The impact of chemotherapy-naïve open radical cystectomy delay and perioperative transfusion on the recurrence-free survival: A perioperative parameters-based nomogram

Objective: To develop and internally validate a nomogram to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) including the time to radical cystectomy (RC) and perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) as potential predictors.Methods: Patients who underwent open RC and ileal conduit between January 1996 to December 2016 were split into developing (n=948) and validating (n=237) cohorts. The time to radical cystectomy (TTC) was defined as the interval between the onset of symptoms and RC. The regression coefficients of the independent predictors obtained by Cox regression were used to construct the nomogram. Discrimination, validation, and clinical usefulness in the validation cohort were assessed by the area under the curve, the calibration plot, and decision curve analysis.Results: In the developing dataset, the 1-, 5-, and 10-year RFS were 83.0%, 47.2%, and 44.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors were TTC (hazards ratio [HR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.08, p<0.001), PBT (one unit: HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.03-1.90, p=0.03;two or more units: HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.29-2.29, p<0.001), bilateral hydronephrosis (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.21-1.97, p<0.001), squamous cell carcinoma (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45-0.81, p=0.001), pT3-T4 (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.41-2.22, p<0.001), lymph node status (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.21-1.95, p<0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.62, p=0.044). The areas under the curve in the validation dataset were 79.3%, 69.6%, and 76.2%, for 1-, 5-, and 10-year RFS, respectively. Calibration plots showed considerable correspondence between predicted and actual survival probabilities. The decision curve analysis revealed a better net benefit of the nomogram.Conclusion: A nomogram with good discrimination, validation, and clinical utility was constructed utilizing TTC and PBT in addition to standard pathological criteria.

Defining the association between the prolonged operative time and 90-day complications in patients undergoing radical cystectomy

Objective:Radical cystectomy is a complex lengthy procedure associated with postoperative morbidity.We aimed to assess the operative time(OT)in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and its impact on 90-day postoperative complications and readmission rates.Methods:The retrospective cohort study included 296 patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion from May 2010 to December 2018 in our institution.The OT of 369 min was set as a cutoff value between short and long OT groups.The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative complication rates.Secondary outcomes were gastrointestinal recovery time,length of hospital stay,and 90-day readmission rates.Results:The overall incidence of 90-day postoperative complications was 79.7%where 43.2%representing low-grade complications according to the ClavieneDindo classification(Grade 1 and Grade 2),and 36.5%representing high-grade complications(Grade3).Gastrointestinal tract and infectious complications are the most common complications in our data set(45.9%and 45.6%,respectively).On multivariable analysis,prolonged OT was significantly associated with odds of high-grade complications(odds ratio 2.340,95%confidence interval 1.288e4.250,p=0.005).After propensity score-matched analysis,a higher incidence of major complications was identified in the long OT group 55(51.4%)compared to 35(32.7%)in the short OT group(p=0.006).A shorter gastrointestinal tract recovery time was noticed in the short OT group(p=0.009).Prolonged OT was associated with a higher 90-day readmission rate on univariate and multivariate analyses(p<0.001,p=0.001,respectively).

Contemporary outcomes of patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy:A comparative analysis between intracorporeal ileal conduit and neobladder urinary diversions

