Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy Research Articles

Temporal Trends in Urinary Diversion among Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy Between 1986 and 2022: Experience at the University Medical Center Mainz with 2224 Cases.

Analysis of temporal trends of urinary diversion (UD) and identification of predictive factors for continent urinary diversion (CUD) in patients with bladder cancer (BC) is scarce and data on large cohorts are missing. We aimed to describe longitudinal temporal trends and predictive factors for UD among patients with BC receiving radical cystectomy (RC). We retrospectively analysed institutional data collected from patients undergoing RC from 1986 to 2022 to describe changes in patients' characteristics and UD. Primary end points were patients' characteristics associated with type of UD. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictive factors for CUD. In total, 2224 patients (77.16% male, 22.84% female) with a mean age of 66 years [standard deviation (SD), 10.64 years] were included. We observed an increase in mean age from 59.86 (10.8) years (1986-1990) to 69.85 (9.99) years (2016-2022) (p < 0.001). The proportion of CUD gradually declined from 43.72% (94/215; 1986-1990) to 18.38% (86/468; 2016-2022). Patients who were male [odds ratio (OR): 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-2.57, p < 0.001), younger (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.87-0.89, p < 0.001) and had no hydronephrosis prior to RC (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.66-2.92, p < 0.001) were more likely to receive CUD. We report the largest European single-center cohort of UD after RC, demonstrating a significant shift from CUD to IUD, accompanied by an increasing age. Finally, our data mirrors the development and extensive experience with the Mainz Pouch-I in the 1980's and 1990's together with other colon pouches.

Classification and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections in Radical Cystectomy: A 16-Year Analysis.

Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a substantial cause of peri-operative morbidity among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors of SSI after RC and to classify and characterize treatment of SSIs. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed peri-operative characteristics and SSI, for patients undergoing RC from 2007 to 2022. Patients were stratified by SSI versus no SSI and differences were assessed. Uni-variable/multi-variable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with SSI. SSIs were categorized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) type: Superficial incisional, deep incisional, and organ/space confined. Results: Three hundred and ninety-eight patients had RC, 279 open, and 119 robotic; 78 (19.6%) developed SSI. Cohorts were similar demographically. Length of stay (LOS) was longer in the SSI cohort (8.8 d versus 12.4 d, p < 0.001), and body mass index (BMI) was greater in patients with SSI (24.34 vs. 25.39, p = 0.0003). On uni-variable analysis, age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, diabetes mellitus, diversion, odds ratio (OR) time, blood loss, and open versus robotic technique were not substantial SSI predictors. BMI was an independent risk factor for SSI on both uni-variable (OR: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.018-1.115, p = 0.0061) and multi-variable analysis (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.009-1.109, p = 0.02) for 10 (12.8%) and 24 (30.8%) superficial and deep-incisional SSIs, respectively. Superficial wound SSI was treated conservatively with 60% receiving antibiotic agents and no procedural intervention. Deep SSIs received antibiotic agents and 50% required surgical intervention. There were 44 (56.4%) organ/space SSIs, and the most common treatment was antibiotic agents (100%) and IR drain placement (30, 68.2%). Conclusion: In patients undergoing RC, BMI was an independent risk factor for SSI. Type of the surgical procedure, robotic versus open, was not predictive of SSI. LOS was longer for patients with SSI. SSI was managed differently depending on CDC classification.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol (ERAS) versus Standard Protocol for Undergoing Radical Cystectomy in an Egyptian Population

Abstract Background bladder cancer has been one of the commonest cancer. The gold standard for treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer is radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality and healthcare cost. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are multimodal perioperative care pathways designed to achieve early recovery after surgical procedures. Aim and Objectives The aim of this study was to compare between the standard preoperative bowel preparation (SP) and ERAS protocol in terms of postoperative length of stay (LOS) and postoperative morbidity. Subjects and Methods This was a prospective randomized study was conducted in Ain shams university hospital – Alexandria university hospital involving fifty (50) patients were randomly divided into two equal groups twenty-Five (25) patient in group A follow ERAS protocol and twenty-Five (25) patients in group B following standard protocol. The duration of the study ranged from 6-12 months. Results There was statistically significant difference found between group A and group B regarding the studied parameters ( Readmission in 30 days, Ileus, Vomiting, and UTI) while there was no statistically significant difference between them regarding (early mobilization, urine leakage, dehesince and DVT), there was no statistically significant difference found between group A and group B regarding (Length of stay). Conclusion In patients undergoing radical cystectomy, enhanced recovery protocol is considered as a safe procedure and not associated with any increase in intraoperative and postoperative complications compared to standard protocol. The length of hospital stay was shorter in ERAS group.

