A study of the morbidity, mortality and long-term survival following radical cystectomy and radical radiotherapy in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer in Yorkshire

Impact of Chart-Derived Frailty Index on 1-Year Mortality After Radical Cystectomy in 1004 Patients with Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND

Radical cystectomy is a major urological procedure with high morbidity and mortality. The chart-derived frailty index (CFI), a measure of preoperative frailty, can be calculated by using demographic and routine laboratory variables. We assessed the impact of CFI on 1-year mortality after radical cystectomy.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy between 2007 and 2021. The CFI was calculated as the sum of the presence of the following parameters: age > 70 years, body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2, hematocrit < 35%, albumin < 3.4 g/dL, and creatinine > 2.0 mg/dL. Patients were divided into those with low (0-2) and high (3-5) CFI. The 1-year, all-cause and cancer-specific mortalities after radical cystectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 1004 patients, 914 (91.0%) had a low CFI and 90 (9.0%) had a high CFI. The 1-year, all-cause mortality in the low and high CFI groups was 12.0% and 27.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high CFI (P < 0.001), tumor stage (P = 0.003), and red blood cell transfusion amount (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with 1-year, all-cause mortality after radical cystectomy. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significantly different 1-year, all-cause and cancer-specific mortalities after radical cystectomy between patients with a high CFI and those with a low CFI (log-rank test, both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

High CFI is associated with higher 1-year mortality after radical cystectomy, suggesting that the CFI can effectively predict mortality after radical cystectomy.

Evaluation of short-term outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a single Egyptian institution experience

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) before radical cystectomy (RC) became the standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in the last few years. We aimed to evaluate the radiological, pathological responses to NAC, and the 30-day surgical outcomes after RC in MIBC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study involving adult patients with localized urothelial MIBC who received NAC followed by RC at the National Cancer Institute of Egypt (NCI-E) for 2 years (2017 and 2018). Out of 235 MIBC cases, we recognized 72 patients (30%) who fitted the eligibility criteria.

RESULTS

A cohort of 72 patients with a median age of 60.5 years (range 34-87). Hydronephrosis, gross extravesical extension (cT3b), and radiologically negative nodes (cN0) were depicted initially in 45.8, 52.8, and 83.3% of patients, respectively. Gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) was the rampant NAC employed in 95.8%. Radiological evaluation post NAC using RECIST v1.1 revealed a response rate (RR) of 65.3% in bladder tumor and progressive disease in the former and lymph nodes encountered in 19.4 and 13.9%, respectively. The median time from the end of NAC to surgery was 8.1 weeks (range 4-15). Open RC and ileal conduit were the most common types of surgery and urinary diversion, respectively. Pathological down-staging was encountered in 31.9%, and only 11 cases (15.3%) achieved pathological complete response (pCR). The latter was significantly correlated with the absence of hydronephrosis, low-risk tumors, and associated bilharziasis (p = 0.001, 0.029, and 0.039, respectively). By logistic regression, the high-risk category was the only independent factor associated with a poor likelihood of achieving pCR (OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.1-16.7; p = 0.038). Thirty-day mortality occurred in 5(7%) patients, and 16(22%) experienced morbidity, with intestinal leakage being the most frequent complication. cT4 was the only significant factor associated with post-RC morbidity and mortality compared to cT2 and cT3b (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are further supporting the radiological and pathological benefits of NAC in MIBC, evidenced by tumor downstaging and pCR. The complication rate after RC is still considerable; hence, more larger studies are necessary to postulate a comprehensive risk assessment tool for patients who would get the maximum benefit from NAC, hoping to accomplish higher complete response rates with ultimately increased adoption of the bladder preservation strategies.

Role of radiotherapy in the management of bladder cancer: Recommendations of the French society for radiation oncology

We present the recommendations of the French society of oncological radiotherapy on the indications and techniques for external beam radiotherapy for bladder cancer.

Management of Localized Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer from a Multidisciplinary Perspective: Current Position of the Spanish Oncology Genitourinary (SOGUG) Working Group

This review presents challenges and recommendations on different aspects related to the management of patients with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), which were discussed by a group of experts of a Spanish Oncology Genitourinary (SOGUG) Working Group within the framework of the Genitourinary Alliance project (12GU). It is necessary to clearly define which patients are candidates for radical cystectomy and which are candidates for undergoing bladder-sparing procedures. In older patients, it is necessary to include a geriatric assessment and evaluation of comorbidities. The pathological report should include a classification of the histopathological variant of MIBC, particularly the identification of subtypes with prognostic, molecular and therapeutic implications. Improvement of clinical staging, better definition of prognostic groups based on molecular subtypes, and identification of biomarkers potentially associated with maximum benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy are areas for further research. A current challenge in the management of MIBC is improving the selection of patients likely to be candidates for immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors in the neoadjuvant setting. Optimization of FDG-PET/CT reliability in staging of MIBC and the selection of patients is necessary, as well as the design of prospective studies aimed to compare the value of different imaging techniques in parallel.

Oncologic Impact and Safety of Pre-Operative Radiotherapy in Localized Prostate and Bladder Cancer: A Comprehensive Review from the Cancerology Committee of the Association Française d'Urologie

Simple Summary

Radiotherapy may have an interesting role of reinforcing the loco-regional control of cancer, in addition to surgery, when used as a preoperative treatment. This sequence has demonstrated its efficacy and safety in various malignancies, but no strong data exist in the era of uro-oncology. In this review article, we aim to highlight the potential usefulness of preoperative radiotherapy in prostate and muscle-invasive bladder cancer, aiming to enhance pathological response and local control and to prevent intraoperative tumor seeding. We also emphasize the need for further clinical studies assessing the functional safety of subsequent surgical procedures in a competitive context of new systemic agents that have proven to demonstrate a survival benefit in locally advanced urologic cancers.

