Validation of the Clavien-Madadi Classification for Unexpected Events in Pediatric Surgery: A Collaborative ERNICA Project

BACKGROUND

The Clavien-Madadi classification is a novel instrument for the assessment and grading of unexpected events in pediatric surgery, based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. The system has been adjusted to better fit the pediatric population in a prospective single-center study. There is a need now to validate the Clavien-Madadi classification within an international expert network.

METHODS

A pediatric surgical working group created 19 case scenarios with unexpected events in a multi-staged process. Those were circulated within the European Reference Network of Inherited and Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA) and surgeons were instructed to rate the scenarios according to the Clavien-Madadi vs. Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

59 surgeons from 12 European countries completed the questionnaire. Based on ratings of the case scenarios, the Clavien-Madadi classification showed significantly superior agreement rates of the respondents (85.9% vs 76.2%; p < 0.05) and was less frequently considered inaccurate for rating the pediatric population compared to Clavien-Dindo (2.1% vs 11.1%; p = 0.05). Fleiss' kappa analysis showed slightly higher strength of agreement using the Clavien-Madadi classification (0.74 vs 0.69). Additionally, intraclass correlation coefficient was slightly higher for the Clavien-Madadi compared to the Clavien-Dindo classification (ICCjust 0.93 vs 0.89; ICCunjust 0.93 vs 0.89). More pediatric surgeons preferred the Clavien-Madadi classification for the case scenarios (43.0% vs 11.8%; p = 0.002) and advantages of the Clavien-Madadi were confirmed by 81.4% of the surgeons.

CONCLUSION

The Clavien-Madadi classification is an accurate and reliable instrument for the grading of unexpected events in pediatric surgery. We therefore recommend its application in clinical and academic pediatric surgical practice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Investigating the clinical reasoning abilities of large language model GPT-4: an analysis of postoperative complications from renal surgeries

PURPOSE

Large language models, a subset of artificial intelligence, have immense potential to support human tasks. The role of these models in science and medicine is unclear, requiring strong critical thinking and analysis skills. The objective of our study was to evaluate GPT-4's abilities to assess postoperative complications after renal surgeries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Discharge summaries were compiled, and patient information was deidentified in a Python-based program. Prompts were engineered in GPT-4 to assess for the presence of postoperative complications. GPT-4 was further asked to interpret each complication's Clavien-Dindo classification and institutional-specific category. GPT-4's database was compared to a human-curated database. Discrepancies were manually reviewed to calculate match and accuracy rates.

RESULTS

Approximately 944 renal surgeries were conducted from August 2005 to March 2022. There was a 79.6% match rate between GPT-4 and human-curated data in detecting postoperative complications. Accuracy rates were 86.7% for GPT-4 and 92.9% for human-curated. A subgroup of 139 patients had a complication detected by both GPT-4 and human with available Clavien-Dindo classification and category information. There was a 37.4% overall match rate for Clavien-Dindo grade and 55.4% match rate for category.

CONCLUSIONS

GPT-4 was able to accurately detect if there were any postoperative complications. It struggled with the complex task of further analyzing complications, especially with Clavien-Dindo classification, which requires more critical thinking and interpretation. While GPT-4 is not yet ready for advanced postoperative complication analysis, it can still be used to support clinicians in this endeavor.

Percutaneous Image-Guided Cryoablation of Endophytic Renal Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Endophytic renal cancer treatment is a challenge. Due to difficulties in endophytic tumor visualization during surgical extirpation, image-guided percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) is an attractive alternative. The minimally invasive nature of PCA makes it favorable for comorbid patients as well as patients in which surgery is contraindicated. Oncological outcomes and complications after PCA of endophytic biopsy-proven renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were reviewed in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were included after a multidisciplinary team conference from January 2015 to November 2021. Inclusion criteria were endophytic biopsy-proven T1 RCC treated with PCA with one year of follow-up. Complications were reported according to the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) classification system and the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) system. Major complications were defined as a grade ≥ 3 according to the CDC.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients were included with a total of 56 endophytic tumors treated during 61 PCA sessions. The median RENAL nephrometry score was 9 (IQR 2), and the mean tumor size was 25.7 mm (SD ± 8.9 mm). Mean hospitalization time was 0.39 (SD ± 1.1) days. At a mean follow-up of 996 days (SD ± 559), 86% of tumors were recurrence free after one PCA. No patients progressed to metastatic disease. According to the CIRSE classification, 10.7% (n = 6) had grade 3 complications, and 5.4% (n = 3) had CDC major complications.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that PCA of endophytic biopsy-proven T1 RCC is safe with few major complications and excellent local tumor control rates at almost three-year mean follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Retrospective cohort study.

Percutaneous antegrade management of large proximal ureteral stones using non-papillary puncture

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and the safety of medial non-papillary percutaneous nephrolithotomy (npPCNL) for the management of large proximal ureteral stones.

Methods

We evaluated prospectively collected data of 37 patients with large proximal ureteral stones more than 1.5 cm in diameter treated by prone npPCNL. Depending on stone size, in-toto stone removal or lithotripsy using the Lithoclast® Trilogy (EMS Medical, Nyon, Switzerland) was performed. Perioperative parameters including operative time (from start of puncture to the skin suturing), stone extraction time (from the first insertion of the nephroscope to the extraction of all stone fragments), and the stone-free rate were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-one males and 16 females underwent npPCNL for the management of large upper ureteral calculi. The median age and stone size of treated patients were 58 (interquartile range [IQR]: 51-69) years and 19.3 (IQR: 18.0-22.0) mm, respectively. The median operative time and stone extraction time were 25 (IQR: 21-29) min and 8 (IQR: 7-10) min, respectively. One case (2.7%) of postoperative bleeding and two cases (5.4%) of prolonged fever were managed conservatively. The stone-free rate at a 1-month follow-up was 94.6%.

