The Impact of Implementation of the European Association of Urology Guidelines Panel Recommendations on Reporting and Grading Complications on Perioperative Outcomes after Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Perioperative outcomes, environmental impact and economic implications of pelvic drain discontinuation in prostate cancer patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

The utility of a pelvic drain (PD) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been recently questioned. We investigated the impact of discontinuing PD placement after RARP on complications, pain, environmental benefits, and cost savings.

METHODS

We identified 1,199 patients who underwent RARP with or without extended pelvic lymph node dissection from 2016 to 2023 at a referral center. Starting in 2018, PD placement was discontinued in uncomplicated RARPs. Complications were collected following the European Association of Urology (EAU) recommendations on reporting and grading. Multivariable logistic regression models (MLR) evaluated the impact of PD use on perioperative outcomes and opioid usage. The PD life cycle-associated Carbon Dioxide Equivalent Emissions (CO2e) and its economic impact were estimated.

RESULTS

A PD was placed in a total of 555 (46%) patients, with a decreasing rate from 94% to 18% between 2016 and 2023. The rates of any and high-grade (HG) complications were similar between patients with and without PD (29 vs. 28% and 5% vs. 6%, respectively; all P ≥ 0.2). At MLR, the PD placement was not associated with the risk of any (OR:1.09, 95%CI:0.79-1.5) or HG complications (OR 1.45, 95%CI 0.80-2.63). PD placement was associated with greater postoperative opioid usage (OR:1.58, 95%CI:1.01-2.51, P = 0.045). The CO2e spared rose from 220 in 2016 to 2,180 in 2022 and cost savings per year increased from 1,855€ in 2016 to 18,506€ in 2022.

CONCLUSION

Unnecessary PD placement should be avoided in uncomplicated RARPs to obtain environmental benefits, reduce health-related costs, and improve patients' outcomes.

Temporal patterns of major postoperative events after radical cystectomy: analysis of 90-day morbidity

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the time points at which different major complications occur and their temporal distribution over the postoperative intervals.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent RC between January 2003 and March 2024 at the university hospital Essen and had complete records regarding postoperative complications and their timing were included. All major complications with Clavian-Dindo (CD) grading III-V were identified and recorded according to a predefined morbidity catalog. The time to occurrence of complications, readmission and mortality, was plotted against the postoperative day over a 90-day period to illustrate the distribution of events in the postoperative period. For each complication group, the median timing and the interquartile range (IQR) as well as the incidence during the postoperative weeks were calculated.

RESULTS

Out of 757 patients, 282 (37.2%) suffered at least one major complication (CDC grade III-IV) with a total of 452 major complications. Most common complications were gastrointestinal, genitourinary and wound complications. Median (IQR) time to first major complication was 7 (4-17) days. Hospital readmission due to major complications was required in 68 (9%) patients at a median of 47 days. Most of cardiac, pulmonary, bleeding and gastrointestinal complications occurred very early in the first week, at a median of 3, 4, 4 and 5 days, respectively. Wound complications were more likely to occur within the second and third week, with a median time of 13 days. Thromboembolism developed at similar rates throughout the first 3 weeks. The other groups of complications including infectious, genitourinary and miscellaneous (mostly lymphocele) complications showed no specific pattern and occurred in a wide range over the 90 days and were considered intermediate and late events. Further analysis of the time to all complications (first major and secondary), showed an increase in median time to occurance for all complications except genitouranry and lymphocele, which occurred earlier. Deaths related to major complications were observed in 50 (6.6%) patients at a median time of 17 days.

CONCLUSION

The current study shows the temporal patterns of the major complications within the RC morbidity catalog. Physicians should be aware of these patterns to facilitate anticipation and prevent fatal outcomes.

Impact of Intraoperative Opioid Use and a Combined Anesthesia Regimen in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer in a Single-Center Cohort

Introduction: Higher intraoperative opioid doses may be associated with worse long-term oncological outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the impact of higher doses of intraoperative opioids and type of anesthesia on biochemical recurrence (BCR) and mortality after RP in a high-volume tertiary center. Methods: All patients underwent RP at our center between 2015 and 2021. The role of major intraoperative opioid agents, such as sufentanil remifentanil, and morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), as well as the type of anesthesia [total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), versus a combination of TIVA and epidural anesthesia, versus solely epidural anesthesia], was assessed in predicting BCR and survival after RP. Results: A total of 1137 patients who had a median age of 66 years (interquartile range: 61-72) were included. Overall, 1062 (93%) patients received TIVA, 37 (3%) received TIVA and epidural anesthesia, and 41 (4%) only epidural anesthesia. At a median follow-up of 431 days (interquartile range: 381-639) from RP, 257 (24%) patients developed a BCR. Accordingly, at a median follow-up of 500 days (interquartile range: 450-750), 33 (2.9%) patients died. The type of anesthesia, as well as the dosage or type of the selected intraoperative opioid agents, did not affect either BCR or long-term overall survival. Conclusions: These findings suggest that intraoperative opioid application during RP has no negative oncological impact in the short and long term in patients with localized prostate cancer. Accordingly, combined TIVA and epidural anesthesia, as well as solely epidural anesthesia were associated with similar short- and long-term outcomes compared to TIVA.

Surgical and Oncological Outcomes of Level III-IV Versus Level I-II Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy: A Decennial Experience of a High-Volume European Referral Center

BACKGROUND

In patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) the role of the extent of tumor thrombus into the inferior vena cava (IVC) has never been addressed from a surgical and oncologic standpoint. This study aims to evaluate differences between level III-IV versus level I-II patients concerning peri- and postoperative morbidity, additional treatments and long-term oncological outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Overall, 40 patients with RCC underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) with IVC thrombectomy at a single European institution between 2010 and 2023. Complications were reported according to the European Union (EAU) guidelines recommendations. Spider chart served as graphical depiction of surgical and oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 22 (55%) and 18 (45%) patients harbored level III-IV and I-II IVC thrombus. Level III-IV patients experienced significantly higher rates of intraoperative transfusions (68 vs 39%), but not significantly higher rates of intraoperative complications (32% vs 28%). Level III-IV patients had significantly higher rates of postoperative transfusions (82% vs 33%) and Clavien Dindo ≥3 complications (41% vs 15%). In level III-IV versus level I-II patients, median follow up was 482 and 1070 days, the rate of distant recurrence was 59% and 50%, the rate of systemic progression was 27% and 13%, and the rate of additional treatment/s was 64% and 61%, respectively (all p values > 0.05). Overall survival was 36% in level III-IV patients and 67% in level I-II (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that patients with level III-IV RCC who are candidates for IVC thrombectomy should be counselled about the higher likelihood of postoperative severe adverse events and worse overall survival relative to level I-II counterparts.

Peri- and post-operative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy after the implementation of the EAU guidelines recommendations for collecting and reporting complications at a high-volume referral center

PURPOSE

No studies relied on a standardized methodology to collect postoperative complications after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). The aim of our study was to evaluate peri- and post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing RARC adhering to the European Association of Urology (EAU) recommendations for reporting surgical outcomes and using a long postoperative follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

246 patients who underwent RARC with intracorporal urinary diversion at a single tertiary referral center with a postoperative follow-up ≥ 1 year for survivors. Postoperative outcomes were collected prospectively by interviews done by medical doctors. Complications were scored using the Clavien-Dindo classification (CD), grouped by type and severity (severe: CD score ≥ 3). We described peri- and post-operative outcomes and complication chronological distribution.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 (6.5%) and 225 patients (91%) experienced intraoperative and postoperative complications, respectively. Moreover, 139 (57%) experienced severe complications. The most common any-grade and severe complications were infectious (72%) and genitourinary (35%), respectively. Overall, 52% of complications (358/682) occurred within 10 days from surgery, and 51% of severe complications (106/207) occurred within 35 days. However, 13% of complications (90/682) and 28% of severe complications (59/207) occurred 3 months after surgery. The earliest complications were fever of unknown origins and paralytic ileus (median time-to-complication [mTTC]: 4 days), the latest complications were urinary tract infection (mTTC: 40 days) and hydronephrosis/ureteral obstruction (mTTC: 70 days).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of postoperative complications after RARC is > 90% when a standardized collection method and a long follow-up is implemented. These results should be used to identify potential areas of improvement and for preoperative patient counseling.

