Ileal Conduit Diversion Research Articles

Recurrent symptomatic abdominopelvic cystic lesions of unknown etiology treated with image-guided sclerotherapy: A case report

This case report highlights the diagnostic approach and treatment for 30 cm bilateral multiloculated pelvic peritoneal cystic masses. The patient had a history of spina bifida with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement and neurogenic bladder with partial cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion. The cysts were suspected to be peritoneal inclusion cysts. Due to prior failed surgical intervention, the patient was treated with image-guided sclerotherapy.

Fast-track surgery with three-port versus conventional perioperative management of bladder cancer associated laparoscopic radical cystectomy and Ileal conduit diversion: Chinese experience

ObjectiveThis study seeks to explore the impact of fast track surgery (FTS) with three-port in patients treated with laparoscopic radical cystectomy and ileal conduit on postoperative recovery, hospital stay and the complications.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 230 patients with invasive bladder cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy at the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University between December 2011 to January 2023. 50 patients received conventional surgery (CS) and 180 patients received FTS with three-port. Patients were assessed for time to normal diet consumption, time to passing first flatus, number of postoperative recovery days and complications. Trends of serum C-reactive protein levels were monitored preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7.ResultsPatients who underwent FTS with three-port had a shorter duration to first flatus (P < 0.05). And number of postoperative hospital days and the length of hospital stay were notably shorter in contrast to the CS group (P < 0.05). Serum CRP levels on postoperative day 7 were markedly reduced in those of the FTS group compared to the CS group (P < 0.05). Those of the CS group experienced more frequent rates of complications compared to those of the FTS with three-port group (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that the FTS with three-port program hastens postoperative recovery and reduces duration of hospital stay. It is safer and more effective than the CS program in the Chinese population undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy.

Efficacy of trametinib in a metastatic urothelial carcinoma patient with a BRAF mutation

IntroductionBRAF mutations in bladder cancer are rare. MEK inhibitors have excellent clinical benefits in the treatment of melanoma.Case presentationA 60‐year‐old male was diagnosed with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer and underwent total cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion. Despite 4 cycles of gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy and 3 courses of pembrolizumab, the left obturator lymph node enlarged. Cancer multi‐gene panel testing confirmed the BRAF G469A mutation and trametinib was recommended. Three months after the initiation of trametinib (2 mg, qd), the left obturator lymph node shrank by more than 50%. The disease has remained stable for more than 18 months.ConclusionThe present case indicates the potential of trametinib to treat mBUC patients with the BRAF G469A mutation in this setting.

Prophylactic surgical mesh placement as a prevention of parastomal hernia in open radical cystectomy with ileal conduit diversion - pilot study.

This study examines the efficacy of prophylactic mesh implantation during open radical cystectomy with ileal conduit diversion in preventing parastomal hernias (PH). Despite PH being a common complication, prophylactic methods have been underexplored. A pilot, single-center, prospective cohort study was conducted involving five patients undergoing surgery with mesh implantation. Demographic and clinical characteristics were monitored, including the incidence of PH, operation time, blood loss, and hospitalization duration. During the mean follow-up period of 9.1±3.2 months post-operation, no occurrences of PH were observed in the patient group. Despite the risks associated with implanting foreign material in an area of surgery involving open small intestine, no infectious complications were noted. Prophylactic mesh implantation in radical cystectomy with ileal conduit diversion appears to be an effective preventive measure against PH. Further extensive studies are required to definitively confirm the efficacy and safety of mesh use in this context.

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

Ileal conduit is commonly employed as a urinary diversion procedure for patients with bladder cancer after radical cystectomy. Studies have reported that ureteroileal anastomotic stricture remains a serious complication following ileal conduit diversion. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel modified technique for ureteroileal anastomosis and evaluate postoperative complications, with a specific focus on the incidence of ureteroileal anastomotic stricture. A prospective single-center, single-surgeon cohort study was conducted on 29 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with ileal conduit urinary diversion between February 2017 and April 2021. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed where intraoperative variables and postoperative complications were assessed. All 29 operations were successful with an average operation time of 372.9 ± 94.3min. The mean follow-up time was 39.62 ± 15.93months. No cases of UIAS occurred. Three patients (10.3%) had febrile urinary tract infection, three patients (10.3%) had a transient small bowel obstruction, one patient (3.4%) had ileal anastomotic fistula, one patient (3.4%) had ileal conduit leakage, and one patient (3.4%) died 2months after surgery due to multiple respiratory diseases. One patient (3.4%) had a mild left ureteral obstruction and CT indicated the obstruction site was in front of the iliac vessels where the left ureter had transposed to the right. The modified ureteroileal anastomosis can reduce the incidence of UIAS.

