Oncologic and patient-reported outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in men aged ≥75 years

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate oncologic outcomes, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and frailty in older adult patients aged ≥75 years who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).Materials and methodsThis retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 752 patients who underwent RARP from July 2011 to May 2020. The PROs were evaluated by Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaire at baseline and 1 year after RARP. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to age at RARP: <70, 70–74, and ≥75 years. Oncologic outcomes and PROs were compared between the ≥75 and 70–74 years groups and between the ≥75 and <70 years groups.ResultsMedian follow up was 47 months. Of the 752 patients, 469, 216, and 74 were classified into the <70, 70–74, and ≥75 years groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the biochemical recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival among the groups. No significant differences were observed in the PROs and pad-free rates at baseline and 1 year after RARP among the groups. The full satisfaction (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite score = 100) at 12 months after RARP was significantly higher in the ≥75 years group (27%) than in the <70 years group (15%, P = 0.045).ConclusionThe oncologic outcomes and PROs in select patients with prostate cancer aged ≥75 years were feasible and acceptable with RARP.     

Effect of frailty and comorbidity on surgical contraindication in patients with localized prostate cancer (FRART-PC Study)

ObjectivesTo determine how frailty and comorbidities affect surgical contraindication in patients with localized prostate cancer (CaP).Materials and methodsWe evaluated the effects of frailty in 479 patients with localized CaP who were treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), or radiotherapy (RT) eligible for surgery (RT-nonfrail), or those with RT ineligible for surgery due to frailty or comorbidity (RT-frail) from February 2017 to April 2020. We retrospectively compared the geriatric 8 screening (G8) scores between patients with surgical indications (RARP and RT-nonfrail groups) and those with surgical contraindications (RT-frail group). The effect of G8 score in the RT-frail groups was investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We developed and validated a nomogram for surgical contraindication in patients with localized CaP.ResultsThe median age of patients was 70 years. There were 256, 60, and 163 patients in the RARP, RT-nonfrail, and RT-frail, respectively. The G8 score in the RARP and RT-nonfrail groups was significantly higher than in the RT-frail group (15 vs. 14, respectively, P < 0.001). Age, comorbidities (cerebrocardiovascular disease or chronic respiratory disease), and G8 score were significantly associated with the RT-frail group. The nomogram showed that the area under the curve was 0.872 and 0.923 in the training and validation sets, respectively. The cutoff for surgical contraindication was >39.5%.ConclusionsThe G8 score and comorbidities have a significant effect on surgical contraindication in patients with localized CaP.     

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) improves return of physiological function in frail patients undergoing one- to two-level TLIFs: an observational retrospective cohort study

