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Introduction: Ureteroscopy (URS) is associated with substantial patient-perceived morbidity. To improve the patient experience, we developed an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for U...

Introduction: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a nonthermal ablative technology that applies high-voltage short-pulse electrical current to create cellular membrane nanopores and ultimately re...

We seek to understand if an automated algorithm can replace human scoring of surgical trainees performing the urethrovesical anastomosis in radical prostatectomy with synthetic tissue. Specifically, we investigate neural networks for predicting the surgical proficiency score (GEARS score) from video clips. We evaluate videos of surgeons performing the urethral anastomosis using synthetic tissue. The algorithm tracks surgical instrument locations from video, saving the positions of key points on the instruments over time. These positional features are used to train a multi-task convolutional network to infer each sub-category of the GEARS score to determine the proficiency level of trainees. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves good performance with scores matching manual inspection in 86.1% of all GEARS sub-categories. Furthermore, the model can detect the difference between proficiency (novice to expert) in 83.3% of videos. Evaluation of GEARS sub-categories with artificial neural networks is possible for novice and intermediate surgeons, but additional research is needed to understand if expert surgeons can be evaluated with a similar automated system.

Robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) has proven to be an effective minimally invasive option for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) in recent years. Single-site surgery is theorized to reduce post-operative pain beyond traditional minimally invasive approaches. We sought to assess whether use of a single-port robotic platform decreases post-operative opioid use in patients undergoing robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP). A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing RASP our institution from November 2017 to July 2019. Demographic, intraoperative, and post-operative data, including morphine equivalent (ME) use, were collected. Patients were stratified by robotic platform utilized. Propensity score matching using nearest neighbor method was performed using prostate volume, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and post-op ketorolac use in 4:1 fashion. Chi-squared analysis and Kruskal–Wallis analyses were utilized. Two-hundred-and-seven men underwent RASP. After matching, 80 patients (64 multi-port, 16 single-port) were included in the analysis. Groups were comparable for age, body mass index, CCI, prostate volume, prior opioid use, and use of scheduled ketorolac post op. The single-port approach was associated with a reduction in MEs once admitted to the floor (5 vs. 11 mg, p = 0.025) and an increase in the proportion of patients who did not require any narcotics post-operatively (44 vs. 19%, p = 0.036). In a propensity matched cohort of patients undergoing RASP at a single institution, use of the single-port robotic system conferred a significant decrease in post-operative narcotic use by approximately 50%.

Rescue intravesical therapies for patients with bacillus Calmette-Guérin failure nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer remain a critical focus of ongoing research. Sequential intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel therapy has shown safety and efficacy in 2 retrospective, single institution cohorts. This doublet has since been adopted as an intravesical salvage option at multiple institutions. We report the results of a multi-institutional evaluation of gemcitabine and docetaxel.Each institution retrospectively reviewed all records of patients treated with intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer between June 2009 and May 2018. Only patients with recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer and a history of bacillus Calmette-Guérin treatment were included in the analysis. If patients were disease-free after induction, maintenance was instituted at the treating physician's discretion. Posttreatment surveillance followed American Urological Association guidelines. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and risk factors for treatment failure were assessed with Cox regression models.Overall 276 patients (median age 73 years, median followup 22.9 months) received treatment. Nine patients were unable to tolerate a full induction course. One and 2-year recurrence-free survival rates were 60% and 46%, and high grade recurrence-free survival rates were 65% and 52%, respectively. Ten patients (3.6%) had disease progression on transurethral resection. Forty-three patients (15.6%) went on to cystectomy (median 11.3 months from induction), of whom 11 (4.0%) had progression to muscle invasion. Analysis identified no patient, disease or prior treatment related factors associated with gemcitabine and docetaxel failure.Intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel therapy is well tolerated and effective, providing a durable response in patients with recurrent nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer after bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy. Further prospective study is warranted.