Extended pelvic lymph node dissection in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is an independent risk factor for major complications

The aim of this study is to evaluate the major postoperative complication rate after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to identify related risk factors. A consecutive series of patients who underwent RARP between September 2016 and May 2021, with or without extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) were analyzed for postoperative complications that occurred within 30 days following surgery. Potential risk factors related to complications were identified by means of a multivariate logistic analysis. Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed for the occurrence of major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher) on a per patient level. A multivariate logistic regression with risk factors was performed to identify contributors to complications. In total, 1280 patients were included, of whom 79 (6.2%) experienced at least 1 major complication. Concomitant ePLND was performed in 609 (48%) of patients. The majority of all complications were likely related to the surgical procedure, with anastomotic leakage and lymphoceles being the most common. Upon multivariate analysis, performing ePLND remained the only significant risk factor for the occurrence of major complications (OR 2.26, p = 0.001). In contrast to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy alone, the combination with extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) has a substantial risk of serious complications. Since the ePLND is performed mainly for staging purpose, the clinical contribution of the ePLND has to be reconsidered with the present use of the PSMA-PET/CT.

Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Performed with Different Robotic Platforms: First Comparative Evidence Between Da Vinci and HUGO Robot-assisted Surgery Robots

BACKGROUND

In the field of robotic surgery, there is a lack of comparative evidence on surgical and functional outcomes of different robotic platforms.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcomes of patients receiving robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) at a high-volume robotic center with daVinci and HUGO robot-assisted surgery (RAS) surgical systems.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We analyzed the data of 542 patients undergoing RARP ± extended pelvic lymph node dissection at OLV hospital (Aalst, Belgium) between 2021 and 2023. All procedures were performed by six surgeons using daVinci or HUGO RAS robots; the use of one platform rather than the other did not follow any specific preference and/or indication.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Multivariable analyses investigated the association between robotic system (daVinci vs HUGO RAS) and surgical outcomes after adjustment for patient- and tumor-related factors. Urinary continence recovery was defined as the use of no/one safety pad.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 378 (70%) and 164 (30%) patients underwent RARP with daVinci and HUGO RAS surgical systems, respectively. Despite a higher rate of palpable disease in the HUGO RAS group (34% vs 25%), baseline characteristics did not differ between the groups (all p > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, we did not find evidence of a difference between the groups with respect to operative time (estimate: 16.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.35, 39.78; p = 0.12), estimated blood loss (estimate: 3.12; 95% CI: -67.03, 73.27; p = 0.9), and postoperative Clavien-Dindo ≥2 complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.66; 95% CI: 0.34, 8.15; p = 0.5). On final pathology, 55 (15%) and 20 (12%) men in, respectively, the daVinci and the HUGO RAS group had positive surgical margins (PSMs; p = 0.5). On multivariable analyses, we did not find evidence of an association between a robotic system and PSMs (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.56, 2.07; p = 0.8). Similarly, the odds of recovering continence did not differ between daVinci and HUGO RAS cases after both 1 mo (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.45, 1.38; p = 0.4) and 3 mo (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.49, 2.79; p = 0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients receiving RARP with daVinci or HUGO RAS surgical platforms, we did not find differences in surgical and functional outcomes between the robots. This may be a result of a standardized surgical technique that allowed surgeons to transfer their skills between robotic systems. Awaiting future investigations with longer follow-up, these results have important implications for patients, surgeons, and health care policymakers.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We compared surgical and functional outcomes of patients receiving robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with daVinci versus HUGO robot-assisted surgery (RAS) robots. The two platforms were able to achieve similar outcomes, suggesting that the introduction of HUGO RAS is safe and allows for optimal outcomes after radical prostatectomy.

Radical cystectomy in bladder cancer patients previously treated for prostate cancer: Insights from a large European multicentric series

INTRODUCTION

Previous radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa) might impair feasibility of radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BCa). The current study addressed morbidity, operative time (OT), and length of stay (LOS) of RC, within the largest available series of patients with history of previous RP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients previously submitted to RP for PCa and subsequently submitted to RC for BCa, at six high-volume European institutions between 2010 and 2019, were identified. Presence of either PCa or BCa metastases, RT as primary treatment for PCa, and palliative RC represented exclusion criteria. The quality criteria for accurate and comprehensive reporting of intra- and post-operative surgical outcomes, recommended by the European Association of Urology guidelines, were fulfilled. Multivariable logistic and Poisson regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 140 RC patients with history of RP were identified. After RP, 69 (49%) patients received radiotherapy (RT) for PCa, either in adjuvant (n = 50, 36%) or salvage setting (n = 19, 13%). Median age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index was 6 (IQR 5, 7). Median OT, estimated blood loss and LOS were, respectively, 300 min, 500 ml, and 16 days. Intra-operative transfusions rate was 47% (n = 65). One intra-operative complication occurred (EAUiaiC grade 2, perforation of the rectum managed with immediate repair). Eighty-two (59%) patients experienced a total of 107 post-operative complications during the hospital stay, and seven (5%) patients required hospital readmission. In multivariable regression analyses, RT for PCa was associated with higher risk of post-operative complications (odds ratio 1.82, p = 0.039), longer OT (incidence rate ratio 1.09, p < 0.001), and longer LOS (incidence rate ratio 1.24, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RC in patients with history of RP is feasible, albeit burdened by remarkable morbidity, even in centers of excellence. RT after RP for PCa portends worse surgical outcomes.

The Surgical Learning Curve for Biochemical Recurrence After Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy

BACKGROUND

Improved cancer control with increasing surgical experience-the learning curve-was demonstrated for open and laparoscopic prostatectomy. In a prior single-center study, we found that this might not be the case for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between prior experience of a surgeon and biochemical recurrence (BCR) after RARP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 8101 patients with prostate cancer treated with RARP by 46 surgeons at nine institutions between 2003 and 2021. Surgical experience was coded as the total number of robotic prostatectomies performed by the surgeon before the patient operation.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We evaluated the relationship of prior surgeon experience with the probability of BCR adjusting for preoperative prostate-specific antigen, pathologic stage, grade, lymph-node involvement, and year of surgery.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 1047 patients had BCR. The median follow-up for patients without BCR was 33 mo (interquartile range: 14, 61). After adjusting for case mix, the relationship between surgical experience and the risk of BCR after surgery was not statistically significant (p = 0.2). The 5-yr BCR-free survival rates for a patient treated by a surgeon with prior 10, 250, and 1000 procedures performed were, respectively, 82.0%, 82.7%, and 84.8% (absolute difference between 10 and 1000 prior procedures: 1.6% [95% confidence interval: 0.4%, 3.3%). Results were robust to a number of sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that, as opposed to open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, surgeons performing RARP achieve adequate cancer control in the early phase of their career. Further research should explore why the learning curve for robotic surgery differs from prior findings for open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. We hypothesize that surgical education, including simulation training and the adoption of objective performance metrics, is an important mechanism for flattening the learning curve.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We investigated the relationship between biochemical recurrence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and surgeon's experience. Surgeons at an early stage of their career had similar outcomes to those of more experienced surgeons, and we hypothesized that surgical education in robotics might be an important determinant of such a finding.

How education level affects postoperative rehabilitation and follow-up: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Radical prostatectomy remains the fundamental treatment for prostate cancer, and improving patients' compliance with postoperative follow-ups is essential for improving patients' quality of life. This study investigates the effect of education levels on patients' recovery and follow-up after radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

Data from 1,112 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy between 2011 and 2020 were collected using medical records, and "pc-follow" systems were used to collect patients' baseline information, education level, pathological information, number of outpatient visits, the time interval between each visit, and PSA test data.

