Bilateral Template Research Articles

Enhancing fMRI quality control

BackgroundfMRI in clinical settings faces challenges affecting activity maps. Template matching can screen for abnormal results by providing an objective metric of activity map quality. This research tests how sample size, age, or gender-specific templates, and unilateral templates affect template matching results. New MethodWe used an fMRI database of 76 healthy subjects performing 7 tasks assessing motor, language, and working memory functions. Templates were created with varying numbers of subjects, genders, and ages. Individual subjects were compared to templates using leave-one-out cross validation. We also compared unilateral and bilateral templates. ResultsIncreasing sample size improved template matches, with diminishing returns for larger sample sizes. Gender and age-specific templates increased correlations for some tasks, with age having a larger effect than gender. Generally, templates including all subjects provided the highest correlations, indicating that age and gender effects did not outweigh the benefits of larger sample sizes. Unilateral templates of the task-dominant hemisphere increased template correlations. ConclusionsAge and gender affect templates, but the benefits depend on the database size. When the database is large enough, age and gender effects are beneficial. Unilateral templates enhance template matching, but practical benefits depend on the severity of neurological abnormalities in patients.

Primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in testicular germ cell cancer in clinical stage IIA/B-renaissance of an established treatment?

The guideline-recommended treatment of choice for clinical stage IIA/B testicular germ cell tumors is chemotherapy with three cycles of PEB/four cycles of PE or, alternatively, radiation for seminomas. Despite their high curative efficacy, both options are associated with significant long-term toxicities. We evaluated the functional and oncological outcomes of primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) as atherapeutic alternative. Between 2018 and 2022, 76patients (n = 34 seminomas, n = 42 nonseminomas) underwent primary RPLND for marker-negative clinical stage IIA/B testicular germ cell cancer. All patients underwent nerve-sparing RPLND with a unilateral or bilateral template dissection and had a follow-up ≥ 3months. None of the patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. In 24patients, the serum concentration of miR371a-3p was evaluated preoperatively. Follow-up was performed according to EAU guidelines. Median age and median follow-up were 30.1 (17-62)years and 29.3 (3-72)months, respectively. Mean operation time, blood loss, and duration of hospitalization were 131 (105-195) min, < 150 ml, and 4.5 (3-9) days, respectively. AClavien-Dindo IIIa complication was experienced by 8 (10.9%) patients. Antegrade ejaculation was preserved in 90.8%. Amean number of 19(7-68) lymph nodes were dissected. The mean number of positive lymph nodes was 1.1 (1-5), and the mean diameter of positive lymph nodes was 2.4 (0.8-4.6)cm. Eleven (14.5%) patients had stage pN0 (3/34 seminomas, 8/42 nonseminomas). In 24/27patients (88.9%) miR371 was positive, and it was negative in 4/4 with pN0 and 3/3 (100%) with teratoma. An outfield relapse was experienced by 7patients (9.2%), who then received salvage chemotherapy. Primary RPLND for marker-negative clinical stageIIA/B germ cell tumors results in high cure rates without adjuvant chemotherapy and is associated with alow rate of complications if performed in experienced hands. Therefore, primary RPLND should be included in the management of these patients.

Long-term Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Negative Pathology (pN0) at Primary Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

BackgroundPatients who undergo primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pRPLND) for early-stage testicular cancer and have no cancer (pN0) found in the retroperitoneum are believed to have an excellent prognosis. However, some experience relapse, potentially due to limitations of current staging methods. We aim to describe long-term outcomes and relapse patterns among a contemporary cohort of patients found to be pN0 at pRPLND to identify opportunities for improved diagnostic approaches and optimal patient selection. MethodsWe reviewed our prospectively maintained database for patients who underwent pRPLND for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors at our tertiary cancer center during the period from January 1, 2000, through September 30, 2023 (n = 628). We excluded 282 patients with node-positive pathology for a final analytic cohort of 346 patients. Our primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS). Secondary outcomes included timing and location of recurrence. ResultsOf 346 included patients with pN0 pathology, 23 experienced relapse with a 2-year RFS rate of 93% (95% confidence interval: 90, 96). Most recurrences (70%) occurred in the lungs and within 6 months of pRPLND. Serum tumor markers were positive in 43% of patients at the time of relapse. All patients who relapsed were treated with salvage chemotherapy; 6 patients required additional surgical procedures. There was no testis cancer–related deaths. ConclusionsTwo-year RFS for patients with pN0 pRPLND pathology is excellent. All recurrences were outside of the retroperitoneum, suggesting subclinical distant metastases at time of surgery and the benefits of a bilateral template dissection. Improved diagnostics may help better identify patients with disease within or outside of the retroperitoneum prior to pRPLND, helping guide treatment decisions.

Postchemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lumpectomy in Patients with Nonseminoma Testicular Cancer: A Nationwide Study

Background and objectiveOptimal treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic nonseminoma testicular cancer are achieved with chemotherapy and subsequent surgery in cases with residual tumor. In Denmark, postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lumpectomy (RPLP) is performed in patients with residual tumors >1 cm. There is a need to clarify whether this surgical method provides acceptable treatment results. Our objective was to describe morbidity and oncological outcomes of postchemotherapy RPLP. MethodsThis was a retrospective population-based multicenter study including patients with nonseminoma testicular cancer and postchemotherapy RPLP performed in Denmark between 1990 and 2015. A total of 219 patients were eligible, with median follow-up of 19 yr. Postoperative complications were evaluated according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The cumulative incidence of recurrence inside or outside the borders of a bilateral surgical template, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Key findings and limitationsAfter median follow-up of 19 yr, 31/219 patients (14%) experienced a surgical complication, of which 5% were Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III. In total, 37 patients experienced a recurrence. The 5-yr, 10-yr, and 20-yr cumulative risk of recurrence inside a bilateral template was 4.3%, 5.9%, and 5.9%, respectively. The 10-yr PFS rate was 83% and the 10-yr overall survival rate was 96%. The main limitation of the study is the retrospective design. Conclusions and clinical implicationsWith few patients experiencing a major postoperative complication and a 10-yr cumulative rate of 5.9% for recurrence inside a bilateral surgical template, postchemotherapy RPLP appears to be a safe alternative to template surgery for disseminated nonseminoma. Patient summaryWe looked at minimal surgery to remove tumor tissue remaining after chemotherapy in patients with testicular cancer. We found a low frequency of complications, tumor recurrence, and death.

Longitudinal free‐water changes in dementia with Lewy bodies

AbstractBackgroundDiffusion‐weighted MRI (dMRI) examines tissue microstructure integrity and white matter pathways in vivo. Prior dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) studies focused on white matter or voxel‐based techniques. Less is known about longitudinal white and grey matter microstructural changes in DLB. We aimed to characterize longitudinal diffusion microstructural changes in individuals with DLB.MethoddMRI scans were collected on individuals with DLB from the Mayo Clinic Longitudinal Imaging Biomarkers of DLB Program. Demographics, clinical evaluations and MRI were collected at baseline, and 12‐ or 24‐months. Free water (FW) and FW‐corrected fractional anisotropy (FAT) were analyzed in grey and white matter using 122 bilateral template regions and tracts of interest from the Mayo Clinic Adult Lifespan Template. Primary outcomes were differences in FW and FAT between baseline and 12‐ or 24‐months.ResultWe identified 23 individuals with DLB or mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI‐LB) from baseline to 12‐months [mean age 69.3 years (SD 9.5); 95.8% male], and 16 individuals from baseline to 24‐months [mean age 67.5 years (SD 9.3); 100% male]. Participants at both time‐points showed worsening in Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor scores (p&lt;0.05). We found significant differences in FW, but not FAT, from baseline to 12‐months. Significant increases in FW at both time‐points compared to baseline were observed in the insula, putamen, parahippocampal, and rolandic operculum regions (pfdr&lt;0.05). We found additional more widespread microstructural changes from baseline to 24‐months, with increased FW in the amygdala, entorhinal, mid and posterior cingulum, inferior frontal, hippocampal, pallidum, precuneus and retrosplenial regions (pfdr&lt;0.05). We found decreased FAT from baseline to 24‐months in the cerebellar and superior occipital regions (pfdr&lt;0.01).ConclusionLonger follow‐up at 24‐months identified broader networks of free water changes in individuals with DLB. Results support dMRI as a promising, non‐invasive tool to track disease progression in DLB. More investigation is needed to evaluate the relationship of microstructural changes with clinical progression in DLB.