Summary Introduction Patients with neurogenic bladder (NGB) require periodic urodynamics (UDS) to evaluate bladder function, which in turn helps guide management. At times, bladder decompensation or hydronephrosis may develop in patients between urodynamic testing intervals. Increased surveillance has improved outcomes in other chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes). Two novel devices, the cystomanometer (CM) and cystoelastometer (CEM), have been developed at the authors' institution to allow for home bladder pressure monitoring. The handheld CM can be attached to the end of any catheter and records the opening bladder pressure along with a time stamp. In addition, the CEM actively evacuates urine via a pump and records the urine volume evacuated. For safety, the pump slows and stops as it detects increasing resistance. Data are stored and transmitted wirelessly from both devices to a smartphone. A novel phone application stores, displays, and transmits data to a secure hospital server. Objective This aim of this study was to validate the function of the CM and CEM and their accuracy relative to UDS. Study design Institutional review board approval was obtained. All patients with NGB managed with intermittent catheterization undergoing routine UDS were eligible for study inclusion. At the completion of UDS, the instillation port of the 6-French dual-lumen UDS catheter was connected to the CM or CEM. Bladder parameters were simultaneously recorded using the device and UDS during bladder emptying. Correlative statistics were calculated. Results A total of 36 patients (30 children/6 adults; age range from 1.2 to 38 years [median: 7.5 years]) underwent CM testing. Strong pressure correlation with UDS was identified (R2 = 0.89). A total of 42 patients (30 children/12 adults; age range of 2.9–85.2 years [median: 12.2 years]) underwent CEM testing. Again, strong pressure correlation was found (R2 = 0.77). Cystoelastometer volume measurements were highly correlated with measured volumes (Fig. 4, R2 = 0.98). Discussion Both the CM and CEM functioned well and transmitted the data wirelessly to a smartphone. The data from these devices were strongly correlated with simultaneous data from the UDS. A limitation is that these devices were used by healthcare providers, and therefore, use by patients or their parents/caregivers at home has not been demonstrated. Conclusion The CM and CEM devices provide accurate bladder pressure and volume measurements. The potential for improved patient monitoring and care is promising. Reliability testing and the effects of such monitoring on patient outcomes remain to be determined. Download : Download high-res image (352KB) Download : Download full-size image Summary Figure .

Nutcracker phenomenon of the left renal vein is a rare anatomic anomaly that can present with chronic flank/pelvic pain, pelvic congestion, and hematuria. Conventional treatment options (superior mesenteric artery transposition, endovascular stent placement, auto-transplantation) involve substantial risk, morbidity, or the need for chronic anti-coagulation. We now report our institution's robotic experience with extravascular left renal vein stent placement. A retrospective, single surgeon series from December 2016 to May 2019 was reviewed. After positioning and port placement (three robotic ports, one assistant), the left renal vein was exposed and dissected free circumferentially down to the inferior vena cava insertion. The distance between the renal vein ostium and adrenal vein was measured and a 1 cm-diameter ringed polytetrafluoroethylene vascular stent of this length placed. The stent edges were secured to itself with 3-0 polyglactin sutures. Demographics, surgical, and functional outcomes were collected. Six patients with mean age of 45 ± 6 years and body mass index of 20.3 ± 3.3 g underwent the procedure. Mean operative time was 143 ± 20 min. Estimated blood loss was minimal. Mean graft length utilized was 2.25 ± 0.3 cm. Median day of discharge was 1.5 days (range 1-3). No high-grade complications occurred. All patients received immediate pain relief and 50% also saw other symptomatic improvements. Robotic assisted extravascular left renal vein stent placement appears safe and effective in a small cohort with short follow-up. Further long-term follow-up for pain relief and graft-related complications are needed.

Urologists must balance multiple roles as part of their work. In doing so, many will identify a need for new technology or areas of improvement for existing technology. In considering the ways to address the problem, the idea for a novel device may take shape. If the physician is interested, creation of a novel device or redesigning existing technology can be intellectually stimulating, collaborative and may aid the medical community at large. During development of any device, documenting project details and progress is critical to protect one’s ideas. Prototyping is now faster and less costly than in years prior as a result of new software and fabrication technologies. In this chapter, we detail the steps to inventorship and important considerations that must be undertaken along the way.