RESULTS

Regarding postoperative outpatient data, there was no difference in the number of outpatient visits among the different education level groups in Shanghai (P = 0.063). A significant difference was found in the interval between outpatient visits among the groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, significant differences were detected in the number and duration of outpatient clinic visits among the education level groups in all patients (P = 0.016, P = 0.0027). By contrast, no significant difference was found in the recovery time of urinary continence between all patients and those in Shanghai, grouped according to education level (P = 0.082, P = 0.68). For all patients and patients in the Shanghai area, the number of PSA follow-ups increased gradually with an increasing level of education (P < 0.001, P = 0.0029).

CONCLUSIONS

Education level affected the number of postoperative clinic visits, compliance, and the number of PSA tests. However, no significant effect on the recovery of urinary continence was found. Further, clinicians must increase their focus on patients with low education levels to achieve equitable access to health services for all patients.

Ileal Conduit Versus Orthotopic Neobladder Urinary Diversion in Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy: Results from a Multi-institutional Series

Background

Head-to-head comparisons between ileal conduit (IC) and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) in terms of peri- and postoperative outcomes and complications, in the specific setting of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), are not available.

Objective

To address the impact of the type of urinary diversion (UD, IC vs ONB) on RARC morbidity, as well as operative time (OT), length of stay (LOS), and readmissions.

Design setting and participants

Urothelial bladder cancer patients treated with RARC at nine high-volume European institutions between 2008 and 2020 were identified.

Intervention

RARC with either IC or ONB.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Intra- and postoperative complications were collected and reported according to the Intraoperative Complications Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards recommendations and European Association of Urology guidelines, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models tested the impact of UD on outcomes, after adjustment for clustering at single hospital level.

Results and limitations

Overall, 555 nonmetastatic RARC patients were identified. In 280 (51%) and 275 (49%) patients, an IC and an ONB were performed, respectively. Eighteen intraoperative complications were recorded. The rates of intraoperative complications were 4% in IC patients and 3% in ONB patients (p = 0.4). The median LOS and readmission rates were 10 versus 12 d (p < 0.001) and 20% versus 21% (p = 0.8) in IC versus ONB patients, respectively. At a multivariable logistic regression analyses, the type of UD (IC vs ONB) reached the independent predictor status for prolonged OT (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, p = 0.03) and prolonged LOS (OR: 0.34, p < 0.001), but not for readmission (OR: 0.92, p = 0.7). Overall, 513 postoperative complications were experienced by 324 patients (58%). At least one postoperative complication was experienced by 160 (57%) IC patients versus 164 (60%) ONB patients (p = 0.6). The type of UD reached the status of an independent predictor of UD-related complications (OR: 0.64, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Compared with RARC with ONB, RARC with IC is less prone to UD-related postoperative complications, prolonged OT, and prolonged LOS.

Patient summary

To date, the impact of the type of urinary diversion, namely, ileal conduit versus orthotopic neobladder, on peri- and postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy is unknown. Based on a rigorous data accrual, which relied on established complication reporting systems (Intraoperative Complications Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards and European Association of Urology recommended systems), we reported intra- and postoperative complications according to urinary diversion type. Moreover, we found that ileal conduit was associated with lower operative time and length of stay, and yielded a protective effect in terms of urinary diversion-related complications.

Robotic approach with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in adult Wilms' tumor: A feasibility study report and a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of Wilms' tumor (WT) among adult individuals accounts for less than 1% of kidney cancer cases, with a prognosis usually less favorable when compared to younger individuals and an overall survival rate of 70% for the adult patients versus 90% for the pediatric cases. The diagnosis and treatment of WT are complex in the preoperative setting; neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) or robotic surgery has rarely been described. This study aimed to review the literature of robotic surgery in WT and report the first adult WT management using both NAC and robotic strategy.

METHODS

We reported a case of WT managed in a multidisciplinary setting. Furthermore, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations, a systematic review of the literature until August 2020 of WT treated with a robotic approach was carried out.

RESULTS

A 33-year-old female had a diagnosis of WT. She was scheduled to NAC, and according to the clinical and radiological response to a robotic radical nephrectomy with aortic lymph nodes dissection, she was managed with no intraoperative rupture, a favorable surgical outcome, and a follow-up of 25 months, which did not show any recurrence. The systematic review identified a total number of 230 cases of minimally invasive surgery reported in the literature for WT. Of these, approximately 15 patients were carried out using robotic surgery in adolescents while none in adults. Moreover, NAC has not been administered before minimally invasive surgery in adults up until now.

CONCLUSION

WT is a rare condition in adults with only a few cases treated with either NAC or minimally invasive approach so far. The advantage of NAC followed by the robotic approach could lead to favorable outcomes in this complex scenario. Notwithstanding, additional cases of adult WT need to be identified and investigated to improve the oncological outcome.

Impact of Early Dorsal Venous Complex Ligation on Urinary Continence Recovery after Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Results from a Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Whether early ligation of the dorsal venous complex (DVC) might improve recovery of urinary continence (UC) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has never been investigated in a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether early DVC ligation might affect UC recovery after RARP.

INTERVENTION

DVC ligation (early vs standard).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 312 patients with prostate cancer underwent primary RARP at a tertiary care institution.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary outcome was UC recovery at 1 and 4 mo after RARP. UC was defined as 0 pads/1 safety pad per day. All patients completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ)-Short Form questionnaires. Secondary outcomes were early (≤4 mo) erectile function recovery, the positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, 30-d Clavien-Dindo complications, and biochemical recurrence rates. Quality of life was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The association between treatment arm and UC recovery was also tested using multivariable regression models.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

After surgery, 23 patients withdrew their consent and 29 were lost to follow-up, leaving 261 patients available for per-protocol analyses. Of these, 32 patients (24%) in the experimental group and 37 (29%) in the control group used no pad/one safety pad at 1 mo after RARP, whereas 96 (72%) in the control group versus 83 (65%) in the control group were continent at 4-mo follow-up (both p = 0.3). Median ICIQ and IPSS scores did not differ between the groups at both time points. The results were confirmed on multivariable regression analyses. PSMs were observed for 32 patients (25%) in the experimental group versus 30 (22%) in the control group (p = 0.6). The incidence of postoperative complications (17% experimental vs 13% control) and the 1-yr biochemical recurrence-free survival did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized clinical trial, we did not find evidence that early ligation of the DVC during RARP was associated with better UC recovery after surgery in comparison to the standard technique. Given its safety in terms of surgical margins and complications, this technique may be considered as an option for surgical dissection according to the physician's preference.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our trial showed that for patients undergoing robot-assisted surgical removal of the prostate, the timing of a specific step to control bleeding from a network of veins draining the prostate did not affect recovery of urinary continence after surgery. The results indicate that earlier control of these veins may be considered as an option according to the surgeon's preference.

Recommendations for Intraoperative Adverse Events Data Collection in Clinical Studies and Study Protocols. An ICARUS Global Surgical Collaboration Study

Introduction

Intraoperative adverse events (iAEs) occur and have the potential to impact the postoperative course. However, iAEs are underreported and are not routinely collected in the contemporary surgical literature. There is no widely utilized system for the collection of essential aspects of iAEs, and there is no established database for the standardization and dissemination of this data that likely have implications for outcomes and patient safety. The Intraoperative Complication Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards (ICARUS) Global Surgical Collaboration initiated a global effort to address these shortcomings, and the establishment of an adverse event data collection system is an essential step. In this study, we present the core-set variables for collecting iAEs that were based on the globally validated ICARUS criteria for surgical/interventional and anesthesiologic intraoperative adverse event collection and reporting.

Material and Methods

This article includes three tools to capture the essential aspects of iAEs. The core-set variables were developed from the globally validated ICARUS criteria for reporting iAEs (item 1). Next, the summary table was developed to guide researchers in summarizing the accumulated iAE data in item 1 (item 2). Finally, this article includes examples of the method and results sections to include in a manuscript reporting iAE data (item 3). Then, 5 scenarios demonstrating best practices for completing items 1-3 were presented both in prose and in a video produced by the ICARUS collaboration.

Dissemination

This article provides the surgical community with the tools for collecting essential iAE data. The ICARUS collaboration has already published the 13 criteria for reporting surgical adverse events, but this article is unique and essential as it actually provides the tools for iAE collection. The study team plans to collect feedback for future directions of adverse event collection and reporting.

