Keith Rourke

Associations Among Age, Comorbidity and Clinical Outcomes After Radical Cystectomy: Results From the Alberta Urology Institute Radical Cystectomy Database

PURPOSE We determined the associations among age, comorbidity and clinical outcomes after radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was a retrospective cohort analysis of 314 consecutive patients with primary bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy between January 2000 and December 2006 in Edmonton, Canada. Comorbidity was obtained through a medical record review using the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 instrument. The main clinical outcomes were 90-day mortality, early postoperative complications, and major and minor early postoperative complications. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine predictors of clinical outcomes. RESULTS The 90-day mortality, any early postoperative complications, and major and minor early postoperative complications occurred in 18 (5.7%), 148 (47.1%), 78 (24.8%) and 92 (29.3%) patients, respectively. In univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis age was not associated with 90-day mortality or early postoperative complications. In contrast, compared to patients with no or mild comorbidity, multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and surgeon procedure volume showed that severe comorbidity was associated with an increased risk of 90-day mortality (OR 6.4, p = 0.03). In addition, compared to patients with no or mild comorbidity, multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, surgeon procedure volume, type of urinary tract reconstruction and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage showed that moderate and severe comorbidity were associated with any early postoperative complications (moderate OR 5.2, p <0.001; severe OR 7.0, p <0.001), major early postoperative complications (moderate OR 11.4, p <0.001; severe OR 15.2, p <0.001) and minor early postoperative complications (moderate OR 2.1, p = 0.019; severe OR 2.2, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS Increasing comorbidity was independently associated with an increased risk of 90-day mortality and early postoperative complications after radical cystectomy.

Effect of wound closure on buccal mucosal graft harvest site morbidity: results of a randomized prospective trial.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of closure versus nonclosure of the buccal mucosal graft harvest site in men undergoing bulbar urethroplasty in a randomized prospective study. The optimal postoperative management of the buccal mucosal graft donor site remains unknown. METHODS A total of 50 consecutive patients were randomized to either donor site closure or leaving the donor site open. Postoperatively, questionnaires assessing pain, diet, salivation, perioral sensation, and mouth opening were completed daily for the first week and then monthly for 6 months. The primary endpoint was postoperative oral pain. The secondary endpoints were the interval to a regular diet, perioral numbness, changes in salivation, and interval to full mouth opening. RESULTS Of the 50 patients, 24 and 26 were randomized to the open and closed groups, respectively. The early postoperative pain scores demonstrated a trend favoring the nonclosure group until day 3 (4.1 vs 2.2; P=.07). At 6 months, no difference was found in the pain scores between the 2 groups (0.2 vs 0.3; P=.63). The return to a regular diet also favored the nonclosure group (70.8% vs 19.2% on day 1; P=.01) as did the return to full mouth opening (79.1% vs 15.3% on day 1; P=.001). Nonclosure resulted in less early perioral numbness (62.5% vs 92.3% on day 1; P=.008) and reduced the occurrence of bothersome numbness at 6 months (4.2% vs 23.2%; P=.05). CONCLUSION The results of the present randomized prospective trial suggest that leaving the buccal mucosa graft harvest site open leads to lower reported early pain scores, an earlier return to a full diet, an earlier return to full mouth opening, and a decrease in bothersome perioral numbness at 6 months postoperatively.

Associations Between Comorbidity, and Overall Survival and Bladder Cancer Specific Survival After Radical Cystectomy: Results From the Alberta Urology Institute Radical Cystectomy Database

PURPOSE We determined the associations between comorbidity, and overall survival and bladder cancer specific survival after radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Alberta Urology Institute Radical Cystectomy database is an ongoing multi-institutional computerized database containing data on all adult patients with a diagnosis of primary bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy in Edmonton, Canada from April 1994 forward. The current study is an analysis of consecutive database patients treated between April 1994 and September 2007. Comorbidity information was obtained through a medical record review using the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation 27 instrument. The outcome measures were overall survival and bladder cancer specific survival. Cox proportional regression analysis was used to determine the associations between comorbidity, and overall survival and bladder cancer specific survival. RESULTS Of the database patients 160 (34%), 225 (48%) and 83 (18%) had no/mild comorbidity, moderate comorbidity and severe comorbidity, respectively. Compared to patients with no or mild comorbidity, multivariate Cox proportional regression analyses that included age, adjuvant chemotherapy, surgeon procedure volume, pathological T stage, pathological lymph node status, total number of lymph nodes removed, surgical margin status and lymphovascular invasion showed that increased comorbidity was independently associated with overall survival (moderate HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.16-2.18, p = 0.004; severe HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.22-2.72, p = 0.003) and bladder cancer specific survival (moderate HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04-2.15, p = 0.028; severe HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.04-2.62, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS Increased comorbidity was independently associated with an increased risk of overall mortality and bladder cancer specific mortality after radical cystectomy.

