Wesley White

Where do we really stand with LESS and NOTES

Matthew T. Gettman *, Wesley M. White, Monish Aron, Riccardo Autorino, Tim Averch, Geoffrey Box, Jeffrey A. Cadeddu, David Canes, Edward Cherullo, Mihir M. Desai, Igor Frank, Indebir S. Gill, Mantu Gupta, Georges-Pascal Haber, Mitchell R. Humphreys, Brian H. Irwin, Jihad H. Kaouk, Louis R. Kavoussi, Jaime Landman, Evangelos N. Liatsikos, Estevao Lima, Lee E. Ponsky, Abhay Rane, Maria Ribal, Robert Rabenhalt, Pradeep Rao, Lee Richstone, Mark D. Sawyer, Rene Sotelo, Jens-Uwe Stolzenburg, Chad R. Tracy, Robert J. Stein; Endourological Society NOTES and LESS Working Group; European Society of Urotechnology NOTES and LESS Working Group E U RO P E AN URO LOGY 5 9 ( 2 0 1 1 ) 2 3 1 – 2 3 4

Incidence and Predictors of Complications With Sacral Neuromodulation

OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence and predictors of complications with sacral nerve stimulation (SNS). METHODS A prospective, longitudinal analysis of all patients treated with SNS was performed to define the incidence of complications and identify the predictors of these adverse events (AEs). All patients underwent staged SNS placement with the InterStim device for treatment of refractory voiding dysfunction. The patients were followed up for evidence of AEs and device efficacy. The patient and device variables were examined statistically for evidence of predictive value. RESULTS From September 2001 to March 2008, 221 patients with a mean age of 48.8 years underwent SNS lead placement for the treatment of intractable urinary urgency/frequency (n = 121), urge incontinence (n = 63), or urinary retention (n = 37). Of this group, 202 patients (91.4%) experienced a >50% improvement in symptoms and underwent implantable pulse generator placement. At a mean follow-up of 36.9 months, 67 patients (30.3%) had experienced AEs (pain in 6, elective removal in 10, lack of efficacy in 11, trauma in 18, infection in 7, hematoma in 3, and lead migration in 12) requiring 44 lead revisions and 47 implantable pulse generator revisions. The significant predictors of AEs included a history of trauma (P < .001), a change in body mass index class (P < .001), enrollment in a pain clinic (P = .008), the duration of follow-up (P = .002), and a history of AEs (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that SNS is an effective treatment for patients with intractable voiding dysfunction. Complications are not uncommon but can be minimized with better patient selection.

Short-Term Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A for Refractory Overactive Bladder in the Elderly Population

PURPOSE We determined the efficacy of intravesical botulinum toxin A injection for refractory overactive bladder in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients 75 years or older with refractory urinary urgency were prospectively evaluated and offered treatment of symptoms with botulinum toxin A. A voiding log was obtained and urodynamics were performed before treatment. Patients underwent injection of 200 U botulinum toxin A (Botox(R)) into the detrusor muscle at 20 sites under cystoscopic guidance. Patients were followed postoperatively for evidence and duration of success, and treatment related complications. RESULTS From January 2006 to June 2007, 18 females and 3 males with a mean age of 81.2 years (range 75 to 92) in whom detrusor overactivity was confirmed on urodynamics and who were refractory to or intolerant of antimuscarinics were treated with intravesical botulinum toxin A. Preoperatively the mean +/- SD number of daily voids was 11.4 +/- 1.67 and the mean number of pads per day was 4.0 +/- 0.89. One month after treatment 16 of the 21 patients (76%) reported greater than 50% improvement in symptoms after 1 injection. Specifically there was a significant improvement in the mean number of voids per day (5.19 +/- 0.83, p <0.001) and in the number of pads used daily (1.3 +/- 0.60, p <0.001). Two of the remaining 5 patients demonstrated greater than 50% improvement following repeat injection, while 3 did not show improvement after 2 injections. Mean time to deterioration was 7.12 months. There were no treatment related complications. CONCLUSIONS Intravesical botulinum toxin A for detrusor overactivity in the elderly population appears to be efficacious and durable. Given its low incidence of adverse events, it should be considered a viable treatment option in this population.

