Open Radical Cystectomy Research Articles

Predictive models of long-term survival outcomes following radical cystectomy.

Identifying the likelihood of life-threatening recurrence after radical cystectomy by reliable and user-friendly predictive models remains an unmet need in the clinical management of invasive bladder cancer. A total of 204 consecutive patients undergoing open radical cystectomy (ORC) for bladder cancer were retrospectively enrolled between May 2005 and August 2020. Clinicopathological and peri-ORC therapeutic data were extracted from clinical records. We explored predictive factors that significantly affected the primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) and secondary endpoints of cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). During a median follow-up of 3.9 years, 42 (20.6%) and 10 (4.9%) patients died due to bladder cancer and other causes, respectively. Five-year RFS, CSS, and OS were 66.5%, 77.6%, and 75.4%, respectively. Pathological T and N categories and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) significantly affected RFS by Cox regression analysis. Accordingly, clinical T and pathological N categories and LVI significantly affected CSS. Clinical T and pathological N categories, LVI, age, and ORC tumor grade significantly affected OS. Based on the assessment score for each independent risk factor, we developed the Gunma University Oncology Study Group (GUOSG) score, which predicts RFS, CSS, and OS. The GUOSG score classified four groups for RFS, three for CSS, and five for OS, with statistically significant distribution for nearly all comparisons. The GUOSG model is helpful to show individualized prognosis and functions as a risk-stratified historical cohort for assessing the lifelong efficacy of new salvage treatment regimens.

The effect of goal-directed hemodynamic therapy on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study investigated the effects of intraoperative goal-directed hemodynamic therapy (GDHT) on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing open radical cystectomy.MethodsThis prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial included 82 patients scheduled for open radical cystectomy between September 2018 and November 2021. The GDHT group (n = 39) received the stroke volume index- and cardiac index-based hemodynamic management using advanced hemodynamic monitoring, while the control group (n = 36) received the standard care under the discretion of attending anesthesiologists during surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of a composite of in-hospital postoperative complications during hospital stays.ResultsA total of 75 patients were included in the final analysis. There was no significant difference in the incidence of in-hospital postoperative complications (28/39 [71.8%] vs. 30/36 [83.3%], risk difference [95% CI], -0.12 [-0.30 to 0.07], P = 0.359) between the groups. The amounts of intraoperative fluid administered were similar between the groups (2700 [2175–3250] vs. 2900 [1950–3700] ml, median difference [95% CI] -200 [-875 to 825], P = 0.714). The secondary outcomes, including the incidence of seven major postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, duration of intensive care unit stay, and grade of complications, were comparable between the two groups. Trends in postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine, and C-reactive protein did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsIntraoperative GDHT did not reduce the incidence of postoperative in-hospital complications during the hospital stay in patients who underwent open radical cystectomy.Trial registrationThis study was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (Registration number: NCT03505112; date of registration: 23/04/2018).

Combined spinal and epidural anaesthesia for open radical cystectomy: A controlled study.

To evaluate the feasibility of loco-regional anaesthesia and to compare perioperative outcomes between loco-regional and standard general anaesthesia in patients with bladder cancer undergoing open radical cystectomy (ORC). A single-surgeon cohort of 60 consecutive patients with bladder cancer undergoing ORC with an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol between May 2020 and December 2021 was analysed. A study group of 15 patients operated on under combined spinal and epidural anaesthesia was compared with a control group of 45 patients receiving standard general anaesthesia. Intraoperative outcomes were haemodynamic stability, estimated blood loss, intraoperative red blood cell transfusion rate, and anaesthesia time. Postoperative outcomes were pain assessment 24 h after surgery, time to mobilisation, return to oral diet, time to bowel function recovery, length of stay and rate of 90-day complications. No patients required conversion from loco-regional to general anaesthesia. All patients in both groups were haemodynamically stable. No significant differences between groups were observed for all other intraoperative outcomes, except for a shorter anaesthesia time in the study versus control group (250 vs. 290 min, p = 0.01). Pain visual score 24 h after surgery was significantly lower in the study versus control group (0 vs. 2, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed for all other postoperative outcomes, with a comparable time to bowel function recovery (5days in each group for stool passage), and 90-day complication rate (46.6% vs. 42.2% for the study vs. control group, p = 0.76). Our exploratory, controlled study confirmed the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of a pure loco-regional anaesthesia in patients with bladder cancer undergoing ORC. No significant differences were observed in intra- and postoperative outcomes between loco-regional and general anaesthesia, except for a significantly shorter anaesthesia time and greater pain reduction in the early postoperative period for the former.

