Positive Margin Rate Research Articles

Single Versus Dual Surgeon Approaches to Oncoplastic Surgery: A Comparison of Outcomes

IntroductionOncoplastic surgery (OPS) is traditionally performed using a dual surgeon (DS) approach that involves both a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon. It is also performed using a single surgeon (SS) approach with a surgeon trained in both breast surgical oncology and plastic surgery. We sought to determine if outcomes differed between SS versus DS OPS approaches. MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted of all OPS performed in a single health system over a 6-y period by either an SS or a DS approach. Primary outcomes were rates of positive margins and the overall complication rate; secondary outcomes were loco-regional recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival. ResultsA total of 217 patients were identified; 117 were SS cases and 100 were DS cases. Baseline preoperative patient characteristics were similar between the two groups as there was no difference in mean Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (P = 0.07). There was no difference in tumor stage (P = 0.09) or nodal status (P = 0.31). Rates of positive margins were not significantly different (10.9% (SS) versus 9% (DS); P = 0.81), nor were rates of complications (11.1% (SS) versus 15% (DS); P = 0.42). Rates of locoregional recurrence were also not significantly different (1.7% (SS) versus 0% (DS); P = 0.5). Disease-free survival and overall survival were not significantly different at 1-y, 3-y, and 5-y time points (P = 0.20 and P = 0.23, respectively) although follow-up time was not sufficient for definitive analysis regarding survival. ConclusionsBoth SS and DS approaches to OPS have similar outcomes with regards to positive margin rates and surgical complication rates and are comparably safe.

Effect of Human Papillomavirus Subtype on the Rate of Positive Surgical Margin After Cervical Conization

Objective. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a risk factor for cervical carcinoma. Over 100 types of HPV have been identified. The excisional procedures are recommended for women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Surgical margin status is an important predictor of the risk of relapse. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether HPV genotype is a predictive factor of positive surgical margin after cervical cone excision. Materials and Methods. The records of 448 HPV-infected patients who underwent loop electrosurgical excision or cold knife conization at a tertiary gynecological cancer center were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 6 groups according to HPV positivity: HPV 16 only, HPV 18 only, HPV 16/18, other high-risk HPV (hrHPV), HPV 16/hrHPV, and HPV 18/hrHPV. Results. There was no significant difference between the HPV groups in terms of age, parity, menopausal status, endocervical canal involvement, conization method, and the rates of positive margin (P = .15, P = .49, P = .07, P = .20, P = .24, P = .39, respectively). Conclusion. The results show that HPV subtypes might not be associated with endocervical canal involvement and the rates of positive margin. In addition, margin status was not related to the conization method and the number of excised cervical tissue.

The Efficacy of Urinary Continence in Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy with Bladder-Prostatic Muscle Reconstruction and Bladder Neck Eversion Anastomosis.

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of bladder-prostatic muscle reconstruction and bladder neck eversion anastomosis in the recovery of urinary continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and Methods: From January 2020 to May 2022, 69 patients who underwent RARP in our hospital were recruited. Thirty-seven patients underwent RARP with the Veil of Aphrodite technique (control group). On the basis of the control group, 32 patients underwent bladder-prostatic muscle reconstruction and bladder neck eversion anastomosis during RARP (observation group). The recovery of urinary continence was followed up at 24 h and 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after catheter removal. Results: There were no significant differences in operative time (127.76 ± 21.23 min vs. 118.85 ± 24.71 min), blood loss (118.27 ± 16.75 mL vs. 110.77 ± 19.63 mL), rate of leakage (3.13% vs. 2.70%), rate of positive surgical margin (6.25% vs. 10.81%), or postoperative Gleason score [7 (6-8) vs. 7 (7-8)] between the observation group and the control group (p > 0.05). After catheter removal, the rates of urinary continence at 24 h, 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks were 46.88%, 68.75%, 84.38%, 90.63%, and 93.75% in the observation group, respectively. Meanwhile, the rates of urinary continence in the control group were 21.62%, 37.84%, 62.16%, 86.49%, and 91.89%, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.034), especially at 24 h, 1 week, and 4 weeks after catheter removal (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Bladder-prostatic muscle reconstruction and bladder neck eversion anastomosis were beneficial to the recovery of urinary continence after RARP, especially early urinary continence.