Re-operative surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer: A single institutional experience of 182 cases

IntroductionRe-operative thyroid surgery (RTS) is performed in patients of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with residual or recurrent disease. However, there is a paucity of literature discussing experience and technique of RTS. This study aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive review of RTS for DTC, utilizing experiences from a dedicated complex thyroid surgical oncology program at the apex hospital in a developing country. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the Department of Surgical Oncology's thyroid cancer database. The study period spanned from 2006 to 2022. Clinical presentation, prior surgical history, operative details of RTS, and post-operative outcomes were assessed. Descriptive analysis was performed. ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 182 patients underwent re-operative thyroid surgery (RTS). The primary surgeries performed prior to RTS included near-total or total thyroidectomy in most cases (69.2%), and approximately half of the patients (48.4%) had prior neck node interventions. The RTS procedures consisted of completion total thyroidectomy in 30.8% of cases and surgery for thyroid bed recurrence in 9.9% of cases, while central node dissection was performed in 46.2% of patients and unilateral or bilateral template neck dissection was performed in 41.8% of cases. Extended resections were required in 9.3% of patients. Post-operative complications included permanent hypoparathyroidism (2.7%) and unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (1.6%). ConclusionsRTS is a complex procedure with high rates of post-operative morbidity reported in literature. Optimal outcomes require a multidisciplinary approach, thorough assessment, and skilled surgeons.

Longitudinal free-water changes in dementia with Lewy bodies (P8-11.007)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To characterize longitudinal diffusion microstructural changes in individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). <h3>Background:</h3> Diffusion-weighted MRI (dMRI) examines tissue microstructure integrity and white matter pathways in vivo. Prior DLB studies focused on white matter or voxel-based techniques. Less is known about longitudinal white and grey matter microstructural changes in DLB. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> dMRI scans were collected on individuals with DLB from the Mayo Clinic Longitudinal Imaging Biomarkers of DLB Program. Demographics, clinical evaluations and MRI were collected at baseline, and 12 or 24 months. Free-water (FW) and FW-corrected fractional anisotropy (FA_T) were analyzed in grey and white matter using 122 bilateral template regions and tracts of interest in Montreal Neurological Institute space. Primary outcomes were differences in FW and FA_T between baseline and 12 or 24 months. <h3>Results:</h3> We identified 23 individuals with DLB from baseline to 12 months [mean age 69.3 years (SD 9.5); 95.8% male], and 16 individuals from baseline to 24 months [mean age 67.5 years (SD 9.3); 100% male]. Participants at both time-points showed worsening in Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor scores (<i>p</i>&lt;0.05). We found significant differences in FW, but not FA_T, from baseline to 12 months. Significant increases in FW at both time-points compared to baseline were observed in the insula, putamen, parahippocampal, and rolandic operculum regions (p&lt;0.05). We found more widespread microstructural changes from baseline to 24 months, with increased FW in the amygdala, entorhinal, mid and posterior cingulum, inferior frontal, hippocampal, pallidum, precuneus and retrosplenial regions (p&lt;0.05). We found decreased FA_T from baseline to 24 months in the cerebellar and superior occipital regions (<i>p</i>&lt;0.01). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Longer follow-up at 24 months identified broader networks of free-water changes in individuals with DLB. More investigation is needed to evaluate the relationship of microstructural changes with clinical progression in DLB. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Chiu has received research support from NIH/NIA. Mr. Chen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Armstrong has received research support from National Institute of Aging. The institution of Dr. Armstrong has received research support from Florida Department of Health. The institution of Dr. Armstrong has received research support from Lewy Body Dementia Association. Dr. Armstrong has received research support from Parkinson Foundation. Dr. Armstrong has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a DSMB member with Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium. Dr. Armstrong has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a DSMB member with Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study. Dr. Armstrong has a non-compensated relationship as a Member, Scientific Advisory Council with Lewy Body Dementia Association that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Boeve has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for Rainwater Charitable Foundation. The institution of Dr. Boeve has received research support from Alector. The institution of Dr. Boeve has received research support from GE Healthcare. The institution of Dr. Boeve has received research support from Transposon. The institution of Dr. Boeve has received research support from Cognition Therapeutics. Dr. Boeve has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. The institution of Dr. Kantarci has received research support from Eli Lilly. The institution of Dr. Kantarci has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Kantarci has received research support from ADDF. David Vaillancourt has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Automated Imaging Diagnostics. David Vaillancourt has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Wiley. The institution of David Vaillancourt has received research support from NIH. David Vaillancourt has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care.

