Role of surgeon volume in radical prostatectomy outcomes

Optimized Prostate Brachytherapy Minimizes the Prognostic Impact of Percent of Biopsy Cores Involved With Adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

A higher percent of positive biopsy cores predicts poor biochemical failure-free survival. The highest dose covering at least 90% of the prostate is a standard method of measuring implant quality. We tested the hypothesis that the percentage of positive biopsy cores loses its adverse prognostic impact in patients who receive implants with a highest dose covering at least 90% of the prostate of 100% or greater of the prescription dose.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 568 patients with intermediate to high risk adenocarcinoma of the prostate who were previously treated with brachytherapy in a prospective, randomized study were evaluated. The relationship between the percentage of positive biopsy cores, the highest dose covering at least 90% of the prostate and biochemical failure was examined.

RESULTS

At a median followup of 50 months the rate of 5-year biochemical failure-free survival was 87% for the entire group and 92% vs 81% for patients with less than 50% vs 50% or greater positive biopsy cores (log rank p = 0.009). The mean highest dose covering at least 90% of the prostate was statistically lower in failing vs nonfailing cases (p = 0.03). Gleason score, prostate specific antigen, 50% or greater positive biopsy cores and the highest dose covering at least 90% of the prostate were the only statistically significant predictive factors for biochemical failure-free survival on multivariate Cox regression analysis. When regression analysis was restricted to the 237 patients who received implants with a highest dose covering at least 90% of the prostate of 100% or greater, 50% or greater positive biopsy cores lost predictive value but prostate specific antigen and Gleason score remained independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 50% or greater positive biopsy cores is an independent predictor of poor biochemical failure-free survival in patients treated with brachytherapy. High quality prostate brachytherapy, defined by a highest dose covering at least 90% of the prostate of 100% or greater, minimize the adverse effect of 50% or greater positive biopsy cores on time to biochemical failure.

The Role of Preoperative Testing on Outcomes After Sling Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence

PURPOSE

In this study we analyzed Medicare claims data to measure the effect of preoperative urodynamics and cystoscopy on outcomes after sling surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 1999 to 2001 Medicare claims data on a 5% national random sample of beneficiaries. Women who underwent sling procedures between July 1, 1999 and December 31, 2000 were identified on the basis of the presence of CPT-4 code 57288 (sling operation for stress incontinence). Subjects were tracked for 6 months before surgery to identify type of preoperative studies performed (urodynamics and cystoscopy) and for 12 months after surgery to assess short-term complications.

RESULTS

Of 1,356 subjects 24.8% underwent preoperative cystoscopy and 27.4% underwent preoperative urodynamic testing. In postoperative year 1, 32.4% of subjects underwent cystoscopy and 30.5% underwent urodynamics. Patients who underwent preoperative urodynamics were more likely to be newly diagnosed with urge incontinence after surgery (21.9% vs 12.7%, p <0.0001). Those who underwent preoperative cystoscopy were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with (9.4% vs 6.1%, p <0.043) or treated for (10.6% vs 7.2%, p <0.047) outlet obstruction postoperatively than those who did not. Multivariate analysis revealed that subjects who underwent preoperative urodynamics were significantly less likely to undergo postoperative urodynamics than those who did not (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.24-0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings of worse outcomes among women who underwent preoperative testing may be due in part to case selection. Our finding that women who underwent preoperative urodynamics were only a third as likely to undergo postoperative urodynamics as those who did not supports the use of urodynamics in the preoperative setting. However, the true effect of urodynamics on sling outcomes remains controversial.

Patient outcomes and length of hospital stay after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: analysis of hospital episodes statistics for England

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the morbidity and mortality after radical prostatectomy (RP) in relation to the numbers of RPs carried out at individual hospitals, as recent studies of complex surgery report worse outcomes in low-volume hospitals, and there has been a large increase in RPs for localized prostate cancer.

METHODS

We analysed hospital episode statistics data for all 18 027 RPs in English National Health Service hospitals between 1997 and 2004.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, there was a U-shaped association of hospital volume with mortality (P for nonlinear trend, 0.004), but this finding was based on only 59 (0.3%) deaths. The mean length of stay was 6 days and decreased by 2.96% (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.98-3.92; P < 0.001) per quintile increase in hospital volume. In all, 16.1% of men had 30-day in-hospital complications; 20.3% were readmitted with complications within a year. The odds of 30-day in-hospital wound/bleeding complications decreased by 6% (95% CI 1-11; P = 0.02), and miscellaneous medical complications decreased by 10% (0-19; P = 0.04) per increase in hospital volume quintile. For re-admissions within a year, the hazard of vascular complications decreased by 15% (6-22; P = 0.001), wound/bleeding complications decreased by 8% (2-13; P = 0.01) and genitourinary complications decreased by 5% (2-8; P = 0.002), per increase in hospital volume quintile.

CONCLUSION

In men undergoing RP the length of hospital stay and rates of some short- and long-term postoperative complications afterward are lower in high-volume hospitals. The magnitudes of these effects on the outcomes studied may be too small and inconsistent to indicate a policy of selective referral to high-volume hospitals. Quality of life and oncological outcomes, however, could not be investigated in this dataset.

Variations in stress incontinence and prolapse management by surgeon specialty

PURPOSE

Numerous studies have documented a relationship between provider specialty and outcomes for surgical procedures. In this study we sought to determine the effect of surgeon specialty on outcomes of sling surgery for women with stress urinary incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed the 1999 to 2001 Medicare claims data from a 5% national random sample of Medicare beneficiaries. Women 65 years or older who underwent a sling procedure between July 1, 1999 and December 31, 2000 were identified on the basis of CPT-4 codes and tracked for 12 months. Key complications were identified using CPT-4 and ICD-9 revision codes for relevant procedures and diagnoses. Outcomes were compared between urologists and gynecologists.

RESULTS

A total of 1,356 sling procedures were performed. Of them 1,063 (78.4%) were performed by urologists, while 246 (18.1%) were performed by gynecologists. Urologists performed concomitant prolapse repairs in 29.1% of cases, and gynecologists performed prolapse repairs in 55.7% (p <0.0001). In the 12 months following sling surgery, urologists were more likely than gynecologists to perform a repeat incontinence procedure (9.3% vs 4.9%, p = 0.024) and prolapse repair (26.0% vs 12.2%, p <0.0001). The 2 surgical specialties did not differ in postoperative outlet obstruction, urological complications, or nonurological complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Early prolapse management by gynecologists corresponded to fewer prolapse repairs in the year following the sling. Our findings suggest that gynecologists are more likely to identify and manage prolapse at the time of the evaluation of urinary incontinence, a strategy that appears to avoid the morbidity and cost of repeat surgery.