Background contextThe enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is a multimodal approach which has been shown to facilitate recovery of physiological function, and reduce early post-operative pain, complications, and length of stay (LOS) in open one- to two-level TLIF. The benefit of ERAS in specifically frail patients undergoing TLIF has not been demonstrated. Frailty is clinically defined as a syndrome of physiological decline that can predispose patients undergoing surgery to poor outcomes.PurposeThis study primarily evaluated the benefit of an ERAS protocol in frail patients undergoing one- or two-level open TLIF compared to frail patients without ERAS. Secondarily, we assessed whether outcomes in frail patients with ERAS approximated those seen in nonfrail patients with ERAS.Study DesignRetrospective consecutive patient cohort with controls propensity-matched for age, body mass index, sex, and smoking status.Patient SampleConsecutive patients that underwent one- or two-level open TLIF for degenerative disease from August, 2015 to July, 2021 by a single surgeon. ERAS was implemented in December 2018.Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measure was return of postoperative physiological function defined as the summation of first day to ambulate, first day to bowel movement, and first day to void. Additional outcome measures included LOS, daily average pain scores, opioid use, discharge disposition, 30-day readmission rate, and reoperation.MethodsA retrospective analysis of frail patients > 65 years of age undergoing one- to two-level open TLIF post-ERAS were compared to propensity matched frail pre-ERAS patients. Frailty was assessed using the Fried phenotype classification (score >1). Patient demographics, LOS, first-day-to-ambulate (A1), first-day-to-bowel movement (B1), first-day-to-void (V1) were collected. Return of physiological function was defined as A1+B1+V1. Primary analysis was a comparison of frail patients pre-ERAS versus post-ERAS to determine effect of ERAS on return of physiologic function with frailty. Secondary analysis was a comparison of post-ERAS frail versus post-ERAS nonfrail patients to determine if return of physiologic function in frail patients with ERAS approximates that of nonfrail patients.ResultsIn the primary analysis, 32 frail patients were included with mean age ± standard deviation of 72.8±4.4 years, mean BMI 28.8±5.5, 65.6% were male, 15 pre-ERAS and 17 post-ERAS. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. After ERAS implementation, return of physiological function improved by a mean 3.2 days overall (post-ERAS 3.4 vs. pre-ERAS 6.7 days) (p<.0001), indicating a positive effect of ERAS in frail patients. Additionally, length of stay improved by 1 day (4.8±1.6 vs. 3.8±1.9 days, p<.0001). Total daily intravenous morphine milligram equivalent (MME) as well as average daily pain scores were similar between groups. Secondarily, 26 nonfrail patients post ERAS were used as a comparison group with the 17 post-ERAS frail cohort. Mean age of this cohort was 73.4±4.6 years, mean BMI 27.4±4.9, and 61.9% were male. Return of physiologic function was similar between cohorts (post-ERAS nonfrail 3.5 vs. post-ERAS frail 3.4 days) (p=.938), indicating the benefit with ERAS in frail patients approximates that of nonfrail patients.ConclusionsERAS significantly improves return of physiologic function and length of stay in patients with frailty after one- to two-level TLIF, and approximates improved outcomes seen in non-frail patients.     

A comprehensive assessment of frailty status on surgical,functional and oncologic outcomes in patients treated with partial nephrectomy—A large,retrospective, single-center study

BackgroundPartial nephrectomy (PN) is a challenging procedure, which can be associated with severe complications. In consequence, the search for accurate and independent indicators of unfavorable surgical outcomes appears warranted. We aimed at evaluating the impact of frailty status on surgical, functional and oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing PN for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).MethodsA retrospective, single-center study including 1,282 patients treated with PN for clinically localized cT₁ RCC was performed. The modified Frailty Index (mFI) was used to assess preoperative frailty. Multivariable logistic, Poisson and linear regression analyses(MVA) tested the effect of frailty on complications, acute kidney injury(AKI), renal function decline after PN. Cumulative incidence and competing-risk analyses investigated survival outcomes.ResultsOf 1,282 patients, 220 (17%) were frail. Overall, 982 (76%) vs. 123 (9.6%) vs. 171 (13%) patients underwent open vs. laparoscopic vs. robot-assisted PN. Median follow-up was 66 (IQR: 35–107) months. At MVA, frailty status predicted increased risk of complications [Odds ratio (OR): 1.46, 95%CI 1.17–1.84; P < 0.001]. Moreover, frail patients were at higher risk of postoperative AKI (OR: 1.95, 95%CI 1.13–3.35; P = 0.01). In frail patients, renal function permanently decreased over time (P = 0.01) without any renal function plateau or improvement during the follow-up, which were instead observed in the nonfrail cohort. At competing-risks analyses, frailty status predicted higher risk of other-cause mortality [Hazard ratio (HR): 1.67, 95%CI 1.05–2.66; P = 0.02], but not of cancer-specific mortality (P = 0.3).ConclusionsFrailty status predicts higher risk of adverse surgical outcomes after PN. Moreover, greater renal function decline was observed in frail patients, compared with nonfrail patients. Finally, the risk of OCM significantly overcomes the risk of dying due to RCC in frail patients.     

The impact of nerve‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy on lower urinary tract function: Prospective assessment of patient‐reported outcomes and frequency volume charts

Aims

To elucidate the effects of a nerve‐sparing (NS) procedure on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary function after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), the associations between the NS procedure and LUTS and urinary function were investigated.