PA-MSHA improves prognosis of patients undergoing radical cystectomy: a retrospective cohort study using inverse probability of treatment weighting.

To observe the effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (PA-MSHA) on the prognosis and the incidence of lymphatic leakage in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). A total of 129 patients who underwent RC in Lanzhou University Second Hospital from 2013 to 2022 were enrolled in this study. They were divided into 43 patients treated with PA-MSHA and 86 patients in the control group. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to reduce potential selection bias. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to analyze the effect of PA-MSHA on the survival of patients and the incidence of postoperative lymphatic leakage. The PA-MSHA group exhibited improved overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates compared to the control group. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for the PA-MSHA group were 69.1% and 53.2%, respectively, compared to 55.6% and 45.3% for the control group (Log-rank=3.218, P=0.072). The 3-year and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates for the PA-MSHA group were 73.3% and 56.5%, respectively, compared to 58.0% and 47.3% for the control group (Log-rank=3.218, P=0.072). Additionally, the 3-year and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates for the PA-MSHA group were 74.4% and 56.8%, respectively, compared to 57.1% and 52.2% for the control group (Log-rank=2.016, P=0.156). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicates that lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis are poor prognostic factors for patients, while the use of PA-MSHA can improve patients' OS (HR: 0.547, 95%CI: 0.304-0.983, P=0.044), PFS (HR: 0.469, 95%CI: 0.229-0.959, P=0.038) and CSS (HR: 0.484, 95%CI: 0.257-0.908, P=0.024). The same trend was observed in the cohort After IPTW adjustment. Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative lymphatic leakage [18.6% (8/35) vs. 15.1% (84.9%), P=0.613] and pelvic drainage volume [470 (440) ml vs. 462.5 (430) ml, P=0.814] between PA-MSHA group and control group, PA-MSHA could shorten the median retention time of drainage tube (7.0 d vs 9.0 d) (P=0.021). PA-MSHA may improve radical cystectomy in patients with OS, PFS, and CSS, shorten the pelvic drainage tube retention time.

Prognostic Value of NLR, PLR, SII, and dNLR in Urothelial Bladder Cancer Following Radical Cystectomy

BackgroundInflammation plays a crucial role in tumor development and progression, with inflammatory markers showing promise in predicting cancer prognosis. However, their significance in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), especially in the context of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), remains poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic utility of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), and derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) for overall survival (OS) in bladder cancer (BC) patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) in the NAC era. Patients and MethodsA retrospective review analyzed prospectively-collected data from our institutional BC registry, covering patients with MIBC undergoing RC with curative intent from March 1st, 2016, to December 31st, 2022. Blood samples were collected preoperatively to calculate NLR, PLR, SII, and dNLR. OS was defined from surgery to last follow-up or death. Statistical analyses included ROC curves, Kaplan-Meier Curves, and Cox proportional hazards regression models. ResultsA total of 187 patients with median duration follow-up of 14.7 month were included in this study and 50.8% experienced death. NAC was administered in 50.3% of cases. The ideal cut-off for dichotomizing NLR, PLR, SII, and dNLR was 1.76, 104.30, 410.66, and 1.30, respectively. In multivariable analysis each of these biomarkers emerged as an independent prognostic factor for predicting OS. The results showed a correlation between higher NLR, PLR, SII, and dNLR levels and a deterioration in OS. ConclusionElevated values of these inflammatory markers indicate poorer survival, highlighting their potential as indicators of disease aggressiveness. Identifying patients with elevated markers can help healthcare providers personalize treatment strategies, improving patient outcomes and survival rates.

