungen.de) and QSR-based ratings was performed using Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: Of 1845 hits, 25 portals were analyzed. The department-wise comparison of HRWs resulted in significantly different patient ratings (p < 0.001). Patient ratings (klinikbewertungen.de) and QSR data (AOK-Gesundheitsnavigator) showed no significant correlation. An internal comparison of QSR data and patient ratings from the AOK-Gesundheitsnavigator on RPE showed a significant negative correlation between the overall rating and unplanned reoperations (r = -0.81) or other complications (r = -0.91). There was no significant correlation with the recommendation rate by patients. CONCLUSION: Hospital rating websites show considerable heterogeneity regarding patient ratings of the same urology department in different portals. Furthermore, based on the selected examples, there seems to be no correlation between subjective and objective evaluations between different websites or within one website.

Impact of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy on functional outcomes in patients following robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Introduction: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging guided prostate biopsy (mpMRI PBx) leads to a higher rate of successful nerve-sparing in robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (ns-RALP) for prostate cancer (PCa). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mpMRI PBx compared to standard ultrasound-guided PBx on functional outcomes focusing on erectile function in patients following ns-RALP. Material and methods: All RALPs performed between 01/2016 and 06/2021 were retrospectively stratified according to (attempted) ns vs. non ns RALPs and were then categorized based on the PBx technique (mpMRI PBx vs. standard PBx). We compared RALP outcomes such as pathological tumor stage, rates of secondary nerve resection (SNR) and positive surgical margin status (PSM). Furthermore, we explored the association between PBx-technique and patient-reported outcomes assessed 12 months after RALP using the prospectively collected 26-item Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26) questionnaire. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Results: A total of 849 RALPs included 517 (61%) procedures with (attempted) ns. Among these, 37.5% were diagnosed via preoperative mpMRI PBx. Patients with a preoperative standard PBx had a 57% higher association of PSM (p = 0.030) compared to patients with mpMRI PBx and a 24% higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) 12 months post RALP (p = 0.025). When ns was attempted, we observed a significantly higher rate of SNR in patients who underwent a standard PBx compared to those who received a mpMRI PBx (50.8% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.001) prior RALP. In comparison, upgrading occurred more often in the standard PBx group (50% vs. 40% mpMRI PBx, p = 0.008). Conclusion: The combination of mpMRI PBx for PCa diagnosis followed by ns-RALP resulted in significantly fewer cases of SNR, better oncological outcomes and reduced incidence of ED 1 year after surgery. This included fewer PSM and a lower rate of postoperative tumor upgrading.

The influence of secondary resection using NeuroSAFE-technique on sexual function in unilateral nerve-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the surgical influence of secondary resection on sexual function in finally unilateral nerve-sparing robot- assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies (RALPs) performed with the 'neurovascular structure-adjacent frozen-section examination' (NeuroSAFE) technique by prospectively collecting EPIC-26-questionnaires. MATERIAL & METHODS: Sexual function status measured by the sexual-symptom-score (SexSS) in the EPIC-26-questionnaires was collected preoperatively and 12 months after RALP from 378 patients between 09/2019 and 04/2021. Cohorts of interest were defined as those patients undergoing unilateral nerve-sparing by secondary resection of the other neurovascular bundle (NVB), and as those patients undergoing primarily planned and successful unilateral nerve-sparing (unilateral nerve-sparing without secondary resection) in ≤cT2 prostate cancer. NeuroSAFE frozen section technique was performed in all nerve-sparing RALPs, and in case of cancer-positive surgical margins, the complete NVB was resected. RESULTS: In 109 RALPs with unilateral nerve-sparing (48 primarily vs. 61 by secondary resection), analyses showed a significant difference in postoperative SexSS for 'unilateral nerve-sparing by secondary resection' compared with 'unilateral nerve-sparing without secondary resection' (43 [interquartile range (IQR): 14;50] vs. 26 [IQR: 22;62], P = 0.04). In multivariable analyses, the preoperative SexSS was predictive for postoperative erectile dysfunction (OR = 0.96, 95% confidence interval: 0.93-0.98, P < 0.001). Oncological safety was not compromised by secondary resection (prostate-specific antigen after 12 months 0.01 ng/mL vs. 0.01 ng/mL [P = 0.3] for unilateral nerve-sparing by secondary resection vs. unilateral nerve-sparing without secondary resection). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that nerve-sparing attempts applying the NeuroSAFEtechnique should be generously performed since a unilateral complete secondary resection leading to a unilateral nerve-sparing RALP did not seem to have a negative influence on sexual function and did not seem to compromise oncological safety compared with primarily performed and successful unilateral nerve-sparing RALP.