Characteristics of Urinary Tract Infections and the Use of Cranberry Products in Patients With Urinary Diversions: A Narrative Review.

The aim of this narrative literature review was to summarize evidence regarding bacteriuria and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients living with a urinary diversion and the use of cranberry products for the prevention of these infections. We searched for articles in the English language and available in full text to address the role of cranberry products in the management of UTIs in those with urinary diversions. We searched the electronic databases of MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials between January 2003 and December 2023. Thirty-two elements were read in full and 9 elements that evaluated UTIs and/or the role of cranberries in preventing UTIs are included in this narrative review. Research indicates no significant difference in UTI rates, microbiology, or antibiotic sensitivity and resistance patterns between the different types of urinary diversions (orthoptic diversions, ileal conduit diversions, and continent cutaneous diversions). Similar to persons with an intact urinary tract, Escherichia coli (a prevalent coliform bacteria) was the most prevalent pathogen resulting in symptomatic UTIs. In addition, we found that E. coli strains persisted in urinary diversions involving reconstructed intestinal segments for prolonged periods of time despite antibiotic treatment. We found sparse evidence suggesting that cranberry products are effective for the prevention of UTIs after ileal conduit urinary diversion. There are inconsistencies in the definition of bacteriuria in the literature making it difficult to compare findings among the studies. Clinical guidance discussing the optimal method for obtaining a urine specimen from a urinary diversion and its management is limited. Research studies on the use of cranberry products to treat UTIs in persons living with a urinary diversion are urgently needed.

Development and preliminary evaluation of a novel procedure for creation of an ileal conduit stoma aimed at preventing parastomal hernia.

Our previous study suggested that the operative procedure is critical for the development of parastomal hernia. We developed a novel procedure for the creation of an ileal conduit stoma to prevent parastomal hernia. Herein we evaluate the efficacy and safety of the procedure. A total of 113 Japanese patients underwent radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion for bladder cancer from January 2017 through December 2021 at our institution. After excluding those with incomplete data, 103 patients consisting of 46 (44.7%) with the conventional procedure and 57 (55.3%) with the novel procedure were consecutively enrolled. The main points of the novel procedure are as follows: (1) the passage of the ileal conduit is ≤2.4 cm in diameter in principle; (2) the posterior rectus sheath and peritoneum are vertically incised 2 cm laterally from the middle of the stoma site to make an oblique passage for the ileal conduit; and (3) the anterior rectus sheath and posterior rectus sheath with peritoneum are fixed to the ileal conduit separately. Radiography-based parastomal hernia was observed in 11 patients (10.7%) with a median follow-up of 22.0 months. The incidences of parastomal hernia were 3.5% and 19.6% in the novel and the conventional procedure groups, respectively (p = 0.011). The former had a significantly lower cumulative incidence of parastomal hernia (p = 0.008, log-rank test). No specific complications associated with the procedure were observed. The results of the preliminary cohort study suggest that the novel procedure is safe and effective for the prevention of parastomal hernia.

Comparative study between orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit diversion for patients with cancer bladder after radical cystectomy

Comparative study between orthotopic neobladder and ileal conduit diversion for patients with cancer bladder after radical cystectomy

Parastomal hernia after radical cystectomy. Incidence, natural history and predictive factors - A single center study.

Parastomal hernia (PH) is one of the most frequent complications after stoma creation. Our objective was to analyze the incidence, evolution and predictive factors of PH in Bricker-type urinary diversion. Case series analysis of 125 patients submitted to radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion for cancer in a single center during 2006-2021. Patient's record and imaging tests were reviewed to identify those suffering PH. Moreno-Matías classification was used to define radiological PH (rPH). Demographic and preoperative characteristics of the patients, surgical details and postoperative complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the effect of each predictive variable on the development and progression of PH. 21.6% of patients developed PH (median follow-up 37 months). Incidence increased with follow-up time (15.2% at 1 year, 20.8% at 2 years). BMI ≥ 25 (Expβ 8.31, 95% CI 1.06- 65.18, p = 0.04), previous midline laparotomy (Expβ 6.74, 95% CI 1.14-39.66, p = 0.04) and wound infection (Expβ 3.87, 95% CI 1.21-12.33, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with PH. Half of the patients with hernia had symptoms, 25.9% requiring surgical correction. 46% of type 1 hernias and 40% of type 2 hernias progressed to grade 3 with a median of 11 months. No variable was associated with radiological progression. This study proved 3 independent factors (overweight, laparotomy and wound infection) that increase the risk of developing PH.