Abstract

Preoperative radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used for the treatment of various malignancies, including sarcomas, rectal, and gynaecological cancers, but it is preferentially used as a competitive treatment to radical surgery in uro-oncology or as a salvage procedure in cases of local recurrence. Nevertheless, preoperative RT represents an attractive strategy to prevent from intraoperative tumor seeding in the operative field, to sterilize microscopic extension outside the organ, and to enhance the pathological and/or imaging tumor response rate. Several clinical works support this research field in uro-oncology. In this review article, we summarized the oncologic impact and safety of preoperative RT in localized prostate and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Preliminary studies suggest that both modalities can be complementary as initial primary tumor treatments and that a pre-operative radiotherapy strategy could be beneficial in a well-defined population of patients who are at a very high-risk of local relapse. Future prospective trials are warranted to evaluate the oncologic benefit of such a combination of local treatments in addition to new life-prolonging systemic therapies, such as immunotherapy, and new generation hormone therapies. Moreover, the safety and the feasibility of salvage surgical procedures due to non-response or local recurrence after pelvic RT remain poorly evaluated in that context.

Does minimally invasive surgery for bladder cancer result in unusual sites of metastasis?

BACKGROUND

To compare sites of metastasis for the laparoscopic (LRC) and open (ORC) approaches in a cohort of patients at a district general hospital. Morbidity and mortality for the two approaches are assessed using secondary outcomes of length of stay and complication rate. Metastasis rate and site are compared.

METHODS

A retrospective case note review was carried out for all patients who underwent cystectomy for bladder malignancy at Pinderfields General Hospital, Wakefield between 2010 and 2016 (n = 219). There were 150 males and 69 females in 107 minimally invasive cases and 87 open (missing data on 25 cases). Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel XLSTAT.

RESULTS

Recurrence rate was 25.1% and did not differ significantly with approach (p = 0.89). Sites of recurrence did not differ with operative approach, the most frequent being pelvis, chest and bone. Unusual sites of recurrence included abdominal wall and sigmoid colon which both occurred in LRC. Length of stay was greater for the open approach (median LRC = 10, ORC = 13, p < 0.01). Five-year survival was 74.9%. Survival distribution did not significantly differ with operative approach (p = 0.43), and there was no significant association between operative approach and patient death within the follow-up period (p = 0.09). Stricture rate was 4.1% and was not significantly different between the 2 groups (p = 0.29). Median time to stricture was 130 days. Clavien-Dindo scores for complications did not differ with approach (p = 0.93), and there was no significant association between operative approach and whether complications developed (p = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

The adverse oncological outcomes in minimally invasive approaches suggested by some studies are not confirmed here. Those in the LRC group were discharged sooner, though this did not translate into differences in morbidity or survival. Analysis of the association between individual complications and length of stay may clarify this further. Shorter hospital stay is also likely to have significant financial implications. Despite no significant difference in outcomes, the findings demonstrate potential benefits of LRC. Extensions of this study could include: cost-benefit analysis, examination of individual complications' effect on length of stay; and analysis of approach-specific factors contributing to perioperative deaths.

Clinical Outcomes of a Randomized Trial of Adaptive Plan-of-the-Day Treatment in Patients Receiving Ultra-hypofractionated Weekly Radiation Therapy for Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE

Hypofractionated radiation therapy can be used to treat patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer unable to have radical therapy. Toxicity is a key concern, but adaptive plan-of the day (POD) image-guided radiation therapy delivery could improve outcomes by minimizing the volume of normal tissue irradiated. The HYBRID trial assessed the multicenter implementation, safety, and efficacy of this strategy.

METHODS

HYBRID is a Phase II randomized trial that was conducted at 14 UK hospitals. Patients with T2-T4aN0M0 muscle-invasive bladder cancer unsuitable for radical therapy received 36 Gy in 6 weekly fractions, randomized (1:1) to standard planning (SP) or adaptive planning (AP) using a minimization algorithm. For AP, a pretreatment cone beam computed tomography (CT) was used to select the POD from 3 plans (small, medium, and large). Follow-up included standard cystoscopic, radiologic, and clinical assessments. The primary endpoint was nongenitourinary Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade ≥ 3 (≥G3) toxicity within 3 months of radiation therapy. A noncomparative single stage design aimed to exclude ≥30% toxicity rate in each planning group in patients who received ≥1 fraction of radiation therapy. Local control at 3-months (both groups combined) was a key secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

Between April 15, 2014, and August 10, 2016, 65 patients were enrolled (SP, n = 32; AP, n = 33). The median follow-up time was 38.8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 36.8-51.3). The median age was 85 years (IQR, 81-89); 68% of participants (44 of 65) were male; and 98% of participants had grade 3 urothelial cancer. In 63 evaluable participants, CTCAE ≥G3 nongenitourinary toxicity rates were 6% (2 of 33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7%-20.2%) for the AP group and 13% (4 of 30; 95% CI, 3.8%-30.7%) for the SP group. Disease was present in 9/48 participants assessed at 3 months, giving a local control rate of 81.3% (95% CI, 67.4%-91.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

POD adaptive radiation therapy was successfully implemented across multiple centers. Weekly ultrahypofractionated 36 Gy/6 fraction radiation therapy is safe and provides good local control rates in this older patient population.

Impact of perioperative blood transfusions on oncologic outcomes after radical cystectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

This study aimed at systematically analyzing and evaluating the impact of perioperative blood transfusions (PBT) on oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. This systematic review follows the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Interventions and was conducted in line with the PRISMA statement and the AMSTAR II criteria. A comprehensive database search was performed based on the PICO criteria. Two independent reviewers performed all screening steps and quality assessment. Risk of bias and certainty in evidence were assessed with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for non-randomized trials and the GRADE approach. Of 1123 identified studies 20 were eligible for qualitative analysis and 15 for quantitative analysis reporting on 21,915 patients. Receiving a PBT was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.29 [1.18, 1.40]; p < 0.001), cancer-specific mortality (HR [CI]: 1.27 [1.15; 1.41]; p < 0.001) and disease recurrence (HR [CI]: 1.22 [1.12; 1.34]; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of transfusion timing revealed a significantly increased risk of mortality with intraoperative or combined intra- and postoperative transfusions compared to postoperative transfusion only for all three outcomes (p < 0.001). Leukocyte-depletion was associated with increased all-cause mortality, but not cancer-specific mortality. The administration of PBT negatively impacts oncological outcomes after radical cystectomy. Therefore, careful treatment indication and strict adherence to transfusion guidelines is encouraged in order to avoid adverse effects during the perioperative course.

Does minimally invasive surgery for bladder cancer result in unusual sites of metastasis?

