Risk factors for infectious readmissions following radical cystectomy: results from a prospective multicenter dataset

A modified ureteroileal anastomosis can reduce ureteroileal anastomotic stricture after ileal conduit

PURPOSE

Ileal conduit is commonly employed as a urinary diversion procedure for patients with bladder cancer after radical cystectomy. Studies have reported that ureteroileal anastomotic stricture remains a serious complication following ileal conduit diversion. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel modified technique for ureteroileal anastomosis and evaluate postoperative complications, with a specific focus on the incidence of ureteroileal anastomotic stricture.

METHODS

A prospective single-center, single-surgeon cohort study was conducted on 29 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion between February 2017 and April 2021. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed where intraoperative variables and postoperative complications were assessed.

RESULTS

All 29 operations were successful with an average operation time of 372.9 ± 94.3 min. The mean follow-up time was 39.62 ± 15.93 months. No cases of UIAS occurred. Three patients (10.3%) had febrile urinary tract infection, three patients (10.3%) had a transient small bowel obstruction, one patient (3.4%) had ileal anastomotic fistula, one patient (3.4%) had ileal conduit leakage, and one patient (3.4%) died 2 months after surgery due to multiple respiratory diseases. One patient (3.4%) had a mild left ureteral obstruction and CT indicated the obstruction site was in front of the iliac vessels where the left ureter had transposed to the right.

CONCLUSION

The modified ureteroileal anastomosis can reduce the incidence of UIAS.

The Potential of Prehabilitation in Radical Cystectomy Pathways: Where Are We Now?

OBJECTIVE

The growing recognition of prehabilitation has caused an emerging paradigm shift in surgical cancer care and an integrated component of the cancer care continuum. This narrative review aims to update and inform the urological community of the potential of prehabilitation before radical cystectomy.

DATA SOURCES

A nonsystematic narrative review was performed through a database search in PubMed, and CINAHL using the following search terms: enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS); Frailty; Prehabilitation and/or Rehabilitation; Physical Activity and/or exercises; Nutrition; Nutritional Care; Smoking cessation; Alcohol cessation; Prevention; Supportive Care; and combined with Radical Cystectomy.

CONCLUSION

A multimodal and multi-professional approach during the preoperative period may offer an opportunity to preserve or enhance physiological integrity and optimize surgical recovery. Studies indicate a positive effect of prehabilitation on postoperative functional capacity and earlier return to daily activities and health related quality of life. Meaningful outcomes that reflect recovery from a patient's perspective and clinical outcome measures, as well as validating metrics, are necessary to establish whether prehabilitation diminish the risk of developing long-term disability in high-risk patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Uro-oncology nurses are at the forefront in every ERAS program and vital in screening patients ahead of surgery for common risk factors, current impairments, and limitations that can compromise baseline functional capacity. The growing movement to standardize clinical implementation of prehabilitation, indicate there is a clear need for further investigation, optimization of a multimodal approach and an open discussion between health care providers from different areas of expertise who might best support and promote these initiatives.

The impact of smoking on radical cystectomy complications increases in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Smoking, the most common risk factor for bladder cancer (BC), is associated with increased complications after radical cystectomy (RC), poorer oncologic outcomes, and higher mortality. The authors hypothesized that the effect of smoking on the probability of major complications increases with increasing age among patients who undergo RC.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2011-2017), identified all patients undergoing RC using Current Procedural Terminology codes, and formed two groups according to smoking status (active smoker and nonsmoker [included former and never-smokers]). Patient characteristics and 30-day postoperative complications using the Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC) were assessed. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed that included age, sex, race, body mass index, operative time, comorbidities, chemotherapy status, and type of diversion with major complications (CDC ≥III) as the outcome variable, and explored the interaction between age and smoking status.

RESULTS

A total of 10,528 patients underwent RC, including 22.8% who were active smokers. The authors identified an interaction between age and smoking status (P = .045). Older patients were found to experience a stronger smoking effect than younger patients with regard to the probability of major complications. The risk of a major complication was the same for 50-year-old nonsmokers and smokers, but it increased from 17.8% to 21.7% for 70-year-old nonsmokers and smokers, respectively (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Up to 20% of patients who undergo RC are active smokers, and these individuals have an increased risk of major complications. The effect of smoking is stronger with increasing age; the difference with regard to complications for smokers versus nonsmokers was found to increase substantially, wherein older smokers are at an especially high risk of complications.

