Taking the Procedure to the Patient: Increasing Access to Urological Procedural Care through Outreach.

INTRODUCTION: We previously showed that urological outreach clinics significantly increase access to urological clinical care in rural populations. How such clinics affect access to urological procedural care is unknown. In this study we analyzed the use of outreach facilities for outpatient hospital based urological procedural care in a rural state. METHODS: Using information from the Office of Statewide Clinical Education Programs and the Iowa Hospital Association database, we analyzed provider level data in Iowa from 2010 to 2013. Based on CPT codes all outpatient urological procedural care was categorized by procedure type and intent. Cities containing an Iowa Hospital Association hospital were characterized as primary vs outreach. Geographic data were used for analysis of travel metrics and proximity to urological procedural care sites. Outreach urological procedures were then compared to urological procedural care at primary centers. RESULTS: During the study period 11,464 outreach urological procedures were performed, accounting for 15.0% of all outpatient urological procedures in the state. The yearly number of outreach procedures remained relatively stable during the study period. The majority (51.7%) of outreach urological procedures were therapeutic and endoscopic (62.9%) in nature. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was significantly more common for treating stone disease in the outreach setting compared to ureteroscopy (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A large percentage of the total urological procedural care in our state was done at outreach clinics and, while the majority was of low acuity, it was therapeutic. Changes in health care are projected to affect rural hospitals, which rely heavily on procedural care, and this study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate the role that urological procedural care can have in such locations.

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis: a rare case report and description of multimodal treatment.

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon neoplasm that develops from serous surfaces, and rarely from the tunica vaginalis. Although atypical in any location, paratesticular presentation is exceedingly infrequent as only 0.3% to 1.4% of mesothelioma cases arise from the tunica vaginalis. Fewer than 300 cases have been reported with very few descriptions of long term follow up and multimodal therapy. Here we describe a patient with 2 years of follow up for metastatic mesothelioma treated with orchiectomy, chemotherapy and robot-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

Bladder cancer will grow anywhere: report of a urothelial carcinoma drop metastasis to the vagina and literature review.

Urothelial carcinoma is the 2nd most common cancer of the urinary tract and accounts for the majority of cases of bladder cancer. Metastases are not infrequently encountered, increasing with disease stage and are most commonly seen in the bones and lungs. Many other sites have been described including the omentum, liver, and ovaries. An extremely rare site of metastatic disease however is within the vagina. Here we present a case of a probable vaginal 'drop metastasis' from previously treated urothelial carcinoma in the ureter and bladder.

Microscopic haematuria at time of diagnosis is associated with lower disease stage in patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the severity of haematuria (microscopic or gross) at diagnosis influences the disease stage at presentation in patients diagnosed with bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multi-institutional observational cohort study of patients who were newly diagnosed with bladder cancer between August 1999 and May 2012. We reviewed the degree of haematuria, demographic information, clinical and social history, imaging, and pathology. The association of haematuria severity with incident tumour stage and grade was evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with bladder cancer presented with gross haematuria (GH; 1 083, 78.3%), microscopic haematuria (MH; 189, 13.7%) or without haematuria (112, 8.1%). High-grade disease was found in 64% and 57.1% of patients presenting with GH and MH, respectively, and severity of haematuria was not associated with higher grade disease. Stage of disease at diagnosis for patients presenting with MH was Ta/carcinoma in situ (CIS) in 68.8%, T1 in 19.6%, and ≥T2 in 11.6%. Stage of disease at diagnosis for patients presenting with GH was Ta/CIS in 55.9%, T1 in 19.6%, and ≥T2 in 17.9%. On multivariate analyses, GH was independently associated with ≥T2 disease at diagnosis (odds ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.05-2.71, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with newly diagnosed bladder cancer, presentation with GH is associated with a more advanced pathological stage. Earlier detection of disease, before development of GH, could influence survival in patients with bladder cancer. Type of haematuria at presentation does not impact grade of disease.

Osseous Metaplasia in Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney: A Case of Massive, Bilateral Tumors.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney malignancy, with many histologic subtypes. One of the rare forms of RCC is mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC), which is newly described with limited information on clinical picture and outcome. Heterotopic bone formation (osseous metaplasia) is a rare finding within any renal mass. Here we report a case of a massive, bilateral MTSCC with histologic findings of heterotopic bone formation, which has not been described before.