Blood Transfusion, Radical Cystectomy, and Cancer Recurrence: A New Look at an Old Story. Comment on Ladner et al. Perioperative Blood Transfusion Is Associated with Worse Survival in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer. Soc. Int. Urol. J. 2024, 5, 202–213

Blood Transfusion, Radical Cystectomy, and Cancer Recurrence: A New Look at an Old Story. Comment on Ladner et al. Perioperative Blood Transfusion Is Associated with Worse Survival in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer. Soc. Int. Urol. J. 2024, 5, 202–213

Critical care therapy use after radical cystectomy in patients with non-metastatic bladder cancer

PurposeTo assess critical care therapy use in patients with non-metastatic bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy. MethodsUsing the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2019), we identified non-metastatic bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Study endpoints consisted of critical care therapy use, defined as total parenteral nutrition, invasive mechanical ventilation, dialysis, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion, tracheostomy, and in-hospital mortality. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) and multivariable logistic regression models were used. ResultsOf 25,535 patients, 3,091 (12.1%) received critical care therapy. Critical care therapy use decreased from 13.1 in 2000 to 5.9% in 2019 (EAPC -2.4; p=0.005), and in-hospital mortality also decreased from 3.4 to 0.7% (EAPC -4.2%; p<0.001). Older (≥80 years: odds ratio [OR] 1.91; p<0.001, and 60-79 years OR 1.41; p<0.001) and sicker patients (Charlson comorbidity index [CCI] ≥3: OR 3.16; p<0.001; CCI 1-2 OR 1.89; p<0.001) were more likely to receive critical care therapy. Conversely, minimally-invasive surgical approach (OR 0.66; p=0.01) and teaching hospital status (OR 0.70; p=0.008) independently predicted lower critical care therapy use. The same risk factors were identified for in-hospital mortality. ConclusionsCritical care therapy use in radical cystectomy patients decreased from 13.1 in 2000 to 5.9% in 2019 and so did in-hospital mortality (3.4 to 0.7%). Of all critical care therapy determinants, CCI ≥3 (OR 3.2) represented the strongest followed by octogenarian age (OR 1.9). Even after adjustment for patient age and comorbidities, minimally-invasive surgical approach and teaching hospital status were associated with lower critical care therapy use, and lower in-hospital mortality.

Social Vulnerability and Receipt of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer.

To evaluate the association between a population-level measure of social determinants of health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing radical cystectomy. We queried our institutional database for patients with nonmetastatic MIBC treated with radical cystectomy between 2000 and 2022. Patients were assigned an SVI via ZIP code of residence and grouped into quintiles of SVI (i.e. least vulnerable to most vulnerable). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between SVI and receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, adjusting for age, race, gender, and cancer stage. A sub-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between subthemes of SVI (socioeconomic status, household composition/disability, race/ethnicity/language, and housing/transportation) and receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Of the 978 patients identified, 490 (50.1%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a lower SVI, were younger, and had >cT2 stage (all, p<0.05). The most vulnerable patients had lower odds of receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 0.61, 0.39 - 0.95) compared to the least vulnerable patients. Analysis of subthemes of SVI demonstrated similar associations by socioeconomic status (OR 0.56, 0.36 - 0.86) and household composition/disability (OR 0.57, 0.33 - 0.99). Adverse social determinants of health, or social vulnerability, is associated with suboptimal and disparate utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with MIBC undergoing radical cystectomy. Strategies for identifying vulnerable populations may allow for more targeted interventions that would improve equity in bladder cancer care.

Long term outcomes and impact on renal function following radical cystectomy.