Methods

The participants in this study were 200 consecutive patients who underwent RARP. These patients were categorized into unilateral and bilateral NS groups and the non‐NS group. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) index, frequency‐volume chart, uroflowmetry, 1‐h pad test, and the 5‐item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) questionnaire were evaluated before and after RARP.

Results

The total IPSS score was significantly lower in the unilateral (P = 0.03) and bilateral NS groups (P = 0.03) than in the non‐NS group after RARP. Diurnal maximum voided volume (MVV) values were significantly greater in the bilateral NS group than in the non‐NS group after RARP (P = 0.002). Nocturnal frequency was significantly decreased in the unilateral NS group than in the non‐NS group after RARP (3 months P = 0.01, 12 months P = 0.01). Erectile function was significantly better in both the unilateral NS group (P < 0.0001) and the bilateral NS group (P = 0.02) than in the non‐NS group 12 months after RARP.

Conclusions

The NS procedure in RARP has the possibility to improve not only erectile function, but also LUTS, owing to both the increase of MVV and the decrease of nocturia. Therefore, the NS procedure is also recommended from the viewpoint of early improvement of LUTS and lower urinary tract dysfunction after RARP.     

Modified frailty index associated with Clavien-Dindo IV complications in robot-assisted radical prostatectomies: A retrospective study

Objective

To determine the effect of frailty on patient outcomes including any complication, Clavien-Dindo IV (CDIV) (intensive care unit-level) complications, and 30-day mortality for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies (RARP) patients in comparison to other predictive indices using the modified frailty index (mFI).

Postoperative membranous urethral length is the single most important surgical factor predicting recovery of postoperative urinary continence

PurposeTo analyze the potential surgical factors affecting postoperative urinary continence, including postoperative membranous urethral length (MUL), in an era where open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) coexist.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing either ORP or RARP between April 2009 and June 2017 were included in this study. Pericatheter urethrography (PCU) was performed the day of catheter removal to confirm healing of the vesicourethral anastomosis and to measure PCU-MUL. Daily usage of incontinence pad was self-reported by the patient at each post-operative visit through a questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors that influenced recovery of continence.ResultsOf the 196 patients included, 121 and 75 patients received ORP and RARP, respectively. The cumulative full continence rates (0 pad/day) at 1 year in the ORP and RARP groups were 87% and 95%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, older age, high preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) irritative symptom domain, ORP, poorer NVB preservation, and shorter PCU-MUL were associated with delayed recovery of full continence. In the multivariate analysis, only older age, high preoperative IPSS irritative symptom domain, and shorter PCU-MUL remained as independent factors significantly associated with delayed recovery of full continence.ConclusionsOur study highlights the importance of saving the MUL as long as possible in terms of continence recovery. This holds true for ORP even in the era of RARP and surgeons should not simply give up the prospect of early urinary continence in exchange for the patient's choice of ORP instead of RARP.     

Effect of bladder neck sparing at robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy on postoperative continence rates and biochemical recurrence

ObjectivesPrevious studies reported improved continence recovery by bladder neck sparing (BNS) in prostate cancer patients treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP), without compromising biochemical recurrence (BCR). We compared the continence outcomes, surgical margin rates, and BCR risk of BNS vs. bladder neck reconstruction (BNR) patients during RALP.MethodsOverall, 1,512 patients who underwent RALP with BNS or BNR between 2010 and 2017 in a single high-volume center, were identified. Logistic regression models tested the effect of BNS on continence and surgical margin rates. Cox regression models tested the effect of BNS on BCR. Continence was defined as the use of 0 or 1-safety pad per day.ResultsThree hundred and eighty-two vs. 1,130 patients underwent BNS vs. BNR. The median time to catheter removal was significantly shorter (5 vs. 8 days) in patients with BNS. Pad-free rates at 7 days after catheter removal were 60.0% vs. 54.5%, continence rates were 80.1% vs. 78.3% after 3 months and 85.3% vs. 89.6% after 1 year for BNS and BNR, respectively. Multivariable models revealed that BNS is an independent predictor to be pad-free at 7 days after catheter removal (OR: 1.39, P = 0.04), but no predictor for continence at 3 months (OR: 1.02, P = 0.9) and 1 year (OR: 0.78, P = 0.4) after RALP, as well as for positive surgical margin (OR: 0.95, P = 0.8) and BCR (Hazard ratio: 0.95, P = 0.9).ConclusionPatients with BNS had a better chance to be pad-free at 7 days after catheter removal and had a significant shorter time to catheter removal. However, this beneficial effect disappeared with time and no differences in continence rates at 3 months and 1 year were recorded. Moreover, BNS did not negatively affect positive margin or BCR rates.     