Prospective evaluation of an intraoperative urodynamic stress test predicting urinary incontinence after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Introduction: Multiple factors influence postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI). This study evaluates the association between an intraoperative urodynamic stress test (IST) with PPI. Materials and Methods: This is an observational, single-center, prospective evaluation of 109 robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (RALPs) performed between July 2020 and March 2021. All patients underwent an intraoperative urodynamic stress test (IST) in which the bladder is filled up to an intravesical pressure of 40 cm H2O to evaluate whether the rhabdomyosphincter is capable of withstanding the pressure and ensure continence. Early PPI was evaluated using a standardized 1-h pad test performed the day after removal of the urinary catheter. The association of IST and PPI was evaluated using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Nearly 76.6% of the patients showed no urine loss during the IST ("sufficient" population group). There was no significant correlation between this group and PPI after catheter removal (P = 0.5). Subgroup analyses of the "sufficient" patient population showed a 3.1 higher risk of PPI when no nerve sparing was performed (95% confidence interval: 1.05-9.70, P = 0.045). Conclusion: A sufficient IST, as a surrogate variable for a fully obtained rhabdomyosphincter, has no significant predictive value on its own but seems to be the optimal prerequisite for continence, since the data shows that the lack of neurovascular supply required for a functioning sphincter leads up to a 3.1 times higher risk for PPI.

Gender-specific outcomes in immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze gender-specific differences in survival parameters in advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibition. METHODS: The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate gender-specific differences in disease-free (DFS), progression-free (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). The sources MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from January 2010 to June 2022. No restrictions were made concerning language, study region or publication type. A comparison of gender-specific differences in survival parameters was performed using a random-effects meta-analysis. A risk of bias assessment was done using the ROBINS-I tool. RESULTS: Five studies were included. In a random-effect meta-analysis of the studies, PCD4989g and IMvigor 211 with both using atezolizumab, females were more likely to have better objective response rate (ORR) than men (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.20-4.16; p = 0.0110). In addition, females had a comparable median OS to men (MD 1.16; 95% CI - 3.15-5.46; p = 0.598). In summary, comparing all results, a tendency was seen toward better response rates and survival parameters in female patients. The risk of bias assessment yielded an overall low risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: There is a tendency toward better outcomes in women for immunotherapy in advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, but only for the antibody atezolizumab women have a significantly better ORR. Unfortunately, many studies fail to report gender-specific outcomes. Therefore, further research is essential when aiming for individualized medicine. This research should address immunological confounders.

T1 mapping of the prostate using Single-Shot T1FLASH and MOLLI MRI Techniques: Comparison of artifact burden and image quality.

PURPOSE: To assess artifact burden and image quality of different MRI T1 mapping techniques of the prostate. METHODS: Participants with suspected prostate cancer (PCa) were prospectively enrolled from June-October 2022 and examined with multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI; 3 T scanner; T1wi, T2wi, DWI und DCE). T1 mapping was performed before and after administration of gadolinium-based contrast-agent (GBCA) using (i) a modified Look-Locker inversion (MOLLI) technique and (ii) a novel single-shot T1FLASH inversion recovery technique. T2wi, DWI, T1FLASH and MOLLI sequences were systematically examined regarding prevalence of artifacts and image quality using a 5-point Likert-Scale. RESULTS: A total of n = 100 patients were included (median age: 68 years). T1FLASH maps (pre-and post-GBCA) showed metal artifacts in 7% of cases and susceptibility artifacts in 1%. For MOLLI maps, pre-GBCA metal and susceptibility artifacts were documented in 6.5% of cases each. MOLLI maps post-GBCA showed artifacts in 59% of cases resulting primarily from urinary GBCA excretion and GBCA accumulation at the bladder base (p < 0.01 versus T1FLASH post-GBCA). Image quality for T1FLASH pre-GBCA was rated at a mean 4.9+/-0.4 and for MOLLI at 4.8+/-0.6 (p = 0.14). Post-GBCA image quality was rated at a mean 4.9+/-0.4 for T1FLASH and at 3.7+/-1.1 for MOLLI (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: T1FLASH maps provide a fast and robust method for quantification of T1 relaxation times of the prostate. T1FLASH is suitable for T1 mapping of the prostate following administration of contrast agents, while MOLLI T1 mapping is impaired through GBCA accumulation at the bladder base leading to severe image artifacts and reduced image quality.