To assess clinical, oncological outcomes and impact on renal function in patients who underwent the radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for muscle invasive and high risk non-muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder without evidence of non-regional lymph nodes and distant metastasis. With curative intent total 156 patients underwent radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy from January 2015 to December 2022. Total 132/156 patients had primary transitional cell carcinoma of bladder. Thirty patients, presented with obstructive nephropathy, operated after stabilization of renal function. Pre-operatively and post-operatively eGFR calculated using modified diet in renal disease formula. In present study 114 (86.36%) patients had high grade TCC, 70 (53.02%) patients had organ confined disease. Nodal extension seen in 74 (56.06%) patients. Perioperative mortality noted in 36 (27.2%) patients. The overall survival and recurrence free survival (RFS) over 5 years was 66.67 and 45.45%. RFS was significantly related to pathological stage, nodal status, histological-grade, positivity of surgical margin and time of surgery from diagnosis. Total 92/132 (69.7%) patients had recurrence. Pelvic recurrence in 10/92 (10.87%) whereas 82/92 (89.13%) patients had distant recurrence. Pre-operatively mean creatinine was 2.6 mg/dl and mean eGFR was 38.9 ml/h in patients who presented with obstructive nephropathy after stabilization of renal function. Post-operatively in 46/132 (34.8%) patients had improvement in eGFR while 86/132 (65.2%) patients had deterioration of eGFR over 62 months of median follow up. Radical cystectomy provides good overall survival outcomes. Pre-operative eGFR has significant impact on post-operative renal function in long term.

The Prognostic Value of Perioperative Platelet and Leukocyte Values in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy: A Prospective Long-Term Cohort Study

Introduction: Studies assessing the impact of preoperative and first-day postoperative values of leukocytes, thrombocytes, and platelet/leukocyte ratio (PLR) after radical cystectomy (RC) are sparse. We aimed to assess the impact of these factors on long-term survival after RC. Methods: An analysis of patients undergoing open RC from 2004 to 2023 at our center was performed. Leukocytosis was defined as ≥8,000 leukocytes/μL and thrombocytosis as ≥400,000 thrombocytes/μL. Similarly, the cutoff for PLR was set at 28. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the role of leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and PLR on long-term survival after RC. For all analyses, hazard ratios (HRs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results: A total of 1,817 patients with a median age of 70 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 62–77) were included. Overall, 804 (44%), 175 (10%), and 1,296 (71%) patients presented with leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and PLR ≥28 preoperatively. Accordingly, 1,414 (78%), 37 (2%), and 249 (14%) patients presented with leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and PLR ≥28 on the first day after RC. At a median follow-up of 26 months (IQR: 8–68) after RC, 896 (49%) patients died. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis after adjusting for major perioperative risk factors, only preoperative leukocytosis (HR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6, p = 0.01), as well as both preoperative and first-day thrombocytosis (HR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5–2.9, and HR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6–5.1, p < 0.001, accordingly) were associated with worse overall survival. Conclusion: PLR should not be used as a prognostic marker for survival after RC. On the contrary, preoperative leukocytosis, as well as preoperative and first-day thrombocytosis should raise awareness among clinicians performing RC since they were independently associated with worse survival after RC.

Surviving the Storm: Challenges of Bladder Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the care of patients with bladder cancer in a tertiary oncology center. Materials and methodWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a tertiary cancer center for the treatment of bladder cancer between 2019 and 2022. Surgical volumes, patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were compared across these years. ResultsA total of 463 patients with bladder cancer were admitted in the period, and 78 patients underwent radical cystectomy (RC). The distribution of TMN stages between admitted patients remained consistent across the years, with no statistically significant differences.Patients who underwent RC in 2020 presented more advanced disease at surgery (pT3/pT4 stage) (P = .045; 95% CI, 0.18-0.55) and had a longer hospital stay compared to other years (P = .024; 95% CI, 10.26-41.27). ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the treatment of patients with bladder cancer. These results highlight the need to adapt health systems to unforeseen challenges, emphasizing the clinical impact on patients with advanced stages of the disease and the repercussions on their overall survival.

Ninety Days complications rate in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with enhanced recovery protocol

Bladder cancer is a carcinoma of the urothelial, or “umbrella,” cells that line the lumen of the urinary bladder. Technically, urothelial carcinoma includes tumors of the bladder, upper urinary tract (renal pelvis and ureters), and proximal urethra. Bladder cancer accounts for approximately 90% to 95% of urothelial carcinoma; bladder cancer comprises 75% pure urothelial carcinoma and 25% “variant” histology, adding complexity to the management of this disease. Bladder cancer can be categorized in several way, almost all bladder cancers originate in the urothelium, which is a 3- to 7-cell mucosal layer within the muscular bladder. Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder can involve multiple sites; however, the lateral wall and trigone are more commonly involved by this tumor. All small cell carcinomas of the urinary system identified so far have been located in the urinary bladder, most commonly in the dome and vesical lateral wall. Radical cystectomy is a crucial surgical technique in managing MIBC, high-risk NMIBC, and treatment-refractory NMIBC. Despite a high perioperative mortality rate (5-10%), it now carries a 1-2% mortality rate due to improvements in surgical technique, intensive care medicine evolution, and antibiotic availability.