Highlights

This article represents a novel, fully-encompassing system for the data collection of intraoperative adverse events.The presented core-set variables for reporting intraoperative adverse events are not based solely on our opinion, but rather are synthesized from the globally validated ICARUS criteria for reporting intraoperative adverse events.Together, the included text, figures, and ICARUS collaboration-produced video should equip any surgeon, anesthesiologist, or nurse with the tools to properly collect intraoperative adverse event data.Future directions include translation of this article to allow for the widest possible adoption of this important collection system.

The Intraoperative Complications Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards (ICARUS) Global Surgical Collaboration Project: Development of Criteria for Reporting Adverse Events During Surgical Procedures and Evaluating Their Impact on the Postoperative Course

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative adverse events (iAEs) are surgical and anesthesiologic complications. Despite the availability of grading criteria, iAEs are infrequently reported in the surgical literature and in cases for which iAEs are reported, these events are described with significant heterogeneity.

OBJECTIVE

To develop Intraoperative Complications Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards (ICARUS) Global Surgical Collaboration criteria to standardize the assessment, reporting, and grading of iAEs. The ultimate aim is to improve our understanding of the nature and frequency of iAEs and our ability to counsel patients regarding surgical procedures.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The present study involved the following steps: (1) collecting criteria for assessing, reporting, and grading of iAEs via a comprehensive umbrella review; (2) collecting additional criteria via a survey of a panel of experienced surgeons (first round of a modified Delphi survey); (3) creating a comprehensive list of reporting criteria; (4) combining criteria acquired in the first two steps; and (5) establishing a consensus on clinical and quality assessment utility as determined in the second round of the Delphi survey.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Panel inter-rater agreement and consistency were assessed as the overall percentage agreement and Cronbach's α.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The umbrella review led to nine common criteria for assessing, grading, and reporting iAEs, and review of iAE grading systems led to two additional criteria. In the first Delphi round, 35 surgeons responded and two criteria were added. In the second Delphi round, 13 common criteria met the threshold for final guideline inclusion. All 13 criteria achieved the consensus minimum of 70%, with agreement on the usefulness of the criteria for clinical and quality improvement ranging from 74% to 100%. The mean inter-rater agreement was 89.0% for clinical improvement and 88.6% for quality improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The ICARUS Global Collaboration criteria might aid in identifying important criteria when reporting iAEs, which will support all those involved in patient care and scientific publishing.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We consulted a panel of experienced surgeons to develop a set of guidelines for academic surgeons to follow when publishing surgical studies. The surgeon panel proposed a list of 13 criteria that may improve global understanding of complications during specific procedures and thus improve the ability to counsel patients on surgical risk.

The comprehensive complication index is more sensitive than the Clavien–Dindo classification for grading complications in elderly patients after radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection: Implementing the European Association of Urology guideline

Objectives

Lack of assessment of 90-d perioperative morbidity in elderly patients after radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) using a standard reporting methodology, and the Clavien–Dindo classification (CDC) does not accurately reflect the burden of complications. We aim to report the 90-d complications of elderly patients after radical cystectomy, and to compare the validity of the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) and CDC.

Methods

Retrospective review of 280 patients aged ≥75 years who received radical cystectomy between 2006 and 2021. The 90-d complications of elderly patients after radical cystectomy were reported by implementing the EAU criteria. The CDC and CCI were both used for grading complications. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to estimate the correlation between postoperative stay and CDC/CCI. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for major complications. The sample size for a fictive superiority trial was calculated for different endpoints.

Results

A total of 225 (80.36%) patients suffered from 528 complications. The cumulative CCI had a more accurate prediction of postoperative stay than the CDC (r = 0.378, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.349, p < 0.001). The need for sample size could decrease when CCI was used for the primary endpoint. More risk factors for major complications were identified when CCI ≥33.7 was defined as the endpoint of major complications.

Conclusion

CCI is better than CDC for grading the severity of complications in elderly patients after radical cystectomy and PLND.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen Radioguided Surgery to Detect Nodal Metastases in Primary Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: Results of a Planned Interim Analysis of a Prospective Phase 2 Study

BACKGROUND

Extended pelvic nodal dissection (ePLND) represents the gold standard for nodal staging in prostate cancer (PCa). Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radioguided surgery (RGS) could identify lymph node invasion (LNI) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

OBJECTIVE

To report the planned interim analyses of a phase 2 prospective study (NCT04832958) aimed at describing PSMA-RGS during RARP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A phase 2 trial aimed at enrolling 100 patients with intermediate- or high-risk cN0cM0 PCa at conventional imaging with a risk of LNI of >5% was conducted. Overall, 18 patients were enrolled between June 2021 and March 2022. Among them, 12 patients underwent PSMA-RGS and represented the study cohort.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

All patients received ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging; ^99mTc-PSMA-I&S was synthesised and administered intravenously the day before surgery, followed by single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography. A Drop-In gamma probe was used for in vivo measurements. All positive lesions (count rate ≥2 compared with background) were excised and ePLND was performed.

MEASUREMENTS

Side effects, perioperative outcomes, and performance characteristics of robot-assisted PSMA-RGS for LNI were measured.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, four (33%), six (50%), and two (17%) patients had intermediate-risk, high-risk, and locally advanced PCa. Overall, two (17%) patients had pathologic nodal uptake at PSMA PET. The median operative time, blood loss, and length of stay were 230 min, 100 ml, and 5 d, respectively. No adverse events and intraoperative complications were recorded. One patient experienced a 30-d complication (Clavien-Dindo 2; 8.3%). Overall, three (25%) patients had LNI at ePLND. At per-region analyses on 96 nodal areas, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PSMA-RGS were 63%, 99%, 83%, and 96%, respectively. On a per-patient level, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of PSMA-RGS were 67%, 100%, 100%, and 90%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted PSMA-RGS in primary staging is a safe and feasible procedure characterised by acceptable specificity but suboptimal sensitivity, missing micrometastatic nodal disease.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Prostate-specific membrane antigen radioguided robot-assisted surgery is a safe and feasible procedure for the intraoperative identification of nodal metastases in cN0cM0 prostate cancer patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection. However, this approach might still miss micrometastatic nodal dissemination.

Xi Nerve-sparing Robotic Radical Perineal Prostatectomy: European Single-center Technique and Outcomes

Background

Radical prostatectomy (RP) represents the standard of care for the treatment of patients with organ-confined prostatic cancer. Historically, perineal RP has been described as the first surgical approach for the complete removal of the prostatic gland. In the past years, robotic techniques provided some technical advantages that allow resuming alternative approaches, such as robotic radical perineal prostatectomy (r-RPP).

Objective

To present in detail the technique of Xi nerve-sparing r-RPP and to report perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes from a European tertiary center.

Design setting and participants

Patients with low- or intermediate-risk prostatic cancer not suitable for active surveillance and prostate volume up to 60 ml who underwent r-RPP between November 2018 and December 2020 were identified.

Surgical procedure

All patients underwent Xi nerve-sparing r-RPP.

Measurements

Baseline characteristics and intraoperative, pathological, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. The complications were reported according to the standardized methodology to report complications proposed by European Association of Urology guidelines.

Results and limitations

Overall, our series included 26 patients who underwent r-RPP. Patients' median age was 62.5 yr. Thirteen (50%) and eight (30.7%) patients showed a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 and >30, respectively. A history of past surgical procedures was present in seven (26.8%) patients. The median prostate volume was 40 (interquartile range [IQR]: 28-52) ml. The median operative time and blood lost were 246 (IQR: 230-268) min and 275 (IQR: 200-400) ml, respectively. Overall, four (15.4%) patients reported intraoperative complications and five (19.2%) reported postoperative complications, with one (3.8%) reporting major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3). No patient with biochemical recurrence (BCR) was reported at 1 yr of follow-up. Continence rates were 73.0%, 84.6%, and 92.3%, respectively, at 3, 6, and 12 mo after surgery. Erectile potency recovery rates were 57.1%, 66.6%, and 80.9% at 3, 6, and 12 mo of follow-up, respectively.