Extraperitonealization of the ileal conduit decreases the risk of parastomal hernia: A single-center, randomized clinical trial

Parastomal hernia (PSH) is a common complication in patients receiving ileal conduit urinary diversion after radical cystectomy. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, we validate our previous finding that extraperitonealization of ileal conduit decreases incidence of PSH. In total, 104 consecutive patients undergoing radical cystectomy at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center are randomized 1:1 to receive either modified (extraperitonealized) ileal conduit (n= 52) or conventional ileal conduit (n= 52). Primary endpoint is incidence of radiological PSH during follow-up. Incidence of radiological PSH is lower in the modified group than in the conventional group (11.5% vs. 28.8%; p= 0.028) after a median follow-up of 32months, corresponding to a hazard ratio of 0.374 (95% confidence interval: 0.145-0.965, p= 0.034) in the modified conduit group. The results support our previous finding that extraperitonealization of the ileal conduit is effective for reducing risk of PSH in patients receiving ileal conduit diversion.

Translation, Linguistic Validation, and Cultural Adaptation of the Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) Questionnaire Into the Persian (Farsi) Language and Comparing it With WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire: An Observational Study.

Whether ileal conduit diversion (ICD) or orthotopic neobladder (ONB) urinary diversion provides better quality of life (QoL) is still under debate. The Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) is a specific tool for bladder cancer (BCa) patients, providing reliable results in previous studies. A validated Farsi version of the BCI concerning cultural aspects could help Farsi-speaking clinicians gain more reliable feedback on QoL following urinary diversion. Based on WHO suggestions, we translated the BCI questionnaire into the Persian language. Then, we performed a cross-sectional study on BCa patients who underwent ICD or ONB urinary diversion. We compared their QoL via BCI and WHO questionnaires. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used where appropriate. The content validity ratio and the content validity indexes were 1 and 0.8-1.0, respectively. Of 57 participants, six patients (10.5%) were women. The ICD was performed for 38 (66.7%) and ONB diversion for 19 (33.3) participants. The mean age of ICD and ONB was 68.71 ± 7.40 and 64.28 ± 8.34 years, respectively (p-value: 0.055). In all sub-domains of BCI, except bowel habits, the mean scores were higher in the ICD group. A significant difference between ICD and ONB groups was found regarding urinary function (p-value<0.001). There was no significant difference between ICD and ONB groups in none of the domains of the WHO questionnaire. The QoL of ICD and ONB patients did not differ significantly. Even ICD may be superior in ritual purification, while the psychological status of ONB patients was better.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Patients With Complicated Mucocutaneous Separation Following Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion: A Case Series.

Mucocutaneous separation (MCS) is one of the early stomal complications of ileal conduit diversion after radical cystectomy. It can result in abdominal infection and sepsis, prolonging patient recovery. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been widely used for abdominal wounds after orthopedic and burn surgery. This case series describes its use in complicated MCS and ostomy retraction after ileal conduit diversion. We describe a case series of 3 patients with moderate to severe MCS with and without infection after robot-assisted radical cystectomy with ileal conduit diversion. Our patients were treated with NPWT to avoid infection and create a satisfactory environment for healing MCS. After 2 to 4 weeks of NPWT, all 3 patients had normal micturition function with no additional peristomal wounds or complications. Negative pressure wound therapy may be used in the management of complicated MCS after ileal conduit diversion.

Postsurgery Opiate Use Is Significantly Lower in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Following Cystectomy With Urinary Diversion

To compare pre-and post-operative opiate use in a large cohort of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients who underwent cystectomy with urinary diversion (CWUD). A retrospective analysis was completed using a database of IC/BPS patients who underwent CWUD at a single institution from 2014 to 2022. In addition to demographic information, bladder capacity and Hunner lesion status were documented for each patient. Opiate use (milligram morphine equivalents [MME]) was calculated for each patient and change in MME (ΔMME) was calculated by subtracting pre-CWUD MME from post-CWUD MME. Paired t test was used to compare ΔMME for all parameters except age, where a Pearson's correlation was used. The analysis included 82 patients (17M; 65F) that underwent CWUD as follows: 53 ileal conduit diversions, 11 neobladders, and 18 Indiana Pouches. Mean pre-CWUD MME use was 4509.57 and mean post-CWUD MME was 1788.48 with a ΔMME of -2721.09 (P<.001). ΔMME was not significantly different based on gender (P=.597), bladder capacity (P=.754), age (P=.561), or Hunner lesion status (P=.085). IC/BPS patients using opiates primarily for relief of pain directly related to their condition show a significant decrease in opiate use following CWUD, which likely represents significant pain reduction and implicates the bladder as the primary source of that pain.