Sexual function after radical cystectomy in males with bladder carcinoma: a six-year longitudinal single-centre study

IntroductionLittle is known about the long-term effects on sexual function (SF) after radical cystectomy (RC) in bladder carcinoma (BC) patients.AimTo assess the course of SF in BC patients who underwent RC, and individual characteristics that influence the sexual outcome during a six-year follow-up.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, 62 BC patients treated with RC were included between 2008 and 2022. Patients filled out validated questionnaires as part of the regular care at baseline, three months, six months, 12 months and thereafter yearly post RC.Outcome measuresTo determine the sexual function, the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire was filled in and a linear mixed model for repeated measures was conducted. The analysed clinical variables included sexual preserving cystectomy (SPC), age, type of diversion, treatment, comorbidities, tumour status, smoking habits, patient status and open- or robot-assisted RC. A Generalised Linear Mixed Model was used to evaluate the impact on Quality of Life with the QLQ-C30 questionnaire.ResultsAfter an initial decrease of sexual function post-RC, no change in SF was seen during the six years of follow-up. A statistically significant difference in sexual health was found between SPC and standard RC (p=0.015), which was time-dependent. Patients with an orthotopic ileal neobladder experienced a significantly better SF than those with a Bricker’s ileal conduit (p=&amp;lt;0.001). A younger age also seemed to yield beneficial outcomes regarding SF (p=0.004). Other analysed clinical variables did not influence the course of SF. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between Quality of Life- and SF scores (p=0.004). Robot-assisted RC resulted in higher Global Health scores than open RC (p=0.001).ConclusionsRC has a severe impact on sexual function. Although SPC, collinear with the use of an orthotopic ileal neobladder and younger patient age show better outcomes in SF, erectile dysfunction post-RC is moderate to severe in the vast majority of patients.

Advantages of enhanced recovery after surgery program in robot-assisted radical cystectomy

Radical cystectomy is a gold-standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We recently introduced robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). The medical records of patients with bladder cancer who underwent open radical cystectomy (ORC) or RARC/ERAS at NTT Medical Center Tokyo were retrospectively reviewed to compare the surgical outcomes, hospital stay, and medical costs between groups. Multidisciplinary full ERAS items were provided for the RARC/ERAS group. The median estimated blood losses in the ORC and RARC/ERAS groups were 650 and 100 mL, and the median operative times were 312 and 445 min, respectively. In addition, the median times to liquid food intake in these groups were 6 and 0 days, the median times to first flatus and first defecation were 2 and 1 day, and 3 and 1.5 days, respectively. The rates of postoperative ileus in the ORC and RARC/ERAS groups were 27.5% and 4.5%, and the median postoperative hospital stays was 26.5 and 12 days, respectively. Medical costs excluding surgery were significantly lower in the RARC/ERAS group. In conclusion, RARC/ERAS represents a safe treatment option for muscle-invasive bladder cancer with decreased perioperative complications and lower medical costs.

Comparing Robotic-Assisted to Open Radical Cystectomy in the Management of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Propensity Score Matched-Pair Analysis.

For non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) requiring radical surgery, limited data are available comparing robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC) to open radical cystectomy (ORC). The objective of this study was to compare the two surgical techniques. A multicentric cohort of 593 patients with NMIBC undergoing iRARC or ORC between 2015 and 2020 was prospectively gathered. Perioperative and pathologic outcomes were compared. A total of 143 patients operated on via iRARC were matched to 143 ORC patients. Operative time was longer in the iRARC group (p = 0.034). Blood loss was higher in the ORC group (p < 0.001), with a consequent increased post-operative transfusion rate in the ORC group (p = 0.003). Length of stay was longer in the ORC group (p = 0.007). Post-operative complications did not differ significantly (all p > 0.05). DFS at 60 months was 55.9% in ORC and 75.2% in iRARC with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.033) found in the univariate analysis. We found that iRARC for patients with NMIBC is safe, associated with a lower blood loss, a lower transfusion rate and a shorter hospital stay compared to ORC. Complication rates were similar. No significant differences in survival analyses emerged across the two techniques.

Comparison of Robotic vs Open Cystectomy: A Systematic Review.