The Surgical Learning Curve for Prostate Cancer Control After Radical Prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

The learning curve for surgery--i.e., improvement in surgical outcomes with increasing surgeon experience--remains primarily a theoretical concept; actual curves based on surgical outcome data are rarely presented. We analyzed the surgical learning curve for prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

The study cohort included 7765 prostate cancer patients who were treated with radical prostatectomy by one of 72 surgeons at four major US academic medical centers between 1987 and 2003. For each patient, surgeon experience was coded as the total number of radical prostatectomies performed by the surgeon before the patient's operation. Multivariable survival-time regression models were used to evaluate the association between surgeon experience and prostate cancer recurrence, defined as a serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of more than 0.4 ng/mL followed by a subsequent higher PSA level (i.e., biochemical recurrence), with adjustment for established clinical and tumor characteristics. All P values are two-sided.

RESULTS

The learning curve for prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy was steep and did not start to plateau until a surgeon had completed approximately 250 prior operations. The predicted probabilities of recurrence at 5 years were 17.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.1% to 25.6%) for patients treated by surgeons with 10 prior operations and 10.7% (95% CI = 7.1% to 15.9%) for patients treated by surgeons with 250 prior operations (difference = 7.2%, 95% CI = 4.6% to 10.1%; P<.001). This finding was robust to sensitivity analysis; in particular, the results were unaffected if we restricted the sample to patients treated after 1995, when stage migration related to the advent of PSA screening appeared largely complete.

CONCLUSIONS

As a surgeon's experience increases, cancer control after radical prostatectomy improves, presumably because of improved surgical technique. Further research is needed to examine the specific techniques used by experienced surgeons that are associated with improved outcomes.

Incidence of urethral stricture after primary treatment for prostate cancer: data From CaPSURE

PURPOSE

We determined the incidence of treatment for urethral stricture, including bladder neck contracture, after primary treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 6,597 men with newly diagnosed, localized prostate cancer and no history of urethral stricture disease were identified in the CaPSURE database. Treatment modalities included radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, cryotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy, radical prostatectomy plus external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy plus external beam radiotherapy and watchful waiting. The database was queried for patient reported history or International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision/Common Procedural Terminology codes consistent with stricture treatment after prostate cancer therapy. Time to obstruction was examined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for stricture were examined in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

The incidence of stricture treatment was 344 of 6,597 cases (5.2%, range 1.1% to 8.4% by prostate cancer treatment type). Median followup was 2.7 years. In the multivariate model primary treatment type (p <0.0001), body mass index (p <0.0001) and age (p = 0.0002) were significant predictors of stricture treatment. After controlling for age and body mass index the HR for treatments compared to watchful waiting was significantly higher for radical prostatectomy (HR = 10.4, p <0.0001) and brachytherapy plus external beam radiotherapy (HR = 4.6, p = 0.0231). After radical prostatectomy most failures occurred within the first 6 months and failures were rare after 24 months, whereas after radiation failures occurred later.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of urethral stricture treatment after prostate cancer therapy is 1.1% to 8.4% depending on cancer treatment type. Risk was highest after radical prostatectomy or brachytherapy plus external beam radiotherapy and in those with advanced age or obesity. Stricture after radical prostatectomy occurred within the first 24 months, whereas onset was delayed after radiation.

Imaging prostate cancer: a multidisciplinary perspective

The major goal for prostate cancer imaging in the next decade is more accurate disease characterization through the synthesis of anatomic, functional, and molecular imaging information. No consensus exists regarding the use of imaging for evaluating primary prostate cancers. Ultrasonography is mainly used for biopsy guidance and brachytherapy seed placement. Endorectal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is helpful for evaluating local tumor extent, and MR spectroscopic imaging can improve this evaluation while providing information about tumor aggressiveness. MR imaging with superparamagnetic nanoparticles has high sensitivity and specificity in depicting lymph node metastases, but guidelines have not yet been developed for its use, which remains restricted to the research setting. Computed tomography (CT) is reserved for the evaluation of advanced disease. The use of combined positron emission tomography/CT is limited in the assessment of primary disease but is gaining acceptance in prostate cancer treatment follow-up. Evidence-based guidelines for the use of imaging in assessing the risk of distant spread of prostate cancer are available. Radionuclide bone scanning and CT supplement clinical and biochemical evaluation (prostate-specific antigen [PSA], prostatic acid phosphate) for suspected metastasis to bones and lymph nodes. Guidelines for the use of bone scanning (in patients with PSA level > 10 ng/mL) and CT (in patients with PSA level > 20 ng/mL) have been published and are in clinical use. Nevertheless, changes in practice patterns have been slow. This review presents a multidisciplinary perspective on the optimal role of modern imaging in prostate cancer detection, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up.

The Role of Provider Volume on Outcomes After Sling Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence

PURPOSE

Studies of various surgical procedures have documented a relationship between provider volume and outcomes, suggesting that providers who perform a high volume of procedures provide better quality of care. We ascertained whether this relationship held in sling surgery for urinary incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed the 1999 to 2001 Medicare Public Use Files provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a 5% national random sample of beneficiaries. Women undergoing pubovaginal sling procedures between July 1, 1999 and December 31, 2000 (the index period) were identified and followed for 12 months. The number of slings performed was stratified empirically by cumulative surgeon volume. Main outcomes measures included postoperative complications, concomitant or delayed prolapse repair, outlet obstruction and repeat incontinence surgery.

RESULTS

Among the 5% of Medicare beneficiaries analyzed during the index period 1,356 sling procedures were performed. This extrapolates to 27,120 slings in the entire Medicare population. High volume providers (upper 24th percentile) performed significantly more prolapse repairs at the time of sling surgery than did low volume providers (40.8% vs 32.4%, p <0.006). Subsequently low volume providers performed almost twice the number of prolapse repairs during the first postoperative year following the index sling procedure (p <0.0001). There was no significant difference in complication rates or repeat anti-incontinence procedures between high and low volume providers.

CONCLUSIONS

High volume surgeons were more likely to perform concomitant prolapse surgery at the time of sling surgery, whereas low volume providers had higher reoperation rates to correct prolapse during the first postoperative year. This suggests that high volume providers are more likely to diagnose and manage prolapse at the time of the sling, obviating the need for a second operation.

Complications of sling surgery among female Medicare beneficiaries

OBJECTIVE

To analyze Medicare claims data to determine short-term complications after sling surgery among female beneficiaries aged 65 years and over.

METHODS

We analyzed the 1999-2001 Medicare Public Use Files provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a 5% national random sample of beneficiaries. Women undergoing sling procedures between January 1, 1999, and July 31, 2000, (the index period) were identified by Physicians Current Procedural Terminology Coding System (4th edition) and tracked for 12 months. Main outcome measures were complications as identified by International Classification of Diseases (9th revision) (ICD-9) diagnosis codes and Current Procedural Terminology procedure codes in the first postoperative year.