Pediatric emphysematous cystitis: a report and review of a rare diagnosis in children.

An 11-year-old female with spastic quadriplegia was seen in the emergency room with abdominal pain, vomiting and anorexia. Labs revealed possible pancreatitis and signs of a urinary tract infection. A CT scan was performed to assess her abdominal pain and demonstrated circumferential air within the bladder wall. Following cultures being drawn, she was started on broad spectrum antibiotics. Her urine eventually grew Klebsiella Pneumoniae. Follow up imaging 2 weeks later demonstrated resolution of the air. Emphysematous cystitis is an exceedingly rare condition in the pediatric population, with this report representing the second case within the literature.

Evaluating the safety of intraoperative instillation of intravesical chemotherapy at the time of nephroureterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a common cancer affecting many patients in the United States. Nephroureterectomy remains the gold standard for the treatment of high grade upper tract disease or low grade tumors that are not amenable to endoscopic management. Recent reports have shown a decrease in UC recurrence in patients who underwent nephroureterectomy and who had Mitomycin C (MMC) instilled into the bladder at the time of catheter removal. At our institution instillation of intravesical MMC at the time of nephroureterectomy has been common for more than 10 years. Given the recent data, we sought to formally describe our experience with and evaluate the safety of intravesical instillation of cytotoxic chemotherapy at the time of nephroureterectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who underwent intraoperative intravesical instillation of cytotoxic chemotherapy (MMC (n = 48) or adriamycin (n = 3)) at the time of nephroureterectomy (2000-2012). The procedure was performed in a similar fashion by 8 different surgeons from the same institution, with drainage of the bladder prior to management of the bladder cuff. Patient characteristics and perioperative data including complications out to 90 days after surgery were collected. Perioperative complications for all patients were graded using the modified Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Twenty-four men and 27 women underwent intraoperative intravesical instillation of cytotoxic chemotherapy at the time of nephroureterectomy. Median age at the time of operation was 74 years (range 48-88). Median dwell time was 60 min. Twenty three patients had a total of 45 perioperative complications. The majority (36/45) were Clavien grades I and II. No patients experienced any intraoperative or postoperative complications attributable to MMC or Adriamycin instillation. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative intravesical instillation of cytotoxic chemotherapy at the time of nephroureterectomy is safe and feasible. Multicenter trials to study the efficacy of early cytotoxic chemotherapy administration to prevent recurrence of bladder urothelial carcinoma following nephroureterectomy are warranted.

Basal cell carcinoma of the penis: a case report and review of the literature.

Basal cell carcinoma of the penis is an extremely rare entity, accounting for less than 0.03% of all basal cell carcinomas. Fortunately, wide local excision of such lesions is generally curative. Fewer than 25 cases have been reported in the literature describing penile basal cell carcinoma. Here we report a case of penile basal cell carcinoma cured with wide local excision.

Prostate cancer vaccines in combination with additional treatment modalities.

Immunotherapy has been investigated in both preclinical studies and clinical trials as a new therapy for prostate cancer. Vaccines, including those that utilize dendritic cells, viruses, or DNA, immunize against prostate-specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase. The vaccines have long been studied as monotherapy for the cancer, but increasingly more trials have been initiated in combination with other modalities. These include radiation, chemotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy. This review describes and discusses the various combinations of vaccine immunotherapies.

Use of blunt right angles to aid in intussusception of a Bricker ileal conduit.

The Bricker ileal conduit has been the most popular urinary diversion technique following a radical cystectomy since the 1950s. The procedure typically provides a high quality of life for patients. However, stomal complications occur in 16%-65% of ileal conduit cases. We describe an easy technique to aid in the intussusception of a Bricker ileal conduit. This technique produces stomas with a height of 2 cm-3 cm consistently. In our experience, we have had excellent results when using this technique.