Impact of Smoking Habit on Perioperative Morbidity in Patients Treated with Radical Cystectomy for Urothelial Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Smoking habit at the time of surgery is associated with higher perioperative complications and mortality across different types of surgeries. In recent years, several studies have attempted to explore the influence of smoking on perioperative outcomes following radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) with contradictory results.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically investigate and meta-analyze the association between smoking habit and perioperative morbidity and mortality in UBC patients treated with RC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the literature published between January 2000 and January 2020 investigating the impact of smoking habit on perioperative outcomes of patients treated with RC for UBC was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 27 articles involving 27 854 patients were included in the systematic review, and of these, 11 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The studies included showed a moderate to high risk of bias. Smoking status (smokers vs nonsmokers) was significantly associated with the onset of major postoperative complications (hazard ratio [HR] 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-2.32; I² = 0%), infections (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.72; I² = 66.2%), and mortality (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.14-2.98; I² = 4.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking status at the time of RC is associated with increased risk for major postoperative complications, infections, and mortality. These results suggest the need for strict postoperative monitoring in smokers due to the increased risk of experiencing adverse events and underline the need for intensive smoking cessation interventions in the preoperative setting.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this study, we reviewed the impact of smoking habit on perioperative outcomes following radical cystectomy (RC). Based on the available data, the impact of smoking on morbidity and mortality after RC is significant and relevant; as such, every effort should be made in the preoperative setting to encourage smoking cessation.

Optimal Delivery of Follow-Up Care After Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

Purpose of Review

To identify components representing optimal delivery of follow-up care after radical cystectomy because of bladder cancer and report the current level of evidence.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search of the following databases: Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and ClinicalTrials.gov. The search results were managed in Covidence Reference Manager and abstracts were screened by title. Articles relevant to the subject of interest were included and the results are reported narratively.

Results

Several studies have evaluated the positive impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on length of stay, albeit not on the further impact on 90-day postoperative complication rate, functional recovery, or mortality. Minimally invasive surgery may result in a slighter shorter length of stay compared to open surgery. Physical training combined with nutritional intervention can improve functional recovery up to one year after surgery. Nutritional supplements can preserve muscle and bone mass, and potentially improve recovery. Patient education in stoma care and prevention of infection can significantly improve self-efficacy and avoid symptoms of infection postoperatively. Moreover, specific devices like applications (apps) can support these efforts. Continued smoking increases the risk of developing postoperative complications while no evidence was found on the impact of continued alcohol drinking. Currently, there is no evidence on psychological well-being, sexual health, or shared decision making interventions with an impact on rehabilitation after radical cystectomy.

Conclusion

Data are scarce but indicate that peri- and postoperative multi-professional interventions can reduce prevalence of sarcopenia, and improve functional recovery, physical capacity, nutritional status, and self-efficacy in stoma care (level 1 evidence). Continued smoking increases the risk of complications, but the effects of a smoking and alcohol intervention remain unclear (level 3 evidence). The results of this review provide guidance for future directions in research and further attempts to develop and test an evidence-based program for follow-up care after radical cystectomy.

The impact of preoperative nutritional status on post-surgical complication and mortality rates in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: a systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of preoperative nutritional factors [body mass index (BMI)], hypoalbuminemia (< 3.5 g/dL, sarcopenia) on complication and mortality rates after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer.

METHODS

The PubMed database was systematically searched for studies investigating the effect of nutritional status on postoperative outcomes after RC. English-language articles published between March 2010 and March 2020 were reviewed. For statistical analyses odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) weighted mean was applied.

RESULTS

Overall, 81 studies were included. Twenty-nine studies were enrolled in the final analyses. Patients with a 25-29.9 kg/m² BMI (OR 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.07) and those with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.29-2.40) had a significantly increased risk of 30 day complications after RC. Preoperative hypoalbuminemia increased the risk of 30 day complications (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.07-2.35); it was a predictor of worse 3 year overall survival (OS) (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.32-2.66). Sarcopenic patients had a higher risk of 90 day complications than non-sarcopenic ones (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.22-5.04). Sarcopenia was significantly associated with unfavorable 5 year cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07-2.80), and OS (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.13-2.25).