RESULTS

A total of 1,356 sling procedures were performed during the index period. In the 3 months after the procedure, 12.5% of women developed surgical or urologic complications, and 33.6% were diagnosed with urinary tract infections. Within 1 year of the procedure, 6.9% of subjects had a new diagnosis of outlet obstruction, and 8.0% underwent treatments to manage outlet obstruction. There was a high incidence of new diagnoses of urge incontinence (15.2%) and treatment of pelvic prolapse (23.2%). Both cystoscopy and urodynamic testing, which may serve as indicators of possible complications, were performed frequently during the first year after surgery (32.4% and 30.5%, respectively). Patient race, age, and comorbidity each had a significant influence on outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Complication rates within 1 year after sling surgery among Medicare beneficiaries were found to be higher than those reported in the clinical literature. The high rates of postoperative urinary tract infections, prolapse, and outlet obstruction suggest the need for quality improvement measures in the management of women with incontinence and pelvic prolapse.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Self-reported volume of radical prostatectomies among urologists in the USA

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the variability in the volume of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) performed by urologists in the USA, and the physician characteristics that predict RP volume, as previous studies showed that individual surgeon volume for RP is associated with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In a nationwide, representative survey of 2000 urologists who treat prostate carcinoma in the USA, we asked respondents to indicate a numerical range of RPs they perform each year (none, 1-10, 11-30, and >30, the last which we defined as 'high volume'). We then identified characteristics of the provider and practice associated with a high volume of RPs. Supplementing survey results with other national data, we estimated the proportion of all RPs in the USA performed by 'high-volume' urologists.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 66.1% (1313 urologists) with no differences between the respondents and non-respondents for the measured demographic variables. Among urologists who performed RPs (89.1% of the sample), 37.3% did < or = 10, 46.9% 11-30 and 15.8% >30 RPs/year. Academic and urological oncology fellowship-trained urologists were, respectively, 41% and 27% more likely than private-practice and non-fellowship-trained urologists to have a high volume of RPs. Of all RPs performed yearly in the USA, only an estimated 46.1% were by high-volume urologists.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of urologists report a RP volume that might be associated with higher rates of cardiac, respiratory, vascular, wound-healing, and genitourinary complications. Further study is needed to characterize the possible relationships between RP volume and tumour recurrence, survival, and long-term erectile dysfunction and incontinence.

Variation in the treatment of cervical cancer patients and the effect of consultant workload on survival: A population-based study

This population-based study aimed to investigate the extent of variation in the treatment of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer between 1995 and 2000, and the relationship between workload and survival, looking at managing consultants and clinical oncologists. Cases were identified from the Northern and Yorkshire Cancer Registry (n=1500) and divided into three groups according to their gynaecologists' or clinical oncologists' annual cervical cancer workload; 'low' (1-3 new patients), 'intermediate' (4-11 new patients) and 'high' (12+new patients). Over the study period, there was a decrease in the proportion of patients treated by low workload gynaecologists. After adjustment for age, stage and socioeconomic status, higher gynaecologist workload was associated with improved survival but this was not statistically significant. No such trend was found for clinical oncologist workload. During the 1990s, there were moves to establish more specialised care of gynaecological cancers, with referral to multidisciplinary teams. The trends observed in this study are consistent with the goals of policy.

Management of severe urethral complications of prostate cancer therapy

PURPOSE

We present our management of urethral stenosis and rectourinary fistula resulting from prostate cancer therapy. We concentrated on cases refractory to minimally invasive treatment, such as dilation, urethrotomy, and urinary and/or fecal diversion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our prospectively collected urethral reconstruction database we identified patients who underwent reconstruction of urethral stenosis or rectourinary fistula who also received prior treatment for prostate cancer. We documented demographics, prostate cancer pretreatment characteristics, prostate cancer therapy type, urethral reconstruction type and success.

RESULTS

A total of 48 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 16 with rectourinary fistula and 32 with urethral stenosis. Urethral complications followed prior radical prostatectomy, brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy, cryotherapy, thermal ablation and any combination of these procedures. Stenosis repair was successful in 23 of 32 cases (73%) and it differed little between anterior and posterior urethral stenosis. Repair was accomplished by anastomotic urethroplasty in 19 cases, flap urethroplasty in 2, perineal urethrostomy in 2 and a urethral stent in 9. Prior external beam radiotherapy was a risk factor for urethral reconstruction failure. Fistula repair was successful in 14 of 15 patients (93%), excluding 1 who died postoperatively. The complexity of fistula management was dictated by fistula size and the presence or absence of coincident urethral stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Urethral stenosis or rectourethral fistula following prostate cancer therapy can be managed by urethral reconstruction, such that normal voiding via the urethra is maintained, rather than abandoning the urethral outlet and performing heterotopic diversion. This can be accomplished with an acceptable rate of failure, given the complexity of the cases.

Variations in reconstruction after radical cystectomy

BACKGROUND

Most urologists specializing in the management of patients with bladder cancer consider continent urinary diversion the reconstructive technique that affords the best quality of life after radical cystectomy. The authors sought to evaluate factors that predict reconstructive technique after radical cystectomy.

METHODS

Using linked data from Medicare and the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, 3611 subjects were identified who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer between 1992 and 2000. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with utilization of continent reconstruction after radical cystectomy, incorporating patient and provider variables.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, the likelihood of continent diversion was inversely associated with older age (odds ratio [OR] < or = 0.68, P <.002), African American race (OR 0.43, P = .003), and higher comorbidity index (OR 0.71, P = .03), and directly associated with male sex (OR 1.45, P = .002), higher education level (OR 1.54, P = .03), and year of surgery (OR > or = 1.56, P < .001 for all year categories vs. 1992-1994). Treatment at academic (OR 1.43, P = .003) and NCI-designated cancer centers (OR 5.50, P <.001) and by high-volume providers (OR 1.49, P <.001) was independently associated with continent reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities in the utilization of continent urinary diversion after radical cystectomy suggest that demographic, socioeconomic, provider-based, and clinical variables predict the likelihood that those undergoing radical cystectomy will receive continent reconstruction. Regionalization of bladder cancer care may ameliorate many of the disparities noted but must be balanced against the risk imposed by a delay in care.

Surgical volume is related to the rate of positive surgical margins at radical prostatectomy in European patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between surgical volume (SV) and the rate of positive surgical margins (PSM) after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a large single-institution European cohort of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 2402 men had a RP by a group of 11 surgeons, all of whom were trained by the surgeon with the highest SV; all surgeons used the same surgical technique. Variables assessed before RP were prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, clinical stage and biopsy Gleason sum; variables assessed after RP were PSA level, extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, lymph node invasion and pathological Gleason sum. These were used to predict the rate of PSM in models before or after RP. Multivariate models were complemented with SV to test its independent and multivariate statistical significance and to quantify its impact on the model's overall (and 200 bootstrap-corrected) predictive accuracy.