Migration of double-J ureteral stent in patients with ureteroileal anastomosis stricture undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder: Analysis risk factors of stent migration.

The objective was to evaluate the incidence and degree of double-J ureteral stent (DJUS) migration. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with stent migration in the orthotopic neobladder group. In this retrospective study, 61 consecutive patients were included; 35 patients (45 DJUS placements) underwent radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder and 26 patients (35 DJUS placements) underwent urinary bladder without cystectomy between July 2021 and March 2023. All the patients were treated with a DJUS for ureteric strictures. The technical success rate was 100% in each group. The DJUS migration was significantly higher in the orthotopic neobladder group, with 22 of 45 cases (48.9%), compared to the urinary bladder group, which had 4 of 35 cases (11.4%) (P ≤ .001). Among the patients in the orthotopic neobladder group who experienced DJUS migration, stent dysfunction occurred in 18 cases (81.8%), which was statistically significant (P = .003). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only the size of the DJUS was significantly and positively associated with migration (odds ratio:10.214, P = .010). DJUS migration can easily occur in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder, and smaller stent sizes are associated with a higher incidence of migration.

Systematic Review: Seventy-Seven Cases of Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Bladder

Background: Signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (SRCC) of the bladder is a rare and aggressive histological subtype of bladder cancer. Due to its infrequency, the understanding of its clinical behaviour, treatment strategies, and outcomes remains limited, being primarily derived from isolated case reports and series. Objective: To systematically review and analyse the available literature on SRCC of the bladder, emphasizing its clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Material and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Medline following the PRISMA guidelines, including case reports, case series, observational studies, and clinical trials reporting on bladder SRCC. Results: We included 38 articles reporting on 77 patients, primarily males (79.2%), with a median age of 64 years. The most common presenting symptoms were haematuria (64.8%) and lower urinary tract symptoms (46.3%). All the diagnoses were based on histopathological examination of bladder tissue samples and immunohistochemistry. Mixed histological types of bladder cancer were found in 20.7% of cases, most commonly urothelial carcinoma (61.1%). The treatments varied, with 53.2% of patients undergoing radical cystectomy, 24.7% receiving radiotherapy, and 16.9% receiving chemotherapy. The five-year survival rates were 9.4%. Conclusion: Bladder SRCC presents aggressively, with varied treatment strategies; however, radical cystectomy appears to be the optimal means of surgical management for organ-confined disease. The overall survival rate is low, highlighting the need for further research to understand and manage this rare bladder cancer variant. All patients should undergo evaluation to exclude extravesical primaries. This systematic review contributes to a better understanding of this disease and may guide clinical management strategies.

Perioperative complications and oncological outcomes of open versus robotic-assisted radical cystectomy: a propensity score-matched study.

To conduct a comparative effectiveness analysis between robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) and open approach (ORC). A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving all patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for invasive bladder cancer at our institution from 2010 to 2018. Of a total 296 patients, we matched ORC and RARC cases based on age, BMI, Charlson comorbidity index, pathological TN staging of the tumor, prior radiotherapy, and type of diversion. The perioperative complications and oncological outcomes were compared. Eighty-nine patients were matched in the ORC and RARC groups. The median operative time was longer in RARC group (430min) than that of ORC group (372min) (p = 0.03); however, the median estimated blood loss (EBL) was significantly lower in RARC group (500ml) than that of ORC (700ml) (p < 0.0001). The median length of hospital stay (LOS) was significantly reduced in the RARC group (7days) compared to the ORC group (8days) (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences between both groups in 30- and 90-day postoperative complications (p = 0.3 and p = 0.2, respectively). A total of 68 deaths (38.2%) were observed, of which 36 (40.4%) were in ORC group while 32 (36%) were in RARC group (p = 0.5). The results were comparable in both groups regarding 5-year survival rate and cancer-specific survival (p = 0.3 and p = 0.1, respectively). RARC showed better perioperative outcomes in the form of less EBL and shortened LOS compared to ORC group. However, both RARC and ORC provide similar postoperative oncologic control, in terms of similar positive surgical margins, cancer-specific rates, and 5-year survival rates.

