Pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide inhibits macrophage tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion: source of transitional-cell carcinoma port-site metastasis, with prophylactic irrigation strategies to decrease laparoscopic oncologic risks

Incidence, Timing, and Pattern of Atypical Recurrence after Minimally Invasive Surgery for Urothelial Carcinoma

The management of urothelial carcinoma has evolved with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic procedures, challenging the traditional approach of open surgery, and giving rise to atypical recurrences (ARs). ARs include port-site metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, yet discrepancies persist among authors regarding their precise classification. Incidence rates of ARs vary widely across studies, ranging from less than 1% to over 10% in both muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and upper tract urothelial tumor (UTUC). Peritoneal metastases predominate as the most common ARs in patients with MIBC, while retroperitoneal metastases are prevalent in those with UTUC due to differing surgical approaches. The timing of AR presentation and survival outcomes closely mirror those of conventional recurrences, with which they are frequently associated. Pneumoperitoneum has progressively been regarded less as the cause of ARs, while surgical-related risk factors have gained prominence. Current major surgical-related causes include tumor spillage and urinary tract violation during surgery, avoidance of endo bag use for specimen extraction, and low surgical experience. Factors such as tumor stage, histological variants, and lympho-vascular invasion correlate with the risk of ARs, suggesting a close association with tumor biology. Further studies are required to better understand the incidence, risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes of ARs.

Effect of various hepatectomy procedures on circulating tumor cells in postoperative patients: a case-matched comparative study

Background

The objective of this study is to elucidate the prevalence of systemic circulating tumor cells (CTCs) prior to and following resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to compare the disparities in postoperative CTCs in terms of quantity and classifications between the open liver resection (OPEN) and laparoscopic liver resection (LAP) cohorts.

Patients materials and methods

From September 2015 to May 2022, 32 consecutive HCC patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection at Southwest Hospital were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The clinicopathological data were retrieved from a prospectively collected computer database. Patients in the OPEN group matched at a 1:1 ratio with patients who underwent open liver resection during the study period on age, gender, tumor size, number of tumors, tumor location, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, TNM and Child-Pugh staging from the database of patients to form the control group. The Can-Patrol CTC enrichment technique was used to enrich and classify CTCS based on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation phenotypes. The endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS), and the Kaplan-Meier method and multiple Cox proportional risk model were used to analyze the influence of clinicopathological factors such as total CTCs and CTC phenotype on prognosis.

Results

The mean age of the 64 patients with primary liver cancer was 52.92 years (23-71), and 89.1% were male. The postoperative CTC clearance rate was more significant in the OPEN group. The total residual CTC and phenotypic CTC of the LAP group were significantly higher than those of the OPEN group (p = 0.017, 0.012, 0.049, and 0.030, respectively), which may increase the possibility of metastasis (p = 0.042). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, DFS was associated with several clinicopathological risk factors, including Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, tumor size, and vascular invasion. Of these analyses, BCLC Stage [p = 0.043, HR (95% CI) =2.03(1.022-4.034)], AFP [p = 0.007, HR (95% CI) =1.947 (1.238-3.062)], the number of positive CTCs [p = 0.004, HR (95% CI) =9.607 (2.085-44.269)] and vascular invasion [p = 0.046, HR (95% CI) =0.475 (0.22-1.023)] were significantly associated with DFS.

Conclusion

In comparison to conventional OPEN technology, LAP technology has the capacity to augment the quantity of epithelial, mixed, and mesenchymal circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Following the surgical procedure, there was a notable increase in the total CTCs, epithelial CTCs, and mixed CTCs within the LAP group, indicating a potential drawback of LAP in facilitating the release of CTCs.

A comparative population-based analysis of peritoneal carcinomatosis in patients undergoing robotic-assisted and open radical cystectomy

PURPOSE

To compare the population-based incidence of peritoneal carcinomatosis following open (ORC) vs. robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).

METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER)-Medicare linked data, we identified 1,621 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer during 2009 and 2014; 18.1% (n = 294) and 81.9% (n = 1327) underwent RARC and ORC, respectively. We subsequently evaluated the rates of peritoneal carcinomatosis at 6, 12, and 24 months following surgery. Multivariable proportional hazards regression was performed to determine factors associated with development of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent RARC vs. ORC were more likely to be male (p = 0.04); however, age at diagnosis, race, comorbidities, education, and marital status (all p > 0.05) did not differ by surgical approaches. Our findings showed that there were no significant differences in the rates of peritoneal carcinomatosis between ORC and RARC at 6, 12, and 24 months. In adjusted analyses, factors associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis were advanced N stage (N0 versus N2/3: HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.16-0.55, p < 0.01), preoperative hydronephrosis (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.09-2.65, p = 0.04), higher T stage (T1 versus T4: HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.79, p < 0.01; T2 versus T4: HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.20-0.76, p < 0.01), and use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.11-2.84, p < 0.01). However, RARC was not associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis (HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.78-2.35).

CONCLUSION

In this population-based analysis, we found no difference in peritoneal carcinomatosis between robotic or open approaches to radical cystectomy. These data should be reassuring to those utilizing robotic cystectomy.

Comparison of Tumor Seeding and Recurrence Rate After Laparoscopic vs. Open Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma (UTUC) is still debated for its possible seeding risk and thus consequent oncological recurrences, especially for atypical ones. The aim of the study is to compare recurrence and survival after Laparoscopic vs. Open Radical Nephroureterectomy (RNU) for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC).

Method: A retrospective evaluation of UTUC consecutive surgeries from 2008 to 2019 was conducted, including pT ≥ 2, High Grade UTUC who underwent RNU with bladder cuff excision without concomitant lymphadenectomy in three urological tertiary centers. Statistical analyses compared recurrence and cancer specific survival, based on surgical approach, while logistic multivariate analyses and Kaplan Meyer survival curve analyzed possible risk factors for recurrence and survival.

Results: One hundred seven cases of RNU, 47 (43.9%) laparoscopic and 60 (56.1%) open, were included in this report. Preoperative characteristics were comparable between groups. However, tumor stage was higher in the Open arm [T3–T4 in 44 (73.3%) vs. 20 (43.4%) in Laparoscopic]. Mean follow-up was 91.6 months in laparoscopy RNU vs. 93.5 months in open RNU. Recurrence rate (RR) was comparable between groups (p = 0.594), and so was the site, although 3 (6.3%) peritoneal recurrences were found only in laparoscopic group (p = 0.057). At multivariate logistic regression, tumor stage and surgical approach were independent predictors of recurrence (p < 0.05), while only tumor stage was predictor of cancer specific death (p = 0.029).

Conclusion: Surgical approach has no impact on recurrence site, overall survival, and RR. Still, according to our data peritoneal carcinomatosis was present only in laparoscopic arm, despite how it didn't reach statistical significance.

Early recurrence of bladder cancer in the colon after robot-assisted radical cystectomy: Disappearance following dose-dense methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin treatment

INTRODUCTION

The popularity of robot-assisted radical cystectomy over open radical cystectomy has been increasing because the former, a minimally invasive surgery, contributes to earlier recovery and shorter hospitalization. However, atypical recurrences may be more frequent after robot-assisted radical cystectomy than after open radical cystectomy. We report a case of an atypical early recurrence of bladder cancer including the descending colon.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 70-year-old Japanese man underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Four months later, he was hospitalized for severe anemia (hemoglobin, 5.1 g/dL). Colonoscopy revealed a 4-cm submucosal oozing tumor in the descending colon. Computed tomography revealed multiple recurrent lesions including recurrence in the descending colon, all of which disappeared completely after chemotherapy with six cycles of dose-dense methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin.

CONCLUSION

We encountered a rare case of an atypical recurrence of bladder cancer in the colon after robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

Oncologic Outcomes for Robotic Vs. Open Radical Cystectomy Among Locally Advanced and Node-Positive Patients: Analysis of The National Cancer Database

INTRODUCTION

Despite concerns of atypical recurrence following robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), utilization of the modality is increasing. The presumed mechanisms of peritoneal immunomodulation and pneumoperitoneum-induced tumor cell intravasation are especially relevant for higher stage, locally advanced disease, where intrinsic metastatic potential of tumor cells may be greater. This study aims to compare the oncologic outcomes and survival after RARC compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC) among patients with stage pT3-4 or node-positive muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis of pT3-4N0-3 and pT(any)N1-3 patients who underwent RARC or ORC was performed using the National Cancer Database (2010-2016) to investigate perioperative and oncologic outcomes.

