Assessing trends in urinary diversion after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in the United States

Temporal Trends in Urinary Diversion among Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy Between 1986 and 2022: Experience at the University Medical Center Mainz with 2224 Cases

BACKGROUND

Analysis of temporal trends of urinary diversion (UD) and identification of predictive factors for continent urinary diversion (CUD) in patients with bladder cancer (BC) is scarce and data on large cohorts are missing. We aimed to describe longitudinal temporal trends and predictive factors for UD among patients with BC receiving radical cystectomy (RC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed institutional data collected from patients undergoing RC from 1986 to 2022 to describe changes in patients' characteristics and UD. Primary end points were patients' characteristics associated with type of UD. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictive factors for CUD.

RESULTS

In total, 2224 patients (77.16% male, 22.84% female) with a mean age of 66 years [standard deviation (SD), 10.64 years] were included. We observed an increase in mean age from 59.86 (10.8) years (1986-1990) to 69.85 (9.99) years (2016-2022) (p < 0.001). The proportion of CUD gradually declined from 43.72% (94/215; 1986-1990) to 18.38% (86/468; 2016-2022). Patients who were male [odds ratio (OR): 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-2.57, p < 0.001), younger (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.87-0.89, p < 0.001) and had no hydronephrosis prior to RC (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.66-2.92, p < 0.001) were more likely to receive CUD.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the largest European single-center cohort of UD after RC, demonstrating a significant shift from CUD to IUD, accompanied by an increasing age. Finally, our data mirrors the development and extensive experience with the Mainz Pouch-I in the 1980's and 1990's together with other colon pouches.

Trans Oblique Ileal Conduit Technique Has a Low Risk of Parastomal Hernias

OBJECTIVE

To outline our surgical technique and outcomes of a ipsilateral "transoblique" ileal conduit performed during pelvic exenteration with a Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap. We report hernia rates in a transrectus group as reference.

METHODS

We identified patients from January 2007 to August 2020. The transoblique conduit is placed on the ipsilateral side as the VRAM, through the internal, external oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles. Stomal hernias were assessed radiologically. Transrectus patients were those undergoing radical cystectomy matched based on surgery date, age, and sex in a 3:1 ratio. We employed a Kaplan-Meier plot to visualize the duration between surgery and hernia. We calculated the hernia rate 2 years after surgery. Additionally, we present the 30-day postoperative complication rate.

RESULTS

Fifty underwent transoblique conduits and we matched them to 190 transrectus patients. Sixty-seven percent were men with a median age of 62. Exactly 10/50 patients in the transoblique and 44/190 in the transrectus group developed a hernia, with a median follow-up of 2.2 years (IQR 0.8, 4.0). The 2-year KM-estimated parastomal hernia rate was 14% (95% CI 1.6%, 25%) for the transoblique conduits, 21% (95% CI 15%, 28%) for the transrectus and 24% (95% CI 6.5%, 39%) for colostomies. Among the transoblique patients, 22 (44%) experienced at least 1 postoperative complication.

CONCLUSION

A transoblique ileal conduit is safe in patients undergoing a right VRAM flap during a pelvic exenteration with a low parastomal hernia and complication rates.

Indiana Pouch Continent Cutaneous Urinary Diversion After Robotic-assisted Radical Cystectomy: A 16-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

Population-based practice patterns in the United States reveal continent diversions are only performed in 8%-10.4% of patients.1-4 Ideally, for patients undergoing radical cystectomy the choice of urinary diversion should be influenced by clinical factors and patient preference, with discussions surrounding quality of life. Unfortunately, receipt of continent diversion has been shown to be influenced by a plethora of other factors such as surgeon preference/training, geography, socioeconomic status, gender, and hospital volume.1-3 Thus, by providing detailed instruction and long-term follow-up, we hope to mitigate some of these disparities by changing the perceptions regarding feasibility and complications of continent diversions.

OBJECTIVE

To provide step-by-step instruction and to report long-term clinical outcomes in bladder cancer patients receiving an Indiana pouch continent cutaneous urinary diversion (CCUD) after robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

After Institutional Review Board approval, a prospectively maintained bladder cancer database was queried for patients with T1-T4, N0-N1, M0 bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy with CCUD at a tertiary referral center from 2004 to 2020.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Complications at 30- and 90-day were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Continence rates were recorded by chart review.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

A total of 97 patients were included with a median follow-up of 93months. Clinically, 91.8% had ≤T2 disease and 29.9% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The median length of surgery was 8.0 hours, length of hospital stay was 8.3days, and urinary continence rate was 99.0%. The overall complication rate was 73.2% and 76.5% at 30- and 90-day, respectively. The major complication rate (Clavien III-V) was 17.5% at 30-day and 22.7% at 90-day. The most common major complications were abdominal infection and uretero-colonic stricture. The readmission rate was 21.4% and median overall survival was 108months.

CONCLUSION

CCUD provides exceptional functional outcomes with acceptable complication rates compared to other diversion types. CCUD is a reliable reconstructive option and with this step-by-step video as a reference, we hope it will be offered to more patients.

