[Recommendations CCAFU on the management of cancers of the urogenital system during an epidemic with Coronavirus COVID-19]

Complications leading to hospitalisation 12 months after brachytherapy or high-intensity focused ultrasound for localized prostate cancer: French national from the PMSI-MCO data, 2019 and 2020

Background and purpose

Prostate cancer can be treated using either brachytherapy or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), which are less invasive than surgery. Although both approaches have proved effective, few studies have looked at the specific causes of hospitalisation due to complications, following these treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the causes of hospitalisation.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out examining the records of patients who had undergone brachytherapy or HIFU treatment for localized prostate cancer in 2019 and 2020, using the French national database: Programme de Médicalisation du Système d'Information - Médecine, Chirurgie, Obstétrique (PMSI-MSO). Data on post-treatment hospitalisations were analyzed.

Results

3090 patients were included in the study, of whom 1699 underwent brachytherapy and 1391 HIFU procedures. The incidence of hospitalisation was much higher after HIFU than after brachytherapy, notably due to a higher rate of obstructive complications (12.94% vs 2.77%). Large differences were also found for infections (8.20% vs 1.47%) and bleeding (6.76% vs 2.18%) leading to hospitalisation. Most of the complications occurred at the initial hospitalization: 12% for HIFU, and 1.4% for brachytherapy.

Conclusion

Complications were more frequent after treatment with HIFU than with brachytherapy in the year following treatment for localized prostate cancer. Further the causes of hospitalisation differed between the two treatments. These differences need to be taken into account in the therapeutic strategy, as well as in post-treatment management.

[Impact of delay before partial nephrectomy of a localized kidney tumor]

INTRODUCTION

Partial nephrectomy is the treatment of choice for small localized renal tumors. In case of doubt, a biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a delayed time to partial nephrectomy on cancer development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our single center study enrolled localized renal tumor patients who underwent a partial nephrectomy between 2015 and 2020; the collected data were included in the uroCCR prospective database. The histopathological stage of the tumors and the recurrence rate in patients treated with surgery >90 days after diagnosis were investigated. The impact a preoperative biopsy on was also explored. Statistical significance was tested using Student's t-test and Chi-squared test (SPSS software).

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 179 patients, among which 41 (23 %) received a preoperative biopsy. 89 patients (50 %) were treated surgically >3 months after diagnosis. The median time to nephrectomy was 86 days (13-1 037). A delayed time to surgery did not lead to significantly higher recurrence rates (P=0.66). Preoperative biopsy led to a doubling time to surgery (P<0.001) but was neither correlated to a more severe tumor stage (P=0.944) nor to a higher recurrence rate (P=0.08). Tumor growth was not significantly different with or without the presence of a biopsy (P=0.122).

CONCLUSION

Our data evidence that a substantial delayed time to partial nephrectomy does not result in a negative impact on cancer prognosis in localized renal tumor patients.

Consequences of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on urological surgery in France: a nationwide analysis of the healthcare system database

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak overwhelmed the healthcare systems worldwide. Saturation of hospitals and the risk of contagion led to a reduction in the care of other diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on urological surgery in France during the year 2020.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

An observational descriptive study was conducted on anonymised data collected from the national healthcare database established each year as part of the Program for the Medicalization of Information Systems in Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Odontology.

INTERVENTION

None.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

We gathered the number of urology surgical procedures carried out between 2010 and 2019, and we observed the difference between the forecast and actual number of urological surgeries performed in 2020.

RESULTS

Urological surgeries decreased by 11.4%, non-oncological surgeries being more affected (-13.1%) than oncological ones (-4.1%). Among the most relevant surgeries, female urinary incontinence (-44.7%) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (-20.8%) were the most impacted ones, followed by kidney cancer (-9%), urolithiasis (-8.7%), radical cystectomy for bladder cancer (-6.1%), prostate cancer (-3.6%) and transurethral resection of bladder tumour (-2%). Public hospitals had a more reduced activity (-17.7%) than private ones (-9.1%). Finally, the distribution of the reduction in urological activities by region did not correspond to the regional burden of SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Urological care was severely affected during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Even if oncological surgeries were prioritised, the longer it takes to receive appropriate care, the greater the risk on survival impact.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The data collection and analysis was authorised by the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL) under the number1 861 282v2.

