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Objects: To compare surgical inflammatory response (SIR) after radical cystectomy (RC) in a porcine model using minimal invasive techniques. Additionally we aimed to investigate the potential immunosuppressive ability of preoperative CO2-pneumoperitoneum (CO2P). Materials and Methods: Forty female landrace pigs were randomized to five groups: Three intervention groups all having a cystectomy and an ileal conduit either done by robot-assisted laparoscopic technique with intracorporeal urinary diversion (RALC) or an open mini-laparotomy with or without prior CO2P (OMC ± CO2P). Two control sham groups with or without prior CO2P (S ± CO2P). Serum samples were obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperative, 24, 48 and 72 hours postoperatively, and the inflammatory mediators CRP, Haptoglobin, Ceruloplasmin, Albumin, Cortisol, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12 and IFN-α were measured. Results: Operative time was significantly longer in RALC compared to open groups (OMC ± CO2P) (p's < .0001). CRP and Haptoglobin levels were significantly higher for surgical intervention groups (SIG) compared to controls 24, 48 and 72 hours postoperatively (p's < .001). At 48 hours, CRP was higher for RALC vs OMC + CO2P (p = .029). At 72 hours, Haptoglobin was higher for RALC vs open groups (p's <.024). Ceruloplasmin, cortisol, albumin, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12 and IFN-α, revealed no significant differences between SIG. Conclusions: No major differences were found between RALC and OMC regarding the degree of tissue trauma quantified by inflammatory markers. Thirty minutes of CO2-insufflation preoperative appears to have a transient immunosuppressive effect of the innate postoperative SIR, whereas prolonged CO2P apparently diminishes this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:To evaluate the use of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and mpMRI guided biopsies (MRGB) for monitoring an active surveillance (AS) prostate cancer cohort. Materials and methods:One year after initial diagnostic TRUS guided biopsy (TRUS-bx), baseline mpMRI, and enrolment in an AS program patients underwent a one year follow-up comprising the usual TRUS-bx and an mpMRI. Prostate MRI lesions were scored on the five-point PIRADS scale version 2. In cases without TRUS-bx progression, patients with PIRADS 4 or 5 lesions were scheduled for MRGB. Progression in TRUS-bx was defined as Gleason score (Gs) up-grades, >3 tumor positive cores or a maximal cancer core length (MCCL) > 50%. In MRGB, Gs upgrade or a MCCL ≥6 mm Gs 3 + 3 lesions were considered to reflect progression. PSA increase or progression in clinical T-classification alone was not considered clinical progression. Results:50 patients were included in the study. In total 10 (20%) patients had per definition progression at one year follow-up. Seven patients (7/50 = 14%) had clinical progression based on TRUS-bx. mpMRI identified seven newly emerged PIRADS 4 lesions. Three patients with PIRADS 4 lesions had no sign of TRUS-bx progression, while MRGB revealed significant cancer (Gs 7 (3 + 4) and Gs 8 (3 + 5)). Consequently, seven patients underwent definitive treatment. Of these, six and four had a progression on MRI and TRUS-bx, respectively. Conclusions:Our study suggests that mpMRI is at least equal to TRUS-bx in detecting progression at one year follow-up in prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common following radical prostatectomy (RP) or intended curative radiotherapy in prostate cancer patients. One-quarter of those treated with RP experience biochemical failure and are subsequently offered salvage radiotherapy (SRT) to the prostatic bed. The aim of this study was to elucidate long-term LUTS after surgery and SRT. Materials and methods:Urodynamic parameters from 16 patients treated with RP and subsequent SRT in the period 2000–2010 were evaluated with uroflowmetry, filling cystometry, pressure–flow and urethral pressure profile (UPP). In conjunction with the urodynamic examination, all patients completed the Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN-PSS) questionnaire, which evaluates the grade of LUTS. Results:Median time from SRT to urodynamic examination was 7.7 years (range 5.8–10.0 years). The following urodynamic parameters were affected: bladder volume at maximal cystometric capacity, bladder compliance, bladder function, bladder outlet obstruction and UPP. The total DAN-PSS index combining all symptoms and their corresponding impact on patients was mild in six patients (≤ 7 points), moderate in seven patients (8–19 points) and severe in three patients (≥ 20 points). Conclusions:This urodynamic study is one of the first to evaluate long-term urodynamic characteristics in patients treated with SRT. Several urodynamic parameters were affected. This indicates that SRT primarily affects bladder compliance, maximal cystometric capacity and bladder outlet obstruction. LUTS were proven to be strongly related to urodynamic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:There is a paucity of knowledge of long-term urinary morbidity in patients treated for prostate cancer (PCa) with radical prostatectomy (RP) and salvage radiotherapy (SRT). Improved long-term survival calls for heightened awareness of late effects from radiotherapy after RP. The purpose of this study was to assess late urinary morbidity and its potential impact on quality of life (QoL) in patients treated with RP plus SRT compared with patients treated with RP alone. Materials and methods:Long-term morbidity and QoL were evaluated using a cross-sectional design with validated questionnaires in urinary morbidity [Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN-PSS)] and QoL [European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30)]. Included were a total of 227 patients treated with SRT and 192 treated with RP in the periods 2006–2010 and 2005–2007, respectively. Results:Weak stream, straining, frequency and nocturia were significantly more prevalent in patients treated with RP + SRT than in patients treated with RP alone. Patients treated with RP + SRT generally suffered from more severe urinary symptoms. The QoL scores of the two treatment groups were not statistically significantly different, but a high level of urinary morbidity was significantly related to decreased QoL (p = 0.000). Conclusions:Patients treated with SRT have a higher rate of urinary morbidity than do patients treated with RP alone. Severe urinary morbidity was significantly related to decreased QoL, but did not differ between the two treatment groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:This study aimed to compare clinical outcome and postoperative systemic inflammatory response using C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, to quantify the degree of tissue injury in open mini-laparotomy cystectomy (OMC) versus robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy with extracorporeal (RALC-EUD) or intracorporeal urinary diversion (RALC-IUD). Materials and methods:From September 2012 to September 2015, 309 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. Of these, 175 patients were eligible for the study and underwent OMC (n = 125), RALC-EUD (n = 12) or RALC-IUD (n = 38). Blood samples were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1–7. Clinical and perioperative parameters, including demographics, comorbidity, tumour stage and postoperative outcomes, were collected from medical records. Results:Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score and Charlson score were significantly higher in OMC than in the robotic groups (p = 0.020, 0.012 and 0.008, respectively). Other demographic data showed no significant group differences. Estimated blood loss and blood transfusion volume were higher in OMC (p < 0.001) and operative time was longer in the robotic groups (p < 0.001); no difference was found between RALC groups. Postoperative CRP levels changed over time (p < 0.001) and RALC-IUD appeared to have significantly higher CRP levels on postoperative days 3–7 compared to OMC and RALC-EUD (p < 0.031), but OMC CRP levels were higher than RALC-EUD. Conclusions:In this study, robotic techniques seem less traumatic overall than open surgery, as OMC had higher postoperative CRP levels than RALC-EUD. The higher CRP levels in RALC-IUD may be more reflective of the urinary diversion technique than the true tissue trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathology of ureteroenteric anastomoses (UEAs) after radical cystectomy (RC) with an ileal conduit in a porcine model using different surgical techniques. The study also evaluated the potential anti-inflammatory effect of preoperative carbon dioxide-pneumoperitoneum (CO2P). Materials and methods: Forty female Danish Landrace pigs were randomized to four groups: three intervention groups [open surgery ± prior CO2P and robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy (RALC)], all subjected to RC and an ileal conduit, and one control group. After euthanization, UEAs were harvested and histopathologically evaluated. Results: Five pigs were excluded from the study owing to postoperative complications. Operating room time and clamping of the right and left ureters were significantly longer in the robotic than in the open groups (p <.01). Inflammatory infiltration grade of the left ureter was significantly higher in RALC (p =.032). No statistically significant difference was observed between the open groups receiving prior CO2P or not. Conclusions: Results showed a statistically significant higher inflammatory infiltration grade of the left ureter in RALC, emphasizing the importance of using meticulous techniques when mobilizing the left ureter using the robot. It was not possible to conclude with certainty whether CO2P could constitute an anti-inflammatory agent for local inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate 3 year follow-up in patients with stable prostate cancer (PCa) managed in a shared care program by general practitioners (GPs) in collaboration with urological departments. PCa patients who have undergone curative treatment or endocrine therapy require long-term follow-up. Until recently, follow-up has primarily been managed by urologists at hospital-based outpatient clinics. However, new organizational strategies are needed to meet the needs of the growing number of elderly, comorbid cancer patients. These new organizational strategies target patients, GPs and specialists as joint stakeholders in the care and management of PCa. Materials and methods:In this 3 year follow-up to a Danish shared care PCa trial, 530 patients, out of a total of 2585 patients, were outsourced to the GPs. Strict evaluation criteria were selected to assess compliance according to individually agreed follow-up and re-referral plans for patients and GPs, respectively. Results:This study included 426 (80.4%) out of the 530 PCa patients. Among these, 196 patients had initially undergone curative-intended treatment, whereas 230 patients underwent non-curative treatment. Ninety-one deaths occurred during the study period. Among the 425 patients who were alive, 335 (78.8%) gave consent for their medical records to be accessed. Overall, patient compliance was successfully met in 390 (91.5%) of the cases, while GP compliance was successfully met in 393 (92.3%) of the cases. Conclusion:The shared care regimen for patient follow-up between the departments of urology and the local GPs had a high rate of patient and GP compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective:Although