RESULTS

The mean (range) SV was 201 (1-1293) RPs; the mean (median, range) rate of PSM was 20.2 (21.4, 0-32.9)%. In multivariate models, SV was a highly statistically significant independent predictor of PSM (P < 0.001) and increased the predictive accuracy in multivariate models both before (2.0%) and after RP (1.5%, both P < 0.001). However, when the surgeon with the highest SV, who contributed to 1293 cases, was removed from the analyses, the multivariate independent prediction and the gains in predictive accuracy related to adding SV, disappeared in the models both before (P = 0.9, accuracy gain 0.1%) and after (P = 0.4, accuracy gain - 0.3%) RP.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that patients treated by surgeons with a very high volume can expect to have a significantly lower rate of PSM, after accounting for clinical and pathological case-mix differences. However, SV is not a predictor of PSM when analyses are restricted to intermediate- and low-volume surgeons.

Increasing costs of urinary incontinence among female Medicare beneficiaries

PURPOSE

We measured the financial burden of urinary incontinence in the United States from 1992 to 1998 among women 65 years old or older.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed Medicare claims for 1992, 1995 and 1998 and estimated spending on the treatment of urinary incontinence. Total costs were stratified by type of service (inpatient, outpatient and emergency department).

RESULTS

Costs of urinary incontinence among older women nearly doubled between 1992 and 1998 in nominal dollars, from $128 million to $234 million, primarily due to increases in physician office visits and ambulatory surgery. The cost of inpatient services increased only slightly during the period. The increase in total spending was due almost exclusively to the increase in the number of women treated for incontinence. After adjusting for inflation, per capita treatment costs decreased about 15% during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

This shift from inpatient to outpatient care likely reflects the general shift of surgical procedures to the outpatient setting, as well as the advent of new minimally invasive incontinence procedures. In addition, increased awareness of incontinence and the marketing of new drugs for its treatment, specifically anticholinergic medication for overactive bladder symptoms, may have increased the number of office visits. While claims based Medicare expenditures are substantial, they do not include the costs of pads or medications and, therefore, underestimate the true financial burden of incontinence on the aging community.

Use of a validated quality of life questionnaire to assess sexual function following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Wide variations exist in the methods for evaluating potency following radical prostatectomy. We describe our technique of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), present our methods for assessing the return of potency following LRP, and discuss the relevant literature. Sexual function was assessed pre- and postoperatively using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaire (EPIC). Sexual function subscale scores (SFSS) were reported as a percentage of preoperative baseline sexual function. The EPIC was also used for single-question assessment of successful intercourse. We also reviewed the literature on prospective health-related quality of life results following LRP and open radical retropubic prostatectomy. Only patients reporting preoperative intercourse were analyzed. Of these, 72 and 35% undergoing bilateral and unilateral nerve sparing (NS) reported postoperative intercourse at 12 months (P=0.01). Mean SFSS at 12 months was 61 and 57% of baseline after bilateral and unilateral NS, respectively (P=0.71). Following NS procedures, 74% of patients < or =58 years of age and 41% of patients >58 years of age reported successful intercourse at 12 months (P=0.015). Mean SFSS was 64 and 52% of baseline function (P=0.249) at 12 months for patients < or =58 and >58 years of age, respectively. In patients <58 years of age who underwent bilateral NS surgery, 82% reported intercourse at 12 months. In conclusion, return of sexual function following NS LRP in our experience is comparable to reports from centers of excellence in open prostatectomy. Standardizing data collection using validated quality of life instruments can provide both surgeon and patient with a realistic forecast of relative return to normal sexual function following prostatectomy.

Mortality After Major Surgery for Urologic Cancers in Specialized Urology Hospitals: Are They Any Better?

Purpose

Specialty-specific hospitals and hospitals with a high volume of complex procedures have been shown to have better outcomes. We sought to determine whether a high volume of unrelated complex procedures or procedures in the same specialty area (urology) could translate into better outcomes after major urologic cancer surgery.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of administrative discharge abstract data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Health Care Utilization Project for years 1998 to 2002. Comparison of outcome after three major urologic cancer–related surgical procedures (radical cystectomy [RC], radical nephrectomy [RN], and radical prostatectomy [RP]) at hospitals by procedure-specific volume, specialized urology status, and Leapfrog criteria was obtained to determine in-hospital mortality after the procedure. All patients in the database with a diagnosis of bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer being admitted for RC, RN, or RP between 1998 and 2002 were included.

Results

Neither specialized urology status nor meeting Leapfrog volume criteria for unrelated procedures was associated with lower odds of in-hospital mortality after any of the procedures examined. High-volume hospitals (for RC and RP) and moderate-volume hospitals (for RP) were associated with lower odds of mortality. None of the examined hospital volume–related factors was associated with lower odds of mortality after RN.

Conclusion

In-hospital mortality after two of three major urologic cancer procedures is affected only by procedure-specific volumes. Generalized process measures existing in hospitals performing a high volume of general urologic procedures or unrelated complex procedures may be less important determinants of procedure-specific outcomes in patients.

A systematic review and critique of the literature relating hospital or surgeon volume to health outcomes for 3 urological cancer procedures

PURPOSE

We performed a systematic review and critique of the literature of the relationship between hospital or surgeon volume and health outcomes in patients undergoing radical surgery for cancer of the bladder, kidney or prostate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched to identify studies that describe the relationship between hospital or surgeon volume and health outcomes.

RESULTS

All included studies were performed in North America. A total of 12 studies were found that related hospital volume to outcomes. For radical prostatectomy and cystectomy all 8 included studies showed improvement in at least 1 outcome measure with increasing volume and never deterioration. For nephrectomy the 4 included studies produced conflicting results. Four studies were found that related surgeon volume to outcomes. All radical prostatectomy and cystectomy studies showed that some outcomes were better with higher surgeon volume and never deterioration. We did not find any studies of the effect of surgeon volume on outcomes after nephrectomy. The 3 studies of the combined effect of hospital and surgeon volume on outcomes after radical prostatectomy or cystectomy suggest that high volume hospitals have better outcomes, in part because of the effect of surgeon volume and vice versa.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes after radical prostatectomy and cystectomy are on average likely to be better if these procedures are performed by and at high volume providers. For radical nephrectomy the evidence is unclear. The impact of volume based policies (increasing volume to improve outcomes) depends on the extent to which "practice makes perfect" explains the observed results. Further studies should explicitly address selective referral and confounding as alternative explanations. Longitudinal studies should be performed to evaluate the impact of volume based policies.

High radical prostatectomy surgical volume is related to lower radical prostatectomy total hospital charges

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that individual surgical volume (SV) is an independent predictor of radical prostatectomy (RP) total charges.

METHODS

We used the Florida State Inpatient Data File. ICD-9 codes 60.5 (RP) and 185 (prostate cancer) identified all men treated with RP for prostate cancer between January 1 and December 31, 1998. Among 1,923,085 records, 3167 RPs were selected. SV represented the predictor. Total RP charges represented the outcome. Age, race, and comorbidity represented covariates. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used.

RESULTS

All 3167 RPs were performed by 81 surgeons. SV ranged from 2 to 162 (mean, 68). Charges were 4755 dollars to 140,201 dollars (mean, 18,200 dollars). In the multivariate model, each SV increment corresponding to one RP reduced hospital charges by 25 dollars (p < or = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Redistribution of RPs from low to high SV users could result in significant savings. For example, 4 million dollars could be saved if 1000 RPs were redistributed from surgeons with an SV of 18 to surgeons with an SV of 200.