Conclusion

The npPCNL provides a straight route to the ureteropelvic junction and proximal ureter. Approaching from a dilated portion of the ureter under low irrigation pressure with larger diameter instruments results in effective and safe stone extraction within a few minutes.

Endoscopic management of encrusted ureteral stents: outcomes and tips and tricks

PURPOSE

To report our experience in the management of encrusted ureteral stents (EUS) and provide technical insight of our endourological approaches for difficult scenarios posed by this entity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of a longitudinally collected database of 58 patients with encrusted US between December 2012 and May 2022 was performed. The ureteral stents were initially inserted due to obstructive uropathy, pyelonephritis or after a successful endoscopic procedure for urolithiasis. A combination of antegrade/retrograde treatment in single or multiple sessions took place for the retrieval of the encrusted stents. Non-contrast enhanced computer tomography was used for the follow-up of the patients at 1-month after the removal of the encrusted stent.

RESULTS

Overall 58 patients, 39 males and 19 females with a median age of 51 years old were included in the study. Indwelling time was < 6 months, 6-12 months and > 12 months in 22%, 57% and 21% of the cases, respectively. All US were successfully removed. Semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) and flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) were used in 90% of the cases. In 10% of the cases, a second-stage percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) was performed. All US were successfully released. Stone-free rate was 84% at 1-month. Overall complication rate was 10.5% (mostly postoperative fevers, 5.4%).

CONCLUSION

Removal of the encrusted US is a challenging procedure. Appropriate decision-making and knowledge of specific tricks may result in safe and successful management of significant EUS.

Non-papillary prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal abnormalities: single-institution experience

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of non-papillary prone PCNL for the treatment of patients with renal abnormalities.

METHODS

An observational retrospective cohort study including PCNL cases of patients with renal abnormalities was performed. The following inclusion criteria were applied: renal stones > 1.5 cm with maximal diameter, anatomical malformations of affected kidney (malrotated kidneys, horseshoe kidneys and kidneys with complete duplicated systems, medullary sponge kidney), patients treated with standard (30Fr) PCNL or mini-PCNL (22Fr). The lithotripsy was performed using the Lithoclast Master or the Lithoclast^® Trilogy (EMS Medical, Nyon, Switzerland).

RESULTS

Overall, 57 patients, 35 males, and 22 females with any renal malformation underwent non-papillary prone PCNL. Our study included 25 patients with horseshoe kidneys, 21 with malrotated kidneys, 9 with kidneys with duplicated pelvicalyceal systems and 2 with medullary sponge kidneys. The mean cumulative stone size was 36 ± 1.4 mm and most of the stones were in the lower calyceal group (36.9%) and in the pelvis (27.2%). The stone-free rate (SFR) was 84.2% and the mean hospitalization time was 2.7 ± 0.7 days. In total, postoperative complications were developed in six patients (10.5%), half of them presenting fever and the other half requiring blood transfusion (Grade II).

CONCLUSION

The PCNL is the method of choice for treating large stones in anomalous kidneys. The generally accepted panacea that only a papillary puncture is safe is questioned by our results. Based on our experience, a non-papillary puncture proved to be a safe and effective procedure.

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

Objectives

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Protocol for CAMUS Delphi Study: A Consensus on Comprehensive Reporting and Grading of Complications After Urological Surgery

BACKGROUND

Reproducible assessment of postoperative complications is essential for reliable evaluation of quality of care to enable comparison between healthcare centres and ensure transparent patient counselling. Currently, significant discrepancies exist in complication reporting and grading due to heterogeneous definitions and methodologies.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a standardised and reproducible assessment of perioperative complications and overall associated morbidity, to allow for the construction of a uniform language for complication reporting and grading.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The 12-part REDCap-based Delphi survey was developed in conjunction with methodologist review and experienced urologist opinion. International urologists, anaesthetists, and intensive care unit specialists will be included. A minimum sample size of 750 participants (500 urologists and 250 critical care specialities) is targeted.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The survey assesses participant demographics, opinion on complication reporting and the proposed Complications After Major & Minor Urological Surgery (CAMUS) reporting recommendations, grading of intervention events using the existing Clavien-Dindo classification and the proposed CAMUS classification, and rating of various clinical scenarios. Consensus will be defined as ≥75% majority agreement. If consensus is not reached, then subsequent Delphi rounds will be performed under steering committee guidance.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Twenty-one participants completed the draft survey. The median survey completion time was 128 min (interquartile range 88-135). The survey revealed that 90% of participants believe that the current complication classification systems are useful but inaccurate, while 100% of participants believe that there is a universal demand for reporting consensus. Several amendments were made following feedback. Limitations include complexity of the proposed supplemental grades and time to completion of the survey.

CONCLUSIONS

To ensure comprehensive and comparable complication reporting and grading across centres worldwide, a conclusive uniform language for complication reporting must be created. We intend to address shortcomings of the current complication reporting and classification systems with a new CAMUS classification system developed through multidisciplinary expert consensus obtained through a Delphi survey. Ultimately, standardisation of urological complication reporting and grading may improve patient counselling and quality of care.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The reporting and grading of operative complications that occur during or after an operation and associated costs provide a means to stratify quality of patient care. Current complication reporting and classification systems are not standardised and somewhat inaccurate, and thus significantly underestimate patient morbidity and surgical risk. This Delphi survey will provide the basis for the creation of a uniform complication reporting and grading system. Our new system may allow improved reporting and grading between centres, and ultimately improve patient counselling and care.