T1 Mapping of the Prostate Using Single-Shot T1FLASH: A Clinical Feasibility Study to Optimize Prostate Cancer Assessment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1 mapping using T1FLASH for assessment of prostate lesions. METHODS: Participants with clinical suspicion for prostate cancer (PCa) were prospectively enrolled between October 2021 and April 2022 with multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) acquired on a 3 T scanner. In addition, T1 mapping was accomplished using a single-shot T1FLASH technique with inversion recovery, radial undersampling, and iterative reconstruction. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually placed on radiologically identified prostate lesions and representative reference regions of the transitional zone (TZ), benign prostate hyperplasia nodules, and peripheral zone (PZ). Mean T1 relaxation times and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values (b = 50/b = 1400 s/mm 2 ) were measured for each ROI. Participants were included in the study if they underwent ultrasound/MRI fusion-guided prostate biopsy for radiologically or clinically suspected PCa. Histological evaluation of biopsy cores served as reference standard, with grading of PCa according to the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP). ISUP grades 2 and above were considered clinically significant PCa for the scope of this study. Histological results of prostate biopsy cores were anatomically mapped to corresponding mpMRI ROIs using biopsy plans. T1 relaxation times and ADC values were compared across prostate regions and ISUP groups. Across different strata, T1 relaxation time, ADC values, and diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]) were compared using statistical methods accounting for clustered data. RESULTS: Of 67 eligible participants, a total of 40 participants undergoing ultrasound/MRI fusion-guided prostate biopsy were included. Multislice T1 mapping was successfully performed in all participants at a median acquisition time of 2:10 minutes without evident image artifacts. A total of 71 prostate lesions was radiologically identified (TZ 49; PZ 22). Among those, 22 were histologically diagnosed with PCa (ISUP groups 1/2/3/4 in n = 3/15/3/1 cases, respectively). In the TZ, T1 relaxation time was statistically significantly lower for PCa compared with reference regions ( P = 0.029) and benign prostate hyperplasia nodules ( P < 0.001). Similarly, in the PZ, PCa demonstrated shorter T1 relaxation times versus reference regions ( P < 0.001). PCa also showed a trend toward shorter T1 relaxation times (median, 1.40 seconds) compared with radiologically suspicious lesions with benign histology (median, 1.47 seconds), although statistical significance was not reached ( P = 0.066). For discrimination of PCa from reference regions and benign prostate lesions, T1 relaxation times and ADC values demonstrated AUC = 0.80 and AUC = 0.83, respectively ( P = 0.519). Discriminating PCa from radiologically suspicious lesions with benign histology, T1 relaxation times and ADC values showed AUC = 0.69 and AUC = 0.62, respectively ( P = 0.446). CONCLUSIONS: T1FLASH-based T1 mapping yields robust results for quantification of prostate T1 relaxation time at a short examination time of 2:10 minutes without evident image artifacts. Associated T1 relaxation times could aid in discrimination of significant and nonsignificant PCa. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results in a larger patient cohort, to assess the additional benefit of T1FLASH maps in conjunction with mpMRI sequences in the setting of deep learning, and to evaluate the robustness of T1FLASH maps compared with potentially artifact-prone diffusion-weighted imaging sequences.

Hospital rating websites play a minor role for uro-oncologic patients when choosing a hospital for major surgery: results of the German multicenter NAVIGATOR-study.

PURPOSE: Hospital rating websites (HRW) offer decision support in hospital choice for patients. To investigate the impact of HRWs of uro-oncological patients undergoing elective surgery in Germany. METHODS: From 01/2020 to 04/2021, patients admitted for radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, or renal tumor surgery received a questionnaire on decision-making in hospital choice and the use of HRWs at 10 German urologic clinics. RESULTS: Our study includes n = 812 completed questionnaires (response rate 81.2%). The mean age was 65.2 ± 10.2 years; 16.5% were women. Patients were scheduled for prostatectomy in 49.1%, renal tumor surgery in 20.3%, and cystectomy in 13.5% (other 17.1%). Following sources of information influenced the decision process of hospital choice: urologists' recommendation (52.6%), previous experience in the hospital (20.3%), recommendations from social environment (17.6%), the hospital's website (10.8%) and 8.2% used other sources. Only 4.3% (n = 35) used a HRW for decision making. However, 29% changed their hospital choice due to the information provided HRW. The most frequently used platforms were Weisse-Liste.de (32%), the AOK-Krankenhausnavigator (13%) and Qualitaetskliniken.de (8%). On average, patients rated positively concerning satisfaction with the respective HRW on the Acceptability E-Scale (mean values of the individual items: 1.8-2.1). CONCLUSION: In Germany, HRWs play a minor role for uro-oncologic patients undergoing elective surgery. Instead, personal consultation of the treating urologist seems to be far more important. Although patients predominantly rated the provided information of the HRW as positive, only a quarter of users changed the initial choice of hospital.