Impact of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lyon University Hospital Cancer Institute (IC-HCL)

This article presents the protective measures put in place at the "Institut de Cancérologie des Hospices de Lyon" (IC-HCL) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in France (spring 2020) and how they impacted IC-HCL clinical activity. Spring 2020 activities were compared to winter 2019-2020. Results showed a decrease of activity of 9% for treatment dispensations, 17% for multidisciplinary team meetings, 20% for head and neck and thoracic surgeries, and 58% for new patient enrolment in clinical trials. Characteristics of patients treated for solid cancer and hospitalized for COVID-19 during spring 2020 were collected in a retrospective study. Mortality was attributed to COVID-19 for half of the cases, 82% being patients above 70 and 73% being stage IV. This is in concordance with current findings concluding that the risk of developing severe or critical symptoms of COVID-19 is correlated with factors co-occurring in cancer patients and not to the cancer condition per se. While a number of routines and treatment regimens were changed, there was no major decline in numbers of treatments conducted at the IC-HCL during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that hit France between March and May 2020, except for clinical trials and some surgery activities.

Cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic: Choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea

COVID-19 was declared a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" in March 2020. Since then, drastic measures were implemented to reduce the virus spread. These measures prevented cancer patients from receiving prompt medical care. A delay in testing and treating cancer patients is thought to protect them from serious COVID-19 complications but exposes them at the same time to the risk of disease progression and cancer related mortality. Healthcare providers are therefore facing the dilemma of choosing between two unpleasant scenarios. To shed light upon the matter, we present in this review article, based on an extensive search of the literature, an overview of the delay in the management of cancer patients, possible contributors to this delay and its benefits and risks on cancer patients' health.

COVID-19 transmission in surgical smoke during laparoscopy and open surgery: a systematic review

AIM

To evaluate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in surgical smoke and aerosols during laparoscopy and open surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021268366) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Articles were selected based on the title and abstract as well as the type of publication. Primary objectives of the study were to assess potential risk of contamination as well as comparing laparoscopic and open procedures in terms of danger of SARS-COV-2 transmission.

RESULTS

Fifty-three articles were identified and included in the review. No case of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to operating room personnel during open or minimally invasive surgery was identified at the time the review was conducted. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between smoke and aerosols generated from open surgery and those generated from minimally invasive surgery.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 transmission in surgical smoke and aerosols has yet to be observed. However, given the potential risk of viral transmission, caution should be exercised when performing surgery to ensure the safety of the operating room personnel. When clinically indicated and when protective measures can be implemented, minimally invasive surgery should be performed instead of open surgery to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on functional urology procedures in France: a prospective study

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on functional urology procedures in France.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted within 11 secondary and tertiary referral centers in France. Patients aged > 18 years who were diagnosed with a functional urology disease before the national lockdown (March 17th, 2020) and who required a surgery were included. Study period went from March 17th to September 30th 2020. The included interventions were listed according to the guidelines for functional urology enacted by the French Association of Urology and delay of reoperation was compared to the guidelines’ delay. The primary outcome was the number of procedures left unscheduled at the end of the study period. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

From March 17th 2020 to September 3 rd 2020, 1246 patients with a previous diagnosis of a functional urological disease requiring a surgery were included. The mean follow-up was 140.4 days (± 53.4). Overall, 316 interventions (25.4%) were maintained whereas 74 (5.9%) were canceled, 848 (68.1%) postponed and 8 patients (0.6%) died. At the end of the follow-up, 184 patients (21.7%) were still not rescheduled. If the intervention was postponed, the mean delay between the initial and final date was 85.7 days (± 64.4).

Conclusion

Overall, more than two thirds of interventions had to be postponed and the mean delay between the initial and final date was about three months.

Positive environmental impact of remote teleconsultation in urology during the COVID-19 pandemic in a highly populated area

Introduction

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a serious environmental issue. The healthcare sector is an important emitter of GHGs. Our aim was to assess the environmental cost of teleconsultations in urology compared to face-to-face consultations.