RESULTS

9,062 ORC cases and 2,544 RARC cases met inclusion criteria. The robotic approach was significantly associated with superior unadjusted survival compared to open as well as lower proportions of unadjusted 30- and 90-day mortality, lower positive margin status, and shorter surgical inpatient stay (all respective P<.05). However, after adjusting for confounding covariates, multivariable analysis revealed no difference in mortality hazard or odds of any of the above secondary outcomes with the exception of shorter inpatient stay and higher lymph node yield. Patients treated with RARC were more likely to have neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

RARC is no less safe than ORC for patients with locally advanced bladder cancer on the basis of overall, 30- and 90-day survival. Unadjusted mortality and surgical outcomes demonstrate advantages to RARC, which are attenuated after multivariate analysis. Perioperative benefits may favor the robotic approach, consistent with previous randomized control studies.

Intra-corporeal robot-assisted versus open radical cystectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis comparing perioperative and long-term survival outcomes and recurrence patterns

BACKGROUND

To compare perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes and recurrence patterns between robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intra-corporeal urinary diversion (iRARC) and open radical cystectomy (ORC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 177 bladder cancer patients who received iRARC or ORC at Fujita Health University between 2008 and 2020. Our primary endpoint was long-term oncological outcomes. As a secondary endpoint, we examined perioperative outcomes, complications, and recurrence patterns. These outcome measures were compared between the propensity score (PS)-matched cohorts.

RESULTS

PS-matched analysis resulted in 60 matched pairs from iRARC and ORC groups. The iRARC cohort was associated with significantly longer operative time (p = 0.02), lower estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), lower blood transfusion rate (p < 0.001), shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.001), fewer overall complications (p = 0.03), and lower rate of postoperative ileus (p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference between iRARC and ORC in 5-year RFS (p = 0.46), CSS (p = 0.63), and OS (p = 0.71). RFS and CSS were also comparable, even in locally advanced (≥ cT3) disease. Multivariate analysis identified lymphovascular invasion as a robust predictor of RFS, CSS, and OS. The number of recurrence was similar between the groups, while extra-pelvic lymph nodes were more frequent in iRARC than that in ORC (22.7% vs. 7.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

iRARC has favorable perioperative outcomes, fewer complications, and comparable long-term survival outcomes, including locally advanced (≥ cT3) disease, compared to that in ORC. Our results need to be validated in prospective randomized clinical trials.

Atypical oncologic failure after laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical cystectomy at a single institution

BACKGROUND

The incidence of atypical oncologic failure in patients with bladder cancer, including peritoneal carcinomatosis, and recurrences at the port site and soft tissue after laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical cystectomy are not well characterized.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 52, 51, and 12 patients who underwent open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted radical cystectomy, respectively, for bladder cancer from 2007 to 2018 at our institution. We identified techniques associated with atypical oncologic failure.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 29 months. Among the 115 patients, 29 (25%) experienced oncological recurrences, and 7 (6%), 12 (10%), and 23 (20%) had atypical, local, and distant recurrences, respectively. The laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical cystectomy groups had significantly higher incidences of total atypical oncologic failure than the open radical cystectomy group (p = 0.013), including six, one, and two patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, port site carcinomatosis, and soft tissue involvement, respectively. All 7 patients with atypical oncologic failure died of cancer; the median time from surgery to death was 9.3 months. All these patients were cT ≧ 3 and had grade 3 disease. In three patients (43%), the pathological tissue contained variants other than urothelial carcinoma. Five (71%) were among the initial twenty patients. Four patients (57%) had histories of intraoperative urine spillage or bladder perforation during transurethral resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cT ≧ 3 stage, with pathological variants other than urothelial carcinoma, and those undergoing procedures that lead to extravesical dissemination should avoid laparoscopic radical cystectomy when the procedures are first introduced.