Early postoperative outcomes in stent vs stent-less ileal conduits after radical cystectomies.

e16612 Background: Placing stents at the ureteroileal anastomosis for radical cystectomy with ileal conduit (RCIC) diversion has been common practice for the vast majority of urologists. Recently, the practice has been called into question, as some institutions have shifted to not stenting their ileal conduits for patient comfort and convenience. In this study, we aim to investigate the difference in 30-day outcomes between patients who did and did not receive ureteroileal stents after RCIC. Methods: RCs performed between 2019-2020 were identified in NSQIP and the corresponding cystectomy-targeted database. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and operative parameters were compared via Pearson’s chi-square and t-tests between stented and stent-less RCICs. Outcomes of interest included rates of urinary tract infections (UTIs), acute kidney injury (AKI), renal failure requiring dialysis, anastomotic leaks, ureteral obstruction, ureteral fistula formation, need for reoperation, and 30-day hospital readmissions. Outcomes were compared using Pearson’s chi-square. All statistical tests were two tailed, p&lt;0.05 considered significant. Results: 3,865 RCICs were identified, of which 446 (11.5%) were stent-less. There was no difference in baseline demographics, comorbidities, or operative parameters between the stented and stent-less group, with the notable exceptions that significantly more stent-less patients had robotic-assisted instead of open RCs compared to the stented group (33% vs 21%, p&lt;0.001), and significantly more stent-less patients were preoperatively on dialysis compared to the stented group (4.9% vs 0.5%, p&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference in 30-day rates of UTIs, AKIs, renal failure, anastomotic leaks, ureteral obstruction, ureteral fistula formation, need for reoperation, and readmissions between the stented and stent-less cohorts. Conclusions: Stent-less ileal conduits have recently emerged in popularity. This study represents the largest multi-institutional analysis comparing outcomes between traditionally stented and stent-less RCICs, and shows that there is no significant difference in outcomes. Given the added cost and patient discomfort of ureteroileal stents, this study may indicate that these stents may not play as significant of a role in preventing early complications as previously thought. These findings warrant further investigation.

P-003 ASSESSMENT OF UROSTOMY PARASTOMAL HERNIATION FORCES

Abstract Introduction Approximately 10,000 patients undergo cystectomy with ileal conduit diversion annually in the USA, of which ∼ 50% will subsequently develop a parastomal hernia (PSH) at 2 years. Due to the knowledge gap between urostomy surgical factors and abdominal wall forces, we developed a silicone and ex-vivo human cadaver fascia-based model for study. Our objective was to measure the relationship between incision size/type/material and axial tension force (ATF) as a surrogate for herniation force. Methods Using incisions (linear, cruciate, circular) ranging 1 to 3 cm (0.5cm increments) in clamped 3″x3″x0.020″ silicone or cadaveric sheets, a dynamometer was hooked to a Foley catheter at the drainage aperture and pulled using a motorized positioning system at 20 millimeters/minute. Balloons were hydrated to 125% incision dimension. Upward ATF was recorded until balloon herniation and repeated up to N=5 membranes/size. As limited cadaveric fascia was available, a single incision size was used. Results Controlling for silicone incision size, linear incision ATF was highest. With an average 3cm incision herniation force of 18.58, 8.48, and 2.36 Newtons (linear, cruciate, and circular respectively), linear was greater than cruciate herniation force (p&amp;lt;0.0001), and cruciate was greater than circular (p=0.0039). This was true in cadaveric fascia for linear vs cruciate (p=0.0001) and cruciate vs circular (p=0.0024). Conclusion This ex-vivo study suggests incision type/size have predictable influences on ATF for herniation. En-bloc human studies are underway to assess these factors in more clinically optimized models. If confirmed, these data can help to standardize urostomy creation, reducing PSH risk.