Efficacy and safety of surgery in renal carcinoma patients 75 years and older: a retrospective analysis

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and complications of surgical treatment in patients with renal cell carcinoma aged ≥ 75 years.

Methods

From January 2009 to May 2019, we assessed 166 patients aged 75 years and older, who either had radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN) as treatments for diagnosed renal cell carcinoma. Patients were divided into one group of patients aged 75–79 years and the second group of patients ≥ 80 years. The complications and survival were compared between the two groups.

Results

All 166 patients were successfully operated on. Differences between the two groups were statistically significant in intraoperative and postoperative complications and Clavien–Dindo score of ≥ 1 (P = 0.02, P < 0.001, P = 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed no significant correlation between a Clavien–Dindo score ≥ 1 versus gender, body mass index (BMI), lack of symptoms, KPS, baseline GFR, postoperative GFR, tumor size, tumor location, surgical method, and transfusion or no transfusion (ALL P > 0.05). Multifactor analysis showed that age ≥ 80 years, partial nephrectomy, and operation time were independent predictors of a Clavien–Dindo score ≥ 1. No significant difference was found in OS between the two groups, (P < 0.0001), and no significant difference in CSS (P = 0.056). There was no significant difference in OS and CSS between the RN and PN groups (P = 0.143, P = 0.281, respectively).

Conclusions

According to our findings, the overall safety of surgical therapy for elderly patients with renal cell carcinoma is adequate. PN should be carefully examined, especially over the age of 80. To select suitable patients based on an assessment of the tumor's complexity and patients' physical condition, such as age, underlying diseases and other conditions, technical feasibility, balance of benefits and a case-by-case.

Long-Term Complications of Open and Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in an Afro-Caribbean Population

Background

With the Afro-Caribbean population increasing in the United States, their complication profiles following open (ORP) and robot-assisted laparoscopic (RALP) radical prostatectomy warrants investigation. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate differences in long-term complications between ORP and RALP in Afro-Caribbeans.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing ORP or RALP between April 2010 and August 2019 at an academic medical center and county hospital was conducted. Patients who identified as Afro-Caribbean with complete data were analyzed. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system. Age, transrectal ultrasound prostate volume, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, Gleason scores, and long-term complications (persisting to at least 18 months postoperatively) were compared between procedures using the Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher’s exact test for statistical significance. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the odds of complications.

Results

This study included 53 Afro-Caribbean patients (mean age±SD; 65.9±6.8 years, 30 ORP, and 23 RALP). Patients treated by RALP were younger and had lower Gleason scores. Patients who were treated by RALP had a lower association to having ≥1 complications compared to those treated by ORP (OR=0.28, 95%CI 0.09-0.89, p=0.024). In addition, >60% of complications had a Clavien-Dindo grade≤II for both procedures. RALP resulted in fewer grade II complications compared to ORP (OR=0.25, 95%CI 0.08-0.81, p=0.046).

Conclusions

Treatment of Afro-Caribbeans with RALP allows for fewer complications, especially Clavien-Dindo Grade II complications. While previous investigations show that Black populations experience more complications when treated with ORP or RALP compared to other groups, their complication profile is likely not homogenous when considering their sub-ethnic background and must be investigated to understand optimal interventions for prostate cancer.

The use of ureteral access sheath during mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy with high-power holmium YAG laser

PURPOSE

To present our preliminary results and describe a technical modification of mini-PCNL (12Fr) with the insertion of a ureteral access sheath (UAS) to facilitate the procedure.

METHODS

A prospective study for the time period of January 2020 to January 2021 was conducted including patients with renal stones sized ≤ 25 mm in whom prone mini-PCNL (tract size 12Fr) together with the retrograde insertion of UAS was performed. All patients had been prestented at least 1 week prior to the planned surgery. A single-step tract dilation to 12Fr diameter was performed through a nonpapillary medial puncture. The lithotripsy was achieved using high-power holmium yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Ho:YAG) with the 60 W power setting (40 Hz and 1.5 J). The follow-up investigations were planned at 1-month after the surgery.

RESULTS

In total, 32 patients with the median age and stone size of 56.5 (IQR = 53-62) years and 20.8 (IQR = 19.3-22.7) mm were included. The median operative and cumulative fluoroscopy time were 34.0 (IQR = 29.9-37.5) and 1.9 (1.8-2.1) min, respectively. The stone-free rate (SFR) at 1-month follow-up was 93.8% (30/32). Only one patient developed a fever and required prolonged antibiotic administration. None of the patients experienced clinically significant bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary results showed that the use of UASs during mini-PCNL procedures is feasible and provides directed evacuation of the stone fragments reaching 93.8% SFR at a 1-month follow-up. Future well-designed studies are necessary to prove our findings.

There is a Need for a Universal Language in the Reporting and Grading of Complication and Intervention Events to Ensure Comparability and Improvement of Surgical Care

To enhance the clarity and quality of complication reporting and grading for clinicians and patients, the CAMUS-Collaboration aims to develop the following: (1) a data dictionary; (2) parameters required for reporting; (3) risk-based reporting; (4) nursing and patient opinions; and (5) prospective reporting and grading of short- and long-term complications.