Port-site metastasis and atypical recurrences after robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC): an updated comprehensive and systematic review of current evidences

The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the current evidence regarding atypical metastases in patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). A review of the current literature was conducted through the Medline and NCBI PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Google Scholar databases in October 2019. From the literature search using the cited keys and after a careful evaluation of the full texts, we included 31 articles in the study. Fourteen studies (45.2%) reported at least an atypical recurrence during the follow-up period with a rate between 4 and 40% of all the recurrences. Overall, 105 (1.63%) of the 6720 patients who have been evaluated in the included studies developed an atypical recurrence. Sixty-three (60%) of these atypical metastases were peritoneal carcinomatosis, 16 (15.2%) extrapelvic lymph nodes metastases, 11 (10.5%) port-site metastases, 10 (9.5%) retroperitoneal nodal metastases, while 5 (3.8%) patients developed more than one type of atypical recurrence. In literature, there is a low but not negligible incidence of atypical recurrences after RARC. However, publication bias and retrospective design of most studies could influence the evidences. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to clarify the real risk of patients undergoing RARC to develop atypical metastases.

[Advantages of Kasai procedure through minimally invasive approach in children with biliary atresia (in Russian only)]

AIM

To compare early and long-term results of different surgical interventions in children with biliary atresia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis included medical records of children with biliary atresia who were treated at the Filatov Munitsipal Children's Hospital and National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology from 2000 to 2018. There were 91 patients. All patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 - conventional Kasai procedure (n=24), group 2 - laparoscopic Kasai surgery (n=45), group 3 - Kasai procedure through minimally invasive approach (n=22). Groups were comparable.

RESULTS

Duration of Kasai procedure through minimally invasive approach was 69±12,97 min that was significantly less than in groups 1 and 2 (p_1,3=0,006085; p_2,3=0,000024). ICU-stay was minimal in group 3 (1.27±0.55 days, p_1,3<0,05; p_2,3<0,05). Abdominal drainage time was maximal in group 2 (11.28±6.37 days) and minimal in group 3 (5.86±2.39 days, p_2,3=0.0002). Early and 2-year postoperative surgical efficiency was similar in all groups. There were no surgical complications in group 3. In group 2 one child had gastrointestinal bleeding followed by successful medication. There were 3 surgical complications in group 3: adhesive intestinal obstruction, small and large intestine perforation and 2 cases of gastrointestinal bleeding. There was one lethal outcome in the first group. Overall annual survival in children with native liver was 81.8%, 2-year - 51.7%.

CONCLUSION

Kasai procedure through minimally invasive approach is justified and rational method with certain benefits of open and laparoscopic interventions and can be considered as a method of choice in treatment of children with biliary atresia.

Influence of the laparoscopic approach on cancer-specific mortality of patients with stage pt3-4 bladder cancer treated with cystectomy

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

The main aim of the study was to establish the oncological safety of the laparoscopic approach to radical cystectomy for high-risk, non-organ-confined urothelial tumours.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 216 stage pT3-4 cystectomies operated between 2003 and 2016; using an open approach (ORC, n=108), and using a laparoscopic approach (LRC, n=108).

RESULTS

Both groups have similar pathological features except, in G3 TUR, there were more lyphadenectomies and greater pN+, and more adjuvant chemotherapies using the LRC. The median follow-up of the series was 15 (IQR: 8-10.5) months. Sixty-eight point one percent of the series relapsed, with no differences between either group (p=.11). The estimated differences for cancer-specific survival was greater in the LRC group (p=.03), as was overall survival (p=.009). There were no differences between either group in estimated recurrence-free survival (p=.26). The type of surgical approach (p=.03), pTpN stage (p=.0001), and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (p=.003) were related to cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in the univariate analysis. Only the pTpN stage (p=.0001), and not giving adjuvant chemotherapy (p=.003) behaved as independent predictive factors of CSM.

CONCLUSION

The type of surgical approach to cystectomy (ORC vs. LRC) did not influence CSM. Lymph node involvement and not giving adjuvant chemotherapy were identified as predictive factors of CSM. Our study supports the oncological safety of the laparascopic approach for cystectomy in patients with locally advanced muscle-invasive bladder tumours.

More Reasonable Animal Model for Study the Effect of Pneumoperitoneum on Abdominal Tumor Cells

Background:

Many animal experimental studies showed that abdominal tumor cells will be widely spread during laparoscopic treatment and grow into metastases. These results are different from clinical observations. There is a hypothesis that too much tumor cells was injected in the animals lead to the results of theses bias. We aim to learn the difference of abdominal cavity volume between human body and the nude mice and to determine reasonable amount of tumor cells in the animal experiments.