Male Urethral Stricture: American Urological Association Guideline

Purpose: The purpose of this Guideline is to provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of male urethral stricture. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature using the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases (search dates 1/1/1990 to 12/1/2015) was conducted to identify peer‐reviewed publications relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of urethral stricture. The review yielded an evidence base of 250 articles after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. These publications were used to create the Guideline statements. Evidence‐based statements of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendation were developed based on benefits and risks/burdens to patients. Additional guidance is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinion when insufficient evidence existed. Results: The Panel identified the most common scenarios seen in clinical practice related to the treatment of urethral strictures. Guideline statements were developed to aid the clinician in optimal evaluation, treatment, and follow‐up of patients presenting with urethral strictures. Conclusions: Successful treatment of male urethral stricture requires selection of the appropriate endoscopic or surgical procedure based on anatomic location, length of stricture, and prior interventions. Routine use of imaging to assess stricture characteristics will be required to apply evidence based recommendations, which must be applied with consideration of patient preferences and personal goals. As scientific knowledge relevant to urethral stricture evolves and improves, the strategies presented here will be amended to remain consistent with the highest standards of clinical care.

Stricture length and etiology as preoperative independent predictors of recurrence after urethroplasty: A multivariate analysis of 604 urethroplasties

INTRODUCTION We determine the preoperative identifiable risk factors during staging that predict stricture recurrence after urethroplasty. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of all urethroplasties performed at a Canadian tertiary referral centre from 2003 to 2012. Failure was defined as a recurrent stricture <16 Fr on cystoscopic assessment. Multivariate analysis was calculated by Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS In total, 604 of 651 (93%) urethroplasties performed had adequate data with a mean follow-up of 52 months. Overall urethral patency was 90.7% with failures occurring between 2 weeks and 77 months postoperatively. The average time to recurrence was 11.7 months, with most patients with recurrence within 6 months (42/56; 75%). Multivariate regression identified Lichen sclerosus, iatrogenic, and infectious etiologies to be independently associated with stricture recurrence with hazard ratios (HR) (95% confidence interval) of 5.9 (2.1-16.5; p ≤ 0.001), 3.4 (1.2-10; p = 0.02), and 7.3 (2.3-23.7; p ≤ 0.001), respectively. Strictures ≥5cm recurred significantly more often (13.8% vs. 5.9%) with a HR 2.3 (1.2-4.5; p ≤ 0.01). Comorbidities, smoking, previous urethroplasty, stricture location and an age ≥50 were not associated with recurrence. CONCLUSION Urethroplasty in general is an excellent treatment for urethral stricture with patency rates approaching 91%. While recurrences occur over 6 years after surgery, most (75%) recur within the first 6 months. Long segment strictures (≥5 cm), as well as Lichen sclerosus, infectious and iatrogenic etiologies, are associated with increased risk of recurrence. Limitations include the retrospective, single-centre nature of the study and the 7% loss to follow-up due to the centre being a regional referral one.

SIU/ICUD Consultation on Urethral Strictures: Evaluation and follow-up.

For the 2010 International Consultation on Urethral Strictures, all available published data relating to the evaluation and follow-up of patients with anterior urethral stricture or posterior urethral stenosis were reviewed and evaluated. Selected manuscripts were classified by Level of Evidence using previously established criteria. Consensus was achieved through group discussion, and formal recommendations were established and graded on the basis of levels of evidence and expert opinion. Retrograde urethrography remains the de facto standard for the evaluation of patients with urethral stricture. It can readily be combined with voiding cystourethrography to achieve a synergistic evaluation of the entire urethra, and this approach is currently recommended as the optimal method for pretreatment staging. Cystoscopy is recommended as the most specific procedure for the diagnosis of urethral stricture and is a useful adjunct in the staging of anterior urethral stricture, particularly to confirm abnormal or equivocal findings on imaging studies. Cystoscopy is also an important modality for assessing the bladder neck and posterior urethra in the setting of a pelvic fracture-related urethral injury. Although urethrography and cystoscopy remain the principle forms of assessment of the patient with urethral stricture, additional adjuncts include uroflowmetry, symptom scores, quality of life assessments, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. These modalities might be helpful to further evaluate patients in select circumstances or provide a less invasive approach to monitoring outcomes after surgical treatment. Further research is needed to establish consensus opinion as to the definition of success after urethroplasty and to develop standardized patient outcome measures.

Revision Urethroplasty Success Is Comparable to Primary Urethroplasty: A Comparative Analysis

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and complications of revision urethroplasty compared with urethroplasty-naïve controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of 534 urethroplasties performed by a single surgeon from August 2003 to March 2011. Patient age, stricture length, location, etiology, comorbidities, and type of surgery were recorded. Statistical comparison between the revision cohort and urethroplasty-naïve group were made using Fisher, χ(2), and unpaired t tests, with significance at P < .05 (2-tailed). The primary outcome was urethral patency assessed by cystoscopy. Secondary (subjective) outcome measures included erectile dysfunction, pain, urinary tract infection, or chordee at 6 months. RESULTS A total of 476 patients met inclusion criteria with completed cystoscopic follow-up. Previous urethroplasty had failed in 49 patients (10.3%). Patients undergoing revision urethroplasty were more likely to have stricture in the penile urethra (22.4%; P = .001), to have strictures exceeding 4 cm in length (71.4% vs 54.3%; P = .023), and to require tissue transfer (83.6% vs 65.1%; P = .010). Urethral patency rates did not differ significantly between naïve and revision urethroplasty cohorts, with a mean follow-up of 49.9 months (94.6% vs 91.8%; P = .518). The revision group had a higher incidence of chordee (2.7% vs 14.3%; P = .001) and urinary tract infection (3.5% vs 10.2%; P = .04). The rates of erectile dysfunction, scrotal pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, and incontinence did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Revision urethroplasty is an effective treatment option for recurrent stricture after urethroplasty and is comparable to results in urethroplasty-naïve patients. Patients undergoing revision urethroplasty are more likely to require tissue transfer and experience higher rates of chordee and urinary tract infection.