Materials and methods

Prospective study of all patients who had a remote teleconsultation over a 2-week period during COVID-19 pandemic. Main outcome was the reduction in CO₂e emissions related to teleconsultation compared to face-to-face consultation and was calculated as: total teleconsultation CO₂e emissions–total face-to-face consultation CO₂e emissions. Secondary outcome measures were the reduction in travel distance and travel time related to teleconsultation.

Results

Eighty patients were included. Face-to-face consultations would have resulted in 6699 km (4162 miles) of travel (83.7 km (52 miles) per patient). Cars were the usual means of transport. CO₂e avoided due to lack of travel was calculated at 1.1 tonnes. Teleconsultation was responsible for 1.1 kg CO₂e while face-to-face consultation emitted 0.5 kg of CO₂e. Overall, the total reduction in GHGs with teleconsultation was 1141 kg CO₂e, representing a 99% decrease in emissions. Total savings on transport were 974 € and savings on travel time were 112 h (1.4 h/patient).

Conclusions

Teleconsultation reduces the environmental impact of face-to-face consultations. The use of teleconsultation in our urology departments resulted in the avoidance of more than 6000 km of travel, equivalent to a reduction of 1.1 tonnes of CO₂e. Teleconsultation should be considered for specific indications as the healthcare system attempts to become greener.

Level of evidence

3.

Is there any association of COVID-19 with testicular pain and epididymo-orchitis?

AIMS

This study aims to analyse the novel Coronavirus disease- (COVID-19) related testicular pain in hospitalised patients because of COVID-19 and to review as an aetiological factor for epididymitis, orchitis or both.

METHODS

A total of 91 patients were included in the study. A questionnaire was formed for the questioning of testicular pain or epididymo-orchitis in patients with COVID-19. Demographics and past medical history was also recorded. Patients' neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and D-dimer values were recorded. Patients with COVID-19 were divided into two groups according to absence or presence of testicular pain or epididymo-orchitis as group 1 and group 2. All results were compared for both groups.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was similar in both groups. Testicular pain was occurred in 10.98% of the patients. Clinical presentation of epididymo-orchitis was diagnosed in only one patient. No statistically significant difference was reported in terms of patients' age, levels of CRP and D-Dimer or NLR and results of questionnaire form queries between the two groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Testicular pain was observed more frequently in hospitalised COVID-19 cases. While no inflammation marker which is related to predict of testicular pain or epididymo-orchitis was found in patients with COVID-19.

How uro-oncology has been affected by COVID-19 emergency? Data from Piedmont/Valle d'Aosta Oncological Network, Italy

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically hit all Europe and Northern Italy in particular. The reallocation of medical resources has caused a sharp reduction in the activity of many medical disciplines, including urology. The restricted availability of resources is expected to cause a delay in the treatment of urological cancers and to negatively influence the clinical history of many cancer patients. In this study, we describe COVID-19 impact on uro-oncological management in Piedmont/Valle d'Aosta, estimating its future impact.

METHODS

We performed an online survey in 12 urological centers, belonging to the Oncological Network of Piedmont/Valle d'Aosta, to estimate the impact of COVID-19 emergency on their practice. On this basis, we then estimated the medical working capacity needed to absorb all postponed uro-oncological procedures.

RESULTS

Most centers (77%) declared to be "much"/"very much" affected by COVID-19 emergency. If uro-oncological consultations for newly diagnosed cancers were often maintained, follow-up consultations were more than halved or even suspended in around two out of three centers. In-office and day-hospital procedures were generally only mildly reduced, whereas major uro-oncological procedures were more than halved or even suspended in 60% of centers. To clear waiting list backlog, the urological working capacity should dramatically increase in the next months; delays greater than 1 month are expected for more than 50% of uro-oncological procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 emergency has dramatically slowed down uro-oncological activity in Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta. Ideally, uro-oncological patients should be referred to COVID-19-free tertiary urological centers to ensure a timely management.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncological and functional robotic-assisted surgical procedures