Purpose: We aimed to assess failure rates of salvage interventions and changes in split kidney function (SKF) following failed primary repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of adult patients at an academic medical center who underwent salvage intervention following primary treatment for UPJO was performed. Symptomatic failure was defined as significant flank pain. Radiographic failure was defined as no improvement in drainage or a decrease in SKF by ≥7%. Overall failure, the primary outcome, was defined as symptomatic failure, radiographic failure, or both. Results: Between 2008-2017, 34 patients (median age 38 years, 50% men) met study criteria. UPJO management was primary pyeloplasty/secondary endopyelotomy for 21/34 (62%), primary pyeloplasty/secondary pyeloplasty for 6/34 (18%), and primary endopyelotomy/secondary pyeloplasty for 7/34 (21%). Median follow-up was 3.3 years following secondary intervention. Patients undergoing primary pyeloplasty/secondary endopyelotomy had significantly higher overall failure than those undergoing primary pyeloplasty/secondary pyeloplasty (16/21 [76%] vs. 1/6 [17%], p=0.015). Among patients undergoing secondary endopyelotomy, presence of a stricture on retrograde pyelogram, stricture length, and SKF were not associated with symptomatic, radiographic, or overall failure. Serial renography was performed for 28/34 (82%) patients and 2/28 (7%) had a significant decline in SKF. Conclusions: Following failed primary pyeloplasty, secondary endopyelotomy had a greater overall failure rate than secondary pyeloplasty. No radiographic features assessed were associated with secondary endopyelotomy failure. Secondary intervention overall failure rates were higher than reported in the literature. Unique to this study, serial renography demonstrated that significant functional loss was overall infrequent.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:A robotic approach to renal surgery has been shown to be safe and effective and is typically performed in a transperitoneal fashion. Retroperitoneal surgery avoids entry ...

Background: As medical technology continues to advance, especially visualization and miniaturization, surgical intervention continues to become less invasive. Although initially seen with laparoscopy and multiport robotics, single-site surgery has been the focus for the past decade. Recently, a dedicated single-port operative robotic surgical system, DaVinci SP system, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. We now report the results of our initial series of ureteral reconstructive procedures using this platform. Case Presentation: Three patients underwent robotic ureteral reconstructive procedures using the new single-port robotic system. A 62-year-old man with obstructive uropathy related to benign prostatic hypertrophy, relieved by a transurethral resection of the prostate, underwent bilateral ureteral reimplantation for functional ureteral obstruction. A 37-year-old woman with a history of hysterectomy had right flank pain and was found to have right hydroureteronephrosis down to the level of the right ovarian vein consistent with right ovarian vein syndrome. She underwent right ovarian vein clipping and ureterolysis. A 69-year-old woman with 1 year of right flank pain was found to have a ureteropelvic junction obstruction caused by a short atretic ureteral segment and underwent right pyeloplasty with stent placement. A flexible surgeon controlled suction system was used in the latter two cases. All procedures were completed without conversion to a multiport robotic system, laparoscopy, or open. No major complication or transfusions were required. All patients were discharged to home by postoperative day 2. Conclusion: Ureteral reconstructive procedures can be safely and effectively completed using the SP robotic surgical system. Flexible suction allows for near complete surgeon autonomy.

We sought to develop and validate a low-cost, high-fidelity robotic surgical model for the urethrovesical anastomosis component of the robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.A novel simulation model was constructed using a 3D-printed model of the male bony pelvis from CT scan data and silicone molds to recreate the soft tissue aspects. Using a da Vinci Si surgical robot, urology faculty and trainees performed simulated urethrovesical anastomosis. Each participant was given 12 minutes to complete the simulation. A survey established face validity, content validity, and acceptability. Simulation runs were evaluated by three blinded reviewers. The anastomosis was graded by two reviewers for suture placement accuracy and anastomosis quality. These factors were compared with robotic experience to establish construct validity.Twenty participants took part in the initial validation of this model. Groups were defined as experts (surgical faculty), intermediate (fellows and chief residents), and novices (junior residents). Likert scores (1-5 scale, top score 5) examining face validity, content validity, and acceptability were 3.49 ± 0.43, 4.15 ± 0.23, and 4.02 ± 0.19, respectively. Construct validity was excellent based on the model's ability to stratify groups. All evaluated metrics were statistically different between the three levels of training. Total material cost was $2.50 per model.We developed a novel low-cost robotic simulation of the urethrovesical anastomosis for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. The model discerns robotic skill level across all levels of training and was found favorable by participants showing excellent face, content, and construct validities.

Introduction: Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is a rare syndrome, where symptoms can be debilitating, severely affecting quality of life. Patients who fail conservative management can be offered...