Salvage Retzius-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy: A Review of Complications, Functional Outcomes, and Oncologic Outcomes

(Background) Radiation failure for localized prostate cancer is seen in 20-60% of patients who do not undergo extirpative surgery. Though potentially curative, salvage prostatectomy (SS) has not been frequently performed historically due to high rates of complications and postoperative incontinence. With the advent of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, these rates appear to be improved. Retzius-sparing approaches have additionally been shown to improve continence outcomes in the index setting, and may further improve continence outcomes in salvage cases while maintaining oncologic integrity. (Methods) We performed a literature review and qualitative analysis of published papers on salvage Retzius-sparing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (SRS). Three studies met criteria and were included in analysis. (Results) There were more patients with Gleason Grade Group 1 disease after initial treatment in the SRS group vs. SS (22% vs. 8%). Patients most frequently underwent external beam radiation therapy in both groups (52% vs. 49%). 30-day complication rates were 10% and 26% for SRS and SS, respectively. Continence outcomes were significantly improved in SRS with 59% of continence (based on study criteria) compared to 38% in SS. Time to continence was similarly improved for SRS. Positive surgical margins and biochemical recurrence were not significantly different between SRS and SS in any study. (Conclusions) SRS is a safe and feasible option for salvage treatment of localized prostate cancer and may improve postoperative continence outcomes. Positive surgical margin and biochemical recurrence rates are similar to those reported in SS.

PD30 Radioactive Seed Localization And Radio-Guided Occult Lesion Localization For Non-Palpable Breast Cancer Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

IntroductionNon-palpable breast cancers require intraoperative localization to guide the surgical procedure. The radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) and radioactive seed localization (RSL) techniques use radioactive material (technetium-99m labeled macroaggregated albumin and iodine-125 seeds, respectively) implanted at the lesion site. The success of conservative surgery depends on complete tumor excision with negative surgical margins. The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the surgical effectiveness of the ROLL and RSL techniques with respect to rates of positive surgical margins, reoperation, and recurrence.MethodsA systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, LILACS, SciELO, and Web of Science databases was performed on 2 August 2021. A standard form was used to extract data from the studies selected in the screening process. The ROBINS-I tool was used to analyze risk of bias and RevMan 5.4 software was used to perform the meta-analysis.ResultsFour observational studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall evidence quality was moderate. The studies included women aged from 28 to 91 years with non-palpable breast cancer. The results demonstrated similar effectiveness between RSL and ROLL for rates of positive surgical margins (risk ratio [RR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50, 1.39; 763 patients) and reoperation (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.74; 1,550 patients). Regarding the rate of disease recurrence, RSL was superior to ROLL (RR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.87; 939 patients).ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that the ROLL and RSL techniques are equivalent with respect to rates of positive surgical margins and reoperation, although patients undergoing RSL had lower rates of disease recurrence. However, there is a tendency to favor the RSL technique because of the longer interval between implantation and surgery, which is possible due to the longer half-life of iodine-125 (59.4 days). This also means that radioactive seed implantation can occur before neoadjuvant chemotherapy, so the tumor bed remains marked if further interventions are required, obviating the need for another invasive procedure before surgery.

Machine learning methods applied to audit of surgical margins after curative surgery for facial (non-melanoma) skin cancer

We aimed to build a model to predict positive margin status after curative excision of facial non-melanoma skin cancer based on known risk factors that contribute to the complexity of the case mix. A pathology output of consecutive histology reports was requested from three oral and maxillofacial units in the south east of England. The dependent variable was a deep margin with peripheral margin clearance at a 0.5 mm threshold. A total of 3354 cases were analysed. Positivity of either the peripheral or deep margin for both squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was 15.4% at Unit 1, 21.1% at Unit 2, and 15.4% at Unit 3. Predictive models accounting for patient and tumour factors were developed using automated machine learning methods. The champion models demonstrated good discrimination for predicting margin status after excision of BCCs (AUROC = 0.67) and SCCs (AUROC = 0.71). We demonstrate that rates of positive excision margins of facial non-melanoma skin cancer (fNMSC), when adjusted by the risk prediction model, can be used to compare unit performance fairly once variations in tumour factors and patient factors are accounted for.

Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

The goal of the study was to compare laparoscopic and open radical cystectomy in treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer in the Department of Urology and Oncological Urology PUM in Szczecin. A total of 78 patients in the study group underwent laparoscopic cystectomy between 2016−2018, and 81 patients from the control group had open cystectomy between 2014−2016. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, stage, and concomitant diseases. The 3 year overall survival was comparable in both groups (37.7% for laparoscopy and 44.4% for open, p = 0.64). There was no difference in positive surgical margin rate. Lymph node yield during cystectomy was higher in open cystectomy (14 vs. 11.5, p = 0.001). Post-operative blood loss and transfusion rates were lower in laparoscopic cystectomy. Decrease in hemoglobin level was lower in laparoscopy (0.9 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Intraoperative transfusion rate was 11.8% in laparoscopy vs. 34.8% in open cystectomy (p = 0.002). Operation time, duration of hospitalisation, and time to full oral alimentation were comparable in both groups. Patients with BMI > 30 kg/m2 and those with pT3-T4 cancer in the laparoscopy group had less septic complications post-operatively. Patients with ASA score ≥ 3 from the laparoscopy group had fewer reoperations due to ileus. Laparoscopic cystectomy is less invasive and offers similar oncological outcomes to the open method. Patients benefit from less tissue trauma, less blood loss, and faster recovery. The presented results, as well as other publications, should encourage a wider use of this procedure in everyday urological practice.

Comparison of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with soft coagulation and double-layer technique for complex and non-complex tumors.

To compare the postoperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy when only the inner layer is sutured (single-layer technique with soft coagulation) with those when sutures are placed in the inner and outer layers (double-layer technique) in patients with and without complex renal tumors. This retrospective three-institution study included 371 patients with renal tumors who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with a double-layer technique or a single-layer technique with soft coagulation. Tumors that were cT1b, completely embedded, located in the renal portal, or had a RENAL score of ≥10 were considered complex. Relevant data were collected from hospital records. Propensity score matching was performed to minimize selection bias. Propensity score matching created 83 patient pairs with non-complex tumors and 32 with complex tumors. Regardless of tumor complexity, there was no significant difference in operation time, console time, warm ischemia time, positive surgical margin rate, or length of hospital stay between the double-layer and single-layer groups. Although Clavien-Dindo grade I-II urinomas not requiring intervention were significantly more common in the single-layer group regardless of tumor complexity, there was no significant between-group difference in the rate of decline in renal function or grade III-IV complications. Single-layer suturing with soft coagulation achieves renal function and perioperative outcomes comparable to those of double-layer suturing regardless of complexity.

Retzius-sparing vs. standard robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for clinically localised prostate cancer: a comparative study.

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is not yet universally accepted due to still limited functional data and some concerns on oncological safety compared to the standard one. We assessed perioperative, pathological and early functional outcomes in patients with clinically localised prostate cancer treated with Retzius-sparing versus standard RARP. A single-surgeon cohort of 207 consecutive patients undergoing RARP was analysed. A later study group of 102 patients receiving the Retzius-sparing approach was compared with an earlier control group of 105 patients receiving the standard one. Urinary continence recovery 1 week after catheter removal was the primary study outcome. Urinary continence recovery 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after catheter removal, potency recovery 6 months postoperatively, rate of perioperative complications and positive surgical margins were secondary study outcomes. Patients in the study group reported significantly higher urinary continence recovery rates 1 week (91.2% vs. 54.3%, p < 0.001), 1 month (92.2% vs. 66.7%, p < 0.001), 2 months (95.1% vs. 74.3%, p < 0.001), 3 months (96.1% vs. 83.8%, p = 0.01), but not 6 months (97% vs 90.5%, p = 0.09) after catheter removal compared to controls. Potency recovery rates 6 months after catheter removal were significantly higher in the study than the control group (68.2% vs 51.6%, p = 0.03). On multivariable analyses, the Retzius-sparing approach was an independent predictor of 1-week urinary continence recovery, but not of 6-month potency recovery. There were significant differences neither in perioperative complication rate (9.8% in the study vs. 14.3% in the control group, p = 0.28) nor in positive surgical margin rate (9.8% in the study vs. 8.6% in the control group, p = 0.75). In a comparative study, we observed a significant improvement in immediate urinary continence, but not in early potency recovery, using the Retzius-sparing compared to the standard approach for RARP, with no increase in perioperative complication and positive surgical margin rate.