Methods:

The insufflated CO₂ volume which represents the capacity of the abdominal cavity was recorded during laparoscopic process in 212 patients and 20 nude mice respectively, the relative volume of nude mice and human body was calculated. Based on data from the literature and this study , the amount of tumor cells in the animal experiments was determined. According to these data, we set up a new animal model and a traditional one respectively, and compared the rate of successful modeling and tumor formation between two animal models.

Results:

The intraperitoneal volumes of humans and nude mice were 3.01±0.36 L and 0.011±0.001 L respectively.The number of tumor cells that be uesd in animal should be approximately 0.26×10⁵ in terms of known data in human beings. Compared with the traditional animal model which formed a large number of intraperitoneal tumor metastasis, the new animal model was shows more moderately, and the rate of successful modeling was similar.

Conclusion:

In animal experiments, to simulate the clinical situation, about 0.26×10⁵ tumor cells should be inject in peritoneal cavity of the nude mice.

Evidence of Atypical Recurrences After Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has seen remarkable growth in the last decade. Despite a low level of evidence, numerous publications reporting on outcomes after RARC are now available. While definitive data on the long-term oncologic safety and efficacy of this technique are still lacking, similar oncological and functional outcomes compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC) have been reported. Several studies have also reported on atypical recurrences after RARC, including peritoneal carcinomatosis, extra-pelvic lymph node metastasis and port-site metastasis. While distant metastases overall do not appear to be affected by technique, it is possible that RARC may be associated with an increased risk of some atypical recurrences and this should be prospectively studied in RARC. However, atypical recurrences are rare events and are infrequent in their description. To date, there is no convincing evidence that, in the hands of equally experienced surgeons who treat bladder cancer routinely, a skillfully performed RARC is less oncologically efficacious than a skillfully performed ORC.

Early Oncologic Failure after Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: Results from the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium

PURPOSE

We sought to investigate the prevalence and variables associated with early oncologic failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the IRCC (International Radical Cystectomy Consortium) database of patients who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy since 2003. The final cohort comprised a total of 1,894 patients from 23 institutions in 11 countries. Early oncologic failure was defined as any disease relapse within 3 months of robot-assisted radical cystectomy. All institutions were surveyed for the pneumoperitoneum pressure used, breach of oncologic surgical principles, and techniques of specimen and lymph node removal. A multivariate model was fit to evaluate predictors of early oncologic failure. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to depict disease specific and overall survival, and Cox proportional regression analysis was used to evaluate predictors of disease specific and overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 305 patients (22%) experienced disease relapse, which was distant in 220 (16%), local recurrence in 154 (11%), peritoneal carcinomatosis in 17 (1%) and port site recurrence in 5 (0.4%). Early oncologic failure developed in 71 patients (5%) at a total of 10 institutions. The incidence of early oncologic failure decreased from 10% in 2006 to 6% in 2015. On multivariate analysis the presence of any complication (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.38-5.96, p = 0.004), pT3 or greater disease (OR 3.73, 95% CI 2.00-6.97, p <0.001) and nodal involvement (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.21-3.80, p = 0.008) was a significant predictor of early oncologic failure. Patients with early oncologic failure demonstrated worse disease specific and overall survival (23% and 13%, respectively) at 1 and 3 years compared to patients who experienced later or no recurrences (log rank p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of early oncologic failure following robot-assisted radical cystectomy has decreased with time. Disease related rather than technical related factors have a major role in early oncologic failure after robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

Laparoscopic diverticulectomy: A systemised technique

OBJECTIVES

To present an original technique for laparoscopic vesical diverticulectomy without the need for dissecting the diverticular wall, thereby making the procedure safe and significantly simpler.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four patients were operated on between September 2014 and April 2016. The diagnosis was made by ultrasonography in all cases, and the study included blood and urine analyses with urine cultures, urine cytology, contrast-enhanced CT scans, prostate symptom questionnaire (International Prostate Symptom Score), flowmetry and cystoscopy. One case required transurethral prostate resection in a first time.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 64 years (range: 56-71). The mean diverticulum size was 4cm (range: 3-6). The location was retrotrigonal in all cases, on the left side in 2 cases, right retromeatic in 1 case and near the midline in 1 case. The mean surgical time was 146min (range, 120-180), shortening for each new case. There were no significant bleeding, complications or conversion to open surgery in any of the cases. The postoperative period had no incidences. The hospital stay was 3 days in 3 cases and 48h in the other case (mean, 3.5 days). The catheter was withdrawn in the outpatient clinic at 14 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial experience with the technique described above shows it to be safe and reproducible, with results similar to other current laparoscopic techniques. Avoiding the dissection of the diverticular wall significantly reduces the technical difficulty of the procedure.