OBJECTIVE

To compare sites of metastasis for the laparoscopic (LRC) and open (ORC) approaches in a cohort of patients at a district general hospital. Morbidity and mortality for the two approaches are assessed using secondary outcomes of length of stay and complication rate. Metastasis rate and site are compared.

METHODS

A retrospective case note review was carried out for all patients who underwent cystectomy for bladder malignancy at Pinderfields General Hospital, Wakefield between 2010 and 2016 (n=219). There were 150 males and 69 females in 107 minimally invasive cases and 87 open (missing data on 25 cases). Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel XLSTAT.

RESULTS

Recurrence rate was 25.1% and did not differ significantly with approach (p=0.89). Sites of recurrence did not differ with operative approach, the most frequent being pelvis, chest and bone. Unusual sites of recurrence included abdominal wall and sigmoid colon which both occurred in LRC. Length of stay was greater for the open approach (median LRC=10, ORC=13, p<0.01). Five-year survival was 74.9%. Survival distribution did not significantly differ with operative approach (p=0.43), and there was no significant association between operative approach and patient death within the follow-up period (p=0.09). Stricture rate was 4.1% and was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.29). Median time to stricture was 130 days. Clavien-Dindo scores for complications did not differ with approach (p=0.93), and there was no significant association between operative approach and whether complications developed (p=0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

The adverse oncological outcomes in minimally invasive approaches suggested by some studies are not confirmed here. Those in the LRC group were discharged sooner, though this did not translate into differences in morbidity or survival. Analysis of the association between individual complications and length of stay may clarify this further. Shorter hospital stay is also likely to have significant financial implications. Despite no significant difference in outcomes, the findings demonstrate potential benefits of LRC. Extensions of this study could include: cost-benefit analysis, examination of individual complications' effect on length of stay; and analysis of approach-specific factors contributing to perioperative deaths.

Incidence and outcome of salvage cystectomy after bladder sparing therapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the available literature regarding the surgical and oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing salvage radical cystectomy (SV-RC) for recurrence or failure of bladder sparing therapy (BST) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Google Scholar databases in May 2020. We included all studies of patients with ≥ cT2N0/xM0 bladder cancer that were eligible for all treatment modalities at the time of treatment decision who underwent BST including radiotherapy (RTX). A meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled rate of several variables associated with an increased need for SV-RC. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using MINORS criteria.

Results

73 studies comprising 9110 patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. Weighted mean follow-up time was 61.1 months (range 12–144). The pooled rate of non-response to BST and local recurrence after BST, the two primary reasons for SV-RC, was 15.5% and 28.7%, respectively. The pooled rate of SV-RC was 19.2% for studies with a follow-up longer than 5 years. Only three studies provided a thorough report of complication rates after SV-RC. The overall complication rate ranged between 67 and 72% with a 30-day mortality rate of 0–8.8%. The pooled rates of 5 and 10-year disease-free survival after SV-RC were 54.3% and 45.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

Approximately one-fifth of patients treated with BST with a curative intent eventually require SV-RC. This procedure carries a proportionally high rate of complications and is usually accompanied by an incontinent urinary diversion.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00345-020-03436-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Preoperative Risk Factors Predicting Postoperative Complications in Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: While radical cystectomy (RC) is the gold-standard treatment for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, it is associated with a significant rate of complications. We aim to develop a prediction model to assess the risk of complications in the postoperative period using routinely collected data in the course of preoperative evaluation in patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 508 patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer from January 2008 to October 2016. Potential preoperative risk predictors were collected. Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo scale. Prediction models were developed using variables with the highest predictive value for postoperative complications. The accuracy of themodels was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and cross-validation. RESULTS: Variables achieved the highest prediction accuracy for major postoperative complications in the 31 to 90-day postoperative period. In this period, 14 variables were predictive of major postoperative complications. The three most predictive individual variables were BMI, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and creatinine with AUROC/odds ratios of 0.643/1.09, 0.609/2.43, and 0.597/1.22, respectively. This postoperative period also had the best performing prediction model for major complications, which utilized four variables to achieve an AUROC of 0.727. CONCLUSION: Routinely collected preoperative variables may be useful for determining patient risk for short-term postoperative complications after RC. Prediction models can help identify patients who may benefit from patient education, counseling and development of risk reduction strategies. Interactions between individual variables should be evaluated to further improve accuracy of the prediction models.

The significance of preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate on survival outcomes in patients who underwent radical cystectomy and non-continent urinary diversion

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of preoperative renal function on survival outcomes in patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) with non-continent urinary diversion (UD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 132 patients with bladder cancer who underwent RC with non-continent UD due to urothelial carcinoma from January 2006 toMarch 2017 at our tertiary referral center were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups as those with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60mL/min/1.73 m2 and ≥60mL/min/1.73 m2 according to preoperative eGFR levels. Patients' characteristics, preoperative clinical data, operative data, pathologic data, oncologic data and complications were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The mean age was 64.5±8.7 (range: 32 - 83) years and the median follow-up was 30.9±31.7 (range: 1-113) months. There were 46 patients in Group 1 and 86 patients in Group 2. There was no difference in cancer-specific mortality (45.6% for group 1 and 30.2% for group 2, p=0.078) and survival (56.8±8.3 months for group 1 and 70.5±5.9 months for group 2, p=0.087) between the groups. Overall mortality was higher (63% for group 1 and 40.7% for group 2, p=0.014) and overall survival (43.6±6.9 months for group 1 and 62.2±5.8 months for group 2, p=0.03) was lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall mortality was higher and overall survival was lower in patients with preoperative eGFR<60mL/s. More patients had preoperative hydronephrosis with eGFR<60mL/s.

Outcomes of an enhanced recovery after radical cystectomy program in a prospective multicenter study: compliance and key components for success

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program on complications and length of stay (LOS) after radical cystectomy (RC) and to assess if the number and type of components of ERAS play a key role on the decrease of surgical morbidity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed the data of 277 patients prospectively recruited in 11 hospitals undergoing RC initially managed according to local practice (Group I) and later within an ERAS program (Group II). Two main outcomes were defined: 90-day complications rate and LOS. As secondary variables we studied 90-day mortality, 30-day readmission and transfusion rate.