Gleason 6 prostate cancer: Translating biology into population health

PURPOSE Gleason 6 (3+3) is the most commonly diagnosed prostate cancer among men with prostate specific antigen screening, the most histologically well differentiated and is associated with the most favorable prognosis. Despite its prevalence, considerable debate exists regarding the genetic features, clinical significance, natural history, metastatic potential and optimal management. MATERIALS AND METHODS Members of the Young Urologic Oncologists in the Society of Urologic Oncology cooperated in a comprehensive search of the peer reviewed English medical literature on Gleason 6 prostate cancer, specifically focusing on the history of the Gleason scoring system, histological features, clinical characteristics, practice patterns and outcomes. RESULTS The Gleason scoring system was devised in the early 1960s, widely adopted by 1987 and revised in 2005 with a more restrictive definition of Gleason 6 disease. There is near consensus that Gleason 6 meets pathological definitions of cancer, but controversy about whether it meets commonly accepted molecular and genetic criteria of cancer. Multiple clinical series suggest that the metastatic potential of contemporary Gleason 6 disease is negligible but not zero. Population based studies in the U.S. suggest that more than 90% of men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer undergo treatment and are exposed to the risk of morbidity for a cancer unlikely to cause symptoms or decrease life expectancy. Efforts have been proposed to minimize the number of men diagnosed with or treated for Gleason 6 prostate cancer. These include modifications to prostate specific antigen based screening strategies such as targeting high risk populations, decreasing the frequency of screening, recommending screening cessation, incorporating remaining life expectancy estimates, using shared decision making and novel biomarkers, and eliminating prostate specific antigen screening entirely. Large nonrandomized and randomized studies have shown that active surveillance is an effective management strategy for men with Gleason 6 disease. Active surveillance dramatically reduces the number of men undergoing treatment without apparent compromise of cancer related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The definition and clinical relevance of Gleason 6 prostate cancer have changed substantially since its introduction nearly 50 years ago. A high proportion of screen detected cancers are Gleason 6 and the metastatic potential is negligible. Dramatically reducing the diagnosis and treatment of Gleason 6 disease is likely to have a favorable impact on the net benefit of prostate cancer screening.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Refractory Urinary Retention: Long-Term Efficacy and Durability

OBJECTIVES To examine the long-term efficacy and durability of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for the treatment of refractory, nonobstructive urinary retention. METHODS A retrospective study of all patients who underwent SNS with the InterStim device for refractory, nonobstructive urinary retention was performed. All patients had their history taken, underwent physical examination and urodynamic study, and completed a voiding diary before treatment with staged SNS. Patients with greater than 50% improvement in symptoms underwent implantable program device placement. Patients were followed up for evidence of postoperative complications, device failure, and treatment efficacy. Statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS From June 1, 2000 to February 1, 2007, 40 patients were treated with SNS for refractory, nonobstructive urinary retention. Of the 40 patients, 29 had complete urinary retention (using clean intermittent catheterization), and 11 demonstrated incomplete retention (elevated postvoid residual urine volume). Of the 40 patients, 28 (70%) demonstrated greater than 50% improvement in symptoms and underwent implantable program device placement. At a mean follow-up of 40.03 +/- 19.61 months, 24 (85.7%) of 28 patients demonstrated sustained improvement of greater than 50%. Of the 28 patients, 4 (14.3%) had their InterStim device removed and 6 (21.4%) required revision. Among those with complete retention, significant improvement occurred in the number of catheterizations/day and the volume/catheterization (P <0.001). Among those with incomplete retention, significant improvement occurred in the postvoid residual urine volume (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS At a mean follow-up of 40 months, 85.7% of patients with refractory, nonobstructive urinary retention demonstrated greater than 50% improvement in symptoms with SNS. For 911 patients, a statistically significant improvement in voiding parameters resulted.

Current Applications of Near-infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Robotic Urologic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis of the Literature

Herein, we provide a systematic review and critical analysis of the current evidence on the applications of near-infrared fluorescence in robotic urologic surgery. Article selection proceeded according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria. Overall, 14 studies were identified and included. Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging system has been tested for several applications, robotic partial nephrectomy representing the most studied one. Available evidence suggests this technology can be of aid in visually defining the surgical anatomy, thus ultimately facilitating the task of the console surgeon. Whether the added cost is justified by better outcomes remains to be determined.

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Refractory Overactive Bladder in the Elderly Population

PURPOSE We determined the long-term outcome of sacral nerve stimulation for refractory overactive bladder in the elderly population. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a prospective longitudinal study to better characterize the outcome of sacral nerve stimulation in female patients 70 years old or older with refractory overactive bladder. Demographic and perioperative data were recorded. Patients were followed postoperatively for evidence of successful stage conversion, device durability and efficacy, and postoperative complications. Patients were retrospectively compared to a cohort of female patients younger than 70 years with refractory overactive bladder. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS Between July 2001 and February 2008, 19 elderly female patients with refractory overactive bladder underwent stage 1 lead placement. Of the patients 17 (90%) who reported greater than 50% improvement in symptoms based on a 1-week followup voiding log underwent implantable pulse generator placement. No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were noted. At a mean followup of 48.5 months 11 patients (65%) had a functional implantable pulse generator with greater than 50% objective improvement over baseline. Compared to matched patients younger than 70 years elderly patients had a similar conversion rate and adverse events but were significantly more likely to undergo device removal (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS Based on our experience elderly patients have a high conversion rate, few adverse events, and a high level of device efficacy and durability with sacral nerve stimulation. Although more mature multicenter data are needed, it appears that sacral nerve stimulation in geriatric patients is safe and efficacious, and should be judiciously offered to those with refractory voiding symptoms.