Robot assisted simple prostatectomy versus endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials

Robot assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) and endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) are two minimally invasive alternatives to simple prostatectomy, which is considered the standard treatment in large prostate glands. It remains unclear which of the two is superior in terms of outcome and complications. To compare perioperative and functional outcomes of robot assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) versus endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration and in line with the PRISMA criteria. The database search included clinicaltrials.gov, Medline (via PubMed), CINAHL and Web of Science and was using the PICO criteria. All comparative trials were considered. Risk of bias was assessed with the revised ROBINS-I tool. 760 studies were identified, four of which were eligible for qualitative and quantitative analysis, reporting on a total of 901 patients with follow-up up to 24 months. Hemoglobin drop (MD[CI]: 0.34 g/dl [0.09; 0.58]), the rate of blood transfusions (OR[CI]: 5.01 [1.60; 15.61]) catheterization time (MD[CI]: 3.26 d [1.30; 5.23]) and length of hospital stay (LoS) (MD[CI]: 1.94 d [1.11; 2.76]) were significantly lower in EEP. No significant differences were seen in operating time and enucleation weight. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of postoperative urinary retention, postoperative transient incontinence and complications graded according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification. Functional results were similar, with no significant differences in International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum urinary flow rate at follow-up. Conclusion: Both EEP and RASP offer excellent improvement of symptoms due to prostatic hyperplasia. EEP has lower blood loss, shorter catheterization time and LoS and should be the first choice if available. RASP remains an attractive alternative for extremely large glands, in concomitant diseases or whenever EEP is not available.

Could the high-power laser increase the efficacy of stone lithotripsy during retrograde intrarenal surgery?

OBJECTIVE

To compare a high-power setting holmium yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy to the established low-power setting approach during Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Our study analyzed the data of consecutive patients managed with RIRS. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the employed laser settings of power, energy and frequency; dusting (20W=0.5Jx40Hz) (Group1) and stone "self-popping" (60W=1.5-2Jx30-40Hz) (Group 2). Perioperative outcomes including operative time (OT) and stone disintegration time (SDT) were compared between groups. Stone-free rate (SFR) was evaluated 1 month after the surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, 174 patients with 179 renal units were included. The dusting mode was utilized in 98 patients (100 renal units), whereas 76 patients (79 renal units) underwent the stone "self-popping" technique. The SFR was 82.1% for both groups. The OT and SDT were 60.1 ± 18.6min and 32.6 ± 9.4min respectively for Group 1, and 44.9 ± 15.5min and 16.5 ± 4.7min respectively for Group 2. According to the final analysis, laser lithotripsy using stone the "self-popping" technique was significantly faster compared to the dusting technique with a coefficient value of 14.12min (CI = 8.8 - 19.44) and 15.84min (CI = 13.44 - 18.2) for OT and SDT, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The stone "self-popping" technique with the power at 60W, frequency at 30-40Hz and energy at 1.5-2.0J is a safe and effective modality for the active treatment of renal stones. In comparison to the dusting mode, it resulted in significantly faster procedures (14.12min) possessing similar SFR.

Nonpapillary prone endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery: effectiveness, safety and tips, and tricks

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonpapillary prone endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) and provide practical tips and tricks for the successful accomplishment of the procedure respecting the anatomical particularities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is an analysis of a prospectively collected database including all cases of ECIRS performed between January 2019 and December 2021 in a high-volume tertiary center. All patients underwent the procedure in prone-split leg position. A nonpapillary renal puncture was performed. The used access sheaths were 22Fr or 30Fr. Lithotripsy was performed anterogradely with a dual-energy lithotripter with incorporated suction and retrogradely with holmium Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet laser.

RESULTS

A total of 33 patients were included. The initial stone-free rate (SFR) was 84.8% and the final SFR was 90.9%. The median stone size was 35 mm and 60% of patients had staghorn calculi. The prevalence of renal abnormalities was 21.3%, including 3 cases of horseshoe kidney, 2 cases of malrotation and 2 cases with complete duplicated systems. The median operative time was 47 min. The median hospital stay was 3 days and median hemoglobin loss was 1.2 gr/dL. Overall, the complication rate was 9.1%, all being Grade II complications (n = 2 fever and n = 1 transient bleeding).

CONCLUSIONS

Nonpapillary prone ECIRS is an effective and safe procedure. Standardization of the procedure is critical to achieve good outcomes. Patients who benefit the most are probably the ones where additional punctures can be avoided using this technique, namely patients with renal abnormalities, incrusted ureteral stents and staghorn stones.

Holmium Versus Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

CONTEXT

Holmium (HoLEP) and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) are the two methods most commonly applied for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate. It remains unclear which of the two is superior in terms of outcome and complications.

OBJECTIVE

To compare perioperative and functional outcomes between HoLEP and ThuLEP.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration and in line with the PRISMA criteria. A comprehensive database search including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and CENTRAL was conducted according to the PICO criteria. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered. All review steps were conducted by two independent reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane tool for RCTs.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The search identified 556 studies, of which four were eligible for qualitative and quantitative analysis, reporting on a total of 579 patients with follow-up of up to 18 months. No significant differences in operating time, enucleation weight, catheterization time, or hospital stay were observed between ThuLEP and HoLEP. The decrease in hemoglobin was significantly lower for ThuLEP (mean difference -0.54 g/dl, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.93 to -0.15; p < 0.001), but with low certainty of evidence. Transient urinary incontinence was more common for HoLEP (odds ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.99; p = 0.045), again with low certainty of evidence. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed for other complications or for functional measures and symptom scores.