RESULTS

Patients in Group II had a higher use of ERAS measures (98.6%) than those in Group I (78.2%) (p < 0.05). Patients in Groups I and II experienced similar complications (70.5% vs. 66%, p = 0.42). LOS was not different between Groups I and II (12.5 and 14 days, respectively, p = 0.59). The risk of having any complication decreases for patients having more than 15 ERAS measures adopted [RR = 0.815; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.667-0.996; p = 0.045]. Avoidance of transfusion and nasogastric tube, prevention of ileus, early ambulation and a fast uptake of a regular diet are independently associated with the absence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications and LOS after RC were not modified by the introduction of an ERAS program. We hypothesize that at least 15 measures should be applied to maximize the benefit of ERAS.

Whole Versus Partial Bladder Radiation: Use of an Image-guided Hypofractionated IMRT Bladder-preservation Protocol

OBJECTIVES

To report our institutional experience using definitive chemoradiation via whole bladder (WB) and partial bladder (PB) treatment in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Combining intensity-modulated radiation therapy with image-guidance can improve the therapeutic ratio.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 26 patients with clinical stage T2-4 N0-2 M0 urothelial cancer treated in 2009 to 2012; 16 received WB radiation and 10 received PB radiation. PB/tumor boost volume included visibly thickened bladder wall or tumor localized on cystoscopy. WB radiation delivered 45 to 50.4 Gy to bladder/lymph nodes, then sequential 19.8 to 21.6 Gy tumor boost (1.8 Gy/fx). PB radiation was 45 to 50 Gy to lymph nodes (1.8 to 2 Gy/fx) and simultaneous integrated boost to 55 to 62.5 Gy to tumor only (2.2 to 2.5 Gy/fx). The primary endpoint was local control, defined as no muscle-invasive recurrence. Secondary endpoints were overall survival, toxicity, and cost.

RESULTS

Mean age was 77 and median follow-up was 20 months. Freedom from local recurrence was 86% at 2 years (PB 100%, WB 77%). Overall survival was 80% at 1 year (PB 88%, WB 75%), and 55% at 2 years (PB 70%, WB 48%, P=0.38). Failure was predominantly distant. Toxicities were minimal (3 late grade 3 ureteral, 1 acute grade 4 renal), and all resolved. No cystectomies were performed for toxicity. Hypofractionation reduces treatment time and costs by one third.

CONCLUSIONS

Image-guided hypofractionated PB radiation provides local control with similar survival to WB therapy, with minimal toxicity. Hypofractionation also offers time and cost advantages. Our results need to be validated in a larger, multi-institutional cohort.

Pathological Profile, Early Complications, Functional and Oncological Outcome after Radical Cystectomy - Ileal Conduit for Bladder Cancer Patients in Sanglah General Hospital between January 2013 and December 2016

BACKGROUND:

Radical cystectomy is the standard treatment for nonmetastatic bladder cancer (muscle-invasive and selective superficial bladder cancer). There are many types of urinary diversion after this procedure; the ileal conduit is the most and simplest one.

AIM:

To asses clinical, pathological profile, early complication, functional and oncological outcome after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit for muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients.

METHOD:

Between January 2013 and December 2016, there were 68 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer. From those patients, 24 (35.29%) patients had been performed radical cystectomy with ileal conduit type for urinary diversion (100%). Patients demographic, clinical and pathological profile, early postoperative complication, functional and oncological outcome were collected from the medical record.

RESULT:

Among the 24 patients who underwent radical cystectomy, 20 patients were male (83.3%) with the mean age was 57.3 y.o (33–77 y.o). Twelve patients (50%) showed pT4 and pT2 respectively. Based on pathological result 20 patient (83.34%) had the urothelial carcinoma, three patients (12.5%) had squamous cell carcinoma, and one patient (4.1%) had adenocarcinoma. Two patients (8.3%) got neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and nine patient (37.5%) of patients followed adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. Wound dehiscence, fistula enterocutan, prolong ileus, leakage anastomosis and sepsis were kind of complication after surgery. One year’s survival rate is 84%, mortality rate 20.8% and a recurrence rate of 20.8% in 4 years follow up.

CONCLUSION:

Radical cystectomy and ileal conduit type of urinary diversion still become the preferable procedure for nonmetastatic bladder cancer with good functional and oncological outcome.

Complications After Ileal Urinary Derivations

Introduction

The aim of the study was to determine the most frequent early and late complications in different types of ileal urinary diversions.

Patients and methods

The study was conducted in a five-year period, on 106 patients who were diagnosed with invasive urinary bladder cancer and who had indication for radical cystectomy with one of the investigated types of urine derivation. They were divided into 2 groups, based on the type of ileal urinary diversions.

Results

The colonization of bacteria was more prominently present in the ileal conduit urinary diversion group (97%) compared to Ghoneim (25%) and Hautmann (10%) group, Ureteral stenosis was slightly less represented in the conduit group (9.1%). Wound infections were significantly more represented in the conduit (21.2%) than in the Ghoneim group (5%) Nighttime incontinence was present in 20% of patients in both groups or 4 patients in each group. Daytime incontinence in the Ghoneim group was present in 3 patients (15%) and in the Hautmann group 2 patients (10%). Late complications correlate significantly negative with the type of surgery and slightly negative with the grade, and significantly positively with the examined group and T stage, and slightly correlate positively to the N and R stages. Early complications correlate slightly negative with the type of surgery, slightly negative with the grade, and significantly positively with T stage, and slightly positively correlates with the N and R stage.

Conclusion

The most commonly reported complications in ileal conduit are: prolonged ileus, stoma infection, wound dehiscence and bacterial colonization, followed by peristomal skin complications and complications related only to the stoma, such as stenosis and stoma retraction, and prolaps of ileostoma and ileointestinal stenosis. The ileus rate in orthotopic derivation was significantly lower than that of the ileal conduit group, which led to the conclusion that the neomybladder position does not disturb the anatomic abdominal structure.

Dietary patterns and health-related quality of life in bladder cancer survivors

PURPOSE

A nutritious diet has been associated with better health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a variety of cancer survivors. However, little is known about dietary habits and its association with HRQOL in bladder cancer survivors. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to describe dietary intake patterns and its relationship to HRQOL in a large cohort of bladder cancer survivors.