Better Defining the Spectrum of Adult Hypospadias: Examining the Effect of Childhood Surgery on Adult Presentation

OBJECTIVE To describe the spectrum of adult presentations with hypospadias-related complications and examine the effect of childhood surgical repair on these adult presentations. METHODS A retrospective chart review over a 10-year period, from August 2004 to December 2014, demonstrated 93 adult patients who presented to a reconstructive urologist with complications related to hypospadias. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with no prior hypospadias surgery (Group 1, N = 19) and those who underwent surgical correction as a child (Group 2, N = 74). Charts were reviewed for age at presentation, initial complaints, history of repair, and surgical intervention required. RESULTS The mean age at presentation was 34.6 ± 0.6 years. Overall, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (49%) was the most common presenting complaint, followed by spraying (24%), urethrocutaneous fistula (18%), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) (15%), and chordee (14%). Comparison demonstrated that Group 2 patients were more likely to present with LUTS (55% vs 26%; P = .038) and recurrent UTIs (19% vs 0%; P = .050). There was a trend toward Group 1 patients presenting more commonly with cosmetic dissatisfaction (16% vs 4%; P = .06). Urethral stricture was demonstrated more commonly in Group 2 (47% vs 11%; P = .0043). Of these, strictures were significantly longer in the previous surgery group (5.5 ± 0.6 cm vs 3.0 ± 0.6 cm, P = .019). CONCLUSION Correction of hypospadias as a child likely increases the future risk of urethral stricture, recurrent UTIs, and subsequent LUTS, with a trend toward improving patient satisfaction with cosmesis compared to nonsurgical management. Follow-up of hypospadias repair patients should extend into adulthood, as a significant portion of adult presentations ultimately require surgical intervention.

Imaging of urethral stricture disease

Accurate imaging of urethral strictures is critical for preoperative staging and planning of reconstruction. The current gold standard, retrograde urethrography (RUG), allows for accurate diagnosis, staging, and delineation of urethral strictures, and remains a cornerstone in the management of urethral stricture disease. In complex situations, the RUG can be combined with voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) in order to better visualize the posterior urethra or complex distraction defects. Direct visualization of the stricture by cystoscopy, either retrograde or antegrade, can provide additional information as to the location and appearance of stricture, as well as precise location on fluoroscopic imaging. Sonourethrography (SU) is a useful adjunct to allow for three-dimensional assessment of stricture length and location, and can be a useful intraoperative assessment tool, however, its use remains limited to a second-line setting. Cross-sectional imaging in the form of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance urethrography can provide additional three-dimensional information of anatomic structures and their relations, and can serve as a useful adjunct in complex clinical scenarios.

Independent Predictors of Stricture Recurrence Following Urethroplasty for Isolated Bulbar Urethral Strictures

Purpose: We evaluated preoperative risk factors associated with stricture recurrence in a large, homogenous series of bulbar urethroplasties. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the records of 596 patients who underwent isolated bulbar urethroplasty at a single center from August 2003 to June 2015. Urethroplasty failure was defined as stricture less than 16Fr identified on cystoscopy with a minimum of 12 months of followup. The potential risk factors examined were patient age, stricture etiology, stricture length, diabetes, smoking, obesity, Charlson comorbidity index, previous endoscopic treatment, previous urethroplasty and type of urethroplasty. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate potential risk factors and associations. Results: Average stricture length was 3.9 cm and mean patient age was 44.4 years. Overall urethral patency was 93.3% and mean followup was 65.4 months (range 12 to 149). Previous endoscopic treatment had failed in 88.1% of patients while previous urethroplasty had failed in 10.7%. On multivariate analysis increased stricture length (HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.3, p = 0.01), increased patient comorbidity (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.3, p = 0.03), obesity (HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.5, p = 0.01) and infectious strictures (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.3–10.6, p = 0.02) were associated with stricture recurrence. Previous urethroplasty, the number of failed endoscopic procedures, type of urethroplasty and individual comorbidities such as diabetes, smoking and patient age did not affect the recurrent stricture rate. Conclusions: Although bulbar urethroplasty has a good stricture‐free rate, patients with increased stricture length, increased overall comorbidity, obesity and strictures of infectious etiology are at higher risk for failure. These patients at risk should be counseled accordingly and perhaps be followed more closely after urethroplasty.