Oncologic Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: Results of a High-Volume Robotic Center

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to assess the oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in patients with bladder cancer (BCa) treated in a high-volume robotic center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected data of 155 consecutive patients who received RARC for urothelial BCa from January 2004 to May 2014. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to assess time to recurrence, cancer-specific mortality (CSM) rate, and overall mortality rate. Uni- and multivariable Cox regression models addressed the predictors of recurrence and CSM.

RESULTS

Median follow-up for survivors was 42 months. Overall, 43%, 34%, 55%, and 18% of the patients had pT ≤1, pT2, pT3/4, and pN1-3 disease, respectively. Overall, 76% of the patients had high-grade disease at final pathology. The positive surgical margin rate was 9%. The 5-year recurrence-free, CSM-free, and overall survival estimates were 53.7%, 73.5%, and 65.2%, respectively. Among patients who experienced recurrence, 12.0%, 4.0%, and 84.0% had local, peritoneal, and distant recurrence, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, pathologic stage and nodal status represented independent predictors of recurrence and CSM (all p ≤ 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In a high-volume robotic center, RARC provides acceptable oncologic outcomes in patients with urothelial BCa. Tumor stage and nodal status represent independent predictors of recurrence and CSM in this setting.

Prospective mapping of lymph node metastasis in Japanese patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: characteristics of micrometastasis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate node-disease prevalence including micrometastases and its survival impact on bladder cancer patients.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients participated in this study, in which extended lymph node dissection was carried out according to the prospective rule (below aortic bifurcation). Radical cystectomy and extended lymph node dissection were performed by open surgery (n = 23) or laparoscopically (n = 37). Perioperative, pathological and follow-up data were collected. Micrometastasis in lymph nodes was investigated by pan-cytokeratin immunohistochemistry. Recurrence-free survival was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The median number of lymph nodes removed was 29 (range: 10-103) and there was no significant difference between the two groups (open group: median 30, laparoscopic group: median 29). Routine pathological examination revealed that 10 patients had lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemistry revealed micrometastases in four additional patients (pNmicro+), who had been diagnosed with pN0 on routine pathological examination. After excluding the three patients with pure nonurothelial carcinoma on the final pathology (small cell carcinoma: n = 2, adenocarcinoma: n = 1), 10 out of the 57 urothelial carcinoma patients (17.5%) had node metastasis, and an additional 4 out of the 47 pN0 patients (4/47, 8.5%) had micrometastasis. The 2-year recurrence-free survival rates divided by pN stage were 82.4% for pN0, 66.7% for pNmicro+ and 12.5% for pN+ (three-sample log-rank test, P < 0.0001). Three out of the four patients with pNmicro+ were disease free at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed under extended lymph node dissection that a substantial proportion of the patients had node metastasis (pN+: n = 10 and pNmicro+: n = 4), and the pN stage influenced patient survival. Our observations of micrometastasis yielded additional evidence for the potential survival benefit of extended lymphadenectomy by eliminating microdisease.

Recurrence patterns after open and robot-assisted radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Concerns remain whether robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) compromises survival because of inadequate oncologic resection or alteration of recurrence patterns.

OBJECTIVE

To describe recurrence patterns following open radical cystectomy (ORC) and RARC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective review of 383 consecutive patients who underwent ORC (n=120) or RARC (n=263) at an academic institution from July 2001 to February 2014.