METHODS

Bladder cancer survivors within our institutional database were mailed surveys to assess dietary intake patterns utilizing the Diet History Questionnaire II and assessing HRQOL utilizing the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bladder Cancer. Diet quality was assessed via Healthy Eating Index 2010 scores based on subjects' Diet History Questionnaire II results. Univariate and multivariate analyses of HRQOL based on diet quality were used to evaluate whether diet quality was associated with HRQOL.

RESULTS

Four hundred and fifty-nine patients (48%) returned questionnaires. Mean age was 74 years, 81% were male and 28% underwent radical cystectomy. Diet quality and quantity in our cohort was similar to the general older U.S. population and did not differ significantly between those managed conservatively or long-term following cystectomy. Our cohort had low intake of whole grains and fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin D. Diet quality was significantly associated with HRQOL in the univariate analysis but lost statistical significance in our multivariate analysis. Elixhauser Comorbidity Index was significantly associated with HRQOL in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a similar diet quality of bladder cancer survivors to the older general U.S. population that, on average, "needs improvement." Dietary intake is particularly lacking in whole grain and vitamin D intake. Future studies are warranted to determine the impact on long-term outcome, but bladder cancer survivors should be counseled on the importance and benefits of adherence to dietary guidelines, including its potential contribution toward better HRQOL.

The prognostic significance of preoperative serum albumin in urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Preoperative serum albumin has been considered to be closely correlated with the prognosis of various cancers, including urothelial carcinoma (UC). However, to date, this conclusion remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the prognostic significance of preoperative serum albumin in UC. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to 4 July 2017. Herein, a total of 15506 patients from 23 studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis. Decreased preoperative serum albumin level predicted poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.44-2.45, P<0.0001), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.42-2.90, P=0.0001), recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.15-2.97, P=0.01), 30-day complications (30dCs) after surgery (odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.16-3.20, P=0.01), and 90-day mortality after surgery (OR = 4.24, 95% CI: 2.20-8.16, P<0.001). The subgroup analyses indicated that low preoperative serum albumin level is still positively associated with a worse prognosis of UC based on ethnicity, cut-off value, tumor type, analyses type, and sample size. Our meta-analysis indicated that reduced preoperative serum albumin level was a predictor of poor prognosis of UC.

Radical cystectomy in the elderly - Is this a safe treatment option?

OBJECTIVE

To determine if significant differences exist in the perioperative outcomes of patients aged >75 years treated with radical cystectomy (RC) compared to younger patients, as RC is frequently not offered to 'elderly' patients with bladder cancer because of supposed increased risks of complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed prospectively collected data of all patients that underwent RC in our centre from May 2013 to June 2015. In all, 81 consecutive RCs were identified and included in our study. Patients were divided into two age groups: Group A, aged <75 years (51 patients) and Group B, aged ≥75 years (30). Co-morbidities and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In 68 patients RC was performed laparoscopically and the remaining 13 patients underwent open RC. The mean (range) age was 70.7 (36-85) years. There were 37 patients with muscle-invasive disease and 42 had non-muscle-invasive disease. The median hospital stay was not significantly different between the two age groups (10 vs 11 days). There was no significant difference in the preoperative Charlson co-morbidity index. The 30-day mortality rate was 4% for those aged <75 years and 6.6% for those aged ≥75 years, with overall perioperative complication rates of 57% vs 66%, respectively. Most complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo Grade I-II) and there was no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts. There was also no statistically significant difference in blood transfusion rates.

CONCLUSION

RC in patients aged ≥75 years has similar perioperative morbidity when compared with younger patients and can be offered in selected elderly patients. Thus, age should not be an absolute contraindication for RC.

Preoperative chronic kidney disease predicts poor oncological outcomes after radical cystectomy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of preoperative chronic kidney disease (CKD) on oncologic outcomes in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy.

METHODS

A total of 581 patients who underwent radical cystectomy at four medical centers between January 1995 and February 2017 were examined retrospectively. We investigated oncologic outcomes, including progression-free, cancer-specific, and overall survival (PFS, CSS, and OS, respectively) stratified by preoperative CKD status (pre-CKD vs. non-CKD). We performed a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to evaluate the impact of preoperative CKD on prognosis and developed the prognostic factor-based risk stratification nomogram.

RESULTS

Of the 581 patients, 215 (37%) were diagnosed with CKD before radical cystectomy. Before the background adjustment, PFS, CSS, and OS after radical cystectomy were significantly lower in the pre-CKD group compared to the non-CKD group. Background-adjusted IPTW analysis showed that preoperative CKD was significantly associated with poor PFS, CSS, and OS after radical cystectomy. The nomogram for predicting 5-year PFS and OS probability showed significant correlation with actual PFS and OS (c-index = 0.73 and 0.77, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients with preoperative CKD had a significantly lower survival probability than those without CKD.

Bladder Preservation for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

The standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has been considered to be radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymphadenectomy. However morbidity and impact on quality of life is significant. Radiotherapy has been used in MIBC patients who choose bladder preservation or who are unfit for RC with comparable outcomes. Evidence from some prospective and large retrospective series supports the use of radiotherapy as an attractive alternative option. In this paper we review the evidence and practice of bladder preservation strategies with radiotherapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Clinical results of conformal versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy using a focal simultaneous boost for muscle-invasive bladder cancer in elderly or medically unfit patients

BACKGROUND

For elderly or medically unfit patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, cystectomy or chemotherapy are contraindicated. This leaves radical radiotherapy as the only treatment option. It was the aim of this study to retrospectively analyze the treatment outcome and associated toxicity of conformal versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using a focal simultaneous tumor boost for muscle-invasive bladder cancer in patients not suitable for cystectomy.

METHODS

One hundred eighteen patients with T2-4 N0-1 M0 bladder cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Median age was 80 years. Treatment consisted of either a conformal box technique or IMRT and included a simultaneous boost to the tumor. To enable an accurate boost delivery, fiducial markers were placed around the tumor. Patients were treated with 40 Gy in 20 fractions to the elective treatment volumes, and a daily tumor boost up to 55-60 Gy.