Initial Experience With Trans-anal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) for Rectal Polyps and Early Colorectal Cancers at Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the United Kingdom in 2019. Total mesorectal excision is the standard procedure for the removal of rectal tumors, however, it comes with serious side effects. Therefore,less invasive procedures and sphincter preservation techniques have been developed, like conventional trans-anal excision, and trans-anal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). In 2010, trans-anal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) was introduced as an alternative to TEM, which offers the same benefits as TEM but at a lower cost and without the need for specialized instrumentation. This study aims to assess the practicability and safety of this technique and to report its findings. Methods:Retrospective data of all patients who underwentTAMIS at Cumberland Infirmary (Carlisle, UK) from July 2017 to July 2022 for large benign rectal polyps or early rectal cancer were collected. Variables collected included patients' age, gender, number of procedures per year, perioperative outcome, and histopathology outcome. The SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for both descriptive andinferentialanalyses of the data. During a five-year period, 42 patients underwent TAMIS at Cumberland Infirmary. The primary indication for TAMIS was distal rectal lesions, large rectal polyps up to 120 mm, and early rectal cancer (T1). The median age of the assessed patients at the time of surgery was 71 years with 64.29% (27) male and 35.71% (15) female. The mean operating time was 123 minutes (range 45 to 240 minutes). The surgical and pathological outcome included a mean polyp size of 6 cm (+/- 0.8 cm), a rate of specimen fragmentation at 19.04% (n=8), and a rate of positive margins at 04.76% (n=2), whereas histology of 73.81% (n=31) was tubulovillous adenoma and 11.91% (n=5) was adenocarcinoma. There was no 30-day postoperative mortality, however, the 30-day re-operation rate was 02.39% (n=1) and the recurrence rate which needed further intervention was 26.19% (n=11). Our findings suggest that TAMIS produces positive results. The size of the lesions removed, and the effect of an early learning curve are reflected in the rate of specimen fragmentation and polyp recurrence. Nonetheless, TAMIS is a safe and effective alternative to total mesorectal excision for certain types of rectal lesions and should be used for more proximal and complex rectal lesions.

Medial versus lateral camera port placement for robotic nephron-sparing surgery: evaluating surgical complications and outcomes.

As the growing popularity of robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures for the treatment of renal cancer increases, there exists a variation in surgical technique among institutions and surgeons alike. One variation that exists in robotics is the anatomical placement of the camera port (medial versus lateral camera port placement). The purpose of this study is to evaluate surgical complications and outcomes in comparison to site of camera port placement during nephron-sparing surgery in an academic setting. Over a three-year period, outcomes for all robotic surgeries for renal cancer were examined. A total of 229 cases were discovered. Patient demographics and comorbidities were analyzed along with perioperative surgical data including location of camera port, surgery length, warm ischemia time, blood loss, pathological tumor margins, tumor size, length of stay and laboratory data. 134 patients had surgery performed with lateral camera port placement versus 95 patients with medial camera port placement. Operative time was significantly lower with an average operative time of 165.8min for the lateral group versus 209.1min in the medial group (p < 0. 0001). Warm ischemia time was also less in the lateral group with an average of 11min versus 15.5min for the medial group (p < 0. 0001).Blood loss was less in the lateral camera port group with an average of 158.2mL (± 196.5mL) versus 248.6mL in the medial group (± 252.6) (p = 0.0040). Drain use, positive surgical margin rate, transfusion rate, conversion to radical nephrectomy, change in pre-operative versus postoperative creatinine and glomerular filtration rate and length of hospital stay did not statistically differ. Lateral camera port placement is associated with decreased operative time and warm ischemia time in this series. There may be certain laparoscopic advantages through a better visualization of surgical anatomy, thus allowing for faster extirpation of renal lesions and decrease in surgical time. These advantages may result in better long-term renal function and decreased clinical sequela from chronic kidney disease.