Change in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio may predict early recurrence in operated bladder cancer.

Recurrence develops in 50% of operated bladder cancer patients. It is important to detect recurrence in advance, and there is no prognostic reliable biomarker for bladder cancer. The aim of this study is to show that changes in hematological parameters before radiological imaging can predict recurrence. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder identified using our institutional database (2010-2022). Disease-free survival (DFS) was evaluated as relapse or death due to any cause. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for DFS according to the follow-up period. DFS was calculated in two groups neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)<3 and NLR≥3. Log-rank test was used for comparison between groups and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. In the study, 91 patients were examined. The median age was 61.0 (34-79). 57.1% of the patients were T (1-2) and 42.9% were T (3-4). The lymph node (LN) was negative in 78% and positive in 22%. Median follow-up time and DFS were 53.4 months and 54%, respectively. The median NLR was 2.8 (0.8-8.7). For DFS, there was a significant difference according to age, T stage, and LN status (p: 0.048, 0.019, and 0.040). There was no significant difference in the NLR in terms of DFS at the time of diagnosis (p: 0.654). In follow-ups; While there was no difference in the NLR for DFS 12 months before recurrence (p: 0.231), there was a significant difference 6 months before the relapse and at the time of recurrence (p: 0.023 and 0.031). The change in the NLR before radiological recurrence in bladder cancer is significant in predicting recurrence. Prospective and multi-center research is needed to confirm our findings.

Association of preoperative sarcopenia with the long-term prognosis of patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy

PurposeThis retrospective study aimed to assess the correlation between preoperative sarcopenia and long-term oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.MethodsWe included 528 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer between 2000 and 2010 at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Preoperative skeletal muscle mass was quantified by analyzing computed tomography images at the third lumbar vertebra. Sarcopenia was defined based on the skeletal muscle index. We evaluated various clinical and pathological factors to analyze the association between sarcopenia and long-term oncologic outcomes.ResultsThe median follow-up time was 104 months. Sarcopenia was identified in 37.9% of the patients. Although no significant differences were observed in traditional pathological factors between the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic groups, sarcopenia was significantly associated with worse oncologic outcomes. Compared to the non-sarcopenic groups, the sarcopenic group had lower overall survival rates (52.0% vs. 67.1% at 5 years, 35.5% vs. 52.7% at 10 years) and higher cancer-specific mortality (63.3% vs. 74.3% at 5 years, 50.7% vs. 67.4% at 10 years). Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that sarcopenia was an independent predictor of cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio: 1.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.11–2.01, p = 0.008), alongside body mass index, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and lymphovascular invasion.ConclusionSarcopenia was significantly associated with poor cancer-specific survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Detecting sarcopenia may assist in preoperative risk stratification and long-term management after radical cystectomy.

The Association Between Duration of Antibiotics and Infectious Complications Following Radical Cystectomy: Analysis of the 2019-2021 NSQIP Database

ObjectivesTo identify the impact of the duration of peri-operative antibiotics on infectious complications following radical cystectomy. MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) targeted database was queried for patients undergoing radical cystectomy from 2019-2021. Baseline patient characteristics were collected. Antibiotic duration was classified as <24 hours (short), 24-72 hours (intermediate) or >72 hours (long). Infectious complication data was collected including surgical site infection (SSI), urinary tract infection (UTI), organ space infection, pneumonia, sepsis, and clostridium difficile infection up to 30 days after surgery. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to compare duration of antibiotic therapy to infectious outcomes. ResultsOf the 4,363 patients who underwent radical cystectomy, 3,250(74%), 827(19%) and 286(6.6%) received short, intermediate, and long duration of peri-operative antibiotics respectively. Infectious complication occurred in 954(22%) patients, including 227(5.2%) SSI, 280(6.4%) UTI, 268(6.1%) organ space infection, 87(2%) pneumonia, and 378(8.7%) sepsis. Clostridium difficile infection occurred in 89(2%) patients. On multivariable analysis, there was no significant difference in overall infectious complication rates with long duration antibiotics. However, intermediate duration of antibiotics in open surgery was associated with a decreased risk of SSI (OR 0.58; 95%CI 0.37-0.91) compared to those treated with short term antibiotics. ConclusionsDespite guideline recommendations, 26% of patients in this database received >24 hours of peri-operative antibiotics without decreased risk of overall infectious complication. An intermediate course of antibiotics decreased risk of SSI in open surgery compared to the guideline recommend <24-hour course. Greater education regarding antibiotic stewardship and further studies investigating infectious complications are warranted.