INTERVENTION

ORC and RARC.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Recurrence-free survival estimates were illustrated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Recurrence patterns (local vs distant and anatomic locations) within 2 yr of surgery were tabulated. Cox regression models were built to evaluate the effect of surgical technique on the risk of recurrence.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The median follow-up time for patients without recurrence was 30 mo (interquartile range [IQR] 5-72) for ORC and 23 mo (IQR 9-48) for RARC (p=0.6). Within 2 yr of surgery, there was no large difference in the number of local recurrences between ORC and RARC patients (15/65 [23%] vs 24/136 [18%]), and the distribution of local recurrences was similar between the two groups. Similarly, the number of distant recurrences did not differ between the groups (26/73 [36%] vs 43/147 [29%]). However, there were distinct patterns of distant recurrence. Extrapelvic lymph node locations were more frequent for RARC than ORC (10/43 [23%] vs 4/26 [15%]). Furthermore, peritoneal carcinomatosis was found in 9/43 (21%) RARC patients compared to 2/26 (8%) ORC patients. In multivariable analyses, RARC was not a predictor of recurrence. Limitations of the study include selection bias and a limited sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Within limitations, we found that RARC is not an independent predictor of recurrence after surgery. Interestingly, extrapelvic lymph node locations and peritoneal carcinomatosis were more frequent in RARC than in ORC patients. Further validation is warranted to better understand the oncologic implications of RARC.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study, the locations of bladder cancer recurrences following conventional and robotic techniques for removal of the bladder are described. Although the numbers are small, the results show that the distribution of distant recurrences differs between the two techniques.

Effect of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on human renal cell carcinoma proliferation and metastasis in an orthotropic xenograft nude mouse model

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to explore the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum on tumor proliferation and metastasis in an orthotropic xenograft nude mice model of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and evaluate the safety of CO2 pneumoperitoneum laparoscopy for treating RCC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RCC 786-0 cells were injected to establish an orthotropic xenograft model. Fifty nude mice were given orthotropic inoculations and randomized to five groups: group A (control); group B (CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 2 h); group C (CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 4 h); group D (CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 4 h and 24 h after waking); group E (CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 4 h and 48 h after waking). The proliferation status was observed in RCC specimens by immunohistochemical staining for Ki67. The protein levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined by western blotting.

RESULTS

All groups showed similar Ki67-positive staining in RCC samples (p > 0.05). The relative expression of HIF-1α and VEGF gradually increased in both group B and group C, as compared with group A, but only the difference between group C and group A reached statistical significance (p < 0.05). The protein levels of HIF-1α and VEGF decreased in both group D and group E, as compared with group B and group C; however, the differences between group D, group E, and group A did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In an orthotropic xenograft nude mice model of RCC, CO2 pneumoperitoneum has no effect on expression of the cellular proliferation marker Ki67. However, CO2 pneumoperitoneum rapidly induces transient expression of HIF-1α and VEGF. Thus, CO2 pneumoperitoneum laparoscopy may be a safe method for treating RCC.

Lethal effect of a hyperthermic CO₂ pneumoperitoneum on gastric cancer cells

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the lethal effect of a hyperthermic CO₂ pneumoperitoneum on gastric cancer cells. This could form the theoretical basis for further studies of the feasibility and safety of inflating hyperthermic CO₂ in the abdominal cavity of gastric cancer patients during laparoscopy.

METHODS

An in vitro hyperthermic CO₂ pneumoperitoneum experimental model was built, where gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 cells were grouped according to temperature. Cytotoxicity was detected using a cell counting kit; apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342/PI fluorescent microscopy. Morphological alterations were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Invasion and migration were detected by a scratch test and by transwell migration, respectively.

RESULTS

Cytotoxicity assays showed that a hyperthermic CO₂ pneumoperitoneum significantly inhibited the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells (P<0.05); it also significantly induced apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells (P<0.05). Morphological observations showed that the cell membrane and nucleus had an apoptotic phenotype. The invasiveness and migration ability of the gastric cancer cells subjected to hyperthermic CO₂ were significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

A hyperthermic CO₂ pneumoperitoneum had a lethal effect on gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells by inhibiting their invasion and migration, and by inducing apoptosis.