RESULTS

Clinical complete response was seen in 87 % of patients. Three-year overall survival was 44 %, with a locoregional control rate of 73 % at 3 years. Toxicity was low, with late urinary and intestinal toxicity rates grade ≥ 2 of 14 and 5 %, respectively. The use of IMRT reduced late intestinal toxicity, whereas fiducial markers reduced acute urinary toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical radiotherapy using a focal boost is feasible and effective for elderly or unfit patients, with a 3-year locoregional control of 73 %. Toxicity rates were low, and were reduced by the use of IMRT and fiducial markers.

Evaluating the need for adaptive therapy when delivering conformal bladder radiotherapy

Background and purpose

The purpose of this study was to audit positioning errors during bladder image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and quantify survival outcomes.

Materials and methods

We carried out a retrospective review of 141 patients treated between March 2007 and July 2010 with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. An offline imaging protocol using kV cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used. Positioning errors, clinical interventions and re-planning rates were quantified. Cancer outcomes and survival were collected by review of patient notes and a registry search.

Results

Among all, 43% of the patients required no intervention. Isocentre corrections were used for systematic bony set-up error in 13% and to improve bladder coverage in 28%. Clinical interventions to improve bladder coverage were required in 16% of the patients and repeat computed tomography planning in a further 16%. Overall, 44% of the patients demonstrated some form of organ deformation that would have resulted in inadequate dose to the bladder or significant overdose to an organ at risk if not corrected for. Post-treatment check cystoscopy was undertaken in 107 patients (76%) with 72 noted to have a complete response. Overall survival was 47·8% at 3 years.

Conclusions

Organ deformation during radiotherapy for bladder cancer is a significant problem for over 40% of patients. Strategies to compensate are essential to ensure optimal plan delivery.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy improves survival outcome in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Purpose

To evaluate survival rates and prognostic factors related to treatment outcomes after bladder preserving therapy including transurethral resection of bladder tumor, radiotherapy (RT) with or without concurrent chemotherapy in bladder cancer with a curative intent.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively studied 50 bladder cancer patients treated with bladder-preserving therapy at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center from January 1999 to December 2010. Age ranged from 46 to 89 years (median, 71.5 years). Bladder cancer was the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage II, III, and IV in 9, 27, and 14 patients, respectively. Thirty patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and 20 patients with RT alone. Nine patients received chemotherapy prior to CCRT or RT alone. Radiation was delivered with a four-field box technique (median, 63 Gy; range, 48.6 to 70.2 Gy). The follow-up periods ranged from 2 to 169 months (median, 34 months).

Results

Thirty patients (60%) showed complete response and 13 (26%) a partial response. All patients could have their own bladder preserved. Five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 37.2%, and the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 30.2%. In multivariate analysis, tumor grade and CCRT were statistically significant in OS.

Conclusion

Tumor grade was a significant prognostic factor related to OS. CCRT is also considered to improve survival outcomes. Further multi-institutional studies are needed to elucidate the impact of RT in bladder cancer.

The results of implementing a fast-track protocol in radical cystectomy in a tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND

Radical cystectomy (RC) is the urological procedure associated with the highest rates of morbidity, mortality and hospital stay. The implementation of fast-track programs seeks to speed postsurgical recovery. Its application to radical cystectomy has yielded positive results.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the results of the fast-track protocol in RC at our hospital, in terms of morbidity, mortality and hospital stay, comparing these results with those of patients who underwent RC following the classic protocol. To thereby ascertain whether the implementation of the fast-track protocol represents a reduced number and severity of complications and shorter hospital stays.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ambispective cohort study of patients who underwent RC between January 2010 and October 2012 by either protocol (classic and fast-track). We analyzed the patient characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative complications (according to the Clavien classification), hospital stay and recovery stay.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients were included, 51 following the classic protocol and 48 following the fast-track protocol. The groups were homogeneous. The hospital stay and recovery stay were longer in the classic group than in the fast-track group (29 and 2 days, respectively, vs. 17 and 1 day). There was less intraoperative bleeding in the fast track group (600mL) than in the traditional group (1,000mL). Of the 99 patients, 31 (60.8%) of the classic group presented a postoperative complication, while the fast-track group had 14 (29.2%), most of which were minor (Clavien degrees 1 and 2). In the multivariate analysis, the type of protocol and the number of comorbidities were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the fast-track protocol in RC was associated with a significant reduction in intraoperative and postoperative complications and hospital stay.

Obstruction of an ileal urinary conduit in an incarcerated right inguinal hernia

We present the case of a 72-year-old man with a history of anuria from his ileal conduit 15 months following its formation. That conduit had become incarcerated in a right-sided ingunial hernia. The patient presented with anuria and an acute kidney injury. A clincal diagnosis of an incarcerated hernia was made, and he was taken to theatre for reduction and repair of the hernia. On removal of the conduit from the hernial sac, it began to drain immediately. He made a full recovery, with normalisation of his renal function.

Performance status as a significant prognostic predictor in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder who underwent radical cystectomy

OBJECTIVES

To assess the significance of performance status as a prognostic factor after radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

METHODS

The present study included 730 consecutive patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder who underwent radical cystectomy. Clinicopathological outcomes in these patients were analyzed focusing on the impact of performance status, which was assessed using the Karnofsky Performance Status scale before surgery. Patients were classified into groups with Karnofsky Performance Status ≥90 and ≤80.

RESULTS

A total of 561 (76.8%) and 169 (23.2%) patients were judged to have Karnofsky Performance Status ≥90 and ≤80, respectively. During a mean of 52.0 months, disease recurrence and mortality occurred in 257 (35.2%) and 249 (34.1%) patients, respectively, and the 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates were 64.1 and 65.3%, respectively. There were significant differences in age, hemoglobin, albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, pathological T stage and nodal involvement between the Karnofsky Performance Status ≥90 and ≤80 groups. Multivariate analysis showed independent impacts of Karnofsky Performance Status, pathological T stage, nodal involvement and lymphovascular invasion on recurrence-free survival, as well as independent impacts of Karnofsky Performance Status, age, body mass index, hemoglobin, pathological T stage, nodal involvement and lymphovascular invasion on overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest a significant association between impaired performance status and unfavorable prognosis in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder undergoing radical cystectomy.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Acute Kidney Injury after Radical Cystectomy: Importance of Preoperative Serum Uric Acid Level