CONCLUSIONS

ThuLEP and HoLEP offer comparable improvement in symptoms and postoperative voiding parameters. Both procedures are safe and major complications are rare. ThuLEP showed minor advantages for blood loss and the incidence of transient incontinence. This should be interpreted with caution owing to the low certainty of evidence. Therefore, treatment choice should be based on surgeon expertise and local conditions.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We reviewed four clinical trials that compared holmium and thulium lasers for treatment to reduce the size of the prostate gland. Our review assessed outcomes and complications. We found that both laser techniques are safe and suitable for reducing symptoms due to an enlarged prostate. Blood loss and short-lasting urinary incontinence were slightly lower after thulium compared to holmium laser treatment.

Technical aspects to maximize the hyperaccuracy three-dimensional (HA3D™) computed tomography reconstruction for kidney stones surgery: a pilot study

The aim of the current prospective pilot study was to describe a hyperaccuracy three-dimensional (HA3D^™) model reconstruction technique, specifically developed to maximize the visualization of the renal collecting system's anatomy, and its relationship with the stones, vessels and renal parenchyma, and to compare the HA3D^™ virtual models with the intraoperative findings. The image acquisition was performed using a CT scanner (Toshiba, Aquilion Prime) and included the unenhanced, arterial, venous and excretory phases. The DICOM format CT images were processed by MEDICS Srl ( www.medics3d.com , Turin, Italy). In total, study included three patients with renal stone scheduled for non-papillary prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The median age and BMI were 51 (range 49-54) and 25.5 (range 25.0-32.7), respectively. The median stone size was 1170 mm² (range 830-1520) and median stone density was 1130 HU (range 600-1340). In all cases, the quality of the CT images acquired with our protocol was adequate to perform the HA3D^™ reconstruction. Median operative and puncture time were 39.4 (range 35.2-44.0) and 1.9 (range 1.8-2.1) mins, respectively. The success rate for the first attempt of the percutaneous puncture was 100%, and only one PCNL tract was sufficient to complete the surgery. All three patients were stone-free on the third postoperative day. A dedicated imaging acquisition protocol and a tailored 3D model reconstruction process specifically developed for kidney stones treatment allow obtaining HA3D^™ highly relevant models to greatly match intraoperative findings during PCNL with the potential of minimizing bleeding and organ injury complications.

The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) for improved reporting of complications in endourological stone treatment

The Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC) lacks a combined score of multiple complications in one patient. The comprehensive complication index (CCI) circumvents this problem making it a valuable instrument to optimize quality control. We aimed to introduce and validate CCI in the treatment of urolithiasis. 60 day postoperative complications of 327 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy (PNL) and ureterorenoscopy (URS) between 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively assessed and graded according to CDC. CCI was calculated for each patient. Overall morbidity scores of CCI and CDC were compared. Correlation analyses between the two scores and length of hospital stay (LOS) were performed. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for complications. Sample size calculation for an imaginary clinical trial was compared between CCI and CDC. A significant difference in overall morbidity between CCI and CDC was revealed for PNL (p < 0.001) and URS (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in comparing correlations between cumulative CCI and LOS versus non-cumulative CDC and LOS for both cohorts. Operating time > 90 min, maximum stone size, positive preoperative urine culture and PNL type (p < 0.001) were predictive factors for postoperative complications in PNL, while urine culture (p = 0.02) was for URS. Sample size calculation based on CCI resulted in a significant reduction of required patients for PNL (- 48%) and URS (- 84%) compared to CDC. CCI could successfully be validated in endourological stone treatment with the advantage of assessing complications in their entirety compared to CDC. CCI can significantly reduce the required sample size in future clinical trials.

Major complications of post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in a contemporary cohort of patients with testicular cancer and a review of the literature

Background

Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pc-RPLND) is one cornerstone in the clinical management of patients with nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumours (GCT). A wide range of complication rates in this type of surgery is reported so far. We retrospectively evaluated the frequency of major complications by using the Clavien-Dindo classification and analysed the influence of various clinical factors on complication rates in pc-RPLND.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 146 GCT patients undergoing pc-RPLND. Complications of grade III–V according to the Clavien-Dindo classification occurring within 30 days after surgery were registered along with the following clinical factors: age, body mass index (BMI), duration of surgery, number of anatomic fields resected, side of primary tumour, histology of surgical specimen, histology of primary tumour, and total dose of cisplatin applied prior to surgery. For comparison, we also evaluated 35 chemotherapy-naïve patients with primary RPLND and 19 with laparoscopic RPLND. We analysed types and frequencies of the various complications as well as associations with clinical factors using descriptive statistical methods.

Results

A total of 14.4% grade III–IV complications were observed in pc-RPLND, and 8.6% and 5.3% in primary and in laparoscopic RPLND, respectively. There was no perioperative mortality. Lymphocele was the most frequent adverse event (16% of grade III–IV complications). Operation time > 270 min (p = 0.001) and vital cancer in the resected specimen (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with higher complication rates. Left-sided resection fields involved two-fold higher complication rates, barely missing statistical significance (p = 0.06).

Conclusions

Pc-RPLND involves a grade III–V complication rate of 14.4%. Prolonged operation time and vital cancer in the residual mass are significantly associated with higher complication rates. The Clavien-Dindo classification system may allow inter-observer variation in rating complication grades, which may represent one reason for the wide range of reported RPLND complication rates. RPLND represents major surgery and surgeons active in this field must be competent to manage adverse events.