The benefits of a robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) compared to an open approach is still under debate. Initial data on RARC were from trials where urinary diversion was performed by an extracorporeal approach, which does not represent a completely minimally invasive procedure. There are now updated data for RARC with intracorporeal urinary diversion that add to the evidence profile of RARC. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of RARC compared with open radical cystectomy (ORC). Multiple databases were searched up to May 2022. We included randomised trials in which patients underwent RARC and ORC. Oncological and safety outcomes were assessed. Seven trials of 907 participants were included. There were no differences seen in primary outcomes: disease progression [RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.23], major complications [RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.24] and quality of life [SMD 0.05, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.38]. RARC resulted in a decreased risk of perioperative blood transfusion [RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.76], wound complications [RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.55] and reduced length of hospital stay [MD -0.62 days, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.13]. However, there was an increased risk of developing a ureteric stricture [RR 4.21, 95% CI 1.07 to 16.53] in the RARC group and a prolonged operative time [MD 70.4 minutes, 95% CI 34.1 to 106.7]. The approach for urinary diversion did not impact outcomes. RARC is an oncologically safe procedure compared to ORC and provides the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. There was an increased risk of developing a ureteric stricture in patients undergoing RARC that warrants further investigation. There was no difference in oncological outcomes between approaches.

Acute Kidney Injury Within 90 Days of Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Incidence and Risk Factors

To report incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer and evaluate risk factors for AKI as well as the impact of AKI on development of long-term renal insufficiency. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing RC between 2010 and 2020 at a high-volume tertiary referral center. AKI was graded according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria within 90days of surgery. Long-term renal insufficiency was defined as estimated glomerular function <45 mL/min. Cumulative incidence and Cox Proportional Hazards models were used to evaluate both short- and long-term loss of renal function and investigate their association with pre- and perioperative variables. AKI occurred in 332 out of 755 patients (44%) within 90days. Preoperative chronic hypertension and obesity were independent preoperative risk factors. Robot-assisted RC was associated with a higher risk of AKI compared to open RC in multivariable analyses. The absolute risk of developing long-term renal insufficiency was 8.7% (95%CI: 5.6-12) after 5years in patients without AKI and 26% (95%CI: 16-36) in patients with KDIGO-stage ≥2. In multivariable analysis, both KDIGO-stage 1 and ≥2 were independently associated with long-term estimated glomerular filtration rate <45 mL/min. A significant number of patients experienced AKI after RC, and even patients with KDIGO-stage 1 were at increased risk of long-term renal insufficiency. Recognizing pre- and perioperative risk factors can identify patients where close surveillance and early intervention may help minimize renal function decline following RC.

PJY17 - Assessing trifecta success rates between robot assisted vs. open radical cystectomy: A propensity score matched analysis.

PJY17 - Assessing trifecta success rates between robot assisted vs. open radical cystectomy: A propensity score matched analysis.

Retrospective Evaluation of a Single Surgeon's Learning Curve of Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion via Ileal Conduit.

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC) is increasingly being performed instead of open surgery. A criticism of this technique is the long learning curve, but limited data are available on this topic. At our center, the transition from open radical cystectomy (ORC) to iRARC began in May 2017. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the initial 53 cases of robot-assisted cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion via ileal conduit, which were performed by one single surgeon. The patients were divided into four consecutive groups according to the surgeon's increasing experience, and perioperative parameters were analyzed as a surrogate for the learning curve. Over the course of the learning curve, a decline in median operation time from 415 to 361 min (p = 0.02), blood loss from 400 to 200 mL (p = 0.01), and minor complications from 71% to 15% (p = 0.02) was observed. No significant difference in overall and major complications, length of hospital stay, and total lymph node yield was shown. During the initial period of the learning curve, only the less complex cases were operated on using robotic surgery, while the more challenging ones were handled through open surgery. After experience with 28 cases, no more cystectomies were performed through open surgery. This led to an increase in operation time and length of hospital stay, as well as a higher incidence of both minor and overall complications among cases 28-40. After 40 cases, a significant decrease in these parameters was observed again. Our analysis demonstrated that operation time, blood loss, and minor complications decrease with increasing surgical experience in iRARC, while suggesting that technically challenging cases should be operated on after experience with 40 robotic cystectomies.

Lymph node dissection during radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A two-center comparative study of robotic versus open surgery.