Objective We aimed to compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes for patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy(RARC)with intracorporeal ileal conduit(IC)and neobladder(NB)urinary diversion.Methods Patients undergoing RARC with intracorporeal urinary diversion between January 2017 and January 2022 at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai,New York,NY,USA were indexed.Baseline demographics,clinical characteristics,perioperative,and oncologic outcomes were analyzed.Survival was estimated with Kaplan-Meier plots.Results Of 261 patients(206[78.9%]male),190(72.8%)received IC while 71(27.2%)received NB diversion.Median age was greater in the IC group(71[interquartile range,IQR 65-78]years vs.64[IQR 59-67]years,p<0.001)and BMI was 26.6(IQR 23.2-30.4)kg/m^(2).IC group was more likely to have prior abdominal or pelvic radiation(15.8%vs.2.8%,p=0.014).American Association of Anesthesiologists scores were comparable between groups.The IC group had a higher proportion of patients with pathological tumor stage 2(pT2)tumors(34[17.9%]vs.10[14.1%],p=0.008)and pathological node stages pN2-N3(28[14.7%]vs.3[4.2%],p<0.001).The IC group had less median operative time(272[IQR 246-306]min vs.341[IQR 303-378]min,p<0.001)and estimated blood loss(250[150-500]mL vs.325[200-575]mL,p=0.002).Thirty-and 90-day complication rates were 44.4%and 50.2%,respectively,and comparable between groups.Clavien-Dindo grades 3-5 complications occurred in 27(10.3%)and 34(13.0%)patients within 30 and 90 days,respectively,with comparable rates between groups.Median follow-up was 324(IQR 167-552)days,and comparable between groups.Kaplan-Meier estimate for overall survival at 24 months was 89%for the IC cohort and 93%for the NB cohort(hazard ratio 1.23,95%confidence interval 1.05-2.42,p=0.02).Kaplan-Meier estimate for recurrence-free survival at 24 months was 74%for IC and 87%for NB(hazard ratio 1.81,95%confidence interval 0.82-4.04,p=0.10).Conclusion Patients undergoing intracorporeal IC urinary diversion had higher postoperative cancer stage,increased nodal involvement,similar complications outcomes,decreased overall survival,and similar recurrence-free survival compared to patients undergoing RARC with intracorporeal NB urinary diversion.

Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy in a Low-Middle Income Country: A 5-Year Review of a Single Institution;Operative Data, Oncologic Results and Morbidity

Introduction and Objective: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) is an alternative to open approach with lower morbidity and better oncologic outcome. We aim to share our experience on laparoscopic radical cystectomy and to evaluate our morbidity and oncological outcome in our settings. Methodology: An observational study in the Douala Medico-Surgical Urology Centre on 5 patients who underwent laparoscopic cystectomy with or without lymph node dissection and external urine diversion between April 2014 to July 2016 was conducted. The overall survival rate was subsequently estimated. Results: Four men and one woman underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy during the 5-year study period with a mean age of 54.5-year-old. Three patients were submitted to ileal conduits, one to neobladders, and one patient to uretero-cutaneostomies. The mean operative time was 300 ± 17 minutes and the mean length of hospital stay was 9 ± 3 days. Three patients had minor complications according to Clavien and Dindon Classification treated conservatively without need for further operation. Four patients had transitional cell carcinoma and one Squamous cell carcinoma types. Everyone had negative resection margin while only two had negative lymph node. The median survival years in our study was 2.5 years, the overall survival rates at 2 years were 60%, 40% at 3 years and 20 at 5years. 2 patients die after one year due to renal failure and intercurrent disease. Conclusion: Laparoscopic radical cystectomy carried lower morbidity and cancerological outcome compare to open surgery making it a good alternative for bladder oncologic surgery.

Robtic-assisted radical cystectomy:Literature review

Radical cystectomy(RC)with pelvic lymph node dissection(PLND)is the standard treatment for localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer(MIBC)and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer(NMIBC)with recurrence or high risk of progression.Also,the robotic approach to this type of surgery is well established in the literature.Our objective is to summarize in this manuscript the most relevant articles related to the robotic-assisted radical cystectomy for prostate cancer.We performed a literature review of articles describing the robotic approach to RC in patients with bladder cancer.Also,we described the procedure since the patient selection until the bladder removal.The reconstructive techniques were not included in this review.Twenty-five articles were used to divide our manuscript into key points such as preoperative patient selection and protocols,surgical technique,pathology report,oncological outcomes,complication rates,and quality of life after the procedure.Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy is feasible and safe with satisfactory oncological outcomes.The robotic approach is related to lower blood loss and fewer transfusion rates.However,when compared to open surgery,the use of this technology increases the operative time.

Current status of laparoscopic and robotassisted nerve-sparing radical cystectomy in male patients

During radical cystectomy(RC),the neurovascular bundles are easily removed or damaged,leading to varying rates of incontinence and erectile dysfunction.The nervesparing technique was developed to preserve urinary and erectile function.The adoption of laparoscopic and robot-assisted technology has improved visualization and dexterity of pelvic surgeries,thus facilitate the nerve-sparing technique.Although nerve-sparing RC is technically similar with nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy,there are still some anatomical differences.There are mainly three different types of nerve-sparing techniques.Pelvic lymph node dissection(PLND)is another important factor to influence erectile function and urinary continence.Nerve-sparing laparoscopic radical cystectomy(LRC)and robot-assisted radical cystectomy(RARC)may be an optimal treatment choice in well-selected younger patients with lowvolume,organ-confined disease.We should attempt to do,whenever possible,a nerve-sparing cystectomy at least on oneside.However,due to the need of a well-refined surgical technique,nerve-sparing LRC and RARC is now being performed only by experienced urological surgeons.

Pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts worse survival outcomes and advanced tumor staging in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

Objective:To determine the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)in prognosticating survival outcomes in patients with advanced/metastatic urothelial bladder cancer.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 84 patients undergoing radical cystectomy(RC)for UCB from January 2002 to June 2012.NLR was computed(median:5 days)prior to surgery.No patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.NLR was analyzed as a continuous variable and a cut-off point of 2.7 was obtained,with a statistical receiver operating characteristics of 0.74.KaplaneMeier curves,multivariate Cox proportional hazard and logistics regression models were used to predict NLR association with survival outcomes.Results:The median follow-up period was 30.1 months(range:3.2e161.7)owing to high recurrence rate and subsequent mortalities,compared to the median 64.7 months in patients alive at the end of study period.NLR
2.7 was associated with worse survival outcomes(5-year disease-specific survival:22%vs 58%,p Z 0.017,95%CI:1.193e6.009;5-year overall survival:23%vs 60%,p Z 0.008,95%CI:1.322e6.147).Furthermore,on multivariate analyses,higher NLR was independently associated with higher recurrence rate(p Z 0.007,HR Z6.999,95%CI:1.712e28.606),higher T staging(p Z 0.021,HR Z 3.479,95%CI:1.212e9.990)and lymph node involvement(p Z 0.009,HR Z 4.534,95%CI:1.465e14.034).

Survival after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer:Multicenter comparison between minimally invasive and open approaches

Objective:To investigate oncological outcomes in patients with bladder cancer who underwent minimally invasive radical cystectomy(MIRC)or open radical cystectomy(ORC).Methods:We identified patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy(RC)in 13 centers of the Chinese Bladder Cancer Consortium(CBCC).Perioperative outcomes were compared between MIRC and ORC.The influence of surgical approaches on overall survival(OS)and cancer-specific survival(CSS)in the entire study group and subgroups classified according to pathologic stage or lymph node(LN)status was assessed with the log-rank test.Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association among OS,CSS and risk factors of interest.Results:Of 2098 patients who underwent RC,1243 patients underwent MIRC(1087 laparoscopic RC and 156 robotic-assisted RC,respectively),while 855 patients underwent ORC.No significant differences were noted in positive surgical margin rate and 90-day postoperative mortality rate.MIRC was associated with less estimated blood loss,more LN yield,higher rate of neobladder diversion,longer operative time,and longer length of hospital stay.There was no significant difference in OS and CSS according to surgical approaches(pZ0.653,and 0.816,respectively).Subgroup analysis revealed that OS and CSS were not significantly different regardless of the status of extravesical involvement or LN involvement.Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that the surgical approach was not a significant predictor of OS and CSS.Conclusions:Our study showed that MIRC was comparable to conventional ORC in terms of OS and CSS.

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder: report of 33 cases

Background The laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) with orthotopic ileal neobladder is now applied to treat invasive bladder cancer, however, it has not been well codified and illustrated We describe in this paper a technique step by step that we have developed in 33 patients and achieved excellent results Methods The surgical procedure can be divided into eight steps: laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy and mobilization of the distal ureters; exposing Denonvillier’s space and the posterior aspect of prostate; exposing retropubic space and anterior surface of the bladder; dividing the lateral pedicles of the bladder and the prostate; dividing the apex of the prostate; extracorporeal formation of the ileal pouch; extracorporeal implantation of the ureters; and laparoscopic urethra neobladder anastomosis This operation was performed in 33 patients, 29 males and 4 females, with muscle invasive bladder cancer between December 2002 and September 2004 Results The operating time was 5 5-8 5 hours with an average of 6 5 hours; the estimated blood loss was 200-1000 ml with an average of 460 ml The surgical margins of the bladder specimen were negative in all patients There was no evidence of local recurrence at follow up of 1-21 months in all the patients However lymph node metastases were found in one case at 9 months postoperatively Most of patients achieved urine control 1 to 3 months after surgery The daytime continence rate was 94% (31 cases) and nighttime continence rate was 88% (29 cases) Urodynamic evaluation was performed between 3 and 6 months postoperatively for all cases The mean value of neobladder capacity was (296±37) ml The mean value of maximum flow rate was (18 7±7 1) ml/s The mean residual urine volume was (32±19) ml In all cases, excretory urography at 1 to 2 months postoperatively demonstrated slightly dilated upper urinary tracts without ureteral obstruction, which resolved at follow up Cystography showed neobladders being similar in shapes to normal Two small ureteral nipples with intermittently efflux of urine were observed at cystoscopy in most patients Postoperative complications occurred in 6 of 33 patients (18%), including pouch leakage in 2 cases, pelvic infection in 1, partial small bowel obstruction in 2 and neobladder vaginal fistula in 1 Conclusions The LRC with orthotopic ileal neobladder is a feasible option for bladder cancer when radical cystectomy is indicated The extracorporeal formation of the ileal pouch and ureteral implantation through a small lower midline incision can simplify the complexity of the procedures, shorten the duration of surgery and reduce the medical expenses