[Use of men's support underwear after elective scrotal surgery-a prospective, randomized assessment of postoperative complication rates and health-related quality of life : A prospective, randomized assessment of postoperative complication rates and health-related quality of life]. / Einsatz einer stützenden Herrenunterhose bei elektiven skrotalen Eingriffen : Eine prospektive, randomisierte Bewertung hinsichtlich postoperativer Komplikationsraten und gesundheitsbezogener Lebensqualität.

BACKGROUND: Elective scrotal surgery is associated with a high rate of postoperative complications. There is no specific recommendation for postoperative care. AIM: We investigated whether support underwear has an impact on postoperative complications and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2020 to November 2021, patients with prior elective scrotal surgery were randomized into the intervention group "support underwear" or the control group. In addition to patient characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative findings were documented. The primary endpoint comprised postoperative complications. Secondary endpoints were prolonged length of hospital stay, emergency visits, unplanned readmissions, increased use of analgesics, and quality of life, which was recorded using the EQ5D (European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions) questionnaire preoperatively, on day 1 and 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Data from 50 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 46.7 years (standard deviation [SD] 18.6). Inguinal surgery with/without orchiectomy (52%), hydrocele resection (22%), or ligation of varicocele (14%) were performed most frequently. The mean operating time was 62.8 min (SD 35.2); length hospital stay was 2.6 days (SD 1.2). In all, 20% of the patients suffered a postoperative complication. Type of surgery was significantly associated with postoperative complications (p = 0.01) and unplanned readmission (p = 0.04). Regarding biometric and perioperative data, there were no significant differences between the interventional group (n = 27) and control group (n = 23). CONCLUSION: A nonnegligible number of complications occurs after elective scrotal surgery. Complications affects quality of life up to 4 weeks after the surgery. Postoperative care with support underwear does not appear to affect the postoperative complication rate, but it positively influences the quality of life in patients with scrotal access.

Cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy and percutaneous cryoablation for cT1a renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence that partial nephrectomy (PN) and percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) yield comparable outcomes for patients with cT1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC), although the cost-effectiveness of both treatments still needs to be assessed. PURPOSE: To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of PN and PCA for patients with cT1a RCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A decision analysis was created over a 5-year span from a healthcare payer's perspective computing expected costs and outcomes of PN and PCA in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER). After each treatment, the following states were modelled using data from the recent literature: procedural complications, no evidence of disease (NED), local recurrence, metastases, and death from RCC- or non-RCC-related causes. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: PCA and PN yielded health benefits of 3.68 QALY and 3.67 QALY. Overall expected costs were $20,491 and $26,478 for PCA and PN. On probabilistic sensitivity analysis, PCA was more cost-effective than PN in 84.78% of Monte Carlo simulations. PCA was more cost-effective until its complication risk was at least 38% higher than PN. PCA was more cost-effective than PN when (i) PCAs annual local recurrence risk was < 3.5% higher than that of PN in absolute values; (ii) PCAs annual metastatic risk was < 1.0% higher than that of PN; or (iii) PCAs annual cancer-specific mortality risk < 0.65% higher than that of PN. PCA remained cost-effective until its procedural cost is above $13,875. CONCLUSION: PCA appears to be more cost-effective than PN for the treatment of cT1a RCC, although the currently available evidence is of limited quality. PCA may be the better treatment strategy in the majority of scenarios varying procedural complications, recurrence, metastatic risk, and RCC-mortality in clinically plausible ranges. KEY POINTS: • For patients with cT1a RCCs, PCA yields a comparable health benefit at lower costs compared to PN, making PCA the dominant and therefore more cost-effective treatment strategy over PN. • PCA was more cost-effective than PN when (i) PCAs annual local recurrence risk was < 3.5% higher than PN in absolute values; (ii) PCAs annual metastatic risk was < 1.0% higher than PN; or (iii) PCAs annual cancer-specific mortality risk < 0.65% higher than PN. • PCA is more cost-effective than PN for the treatment of cT1a RCC, and it remained so in the majority of scenarios varying procedural complications, recurrence, metastatic risk, and RCC mortality.