many studies have dealt with adverse effects (AEs) and quality of life (QoL) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients, the quantification of the patients’ perspective on AE-related reduction in QoL has been less studied. This study describes the impact of self-reported local (erectile, bowel, urinary dysfunction) or systemic (mental distress, fatigue, virility loss) AEs on QoL reduction. Materials and methods:Nordic PCa patients completed a questionnaire containing 84 multiple-choice questions. The main outcome variable of the survey was patient-reported PCa-induced QoL reduction, assessed by descriptive and regression analyses. The level of significance wasp < 0.05. Results:Among 6200 patients, 39% described their QoL as reduced owing to the PCa trajectory: radical prostatectomy group (RPGroup): 42%, radiotherapy without hormones (RADGroup): 27%, hormones (HormGroup): 47% and no treatment (NoTrtGroup): 19%. Except for the NoTrtGroup, urinary leakage and fatigue doubled the risk of QoL reduction, while virility loss and erectile dysfunction tripled the risk. Significant intergroup differences emerged for the age-adjusted odds of QoL reduction: RPGroup (0.66), RADGroup (0.40), HormGroup (0.95) and NoTrtGroup (0.22). Conclusions:After RP, RAD or hormone treatment of PCa, systemic AEs, in particular loss of virility, significantly reduce PCa patients’ QoL similarly to or more than local AEs. The probability of reduced QoL is highest during hormone treatment and lowest in patients without anticancer therapy, and seems lower in patients treated with RAD without hormones than after RP. The treatment-related risk of reduced QoL due to systemic AEs should become a part of the pretreatment counselling of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of more than 5 years' experience in the outpatient treatment of ureteric stones by ureteroscopic surgery. Materials and methods. The study included 178 patients, who underwent in total 186 ureteroscopic procedures for ureteric calculi at a clearly defined outpatient surgery department. To obtain data regarding the patient and procedure characteristics and postoperative complications, medical records were reviewed. Results. Overall stone-free rate (SFR) was 85%. Mean age at surgery was 56.2 years, and 130 (73%) of the patients were males. Median operating time was 53 min (interquartile range 35-72 min), and 75% of the procedures were performed by a trained endourologist. In 153 (82%) of the cases, the procedure did not give rise to any complications. None of the complications required active intervention. It was of no statistical significance (p > 0.05) whether the procedure was performed by a trained endourologist or junior doctor with regard to SFR, but there was a tendency towards fewer complications and shorter operating times in procedures performed by specialists. Conclusions. Ureteroscopic removal of ureteral calculi is a safe and efficient procedure that can easily be carried out at an outpatient department. Results regarding operating time and complications were comparable to inpatient procedures, whereas the SFRs were slightly lower in this study compared to inpatient procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate how prostate cancer treatment varies by level of comorbidity among men with localized prostate cancer. Materials and methods. A nationwide cohort study was conducted of all patients younger than 75 years of age with incident localized prostate cancer registered in the Danish Cancer Registry from 1 October 2003 to 31 December 2010. Number and percentages were tabulated, and the prevalence ratios were calculated of patients treated with radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy during the first year after prostate cancer diagnosis according to comorbidity level at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis. Results. The study included 9643 patients, of whom 79% (7576) had no comorbidity, 10% (979) had a Charlson comorbidity index score of 1, 8% (779) had a Charlson score of 2, and 3% (309) had a Charlson score of 3 or more. The cumulative 1 year incidences of prostatectomies were 41%, 23% and 13% among those with Charlson scores of 0, 1-2 and ≥3, respectively. This corresponded to 1 year prevalence ratios of 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CD 0.54-0.67] and 0.33 (95% Cl 0.25-0.44) for patients with Charlson scores of 1-2 and ≥3, respectively, compared with patients with Charlson 0. The cumulative 1 year incidence of radiotherapy did not differ much by Charlson score. The 1 year prevalence ratios of radiotherapy were 1.27 (95% Cl, 1.12-1.45) and 1.10 (95% Cl 0.94-1.28) for patients with Charlson scores of 1 and ≥2, respectively, compared with patients with Charlson 0. Conclusion. The results show that patients with comorbidity were treated less aggressively for their localized prostate cancer than patients without comorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this study was to analyse relative survival, excess mortality and gain in life expectancy in men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer (PCa) between 1995 and 2011 in Denmark. Material and methods. The study population comprised the complete cohort of 6489 men who underwent RP between 1995 and 2011. Risk of mortality was calculated using a competing risk model. Relative survival, excess mortality rate (EMR) and gain in life expectancy in men undergoing RP were calculated using a matched cohort Danish population based on date of birth and date of surgery. Results. During follow-up 328 patients died, 109 (33.2%) of PCa and 219 (66.8%) of other causes. The cumulative incidence of PCa mortality was 5.