Solid renal masses have unknown malignant potential with commonly utilized imaging. Biopsy can offer a diagnosis of cancer but has a high non-diagnostic rate and complications. Reported use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to diagnose aggressive histology (i.e., clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)) via a clear cell likelihood score (ccLS) was based on retrospective review of cT1a tumors. We aim to retrospectively assess the diagnostic performance of ccLS prospectively assigned to renal masses of all stages evaluated with mpMRI prior to histopathologic evaluation. In this retrospective cohort study from June 2016 to November 2019, 434 patients with 454 renal masses from 2 institutions with heterogenous patient populations underwent mpMRI with prospective ccLS assignment and had pathologic diagnosis. ccLS performance was assessed by contingency table analysis. The association between ccLS and ccRCC was assessed with logistic regression. Mean age and tumor size were 60 ± 13 years and 5.4 ± 3.8 cm. Characteristics were similar between institutions except for patient age and race (both p

Introduction: Despite proven effectiveness of medications in preventing stone recurrence, compliance with pharmacotherapy (PT) is often poor because of cost, side effects, and impact on lifestyle. ...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Surgical skill evaluation relies on either direct observation or video review by humans. Both are time consuming, costly and difficult to perform at a large scale. Machin...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Ureteroscopy (URS) and aggressive stone basketing for upper tract stones yields stone free rates (SFR) of only ∼50% by computed tomography (CT). We used a prospective coh...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:After the recurrence of NMIBC following BCG therapy, risk stratified management directs patients toward radical cystectomy, clinical trial enrollment, and off-label use o...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Follow-up of patients with residual fragments (RFs) after ureteroscopy (URS) for upper tract stones has shown that the occurrence of stone-related events is common. Short...

Repeat BCG induction remains an option for select non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients who fail initial therapy. Alternative salvage intravesical regimens such as Gemcitabine and Docetaxel (Gem/Doce) have been investigated. We aimed to compare the efficacy BCG plus interferon a-2b (BCG/IFN) and Gem/Doce in patients with recurrent NMIBC after a single prior BCG course.The National Phase II BCG/IFN trial database and multi-institutional Gem/Doce database were queried for patients with recurrent NMIBC after one prior BCG induction course, excluding those with BCG unresponsive disease. Stabilized inverse probability treatment weighted survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared. Propensity scores were derived from a logistic regression model. The primary outcome was recurrence free survival (RFS); secondary outcomes were high-grade (HG) RFS and risk factors for treatment failure.We identified 197 BCG/IFN and 93 Gem/Doce patients who met study criteria. Patients receiving Gem/Doce were older and more likely to have HG disease, CIS, and persistent disease following induction BCG (all P0.01). After propensity score-based weighting, the adjusted 1- and 2-year RFS was 61% and 53% after BCG/IFN versus 68% and 46% after Gem/Doce (P = 0.95). Adjusted 1- and 2-year HG-RFS was 60% and 51% after BCG/IFN versus 63% and 42% after Gem/Doce (P = 0.68). Multivariable Cox regression revealed that Gem/Doce treatment was not associated with an increased risk of failure (HR = 0.97, P = 0.89) as compared to BCG/IFN.Patients with recurrent NMIBC after a single induction BCG failure and not deemed BCG unresponsive had similar oncologic outcomes with Gem/Doce and BCG/IFN in a post-hoc analysis. Additional prospective studies are needed.

Minimally invasive radical prostatectomy has rapidly been adopted as the primary means of surgical intervention for prostate cancer. Intraoperative tissue retraction relies on either gravity (via positioning) or use of additional ports and instrumentation. We report the use of a novel trocar-less magnetic retractor system to aid with tissue retraction. Three patients underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in the treatment of prostatic adenocarcinoma at a single tertiary care institution. All surgeries utilized the Levita™ Magnetic Surgical System (San Mateo, CA) without the use of a fourth robotic arm. The magnetic grasper was used to manipulate the bowel, peritoneum, seminal vesicles, and prostatic capsule. Demographic, pre-operative, and perioperative information were collected. No cases required placement of any additional ports. No intraoperative or immediate post-operative complications occurred. No tissue tearing or subjective tissue damage was noted by placement or removal of the magnetic retractor. Mean operative time was 216 ± 17 min and mean blood loss was 333 ± 57 mL. All patients were discharged to home on post-operative day 1. Robotic prostatectomy utilizing a magnetically anchored tissue grasper appears to be safe and effective while reducing the number of ports (fourth robotic arm) needed. Further investigation is warranted.

Take Home Message Delayed evaluation and/or treatment for urolithiasis during the COVID-19 pandemic provide a unique opportunity to organically reassess many well-established stone management strategies. Nonopioid analgesia for renal colic and spontaneous passage trials appear to be two avenues worthy of investigation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Ureteroscopy (URS) for stones is associated with post-operative morbidity largely attributed to ureteral stents. Stent removal may precipitate debilitating renal colic wi...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:Using data from a multi-center collaboration to study medical management practices and outcomes, we sought to compare the risk of stone recurrence between patients manage...

Robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for symptomatic patients with lower urinary tract symptoms related to significant benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) above 80 g. The recent release of the da Vinci SP robotic system (Intuitive, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) continues to advance the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgical technology. We now report our institution’s initial experience performing RASP using the da Vinci SP robotic system. An IRB-approved, retrospective chart review was performed of all patients undergoing robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy using the da Vinci SP surgical system in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement by a single surgeon from March to June 2019. Pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative data were collected for descriptive analysis. A total of 10 men, mean age of 69 ± 4 years, with mean prostate volume of 104 ± 11 g underwent surgery. The robotic cannula and a single assistant port were utilized in all cases. No cases required conversion to a multi-port robotic platform or open approach, nor required the placement of additional assistant ports. No intraoperative or immediate post-operative complications were noted. Mean estimated blood loss was 141 ± 98 mL and operative time was 172 ± 19 min. Mean catheter time was 1.9 ± 1.8 days. One patient reported transient de novo stress urinary incontinence. Single-port RASP is a safe and effective intervention for BPE. The smaller surgical footprint from the device appears to make earlier catheter removal possible. Comparative evaluation with multi-port RASP and other modalities is warranted.

Introduction: Tissue retraction during minimally invasive surgery has been achieved to date with patient positioning or additional instrumentation. The Levita™ Magnetic Surgical System (Sa...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Even with aggressive fragment retrieval, ureteroscopy (URS) for upper tract stones yields stone free rates of only approximately 50% when assessed by computed tomography...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement are a significant detractor from quality of life in aging men. Robotic assisted simple prostatectomy (RA...

Introduction Detection of small renal masses (SRM) is increasing with the use of cross-sectional imaging, although many incidental lesions have negligible metastatic potential. A method to identify this subtype would aid in risk stratification. A previously reported clear cell likelihood score (ccLS; 1-very unlikely, 2-unlikely, 3-equivocal, 4-likely, and 5-very likely), based on retrospective review of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), predicted the likelihood of encountering clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) at surgery. Here, we assess the performance of ccLS prospectively assigned for prediction of ccRCC. Methods Patients with a known renal mass who underwent mpMRI at a single institution between June 2016 and April 2018 were prospectively assigned a ccLS as part of the clinical MRI report. These patients were retrospectively reviewed, and those with a cT1a lesion and available pathological tissue diagnosis (diagnostic biopsy or extirpative surgery) were selected for analysis. Results In total, 57 patients (mean age 61.7 ± 14.9 years) with 63 cT1a renal masses were identified. Mean tumor size was 2.7 ± 0.7 cm. Defining ccLS 4-5 lesions as positive demonstrated an overall accuracy of 84%, sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 79%, positive predictive value of 84%, and negative predictive value of 86%. A ccLS of 1-2 demonstrates an 86% accuracy and 100% sensitivity/positive predictive value of identifying non-ccRCC histology. Conclusions Utilizing prospectively assigned ccLS, we confirm that mpMRI can reasonably identify ccRCC histology in cT1a renal masses. Standardization of imaging protocols and reporting criteria such as the ccLS can be used to aid in the diagnosis and management of small renal masses.