Charlson scores based on ICD-10 administrative data were valid in assessing comorbidity in patients undergoing urological cancer surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Adjustment for comorbidity is an essential component of any observational study comparing outcomes. We evaluated the validity of the Charlson comorbidity score based on ICD-10 codes in patients undergoing urological cancer surgery within an English administrative database.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Patients who underwent radical urological cancer surgery between 1998 and 2002 in the English National Health Service were identified from the Hospital Episode Statistics database (N = 20,138). ICD-9-CM codes defining comorbid diseases according to the Deyo and Dartmouth-Manitoba adaptations of the Charlson comorbidity score were translated into ICD-10 codes.

RESULTS

Charlson scores derived by the ICD-10 translation of the Deyo and Dartmouth-Manitoba adaptations were identical in 16,623 patients (83%; kappa = .63). For both adaptations, ICD-10 scores increased with age, were higher in patients admitted on an emergency basis, and predicted short-term outcome. Addition of either the ICD-10 Charlson Deyo or Dartmouth-Manitoba score to risk models containing age and sex to predict in-hospital mortality resulted in a better model fit but only in small improvements of the predictive power.

CONCLUSION

The ICD-10 translations of the Deyo and Dartmouth-Manitoba adaptations performed similarly in risk models predicting hospital mortality following urological cancer surgery. Adjustment for comorbidity over and above age and sex alone does not seem to provide a large improvement.

Factors predisposing to the development of anastomotic strictures in a single-surgeon series of radical retropubic prostatectomies

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rate of anastomotic stricture (AS) after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) performed by one experienced surgeon, and to identify factors predisposing to its formation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 708 men were prospectively monitored for the development of AS after RRP. Potential risk factors for AS were analysed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age, Gleason score, nerve-sparing status, intraoperative blood loss, degree of extravasation on initial cystography, or duration of the indwelling urinary catheter between men who developed AS and men who did not. The mean postoperative blood loss was significantly higher in men who developed AS. The incidence of AS was also significantly higher in men whose bladder necks were reconstructed more narrowly.

CONCLUSION

The amount of bleeding and the calibre of the reconstructed bladder neck were significantly associated with AS formation after RRP. The development of a haematoma from bleeding might explain the increased likelihood of AS. The mechanism of AS formation is unrelated to the degree of urinary extravasation on cystography, providing that a urinary catheter is left indwelling until extravasation resolves.

Marriage and mortality in bladder carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Being married confers significant benefits in survival for patients with a variety of chronic conditions including breast and prostate carcinoma. The authors attempted to determine whether marital status is associated with survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder carcinoma.

METHODS

The authors identified 7262 subjects from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results public-use database who underwent radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. They performed survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models. The authors created multivariate models to evaluate the independent association between marital status and survival, controlling for pathologic stage, lymph node status, age, race/ethnicity, and gender.

RESULTS

Married subjects were older and more often male, white, and had earlier disease stage at diagnosis. Married subjects had significantly better survival than did single or widowed subjects (P < 0.001), and married subjects revealed a trend toward better survival than separated/divorced subjects (P = 0.20). Multivariate modeling revealed that compared with single subjects, those who were married had better survival, independent of age at the time of diagnosis, gender, race/ethnicity, disease stage, and lymph node status (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Marriage was associated with improved survival in patients with bladder carcinoma, independent of other factors known to influence mortality in this population. Although the mechanisms underlying this survival advantage are unknown, possibilities include differences in cancer screening, risk behaviors, and access to medical care. The interaction between psychosocial factors and the body's immune function may further explain the differential survival in this cohort.

30-day mortality and major complications after radical prostatectomy: influence of age and comorbidity

BACKGROUND

Radical prostatectomy is associated with excellent long-term disease control for localized prostate cancer. Prior studies have suggested an increased risk of short-term complications among older men who underwent radical prostatectomy, but these studies did not adjust for comorbidity.

METHODS

We examined mortality and complications occurring within 30 days following radical prostatectomy among all 11,010 men who underwent this surgery in Ontario, Canada, between 1990 and 1999 using multivariable logistic regression modeling. We adjusted for comorbidity using two common comorbidity indices. Statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Overall, 53 men (0.5%) died, and 2195 [corrected] (19.9%[corrected]) had one or more complications within 30 days of radical prostatectomy. In models adjusted for comorbidity and year of surgery, age was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio = 2.04 per decade of age, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23 to 3.39). However, the absolute 30-day mortality risk was low, even in older men, at 0.66% (95% CI = 0.2 to 1.1%) for men aged 70-79 years. In adjusted models, age was associated with an increased risk of cardiac (Ptrend < .001), respiratory (Ptrend = .01), and miscellaneous medical (Ptrend = .058) complications. Similarly, increasing comorbidity was associated with a higher risk of all categories of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing comorbidity is a stronger predictor than age of almost all categories of early complications after radical prostatectomy. The risk of postoperative mortality after radical prostatectomy is relatively low for otherwise healthy older men up to age 79.

A Retrospective Study of Biochemotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma: The Importance of Dose Intensity

BACKGROUND

The utility of biochemotherapy for metastatic melanoma remains controversial. Dose intensity has been recognized as an important determinant of response and survival in the chemotherapy of several malignancies but has not been studied in biochemotherapy. In this retrospective study, we described the relationship between achieved dose intensity and the response rate of inpatient decrescendo biochemotherapy at our center.

METHODS

A study of 38 consecutive patients with metastatic melanoma was undertaken. The planned doses were dacarbazine 800 mg/m(2) on day 1 or temozolomide 150 mg/m(2) on days 1-4, cisplatin 20 mg/m(2) on days 1-4, vinblastine 1.5 mg/m(2) on days 1-4, interferon-alpha-2b (Schering) 5 million IU (MIU)/m(2) on days 1-5, and interleukin-2 36 MIU on day 1, 18 MIU on day 2, and 9 MIU on days 3 and 4.

RESULTS

Of 38 patients that received a total of 204 cycles of therapy, 8 (21%) complete responses and 14 (37%) partial responses were observed for an objective response rate of 58%. Median survival was 19.6 months. Achieved dose intensity was high with patients receiving 98.7% interleukin- 2, 87.1% interferon, 90.7% dacarbazine (DTIC), 94% temozolomide, 87.2% cisplatin, and 89.7% vinblastine.

CONCLUSIONS

Six cycles of inpatient decrescendo biochemotherapy can be given with high-dose intensity and acceptable toxicity. High response rates with biochemotherapy for melanoma may correlate with dose intensity, dose density, and the number of cycles given on time.

Correlation between annual volume of cystectomy, professional staffing, and outcomes: a statewide, population-based study

BACKGROUND

The association between high procedure volume and lower perioperative mortality is well established among cancer patients who undergo cystectomy. However, to the authors' knowledge, the association between volume and perioperative complications has not been studied to date and hospital characteristics contributing to the volume-outcome correlation are unknown. In the current study, the authors studied these associations, emphasizing hospital factors that contribute to the volume-outcome correlation.