The comprehensive complication index (CCI): proposal of a new reporting standard for complications in major urological surgery

PURPOSE

The comprehensive complication index (CCI) is a new tool for reporting the cumulative burden of postoperative complications on a continuous scale. This study validates the CCI for urological surgery and its benefits over the Clavien-Dindo-Classification (Clavien).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from a prospectively maintained data base of all consecutive patients at a university care-center was analyzed. Complications after radical cystectomy (RC), radical prostatectomy (RP), and partial nephrectomy (PN) were classified using the CCI and Clavien system. Differences in complications between the CCI and the Clavien were assessed and correlation analyses performed. Sample size calculations for hypothetical clinical trials were compared between CCI and Clavien to evaluate whether the CCI would reduce the number of required patients in a clinical trial.

RESULTS

682 patients (172 RC, 297 RP, 213 PN) were analyzed. Overall, 9.4-46.6% of patients had > 1 complication cumulatively assessed with the CCI resulting in an upgrading in the Clavien classification for 2.4-32.4% of patients. Therefore, scores between the systems differed for RC: CCI (mean ± standard deviation) 26.3 ± 20.8 vs. Clavien 20.4 ± 16.7, p < 0.001; PN: CCI 8.4 ± 14.7 vs. Clavien 7.0 ± 11.8, p < 0.001 and RP: CCI 5.8 ± 11.7 vs. Clavien 5.3 ± 10.6, p = 0.102. The CCI was more accurate in predicting LOS after RC than Clavien (p < 0.001). Sample size calculations based in the CCI (for future hypothetical trials) resulted in a reduction of required patients for all procedures (- 25% RC, - 74% PN, - 80% RP).

CONCLUSION

The CCI is more accurate to assess surgical complications and reduces required sample sizes that will facilitate the conduction of clinical trials.

Assessment of health-related quality of life of male patients with ileal orthotopic neobladder compared to cutaneous ureterostomy

Introduction

The aim of this article was to compare patients' health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) outcomes between ileal orthotopic neobladder (IONB) and standard bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy (CU) using validated diversion-specific HR-QoL questionnaires.

Material and methods

This study utilized a retrospective cohort design, including all male patients who underwent open radical cystectomy with either IONB or CU from January 2010 until December 2017. In total, 69 and 57 male patients with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up were included in each group respectively, after applying the following exclusion criteria: female, pre- and postoperative radio- and chemotherapy and palliative surgery. For every patient, HR-QoL was evaluated using the European Association of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for patients undergoing radical cystectomy (FACT-Bl-Cys) validated questionnaires.

Results

In multivariable analysis, the type of the urinary diversion, and the occurrence of early and late postoperative complications were independently associated with the change of scores of HR-QoL domains. When comparing the 2 surgical methods (IONB vs. CU), after adjusting for confounders, such EORTC-QLQ-C30 domains as physical functioning (66.5 vs. 57.9, p = 0.011) and global health status (58.1 vs. 42.6, p <0.001) were superior in the IONB arm which was statistically significant. Similarly, functional health (15.3 vs. 11.9, p <0.001) and total score (110.1 vs. 101.7, p = 0.009) from the FACT-Bl-Cys questionnaire were superior in the IONB arm.

Conclusions

In our study, patients with IONB possessed statistically significant, better scores of HR-QoL domains assessed with EORTC-QLQ-C30 and FACT-Bl-Cys questionnaires compared to those with CU. The occurrence of early major and late complications negatively affected patients' HR-QOL.

Intraoperative Adverse Incident Classification (EAUiaiC) by the European Association of Urology ad hoc Complications Guidelines Panel

BACKGROUND

A surgical adverse incident (AI) is defined as any deviation from the normal operative course. Current complication-grading systems mostly focus on postoperative events.

OBJECTIVE

To propose an intraoperative AI classification (EAUiaiC) to facilitate reporting.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The classification was developed using a modified Delphi process in which experts answered two rounds of survey questionnaires organised by the European Association of Urology ad hoc Complications Guidelines Panel. Experts evaluated AI terminology using a 5-point Likert scale for clarity, exhaustiveness, hierarchical order, mutual exclusivity, clinical utility, and quality improvement.

OUTCOME MEASURES AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We considered ≥70% agreement for inclusion or exclusion. The resultant EAUiaiC was evaluated using ten sample clinical scenarios. Numerical and graphical statistical techniques were used to report the results.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

In total, 343 respondents participated. The proposed EAUiaiC system comprises eight AI grades ranging from grade 0 (no deviation and no consequence to the patient) to grade 5B (wrong surgery site or intraoperative death). In the validation stage, EAUiaiC was rated highly favourably in terms of relevance and reliability (consistency) by 126 experts. Ratings for self-reported ease of use were at acceptable levels.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose a novel intraoperative AI classification (EAUiaiC) for use for urological procedures. Both the initial assessment of feasibility and the subsequent assessment of reliability suggest that it is a simple and effective tool for classifying intraoperative complications.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Complications in surgery are common. It is helpful to classify complications in a uniform and objective manner so that surgeons can easily compare outcomes and learn from complications. Here we propose a new classification system for complications that occur during urological surgical procedures. An abstract of this work was presented at the 2018 congress of the European Association of Urology.

Clavien-Dindo classification for grading complications after total pharyngolaryngectomy and free jejunum transfer

Background

The frequency of postoperative complications is used as an indicator of surgical quality; however, comparison of outcomes is hampered by a lack of agreement on the definition of complications and their severity. A standard grading system for surgical complications is necessary to improve the quality of clinical research and reporting in head and neck reconstruction.