Kidney Transplantation After Multiple Urinary Tract Conversion with an Ileal Conduit: A Case Report

Kidney transplantation (KTx) after urinary tract conversion surgery is extremely difficult due to several complications. In our case, KTx was performed after multiple operative procedures, including diversion urethrostomy. The patient was a 46-year-old woman with a right atrophic kidney, an ectopic opening of the left ureter, and urethral dysplasia since birth. The patient underwent a right nephrectomy, left ureteral sigmoidostomy, Stamey surgery, augmentation ileocystoplasty, and left ureteroileostomy. Thereafter, she underwent nephrostomy, ileal conduit diversion, open sigmoid colectomy, and total cystectomy because of persistent urinary incontinence, sigmoid colon cancer, and recurrent cystitis. Her renal function gradually deteriorated, and hemodialysis was initiated. Before the KTx, she underwent laparoscopic left nephrectomy, an intraperitoneal adhesion debridement, and left ileal conduit resection. We dissected the left ileal conduit in the abdominal cavity and penetrated the anorectal side of the free ileal conduit into the wall of the right side of the abdomen. Thereafter, a kidney from a living donor was transplanted into the right iliac fossa through the existing right ileal conduit when the patient was 46 years old. The allograft function was stable without rejection for 2 years. We report the case of a patient who underwent multiple urethral modifications followed by ileal conduit transfer and living donor KTx, which progressed without major postoperative complications.

MP32-02 SURGICAL TECHNIQUE OF EXTRAPERITONEALIZING ILEAL CONDUIT DECREASE PARASTOMAL HERNIA COMPLICATION: A SINGLE-CENTER, PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP32-02 SURGICAL TECHNIQUE OF EXTRAPERITONEALIZING ILEAL CONDUIT DECREASE PARASTOMAL HERNIA COMPLICATION: A SINGLE-CENTER, PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL Zhaohui Zhou, Zhiyong Li, Zhiling Zhang, Kai Yao, Huali Ma, Shengjie Guo, Pei Dong, Yunlin Ye, Fangjian Zhou, and Zhuowei Liu Zhaohui ZhouZhaohui Zhou More articles by this author , Zhiyong LiZhiyong Li More articles by this author , Zhiling ZhangZhiling Zhang More articles by this author , Kai YaoKai Yao More articles by this author , Huali MaHuali Ma More articles by this author , Shengjie GuoShengjie Guo More articles by this author , Pei DongPei Dong More articles by this author , Yunlin YeYunlin Ye More articles by this author , Fangjian ZhouFangjian Zhou More articles by this author , and Zhuowei LiuZhuowei Liu More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003265.02AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Parastomal hernia (PSH) is a common complication in patients receiving ileal conduit urinary diversion after radical cystectomy. To validate our previous finding that extraperitonealization of ileal conduit (modified ileal conduit) decreases incidence of PSH after ileal conduit diversion. METHODS: This is a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03822234). Between January, 2019 and March, 2020, 104 consecutive patients undergoing radical cystectomy at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were randomized 1:1 to receive either modified ileal conduit (n=52) or conventional ileal conduit (n=52). One group received extraperitonealization of ileal conduit, the other received conventional ileal conduit. Primary endpoint was incidence of radiological PSH at 24 months post surgery. Secondary endpoints were incidence of stomal complications (retraction, stenosis, and prolapse) at 24 months. Other complications related to surgery were also recorded. RESULTS: Incidence of radiological PSH was lower in modified ileal conduit patients than in conventional ileal conduit patients (11.5% [6/52] vs. 28.8% [15/52]; p=0.028) after a median follow-up of 32 months, corresponding to a hazard ratio of 0.375 (95% CI: 0.146-0.967, p=0.043) in the modified conduit group. No stomal retraction, stenosis or prolapse complications occurred. Median operating time was comparable between the groups. Early surgery-related complications were less in modified conduit patients; late complications were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results support our previous finding that extraperitonealization of ileal conduit is effective for reducing risk of PSH in ileal conduit diversion patients. Further multicenter controlled clinical trials on large samples (including obese patients) are needed. Source of Funding: Without source of funding © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e439 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Zhaohui Zhou More articles by this author Zhiyong Li More articles by this author Zhiling Zhang More articles by this author Kai Yao More articles by this author Huali Ma More articles by this author Shengjie Guo More articles by this author Pei Dong More articles by this author Yunlin Ye More articles by this author Fangjian Zhou More articles by this author Zhuowei Liu More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