How to do an open midline extraperitoneal bilateral retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for non-seminomatous germ cell tumour.

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, remains a crucial step in the management of patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumours who have undergone chemotherapy. It is a technically challenging operation with a number of techniques that have been advocated. We outline the midline, extraperitoneal approach to perform a bilateral template lymph node dissection.

Oncologic outcomes of primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for stage II seminoma: Indiana University experience.

e17012 Background: Stage II seminoma is typically treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy based on NCCN guidelines. Primary RPLND has demonstrated efficacy as first-line therapy for retroperitoneal (RP)-only disease. Our aim was to study recurrences of patients undergoing primary RPLND for Stage IIa or IIb seminoma to identify clinicopathologic factors affecting outcomes. Methods: Using our prospectively maintained database, we identified patients that had primary RPLND for seminoma from 2014-2021. All patients had at least 6 months of follow up. Patients were clinical stage IIa or IIb at the time of surgery and underwent open RPLND. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis for recurrence free survival (RFS) and compared clinicopathologic factors. Results: We identified 67 patients that underwent RPLND for RP only seminoma. Table shows the clinical characteristics of patients experiencing recurrences (median follow up - 22.4 months) and excludes 2 patients that had adjuvant chemotherapy. The 2-year RFS rate was 80.2%. Eleven patients (16.4%) experienced recurrences. Kaplan Meier analysis demonstrated improved survival in patients that had an RPLND after 12 months of surveillance (p = 0.02). Fifty-six patients were presumably cured with surgery alone at time of last follow-up. No patients died of testis cancer. One patient had a recurrence within the surgical field. Two patients had contralateral recurrences that may have been cured with bilateral RP template dissection. Seven patients that had a bilateral template dissection had disease on the contralateral side, of which 4 patients had visible nodes on pre-operative scans. In total, 9 out of 67 patients had disease on the contralateral side suggesting that bilateral RP template could confer higher cure rates. Recurrences were successfully treated with BEPx3 (9 pts), Redo RPLND then BEPx3 (1 pt), BEPx3 then High Dose chemotherapy (1 pt), and EPx4 (1 pt). Conclusions: Primary RPLND for low volume RP disease is effective with over 80% chance of surgical cure. Recurrences were cured almost exclusively with induction chemotherapy. Patients with delayed RP only recurrences had improved surgical success. Further investigation in larger trials may help standardize bilateral templates in seminoma and surveillance protocols in the post-operative setting. [Table: see text]