Variation in center-level frailty burden and the impact of frailty on long-term survival in patients undergoing elective repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveFrailty is increasingly recognized as a key determinant in predicting postoperative outcomes. Centers that see more frail patients may not be captured in risk adjustment, potentially accounting for poorer outcomes in hospital comparisons. We aimed to (1) determine the effect of frailty on long-term mortality in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and (2) evaluate the variability in frailty burden among centers in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database.MethodsPatients undergoing elective open and endovascular AAA repair (2003-2017) were identified, and those with complete data on component variables of the VQI-derived Risk Analysis Index (VQI-RAI) and centers with ≥10 AAA repairs were included. VQI-RAI characteristics are sex, age, body mass index, renal failure, congestive heart failure, dyspnea, preoperative ambulation, and functional status. Frailty was defined as VQI-RAI ≥35 based on prior work in surgical patients using other quality improvement databases. This corresponds to the top 12% of patients at risk in the VQI. Center-level VQI-RAI differences were assessed by analysis of variance test. Relationships between frailty and survival were compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test for open and endovascular procedures. Multivariable hierarchical Cox proportional hazards regression models were calculated with random intercepts for center, controlling for frailty, race, insurance, AAA diameter, procedure type, AAA case mix, and year.ResultsA total of 15,803 patients from 185 centers were included. Mean VQI-RAI scores were 27.6 (standard deviation, 5.9; range, 4-56) and varied significantly across centers (F = 2.41, P < .001). The percentage of frail patients per center ranged from 0% to 40.0%. In multivariable analysis, frailty was independently associated with long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-3.2) after accounting for covariates and center-level variance. Open AAA repair was not associated with long-term mortality after adjusting for frailty (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-1.13). There was a statistically significant difference in the percentage of frail patients compared with nonfrail patients who were discharged to a rehabilitation facility or nursing home after both open (40.5% vs 17.8%; P < .0001) and endovascular repair (17.7% vs 4.6%; P < .0001).ConclusionsThere is considerable variability of preoperative frailty among VQI centers performing elective AAA repair. Adjusting for center-level variation, frailty but not procedure type had a significant association with long-term mortality; however, frailty and procedure type were both associated with nonhome discharge. Routine measurement of frailty preoperatively by centers to identify high-risk patients may help mitigate procedural and long-term outcomes and improve shared decision-making regarding AAA repair.     

La evaluación de la fragilidad ha venido para quedarse: Estudio piloto retrospectivo de dos escalas de fragilidad en ancianos oncológicos intervenidos de cirugía colorrectal

IntroductionColorectal cancer is a disease of the elderly and its main treatment is surgery. Frailty, a clinical syndrome of decreased reserve, increases with age and has been recognized as a predictive factor for postoperative mortality. Our primary objective was to assess the association between twohree frailty scores and mortality.within the first year after surgery, by retrospectively linking frailty scores to mortality data and comparing the strength of their association with mortality to that of the ASA Classification. The frailty scales used were: the Modified Frailty Index (MFI) and, the Risk Analysis Index-A (RAI-A) and the G8 screening test (G8). As secondary objectives, we assessed the relationship of the frailty scales with morbidity and compared all the scales with the ASA.Material and methodsWe retrospectively studied 172 patients aged 65 years.and older who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer between January 2017 and June 2018, following them up for 1 year after surgery.ResultsBoth morbidity and mortality were significantly associated with all frailty scale scores (p < 0.001). The more frailty, the greater probability of prolonged hospital stay, complications, readmissions and emergency department visits. Using each scale, patients were categorized into two groups (frail and non-frail patients). The C-indexes for 1-year mortality with the RAI-A and, MFI and G8 were 0.89 and, 0.86 and 0.86 respectively. On the other hand, ASA status is not strongly associated with mortality, with a C-index of 0.63.DiscussionFrailty scores should begin to influence medical and surgical strategies and further research is needed to develop guidelines for interventions in geriatric patients.     