Tumor extent impacts survival benefit in minimally invasive colectomy for T4 colon cancer: A propensity matched national cohort analysis.

T4 colon cancers have been underrepresented in randomized trials comparing minimally invasive colectomy (MC) versus open colectomy (OC). Retrospective studies suggest improved survival with MC versus OC, but have not addressed the impact of tumor extent. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we analyzed patients undergoing colectomy for T4 colon adenocarcinoma from 2010 to 2014. Propensity score matching was performed between MC and OC patients. Tumor extent was defined by zones based on adjacent organ involvement. Of the 19 178 eligible patients, 6564 (34%) underwent MC. After matching, MC was associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratios: 0.71, 95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.76; median OS 59 vs. 42 months, p < 0.001). Compared to MC patients, those undergoing OC had: a higher margin positive rate (p = 0.009); lower median nodes examined (p < 0.001); a lower rate of adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001); and a longer median time to chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Stratified survival analyses demonstrated that MC was associated with improved overall survival compared to OC in all zones except zone 3 and 4. Compared to OC, MC for T4 colon cancer is associated with improved oncologic outcomes when performed for zone 0-2 tumors. For, zone 3 and 4 tumors MC and OC have similar oncologic outcomes and patients should be cautiously selected.

The impact of intraoperative cavity shaving on re-excision rates in breast-conserving surgery.

This trial aimed to investigate the effects of circumferential shaving on reducing the reoperation rates during breast-conserving surgery (BCS). In the study, before 2014, 404 (39.9%) breast cancers (BCs) out of a total of 1012 BCs underwent BCS without intraoperative cavity shaving (ICS) and constituted the no-ICS group. After this date, ICS was added to 608 (60.1%) BCSs (ICS group)and intraoperative margin analysis was not requested from pathologists during these second BCS procedures. The patient and BC characteristics in the no-ICS and ICS groups were similar. Carcinoma detection at the margin and reoperation rates were 13.9% in the no-ICS group and 7.6% in the ICS group (p = 0.001). No significant difference was detected between patients who underwent BCS with intraoperative frozen section analysis (FSA) and patients who underwent BCS with additional ICS (5.6% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.383). ICS decreased the rates of positive margins and reoperations among patients with BCS to an acceptable level compared with intraoperative FSA. It may be concluded that ICS is feasible to achieve BC margin control.

The Impact of intra-abdominal Pressure on Perioperative Outcomes in Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on perioperative outcomes in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science, Embase, and CNKI databases systematically, and the retrieval date was from the inception of the databases to April 2022. Randomized controlled trials on high intraabdominal pressure (HIAP) and low intraabdominal pressure (LIAP) in RARP were included. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3). Six studies involving 2,271 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with patients who experienced HIAP, those who experienced LIAP had a lower incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) (risk ratio (RR): 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24 to 0.72; p = 0.002). However, there were no significant differences in hematoma (RR 2.22; 95% CI, 0.61 to 8.15; p = 0.23), positive margin rate (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.32; p = 0.64), urinary retention (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.94; p = 0.98), operative time (mean difference (MD), -0.36; 95% CI, -12.24 to 6.12; p = 0.51), or intraoperative blood loss (MD, -21.80; 95% CI, -55.28 to 11.68; p = 0.20) among patients undergoing LIAP and HIAP. Our study of published trials indicates that using LIAP during RARP may reduce the incidence of POI, and there were no differences in terms of hematoma, positive margin rate, urinary retention, operative time, or intraoperative blood loss.

Clinical Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes on Neoadjuvant Hormone Therapy before Laparoscopic and Robot-Assisted Surgery for Localized High-Risk Prostate Cancer in a Chinese Cohort.