PD51-02 ONCOLOGIC OUTCOMES OF PRIMARY RETROPERITONEAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION FOR STAGE II SEMINOMA: INDIANA UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD51-02 ONCOLOGIC OUTCOMES OF PRIMARY RETROPERITONEAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION FOR STAGE II SEMINOMA: INDIANA UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE Isamu Tachibana, Andre Alabd, Sean Kern, Mohammad Mahmoud, Timothy Masterson, Nabil Adra, Richard Foster, Lawrence Einhorn, and Clint Cary Isamu TachibanaIsamu Tachibana More articles by this author , Andre AlabdAndre Alabd More articles by this author , Sean KernSean Kern More articles by this author , Mohammad MahmoudMohammad Mahmoud More articles by this author , Timothy MastersonTimothy Masterson More articles by this author , Nabil AdraNabil Adra More articles by this author , Richard FosterRichard Foster More articles by this author , Lawrence EinhornLawrence Einhorn More articles by this author , and Clint CaryClint Cary More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002622.02AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Stage II seminoma is typically treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy based on NCCN guidelines. Primary Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND) has demonstrated efficacy in a Phase II trial as first-line therapy for retroperitoneal disease. We sought to study recurrence rates of patients who underwent primary RPLND for Stage IIa or IIb seminoma and to determine if pathologic nodal stage affected outcomes. METHODS: Using our prospectively maintained database at Indiana University, we identified patients that underwent primary RPLND for seminoma from 2014-2020. Patients were all clinically stage IIa or IIb at the time of surgery and underwent an open RPLND. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis for recurrence free survival (RFS) based on pathologic nodal stage (N0, N1, N2, N3). RESULTS: We identified 54 patients at Indiana University that underwent RPLND for RP only seminoma. Table 1 illustrates the clinical characteristics of patients included in our study with median follow up time of 25.6 months. There were 22 that underwent bilateral template dissection and 32 that underwent a unilateral template dissection. Kaplan Meier analysis (Figure 1) did not demonstrate any significant difference among pathologic nodal stages with RFS. The 2-year RFS was 82.8%. Forty-five patients were presumably cured with surgery alone at the time of their last follow-up. Nine (16.7%) recurrences were noted in total – 2 infield RP recurrences, 2 out of field RP recurrences, 3 contralateral recurrences. Two of these recurrences were multifocal with concurrent recurrences outside of the RP (chest and pelvis). Two patients had chest only recurrence. No patients died of testis cancer and all patients are disease free. Salvage regimens for recurrences are listed in Table 1 as well. CONCLUSIONS: Primary RPLND for clinically low volume RP disease is effective with over 80% chance of cure with surgery alone. Recurrences were cured almost exclusively with induction chemotherapy. Pathologic nodal stage did not affect recurrence free survival. Source of Funding: None © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e842 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Isamu Tachibana More articles by this author Andre Alabd More articles by this author Sean Kern More articles by this author Mohammad Mahmoud More articles by this author Timothy Masterson More articles by this author Nabil Adra More articles by this author Richard Foster More articles by this author Lawrence Einhorn More articles by this author Clint Cary More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Cribriform pattern disease over-represented in pelvic lymph node metastases identified on 68GA PSMA-PET/CT.

ObjectivesTo determine whether any specific histologic subtype of prostate cancer was preferentially represented in pelvic lymph node metastases identified on 68GA‐PSMA‐PET/CT.Subjects and MethodsA consecutive series of 66 men with biochemical recurrent prostate cancer was evaluated with 68GA‐PSMA‐PET/CT. Where disease was confined to pelvic lymph nodes, patients were offered salvage extended pelvic lymph node dissection. Twenty patients ultimately proceeded to extended bilateral template pelvic lymph node dissection. Lymph node positivity and the histologic subtype of apparent cancer were assessed, as was PSA response to this intervention.ResultsMean PSA at time of PSMA scanning for patients undergoing lymphadenectomy was 2.49 (n = 20, range 0.21–12.0). In 16 of 20 patients, there was evidence of metastatic cribriform pattern prostate cancer in excised nodes (100% cribriform pattern in 11/16). Only four of 20 patients had no evidence of this histologic subtype of disease. PSA response was not related to the presence or proportional amount of cribriform pattern disease identified.ConclusionsCribriform pattern adenocarcinoma appears to be the histologic subtype preferentially identified in pelvic lymph nodes on 68GA‐PSMA‐PET/CT. The use of PSMA‐PET may be particularly valuable in staging of primary or biochemically recurrent prostate cancer in patients with cribriform pattern disease detected on initial biopsy or radical prostatectomy. Further research is required to further confirm the observed association.

Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal residual mass resection for germ cell testicular tumors: a single-center experience.

Postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) plays an important role in the management of advanced germ cell testicular tumors. Bilateral template lymph node dissection is considered a standard treatment in postchemotherapy residual masses; however, modified unilateral templates have gained acceptance in patients with unilateral residual disease. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the perioperative and oncological outcomes of the patients with advanced testicular cancer who underwent unilateral modified template PC-RPLND in our center. This is a retrospective study in which patients who underwent PC-RPLND in a referred center between 2004 and 2021 were investigated. All patients had three or four cycles of chemotherapy and retroperitoneal residual masses. Data were retrospectively collected from medical, operative, radiology, and pathology records and analyzed. A total of 57 patients underwent PC-RPLND. The mean age was 32.7±8.1 years (19-50). According to the disease stage at presentation, there were 39 patients with stage 2 and 18 patients with stage 3. The average tumor size after chemotherapy was 57.6±2.7 mm (25-117). The overall complication rate was 35% (20/57 patients). No grade 4 and 5 complications were observed. Pathologic review demonstrated the presence of teratoma in 28 (49.1%) patients, fibrosis and/or necrosis in 15 (26.3%) patients, and viable germ cell tumor in 14 (24.5%) patients. The mean follow-up was 69.4 months (8-201). During follow-up after surgery, 14 (24.5%) deaths occurred due to advanced disease. PC-RPLND is a major component of the management of advanced testicular germ cell cancer. Our study demonstrated that modified unilateral template is an effective and safe procedure in the postchemotherapy setting for selected patients.