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.4, 7.2] after 10 years. Relative survival was significantly above 1.0 for RP patients, except for high-risk patients. EMR was -9.34 (95% CI -10.56, -8.13) after 10 years, i.e. nine men would die in excess of the general population. Overall, the gain in life expectancy in men undergoing RP compared with the general population was 0.41 years. Conclusion. This population-based study demonstrated that the gain in life expectancy with RP compared with the general population in Denmark is minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Radical cystectomy with lymph-node dissection is a complex procedure and often followed by high postoperative morbidity and physical impairments leading to prolonged length of stay (LOS). Fast-track principles are standard procedure in radical cystectomy. Additional preoperative and postoperative physical exercises and enhanced mobilization may reduce LOS and early complications. Materials and methods. In total, 107 patients were included in a prospective randomized controlled design, 50 in the intervention group ( nI = 50) and 57 in the standard group ( ns = 57). The standard regimen comprised regular fast-track principles. The intervention included standardized preoperative and postoperative strength and endurance exercises and progressive postoperative mobilization. The programme was initiated 2 weeks before surgery. Efficacy was expressed as a reduction in postoperative LOS. Early complications were defined as events occurring at most 90 days postoperatively and graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Results. Adherence to prehabilitation, i.e. patients who accomplished at least 75% of the programme, was 59%. Postoperative mobilization was significantly improved by walking distance ( p ≤ 0.001). The ability to perform personal activities of daily living was improved by 1 day ( p ≤ 0.05). The median LOS was 8 days in both treatment groups ( p = 0.68). There was no significant difference between treatment groups in severity of complications ( p = 0.64). Conclusions. There was no reduction in LOS due to the preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation programme, although enhanced mobilization was achieved. The optimized minimal surgical procedure may have affected the ability to reduce LOS further with available techniques and procedures. Alternative parameters for recovery may offer more precise and relevant information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this study was to record prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response and overall survival (OS) for a group of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with enzalutamide following progression after abiraterone treatment in the post-chemotherapy setting. Material and methods. Twenty-four mCRPC patients with progression after abiraterone treatment following primary docetaxel therapy received enzalutamide 160 mg/day. The percentage PSA response was recorded following first line docetaxel, abiraterone and enzalutamide treatment. Fischer's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test and linear regression model were used to test for differences in PSA response. Results. All patients had a follow-up of at least 3 months. The median PSA response following 1 month of enzalutamide was -12% (range -56% to 76%), while the median best PSA response was -22% (-76% to 76%). Forty-six percent had a greater than 30% decrease in PSA. The PSA response to enzalutamide did not correlate with the number of prior cancer treatments ( p = 0.57), time from diagnosis to mCRPC ( p = 0.11) or prior response to docetaxel ( p = 0.67). However, patients treated with second line cabazitaxel had an inferior PSA response to enzalutamide ( p = 0.03), and there was a trend for the PSA response to abiraterone to correlate with the PSA response to the succeeding enzalutamide ( B = 0.22, p = 0.05). The median OS was 4.8 months. Conclusions. Previous abiraterone therapy is associated with a less marked fall in PSA following enzalutamide therapy in post-chemotherapy mCRPC patients compared with reported results in randomized trials. Larger prospective studies of sequencing are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncological outcome after cryoablation of the prostate (CAP) in localized prostate cancer and to compare the results with those of the established treatment of radical prostatectomy (RP) after 7 years of parallel use. Material and methods. Forty primary, whole-gland CAP procedures performed on 39 patients from 2006 until 2012 at the Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, were prospectively registered. Patients had a minimum of 12 months' follow-up if they had no recurrent disease. Recurrence was defined by the Phoenix criterion (nadir PSA + 2 ng/ml). Results were compared with oncological outcome in 350 patients who underwent RP over the same period. Results. Median follow-up after CAP was 29.5 (range 4-75) months. Median age at the time of treatment was 65 (47-78) years. A total of 13 (33%) patients developed recurrent disease after CAP, and in D'Amico low-, intermediate- and high-risk subgroups, recurrence was found in two (33%), five (24%) and six (46%), respectively. Median follow-up after RP was 37 (16-54) months. No cases were excluded. Median age was 64 (34-76) years. Compared with the RP results, where recurrence was found in 62 cases in total (18%), and in three (3%), 30 (21%) and 29(28%) subdivided into risk groups, the risk of recurrent disease was significantly higher after the CAP procedures ( p < 0.001). Conclusions. Recurrence after CAP was high regardless of risk group, indicating a risk of treating and leaving the tumour in situ. Even small low-risk tumours have the potential for recurrence. At this institution, the oncological outcome after CAP was inferior to that after RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]