To analyze the perioperative outcomes of neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NHT) before laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery for localized high-risk prostate cancer in a Chinese cohort. The clinical data of 385 patients with localized high-risk prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) in our hospital from January 2019 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, including 168 patients with preoperative NHT and 217 patients with simple surgery. Clinical characteristics were compared in the above two groups, the laparoscopic RP (LRP) cohort (n = 234) and the robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) cohort (n = 151), respectively. In the overall cohort, compared with the control group, the NHT group had a shorter operative time, less blood loss, a lower positive surgical margin rate, and a higher proportion of Gleason score (GS) downgrading after the operation (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in hospitalization time, biochemical recurrence, urine leakage, urinary continence, or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival (p > 0.05). In the LRP cohort, it was found that the NHT group also had shorter operative time, less blood loss, lower positive surgical margin rate, a higher proportion of GS downgrading after the operation, and faster recovery of urinary control than the control group (p < 0.05). There was no marked difference in hospitalization time, biochemical recurrence, urinary leakage, or PSA progression-free survival. However, in the RALP cohort, the NHT group had a significant difference in the GS downgrading after the operation compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In the overall cohort, multiple analyses showed that initial PSA level, GS at biopsy, clinical T stage, lymph node invasion, use of NHT, and surgical methods were significantly associated with positive surgical margin (p < 0.05) while NHT did not account for biochemical recurrence (p > 0.05). NHT can lower the difficulty of surgery, reduce positive surgical margin rate, and help recovery in short-term urinary control in patients with high-risk prostate cancer after LRP. However, we do not have evidence on the benefit of NHT in high-risk PCa patients treated with RALP. For these patients, surgery can be performed as early as possible.

MRI versus non-MRI diagnostic pathways before radical prostatectomy: Impact on nerve-sparing, positive surgical margins, and biochemical recurrence

PurposeMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to biopsy has improved detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (CaP), but its impact on surgical outcomes is less well established. We compared MRI vs. non-MRI diagnostic pathways among patients receiving radical prostatectomy (RP) for impact on surgical outcomes. Materials and methodsMen diagnosed with CaP and receiving RP at Loyola University Medical Center (2014–2021) were categorized into MRI or non-MRI diagnostic pathways based on receipt of MRI before prostate biopsy. Primary outcomes of interest included positive surgical margin (PSM) rates, the performance of bilateral nerve-sparing, and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Multivariable logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards regression were employed. ResultsOf 609 patients, 281 (46.1%) were in the MRI and 328 (53.9%) in the non-MRI groups. MRI patients had similar PSA, biopsy grade group (GG) distribution, RP GG, pT stage, and RP CaP volume compared to non-MRI patients. PSM rates were not statistically different for the MRI vs. non-MRI groups (22.8% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.25). Bilateral nerve-sparing rates were higher for the MRI vs. non-MRI groups (OR 1.95 (95%CI 1.32–2.88), P = 0.001). The MRI group demonstrated improved BCR (HR 0.64 (95%CI 0.41–0.99), P = 0.04) after adjustment for age, PSA, RP GG, pT, pN, and PSM status. On meta-analysis, a 5.2% PSM reduction was observed but high heterogeneity for use of nerve-sparing. ConclusionsAn MRI-based diagnostic approach selected patients for RP with a small reduction in PSM rates, greater utilization of bilateral nerve-sparing, and improved cancer control by BCR compared to a non-MRI approach even after adjustment for known prognostic factors.

Open Versus Laparoscopic Surgery in the Management of Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Laparoscopic surgery is considered a standard treatment for benign adrenal tumors; however, no consensus has been reached on the optimal resection technique for adrenocortical carcinomas. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery and open surgery in the management of adrenocortical carcinoma. The Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles from inception to May 2022, by two independent reviewers using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The review was registered prospectively on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022316050). From 183 studies screened, 11 studies met the eligibility criteria, with a total of 1617 patients with adrenocortical carcinoma undergoing either laparoscopic surgery (n = 472) or open surgery (n = 1145). Open surgery demonstrated a lower rate of positive resection margin compared with laparoscopic surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-2.10; I2 = 0%). Additionally, open surgery had more favorable overall survival (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44-0.72; I2 = 0%) and recurrence-free rates (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42-0.85; I2 = 38%) than laparoscopic surgery at 3years. Hospital stay was shorter for laparoscopic surgery than open surgery (mean difference - 2.49days, 95% CI - 2.95 to - 2.04; I2 = 45%). Open surgery should still be considered the standard operative approach; however, laparoscopic surgery could be regarded as an effective and safe operation for selected adrenocortical carcinoma cases with appropriate laparoscopic expertise. Further randomized controlled studies with tumor stage- and resection margin-dependent survival analysis are necessary to ascertain the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

A side-specific nomogram for extraprostatic extension may reduce the positive surgical margin rate in radical prostatectomy.