CONCLUSION

High BMI, hypoalbuminemia, and sarcopenia significantly increased the complication rate after RC. Hypoalbuminemia predicted worse 3 year OS and sarcopenia predicted unfavorable 5 year CSS and OS. Preoperative assessment of RC patients' nutritional status is a useful tool to predict perioperative and survival outcomes.

Prehabilitation for major abdominal urologic oncology surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Whether prehabilitation in radical cystectomy adds to the effort of reducing postoperative morbidity and impairments in the survivorship phase has until recently received limited attention. This narrative review aims to summarize the current evidence base on prehabilitaion interventions focusing on the efficacy of procedure-specific interventions and the influence on postoperative outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Given the oncological risk, there is a relative short window to intervene and proactively optimize the patient before radical cystectomy. Preliminary results are however promising and a single-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) has shown that home-based short-term physical prehabilitation is feasible and effective and significantly improves early mobilization, time to perform activities of daily living and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). No significant impact on length of stay or complications was found. Limited evidence support preoperative nutritional interventions in cancer surgery, although evidence suggests improved outcome if malnourished individuals are adequately fed 7-10 days before surgery. No RCTs have evaluated the effect of smoking or alcohol cessation interventions on complications or HRQoL in radical cystectomy. Patient education interventions focusing on stoma care improve significantly self-efficacy in regards to independently change of stoma-appliance up to 1 year postoperatively. Currently, there is no evidence of early intervention considering psychological well being, sexual health or shared decision-making.

SUMMARY

Published data indicate that a group of preoperative multiprofessional interventions including physical exercises, supportive nutritional care and stoma education can postoperatively improve early mobilization, self-efficacy and HRQoL. No evidence for further reduction of length of stay or complications was found.

Smoking and alcohol cessation intervention in relation to radical cystectomy: a qualitative study of cancer patients' experiences

BACKGROUND

Despite smoking and risky alcohol drinking being modifiable risk factors for cancer as well as postoperative complications, perioperative cessation counselling is often ignored. Little is known about how cancer patients experience smoking and alcohol interventions in relation to surgery. Therefore the aim of this study was to explore how bladder cancer patients experience a perioperative smoking and alcohol cessation intervention in relation to radical cystectomy.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted in two urology out-patient clinics. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 11 purposively sampled persons who had received the smoking and alcohol cessation intervention. The analysis followed the steps contained in the thematic network analysis.

RESULTS

Two global themes emerged: "smoking and alcohol cessation was experienced as an integral part of bladder cancer surgery" and "returning to everyday life was a barrier for continued smoking cessation/alcohol reduction". Participants described that during hospitalization their focus shifted to the operation and they did not experience craving to smoke or drink alcohol. Concurrent with improved well-being or experiencing stressful situations, the risk of relapse increased when returning to everyday life.

CONCLUSIONS

The smoking and alcohol cessation intervention was well received by the participants. Cancer surgery served as a kind of refuge and was a useful cue for motivating patients to quit smoking and to reconsider the consequences of risky drinking. These results adds to the sparse evidence of what supports smoking and alcohol cessation in relation to bladder cancer patients undergoing major surgery and point to the need to educate healthcare professionals in offering smoking and alcohol cessation interventions in hospitals. The study also provides knowledge about the intervention in the STOP-OP study and will help guide the design of future smoking and alcohol cessation studies aimed at cancer patients undergoing surgery.

Strategies to minimize readmission rates following major urologic surgery

Readmissions after major surgical procedures are prevalent across multiple disciplines. Specifically, in urology, with incorporation of early discharge and recovery pathways, readmissions are emerging as an important problem and effecting an epidemic proportion of urology patients. As expected, readmissions have garnered the attention of major healthcare payers in the United States who see readmissions as easy targets because of the association with astronomical costs. More importantly, readmissions have a significant negative impact on patient sense of wellbeing, and places economic and other hardships on the doors of our patients and their families. Here, we explore the reasons patients are readmitted, using radical cystectomy as a case study, and means to decrease the incidence of readmissions. Since time to readmission for most major urologic oncology surgeries is within the first 2 weeks after discharge, this time frame is critical for efforts to improve symptom identification and reduce the total number and severity of readmissions. Readmission reduction to zero is unlikely for any major surgery, but with effective coordinated strategies, we must strive to reduce the rates as much as possible, as a means to improve the care continuum for our patients.