Conclusions

Xi r-RPP is a challenging but safe minimally invasive approach for selected patients. No patient reported BCR at 12 mo. The choice of the surgical approach for RP is likely to be based on the patient's characteristics as well as the surgeon's preferences.

Patient summary

Our study suggests that Xi radical perineal prostatectomy is a safe minimally invasive approach for patients with low- or intermediate-risk prostatic cancer, and complex abdominal surgical history or comorbidities.

Challenging cases in high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between enlarged prostate, bulky median lobe (BML) or prior benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery and perioperative functional, and oncological outcomes in high-risk (HR) prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP).

METHODS

320 HR-PCa patients treated with RS-RARP between 2011 and 2020 at a single high-volume center. The relationship between prostate volume, BML, prior BPH surgery and perioperative outcomes, Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade ≥ 2 90-day postoperative complications, positive surgical margins (PSMs), and urinary continence (UC) recovery was evaluated respectively in multivariable linear, logistic and Cox regression models. Complications were collected according to the standardized methodology proposed by EAU guidelines. UC recovery was defined as the use of zero or one safety pad.

RESULTS

Overall, 5.9% and 5.6% had respectively a BML or prior BPH surgery. Median PV was 45 g (range: 14-300). The rate of focal and non-focal PSMs was 8.4% and 17.8%. 53% and 10.9% patients had immediate UC recovery and CD ≥ 2. The 1- and 2-yr UC recovery was 84 and 85%. PV (p = 0.03) and prior BPH surgery (p = 0.02) was associated with longer operative time. BML was independent predictor of time to bladder catheter removal (p = 0.001). PV was independent predictor of PSMs (OR: 1.02; p = 0.009). Prior BPH surgery was associated with lower UC recovery (HR: 0.5; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

HR-PCa patients with enlarged prostate have higher risk of PSMs, while patients with prior BPH surgery have suboptimal UC recovery. These findings should help physicians for accurate preoperative counseling and to improve surgical planning in case of HR-PCa patients with challenging features.

Intraoperative complications in kidney tumor surgery: critical grading for the European Association of Urology intraoperative adverse incident classification

INTRODUCTION

The European Association of Urology committee in 2020 suggested a new classification, intraoperative adverse incident classification (EAUiaiC), to grade intraoperative adverse events (IAE) in urology.

AIMS

We applied and validated EAUiaiC, for kidney tumor surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective multicenter study was conducted based on chart review. The study group comprised 749 radical nephrectomies (RN) and 531 partial nephrectomies (PN) performed in 12 hospitals in Finland during 2016-2017. All IAEs were centrally graded for EAUiaiC. The classification was adapted to kidney tumor surgery by the inclusion of global bleeding as a transfusion of ≥3 units of blood (Grade 2) or as ≥5 units (Grade 3), and also by the exclusion of preemptive conversions.

RESULTS

A total of 110 IAEs were recorded in 13.8% of patients undergoing RN, and 40 IAEs in 6.4% of patients with PN. Overall, bleeding injuries in major vessels, unspecified origin and parenchymal organs accounted for 29.3, 24.0, and 16.0% of all IEAs, respectively. Bowel (n = 10) and ureter (n = 3) injuries were rare. There was no intraoperative mortality. IAEs were associated with increased tumor size, tumor extent, age, comorbidity scores, surgical approach and indication, postoperative Clavien-Dindo (CD) complications and longer stay in hospital. 48% of conversions were reactive with more CD-complications after reactive than preemptive conversion (43 vs. 25%).

CONCLUSIONS

The associations between IAEs and preoperative variables and postoperative outcome indicate good construct validity for EAUiaiC. Bleeding is the most important IAE in kidney tumor surgery and the inclusion of transfusions could provide increased objectivity.

Learning Curve Analysis for Intracorporeal Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy: Results from the EAU Robotic Urology Section Scientific Working Group

Background

The utilisation of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal reconstruction (iRARC) has increased in recent years. Little is known about the length of the learning curve (LC) for this procedure.

Objective

To study the length of the LC for iRARC in terms of 90-d major complications (MC90; Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3), 90-d overall complications (OC90, Clavien-Dindo grades 1–5), operating time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Design, setting, and participants

This was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive iRARC cases from nine European high-volume hospitals with ≥100 cases. All patients had bladder cancer for which iRARC was performed, with an ileal conduit or neobladder as the urinary diversion.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Outcome parameters used as a proxy for LC length were the number of consecutive cases needed to reach a plateau level in two-piece mixed-effects models for MC90, OC90, OT, EBL, and LOS.

Results and limitations

A total of 2186 patients undergoing iRARC between 2003 and 2018were included. The plateau levels for MC90 and OC90 were reached after 137 cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 80–193) and 97 cases (95% CI 41–154), respectively. The mean MC90 rate at the plateau was 14% (95% CI 7–21%). The plateau level was reached after 75 cases (95% CI 65–86) for OT, 88 cases (95% CI 70–106) for EBL, and 198 cases (95% CI 130–266) for LOS. A major limitation of the study is the difference in the balance of urinary diversion types between centres.

Conclusions

This multicentre retrospective analysis for the iRARC LC among nine European centres showed that 137 consecutive cases were needed to reach a stable MC90 rate.

Patient summary

We carried out a multicentre analysis of the surgical learning curve for robot-assisted removal of the bladder and bladder reconstruction in patients with bladder cancer. We found that 137 consecutive cases were needed to reach a stable rate of serious complications.

Retzius-sparing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in High-risk Prostate Cancer Patients: Results from a Large Single-institution Series

Background

Retzius-sparing (RS) robot-assisted radical prostatectomy represents a valid surgical treatment option for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. However, the available evidence on the role of RS in high-risk (HR) PCa setting is sparse.

Objective

To describe our RS technique for HR-PCa patients and to evaluate intra-, peri-, and postoperative oncological and functional outcomes.

Design, setting, and participants

A total of 340 D’Amico HR-PCa patients underwent RS at a single high-volume centre between 2011 and 2020.

Surgical procedure

Surgical procedures were performed by five experienced robotic surgeons.

Measurements

Complications were collected according to the standardised methodology proposed by the European Association of Urology guidelines. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated in patients with complete follow-up data (n = 320). Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive prostate-specific antigen values of ≥0.2 ng/ml. Urinary continence (UC) recovery was defined as the use of zero or one safety pad. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were performed.

Results and limitations

Fourteen patients (4%) experienced intraoperative complications and 52 90-d complications occurred in 44 patients (14%), of whom 24 had Clavien-Dindo 3a/b. Final pathology reported 49% International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 4–5, 55% ≥pT3a, and 28.8% positive surgical margins (PSMs; 9.4% focal and 19.4% extended PSMs). The median follow-up was 47 mo. Overall, 35.3% and 1.3% harboured BCR and died from PCa. At 4 yr of follow-up, BCR-free survival and additional treatment-free survival were 63.6% and 56.6%, respectively. ISUP 4–5 at biopsy (odds ratio [OR]: 2.6), prostate volume (OR: 1.03), partial or full nerve sparing (OR: 1.9), and full bladder neck preservation (OR: 2.2) were independent predictors of PSMs. Pathological ISUP 4–5 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.5) and PSMs (HR: 2.3) were independent predictors of BCR. Pathological ISUP 4–5 (HR: 1.5), PSMs (HR: 2.4), pT ≥3b (HR: 1.8), and pN ≥1 (HR: 1.8) were independent predictors of additional treatment. Immediate UC recovery was recorded in 53% patients. The 1- and 2-yr UC recovery and erectile function recovery were, respectively, 84% and 85%, and 43% and 50%.

Conclusions

RS in HR-PCa patients allows optimal intra-, peri-, and postoperative outcomes. The RS approach should be considered a valid surgical treatment option for HR-PCa patients in expert hands.

Patient summary

Relying on the largest cohort of high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with Retzius sparing (RS), we observed that the RS approach is safe and allows optimal cancer control, without significantly compromising functional outcomes.