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after surgery and increases costs, morbidity, and mortality of hospitalized patients. While radical cystectomy associates significantly with an increased risk of serious complications, including AKI, risk factors of AKI after radical cystectomy has not been reported. This study was performed to determine the incidence and independent predictors of AKI after radical cystectomy.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy in 2001-2013 in a single tertiary-care center were identified. Their demographics, laboratory values, and intraoperative data were recorded. Postoperative AKI was defined and staged according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria on the basis of postoperative changes in creatinine levels. Independent predictors of AKI were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 238 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 91 (38.2%) developed AKI. Univariate logistic regression analyses showed that male gender, high serum uric acid level, and long operation time associated with the development of AKI. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative serum uric acid concentration (odds ratio [OR] = 1.251; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.048-1.493; P = 0.013) and operation time (OR = 1.005; 95% CI = 1.002-1.008; P = 0.003) remained as independent predictors of AKI after radical cystectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

AKI after radical cystectomy was a relatively common complication. Its independent risk factors were high preoperative serum uric acid concentration and long operation time. These observations can help to prevent AKI after radical cystectomy.

Radical cystectomy vs. chemoradiation in T2-4aN0M0 bladder cancer: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer is most commonly treated by radical cystectomy. Patients who are too sick to go through this surgery or who are unwilling to accept the mutilation associated with it are referred to chemoradiation. We compared the results of these 2 modalities using age-matched populations.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Between 1998 and 2008, 33 patients were treated with chemoradiation for biopsy-proven T2-4aN0M0 urothelial bladder cancer. For every patient treated with chemoradiation, an age-matched patient who underwent radical cystectomy on the same year was selected for comparison. Mean radiotherapy dose was 62 Gy (standard deviation = 8.4) and median follow-up of both groups was approximately 36 months.

RESULTS

The groups were similar in age, proportion of men, and length of follow-up. However, the Charlson comorbidity index was significantly lower for operated patients (3.45 vs. 4.36, P = 0.01). Furthermore, 2 patients (6%) in the chemoradiation group had salvage cystectomy (one for disease recurrence and another for bladder shrinkage). The 2- and 5-year overall survival rates after surgery were 74.4% and 54.8%, respectively, and after chemoradiation were 70.2% and 56.6% (P = 0.8), respectively. The 2- and 5-year disease-free survival rates after surgery were 67.8% and 63.2%, respectively, and after chemoradiation were 63% and 54.3% (P = 0.89), respectively. Side effects were mild in both groups, with grade 3+toxicity seen in only 2 operated and 4 irradiated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite having a significantly higher comorbidity index, patients treated with chemoradiation had similar overall and disease-free survival rates with low toxicity. Treatment with chemoradiation should be considered in patients with T2-4aN0M0 bladder cancer.

Postoperative mortality and complications after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in Quebec: A population-based analysis during the years 2000-2009

INTRODUCTION

Radical cystectomy (RC) is a very complex urologic procedure. Despite improvements in practice, technique and process of care, it is still associated with significant complications, including death, with reported postoperative mortality rates ranging from 0.8% to 8%. We examine the quality of surgical care indicators and document the mortality rates at 30, 60 and 90 days after RC across Quebec.

METHODS

Within the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) administrative database (this database provides prospectively collected universal data on all medical services) and the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) database (this provides vital status data), we used procedure codes to identify patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer in Quebec over 10 years (between 2000 and 2009), as well as RC outcomes and dates of death. Data obtained were retrospectively analyzed in relation to multiple parameters, including patient characteristics and health-care providers' volumes. The outcomes analyzed included postoperative complications and mortality rates at 30, 60 and 90 days.

RESULTS

A total of 2778 RC were performed in 48 hospitals by 122 urologists across Quebec. Among them, 851 (30.6%) patients had at least one postoperative complication and 350 (12.6%) patients had more than one complication. The overall mortality rates at 30, 60 and 90 days were 2.8%, 5.3% and 7.5%, respectively, with significantly elevated 90-day mortality rates in some centres. In the multivariate analysis, increased age was associated with increased risk of post-RC complications and mortality. For example, patients over 75 had more chance of having at least one postoperative complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-2.11) and mortality at 90 days (OR 3.28, 95% CI: 2.05-5.26). Provider volume effect on outcomes was statistically significant, with large hospitals having decreased risk of 30-day mortality (OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12-0.70), 60-day mortality (OR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26-0.82) and 90-day mortality (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29-0.93) when compared to smaller hospitals. Surgeon volume showed weak, but not statistically significant, evidence of reduced odds of mortality for the high-volume surgeon. Limitations to our study include reliance on administrative data, which lack some relevant clinical information (such as patient functional status and tumour pathological characteristics) to perform risk adjustment analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that postoperative outcomes after RC in Quebec varies based on several parameters. In addition, 30-day postoperative mortality after RC in Quebec appears acceptable. However, 90-day postoperative mortality rates remain significantly elevated in some centres, particularly in the elderly. This requires further research.

Bladder preservation with brachytherapy compared to cystectomy for T1-T3 muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review

Purpose

Radical cystectomy currently is the treatment of choice in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, cystectomy is associated with considerable morbidity. Bladder sparing treatment consists of transurethral resection of the tumor (with or without partial cystectomy), external beam radiotherapy, and brachytherapy. The purpose of this study is to compare bladder preservation with brachytherapy to cystectomy by a systematic review.

Material and methods

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed electronic database. Article selection was done independently by two authors. Data were extracted on cause-specific survival and overall survival at 2, 5, and 10 years. Comparison of the two treatment modalities was done by a Weibull survival analysis with metaregression analysis and estimation of Hazard Ratio's (HR's) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Large differences in tumor staging and tumor grading were found between cystectomy and bladder sparing series. The adjusted HR's for cause-specific survival and overall survival were 1.27 (95% CI: 1.15-1.40) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.84-0.87), respectively for bladder sparing relative to radical cystectomy.

Conclusions

Robustness of the analysis is hampered by the retrospective character of the study and differences in patient characteristics. For selected cases, bladder sparing by brachytherapy leads to at least similar overall survival compared to radical cystectomy for muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Restrictive Deferred Hydration Combined with Preemptive Norepinephrine Infusion during Radical Cystectomy Reduces Postoperative Complications and Hospitalization Time

Background:

Anesthetics and neuraxial anesthesia commonly result in vasodilation/hypotension. Norepinephrine counteracts this effect and thus allows for decreased intraoperative hydration. The authors investigated whether this approach could result in reduced postoperative complication rate.

