Urodynamic assessment and quality of life outcomes of robot-assisted totally intracorporeal radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer: a preliminary study

A Novel Scoring System to Assess Continence Quality Outcomes of Orthotopic Ileal Neobladders After Open and Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: The Urodynamic Trifecta

INTRODUCTION

A comprehensive scoring system for standardizing quality of functional outcomes of orthotopic ileal neobladders (OINs) is still unavailable. In this study we propose a novel trifecta for both open and robot-assisted radical cystectomy conceived on urodynamic parameters that summarize OINs functional outcomes regardless of the surgical technique used and predicts continence status.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Between June 2017 and May 2023 two prospective, institutional review board approved, radical cystectomy datasets were matched and queried for "OINs" "and "urodynamic evaluation" (n = 149). Urodynamic assessment was performed between 6 and 9 months after surgery. Baseline data and complete urodynamic profile including uroflowmetry, cystometry, compliance, presence of residual peristaltic activity, abdominal leak point pressures (ALPP) and daytime and night-time continence were reported. Descriptive analyses were used. Frequencies and proportions were reported for categorical variables while medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were reported for continuously coded variables. Trifecta was defined as the coexistence of: cystometric capacity ≥ 250 cc; neobladder compliance ≥ 35 cmH20; negative Valsalva and abdominal leak point pressure testing. Simultaneous achievement of only two of the presented criteria was considered a suboptimal result. Logistic regression analyses were built to identify predictors of daytime and night-time urinary continence. For all analyses, a two-sided p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Overall, at a median follow-up of 25 months (IQR 16-37), 149 patients achieved a complete urodynamic evaluation. In the current series, the complete trifecta rate was 40.2% while a suboptimal trifecta achievement was observed in 35.6% of patients. On multivariable analysis, complete trifecta achievement was the only independent predictor of daytime (OR 7.29, 95% CI 2.05-25.9) and night-time (OR 8.13; 95% CI 2.94-22.4) urinary continence, respectively (each p < 0.003). A complete UDM-T at urodynamic testing was associated with a day-time continence, night-time continence, and complete dry status rates of 93.2%, 83.1%, and 79.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This novel urodynamic trifecta for OINs is based on standardized parameters and seems to be predictor of either daytime or night-time urinary continence at a midterm follow-up. Satisfactory continence outcomes may be also expected when a suboptimal trifecta rate is achieved.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Atlas of Intracorporeal Orthotopic Neobladder Techniques After Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy and Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Multiple and heterogeneous techniques have been described for orthotopic neobladder (ONB) reconstruction after robot-assisted radical cystectomy. Nonetheless, a systematic assessment of all the available options is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To provide the first comprehensive step-by-step description of all the available techniques for robotic intracorporeal ONB together with individual intraoperative, perioperative and functional outcomes based on a systematic review of the literature.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We performed a systematic review of the literature, and MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify original articles describing different robotic intracorporeal ONB techniques and reporting intra- and perioperative outcomes. Studies were categorized according to ONB type, providing a synthesis of the current evidence. Video material was provided by experts in the field to illustrate the surgical technique of each intracorporeal ONB.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Nine different ONB types were identified: Studer, Hautmann, Y shape, U shape, Bordeaux, Pyramid, Shell, Florence Robotic Intracorporeal Neobladder, and Padua Ileal Neobladder.

MEASUREMENTS

Continuous and categorical variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation and as frequencies and proportions, respectively.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 2587 studies identified, 19 met our inclusion criteria. No cohort studies or randomized control trials comparing different neobladder types are available. Available techniques for intracorporeal robotic ONB reconstruction have similar operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications, and length of stay. Major variability exists concerning postoperative complications and functional outcomes, likely related to reporting bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Several techniques are described for intracorporeal ONB during robot-assisted radical cystectomy with comparable perioperative outcomes. We provide the first step-by-step surgical atlas for robot-assisted ONB reconstruction. Further comparative studies are needed to assess any advantage of one technique over others.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Patients elected for radical cystectomy should be aware that multiple techniques for robotic orthotopic neobladder are available, but that current evidence does not favor one type over the others.

Urodynamic Parameters and Continence Outcomes in Asymptomatic Patients with Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis

INTRODUCTION

The orthotopic neobladder is the type of urinary diversion (UD) that most closely resembles the original bladder. However, in the literature the urodynamic aspects are scarcely analysed.

OBJECTIVE

To provide the first systematic review (SR) on the urodynamic (UDS) outcomes of the ileal orthotopic neobladders (ONB). Continence outcomes are also presented.

METHODS

A PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL search for peer-reviewed studies on ONB published between January 2001-December 2022 was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Fifty-nine manuscripts were eligible for inclusion in this SR. A great heterogeneity of data was encountered. Concerning UDS parameters, the pooled mean was 406.2 mL (95% CI: 378.9-433.4 mL) for maximal (entero)cystometric capacity (MCC) and 21.4 cmH2O (95% CI: 17.5-25.4 cmH2O) for Pressure ONB at MCC. Postvoid-residual ranged between 4.9 and 101.6 mL. The 12-mo rates of day and night-time continence were 84.2% (95% CI: 78.7-89.1%) and 61.7% (95% CI: 51.9-71.1%), respectively.Despite data heterogeneity, the ileal ONB seems to guarantee UDS parameters that resemble those of the native bladder. Although acceptable rates of daytime continence are reported the issue of high rates of night-time incontinence remains unsolved. Adequately designed prospective trials adopting standardised postoperative care, terminology and methods of outcome evaluation as well as of conduction of the UDS in the setting of ONB are necessary to obtain homogeneous follow-up data and to establish UDS guidelines for this setting.