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with ileal neobladder and rectum pouch:the initial experience of 28 cases in China

Background We presented the technique and outcomes of laparoscopic radical cystectomy performed in 28 patients with bladder cancer to evaluate its clinical efficacy and feasibility. Methods Among the 28 patients, aged from 58 to 73 years （mean 68.5 years）, 26 were transitional cell carcinoma grads Ⅱ-Ⅲ and 2 squamous carcinoma. Laparoscopic radical cystectomy plus bladder reconstruction was performed in all cases, among them 15 with ileum, 10 with rectum pouch, and 3 with ureterostomy. The operating time, the blood loss, the intestine function and the complications were observed. Results All procedures were successful. The operating times were 7--10 hours, the blood loss was 400--1500 ml （mean 850 ml）, the intestine function recovered at 72 hours after operation, and all ureteral catheters were removed at 2 weeks after surgery. The results of intravenous urography were hormonal at 3-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up after surgery. Conclusions Laparoscopic radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer is safe and efficient, with good operating field, reliable hemostasis, mini-invasion, less celiac complications, and rapid recovery. This surgery is worth being extended.

Efficacy of radical cystectomy plus adjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin on locally advanced bladder cancer

Background Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the world; fewer than 15％ of transitional-cell carcinoma patients survive 2 years if left untreated.Although radical cystectomy is the standard treatment of choice,much of them relapse and the necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy is still under debate.The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant intraarterial chemotherapy （IAC） with gemcitabine and cisplatin （GC） on locally advanced bladder cancer.Methods This is a retrospective study on 60 patients with locally advanced bladder carcinoma who underwent radical cystectomy between May 2000 and June 2011.Patients were studied in two groups based on IAC and followed up for up to 5 years.Results Among 60 patients,there were 25 patients who underwent IAC （GC） after radical cystectomy （the IAC group） and 35 patients who underwent radical cystectomy alone （the control group）.Although not significant,the relapse rates were slightly reduced in the IAC group than in the control group.Patients with IAC had a reduction in mortality compared with patients without IAC over 5 years.Specifically,IAC significantly reduced about 82％ of mortality within the first year （hazard ratio=0.18,95％ Cl 0.03-0.97,P=-0.04）.Additionally,IAC was well tolerated and safe.The most common adverse effect was transient myelosuppression （10/25,40％）,which was resolved by various medical treatments.Conclusions Compared with radical cystectomy alone,radical cystectomy in combination with adjuvant IAC moderately but significantly reduces 1-year mortality.Our preliminary data showed only marginal benefit for the early survival.However,a randomized clinical study is needed to determine the long-term survival benefit.

Complete transurethral resection of bladder tumor before radical cystectomy is not a risk factor for organ-confined bladder cancer:A case-control study

Objectives:To investigate the role of complete transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURBT)before radical cystectomy(RC)for organ-confined bladder cancer.Materials and methods:Data of patients who underwent RC in our center from January 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed.Patients with>T2N0M0 disease and positive surgical margins and those who received neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy were excluded.Complete TURBT was defined as no visible lesion under endoscopic examination after TURBT or in the bladder specimen after RC.Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests assessed disease-free survival(DFS).Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify potential predictors.Results:A total of 236 patients were included in this review,including 207 males,with a median age of 61 years.The median tumor size was 3 cm,and a total of 94 patients had identified pathological T2 stage disease.Complete TURBT was correlated with tumor size(p=0.041),histological variants(p=0.026),and down-staging(p<0.001).Tumor size,grade,and histological variants were independent predictors of complete TURBT.During a median follow-up of 42.7 months,30 patients developed disease recurrence.Age and histological variants were independent predictors of DFS(p=0.022 and 0.032,respectively),whereas complete TURBT was not an independent predictor of DFS(p=0.156).Down-staging was not associated with survival outcome.Conclusions:Complete TURBT was correlated with an increased rate of down-staging before RC.It was not associated with better oncologic outcomes for patients with organ-confined bladder cancer.