Predictors of persistent opioid use in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy: A SEER-Medicare analysis

PurposeTo evaluate patient and provider characteristics that predict persistent opioid use following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer including non-opioid naïve patients. MethodsPatients undergoing cystectomy between July 2007 and December 2015 were identified using the SEER-Medicare database. Opioid exposure was identified before and after cystectomy using Medicare Part D data. Multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of the primary outcomes: persistent opioid use (prescription 3–6 months after surgery) and postoperative opioid prescriptions (within 30 days of surgery). Secondary outcomes included physician prescribing practices and rates of persistent opioid use in their patient cohorts. ResultsA total of 1,774 patients were included; 29% had prior opioid exposure. Compared to opioid-naïve patients, non-opioid naïve patients were more frequently younger, Black, and living in less educated communities. The percentage of persistent postoperative use was 10% overall and 24% in non-opioid naïve patients. Adjusting for patient factors, opioid naïve individuals were less likely to develop persistent use (OR 0.23) while a 50-unit increase in oral morphine equivalent per day prescribed following surgery nearly doubled the likelihood of persistent use (OR 1.98). Practice factors such as hospital size, teaching affiliation, and hospital ownership failed to predict persistent use. 29% of patients filled an opioid prescription postoperatively. Opioid naïve patients (OR 0.13) and those cared for at government hospitals (OR 0.59) were less likely to fill an opioid script along with those residing in the Northeast. Variability between physicians was seen in prescribing practices and rates of persistent use. ConclusionsNon-opioid naïve patients have higher rates of post-operative opioid prescription than opioid-naïve patients. Physician prescribing practices play a role in persistent use, as initial prescription amount predicts persistent use even in non-opioid naïve patients. Significant physician variation in both prescribing practices and rates of persistent use suggest a role for standardizing practices.

Impact of Preoperative Plasma Potassium Levels on Oncological Outcomes, Major Complications, and 30-Day Mortality in Bladder Cancer Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy

Introduction and ObjectivesWe examined the impact of preoperative plasma potassium levels (PPLs) on outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB), hypothesizing that potassium imbalances might influence outcomes. Patients and MethodsIn this retrospective study, 501 UCB patients undergoing RC from 2009 to 2017 at a tertiary center were analyzed. Blood samples collected a week prior to surgery defined normal and abnormal PPL based on institutional standards. We assessed overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, and non-organ confined disease. Kaplan-Meier estimates, Cox proportional hazards, logistic regression, and decision curve analyses (DCA) were employed. Results63 (13%) patients had abnormal preoperative PPLs, with 50 (10%) elevated and 13 (2.5%) decreased. In a 59 months median follow-up, 152 (31%) had disease recurrence, 197 (39%) died from any cause, and 119 (24%) from UCB. Multivariable cox regression analyses adjusting for perioperative parameters demonstrated abnormal PPL was associated with worse OS (HR=1.9, P=0.009), CSS (HR=2.8, P<0.001) and RFS (HR=2.1; P=0.007). Elevated preoperative PPLs also demonstrated significant associations with adverse outcomes in OS, CSS, and RFS (all P<0.05). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, abnormal and elevated PPLs were not associated with 30-day mortality, major 30-day postoperative complications, positive nodal disease, pT3/4 stage, and non-organ confined disease (all P>0.05). ConclusionAbnormal and elevated preoperative PPLs correlate with adverse oncologic outcomes in UCB patients treated with RC. Pending external validation, preoperative PPLs might be a cost-effective, easily obtainable supplemental biomarker for enriching accuracy of outcome prediction in this highly variable maladie.