Variations in the open market costs for prostate cancer surgery: a survey of US hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To examine variation in the open market cost of a radical prostatectomy (RP) procedure in the US hospitals for an uninsured patient, as many proposals for health care reform highlight the importance of individuals actively participating in selecting care. However, reports suggest that obtaining procedure prices remains challenging and highly variable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 2011-2012 US News and World Report rankings to identify a cohort of 100 hospitals making an effort to include an equal distribution of both academic and private centers, city size, and geographic region. Each hospital was called and the essence of the script included a caller stating he was a healthy, uninsured 55-year-old man recently diagnosed with Gleason 3 + 4 prostatic adenocarcinoma with no metastases. Facility, surgeon, and anesthesia fees were solicited. RESULTS: Seventy hospitals provided facility prices. Facility estimates averaged $34,720 (±20,335; range, $10,100-$135,000), which was statistically higher at academics centers. No significant differences were seen by region, population, or hospital ranking. Surgeon and anesthesia fees were provided by 10%, averaging $8280 (±$4282; range, $4028-$18,720). Thirty-three hospitals provided discounted fees for prompt payment averaging 34% (±16%; range, 10%-80%). CONCLUSION: There is wide variation in pricing for RP, with higher rates found in academic centers. Wide variation in facility costs were observed, and nearly all were unable to provide surgeon and/or anesthesia fees. Currently, it appears to be unacceptably difficult for men with prostate cancer without insurance to obtain prices for an RP procedure.

Improving access to urologic care for rural populations through outreach clinics.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of outreach clinics on access to urologic care in a state with a large rural population. This is especially pertinent given the predicted shortage of urologists over the next decade and the trend toward practice in urban area. METHODS: We analyzed provider level data from urologic practices within the state of Iowa using information from 2 publicly available sources: (1) the Office of Statewide (Iowa) Clinical Education Programs, which collects detailed information on visiting consultant urologists (VCU), and (2) the Iowa Physician Information System, which tracks demographic and professional data on all active physicians in Iowa. Factors analyzed included percent of counties and Iowans served by urologists and travel distances/times for patients and physicians. RESULTS: Currently, 57% of Iowans are within 30 minutes of a urologist's primary office, increasing to 84% with VCU outreach clinics. Fifty-five urologists, including 40 of 69 (58%) of Iowa-based urologists, perform outreach within Iowa, accounting for 198 clinic days and 20,400 miles of travel per month. CONCLUSION: Within Iowa, the lack of rural urologists has been mitigated, in part, by an extensive VCU network. However, improved access has required significant effort from urologists in both time and miles traveled. This study is the first to show how a rural state can effectively use physician outreach clinics to provide specialized urologic care to underserved, rural communities.

An update in the treatment of male urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Male urinary incontinence affects a significant number of elderly men and the successful treatment has the potential to significantly improve their quality of life. RECENT FINDINGS: Stress urinary incontinence, overflow incontinence and detrusor overactivity are the major categories of urinary incontinence affecting men. Although the surgical standards of care have not changed significantly for urinary incontinence, there have been recent advances with minimally invasive techniques, which show promise. SUMMARY: The treatment of male urinary incontinence is constantly evolving, with recent advances in minimally invasive procedures.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma within a Portion of Inguinally Herniated Bladder.

Bladder herniation within the inguinal canal is a relatively uncommon finding. We report an even less-common occurrence of transitional cell carcinoma located within a portion of inguinally herniated bladder. Fewer than 20 reports exist in the literature describing this scenario.

Explosive growth of a renal tumor during active surveillance.

The incidence of small renal masses (≤ 4 cm) has increased over the past three decades. Partial nephrectomy remains the standard for treatment of such lesions, but increased attention is being given to patients who may benefit from active surveillance, given the low risk of metastatic spread and traditionally slow growth rates. Patients with significant comorbidities and the elderly are often considered optimal candidates for surveillance. We present an 86-year-old female undergoing active surveillance for a 1.4 cm lesion that grew in diameter approximately 0.5 cm per year over 3 years, followed by explosive growth to 7 cm in diameter with a retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus over the subsequent 13 months.

Novel Use of AngioVac System to Prevent Pulmonary Embolism during Radical Nephrectomy with Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy.