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in surgical activity to avoid nosocomial contamination. Robotic-assisted surgery safety is uncertain, since viral dissemination could be facilitated by gas environment. We assessed the impact and safety of the COVID-19 pandemic on robotic-assisted surgery. Data were collected prospectively during lockdown (March 16th–April 30th 2020) in 10 academic centres with robotic surgical activity and was compared to a reference period of similar length. After surgery, patients with suspected COVID-19 were tested by RT-PCR. During the COVID-19 lockdown we evidenced a 60% decrease in activity and a 49% decrease in oncological procedures. However, the overall proportion of oncological surgeries was significantly higher during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Thirteen (7.2%) patients had suspected COVID-19 contamination, but only three (1.6%) were confirmed by RT-PCR. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant decrease in robotic-assisted surgery. Robotic approach was safe with a low rate of postoperative COVID-19 contamination.

The Management and Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in a Series of Neurosurgical Patients

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted neurosurgical practice worldwide. In Iran, hospitals have halted their routine activities, and most hospital beds have been assigned to COVID-19 patients. Here, we share our experience with 10 neurosurgical cases with confirmed COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 24, 2020 to April 20, 2020, we were able to obtain clinical data on ten neurosurgical patients with COVID-19 through a predefined electronic form.

RESULTS

Of the 10 patients with COVID-19 on neurosurgical units, eight underwent surgical interventions. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 75 years and 70% were males. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on chest imaging findings and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for coronavirus and an infectious disease specialist and a pulmonologist confirmed the diagnoses. In two cases, there was a significant decrease in O2 saturation intraoperatively. Three patients in this series died during the assessment period. One death was due to respiratory failure induced by the coronavirus infection. The cause of death in other two patients was cardiovascular failure not related to COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

We hope we can provide a reference for future studies and help develop a clearer understanding of neurosurgical practice and outcomes in patients with COVID-19. In the time of COVID-19 pandemic when dealing with neurosurgical emergencies, a conservative approach is recommended. Using committed personal protective equipment, short-time operating procedures or minimally invasive surgery must be considered in the management of emergent patients. Resuming elective surgeries need defining measures needed to ensure patients and health-care providers' safety. Reorganizing the health-care system for telemonitoring released patients can lessen hospital visits.

Challenges in Urology during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global health threat. This disease has brought about huge changes in the priorities of medical and surgical procedures. This short review article summarizes several test methods for COVID-19 that are currently being used or under development. This paper also introduces the corresponding changes in the diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. We further discuss the potential impacts of the pandemic on urology, including the outpatient setting, clinical work, teaching, and research.

Postoperative assessment of nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 after robotic surgical procedures during the pandemic

OBJECTIVES

To assess potential nosocomial coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) transmission in patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic procedures during the pandemic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective study in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopy in urology or gynaecology within 2 academic hospitals. Patients underwent local preoperative COVID-19 screening using a symptoms questionnaire. Patients with suspicious screening underwent coronavirus real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and were excluded from robotic surgery if positive. Patients with symptoms postsurgery were systematically tested for coronavirus by RT-PCR. One-month postsurgery, all patients had a telephone consultation to evaluate COVID-19 symptoms.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients underwent robotic surgery during the study period (median age: 63-years [IQR: 53-70], 1.8 male: female ratio). Oncology was the main indication for robotic surgery (n = 62, 91.2%) and 26 patients (38.2%) received a chest CT-scan prior to surgery. Eleven patients (16.2%) were symptomatic after surgery of whom only 1 tested positive for coronavirus by RT-PCR (1.5%) and was transferred to COVID-19 unit with no life-threatening condition. No attending surgeon was diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery seemed safe in the era of COVID-19 as long as all recommended precautions are followed. The rate of nosocomial COVID-19 transmission was extremely low despite the fact that we only used RT-PCR testing in symptomatic patients during the preoperative work-up. Larger cohort is needed to validate these results.