Short-term efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted vs open radical gastrectomy in gastric cancer

AIM: To investigate the short-term benefits of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (LARG) and open radical gastrectomy (ORG) in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS: A total of 400 patients with gastric cancer aged ≤ 65 years who were treated at General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Region were enrolled. Among these, 200 patients underwent LARG between October 2008 and August 2012 (LARG group); and 200 patients underwent ORG between March 2000 and September 2008 (ORG group). The short-term therapeutic benefits between the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS: The LARG procedure offered significantly better benefits to the patients compared to the ORG procedure, including less intraoperative blood loss (103.1 ± 19.5 mL vs 163.0 ± 32.9 mL, P < 0.0001), shorter postoperative hospital stay (6.8 ± 1.2 d vs 9.5 ± 1.6 d, P < 0.0001), less frequent occurrence of postoperative complications (6.5% vs 13.5%, P = 0.02), shorter time to mobilization (1.0 ± 0.3 vs 3.3 ± 0.4 d, P < 0.0001), shorter time to bowel opening (3.3 ± 0.7 d vs 4.5 ± 0.7 d, P < 0.0001), and shorter time to normal diet (3.0 ± 0.4 vs d 3.8 ± 0.5 d, P < 0.0001). However, LARG required a longer time to complete than the ORG procedure (192.3 ± 20.9 min vs 180.0 ± 26.9 min, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Compared to ORG, LARG is safer, more effective, and less invasive for treating gastric cancer, with better short-term efficacy.

Stimuli-induced organ-specific injury enhancement of organotropic metastasis in a spatiotemporal regulation

The relationship between inflammation and tumorigenesis has been established. Recently, inflammation is also reported to be a drive force for cancer metastasis. Further evidences show that various stimuli directly induced-injury in a specific organ can also promote metastasis in this organ, which include epidemiological reports, clinical series and experimental studies. Each type of cancer has preferential sites for metastasis, which is also due to inflammatory factors that are released by primary cancer to act on these sites and indirectly induce injuries on them. Host factors such as stress,fever can also influence distant metastasis in a specific site through stimulation of immune and inflammatory effects. The five aspects support an idea that specific-organ injury directly induced by various stimuli or indirectly induced by primary tumor or host factors activation of proinflammatory modulators can promote metastasis in this organ through a spatiotemporal regulation, which has important implications for personalized prediction, prevention and management of cancer metastasis.

[Peritoneal carcinomatosis after robotic-assisted radical cystectomy]

Among patients with metastatic urothelial cancer of the bladder, 16-25% develop peritoneal carcinomatosis. In the majority of cases peritoneal carcinomatosis is associated with multiple metastatic sites. Peritoneal metastases as the single site of metastatic deposits are rare and they have been described following laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy or cystectomy. We report on a patient who developed peritoneal carcinomatosis as the single site of metastases 8 months after robotic-assisted radical cystectomy, extended pelvic lymphadenectomy and extracorporeal formation of an ileal neobladder for organ-confined, muscle-invasive and poorly differentiated bladder cancer. The indication for robotic-assisted radical cancer surgery for urothelial carcinoma of the upper or the lower urinary tract in patients with locally advanced or poorly differentiated cancer should be made with caution.

Prevention and treatment of transitional cell carcinomatosis with intraperitoneal chemotherapy in a rat model

PURPOSE

Tumor spillage from bladder perforation during transurethral bladder tumor resection or cystectomy risks seeding the peritoneum with transitional cell carcinoma. We determined the lowest effective mitomycin C dose to prevent tumor implantation and the potential efficacy of delayed therapy. Additionally, we investigated the effect of tumor debulking combined with intraperitoneal mitomycin C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using our established murine model of intraperitoneal transitional cell carcinoma implantation mitomycin C was instilled at decreasing concentrations to find the lowest effective dose. To evaluate the effectiveness of delayed therapy mitomycin C was administered on day 3 or 7 after tumor implantation. Finally, surgical debulking of established tumors with or without mitomycin C was performed.

RESULTS

All control animals had disseminated carcinomatosis. The lowest effective intraperitoneal mitomycin C dose to prevent implantation was 0.3125 mg/m(2). Administration of mitomycin C on day 3 after instillation resulted in tumor-free status in 50% of the animals, although no rats were tumor-free when treated on day 7. Tumor debulking only for established disease cured 40% of the animals, whereas debulking combined with mitomycin C had a 100% cure rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraperitoneal mitomycin C prevents tumor growth after transitional cell carcinoma implantation. Delayed therapy is not as effective as immediate treatment but cure is still possible, particularly when combined with surgical debulking, in a rat model.