Venous tumor thrombus occurs in 5-10% of patients with renal cell carcinoma. Surgical excision offers the best chance for survival, but is technically difficult. Risk of pulmonary embolism from venous thrombus or tumor thrombus is high, especially with tumors located higher in the inferior vena cava. Cardiopulmonary bypass may be used when a tumor extends above the diaphragm, but carries significant risk. We present an 86-year-old woman with a 7 cm renal mass extending into the inferior vena cava just below the confluence of the hepatic vessels. Prior to surgery she was found to have increasing pulmonary embolisms despite appropriate anticoagulation. Intraoperatively, the AngioVac aspiration system was utilized to prevent further pulmonary embolism. This is the first reported case of the use of this system during radical nephrectomy.

Partial nephrectomy: novel closure technique using bovine pericardium.

Partial nephrectomy (PN) has gained popularity over the past two decades as an alternative to radical nephrectomy (RN) in patients with small renal masses. Morbidity and mortality from PN have been shown to be lower than from RN, while oncologic outcomes have been shown to be equivalent for tumors < 7 cm. PN has become increasingly popular in academic centers, but the general urologic community continues to lag behind. The reason for this is not known, but may be related to the relatively high complication rate, including delayed complications associated with inadequate closure. Here we describe a novel PN closure technique that provides additional strength and hemostasis by incorporating bovine pericardium.

Prostate-specific antigen velocity based risk-adapted discontinuation of prostate cancer screening in elderly men.

OBJECTIVE: • To evaluate weather prostate-specific antigen (PSA) velocity could be used to stratify patients at risk of death from prostate cancer (PCa) and be useful in aiding decision making regarding PSA screening in elderly men, as previous studies have shown that PSA velocity can predict PCa risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • The cohort included 3,525 patients aged ≥ 75 years with two or more PSA tests before a diagnosis of PCa. Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate which variables at time of last PSA measurement were associated with death from PCa. • The rates of death from PCa after diagnosis in different PSA velocity groups were calculated. Kaplan-Meier and log rank test were used to assess the significant difference in death from PCa after diagnosis, stratified by PSA velocity cutoff. RESULTS: • On multivariate analysis, men with a PSA velocity of PSA velocity ≥ 0.45 ng/mL/year had a 4.8-fold higher risk of death from PCa as compared to men with a PSA velocity of < 0.45 ng/mL/year (p value = 0.013). After a median 6.5 (up to 16.9) years of follow-up from diagnosis, 1.4% of the men with a PSA velocity < 0.45 ng/mL/year had died of PCa as compared to 8.7% of those with a PSA velocity ≥ 0.45 ng/mL/year. • The cumulative rate of death from PCa after diagnosis, stratified by a PSA velocity of 0.45 ng/mL/year, was statistically different (log rank test, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: • Men age ≥ 75 years old with a PSA velocity of <0.45 ng/mL/year are unlikely to die of PCa. It may be safe to discontinue PSA screening in these men.

Baseline PSA as a predictor of prostate cancer-specific mortality over the past 2 decades: Duke University experience.

BACKGROUND: A diagnosis of prostate cancer is not often predictive of death from prostate cancer because of competing causes of mortality. Identification of the risk of death from prostate cancer and death from all causes using information available at the time of baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement appears to be particularly pertinent. METHODS: The Duke Prostate Center database was used to identify men who had their PSA level measured over the past 20 years. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess whether baseline PSA, race, and age at baseline PSA could predict death from prostate cancer and death from all causes after baseline PSA measurement. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to analyze the accuracy of baseline PSA as a continuous variable in predicting death from prostate cancer. RESULTS: A total of 4568 men diagnosed with prostate cancer after baseline PSA measurement were included. On multivariate analysis, baseline PSA levels of 4.0 to 9.9 ng/mL and ≥10 ng/mL were associated with significantly higher rates of death from prostate cancer compared with PSA levels <2.5 ng/mL. An advanced age at baseline PSA and African American race were associated with a higher death rate from prostate cancer and death from all causes. The area under the ROC curve for baseline PSA predicting death was 0.839. When a baseline PSA of 10 ng/mL was chosen to predict death from prostate cancer, the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 77% and of 78%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline PSA appears to be a reliable and independent predictor of death from prostate cancer. A baseline PSA of ≥4 ng/mL has been associated with higher risk of death from prostate cancer.