Outcomes of Salvage Lymph Node Dissection in Oligorecurrent Prostate Cancer Post Radical Prostatectomy: Experience of an Oncologic Center in Spain

Introduction and ObjectivesWe report our experience with salvage lymph node dissection (sLND) in oligorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa) post radical prostatectomy (RP).Material and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data of 24 patients who underwent sLND for biochemical recurrence (BCR) post RP, from July 2012 to February 2018. sLND was performed following an extended bilateral template. Clinical and pathological characteristics of primary RP and sLND were reported. Biochemical response and initiation of additional therapy post sLND were analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using KaplanMeier curves.Results24 sLND were performed. RP specimens showed 58.3% of Gleason score 7 and 50% of locally advanced disease. Median time to BCR post RP was 24 months with a median PSA value of 1.4 ng/ml pre sLND. 75% of patients underwent imaging prior to sLND. sLND showed oligometastasis on the final pathology report in 54.2% of patients. Metastatic lymph nodes were mainly identified in the iliac artery territory (61.5%). Complete biochemical response (PSA &amp;lt; 0.2 ng/ml) was maintained throughout the first 12 months of follow-up in 20.83% of patients and 8.33% of patients at the end of the study (median follow-up 70 months). Survival rates free of additional therapy (ADT/RT) were 45.83% at one year and 25% at 5 years.ConclusionsWe observed a biochemical response post sLND in 20.83% of our patients, lasting throughout the first year of follow up, with survival rates free of ADT and/or RT of 45.83% at one year and 25% at 5 years.

Post-chemotherapy modified template retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tumours.

Although a full bilateral template RPLND is thought to be the standard of care for the management of postchemotherapy retroperitoneal residual masses for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT), in the past decade modified templates have become increasingly popular. In this study, we aimed to present our oncological and perioperative outcomes of consecutive seventeen NSGCT patients who underwent a modified template unilateral PC-RPLND for retroperitoneal residual disease. We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 17 consecutive NSGCT patients who underwent modified template unilateral PC-RPLND in our university hospital between 2017 and 2020. All patients had normal serum tumour markers with residual disease in the retroperitoneum. Surgical characteristics including the size of the retroperitoneal residual mass, residual tumor pathology, removed lymph nodes, positive percentage of removed lymph nodes, accompanying operations, complications, mean operation time and hospital stay, and long-term results including survival and antegrade ejaculation were evaluated. Eleven patients underwent left and six right-sided surgery. Median residual lymph node diameter was 41mm. Median hospitalisation time was 3.5 days. Median follow-up time was 10.5 months. Necrosis/fibrosis was seen in 6 patients, and teratoma in 11 patients. No viable tumour was seen. No patients died in the follow-up period. None of the patients relapsed during follow-up. Ten/seventeen patients had antegrade ejaculation. Modified template unilateral PC-RPLND leads to very good oncological outcomes with decreased perioperative morbidity as well as better antegrade ejaculation rates. Low volume retroperitoneal disease seems to fit this procedure best.

Robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for primary and post-chemotherapy testis cancer.

The role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in testicular cancer is well established in both the primary and post-chemotherapy setting. The aim of this study was to report our 2 years oncological outcomes of robotic RPLND. A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing robotic RPLND by a single surgeon at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Demographic, perioperative, and oncologic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Between September 2014 and June 2020, 141 patients underwent an RPLND [33 (23.4%) were primary, 108 (76.6%) were post-chemotherapy]. 27 (19.1%) patients underwent a robotic bilateral template nerve-sparing RPLND. RPLND indication was primary (i.e. pre-chemotherapy) in 18 (66.7%), and post-chemotherapy in 9 (33.3%) patients. Stage at RPLND was 2A (n = 15, 55.6%), 2B (n = 9, 33.3%), 2C (n = 1, 3.7%) and 3 (n = 2, 7.4%). Median OR time (incision to closure) was 525 min and blood loss was 200 ml. Nerve sparing was performed in all but one case. Six (22.2%) adjuvant procedures were performed including two (7.4%) vascular repairs. Median length of stay was 2 days. Viable tumor was detected in 17 (63%) and teratoma in 9 (33.3%). Median follow-up was 31.3 months. No adjuvant chemotherapy was given. Three patients (11.1%) relapsed: 2 out-of-field and 1 with both in-field and out-of-field disease. Robotic RPLND can be performed safely. Long-term follow-up of series such as ours, enriched with patients with viable disease and/or teratoma, and not treated with adjuvant chemotherapy is required to ensure oncological outcomes are comparable to the open approach.