Incidence and risk factor analysis of complications after sentinel node biopsy for penile cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical staging is recommended in intermediate to high risk clinically node negative (cN0) penile cancer (PeCa). Because (modified) inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) is associated with high morbidity, dynamic sentinel node biopsy (DSNB) was introduced with the aim to reduce morbidity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and types of complications after DSNB and identify risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 644 PeCa patients (1284 DSNB procedures) with at least one cN0 groin who underwent DSNB between 2011 and 2020 at a single high-volume centre. 30-day and 30-90-day postoperative complications were collected according to the modified Clavien Dindo classification and the standardized methodology proposed by the European Association of Urology panel. Univariable and multivariable generalized linear mixed models were used to identify risk factors for the occurrence of complications per groin.

RESULTS

A 30-day postoperative complication occurred in 14% of groins (n=186), of which 94% were mild to moderate. Wound infection and lymphocele formation were most common. 30-90-day postoperative complications occurred in 3.4% of the groins, all of which were mild or moderate (grade 1-2). The number of removed LNs per groin was the main independent predictor for any 30-day complications and grade≥2 complications (OR 1.40; p<0.001). An increase in the probability of postoperative complications with the number of LNs removed was observed after accounting for all confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite being less morbid than (modified) ILND, DSNB is still associated with a considerable risk of mild to moderate postoperative complications. This risk increases with an increasing number of LNs removed. Further procedural refinement aimed at removing the true sentinel node(s) only, may help further reduce the morbidity of surgical staging in PeCa.

Saphenous-sparing Ascending Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection Using a Leg Approach: Surgical Technique and Perioperative and Pathological Outcomes

Background

Open inguinal lymph node dissection (oILND) has high morbidity. Ascending saphenous-sparing video endoscopic ILND (VEILND-AS+) represents a minimally invasive alternative with potential benefits.

Objective

To describe our VEILND-AS+ technique and compare outcomes to oILND.

Design, setting, and participants

This was a retrospective cohort study of penile cancer patients.

Surgical procedure

VEILND-AS+ was performed according to the technique described in the supplementary video.

Measurements

We compared perioperative and pathological outcomes between the two procedures.

Results and limitations

In the study cohort of 206 men we performed 40 VEILND-AS+ and 251 oILND procedures. In comparison to oILND, VEILND-AS+ had a longer operation time (185 vs 120 min; p < 0.01) but a shorter hospital stay (2 vs 4 d; p < 0.01). A median of eight resected lymph nodes with a median of one affected node per groin was observed in both groups. Extranodal extension was found in 30% of cases after VEILND-AS+ and 35% after oILND. In both groups the median drainage time was 13 d. Wound infections were observed in 38% of cases after VEILND-AS+ and 27% after oILND (p = 0.19). Skin necrosis or wound breakdown occurred in 0% and 6% of cases after VEILND-AS+ and oILND (p < 0.01), while lymphoceles were drained in 18% and 7% of cases, respectively(p = 0.03). Following VEILND-AS+ and oILND, 20% and 14% of patients, respectively, were referred to a lymph oedema clinic (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

VEILND-AS+ is a safe procedure and offers shorter hospital stays and possibly a lower risk of skin necrosis and wound breakdown in comparison to oILND. Further improvements in the VEILND-AS+ technique are required to reduce complications associated with dead space and injury to lymphatic vessels.

Patient summary

For patients undergoing surgery on lymph nodes in the groin, a minimally invasive approach instead of open surgery led to discharge 2 days earlier and may have lower rates of severe wound complications.

Prospective versus retrospective recordings of comorbidities and complications in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy - a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing radical cystectomy are predominantly elderly with many comorbidities and high risk of complications. Studies on comorbidity and complications following cancer surgery are often based on data collected retrospectively from records. However, prospective registration is often considered a more valid source of information. Therefore, it is relevant to investigate if the amount and severity of complications and comorbidities is valid when using retrospective registration compared to a more meticulous prospective registration.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the difference in registered comorbidities and complications between prospective and retrospective data collection in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy.

METHOD

Seventy-three bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy were randomized to receive prospective or retrospective collection of data regarding comorbidities and complications. Data in the prospective arm was collected daily during hospitalization, 14-days after discharge and 90-days postoperatively. In the retrospective arm, medical records were reviewed retrospectively at 90-days. Comorbidities were compared using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and complications were reported as overall, minor and major dependent on Clavien Dindo Classification (CDC). The primary endpoint was the difference in overall complication rate.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference in CCI was observed with median [IQR] 2[0;3] and 1[0;2] (p = 0.21). No statistically significant difference was found regarding all, minor (CDC I-II) or major (CDC III-V) complications at all three time points.

CONCLUSION

No statistically significant difference in comorbidity and complications between retrospectively and prospectively collected data was observed. We find that retrospective collected data is reliable when strict reporting guidelines are used in this single-centre study.

Does every Clavien-Dindo complication matter? A national multi-center study in kidney cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

There is huge variation in Clavien-Dindo (CD) complication rates in urology. We sought to optimize the use of the CD system in kidney tumor surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1,286 patients undergoing kidney tumor operations in 12 Finnish hospitals during 2016-2017. Primary CD assignments were made by site urologists. Data were centrally reviewed by two authors in consensus meetings. Consistency of the primary assignments was assessed by the number of cases requiring correction. Complication load was compared as different outcome rates between five university hospital regions.

RESULTS

The overall complication rate in primary data was 40% (517/1286) and varied significantly from 32 to 62% (p < 0.001) between the regions. The need for corrections in central review was significantly greater for CD1 (54%) compared to CD2 (16%, p < 0.001) and CD3-5 (11%, p < 0.001) categories. The final data comprised 500 CD complications after 390 surgeries. The most frequent pathologies were bleeding (8.4%), urological complications (5.9%) and postoperative fever (4.7%). The overall CD2 complications rate was statistically (p < 0.001) higher in region D and that of CD3-5 was higher (p = 0.007) in region B. In multivariable analysis, university hospital region, male sex, BMI ≥ 27, ECOG ≥ 1, partial nephrectomy type and open surgery significantly increased the risk of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparative use of CD1 complications may be too inconsistent and only CD2-5 complications should be reported. Central review of the primary data and detailed guidelines are necessary.

The Unsolved Issue of Reporting of Late Complications in Urology

Lack of uniformity in the reporting of late complications hampers the quality of data available on surgical outcomes. Adoption of standardized criteria and a taxonomy for reporting of late complications is urgently needed.

Impact of the Implementation of the EAU Guidelines Recommendation on Reporting and Grading of Complications in Patients Undergoing Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Systematic Review

In 2012, the European Association of Urology (EAU) Ad Hoc Panel proposed a standardised methodology on reporting and grading complications after urological surgical procedures. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of this implementation on complications reporting for patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). A systematic review of all English-language original articles published on RARC until March 2020 was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The study selection process followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The quality of reporting and grading complication was evaluated according to the EAU recommendations. Our analysis failed to observe a statistically significant improvement in reporting outcomes after the EAU guidelines recommendations except for three of the 14 criteria proposed (ie, follow-up duration, utilisation of a severity grade system, and risk factors included in the analyses). A lower statistically significant adherence to outcome reporting in terms of inclusion of readmissions and causes (p = 0.02), was observed. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study, we evaluated the impact of the proposed European Association of Urology (EAU) standardised reporting tool for urological complications, in patients treated with robot-assisted radical cystectomy. A low adherence to EAU guidelines recommendations for complications reporting was observed.

Reducing the Risk of Postoperative Complications After Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Cancer Patients: Results of an Audit and Feedback Intervention Following the Implementation of Prospective Data Collection

BACKGROUND

Prospective data collection for perioperative outcomes might increase awareness of surgical results obtained for patients with prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). This would prompt the implementation of measures aimed at reducing the risk of adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of an audit and feedback process aimed at identifying the most common complications after RARP and at implementing measures to improve outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Overall, 415 patients treated with RARP by a high-volume surgeon were included. Perioperative outcomes for 187 patients treated between September 2016 and December 2017 were prospectively collected at 30 d according to the European Association of Urology guideline recommendations (group 1). An audit and feedback process was implemented in January 2018 whereby the most common complication (anastomotic leak) was identified and measures aimed at improving outcomes (changes in the anastomotic technique) were implemented. The outcomes for group 1 were then compared to 228 patients treated after implementation of the modified surgical technique (group 2).