METHODS

Multiple-variable models of inpatient mortality and complications were developed among all 1302 bladder carcinoma patients who underwent cystectomy between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2001 in all Texas hospitals. General estimating equations were used to adjust for clustering within the 133 hospitals. Data were obtained from hospital claims, the 2000 U.S. Census, and databases from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the American Hospital Association.

RESULTS

Complications were reported to occur in 12% of patients, 2.2% of whom died. Mortality was higher in low-volume hospitals compared with high-volume hospitals (3.1% vs. 0.7%; P < 0.001); mortality in moderate-volume hospitals was reported to be intermediate (2.9%). After adjustment for advanced age and comorbid conditions, treatment in high-volume hospitals was associated with lower risks of mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 0.35; P = 0.02) and complications (OR = 0.53; P = 0.01). Hospitals with a high registered nurse-to-patient ratio also had a lower mortality risk (OR = 0.43; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality after cystectomy was found to be significantly lower in high-volume hospitals, regardless of patient age. Referral to a hospital performing greater than 10 cystectomies annually is indicated for all patients. However, patients with poor access to a high-volume hospital may derive similar benefit from treatment at a hospital with a high-registered nurse-to-patient ratio. This finding requires further confirmation.

The impact of provider volume on outcomes from urological cancer therapy

PURPOSE

Growing evidence suggests an association between higher hospital and surgeon volumes, and better outcomes after high risk surgical procedures. We reviewed the literature on volume and outcomes, specifically in urological cancer therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the literature from 1966 to 2004 using MEDLINE with the keywords outcomes, urology, neoplasms, volume, hospital volume, surgeon volume, prostatectomy, cystectomy, nephrectomy, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer and testis cancer. Relevant articles were reviewed and results were compared for each urological cancer.

RESULTS

Several studies demonstrated that higher hospital volume is associated with better outcomes for all urological cancer surgeries. We found that long-term morbidity associated with radical prostatectomy is significantly associated with individual surgeon volume. There were variations in outcome even among high volume surgeons, suggesting that surgical technique can independently impact outcome. Hospitals with a high volume of cystectomies and nephrectomies had decreased overall mortality rates compared with low volume hospitals. Patients undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for metastatic germ cell tumor had statistically significantly improved survival when treated at larger oncology centers.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence that high volume hospitals have better outcomes is increasing for urological cancer surgeries. Whether volume affects quality or better clinicians and services attract more patients can be debated. Centralizing health care will have major health policy implications, ie high volume hospitals may be overwhelmed and low volume hospitals may be at a disadvantage. An alternative would be to attempt to improve outcomes at low volume hospitals by identifying drivers of high quality care at high volume hospitals and transferring some of these characteristics.

MEASURING THE QUALITY OF CARE FOR LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER

PURPOSE

We describe the current status of quality of care measurement for localized prostate cancer and provide a framework for preserving a leadership role for our specialty in this dynamic and controversial field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Basic methodological principles of quality of care assessment were reviewed. Several factors that suggest the potential for current variation in the quality of care for patients with localized prostate cancer, particularly those receiving active treatment, were then analyzed. Subsequently contemporary publications and investigations that comprise the current foundation of prostate cancer quality of care research were reviewed.

RESULTS

The foundation for much of the emerging research in prostate cancer quality of care assessment is based on the Donabedian structure-process-outcome paradigm. The RAND candidate quality indicators for localized prostate cancer were developed in this framework and they represent the first effort to systematically consider the measurement of quality as it relates to prostate cancer. The feasibility of applying the RAND quality indicators to clinical quality of care assessments has been demonstrated, although further modification and refinement of the indicator set are necessary prior to large-scale, population based implementation of these quality assessment measures. Moreover, future quality of care efforts must make the transition to primarily prospective or concurrent quality assessments, such that measures can be taken to modify the structure and/or process of care at the time of delivery or shortly thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate cancer quality of care assessment represents a burgeoning domain of urological health services research. To date such initiatives have come from within and outside of our specialty. In the future such efforts are likely to expand and they may have a substantial impact on the clinical and administrative aspects of urological practice. As a result, urologists should maintain a leading role in efforts to further define of quality of care as it relates to prostate cancer and radical prostatectomy.

Variations among high volume surgeons in the rate of complications after radical prostatectomy: further evidence that technique matters

PURPOSE

A strong association between surgeon, hospital volume and postoperative morbidity of radical prostatectomy has been demonstrated. While better outcomes are associated with high volume surgeons, the degree of variation in outcomes among surgeons has not been fully examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a linked database from Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries and federal Medicare claims data, we analyzed outcomes of consecutive patients treated with radical prostatectomy between 1992 and 1996. We focused on variations in several measures of morbidity (perioperative complications, late urinary complications and long-term incontinence) among patients of high volume surgeons, defined as those with 20 or more patients in the study period. After adjusting for hospital, surgeon volume and case mix, we examined the extent to which variations in the rates of adverse outcomes differed among surgeons for all 3 end points.

RESULTS

Of the 999 surgeons 16% (159) performed 48.7% (5,238) of the 10,737 radical prostatectomies during the study. The 30-day mortality rate was 0.5%, the major postoperative complication rate was 28.6%, late urinary complications 25.2% (major events 16%) and long-term incontinence 6.7%. For all 3 morbidity outcomes the variation among surgeons in the rate of complications was significantly greater than that expected by chance (p =0.001 for each) after adjustment of covariates. Furthermore, surgeons with better (or worse) than average results with regard to 1 outcome were likely to have better (or worse, respectively) results with regard to the other 2 outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity end points that directly affect quality of life showed significant variability among high volume providers. Surgeons who performed well in 1 area (eg postoperative complications) performed well in others. These results further suggest that variations in surgical technique and postoperative care lead to variations in outcomes after radical prostatectomy, indicating that outcomes of this operation are sensitive to small differences in performance.

Long-term outcomes among localized prostate cancer survivors: health-related quality-of-life changes after radical prostatectomy, external radiation, and brachytherapy

PURPOSE

We sought to elucidate long-term changes in health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes by prospectively re-evaluating a well-characterized cohort of prostate cancer (PC) survivors 4 to 8 years after primary treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who had been evaluated previously at a median of 2.6 years after radical prostatectomy (RP), external radiation (three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy [3-D CRT]), or brachytherapy (BT) were recontacted at a median of 6.2 years after treatment. The clinical relevance of long-term HRQOL impairment among survivors was established by comparison with controls of similar age. Factors associated with HRQOL changes during this interval were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 964 eligible men, 709 (73.5%) completed measurable questionnaires. In four domains (urinary irritative-obstructive, urinary incontinence, bowel, and sexual), significant HRQOL differences were detected for at least one of the therapy groups, compared with controls (all P < .05). During the 4-year interval, significant improvement was observed for the urinary irritative-obstructive (P < .0001) and bowel (P < .0001) domains among BT patients, whereas urinary incontinence HRQOL worsened for both the BT (P = .0017) and 3-D CRT (P = .0008) treatment groups. Overall sexual HRQOL deteriorated for the 3-D CRT cohort (P = .0017), as well as for controls (P = .0136). Among RP patients, significant HRQOL changes were not observed.