Methods

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative morbidity after microvascular head and neck reconstruction between patients with versus without a history of prior radiation therapy (RT) by using the Clavien–Dindo classification. A group of 274 patients was divided into two cohorts based on the history of prior RT: the RT group included 79 patients and the non-RT group included 195 patients. Postoperative (30-day) complications were compared between the groups with a nonstandardized evaluation system and the Clavien–Dindo classification.

Results

The grades of complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification were significantly higher in the RT group than in the non-RT group. The frequency of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the groups according to the nonstandardized evaluation system.

Conclusions

The Clavien–Dindo classification could serve as a useful, highly objective tool for grading operative morbidity after microvascular head and neck reconstruction when comparing similar defects and methods of reconstruction. Widespread use of the Clavien–Dindo classification system would allow adequate comparisons of surgical outcomes among different surgeons, centers, and therapies.

Improving Estimates of Perioperative Morbidity After Radical Cystectomy Using the European Association of Urology Quality Criteria for Standardized Reporting and Introducing the Comprehensive Complication Index

BACKGROUND

No procedure-specific definitions in complication reporting have been universally accepted in urological surgery, and conventional classification systems do not reflect cumulative morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a rigorous assessment of 30-d complications after radical cystectomy and improve morbidity estimates by introducing the novel Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective proof-of-concept study of 506 patients with bladder cancer between 2009 and 2017.

INTERVENTION

Radical cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSES

Thirty-day complications were extracted from digital charts based on a procedure-specific catalog. Each complication was graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC), and each individual CCI was calculated. We evaluated traditional morbidity endpoints and tested the ability of both classification tools to mirror cumulative morbidity. Multivariable regression analyses were employed for risk modeling using conventional and novel endpoints. The study fulfilled all the European Association of Urology (EAU) criteria of standardized reporting. Limitations include restricted follow-up of 30 d.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 506 patients, 503 (99%) experienced a total of 2485 complications, of which the majority was classified as "minor" (CDC grade ≤ IIIa; 89%). Overall, 29 (5.7%), 20 (4.0%), and 12 (2.4%) patients were reoperated, readmitted, and died within 30 d, respectively. When using the CCI to capture cumulative morbidity, the proportion of patients with most severe complication burden (CDC grade ≥ IIIb or corresponding CCI > 33.7) increased to 31% as compared with 11% when considering only the highest-grade complication according to the CDC. Age-adjusted comorbidity and delta hemoglobin were the main drivers of perioperative complications for all outcomes in multivariable models.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of short-term morbidity after radical cystectomy may be refined and optimized by employing the EAU criteria of standardized reporting and using the CCI to capture cumulative morbidity. These are the cornerstones of urgently needed procedure-tailored benchmarking to improve comparability and quality control.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Characterization of short-term morbidity after radical cystectomy was improved by using several validated assessment tools and adhering to existing guidelines for reporting surgical complications.

Grading of Complications After Cervical Deformity-corrective Surgery: Are Existing Classification Systems Applicable?

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective review of prospective multicenter cervical deformity (CD) database.

OBJECTIVE

Assess the impact of complication type and Clavien complication (Cc) grade on clinical outcomes of surgical CD patients BACKGROUND:: Validated for general surgery, the Clavien-Dindo complication classification system allows for broad comparison of postoperative complications; however, the applicability of this system is unclear in CD-specific populations.

METHODS

Surgical CD patients above 18 years with baseline and postoperative clinical data were included. Primary outcomes were complication type (renal, infection, cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neurological, musculoskeletal, implant-related, radiographic, operative, wound) and Cc grade (I, II, III, IV, V). Secondary outcomes were estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), reoperation, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) score. The univariate analysis assessed the impact of complication type and Cc grade on improvement markers and 1-year postoperative HRQL outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 153 patients (61±10 y, 61% female) underwent surgery for CD (8.1±4.6 levels fused; surgical approach included 48% posterior, 18% anterior, 34% combined). Overall, 63% of patients suffered at least 1 complication. Complication breakdown by type: renal (2.0%), infection (5.2%), cardiac (7.2%), pulmonary (3.9%), gastrointestinal (2.0%), neurological (26.1%), musculoskeletal (0.0%), implant-related (3.9%), radiographic (16.3%), operative (7.8%), and wound (5.2%). Of complication types, only operative complications were associated with increased EBL (P=0.004), whereas renal, cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neurological, radiographic, and wound infections were associated with increased LOS (P<0.050). Patients were also assessed by Cc grade: I (28%), II (14.3%), III (16.3%), IV (6.5%), and V (0.7%). Grades I and V were associated with increased EBL (both P<0.050); Cc grade V was the only complication not associated with increased LOS (P=0.610). Increasing complication severity was correlated with increased risk of reoperation (r=0.512; P<0.001), but not inferior 1-year HRQL outcomes (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing complication severity, assessed by the Clavien-Dindo classification system, was not associated with increased EBL, inpatient LOS, or inferior 1-year postoperative HRQL outcomes. Only operative complications were associated with increased EBL. These results suggest a need for modification of the Clavien system to increase applicability and utility in CD-specific populations.

3D versus 2D laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for organ confined prostate cancer: Our experience

Objective:

Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy was developed to overcome the main limitations of traditional laparoscopy. The aim of our study was to compare operative, functional and oncological results of 3D and two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Materials and methods:

A total of 102 consecutive patients with clinically localised prostate cancer underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups, 2D high definition (HD) camera (50 patients) for the first and 3D HD camera (52 patients) for the second group. Total operative time, anastomosis time, blood loss, complications and pentafecta rates for both groups were compared. All patients had at least one year of follow-up.