Outcomes of post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in testicular cancer: multi-institutional study.

To evaluate the perioperative and oncological outcomes after post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RARPLND). We retrospectively reported the perioperative and oncological outcomes of all the patients with testicular cancer who underwent PC-RARPLND at three tertiary teaching centers. Descriptive statistical measures were used to report demographic, clinical, intraoperative, postoperative and oncological outcomes. There were 43 consecutive patients who underwent PC-RARPLND at the participating institutions. Mean patient age was 29.2years (± 8.2), BMI was 26.6kg/m2 (± 6.2). The mean size of retroperitoneal mass was 4.1cm (± 3.5). Full bilateral template dissection was performed in 38 (88.3%) patients. Nerve sparing was attempted in 19 (44.1%) patients. Mean operative time was 374min (± 132) and estimated blood loss was 292ml (± 445.6). The mean postoperative LOS was 2.8days (± 5.9). There was a total of 12 complications in 10 patients (Clavien grade I = 5, II = 3, III = 3 and IV = 1). Postoperative pathology demonstrated 24 patients (55%) with necrosis/fibrosis, 16 (37%) with teratoma and 3 (7%) with viable tumor. Mean lymph node (LN) yield was 26.5 LNs (SD ± 16.1). Patients were followed for a mean of 30.7months (± 24.7). No deaths were documented during follow-up and 2 pulmonary recurrences were identified. Antegrade ejaculation was preserved in 70.6% of patient who underwent nerve sparing. Limitations included retrospective nature and limited follow up. PC-RAPLND is safe and technically reproducible. It provides improved morbidity and less convalescence.

Accuracy of cervical pedicle screw placement with four different designs of rapid prototyping navigation templates: a human cadaveric study

Purpose Due to the high perforation rate of cervical pedicle screw placement, we have designed four different types of rapid prototyping navigation templates to enhance the accuracy of cervical pedicle screw placement. Methods Fifteen human cadaveric cervical spines from C2 to C7 were randomly divided into five groups, with three specimens in each group. The diameter of pedicle screw used in this study was 3.5 mm. Groups 1–4 were assisted by the two-level template, one-level bilateral template, one-level unilateral template and one-level point-contact template, respectively. Group 5 was without any navigation template. After the surgery, the accuracy of screw placement in the five groups was evaluated using postoperative computed tomographic scans to observe whether the screw breached the pedicle cortex. Results A total of 180 pedicle screws were inserted without any accidents. The accuracy rate was 75%, 100%, 100%, 91.7%, and 63.9%, respectively, from Groups 1 to 5. All the template groups were significantly higher than Group 5, though the two-level navigation template group was significantly lower than the other three template groups. The operation time was 4.72 ± 0.28, 4.81 ± 0.29, 5.03 ± 0.35, 8.42 ± 0.36, and 10.05 ± 0.52 min, respectively, from Groups 1 to 5. The no template and point-contact procedures were significantly more time-consuming than the template procedures. Conclusion This study demonstrated that four different design types of navigation templates achieved a higher accuracy in assisting cervical pedicle screw placement than no template insertion. However, the two-level template’s accuracy was the lowest compared to the other three templates. Meanwhile, these templates avoided fluoroscopy during the surgery and decreased the operation time. It is always very challenging to translate cadaveric studies to clinical practice. Hence, the one-level bilateral, unilateral, and point-contact navigation templates designed by us need to be meticulously tested to verify their accuracy and safety.

Post-chemotherapy Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Mixed Malignant Germ Cell Testicular Tumors.