Cancer, immune suppression and Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19): Need to manage drug safety (French Society for Oncology Pharmacy [SFPO] guidelines)

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is disrupting our health environment. As expected, studies highlighted the great susceptibility of cancer patients to COVID-19 and more severe complications, leading oncologists to deeply rethink patient cancer care. This review is dedicated to the optimization of care pathways and therapeutics in cancer patients during the pandemic and aims to discuss successive issues. First we focused on the international guidelines proposing adjustments and alternative options to cancer care in order to limit hospital admission and cytopenic treatment in cancer patients, most of whom are immunocompromised. In addition cancer patients are prone to polypharmacy, enhancing the risk of drug-related problems as adverse events and drug-drug interactions. Due to increased risk in case of COVID-19, we reported a comprehensive review of all the drug-related problems between COVID-19 and antineoplastics. Moreover, in the absence of approved drug against COVID-19, infected patients may be included in clinical trials evaluating new drugs with a lack of knowledge, particularly in cancer patients. Focusing on the several experimental drugs currently being evaluated, we set up an original data board helping oncologists and pharmacists to identify promptly drug-related problems between antineoplastics and experimental drugs. Finally additional and concrete recommendations are provided, supporting oncologists and pharmacists in their efforts to manage cancer patients and to optimize their treatments in this new era related to COVID-19.

Consideration in the management of renal cell carcinoma during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction:

Recently the COVID-19 pandemic became the main global priority; main efforts and health infrastructures have been prioritized in favor of COVID-19 battle and the treatment of benign diseases has been postponed. Renal cell cancer (RCC) patients configure a heterogenous populations: some of them present indolent cases which can safely have postponed their treatments, others present aggressive tumors, deserving immediate care. These scenarios must be properly identified before a tailored therapeutic choice.

Objectives

We propose a risk- based approach for patients with RCC, to be used during this unprecedented viral infection time.

Materials and Methods:

After a literature review focused in COVID-19 and current RCC treatments, we suggest therapeutic strategies of RCC in two sections: surgical approach and systemic therapy, in all stages of this malignance.

Results:

Patients with cT1a tumors (and complex cysts, Bosniak III/IV), must be put under active surveillance and delayed intervention. cT1b-T2a/b cases must be managed by partial or radical nephrectomy, some selected T1b-T2a (≤7cm) cases can have the surgery postponed by 60-90 days). Locally advanced tumors (≥cT3 and or N+) must be promptly resected. As possible, minimally invasive surgery and early hospital discharge are encouraged. Upfront cytoreduction, is not recommendable for low risk oligometastatic patients, which must start systemic treatment or even could be put under surveillance and delayed therapy. Intermediate and poor risk metastatic patients must start target therapy and/or immunotherapy (few good responders intermediate cases can have postponed cytoreduction). The recommendation about hereditary RCC syndromes are lacking, thus we recommend its usual care. Local or loco regional recurrence must have individualized approaches. For all cases, we suggest the application of a specific informed consent and a shared therapeutic choice.

Conclusion:

In the pandemic COVID -19 times, a tailored risk-based approach must be used for a safe management of RCC, aiming to not compromise the oncological outcomes of the patients.

Therapeutic and Surgical Indications for Patients with Penile Cancer in the COVID-19 era

PURPOSE

The aim of this work is to review and synthesize the existing evidence and recommendations regarding to the therapeutic and surgical indications as well as monitoring of patients with Penile Cancer in COVID-19 era and to propose an action protocol to facilitate decision-making.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A non-systematic review of the literature regarding the management of penile cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic was performed until April 30, 2020. We propose our recommendations based on this evidence.

RESULTS

Penile cancer is an uncommon but aggressive disease. Prognosis is determined by several characteristics, being the most important the presence of lymph nodes, in which case, treatment should not be delayed. For these reasons, an initial evaluation is mandatory. Priority classifications, based on the oncological outcomes when treatment is delayed, have been made in order to separate deferrable disease from the one that needs high priority treatment. In penile cancer with low risk of progression, surgical treatment can be delayed, but other options must be considered, like topical treatment or laser therapy. In cases with intermediate risk of progression, surgical treatment may be delayed up to three months, but we must consider radiation therapy and brachytherapy as effective options. When feasible, follow-up should by telemonitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

In the COVID-19 era, initial evaluation of the patient is mandatory. Histological diagnosis with local staging is necessary before offering any therapeutic option. In case of superficial non-invasive disease, topical treatment is effective in absence of lymph node involvement. In selected patients, radiotherapy is an organ-preserving approach with good results. Non-deferrable surgical treatment must be performed by an experienced surgeon and as an outpatient procedure when possible. When indicated, iLND should not be delayed since it is decisive for patient survival. Follow-up should be by telemonitoring.