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

A novel technique for posterior reconstruction and urethrovesical anastomosis was introduced.

MEASUREMENTS

Perioperative outcomes included blood loss, operative time, length of stay, and 30-d postoperative complications. Logistic regression models tested the effect of the novel surgical technique on anastomotic leaks.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 97 patients (23%) experienced postoperative complications at 30 d. The rate of anastomotic leaks was significantly lower in group 2 compared to group 1 (3.1% vs 9.6%; p < 0.01). Similarly, overall and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 complication rates were lower in group 2 versus group 1 (17% vs 31%, and 6% vs 20%; both p ≤ 0.001). In multivariable analyses, treatment after implementation of changes in the anastomotic technique independently predicted a lower risk of complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-0.89) and of anastomotic leaks (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.17-0.97). The lack of randomization represents the main limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of changes in the urethrovesical anastomosis technique arising from increased awareness of surgical outcomes reduced the risk of anastomotic leaks. These findings highlight the importance of audit and feedback processes using a standardized method for reporting surgical morbidity.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Increased awareness of surgical outcomes prompted us to change our technique for connecting the bladder to the urethra during robot-assisted surgery to remove the prostate in patients with prostate cancer. These changes resulted in significant improvements in surgical outcomes.

Assessing in-hospital morbidity after urethroplasty using the European Association of Urology Quality Criteria for standardized reporting

PURPOSE

To conduct a rigorous assessment of in-hospital morbidity after urethroplasty according with the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for complication reporting.

METHODS

We retrospectively (2015-2019) identified 469 consecutive patients receiving urethroplasty (e.g. bulbar urethroplasty with grafts, penile urethroplasty with/without grafts/flaps, Johanson, de novo or revision perineostomy, end-to-end anastomosis, meatoplasty and/or meatotomy) at our tertiary care institution. Complications were graded with Clavien-Dindo score and Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Complications were classified in: bleeding no gastrointestinal, cardiac, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, infectious, neurological, oral, wound, miscellaneous, and pulmonary. Logistic regression tested for predictors of in-hospital complications and prolonged hospitalization (> 75th percentile). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression investigated the effect of complications on failure after urethroplasty.

RESULTS

Overall, 161 (34.3%) patients experienced at least one complication. Of those, 47 (10%) experienced two or more complications and 59 (12.6%) experienced at least one Clavien-Dindo ≥ II complication. Only two patients had Clavien-Dindo III complications. Infectious was the most frequent complication, and de novo or revision perineostomy was associated with the highest rate of complications. The occurrence of any complications, as well as complication with Clavien-Dindo ≥ II were associated with prolonged hospitalizations, but not with higher rates of post-urethroplasty failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications after urethroplasty were common events, but rarely with severe sequelae. Infectious were the most common complications and perineostomy was the type of urethroplasty with the highest rate of complications. The application of the EAU recommendations allowed the identifications of a higher number of complications after urethroplasty if compared with previous reports based on unsupervised chart review.

Robot-assisted Boari flap and psoas hitch ureteric reimplantation: technique insight and outcomes of a case series with ≥1 year of follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To describe step-by-step surgical techniques and report outcomes of the largest single-centre series of patients with distal ureteric disease exclusively treated with robot-assisted ureteric reimplantation with Boari flap (RABFUR) and psoas hitch (RAPHUR), with a minimum follow-up of 1 year and complete postoperative data.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 37 patients with distal ureteric disease were treated between 2010 and 2018. Of these, 81% and 19% underwent RAPHUR and RABFUR, respectively. Intra-, peri- and postoperative outcomes were assessed. The 90-day postoperative complications were reported according to the standardised methodology proposed by the European Association of Urology Ad Hoc Panel. Functional outcomes (creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) and postoperative symptoms (visual analogue pain scale) were assessed.

RESULTS

The median operating time and blood loss were 180 min and 100 mL, respectively. There were no conversions to open surgery and no intraoperative transfusions. The median length of stay, bladder catheter indwelling time and stent removal were 4, 7 and 30 days, respectively. The median follow-up was 24 months. Overall, 10 patients (27%) had postoperative complications and of these, eight (22%) and two (5.4%) were Clavien-Dindo Grade I-II and III, respectively. At the last follow-up, the median postoperative creatinine level and eGFR were 0.9 mg/dL and 73.5 mL/min/1.73 m² , respectively. At the last follow-up, five (13.5%) and three (8%) patients had Grade 1 hydronephrosis and mild urinary symptoms, respectively. The study limitations include its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we present our RABFUR and RAPHUR techniques. We confirm the feasibility and safety profile of both approaches in patients with distal ureteric disease relying on the largest single-centre series with ≥1 year of follow-up.

Impact of Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection and Its Extent on Perioperative Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) yields the most accurate staging in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa), although it can be associated with morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate the impact of PLND extent on perioperative morbidity in patients undergoing RP. A new PLND-related complication assessment tool is proposed.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) was conducted. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched to yield studies discussing perioperative complications following RP and PLND. The extent of PLND was classified according to the European Association of Urology PCa guidelines. Studies were categorized according to the extent of PLND. Intra- and postoperative complications were classified as "strongly," "likely," or "unlikely" related to PLND. Anatomical site of perioperative complications was recorded. A cumulative meta-analysis of comparative studies was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK).

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Our search generated 3645 papers, with 176 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Details of 77 303 patients were analyzed. Of these studies, 84 (47.7%), combining data on 28 428 patients, described intraoperative complications as an outcome of interest. Overall, 534 (1.8%) patients reported one or more intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications were reported in 151 (85.7%) studies, combining data on 73 629 patients. Overall, 10 401 (14.1%) patients reported one or more postoperative complication. The most reported postoperative complication strongly related to PLND was lymphocele (90.6%). The pooled meta-analysis revealed that RP + limited PLND/standard PLND had a significantly decreased risk of experiencing any intraoperative complication (risk ratio [RR]: 0.55; p =  0.01) and postoperative complication strongly related to PLND (RR: 0.46; p =  <0.00001), particularly for lymphocele formation (RR: 0.52; p =  0.0003) and thromboembolic events (RR: 0.59; p =  0.008), when compared with extended/superextended PLND. The extent of PLND was confirmed to be an independent predictor of lymphocele formation (RR: 1.77; p <  0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

The perioperative morbidity of PLND in patients undergoing RP and PLND for PCa significantly correlates with the extent of PLND. More standardized reporting of intra- and postoperative complications is needed to better estimate the direct impact of PLND extent on perioperative morbidity.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the most accurate method for staging in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, although it can be associated with complications. This study aims to systematically evaluate the impact of PLND extent on perioperative complications in these patients. We found that intra- and postoperative complications correlate significantly with the extent of PLND. A more rigorous assessment and thorough reporting of perioperative complications are recommended.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion decreases postoperative complications only in highly comorbid patients: findings that rely on a standardized methodology recommended by the European Association of Urology Guidelines

INTRODUCTION

The available studies comparing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal (ICUD) vs. extracorporeal (ECUD) urinary diversion have not relied on a standardized methodology to report complications and did not assess the effect of different approaches on postoperative outcomes.

MATERIALS

Two hundred and sixty seven patients treated with RARC at a single center were assessed. A retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected according to a standardized methodology was performed. Multivariable logistic regression models (MVA) assessed the impact of ICUD vs. ECUD on intraoperative complications, prolonged length of stay (LOS), 30-day Clavien Dindo (CD) ≥ 2 complications and readmission rate. Interaction terms tested the impact of the approach on different patient subgroups. Lowess graphically depicted the probability of CD ≥ 2 after ICUD or ECUD according to patient baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Overall, 162 ICUD vs 105 ECUD (61 vs. 39%) were performed. Intraoperative complications were recorded in 24 patients. The median LOS and readmission rate were 11 vs. 13 (p = 0.02) and 24 vs. 22% (p = 0.7) in ICUD vs. ECUD, respectively. Overall, 227 postoperative complications were recorded. The overall rate of CD ≥ 2 was 35 and 43% in patients with ICUD vs. ECUD, respectively (p = 0.2). At MVA, the approach type was not an independent predictor of any postoperative outcomes (all p ≥ 0.4). Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) was associated with an increased risk of CD ≥ 2 (OR: 1.2, p = 0.006). We identified a significant interaction term between ACCI and approach type (p = 0.04), where patients with ICUD had lower risk of CD ≥ 2 relative to those with ECUD with increasing ACCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Relying on a standardized methodology to report complications, we observed that highly comorbid patients who undergo ICUD have lower risk of postoperative complications relative to those patients who received ECUD.