This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lymph node dissection (LND) during robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) compared with open radical cystectomy (ORC). From October 2003 to December 2021, 122 patients underwent LND during RARC and 103 patients underwent LND during ORC at Tokushima University Hospital and Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital. We investigated the safety and efficacy of LND during RARC by comparing the surgical and oncological outcomes between the two groups. The patients were significantly older in the RARC than the ORC group. The operative time was significantly shorter and the estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the RARC than the ORC group. Although the lymph node yield was significantly higher in the RARC than the ORC group, there was no significant difference in lymph node positivity between the groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis between the two groups. The 5-year survival rates (overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and recurrence-free survival) were not different between the RARC and ORC groups. This study suggests that the surgical and oncological safety and efficacy of LND during RARC are greater than those of LND during ORC. We believe that LND during RARC is a higher-quality procedure than LND during ORC.

Comparison of the Y-pouch orthotopic neobladder and the Studer technique after radical cystectomy: surgical and functional outcomes from a single-center series

BackgroundTo explore a method of constructing an orthotopic ileal neobladder (ONB) in the Y-pouch configuration. We describe the steps followed to create the Y-pouch ileal orthotopic neobladder (ONB) and compared the perioperative, functional, and urodynamics outcomes with the Studer neobladder technique.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 90 bladder cancer patients, who received open radical cystectomy with the ONB performed at a hospital from June 2009 to May 2020. These patients were divided into two groups—the Y-pouch and the Studer neobladder groups. Perioperative, functional outcome, complication, renal function data outcomes, and pressure–volume study were used to evaluate the treatment outcomes after a radical cystectomy.ResultsNinety patients (54 Studer and 36 Y-pouch neobladder) were enrolled. The median patient age was 62.6 (± 11) years. The mean operative time for the Studer technique was 290 (242.5–350) min, and the Y-pouch technique was 300 (271.2–335) min) (p = 0.826). At 30 days postoperatively, the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications revealed grade-2 urinary infections in two patients (5.6%) and six patients (11.1%) for the Y-pouch and Studer techniques, respectively. Intermediate complications (30–90 days) were reported in 4 (11.1%) and 18 patients (44.4%) in the Y-pouch and the Studer techniques, respectively (p = 0.062). In the urodynamics study (UDS), the Y-pouch group had a mean postvoid residual volume of 20 mL and Studer of 40 ml (p = 0.06). A mean capacity of 462 (380–600) mL compares to the Studer neobladder group with 495 (400–628) mL. The average mean compliance of the Studer group was 35.5 (28–52) ml/cm H2O and 33 (30–43) ml/cm H2O for Y pouch, and most patients had > 30 ml/cm H2O compliance (80/90 patients).ConclusionsThe Y-pouch neobladder technique in an RC with an orthotopic neobladder provides perioperative and functional outcomes compared to those of the Studer orthotopic neobladder resulting in similar intermediate-term. Therefore, the Y-pouch ileal neobladder is both feasible and safe to be used as a standard neobladder technique for urinary diversion in patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy and needs confirmation with long-term results.

Surgical outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy in octogenarian or older patients: A Japanese nationwide study.

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) in octogenarian or older patients based on a Japanese nationwide database. The diagnosis procedure combination database was used to extract the data on radical cystectomy cases. Surgical outcomes of RARC in octogenarian or older patients (older group) were initially compared to those of patients younger than 80 years (younger group). Then, the surgical outcomes of RARC in the older group were compared to those of open radical cystectomy (ORC) and laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) in the same age group. Between 2018 and 2021, 478 RARC cases in the older group and 2257 RARC cases in the younger group were identified. In the older group, ileal conduit, neobladder, and other urinary diversions were carried out in 352 (73.6%), 22 (4.6%), and 104 (21.8%) patients, respectively. In the older group, when compared with the younger group, the complication rate (24.9%), blood transfusion rate (41.4%), and in-hospital mortality (1.4%) were equivalent, while significantly shorter anesthesia time and longer length of stay were observed in the older group (521.0 ± 140.4 min vs. 595.1 ± 141.71 min, p < 0.01, and 32.9 ± 16.8 days vs. 30.6 ± 17.8 days, p = 0.01, respectively). In the comparison of the surgical outcomes of older patients receiving RARC to those receiving ORC (n = 746) and LRC (n = 375), the RARC group had the lowest complication rate and the shortest length of stay, while the shortest anesthesia time was noted in the ORC group. The feasibility of RARC for octogenarian or older patients was demonstrated by the nationwide database study.

Minimizing the learning curve for robotic-assisted radical cystectomy: A single-surgeon, retrospective, cohort study.