Summary and considerations in genitourinary cancer patient care during the COVID-19 Pandemic

PURPOSE

To provide a summary and recommendations for the set-up of strategies for cancer patients care in genitourinary oncology clinics during the pandemic and in the recovery period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A non-systematic review of available literature on the management of urological malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic was performed to summarize recommendations to improve the diagnosis and treatment of urological cancers during and after the contingence, including clinical and research aspects.

RESULTS

Urological cancer diagnosis and management should be tailored according to the severity of the COVID-19 crisis in each region and the aggressiveness of each tumor. Clinicians should adhere to strict protocols in order to prioritize the attention of patients with high-risk malignancies while optimizing resources to avoid the saturation of critical care services.

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic urological cancer care has been severely impaired. For proper patient management, multidisciplinary approach is encouraged tailoring therapy according to COVID-19 regional behavior and local institutional resources. Patients with high-risk malignancies should be prioritized.

COVID-19 and its impact on genitourinary malignancies

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has emerged as an alarming disease since December 2019, claiming the lives of thousands across the world to date. This pandemic has burdened healthcare systems all over the world due to its heavy death toll. Researchers are actively working on effective treatment strategies, the scope of vaccination and the production of more medical equipment to tackle this crisis. However, it is important to note that the management of patients with malignancy also needs to be prioritized during such times. Some urological malignancies need early diagnosis and treatment while the diagnosis and treatment of several others can be safely delayed. Hence, we searched MEDLINE for evidence on the optimal management of urological cancers during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Studies published from December 2019 to April 2020 were included in the review. Guidelines formulated by international and national urological societies were also included. This review aims to summarize the present evidence on effective triage and safe management of urological cancers amid COVID-19 pandemic to ensure efficient usage of healthcare resources during these unprecedented times.

Management of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comprehensive review

The novel 2019 corona virus disease also called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has caused a global pandemic and more than 2.5 million people have been affected globally with over 100000 deaths. The disease has caused an escalation in hospitalization with growing need for hospital beds and intensive care unit for severe cases. Recent evidence has shown that a significant proportion of cancer patients affected by the corona virus present with severe respiratory pneumonia-like illness with need for subsequent intensive care unit ventilation and higher mortality risk. This susceptibility may be due to the immunosuppressive state of patients with malignancy confounded by chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Many solid tumors (lung cancer, pancreatic cancer) as well as hematological malignancies (leukemias) may require prompt diagnosis and treatment based on the disease aggression and progression. Many centers lack clear guideline on the management of cancer during the pandemic. The objective of this review is to synthesize the available literature and provide recommendations on the management of various soft tissue and hematological malignancies. The review will also assess the management guidelines for hospitalized cancer patients; cancer patients in the outpatient setting as well as available modalities for follow-up.

A review of the international early recommendations for departments organization and cancer management priorities during the global COVID-19 pandemic: applicability in low- and middle-income countries

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that has never been identified in humans before. COVID-19 caused at the time of writing of this article, 2.5 million cases of infections in 193 countries with 165,000 deaths, including two-third in Europe. In this context, Oncology Departments of the affected countries had to adapt quickly their health system care and establish new organizations and priorities. Thus, numerous recommendations and therapeutic options have been reported to optimize therapy delivery to patients with chronic disease and cancer.

Obviously, while these cancer care recommendations are immediately applicable in Europe, they may not be applicable in certain emerging and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this review, we aimed to summarize these international guidelines in accordance with cancer types, making a synthesis for daily practice to protect patients, staff and tailor anti-cancer therapy delivery taking into account patients/tumour criteria and tools availability. Thus, we will discuss their applicability in the LMICs with different organizations, limited means and different constraints.