Robot-assisted oncologic pelvic surgery with Hugo™robot-assisted surgery system:A single-center experience

Objective To report the outcomes of intra-and extra-peritoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP)and robot-assisted radical cystectomy(RARC)with Hugo™robot-assisted surgery(RAS)system(Medtronic,Minneapolis,MN,USA).Methods Data of twenty patients who underwent RARP and one RARC at our institution between February 2022 and January 2023 were reported.The primary endpoint of the study was to report the surgical setting of Hugo™RAS system to perform RARP and RARC.The secondary endpoint was to assess the feasibility of RARP and RARC with this novel robotic platform and report the outcomes.Results Seventeen patients underwent RARP with a transperitoneal approach,and three with an extraperitoneal approach;and one patient underwent RARC with intracorporeal ileal conduit.No intraoperative complications occurred.Median docking and console time were 12(interquartile range[IQR]7-16)min and 185(IQR 177-192)min for transperitoneal RARP,15(IQR 12-17)min and 170(IQR 162-185)min for extraperitoneal RARP.No intraoperative complications occurred.One patient submitted to extraperitoneal RARP had a urinary tract infection in the postoperative period that required an antibiotic treatment(Clavien-Dindo Grade 2).In case of transperitoneal RARP,two minor complications occurred(one pelvic hematoma and one urinary tract infection;both Clavien-Dindo Grade 2).Conclusion Hugo™RAS system is a novel promising robotic platform that allows to perform major oncological pelvic surgery.We showed the feasibility of RARP both intra-and extra-peritoneally and RARC with intracorporeal ileal conduit with this novel platform.

Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted urinary diversion for bladder cancer(part 2).Review and detailed characterization of the existing intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder

Objective:To review the most used intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder(ICONB)after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and create a unified compendium of the different alternatives,including new consistent images.Methods:We performed a non-systematic review of the literature with the keywords“bladder cancer”,“urinary diversion”,“radical cystectomy”,and“neobladder”.Results:Forty studies were included in the analysis.The most frequent type of ICONB was the modified Studer“U”neobladder(70%)followed by the Hautmann“W”modified neobladder(7.5%),the“Y”neobladder(5%),and the Padua neobladder(5%).The operative time to perform a urinary diversion ranged from 124 to 553 min.The total estimated blood loss ranged from 200 to 900 mL.The rate of positive surgical margins ranged from 0%to 8.1%.Early minor and major complication rates ranged from 0%to 100%and from 0%to 33%,respectively.Late minor and major complication rates ranged from 0%to 70%and from 0%to 25%,respectively.Conclusion:The most frequent types of ICONB are Studer“U”neobladder,Hautmann“W”neobladder,“Y”neobladder,and the Padua neobladder.Randomized studies comparing the performance of the different types of ICONB,the performance in an intra or extracorporeal manner,or the performance of an ICONB versus ICIC are lacking in the literature.To this day,there are not sufficient quality data to determine the supremacy of one technique.This manuscript represents a compendium of the most used ICONB with detailed descriptions of the technical aspects,operative and perioperative outcomes,and new consistent images of each technique.

Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted urinary diversion for bladder cancer(Part 1).Review and detailed characterization of ileal conduit and modified Indiana pouch

Objective:To review the most used robot-assisted cutaneous urinary diversion(CUD)after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and create a unified compendium of the different alternatives,including new consistent images Methods:A non-systematic review of the literature with the keywords“bladder cancer”,“cutaneous urinary diversion”,and“radical cystectomy”was performed.Results:Twenty-four studies of intracorporeal ileal conduit(ICIC)and two of intracorporeal Indiana pouch(ICIP)were included in the analysis.Regarding ICIC,the patients’age ranged from 60 to 76 years.The operative time to perform a urinary diversion ranged from 60 to 133 min.The total estimated blood loss ranged from 200 to 1117 mL.The rate of positive surgical margins ranged from 0%to 14.3%.Early minor and major complication rates ranged from 0%to 71.4%and from 0%to 53.4%,respectively.Late minor and major complication rates ranged from 0%to 66%and from 0%to 32%,respectively.Totally ICIP data are limited to one case report and one clinical series.Conclusion:The most frequent type of CUD is ICIC.Randomized studies comparing the performance of the different types of CUD,the performance in an intra-or extracorporeal manner,or the performance of a CUD versus orthotopic ileal neobladder are lacking in the literature.To this day,there are not enough quality data to determine the supremacy of one technique.This manuscript represents a compendium of the most used CUD with detailed descriptions of the technical aspects,operative and perioperative outcomes,and new consistent images for each technique.

The growth of computer-assisted(robotic)surgery in urology 2000e2014:The role of Asian surgeons

Objective:A major role in the establishment of computer-assisted robotic surgery(CARS)can be traced to the work of Mani Menon at Vattikuti Urology Institute(VUI),and of many surgeons of Asian origin.The success of robotic surgery in urology has spurred its acceptance in other surgical disciplines,improving patient comfort and disease outcomes and helping the industrial growth.The present paper gives an overview of the progress and development of robotic surgery,especially in the field of Urology;and to underscore some of the seminal work done by the VUI and Asian surgeons in the development of robotic surgery in urology in the US and around the world.Methods:PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were searched for publications from 2000 through June 2014,using algorithms based on keywords“robotic surgery”,“prostate”,“kidney”,“adrenal”,“bladder”,“reconstruction”,and“kidney transplant”.Inclusion criteria used were published full articles,book chapters,clinical trials,prospective and retrospective series,and systematic reviews/meta-analyses written in English language.Studies from Asian institutions or with the first/senior author of Asian origin were included for discussion,and focused on techniques of robotic surgery,relevant patient outcomes and associated demographic trends.Results:A total of 58 articles selected for final review highlight the important strides made by robots in urology,from robotic radical prostatectomy in 2000 to robotic kidney transplant in 2014.In the hands of an experienced robotic surgeon,it has been demonstrated to improve functional patient outcomes and minimize perioperative complications compared to open surgery,especially in urologic oncology and reconstructive urology.With increasing surgeon proficiency,the benefits of robotic surgery were consistently seen across different surgical disciplines,patient populations,and strata.

Role of gemcitabine and cisplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle invasive bladder cancer: Experience over the last decade

Objective:Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy is considered the standard of care for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer.In the last decade,interest in neoadjuvant chemotherapy has slowly shifted from methotrexate,vinblastine,doxorubicin and cisplatin regime to gemcitabine and cisplatin regime.There are many publications on gemcitabine and cisplatin regime in literature which cover different aspects of treatment.This review aims to summarise the findings published so far on gemcitabine and cisplatin regime and present it in a concise manner.Methods:A systematic literature review was conducted searching the PubMed
database in December 2016 using the medical subject heading(MeSH)with the terms gemcitabine,cisplatin,chemotherapy,muscle invasive bladder cancer,and neoadjuvant.All relevant studies were included and results were analysed.Results:A total of 13 studies were included which published between 2007 and 2015.These 13 studies comprised of 754 subjects suffering from muscle invasive bladder cancer.The proportion of male patients ranged from 60%to 86.4%and the median age ranged from 54.2 to 77.3 years in various studies.Complete pathological response(pT0)was seen in 30.0%of patients and pathological downstaging(<pT2)was seen in 48.67%of patients.Conclusion:As per latest guidelines,neoadjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer.There is substantial pathological downstaging with low toxicity in patients of muscle invasive bladder cancer who receive neoadjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin regime.

Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Cystoprostatectomy for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Results and Oncologic Outcomes in a Single Center in Douala Cameroon

Background and Aim: Radical cystectomy is the treatment of choice for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Although open surgery is currently the gold standard for this procedure, it can also be done via laparoscopy. We aimed to evaluate the oncologic results and the place of laparoscopic cystectomy in the management of bladder cancer in a single urology center in Douala, Cameroon. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective, single-center study carried out from 2015 to 2019. We included 12 patients (ten men and two women) with bladder cancer who underwent total radical laparoscopic transperitoneal cystectomy with ilio-obturator lymph node dissection. Data on patients’ demographic characteristics, pre-operative and postoperative clinical parameters and workup results, and surgical outcomes were collected to determine the overall survival using a Kaplan-Meier curve. Results: We recruited ten men and two women with a median age of 61.5 [52.8 - 68.5] years. The mean tumor diameter was 3.75 ± 1.06 cm. Three (25%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy while eight did not. The mean surgery duration was 242 ± 45.85 minutes. Blood vessels and nerves were preserved in four (33.33%) patients during surgery. Transitional cell carcinoma was found in 10 (83.33%) patients while epidermoid carcinoma was found in two (16.67%) patients. Metastasis occurred in four (33.33%) patients while the tumor recurred in two (16.67%) patients who later died. Bricker’s ileal conduit urinary diversion was performed in 10 (83.33%) patients while the Studer neobladder was used in two (16.67%) patients. The mean duration of hospitalization was 6 ± 1.48 days. Only one patient (8.33%) developed a postoperative complication. Six (50%) of the patients died while six survived. The median overall survival was 486 days and the five-year overall survival rate was 46.47%. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cystectomy is a mini-invasive technique associated with good cancer control. When performed by well-trained staff using specialized equipment, it can be a safe and effective method of managing muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Fluorescence imaging-guided pelvic lymph node localization and resection of bladder cancer after intracutaneous injection of indocyanine green into the lower limbs and perineum

Background:Pelvic lymph node dissection(PLND)in radical cystectomy(RC)is of great significance,but the method and scope of PLND remain controversial.Based on the principle of indirect lymphadenography,we designed a method to localize the whole pelvic lymph nodes by intradermal injection of indocyanine green(ICG)through the lower limbs and perineum,and to evaluate the effectiveness of this method. Methods:In a single center,54 bladder cancer patients who underwent RC and PLND participated in a prospective clinical trial,which began on February 28,2022 and ended on December 30,2022.ICG solution was injected subcutaneously at the medial malleolus of both lower extremities and at both sides of the midline of the perineum.The fluorescent laparoscopy was used to trace,locate,and remove the targeted areas under the image fusion mode.The consistency of lymph node resection was determined by histopathological diagnosis.The impact of ICG guidance on the surgical time of PLND was compared with that of 11 bladder cancer patients who underwent RC and PLND without ICG injection,serving as the control group. Results:Perineal lower limb combined injection can provide comprehensive visualization of pelvic lymph nodes.This technique reduces PLND surgical time and increases the accuracy of PLND. Conclusion:Intracutaneous injection of ICG into the lower limbs and perineum can specifically mark pelvic lymph nodes.Intraoperative fluores-cence imaging can accurately identify,locate,and resect lymph nodes in the pelvic region,reducing PLND surgical time and increasing the accuracy of PLND.

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

Background:Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder(SCUB)is rare.The optimal treatment for SCUB remains unclear.To address the problem of appropriate treatment for each case,we assessed single-modality and surgery-based multimodality treatments in patients with SCUB.Materials and methods:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 12 patients with SCUB between 1990 and 2013.All pa-tients underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor and were diagnosed with SCUB.Their clinicopathological characteristics were assessed,and the outcomes were compared according to the treatment modality.Results:The median(range)age at diagnosis was 66 years(range,53-85 years).T1-4N0M0 was observed in 8 patients(66%),N1-3M0 in 2(17%),and NanyM1 in 2(17%).After transurethral resection of the bladder tumor,6 patients(50%)underwent cystectomy alone,and 4(33%)underwent cystectomy and presurgical or adjuvant chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin.During the median follow-up period of 20.7 months,6 patients(50%)died of cancer,and 2 patients(17%)died of other causes.The median overall survival period was 1.9 years.The 5-year overall survival rate in patients who underwent cystectomy and chemotherapy was 75%,whereas that in those who underwent cystectomy alone and transurethral resection alone were 22%and 0%,respectively(p=0.012).Recurrence-free survival was significantly correlated with cause-specific survival(r=0.95;95%confidence interval,0.81-0.99;p<0.001).Conclusions:Radical cystectomy with chemotherapy using the etoposide and cisplatin regimen improved the prognosis of patients with SCUB and TxNxM0.The time from initial progression to death due to cancer was very short,indicating that the initial treatment strategy is crucial.