Simple frailty score predicts postoperative complications across surgical specialties

Background

Our purpose was to determine the relationship between preoperative frailty and the occurrence of postoperative complications after colorectal and cardiac operations.

Methods

Patients 65 years or older undergoing elective colorectal or cardiac surgery were enrolled. Seven baseline frailty traits were measured preoperatively: Katz score less than or equal to 5, Timed Up and Go test greater than or equal to 15 seconds, Charlson Index greater than or equal to 3, anemia less than 35%, Mini-Cog score less than or equal to 3, albumin less than 3.4 g/dL, and 1 or more falls within 6 months. Patients were categorized by the number of positive traits as follows: nonfrail: 0 to 1 traits, prefrail: 2 to 3 traits, and frail: 4 or more traits.

Results

Two hundred one subjects (age 74 ± 6 years) were studied. Preoperative frailty was associated with increased postoperative complications after colorectal (nonfrail: 21%, prefrail: 40%, frail: 58%; P = .016) and cardiac operations (nonfrail: 17%, prefrail: 28%, frail: 56%; P < .001). This finding in both groups was independent of advancing age. Frail individuals in both groups had longer hospital stays and higher 30-day readmission rates. Receiver operating characteristic curves examining frailty's ability to forecast complications were colorectal (.702, P = .004) and cardiac (.711, P < .001).

Conclusions

A simple preoperative frailty score defines older adults at higher risk for postoperative complications across surgical specialties.     

The impact of catheter removal time on urinary continence and overactive bladder symptoms after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a retrospective analysis of consecutive 432 cases from a single institution

BackgroundAfter radical prostatectomy, the optimal length of postoperative catheterization time remains to be determined. This study investigates the impact of catheter removal time on urinary continence and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).MethodsFour hundred and thirty-two consecutive patients underwent RARP by a single surgeon between Nov 2020 and Oct 2021. Time to catheter removal was categorized into 7, 10, and ≥14 days. Continence was defined as no more than 1 pad used or no more than 20 g of urine leakage per 24 hours. The patients’ continence rates and overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) were assessed at 48 hours, 1 week, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after catheter removal.ResultsOverall, continence rates were 37.3% 48 hours after catheter removal, 54.4% 1 week, 77.5% 4 weeks, 92.1% 12 weeks, and 97.9% 24 weeks after catheter removal. The median time to regain continence was 1 week. At 4 weeks after catheter removal, the continence rate in the ≥14 days group (70.5%) was significantly lower than the 7 days group (86.3%) and 10 days group (83.0%) (P=0.001). In a univariate Cox regression analysis, the presence of diabetes, higher pre-operative OABSS, and a catheterization time of 10 days were associated with worse continence recovery. The mean OABSS of patients in the continent group were significantly lower than the incontinent group at 48 hours, 4, 12 and 24 weeks after catheter removal. At 24 weeks after catheter removal, the mean OABSS in the 7 days group was significantly lower than in other groups.ConclusionsEarly catheter removal (7 days) was associated with better continence results and lower OABSS at 4 and 24 weeks after catheter removal respectively.     