The effect of body mass index on quality of life in modified single stoma cutaneous ureterostomy or ileal conduit after radical cystectomy

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influence of postoperative body mass index (BMI) change on postoperative quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) plus modified single stoma cutaneous ureterostomy (MSSCU) or ileal conduit (IC).

METHODS

Patients were divided into two groups according to different BMI change patterns: patients experiencing an elevated postoperative BMI level, along with a clinically significant increase in their BMI (an increase of more than 10%) were categorized as Group 1, while patients experiencing a decrease postoperative BMI level, along with a clinically significant reduction in their BMI (a decrease of more than 5%) were categorized as Group 2. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the correlations between quality-of-life scores and postoperative clinical parameters.

RESULTS

Spearman correlation analysis showed that postoperative BMI, late complications and catheter-free state were significantly associated with postoperative global QoL and symptom scale in MSSCU and postoperative global QoL and physical scale in IC patients. Additionally, postoperative BMI, catheter-free state and the use of adjuvant therapy were associated with bad performance in many scales of QoL like body image, future perspective, social scale, future perspective (MSSCU), and abdominal bloating (IC) (Table 2, p<0.05). Patients in Group 2 with significant weight loss had a better Global QoL, a lower rate of stomal stricture and a higher catheter-free state compared with those in Group 1 in both IC and MSSCU patients. MSSCU patients in Group 2 could achieve a comparable Global QoL as to IC patients in Group 1.

CONCLUSION

Controlling the substantial increase in body weight after surgery contributes to improving QoL, reducing the occurrence of stomal stricture, and ensuring a postoperative catheter-free state in BCa patients undergoing MSSCU.

Diffusion of robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Nationwide trends, predictors, and association with continent urinary diversion

Objectives

To assess the utilisation trends of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), rates of performing continent urinary diversions (CUDs), and impact of diffusion of RARC on CUD rates.

Methods

We investigated the National Cancer Database for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who underwent RC between 2004 and 2015. Patients were stratified by surgical technique into open (ORC) and RARC groups, and by type of urinary diversion into continent (CUD) and ileal conduit (ICUD) groups. Linear regression models were fitted to evaluate time trends for surgery and conversion techniques. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilised to identify independent predictors of RARC and CUD.

Results

A total of 14466 patients underwent RC for MIBC, of which 4914 (34%) underwent RARC. There was a significant increase in adoption of RARC from 22% in 2010 to 40% in 2015 (R2 = 0.96, P < 0.001), this was not associated with a change in the rates of CUD over the same period (P = 0.22). Across all years, ICUD was the primary type of urinary diversion, CUD was only offered in 12% in 2010 compared to 9.9% in 2015 (R2 = 0.33, P = 0.22). Multivariate analysis identified male gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, P = 0.03), academic centres (OR 1.74, P = 0.001), and lower T stage (T4 vs T2; OR 0.78, P = 0.03) as independent predictors of CUD, while surgical technique was not associated with odds of receiving CUD (P = 0.8).

Conclusions

There is significant nationwide increasing trend of adoption of RARC. This diffusion was not associated with a decline in CUD, which remains significantly underutilised in both ORC and RARC groups. Abbreviations CUD: continent urinary diversion; ICD-O: International Classification of Diseases for Oncology; ICUD: ileal conduit urinary diversion; (N)MIBC: (non-)muscle-invasive bladder cancer; NAC, neoadjuvant chemotherapy; NCDB: National Cancer Database; OR: odds ratio;(O)(RA)RC: (open) (robot-assisted) radical cystectomy.

Management Trends and Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder: Evolution of the University of Southern California Experience over 3,347 Cases

PURPOSE

There are conflicting reports on outcome trends following radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Evolution of modern bladder cancer management and its impact on outcomes was analyzed using a longitudinal cohort of 3,347 patients who underwent RC at an academic center between 1971 and 2018. Outcomes included recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Associations were assessed using univariable and multivariable models.

RESULTS

In all, 70.9% of cases underwent open RC in the last decade, although trend for robot-assisted RC rose since 2009. While lymphadenectomy template remained consistent, nodal submission changed to anatomical packets in 2002 with increase in yield (p <0.001). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) use increased with time with concomitant decrease in adjuvant chemotherapy; this was notable in the last decade (p <0.001) and coincided with improved pT0N0M0 rate (p=0.013). Median 5-year RFS and OS probabilities were 65% and 55%, respectively. Advanced stage, NAC, delay to RC, lymphovascular invasion and positive margins were associated with worse RFS (all, multivariable p <0.001). RFS remained stable over time (p=0.73) but OS improved (5-year probability, 1990-1999 51%, 2010-2018 62%; p=0.019). Among patients with extravesical and/or node-positive disease, those who received NAC had worse outcomes than those who directly underwent RC (p ≤0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite perioperative and surgical advances, and improved pT0N0M0 rates, there has been no overall change in RFS trend following RC, although OS rates have improved. While patients who are downstaged with NAC derive great benefit, our real-world experience highlights the importance of preemptively identifying NAC nonresponders who may have worse post-RC outcomes.