CONCLUSION

During a 4-year interval from earlier to longer-term phases of PC treatment survivorship, sexual, urinary, and bowel dysfunction remain significant concerns among early-stage PC treatment survivors, compared with control men. Although postprostatectomy HRQOL remains relatively stable during this interval, disease-specific HRQOL continues to evolve among men treated with BT and 3-D CRT.

Impact of hospital and surgeon volume on in-hospital mortality from radical cystectomy: data from the health care utilization project

PURPOSE

We determined the influence of hospital and surgeon volume on various outcome parameters after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All inpatient discharges after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer (1988 to 1999) from the Health Care Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample were included in the analysis. Hospital and individual surgeon volume of discharges per year were separated into terciles. Outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and inflation adjusted charge per admission. Mortality was compared among hospital volume levels using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test while the LOS and charges were compared using ANOVA. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for confounding factors. All the analyses were also performed in 3 different age strata (younger than 50 years, 50 to 69 years and 70 years or more).

RESULTS

There were 13,964 patients who underwent radical cystectomy. Overall in-hospital mortality was 408 of 13,964 (2.9%), average LOS was 14 days (+/- SD 10.28) and average charges were 47,146 dollars (+/- SD 45,263 dollars). In-hospital mortality was significantly associated with higher volume particularly for patients older than 50 years. Surgeon volume did not influence in-hospital mortality except for patients in the 50 to 69-year-old age group. Results of multivariate regression analysis demonstrated hospital volume was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality but this effect was lost when controlling for surgeon volume. LOS was significantly higher for low volume surgeons. High volume hospitals had lower average total charges compared with the low and moderate volume hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital and surgeon volume have a significant impact on in-hospital mortality and LOS after radical cystectomy. Radical cystectomy performed at a higher volume center may result in lower charges and shorter hospital stay while decreasing the likelihood of in-hospital mortality.

Quality assurance issues in radical prostatectomy

AIMS

Quality of surgery is a controversial issue and no studies are reporting on the standard of surgical quality in the treatment of urological cancer. The question is whether quality can be evaluated and whether there is a standard for a qualitatively well performed radical retropubic prostatectomy.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature on this topic. Data of four large studies based on Medicare claims and an EORTC report were analysed.

RESULTS

Two studies reflect hospital-volume rather than surgeon-volume. Two compared hospital-volume and surgeon-volume and in both studies there was no clear relationship between surgeon-volume and the parameters reviewed. Similarly, the EORTC study concluded that there is a variation in outcome that is not related to the caseload and proposed minimal quality standards for radical prostatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no clear relationship between surgeon-volume and surgical quality. Since radical prostatectomy is the standard treatment for the most frequent male malignancy and is offered to many patients that might never even suffer from the disease, the procedure must be performed with the highest guarantee of quality. Although, quality control of radical prostatectomy is feasible, its implementation will still require an enormous effort from the urological community.

Contemporary update of cancer control after radical prostatectomy in the UK

Despite a significant increase of the number of radical prostatectomies (RPs) to treat organ-confined prostate cancer, there is very limited documentation of its oncological outcome in the UK. Pathological stage distribution and changes of outcome have not been audited on a consistent basis. We present the results of a multicentre review of postoperative predictive variables and prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence after RP for clinically organ-confined disease. In all, 854 patient's notes were audited for staging parameters and follow-up data obtained. Patients with neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment as well as patients with incomplete data and follow-up were excluded. Median follow-up was 52 months for the remaining 705 patients. The median PSA was 10 ng ml⁻¹. A large migration towards lower PSA and stage was seen. This translated into improved PSA survival rates. Overall Kaplan–Meier PSA recurrence-free survival probability at 1, 3, 5 and 8 years was 0.83, 0.69, 0.60 and 0.48, respectively. The 5-year PSA recurrence-free survival probability for PSA ranges <4, 4.1–10, 10.1–20 and >20 ng ml⁻¹ was 0.82, 0.73, 0.59 and 0.20, respectively (log rank, P<0.0001). PSA recurrence-free survival probabilities for pathological Gleason grade 2–4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8–10 at 5 years were 0.84, 0.66, 0.55 and 0.21, respectively (log rank, P<0.0001). Similarly, 5-year PSA recurrence-free survival probabilities for pathological stages T2a, T2b, T3a, T3b and T4 were 0.82, 0.78, 0.48, 0.23 and 0.12, respectively (log rank, P=0.0012). Oncological outcome after RP has improved over time in the UK. PSA recurrence-free survival estimates are less optimistic compared to quoted survival figures in the literature. Survival figures based on pathological stage and Gleason grade may serve to counsel patients postoperatively and to stratify patients better for adjuvant treatment.

The value of your time: evaluation of effects of changes in medicare reimbursement rates on the practice of urology

PURPOSE

Several reforms to Medicare have changed the reimbursement of physicians from payment based on usual, customary or reasonable charges to a resource based relative value scale. We studied the effect of these changes on hourly reimbursement rates for various services provided by urologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a previously published national survey of urologists who provided information regarding physician time and work required before, during and after most frequently performed urological services, including during the global period. For comparison mean operative times during the last year at our private hospital for several common urological procedures were obtained. Medicare reimbursement rates for common urological procedures and evaluation and management (E&M) codes for 1995, 1999 and 2004 were acquired from our department's billing office and used to calculate reimbursement rate per hour.

RESULTS

There was a steady increase in reimbursement for outpatient services and a decrease in reimbursement for surgical procedures. For E&M codes the reimbursement rates per hour for 2004 represent a mean 51% increase since 1995. However, surgical procedures have had a mean decrease of 28.5% in reimbursement rates per hour. There was remarkable consistency in rates with 7 of the 9 surgical procedures losing between 25.5% and 32% in reimbursement. In 1995 outpatient E&M services were the least profitable at less than half the hourly rate of operative procedures. In 2004 office cystoscopy and transrectal ultrasound biopsy of the prostate had the highest reimbursement and, with the exception of shock wave lithotripsy, there was a minimal difference in hourly reimbursement rates between common surgical procedures and E&M services.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in Medicare reimbursement during the last decade have resulted in significant changes in rates for different urological services. The near equity in reimbursement rates for E&M and surgical services will likely have an increasingly important role in the future practice of urology.

Quality of prostate carcinoma care in a statewide public assistance program

BACKGROUND

The authors evaluated the feasibility of measuring quality of care in a statewide public assistance program for men with prostate carcinoma.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 84 men who were followed for > or = 6 months after receiving primary treatment for early-stage prostate carcinoma (55 received radical prostatectomy and 29 received radiotherapy) through a free public program for low-income, uninsured men. Quality was assessed by chart review with 16 indicators previously developed and validated at the RAND Corporation, as well as by telephone and mail surveys that included the University of California at Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index short form.