Validation of “patient-reported outcomes via online questionnaire” as a urinary continence assessment and quality improvement tool following radical prostatectomy

BackgroundSecuring reliable data on functional outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP) is paramount to patient follow-up and management.ObjectiveTo validate an email-based patient-reported outcomes tracking system in assessing pad-free continence rates and time-to continence recovery following RP.Patients and Methods483 men undergoing RP by a single surgeon from November 2013 to March 2019 were prospectively assigned to 1 of 3 tracking systems: 1) a preaddressed paper packet containing a pad-free card and daily urinary pad log, (N = 249); 2) an automated email questionnaire, (N = 234) or 3) both (N = 51). Patients tracked electronically received electronic Research Electronic Data Capture surveys 30 days after catheter removal, with up to 3 reminders sent automatically if no response was received within 2 days. Response rates and continence rates were compared in group 1 vs. group 2 via student t-tests; time-to pad-free status was assessed for concordance among men in group 3 via linear regression.ResultsThirty-day response rates in group 1 (paper) vs. group 2 (electronic) were 80.7% (201/249) and 94.0% (220/234), (P < 0.0001); pad-free rates were 64.2% (129/201) and 64.1% (141/220), (P = 0.9847), respectively. Similarly, 1-year response rates in group 1 and 2 were 87.6% (218/249) vs. 94.0% (220/234), (P = 0.0146); pad-free rates were 91.7% (200/218) vs. 96.4% (212/220), (P = 0.0411), respectively.In group 3, time to pad-free continence recovery assessed via Patient Reported Outcomes via Online Questionnaire (PROVOQ) was highly concordant in 89.6% (43/48) of patients ± 5 days (Figure 1, R² = 0.9893). No significant bias was found for subsequent reporting in either group.ConclusionThe use of automated email survey questionnaires via PROVOQ for the assessment of patient-reported post-RP continence recovery facilitates increased response rates, timeliness of response, and accuracy. PROVOQ significantly reduce the labor of tracking continence outcomes, improve quality improvement efforts, and enables surgeons to more clearly differentiates risk of long-term incontinence.     

Prospective predictors of urinary continence after anatomical radical retropubic prostatectomy: a multivariate analysis

The aim of this work was to evaluate variables that predict time to pad-free urinary continence after anatomical radical prostatectomy (ARP). Sixty consecutive prostate cancer patients who underwent ARP by one surgeon were studied. Pad-free urinary continence was prospectively determined by patient interviews and confirmed on physical examination and by the urinary domain of the Extended Prostate Inventory Composite (EPIC) Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire. A time-dependent Cox multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine which variables significantly correlated with time to pad-free urinary continence. Increasing prostate size (cc), increasing prostate urethral length (cm) and surgical technique (wide excision of the neuro-vascular bundle) correlated with a significantly (P<0.05) prolonged time to achieve pad-free urinary continence. In conclusion, prostate size and surgical technique were the most useful variables in predicting time to pad-free urinary continence after ARP.     

Comparison of longitudinal health-related quality-of-life outcomes between anterior and posterior surgical approaches to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Increasingly, studies have explored health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Nevertheless, no study has compared differences between anterior and posterior surgical approaches. The aim of this study is to assess differences of HRQOL following these two surgical approaches. From January 2012 to September 2017, 653 patients underwent RARP at our institution. We included patients who underwent operations by three experienced surgeons with interchangeability of role as console operator, and who could evaluate preoperatively the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) score. Patients treated with neoadjuvant hormonal therapy were excluded. HRQOL was assessed using the EPIC score, and the questionnaire was administered at 6 timepoints: the baseline survey was conducted within 3 months before the surgery, and follow-up surveys were conducted at 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. We defined the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) as half the standard deviation of the baseline score for each domain. A total of 201 patients were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 146 patients underwent RARP using an anterior surgical approach and 55 patients underwent a posterior approach. The clinical characteristics had no significant differences except for median prostate volume between the anterior and posterior groups (27 ml vs 29 ml, p?=?0.049). There were no significant differences between the two groups in score decline beyond the MCID in any domain at any timepoint. Our study demonstrates no significant differences in HRQOL between anterior and posterior surgical approaches to RARP.