Results:

Total operative time was, respectively, 143 ± 17 and 118 ± 15 minutes, with a mean anastomosis time of 31± 12 and 23 ± 12 minutes. Mean blood loss was 230 ± 30 ml with 2D vision and 175 ± 40 with 3D vision. Pentafecta was reached, respectively, by 46% and 50% of patients at 3 months and 60% and 67.3% at 12 months. 3D vision offers an increased speed if compared with traditional vision ( P=0.02). Pentafecta results were significantly better in the 3D group ( P=0.03).

Conclusion:

We believe that 3D laparoscopy offers important advantages for surgeons and patients; its use should be encouraged.

Level of evidence:

1c

Perioperative morbidity and mortality of octogenarians treated by radical cystectomy-a multi-institutional retrospective study in Japan

Objective

To determine the characteristics of 90-day morbidity and mortality after radical cystectomy in Japanese octogenarians.

Methods

A retrospective multi-institutional study. We reviewed the records of 834 patients treated by open radical cystectomy between 1997 and 2010. All complications within 90 days after surgery were sorted into the 11 categories proposed by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and graded according to the modified Clavien-Dindo system. We compared the characteristics of complications between ≥80-year (n = 86) and <80-year (n = 748) groups. Multivariate regression models were used to determine the predictors of complications.

Results

American Society of Anesthesiologists score III–IV was more frequent (14% vs. 6%, respectively, P < 0.0001), and ureterocutaneostomy was more frequently performed (30% vs. 21%, respectively, P = 0.0148) in the ≥80-year group compared with <80-year group. There were no significant differences in the rates of any complication, major (Grade 3–5) complication, or 90-day mortality between the two groups (≥80-year group: 70%, 21%, 3.5%, respectively, <80-year group: 68%, 22%, 2%, respectively). The ≥80-year group had fewer genitourinary complications (7% vs. 16%, respectively, P = 0.0131). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that bowel-using urinary diversion (P = 0.0031) and the operative time (P = 0.0269) were significant predictors of any grade of complications, and a male sex (P = 0.0167), annual cystectomy volume (P = 0.0284) and prior cardiovascular comorbidity (P = 0.0034) were significant predictors of major complications.

Conclusions

In our experience, radical cystectomy in Japanese octogenarians caused similar perioperative comorbidities. Old age as a single criterion should not be used to abandon radical cystectomy; careful preoperative assessment is mandatory.

Validation of the Clavien-Dindo Grading System in Urology by the European Association of Urology Guidelines Ad Hoc Panel

CONTEXT

Since 2012 uniformed reporting of complications after urological procedures has been advocated by the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. The Clavien-Dindo grading system was recommended to report the outcomes of urologic procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the Clavien-Dindo grading system in urology.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Members of the EAU working group compiled a list of case scenarios including those with minor and major complications. A survey was administered online via Survey Monkey to the members of EAU committees for the appropriate grading according to the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications. Scenarios with intraoperative complications were intentionally included to assess respondents' awareness of the Clavien-Dindo applicability.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Survey data collected were used to calculate agreement rates and to estimate the overall inter-rater agreement on all cases using Fleiss' kappa (κ). Differences in agreement rates for each scenario among groups with different criteria about the system were estimated using the chi-square test.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Evaluable responses were received from 81 out of 174 invited raters (46.5%). Of them 56.9% believed that the Clavien-Dindo system was adequate for grading postoperative complications. The agreement rate was over a score of ≥80% in nine cases, 60-79% in 10 cases, 40-59% in 14 cases, and <40% in two cases. Interestingly, the agreement rate on the nonapplicability of the Clavien-Dindo system was quite low, ranging from 27.5% to 67.2% (κ=0.147). Being a resident rather than a specialist affected only the distribution of agreement rates in case 1 (ie, score IIIb: 83.3% vs 94.1%). Being an academic or having affiliation did not have any impact on the distribution of agreement rates in all cases but one.

CONCLUSIONS

The Clavien-Dindo classification is a standardised approach to grade and report postoperative complications in urology and should be used systematically. However, it does not apply for intraoperative complications, and there is a need for an additional tool.

PATIENT SUMMARY

A rigorous methodology is mandatory when surgeons report about complications after surgery. In this study, the European Association of Urology Guidelines Panel has validated the use of the Clavien-Dindo grading system in urology.

How to lower postoperative complications after radical cystectomy - a review

Introduction

Lowering morbidity and mortality after RC is subject of considerable interest. Lately, many evidence-based data on improvements in operative technique, anesthetic management, and patient care have been published.

In this article, we present a review of literature on how to lower postoperative complications after RC.

Material and methods

The Medline, and Web of Science databases were searched without a time limit on February 2016 using the terms ‘cystectomy’ in conjunction with ‘radical’, ‘bladder cancer’, ‘complications’ or ‘management’. Boolean operators (NOT, AND, OR) were also used in succession to narrow and broaden the search. The search was limited to the English, Polish and Spanish literature.

Results

Many complications may be avoided by appropriate patient selection and meticulous introduction of care protocols.

Conclusions

RC as treatment free of complications, even in the hands of an experienced urologist, does not exist. A large number of complications are acceptable in the name of good long-term results. Optimum results are possible with proper surgical technique, good patients and urinary diversion selection and proper patient management in the pre-, peri, and postoperative period.