Orthotopic bladder substitution: Surgical aspects and optimization of outcomes

Objectives

Orthotopic bladder substitution (OBS) is a management option for urinary diversion in men and women undergoing cystectomy. The aim of the procedure is to provide a functional continent urinary reservoir of adequate capacity, compliance and low pressure. We have provided a narrative review of the existing literature and highlighted areas where improvement and standardization can be recommended.

Methods

Literature search included database search for publications from January 1970 to November 2020, using keywords including OBS, bladder reconstruction, neobladder, radical cystectomy, robotic cystectomy, intracorporeal neobladder, surgical technique, patient selection and outcomes.

Results

Due to various factors including indications, operative technique and risk of complications, OBS is an enormous undertaking and commitment for patients, surgeons and health professionals involved in the care pathway. The main considerations for patient selection, the technical elements of the procedure and the rationale behind these are discussed. Previously considered to be a choice for a select few, the inclusion criteria have expanded over the last decade. Similarly, surgical techniques including the choice and configuration of bowel segments, construction of anastomosis and nerve or organ sparing procedures have evolved over the years. Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic assisted surgery has added further perspectives to the existing literature on OBS. Understanding the principles of operative techniques and assessing the best evidence to influence patient management is crucial as it has a major impact on clinical outcomes. Peri- and post-operative care, focused on the prevention of complications and morbidity, affects long-term functional and oncological outcomes, which ultimately dictates the quality of life.

Conclusions

This concise overview of OBS literature highlights the importance of pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative aspects with regards to the optimization of patient care. To achieve the best results, meticulous attention should be paid in all these areas, surgical and multi-disciplinary. Patient education and counseling, with shared decision making are central to the success of the procedure.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal Mainz Ⅱ rectosigmoid pouch for muscle-invasive bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

To report the surgical techniques and results of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal Mainz Ⅱ rectosigmoid pouch at our centre.

METHODS

Two female patients were treated with this procedure. Construction of the pouch was divided into four main steps: incision of the rectum and sigmoid colon, closure of the posterior wall of the pouch, reimplantation of the ureters at the bottom of pouch in an anti-reflux manner, and closure of the anterior wall. Surgical results and perioperative complications were assessed.

RESULTS

The operations were performed completely intracorporeally. No perioperative complications were observed. Postoperatively, high-grade invasive urothelial carcinoma was detected. On postoperative day 60, no bilateral ureteral dilation was detected. Two patients demonstrated total continence. Clinical recurrence was not observed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

With careful patient selection, robot-assisted intracorporeal Mainz Ⅱ rectosigmoid pouch might be a simple minimally invasive surgical technique to be evaluated in repeated applications.

Impact of hospital and surgeon volumes on short-term and long-term outcomes of radical cystectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is heightened awareness and trends towards centralizing high-risk, complex surgeries such as radical cystectomy to minimize complications and improve survival. However, after nearly a decade of mandated and/or passive centralization of care, debate regarding its benefits and harms continues.

RECENT FINDINGS

During the past decade, mandated and passive centralization has led to an increase in radical cystectomies performed in high-volume hospitals (HVHs) and, perhaps by high-volume surgeons (HVS), in addition to efforts to increase the uptake of multidisciplinary strategies in the management of radical cystectomy patients. Consequently, 30 and 90-day mortality rates and overall survival have improved, and major complications and transfusion rates have decreased. Factors impacting surgical quality, such as negative surgical margin(s), pelvic lymphadenectomy and/or lymph node yield rates have increased. However, current studies have not demonstrated a coadditive impact of centralization on oncological outcomes (i.e. cancer-specific and recurrence-free survival). The benefits of centralization on oncologic survival of radical cystectomy remain unclear given the varied definitions of HVHs and HVSs across studies. In fact, centralization of radical cystectomy could lead to an increase in patient load in HVHs and for HVSs, thereby leading to longer surgery waiting times, a factor that is important in the management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

SUMMARY

The benefits of centralization of radical cystectomy with multidisciplinary management are shown increasingly and convincingly. More studies are necessary to prospectively test the benefits, risks and harms of centralization.

Implementation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle invasive bladder cancer treatment in Poland: a single institution retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Even though the survival benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in the treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is well established, NAC has not been widely used in Poland until recently. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utilization of NAC and its association with survival in MIBC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) for MIBC between December 2012 and December 2017 were included in the study. Data were collected in the perioperative period and long-term observation was continued up to August 2018. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the probability of survival.

RESULTS

A sample of 155 patients with a median age of 65 (IQR: 60-69) years was analyzed. In this group, 79 patients (51%) were treated with NAC prior to RC. Patients in the NAC+RC group were younger, more often had a positive smoking history, and had lower preoperative levels of hemoglobin, white blood cells and C-reactive protein. A 90-day complication rate and mortality were similar in both groups and in the entire cohort were equal to 64.5% and 5.2%, respectively. The overall survival (OS) was on average 150 days longer in the RC+NAC group compared to the RC-only group when patients were followed-up for 3 years (95%CI:3 4 - 267; p = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a high utilization of NAC at our institution. The use of NAC was associated with a better prognosis than RC alone and was not associated with an increased morbidity or mortality. Our results support the use NAC as a safe and effective treatment modality in MIBC.