     

Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Using the Novel Urethral Fixation Technique Versus Standard Vesicourethral Anastomosis

BackgroundUrinary continence recovery after radical prostatectomy is a major issue even in the robotic era. Surgical techniques aimed at improving earlier return to continence are continuously sought.ObjectiveTo describe our novel surgical technique of urethral fixation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to assess early urinary continence recovery and perioperative complications.Design, setting, and participantsA prospective, single-center, single-surgeon cohort of 70 consecutive patients undergoing RARP between January and December 2019 was analyzed. A study group of 35 patients operated on with the urethral fixation technique was compared with a control group of 35 patients receiving standard vesicourethral anastomosis.Surgical procedureUrethral fixation versus standard vesicourethral anastomosis during RARP was evaluated. In the study group, the urethral stump was fixed to the dorsal median raphe posteriorly and to the medial portion of the levator ani muscle posterolaterally. The same posterior musculofascial reconstruction incorporating the vesicourethral anastomosis was performed in both groups.MeasurementsUrinary continence recovery, perioperative complications, operating room time, and estimated blood loss were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results and limitationsThe two groups were comparable with regard to all demographic, clinical, and pathological variables. Recovery of urinary continence at 3 mo after catheter removal was reported by 34 (97.1%) patients in the study and 28 (80%) patients in the control group (p = 0.02). Patients in the study group reported significantly higher rates of urinary continence even at 1 wk and 1 mo after catheter removal compared with the control group (68.6% vs 45.7%, p = 0.04, and 80% vs 54.3%, p = 0.04, respectively). No differences were observed in operating room time (p = 0.7) or estimated blood loss (p = 0.65). Ninety-day postoperative complications were observed in one (2.9%) patient in the study and in four (11.4%) in the control group (p = 0.3). The main limitation is the nonrandomized comparison of relatively small cohorts.ConclusionsIn our study, we observed a significant improvement in early urinary continence recovery, with no increase in operating room time or perioperative complications, using the novel urethral fixation technique compared with the standard vesicourethral anastomosis during RARP.Patient summaryWe describe our novel surgical technique of urethral fixation during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Compared with the standard technique, utilization of our technique was found to be associated with an improved early recovery of urinary continence, with no increase in operating room time or perioperative complications.     

Detailed analysis of patient-reported lower urinary tract symptoms and effect on quality of life after robotic radical prostatectomy

Objective

To prospectively evaluate short- to medium-term patient-reported lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using validated questionnaires in a large cohort of patients following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer.

Significance of preoperatively observed detrusor overactivity as a predictor of continence status early after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Several recent studies have reported the involvement of bladder dysfunction in the delayed recovery of urinary continence following radical prostatectomy （RP）. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of detrusor overactivity （DO） as a predictor of the early continence status following robot-assisted RP （RARP）. This study included 84 consecutive patients with prostate cancer undergoing RARP. Urodynamic studies, including filling cystometry, pressure flow study, electromyogram of the external urethral sphincter and urethral pressure profile, were performed in these patients before surgery. Urinary continence was defined as the use of either no or one pad per day as a precaution only. DO was preoperatively observed in 30 patients （35.7%）, and 55 （65.5%） and 34 （40.5%） were judged to be incontinent 1 and 3 months after RARP, respectively. At both 1 and 3 months after RARP, the incidences of incontinence in patients with DO were significantly higher than in those without DO. Of several demographic and urodynamic parameters, univariate analyses identified DO and maximal urethral closure pressure （MUCP） as significant predictors of the continence status at both 1 and 3 months after RARP. Furthermore, DO and MUCP appeared to be independently associated with the continence at both I and 3 months after RARP on multivariate analysis. These findings suggest that preoperatively observed DO could be a significant predictor of urinary incontinence early after RARP; therefore, it is recommended to perform urodynamic studies for patients who are scheduled to undergo RARP in order to comprehensively evaluate their preoperative vesicourethral functions.     