Studies published to date have suggested non-inferiority of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC), while few centers in Canada have adopted this approach. Though multifactorial, the learning curve and operative time are often discussed barriers. Herein, we present outcomes from the largest Canadian cohort of RARC performed to date. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing RARC by a single surgeon with greater than 1500 robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) experience at our institution from May 2020 to December 2021. Clinicopathological, intraoperative, and postoperative data, as well as complications in the first 90 days were collected. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between case volume and operative time/lymph node yield. A total of 31 patients underwent RARC during the study period, 26 of which were male. The median length of stay was six days (Q1-Q3 5-10), while days alive and out of hospital at 90 days were 83 days (Q1-Q3 80-85). Soft tissue margins were positive in 9.6% (3/31) of patients. Median lymph node yield was 17.0 lymph nodes (Q1-Q3 11-23). Median operative time was 241 minutes (Q1-Q3 228-252) in the ileal conduit group and 320 minutes (Q1-Q3 302-337) in the neobladder group. We observed four Clavien-Dindo grade >3 complications. The 90-day readmission rate and mortality rate were 17.2% (5) and 0% (0), respectively. There was no correlation between case volume and any outcome variables. Previous high-volume experience performing RARP reduces the learning curve for preforming RARC, with similar short-term outcomes to high-volume centers.

Application of a protocol for enhanced recovery after radical cystectomy: a before-and-after cohort study.

Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is a major urological surgery burdened both by a high rate of short- and long-term complications and by a high emotional and psychological impact. Post-operative recovery is extremely important and the application of ERAS protocols can facilitate the return to functional autonomy. The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy of our ERAS programme on outcomes of recovery after surgery of patients undergoing radical cystectomy with various urinary diversions. This is a before-after study comparing the historical group (n. 77) of radical cystectomies following a peri-operative standard of care with the prospective observational group (n. 83) following our ERAS programme. Recovery after surgery outcomes evaluated were length of stay, re-admission rate at 30-90/days and post-operative complications. Patients treated following the ERAS protocol presented less intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.001) and less intra-operative fluid infusions (p < 0.001). Time of first flatus was shorter in the ERAS group, though no difference was found in timing of nasogastric tube removal and defecation. Removal of drainage was done significantly earlier in the ERAS group. The median length of stay decreased from 12 to 9days (p = 0.003) with a significant reduction also in re-admission rates at 30 and long-term complications at 90days from surgery. The application of an opioid-free ERAS protocol to patients undergoing open radical cystectomy was associated, as compared with prior traditional care, with significant reductions of recovery time and length of stay, number of total in-hospital complications, in particular functional ileus and re-admissions by 30 and 90days after surgery.

Pain management and clinical considerations of a rare case of rhabdomyolysis caused by a hyperextension position after open radical cystectomy

Pain management and clinical considerations of a rare case of rhabdomyolysis caused by a hyperextension position after open radical cystectomy

Compartment Syndrome Caused by a Hyperextension Position after Open Radical Cystectomy with Hautmann Ileal Neobladder Construction: A Rare Case of Rhabdomyolysis

Compartment syndrome (CS) is caused by an excessive increase in compartment intramuscular pressure, which measurement is the reference diagnostic tool. We examine the case of a 44yearold man with invasive bladder cancer who underwent an open radical cystectomy. After extubation, the patient is transferred from the operating room to the Intermediate Care Unit, where he complains of severe lumbar pain on a visual analog scale of 10 that is unresponsive to opioids and is diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis due to compartment syndrome. Multidisciplinary care and multimodal analgesia approaches were used; no fasciotomy was performed; and a favourable outcome was achieved.

Cost-Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy vs Open Radical Cystectomy for Patients With Bladder Cancer