Nomograms predicting side-specific extraprostatic extension (EPE) may be applied to reduce positive surgical margin (PSM) rates in patients planned for radical prostatectomy (RP). This study evaluates the impact of implementing an externally validated nomogram for side-specific EPE on PSM rate and degree of nerve-sparing. In patients planned for RP, the side-specific nomogram predictions (based on MRI, ISUP grade group, and PSA density), with an advised threshold of 20% for safe nerve-sparing, were presented preoperatively to the urological surgeon. The surgeon completed a survey before RP about the planning with respect to side-specific nerve-sparing and change of management due to the result of the nomogram. PSM rates and degree of nerve-sparing were compared to a retrospective control group treated in the months prior to the introduction of the nomogram. A total of 100 patients were included, 50 patients in both groups representing 200 prostate lobes. Of the patients, 37% had histologically confirmed EPE, and 40% a PSM. In 12% of the 100 lobes planned after nomogram presentation, a change in management due to the nomogram was reported. A per-prostate lobe analysis of all the lobes showed comparable rates of full nerve-sparing (45% vs. 30%; p = 0.083) and lower rates of PSM on the lobes with histological EPE (45% vs. 85%; p < 0.05) in the intervention (nomogram) group versus the control group. Implementing a predictive nomogram for side-specific EPE in the surgical planning for nerve-sparing leads to lower rates PSM on the side of the histological EPE without compromising nerve-sparing.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Initial outcomes of 500 cases.

We aimed to present our experience of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). The study was a retrospective review of 500 patients who underwent RARP between March 2015 and July 2021 in our clinic. A transperitoneal approach was used in all patients. All patients had clinically organ-confined prostate cancer (≤ cT2c). The mean age of the patients was 64.6 ± 5.7 years. The median PSA was 11.4 ng/dL (range 0.3-92.7). The mean operative time was 183.5 min. Positive surgical margin rate was 19.4%. During a mean follow-up of 23.5 months, 96 patients (19.2%) received adjuvant radiotherapy due to the biochemical recurrence and 28 patients (16%) with lymph node positivity received early adjuvant hormone therapy. Considering the continence rates, 69% of the patients were total continence in the 3rd month, while this rate increased to 83 in the 6th month and 91% in the 12th month. RARP is a safe and feasible method for experienced centers with patient comfort, surgeon comfort, and successful oncological and functional results.

Financial Toxicity After Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Its Relation with Oncologic, Functional Outcomes.

The aim of the study was to evaluate frequency of financial toxicity among patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Data of 1,479 robot-assisted radical prostatectomy patients between 2006-2021 reporting no financial toxicity in preoperative assessments were included retrospectively. Financial toxicity was measured with financial impact of European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-quality of life questionnaire-C30. Financial impact scores were collected preoperatively, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. The frequency of financial toxicity was 8.3% (122/1379; 95% CI 7.0-9.8) at any point in time throughout 2 years of follow-up. Patients reporting financial toxicity (63 [58-68]) were significantly younger than patients who had no financial toxicity (65 [61-69]; P = .001). There was no statistically significant difference between financial toxicity+ and financial toxicity- groups in terms of salvage radiotherapy (P = .8) and positive surgical margin (P = .2) rates. In functional assessments, clinically significant International Prostate Symptom Score and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form score increase of financial toxicity+ patients (34% and 62%) were more frequent than financial toxicity- patients (23% and 47%; P = .004 and P = .002, respectively). In multivariable analysis, age at robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, International Prostate Symptom Score, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, and quality of life scores were associated with financial toxicity (P < .001, OR 0.95 [95% CI 0.92-0.98]; P = .015, OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.2-4.7]; P = .032, OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.2-2.5]; P = .01, OR 0.09 [95% CI 0.01-0.57], respectively). Patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy before retirement (≤65 years) had a 1.6-fold increased financial toxicity risk (P = .003, 95% CI 1.1-2.3). Financial toxicity after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is low in mid-term follow-up. Patients who report urological symptoms after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy should also be evaluated for financial toxicity. Required measures against financial toxicity should be taken especially in the follow-up of younger cancer survivors.