Cancer patients and research during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of current evidence

The novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-Cov-2 or COVID-19 has become a worldwide threat and the major healthcare concern of the year 2020. Cancer research was directly affected by the emerging of this disease. According to some Chinese studies, cancer patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. This observation led many oncologists to change their daily practice in cancer care, without solid evidence and recommendations. Moreover, the COVID-19 manifestations as well as its diagnosis are particular in this special population. In this review paper we expose the challenges of cancer management in the era of SARS-CoV-2, the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and radiological characteristics of the disease in cancer patients and its outcomes on this population. Finally, we focus on strategies that are followed in cancer management with review of national and international guidelines.

[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical activity within academic urological departments in Paris]

Introduction

En conséquence de la pandémie de COVID-19 en France, toute activité chirurgicale non urgente a dû être annulée à partir du 12 mars 2020. Afin d’anticiper la reprise des interventions décalées, une quantification de la réduction d’activité est nécessaire. L’objectif de l’étude était d’évaluer comparativement à 2019 la réduction d’activité chirurgicale urologique adulte pendant la pandémie de COVID-19.

Matériel et méthodes

Nous avons comparé le nombre d’interventions urologiques pratiquées dans les 8 services universitaires d’urologie de l’Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP–HP) sur deux périodes comparables (14–29 mars 2019 et 12–27 mars 2020) à l’aide du logiciel de planification opératoire et du PMSI partagé par ces centres. L’intitulé d’intervention et le type de chirurgie ont été collectés et regroupées en 16 catégories.

Résultats

Une baisse de l’activité globale à l’AP–HP en urologie de 55 % entre 2019 et 2020 (995 et 444 interventions respectivement) a été constatée sur les 8 services. L’activité oncologique et les urgences ont diminué de 31 % et 44 %. L’activité de transplantation rénale, la chirurgie fonctionnelle et andrologique ont subi les plus fortes baisses d’activité par les interventions non oncologiques (−92 %, −85 % et −81 %, respectivement). Environ 1033 heures d’intervention devront être reprogrammées pour rattraper le programme opératoire annulé.

Conclusion

Le confinement et le report des interventions chirurgicales « non urgentes » ont entraîné une diminution drastique de l’activité chirurgicale au sein de l’AP–HP. Pendant cette période, les urologues ont été sollicités pour d’autres tâches mais doivent désormais s’atteler à organiser la période de reprise d’activité pour éviter une crise organisationnelle en urologique.

Niveau de preuve

3.

[French Association of Urology. COVID-19: Recommendations for functional urology]

AIM

The management of urology patient is currently disrupted by the COVID-19 epidemic. In the field of functional urology, there are clinical situations with a high risk of complication if management is delayed and a great heterogeneity of advisable reprogramming times after cancellation. A prioritization of functional urology procedures is necessary to adapt management during the COVID-19 crisis and to better organize post-epidemic recovery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The advice of AFU scientific committees in the field of functional urology (neuro-urology, female and perineology, male LUTS) was requested and supplemented by a review of the currently available recommendations on the subject of urology and COVID-19. These opinions were combined to draw up temporary recommendations to help reorganize practices during the epidemic and prepare the post-critical phase.

RESULTS

Most of the recommendations available on career-oriented social networks (Twitter, LinkedIn) or in literature concern cancer or general urology. Eight out of ten propose a cancellation of all functional urology procedures without distinction. But the 3 AFU committees covering the field of functional urology have identified three clinical situations in which surgical procedures that can be maintained during the COVID-19 epidemic (priority level A): conclusion of a neuromodulation test in progress (implantation or explantation), botulinum toxin A bladder injections for unbalanced neurologic bladder, cystectomy and ileal conduit for urinary fistula in perineal bedsore or refractory unbalanced neurologic bladder with acute renal failure and vesico-enteric or prostato-pubic fistulas. Management adaptation of the other pathologies are proposed, as well as the application of 3 priority levels (B, C, D) for rescheduled procedures for a better management of the post-crisis activity resumption.

CONCLUSION

The joint functional urology committees indicate that there are specific clinical situations in this field that demand non-delayed care during COVID crisis. They underline the need to establish a hierarchy for the cancelled surgeries, in order to reduce the arm of long reschedule delays and to optimize post-lockdown activity resumption.