The performance of frailty in predictive modeling of short-term outcomes in the surgical management of metastatic tumors to the spine

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe concept of frailty has become increasingly recognized, and while patients with cancer are at increased risk for frailty, its influence on perioperative outcomes in metastatic spine tumors is uncertain. Furthermore, the impact of frailty can be confounded by comorbidities or metastatic disease burden.PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of frailty and comorbidities on adverse outcomes in the surgical management of metastatic spine disease.STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGRetrospective analysis of a nationwide database to include patients undergoing spinal fusion for metastatic spine disease.PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 1,974 frail patients who received spinal fusion with spinal metastasis, and 1,975 propensity score matched non-frail patients.OUTCOME MEASURESOutcomes analyzed included mortality, complications, length of stay (LOS), nonroutine discharges and costs.METHODSA validated binary frailty index (Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups) was used to identify frail and non-frail groups, and propensity score-matched analysis (including demographics, comorbidities, surgical and tumor characteristics) was performed. Sub-group analysis of levels involved was performed for cervical, thoracic, lumbar and junctional spine. Multivariable-regression techniques were used to develop predictive models for outcomes using frailty and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI).RESULTS7,772 patients underwent spinal fusion with spinal metastasis, of which 1,974 (25.4%) patients were identified as frail. Following propensity score matching for frail (n=1,974) and not-frail (n=1,975) groups, frailty demonstrated significantly greater medical complications (OR=1.58; 95% CI 1.33–1.86), surgical complications (OR=1.46; 95% CI 1.15–1.85), LOS (OR=2.65; 95% CI 2.09–3.37), nonroutine discharges (OR=1.79; 95% CI 1.46–2.20) and costs (OR=1.68; 95% CI 1.32–2.14). Differences in mortality were only observed in subgroup analysis and were greater in frail junctional and lumbar spine subgroups. Models using ECI alone (AUC=0.636-0.788) demonstrated greater predictive ability compared to those using frailty alone (AUC=0.633–0.752). However, frailty combined with ECI improved the prediction of increased LOS (AUC=0.811), cost (AUC=0.768), medical complications (AUC=0.723) and nonroutine discharges (AUC=0.718). Predictive modeling of frailty in subgroups demonstrated the greatest performance for mortality (AUC=0.750) in the lumbar spine, otherwise performed similarly for LOS, costs, complications, and discharge across subgroups.CONCLUSIONSA high prevalence of frailty existed in the current patient cohort. Frailty contributed to worse short-term adverse outcomes and could be more influential in the lumbar and junctional spine due to higher risk of deconditioning in the postoperative period. Predictions for short term outcomes can be improved by adding frailty to comorbidity indices, suggesting a more comprehensive preoperative risk stratification should include frailty.     

The impact of frailty on treatment for overactive bladder in older adults

Aims: To examine the impact of frailty on treatment outcomes for overactive bladder (OAB) in older adults starting pharmacotherapy, onabotulinumtoxinA, and sacral neuromodulation. Methods: This is a prospective study of men and women age ≥60 years starting pharmacotherapy, onabotulinumtoxinA, or sacral neuromodulation. Subjects were administered questionnaires at baseline and again at 1‐ and 3‐months. Frailty was assessed at baseline using the timed up and go test (TUGT), whereby a TUGT time of ≥12 seconds was considered to be slow, or frail. Response to treatment was assessed using the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and the OAB‐q SF (both Bother and HRQOL subscales). Information on side effects/adverse events was also collected. Mixed effects linear modeling was used to model changes in outcomes over time both within and between groups. Results: A total of 45 subjects enrolled in the study, 40% (N = 18) of whom had a TUGT ≥12 seconds. Both TUGT groups demonstrated improvement in OAB symptoms over time and there were no statistically significant differences in these responses per group (all P‐values >.05). Similar trends were found for both OAB‐q SF Bother and OAB‐q SF HRQOL questionnaire responses. Side effects and adverse events were not significantly different between groups (all P's >.05). Conclusions: Adults ≥60 years of age starting second‐ and third‐line treatments for OAB, regardless of TUGT time, demonstrated improvement in OAB symptoms at 3 months. These findings suggest that frail older adults may receive comparable benefit and similar rates of side effects compared with less frail older individuals.