Methods:

In this single-center, double-blind, randomized, superiority trial, 166 patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion were equally allocated to receive 1 ml·kg−1·h−1 of balanced Ringer’s solution until the end of cystectomy and then 3 ml·kg−1·h−1 until the end of surgery combined with preemptive norepinephrine infusion at an initial rate of 2 µg·kg−1·h−1 (low-volume group; n = 83) or 6 ml·kg−1·h−1 of balanced Ringer’s solution throughout surgery (control group; n = 83). Primary outcome was the in-hospital complication rate. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization time, and 90-day mortality.

Results:

In-hospital complications occurred in 43 of 83 patients (52%) in the low-volume group and in 61 of 83 (73%) in the control group (relative risk, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55–0.88; P = 0.006). The rates of gastrointestinal and cardiac complications were lower in the low-volume group than in the control group (5 [6%] vs. 31 [37%]; relative risk, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.07–0.39; P &lt; 0.0001 and 17 [20%] vs. 39 [48%], relative risk, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26–0.60; P = 0.0003, respectively). The median hospitalization time was 15 days [range, 11, 27d] in the low-volume group and 17 days [11, 95d] in the control group (P = 0.02). The 90-day mortality was 0% in the low-volume group and 4.8% in the control group (P = 0.12).

Conclusion:

A restrictive-deferred hydration combined with preemptive norepinephrine infusion during radical cystectomy and urinary diversion significantly reduced the postoperative complication rate and hospitalization time.

Impaired cardiopulmonary reserve in an elderly population is related to postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay after radical cystectomy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship of preoperatively measured cardiorespiratory function, to the development of postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (LOS) in a cohort of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC), as RC and conduit formation is curative but is associated with significant postoperative morbidity and mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients planned to have RC underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to a standardised protocol. The results of the CPET were 'blinded' from the clinicians involved in the care of the patients. Patients were prospectively monitored for the primary outcome of postoperative complications, as defined by a validated classification (Clavien-Dindo). Secondary outcome included LOS and mortality.

RESULTS

In all, 82 patients underwent CPET before RC. Eight patients did not subsequently undergo RC and a further five did not exercise sufficiently to allow for appropriate determination of the cardiopulmonary variables of interest. There was a significant difference in LOS between those patients who had a major perioperative complication (Clavien score > 3) and those that did not (16 vs 30 days; P < 0.001; hazard ratio [HR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1-6.3). The anaerobic threshold (AT) remained as the only significant independent predictor variable for the presence or absence of major postoperative complications (odds ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.97; P = 0.03). When the optimal predictive value of AT of 12 mL/min/kg was used as a fitness marker, there was a significant relationship between fitness and LOS (median LOS: 'unfit' 22 days vs 'fit' 16 days; HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.28-0.80; P = 0.006) CONCLUSION: Impaired preoperative cardiopulmonary reserve was related to major morbidity, prolonged LOS and increased use of critical care resource after RC. This has important health and economic implications for risk assessment, rationalisation of postoperative resource and the potential for therapeutic preoperative intervention with exercise therapy.

Comparison of surveillance strategies for low-risk bladder cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Low-grade noninvasive disease comprises approximately half of incident bladder cancer cases. These lesions have exceedingly low rates of progression to aggressive, muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and there is salient discordance with regard to management recommendations for these patients between the principal clinical practice guidelines. In this context, we compare the international guidelines with alternative surveillance strategies for low-risk bladder cancer patients.

METHODS

We used a partially observable Markov model based on states that defined patient risk levels associated with recurrence and progression of bladder cancer. The model also included states defining the effects of treatment, death from bladder cancer, and all other-cause mortality. Simulation was done to estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), expected lifelong progression probability, and lifetime number of cystoscopies.

RESULTS

We compared current international guidelines and additional proposed surveillance strategies on the basis of QALYs. We conducted a bicriteria analysis to compare expected lifelong progression rate v. the number of cystoscopies. One-way sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the influence of model parameters, including a patient's disutility associated with cystoscopy, bladder cancer mortality, and all other-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and comorbidity significantly affect the optimal surveillance strategy. Results suggest that younger patients should be screened more intensively than older patients, and patients having comorbidity should be screened less intensively.

Use of potentially curative therapies for muscle-invasive bladder cancer in the United States: results from the National Cancer Data Base

BACKGROUND

Despite its lethal potential, many patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) do not receive aggressive, potentially curative therapy consistent with established practice standards.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the treatments received by patients with MIBC and analyze their use according to sociodemographic, clinical, pathologic, and facility measures.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Using the National Cancer Data Base, we analyzed 28 691 patients with MIBC (stages II-IV) treated between 2004 and 2008, excluding those with cT4b tumors or distant metastases. Treatments included radical or partial cystectomy with or without chemotherapy (CT), chemoradiotherapy (CRT), radiation therapy (RT), or CT alone and observation following biopsy. Aggressive therapy (AT) was defined as radical or partial cystectomy or definitive RT/CRT (total dose ≥ 50 Gy).

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

AT use and correlating variables were assessed by multivariable, generalized estimating equation models adjusted for facility clustering.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

According to the database, 52.5% of patients received AT; 44.9% were treated surgically, 7.6% received definitive CRT or RT, and 25.9% of patients received observation only. AT use decreased with advancing age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.34 for age 81-90 yr vs ≤ 50 yr; p<0.001). AT use was also lower in racial minorities (OR: 0.74 for black race; p<0.001), the uninsured (OR: 0.73; p<0.001), Medicaid-insured patients (OR: 0.81; p=0.01), and at low-volume centers (OR: 0.64 vs high-volume centers; p<0.001). Use of AT was higher with increasing tumor stage (OR: 2.23 for T3/T4a vs T2; p<0.001) and nonurothelial histology (OR: 1.25 and 1.43 for squamous and adenocarcinoma, respectively; p<0.001). Study limitations include retrospective design and lack of information about patient and provider motivations regarding therapy selection.

CONCLUSIONS

AT for MIBC appears underused, especially in the elderly and in groups with poor socioeconomic status. These data point to a significant unmet need to inform policy makers, payers, and physicians regarding appropriate therapies for MIBC.