India Ink Tattooing of Ureteroenteric Anastomoses

While upper tract access through the insensate conduit following urinary diversion takes less time and incurs fewer costs than percutaneous kidney access does for the treatment of ureter and kidney pathology, endoscopic ureteroenteric anastomoses (UEA) identification can be difficult. We injected India Ink into the bowel mucosa near the UEA during ileal conduit diversion (IC) to determine the safety and feasibility of ink tattooing. Patients undergoing IC were prospectively randomized to receive ink or normal saline (NS) injections. The injections were placed 1 cm from UEA in a triangular configuration, and loopogram exams and looposcopy were performed to identify reflux (UR), UEA, the tattooing site and strictures in 10 and 11 patients randomized with respect to ink and NS injections, respectively. Ink patients were older (72 vs. 61 years old, p = 0.04) and had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (5 vs. 2, p = 0.01). Looposcopy was performed in three ink and four NS patients. Visualization of UEA was achieved in 100% of the ink and 75% of the NS patients (p = 0.26). The ink ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture (UEAS) rate was higher (N = 3 vs. N = 1) and six patients vs. one patients underwent surgery, respectively, for UEAS (p = 0.31). The study was halted early due to safety concerns. Our pilot study demonstrates that ink can be well visualized following injection near UEA during IC. However, the ink cohort had more UEAS than previously cited in the literature and our prior institutional UEAS rate of 6%. While this study sample is small, the higher incidence of UEAS after ink injection led us to question the utility and safety of ink injection following IC.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit diversion versus open radical cystectomy with ileal conduit for bladder cancer in an ERAS setup (BORARC): protocol for a single-centre, double-blinded, randomised feasibility study

BackgroundRadical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion is the recommended treatment for selected cases of non-metastatic high-risk non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. It remains unknown whether robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy (RARC) offers any advantage in terms of safety compared to open cystectomy (ORC) in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) setup. Blinded randomised controlled trials (RCTs) between RARC versus ORC have never been conducted in cystectomy patients. We will investigate the feasibility of conducting a double-blinded RCT comparing ORC with RARC with intra-corporal ileal conduit (iRARC) in an ERAS setup.MethodsThis is a single-centre, double-blinded, randomised (1:1) clinical feasibility study for patients with non-metastatic high-risk non-muscle-invasive or muscle-invasive bladder cancer scheduled for cystectomy. All participants are recruited from Rigshospitalet, Denmark. The planned sample size is 50 participants to investigate whether blinding of the surgical technique is feasible. Participants and postoperative caring physicians and nurses are blinded using a pre-study designed abdominal dressing and blinding of the patient’s electronic health record. Study endpoints are assessed 90 days postoperatively. The primary aim is to study the frequency and pattern of unplanned unblinding after surgery and the number of participants who cannot guess the surgical technique at the day of discharge. Eleven secondary endpoints are assessed: length of stay, days alive and out of hospital, in-hospital complication rate, 30-day complication rate, 90-day complication rate, readmission rate, quality of life, blood loss, pain, rate of moderate/severe post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) complications, and delirium. Participants are managed in an ERAS setup in both arms of the trial.DiscussionWe report on the design and objectives of a novel experimental feasibility study investigating whether blinding of the surgical technique in cystectomy patients is possible. This information is essential for the design of future blinded trials comparing ORC to RARC. There is a continued need to compare RARC and ORC in terms of both efficacy, safety, and oncological outcomes. Estimated end of study is March 2021.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03977831. Registered on the 6th of June 2019.

A case of undifferentiated carcinoma of the bladder treated by combination therapy of surgery, local radiation, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the bladder is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. We present the case of an 81-year-old woman complaining of bladder irritation. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a bulky bladder tumor, which was diagnosed as cT4aN0M0. A transurethral resection of the bladder tumor revealed pT2 or higher urothelial carcinoma. The patient underwent total cystectomy with an ileal conduit diversion. Histological examination revealed a primary undifferentiated bladder carcinoma with a sarcoma component, pT3aN0M0. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus carboplatin was administered. However, this regimen was discontinued after one course due to significant myelosuppression. Four months after total cystectomy, a pelvic tumor with suspected local recurrence was detected on CT. The patient was diagnosed with recurrent undifferentiated carcinoma with a sarcoma component by a transperineal ultrasound-guided biopsy. Local radiation therapy and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors were prescribed. After three courses of immunotherapy with pembrolizumab, the primary tumor disappeared. Upon continuing immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment, the patient has maintained a complete response without tumor recurrence in the following six months.