Quality of Life in Men With Locally Advanced Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate: An Exploratory Analysis Using Data From the CaPSURE Database

PURPOSE We present longitudinal quality of life outcomes in a national observational cohort of men with locally advanced prostate adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The CaPSURE registry was used to evaluate quality of life in men with clinical T3 or T4 prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent primary treatment and had a minimum followup of 2 years. Records were reviewed for treatment, patient age, T stage, prostate specific antigen at diagnosis, body mass index, and initial and posttreatment quality of life using the SF-36 and UCLA-PCI questionnaires, which can each be scored from 0 to 100 with higher scores indicating better outcomes. The association of treatment type and quality of life changes after treatment were evaluated with multivariate mixed model analysis, adjusting for age, time of quality of life assessment, and interaction between treatment and time. RESULTS Of the 13,740 men enrolled in CaPSURE 608 (4.42%) presented with T3 or T4 tumors. In this subgroup 151 men completed baseline and a minimum of 2 years of followup with quality of life data available. These men underwent primary treatment with radical prostatectomy (21%), cryotherapy (8%), brachytherapy (17%) or hormonal ablation (54%). The treatment cohort demonstrated significant decreases in quality of life, most profoundly in urinary and sexual function. Mean urinary function was 91 at baseline, which decreased to 82, 83 and 82 at 1, 2 and 3 years after treatment, respectively (p = 0.04). Mean sexual function was 38 at baseline, which decreased to 15, 16 and 14 at 1, 2 and 3 years after treatment, respectively (p <0.01). On multivariate analysis quality of life varied significantly by treatment type (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS Treatment for locally advanced prostate adenocarcinoma is associated with a significant burden in patients, notably decrements in urinary and sexual function. Clinicians should consider the impact that treatment imparts on quality of life when counseling patients with locally advanced disease.

Nephron Sparing Surgery Using a Bipolar Radio Frequency Resection Device

PURPOSE We evaluated operative outcomes during nephron sparing surgery using a handheld radio frequency ablation resection device. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with a newly diagnosed renal mass who elected treatment were prospectively enrolled in a comparative trial designed to evaluate the usefulness of the handheld HABIB 4X radio frequency ablation device during open nephron sparing surgery. Preoperative variables were determined and patients subsequently underwent open nephron sparing surgery with (group 1) or without (control group 2) the assistance of the radio frequency ablation device. Data were collected on preoperative and postoperative creatinine and hematocrit, estimated operative blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and pathological outcomes. RESULTS A total of 90 patients underwent open nephron sparing surgery with (45) and without (45) the radio frequency ablation device. Mean pathological tumor size was 3.31 and 3.13 cm in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.49). Mean estimated blood loss was 133.2 and 417.2 cc in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p <0.001). Mean operative time was 83.5 and 97.2 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.012). Ten of 45 group 2 patients underwent hilar clamping with hypothermia, while no patients in group 1 underwent hilar clamping. Margins were positive in 1 patient in group 1 (2.2%) and in 2 in group 2 (4.4%). Group 1 complications included postoperative urine leakage in 1 case, which required stent placement. Group 2 complications included 2 cases of urine leakage requiring stent placement, 4 of blood transfusion, 2 of ureteral lacerations, 2 episodes of clot retention and 1 death. CONCLUSIONS The handheld radio frequency ablation device can yield a significant benefit during open nephron sparing surgery, namely decreased blood loss and operative time.

Thyroid-Like Follicular Carcinoma of the Kidney: One Case Report and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVES Thyroid-like follicular carcinoma of the kidney continues to confound the practicing pathologist with its close resemblance to the follicular variant of thyroid carcinoma, as well as other benign and malignant entities. Our goal is to expand the knowledge of this rare renal cell carcinoma subtype, which is morphologically similar to follicular carcinoma of the thyroid but lacks expression of characteristic thyroid immunohistochemical markers such as TTF-1 and thyroglobulin. METHODS We evaluated the gross, histologic, immunohistochemical, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies of a new case and performed a comprehensive review of the literature. RESULTS The lesion was spongy and well-circumscribed. Microscopically it showed variably sized follicular structures, filled with abundant, deeply eosinophilic, colloid-like material. At the periphery, it displayed areas resembling metanephric adenoma and early stages of nephrogenesis. The tumor cells strongly expressed CK7, PAX-8, PAX-2, vimentin, EMA, and CK19 immunostains. Other markers, such as CD10, RCC, HBME-1, thyroglobulin, and TTF-1, were not immunoreactive. The tumor was negative for trisomy of both 7 and 17 and showed borderline monosomies (losses) of both chromosomes in FISH studies. CONCLUSIONS Five years of preoperative observation and lack of recurrence bring further insight into the slow progressive nature of this neoplasm and support a low malignant potential. Proper identification is important to secure adequate treatment and follow-up.