Andrew Sun

Venous thromboembolism following radical cystectomy: significant predictors, comparison of different anticoagulants and timing of events.

PURPOSE We determined the rate, timing and predictors of venous thromboembolism after open radical cystectomy for urothelial bladder cancer. We also compared the use of warfarin (1971 to 2008) and unfractionated heparin (2008 to 2012) as prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 2,316 patients who underwent open radical cystectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection for urothelial bladder cancer with intent to cure at our institution between 1971 and 2012. The rate and timing of symptomatic venous thromboembolism that developed within 3 months of surgery was calculated in the cohort. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to find significant predictors of symptomatic venous thromboembolism and compare the warfarin based and heparin based prophylaxis protocols. RESULTS A total of 109 symptomatic venous thromboembolism cases developed for a rate of 4.7%, including 2.1% for deep vein thrombosis and 2.6% for pulmonary embolism. Of these cases 57.8% developed after discharge home at a median of 20 days postoperatively (range 2 to 91). Four significant predictors of venous thromboembolism were identified, including body mass index (p = 0.0015), surgical margins (p = 0.025), diversion type (p = 0.023) and hospitalization duration (p <0.0001). Use of prophylactic heparin vs warfarin was not a significant predictor (p = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS Venous thromboembolism remains a significant complication of open radical cystectomy. Using an in-house, heparin based anticoagulation protocol consistent with current AUA (American Urological Association) guidelines has not decreased the rate of venous thromboembolism compared to historical warfarin use. On closer evaluation most venous thromboembolism cases in our population occurred after discharge home. Future studies are needed to establish the benefits of extended duration venous thromboembolism prophylaxis regimens that cover the critical post-hospitalization period.

Novel training methods for robotic surgery.

Objectives: The objectives of this review are to summarize the current training modalities and assessment tools used in urological robotic surgery and to propose principles to guide the formation of a comprehensive robotics curriculum. Materials and Methods: The PUBMED database was systematically searched for relevant articles and their citations utilized to broaden our search. These articles were reviewed and summarized with a focus on novel developments. Results: A multitude of training modalities including didactic, dry lab, wet lab, and virtual reality have been developed. The use of these modalities can be divided into basic skills-based exercises and more advanced procedure-based exercises. Clinical training has largely followed traditional methods of surgical teaching with the exception of the unique development of tele-mentoring for the da Vinci interface. Tools to assess both real-life and simulator performance have been developed, including adaptions from Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill, and novel tools such as Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills. Conclusions: The use of these different entities to create a standardized curriculum for robotic surgery remains elusive. Selection of training modalities and assessment tools should be based upon performance data-based validity and practical feasibility. Comparative assessment of different modalities (cross-modality validity) can help strengthen the development of common skill sets. Constant data collection must occur to guide continuing curriculum improvement.

Robot-assisted ureteral reconstruction – current status and future directions

Robotic surgery in the treatment in certain urological diseases has become a mainstay. With the increasing use of the robotic platform, some surgeries which were historically performed open have transitioned to a minimally invasive technique. Recently, the robotic approach has become more utilized for ureteral reconstruction. In this article, the authors review the surgical techniques for a number of major ureteral reconstuctive surgeries and briefly discuss the outcomes reported in the literature.

PD22-10 PENILE PROSTHESIS IN SOLID ORGAN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS – A MATCHED COHORT STUDY

device infections. The coatings primarily target coagulasenegative Staphylococcus species. Traditionally, these organisms have been implicated in the majority of implant infections. We desired to ascertain the spectrum of bacterial species responsible for implant infections in the era following the widespread adoption of infection-retardant coated devices METHODS: The study cohort was derived from two prospective databases of patients undergoing penile implant surgery from two highvolume centers between February, 2004 and July, 2016. Included were those patients undergoing primary implant placement, revision surgery, and external referrals for management of an infected implant. Descriptive data included: patient age, comorbidities, first-time or revision surgery, and the organisms causing infection. Over the last 10 years, both centers have pursued an aggressive policy of performing salvage surgery. Patients who are not candidates for salvage surgery include those with systemic toxicity, purulence, cellulitis, a systemic inflammatory response, and significant soft tissue or urethral destruction. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 39 patients, including 12 (2.8%) infections following 430 primary implant surgeries, 20 (5.5%) infections following 365 revision surgeries and 6 patients with infected implants referred from external sources (3 primary and 3 revision). Average patient age was 64.2 +/6.7 years. Table 1 depicts the spectrum of organisms encountered. There were no differences between the groups in terms of comorbidities. Based upon the criteria above, only 18 (46%) patients were candidates for salvage surgery, of which 12 (67%) were successful. CONCLUSIONS: The spectrum of bacterial species causing penile implant infections has changed in the era of infection-retardant coated devices. Contemporary infections are much more likely to be caused by Staph. aureus, and nearly 50% of infections are caused by gram negative bacteria. The aggressive nature of these bacteria limits the number of patients who are candidates for salvage surgery, and reduces the likelihood of an infected patient undergoing successful salvage surgery.