The value to payers of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC) when compared with open radical cystectomy (ORC) for patients with bladder cancer is unclear. To compare the cost-effectiveness of iRARC with that of ORC. This economic evaluation used individual patient data from a randomized clinical trial at 9 surgical centers in the United Kingdom. Patients with nonmetastatic bladder cancer were recruited from March 20, 2017, to January 29, 2020. The analysis used a health service perspective and a 90-day time horizon, with supplementary analyses exploring patient benefits up to 1 year. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken. Data were analyzed from January 13, 2022, to March 10, 2023. Patients were randomized to receive either iRARC (n = 169) or ORC (n = 169). Costs of surgery were calculated using surgery timings and equipment costs, with other hospital data based on counts of activity. Quality-adjusted life-years were calculated from European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Level instrument responses. Prespecified subgroup analyses were undertaken based on patient characteristics and type of diversion. A total of 305 patients with available outcome data were included in the analysis, with a mean (SD) age of 68.3 (8.1) years, and of whom 241 (79.0%) were men. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy was associated with statistically significant reductions in admissions to intensive therapy (6.35% [95% CI, 0.42%-12.28%]), and readmissions to hospital (14.56% [95% CI, 5.00%-24.11%]), but increases in theater time (31.35 [95% CI, 13.67-49.02] minutes). The additional cost of iRARC per patient was £1124 (95% CI, -£576 to £2824 [US $1622 (95% CI, -$831 to $4075)]) with an associated gain in quality-adjusted life-years of 0.01124 (95% CI, 0.00391-0.01857). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was £100 008 (US $144 312) per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy had a much higher probability of being cost-effective for subgroups defined by age, tumor stage, and performance status. In this economic evaluation of surgery for patients with bladder cancer, iRARC reduced short-term morbidity and some associated costs. While the resulting cost-effectiveness ratio was in excess of thresholds used by many publicly funded health systems, patient subgroups were identified for which iRARC had a high probability of being cost-effective. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03049410.

The perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients with variant histology bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy: A propensity score-matched analysis with pure urothelial carcinoma

ObjectivesTo assess the perioperative and long-term outcomes after open radical cystectomy in patients with histological variants versus pure urothelial carcinoma. MethodsPatients with a variant histology carcinoma of the urinary bladder were matched through a propensity score analysis with those with pure urothelial carcinoma on a 1:3 ratio. The two groups were compared in terms of perioperative and long-term morbidity and mortality. ResultsOverall, 148 individuals were included in the present retrospective study (37 with variant histology and 111 with pure urothelial carcinoma). A total of 107 (72.3%) individuals presented at least one perioperative complication based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. This proportion was similar between patients with urothelial versus variant histology carcinoma (P = .22). In the long term, the number of patients with clinically significant incisional hernia requiring surgery [14 (12.7%) vs 3 (8.3%), P = .68], uretero-intestinal/uretero-cutaneous strictures or any other complication related to the applied urinary diversion [15 (13.6%) vs 7 (19.4%), P = .56], as well as the number of patients presenting with septicemia [17 (15.5%) vs 10 (27.8%), P = .16] or with urinary tract obstruction [12 (10.9%) vs 4 (11.1%), P > .99] at follow-up did not differ between urothelial versus variant histology carcinoma. The survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curves and the univariate Cox regression model suggested that the risk of death from any cause was increased in patients with variant compared to pure urothelial histology (log-rank test = 0.045, hazard ratio: 1.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–2.87, P = .047). ConclusionsPerioperative morbidity and mortality are comparable in patients with variant histology versus pure urothelial carcinoma.

Time-to-complication Patterns After Radical Cystectomy: A Secondary Analysis of a 30-day Morbidity Assessment Using the European Association of Urology Quality Criteria for Standardized Reporting

Complications following radical cystectomy (RC) have been extensively investigated but evidence on the timing of their occurrence is scarce. We aimed to decipher timing patterns for 30-d complications after open RC for bladder cancer at our institution between 2009 and 2017. Complication data were extracted according to a predefined, procedure-specific catalog following the European Association of Urology criteria for standardized reporting. Timing was assessed for each complication and patterns were compared across urinary diversion types and Clavien-Dindo grades. Overall, 2485 complications occurred in 503/506 patients (99%) in three timing patterns: very early during the first week (bleeding, cardiac, neurological), early after 1 wk (gastrointestinal), and intermediate after approximately 2 wk (wound, infectious complications). Some 90% of complications occurred within the first 2 wk. Major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa) occurred in 78 patients (15%) after a median of 10 days (interquartile range 4–15). Among patients with a continent diversion, the median time to infectious complications was longer (9 vs 7 d; p = 0.005) and major complications tended to occur later (median 13.5 vs 10 d; p = 0.4) over a wider time span in comparison to those with an incontinent diversion. Close clinical monitoring in both inpatient and outpatient settings after RC is mandatory to detect and adequately manage complications, particularly for more complex continent diversions. Patient summaryThe time at which different complication types occur varies after surgical removal of the bladder. It is important to be aware of these times to improve patient-centered care and anticipate possible problems after surgery.