Complications of robotic surgery in urological diseases: are we using standardized methodology to report complications?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current data on complications reporting related to robot-assisted procedures (RAPs) in the urology literature are not comparable and do not use a validated classification. In this review, findings from various studies reporting positive and negative outcomes will be outlined.

RECENT FINDINGS

Robotic procedures have outcomes similar to open and laparoscopic techniques but generally cause fewer adverse events. However, the lack of standards for presenting surgical morbidity related to RAP leads to underreporting of surgical complications, makes comparisons of surgical outcomes difficult and prevents adequate knowledge about the outcomes of procedures.

SUMMARY

Although a reasonable number of positive outcomes of RAP have been reported in the literature, the extent of underreporting with this process is unknown. Further research and the development of a validated classification for reporting surgical complications will facilitate a better understanding of the actual outcomes.

Predictive Factors of the Risk of Long-Term Hospital Readmission after Primary Prostate Surgery at a Single Tertiary Referral Center: Preliminary Report

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the predictors of the risk of long-term hospital readmission after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a single tertiary referral center where both open RP (ORP) and robot assisted RP (RARP) are performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The risk of readmission was evaluated by clinical, pathological, and perioperative factors. Skilled and experienced surgeons performed the 2 surgical approaches. Patients were followed for complications and hospital readmission for a period of 6 months. The association of factors with the risk of readmission was assessed by Cox's multivariate proportional hazards.

RESULTS

From December 2013 to 2017, 885 patients underwent RP. RARP was performed in 733 cases and ORP in 152 subjects. Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) was performed in 479 patients. Hospital readmission was detected in 46 cases (5.2%). Using a multivariate model, independent factors associated with the risk of hospital readmission were seminal vesicle invasion (hazard ratio [HR] 2.065; 95% CI 1.116-3.283; p = 0.021), ORP (HR 3.506; 95% CI 1.919-6.405; p < 0.0001), and ePLND (HR 5.172; 95% CI 1.778-15.053; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large single tertiary referral center, independent predictors of the risk of long-term hospital readmission after RP included ORP, ePLND, and seminal vesicle invasion. When surgery is chosen as a primary treatment of PCA, patients should be informed of the risk of long-term hospital readmission and its related risk factors.

The impact of extended pelvic lymph node dissection on the risk of hospital readmission within 180 days after robot assisted radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the factors associated with the risk of hospital readmission after robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with or without extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) for prostate cancer (PCA) over a long term.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The risk of readmission was evaluated by clinical, pathological, and perioperative factors. Skilled and experienced surgeons performed the procedures. Patients were followed for complications and hospital readmission for a period of six months. The logistic regression model and Cox's proportional hazards assessed the association of factors with the risk of readmission.

RESULTS

From January 2013 to December 2018, 890 patients underwent RARP; ePLND was performed in 495 of these patients. Hospital readmission was detected in 25 cases (2.8%); moreover, it was more frequent when RARP was performed with ePLND (4.4% of cases) than without (0.8% of patients). On the final multivariate model, ePLND was the only independent factor that was positively associated with the risk of hospital readmission (hazard ratio, HR = 5935; 95%CI 1777-19,831; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the long term after RARP for PCA, the risk of hospital readmission is associated with ePLND. In patients who underwent RARP and ePLND, 4.4% of them had a readmission, compared to RARP alone, in which only 0.8% of cases had a readmission. When ePLND is planned for staging pelvic lymph nodes, patients should be informed of the increased risk of hospital readmission.

Open approach, extended pelvic lymph node dissection, and seminal vesicle invasion are independent predictors of hospital readmission after prostate cancer surgery: a large retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate factors (clinical, pathological and perioperative) associated with the risk of hospital readmission after radical prostatectomy (RP) over the long term in a single tertiary referral center where both open RP (ORP) and robot assisted RP (RARP) are performed.

METHODS

From January 2013 to December 2018 patients older than 18 years, who provided signed consent and underwent open or robot assisted radical prostatectomy were enrolled and retrospectively evaluated. Patients who underwent any previous prostate cancer (PCA) treatments were excluded. Specifically, skilled and experienced surgeons performed the two surgical approaches. Patients were followed for complications and hospital readmission (RAD) for a period of six months. The association of factors with the risk of readmission was assessed by Cox's multivariate proportional hazards.

RESULTS

A total of 1062 patients underwent RP. RARP was performed in 891 cases and ORP in 171 subjects. Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) was performed in 651 patients. Hospital readmission occurred in 53 cases (5%). Based on the final multivariate model, independent factors associated with the risk of hospital readmission were seminal vesicle invasion (HR=2.093; 95% CI: 1.177-3.722), ORP (HR=4.393; 95% CI: 2.516-7.672) and ePLND (HR=4.418; 95% CI: 1.544-12.639).

CONCLUSIONS

ORP, ePLND and seminal vesicle invasion are independent predictors of the risk of hospital readmission over the long term at a large single tertiary referral center. When surgery is chosen as a primary treatment of PCA, patients should be informed of the risk of hospital readmission and related risk factors. Assessing seminal vesicle invasion by preoperative clinical staging identifies locally advanced disease, which is associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission.

On Being Sick and Tired

It is crucial that urologists keep abreast of the latest advances in medical research. This should include an awareness of the role of imaging techniques, collaboration in multidisciplinary teams, adherence to current guidelines, and ongoing documentation of postoperative complications and outcomes. Taken together, these key elements should facilitate optimisation of patient management in routine clinical practice.

Comparison of Open Versus Robotically Assisted Cytoreductive Radical Prostatectomy for Metastatic Prostate Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy (CRP) may offer a survival advantage, according to several retrospective analyses. However, no direct comparisons are available regarding the type of surgical approach (open vs. robotic) in the metastatic setting. To address intraoperative and postoperative complications of robotically assisted CRP relative to open CRP in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Within the National Inpatient Sample database (2008-2013), we identified patients with metastatic prostate cancer who underwent robotically assisted versus open CRP. Multivariable logistic regression, multivariable Poisson regression models, and linear regression models were used.

RESULTS

Of 874 patients who underwent CRP, 412 (47.1%) versus 462 (52.9%) underwent open versus robotically assisted CRP, respectively. Between 2008 and 2013, robotically assisted CRP rates increased from 7.6% to 50.0% (P = .5). In multivariable logistic regression models, robotically assisted CRP resulted in lower rates of overall (odds ratio [OR], 0.42; P < .001), miscellaneous medical (OR, 0.47; P = .02), and miscellaneous surgical complications (OR, 0.40; P = .04), as well as in lower rates of blood transfusions (OR, 0.19; P < .001). In multivariable Poisson regression models, robotically assisted CRP was associated with shorter stay (OR, 0.72; P < .001) and higher total hospital charges ($2483 more for each robotic surgery; P < .001). Similar results were recorded after adjustment for clustering.

CONCLUSION

The intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with robotically assisted CRP are lower than those of open CRP. Similarly, robotically assisted CRP is associated with shorter stay. Conversely, an increase in total hospital charges is associated with robotically assisted CRP. Nonetheless, the complication profile of robotically assisted CRP validates its safety and feasibility.

On Having Grey Hair

Urologists should be aware of the importance of staying updated with the latest advances in medical research, chasing complications after surgery, being aware of postoperative results, building up a multidisciplinary team, and designing randomised trials for relevant research questions. Taken together, these key elements would allow for optimisation of patients' outcomes in everyday clinical practice.