RESULTS

Quality of care measurement was feasible for 13 (81%) indicators from electronic chart abstraction, administrative documents, and patient questionnaires. Communication between specialist and primary physician was better for men treated with radiotherapy than with surgery (84% vs. 45%, P = 0.004). Subjects treated in private institutions were more likely than those treated in public institutions to have > or = 2 follow-up visits with the treating physician or institution within 1 year of treatment (93% vs. 63%, P = 0.003) and to have documentation of communication with the primary care physician (90% vs. 40%, P << 0.0001). Disease-specific, health-related quality of life 6 months after treatment did not appear to differ between public and private facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found the application of quality of care indicators to be feasible in a statewide public assistance program, but with some differences between public and private providers. These quality of care indicators identified target areas for improvement.

10-YEAR DISEASE-FREE SURVIVAL RATES AFTER SIMULTANEOUS IRRADIATION FOR PROSTATE CANCER WITH A FOCUS ON CALCULATION METHODOLOGY

PURPOSE

We documented the 10-year disease-free survival rate after simultaneous irradiation for prostate cancer and suggested standards for outcome calculation methodology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 1992 to 1998, 1,469 consecutive men with clinical stage T1T2NxM0 prostate cancer who did not receive neoadjuvant hormones were treated with simultaneous irradiation, an ultrasound guided transperineal prostate I seed implant followed by external irradiation. Median pretreatment prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 7.1 ng/ml (range 0.3 to 88). All men were treated 5 or more years ago. Median followup was 6 years (range 3 months to 11 years). Disease freedom was defined as the achievement and maintenance of PSA 0.2 ng/ml or less, and treatment failure was defined as a PSA nadir greater than 0.2 ng/ml or a subsequent PSA increase above this level.

RESULTS

The overall 10-year disease-free survival rate was 83%. Median time to recurrence was 30 months (range 3 months to 8 years) and 24% of recurrences were after 5-year followup. The 10-year outcome according to low, intermediate and high risk group was 93%, 80% and 61%, respectively (p <0.0001). Multivariate analysis of factors related to disease freedom documents that pretreatment PSA, Gleason score and percent positive biopsies were significant but stage and age were not.

CONCLUSIONS

By calculating outcome with PSA cut point 0.2 ng/ml and evaluation only of men treated 5 or more years ago, the 10-year disease-free survival rates from this study can be reasonably compared with the outcome of radical prostatectomy performed in the PSA era.

TRANSPERITONEAL OR EXTRAPERITONEAL LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY: DOES THE APPROACH MATTER?

PURPOSE

: The greater accuracy of apical dissection and reconstruction in our first 100 patients undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (TLRP) was not matched by a proportionate increase in the rate of return to normal continence compared with our prior open prostatectomy experience. We postulated that greater bladder dysfunction due to the almost total bladder dissection mandated by TLRP might be responsible and this might be rectified by the adoption of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using an extraperitoneal approach (ELRP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

: A total of 100 patients undergoing TLRP were compared with 100 undergoing ELRP. The groups were subdivided into halves to investigate the influence of any learning curve effect. All patients had clinical stage T3aN0M0 or less prostate cancer and they were operated on by a single surgeon.

RESULTS

: Mean operative time (238.9 vs 190.6 minutes), blood loss (310.5 vs 201.5 ml), postoperative hospitalization (3.8 vs 2.6 nights) and catheterization duration (11.3 vs 10.1 days) were significantly greater in the TLRP group. After the first 50 cases were excluded in each group statistical significance persisted only for operative time (218.3 vs 184.2 minutes) and hospitalization (3.5 vs 2.5 nights). The pad-free rate was significantly lower 3 months following ELRP (80% vs 56%, p = 0.02). The overall 12-month pad-free rate for TLRP and ELRP was 90% and 96%, respectively. The overall 12-month erection rate for TLRP and ELRP was 61% and 82%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

: ELRP is superior to TLRP with respect to operative time, hospitalization and early continence.

Threshold volumes for urological cancer surgery: a survey of UK urologists

OBJECTIVE

To determine minimum threshold levels of activity set by surgeons for urological cancer surgery, and to relate threshold levels to stated current procedural volume.

METHODS

In all, 307 consultant urological surgeons were sent a questionnaire asking them to state for four urological cancer operations of different complexity their current procedural volume; whether minimum volume thresholds per surgeon should be implemented; and if so, the level of such thresholds; 212 (69%) replied.

RESULTS

For all four procedures >/= 75% of surgeons advocated the setting of a minimum volume threshold. Overall, surgeons set the highest thresholds for radical prostatectomy and the lowest for radical cystectomy with continent diversion. There was no significant association between either the principle of supporting minimum volume thresholds or the level of such a threshold and the number of years worked as a consultant surgeon. The level of surgeon-derived minimum thresholds increased with increasing surgeon procedural volume.

CONCLUSION

Most surgeons supported the principle of setting minimum volume thresholds. These thresholds appear to be influenced by current procedural volume and by procedural complexity. By setting thresholds greater than their current volume, some surgeons implicitly indicate that their current volume is insufficient to maintain their surgical competency.

Case Selection for Radical Prostatectomy in the UK

INTRODUCTION

Radical prostatectomy is an increasingly popular treatment option for clinically localised prostate cancer, yet PSA outcome figures are rare in the UK. This makes it difficult to establish appropriate criteria for case selection. We conducted an audit of PSA recurrence of 5 large centres in the south of England and investigated the use of pre-operative PSA to improve case selection and outcome.

METHOD

854 patients notes were audited for pre-operative staging parameters and follow-up data obtained. Patients with neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment as well as patients with incomplete data and follow-up were excluded.

RESULT

Median follow-up was 52 months for the remaining 663 patients. Median PSA was 10 ng/ml. A large improvement of PSA recurrence free survival rates was observed from 1988 to 1998 as a result of change in case selection and stage migration. Overall Kaplan-Meier PSA recurrence free survival probability at 1, 3, 5 and 8 years was 0.83, 0.69, 0.60 and 0.48, respectively. Five-year PSA recurrence free survival probability for PSA ranges <4 ng/ml, 4.1-10 ng/ml, 10.1-20 ng/ml and >20 ng/ml was 0.82, 0.73, 0.59 and 0.20, respectively (Wilcoxon, p < 0.0001). A simulation of biochemical recurrence free survival for patient cohorts with stepwise reduced inclusion PSAs suggests an improved outcome for patients with a pre-operative inclusion PSA of <12 ng/ml. Further reduction of the inclusion PSA does not improve outcome.

CONCLUSION

Intermediate PSA recurrence free survival has improved over time in England. PSA recurrence free survival estimates are less optimistic compared to frequently quoted American figures. A reduced pre-operative PSA cut-off for case selection may be used to improve outcome.