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is performed to treat residual disease following chemotherapy for stage II and III testicular cancer. Significant morbidity can be associated with open RPLND. As such, laparoscopic techniques have been demonstrated to be safe and effective in select cases. Outcomes following post-chemotherapy laparoscopic RPLND for mixed malignant germ cell testicular tumors (MMGCT) are limited in the literature. We performed a retrospective chart review for patients who underwent laparoscopic RPLND at our institution for MMGCT from May 2006 to October 2016. Patient clinical data and perioperative and oncologic outcomes were recorded. Twenty-three patients underwent post-chemotherapy laparoscopic RPLND. Thirty-five percent (8/23) underwent bilateral template dissection, whereas 65% (15/23) underwent a modified unilateral template dissection. Robotic assistance was utilized in 22% (5/23) of cases. Bilateral template was inferior to unilateral template RPLND in operative time, estimated blood loss, open conversion rate, length of hospital stay, and complication rate. The mean follow-up was 35.1 months and 43.3 months for the bilateral and unilateral template groups, respectively. The mean lymph node yield and recurrence rate were similar between the 2 cohorts. One recurrence of mature teratoma was noted 67 months after unilateral laparoscopic RPLND. In select patients, laparoscopic RPLND for stage II and III MMGCT is safe and effective in the post-chemotherapy setting. Bilateral template laparoscopic RPLND was associated with inferior perioperative outcomes, but similar oncologic outcomes compared with unilateral template. Patients requiring bilateral template RPLND should be considered for an open approach.

Understanding the role of salvage lymphadenectomy in node only recurrences after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

PurposeTo investigate oncological outcomes and relapse patterns in retroperitoneal lymph node (LN)-only recurrences with salvage retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (S-RPLND). Materials and MethodsWe reviewed records of 19 patients undergoing RPLND for RCC recurrences between 2011 and 2018. All patients initially had primary non-metastatic RCC, with subsequent recurrence restricted to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes (LN). LN recurrence sites after nephrectomy and relapses after S-RPLND were assessed. The primary outcomes were post-RPLND Relapse-Free Survival (RFS), and Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS). ResultsThe median age of our cohort was 60 years at RPLND. Right and left nephrectomies were performed in 14 (73.7%) and 5 (26.3%), respectively. Clear cell carcinoma was found in 10 (52.6%) patients, followed by papillary in 4(21.1%), chromophobe in 2(10.5%), and ‘other’ in 3 (15.8%). The extent of lymphadenectomy during nephrectomy and S-RPLND varied based on surgical approach. The median follow-up time after S-RPLND of the entire cohort was 31.53 months, and the median RFS was 9.63 months. Overall, 4 patients died of cancer, of which 3 (75%) were N1 at time of nephrectomy. The CSS after RPLND at 3 and 5 years was 81.5% and 61.1%, respectively. The RFS after RPLND at 2 and 5 years was 44.4% and 29.6%, respectively. ConclusionsOur results suggest that aggressive surgical management provides satisfactory CSS with acceptable complication rates. Moreover, we believe this subset of patients with node-only recurrence showed an unpredictable pattern of lymphatic spread, with predilection for regional dissemination warranting surgical resection of LN recurrences in a bilateral template fashion when feasible.

Primary robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection following orchiectomy for testicular germ cell tumors: a single-surgeon experience.

The objectives were to evaluate the safety and oncologic efficacy of primary robotic retroperitoneal lymph node (R-RPLND) dissection for testicular germ cell tumors. A retrospective analysis was performed on all primary R-RPLND cases performed by a single surgeon, who performs both open and R-RPLND at a high-volume academic institution, between August 2013 and August 2019. Data on patient demographics, operative techniques, perioperative outcomes, and tumor characteristics were obtained. 28 men were identified who underwent primary R-RPLND. The majority of patients (N = 21, 75%) had clinical stage I disease, and a bilateral template was more commonly performed than either single side alone (N = 13, 46%). Of note, two cases involving clinical stage II disease were converted electively from robotic to open procedures at the discretion of the surgeon. R-RPLND patients experienced no intraoperative complications. The median follow-up time was 8months (interquartile range 4-29months). One (4%) patient developed a disease recurrence at 10months after R-RPLND. Conclusion: primary R-RPLND is a safe and efficacious procedure for carefully selected men with stage I and II non-seminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis. Long-term data are needed to evaluate the comparative oncologic efficacy with open surgery and the notably high rate of chylous ascites.