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) remains the standard of care in the treatment of bladder carcinoma in situ and as adjuvant therapy after thorough transurethral resection of high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Despite BCG therapy, in up to 40% of patients it would recur and 60% to 70% of those would fail repeat BCG induction be deemed BCG unresponsive. For such patients, cystectomy remains the preferred treatment option per the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology, though some patients would be medically unfit or refuse radical surgery. Further intravesical therapy for bladder-preservation therapies may preserve quality of life in these patients and in some cases can be curative. There are numerous non-BCG intravesical salvage options available, including immunotherapy, single-agent chemotherapy, combination chemotherapy, and device-assisted chemotherapy. In addition, investigation of radiation-based treatment and other novel therapies including checkpoint inhibitors (programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1), are currently underway. In this review, we examine the current status of alternatives to BCG in salvage therapy for bladder preservation.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) replaced early intravesical chemotherapeutic agents as the standard of care for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with its US Food and Drug Administration approval in 1990. Multiple studies have proven the superiority of BCG to surgery alone, and to older single-agent intravesical chemotherapy regimens. However, new multiagent intravesical chemotherapy regimens have been developed and tested in recent years. Such regimens offer the possibility of better efficacy and/or tolerability compared to BCG. However, high-quality data comparing such regimens to BCG remain scant. We briefly review the literature regarding combination intravesical chemotherapy for NMIBC.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) remains the most effective intravesical therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer but will fail in up to 40% of patients. The ability to identify patients who are least likely to respond to further BCG therapy allows urologists to pursue secondary treatments more likely to convey a recurrence or survival benefit to the patient. We examined the literature to determine what constitutes BCG unresponsive disease. After review, we believe that BCG unresponsive disease should be defined as (1) patients with recurrent high grade T1 disease within 6 months of their primary tumor after at least one course of BCG or patients who have failed at least 2 courses of BCG with either (2) persistent or recurrent pure papillary (Ta) disease within 6 months or (3) persistent or recurrent carcinoma in situ (CIS) within 12 months.

Background Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the most effective initial intravesical therapy for high-grade non–muscle invasive bladder cancer, but many patients still fail. Combination intravesical BCG and interferon (IFN) will salvage some patients but results remain suboptimal. Objective We hypothesized that further immunostimulation with intravesical interleukin-2 and subcutaneous granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor may improve response to intravesical BCG and IFN in patient with prior BCG failure(s). Methods A retrospective review was performed. Patients received 6 treatments of quadruple immunotherapy (intravesical solution with one-third dose BCG, 50 million units IFN, and 22 million units interleukin-2, along with a 250-mcg subcutaneous sargramostim injection). Surveillance began 4 to 6 weeks after treatment completion. Patients received maintenance if recurrence-free. Success was defined as no recurrence (bladder or extravesical) and bladder preservation. Analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method (P Results Fifty-two patients received treatment with a median recurrence follow-up of 16.3 months and overall follow-up of 41.8 months. All patients had at least 1 prior BCG failure and 13% had 2 or more prior failures. Only 3 patients (6%) were unable to tolerate full induction. Treatment success was 55% at 1 year, and 53% at 2 years. Thirteen patients (25%) underwent cystectomy at a median time of 17.3 months with disease progression to T2 in 1 patient and T3 in 2 patients. No patients had positive surgical margins or positive lymph nodes. Conclusions In patients with non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer with prior BCG failure, quadruple immunotherapy demonstrated good treatment success in some patients and warrants further evaluation.

Background Tissue retraction during minimally-invasive urologic surgery currently is achieved by either gravity via patient positioning or placement of additional ports for robotic arms or bedside assistant instrumentation. A novel magnetic retractor system (Levita Magnetic Surgical System, San Mateo, CA) was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in minimally invasive surgery. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of magnetic-assisted robotic surgery (MARS) to perform a reduced-port radical prostatectomy (RP). Materials Sixteen patients underwent a MARS reduced-port RP in the treatment of prostatic adenocarcinoma at a single institution from June 2018 to September 2018 utilizing the magnetic retraction device in lieu of the 4th robotic arm for tissue retraction. All surgical procedures were completed using the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). The magnetic retractor was used to manipulate and retract the colon, peritoneum, seminal vesicles, prostatic capsule during neurovascular bundle dissection, and bladder during lymphadenectomy. Results All cases were successfully completed without placement of a 4th robotic arm or an additional assistant port. The magnetic retractor subjectively provided comparable retraction and exposure to these tools. No intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were noted. Mean operative time was 236 ± 23 minutes and mean blood loss was 265 ± 88 mL. All patients were discharged to home by postoperative day 2. Conclusion Magnetic-assisted reduced-port robotic prostatectomy is a novel technique that appears to be both safe and effective. Use of the magnetic system avoids the need for a 4th robotic arm, potentially minimizing the morbidity of surgery and improving cosmesis. Further, none of the fundamental steps of the procedure were changed or compromised. Outcomes analysis in larger cohorts and cost analysis is warranted.

469 Background: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the standard of care for patients with new non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after transurethral tumor resection. While BCG has been compared to single agent intravesical chemotherapy as first-line therapy, few studies exist comparing BCG to sequential intravesical chemotherapy regimens. The objective of this work was to determine the efficacy of sequential intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel (Gem/Doce) in BCG naïve patients with NMIBC. Methods: Patients without prior BCG exposure who underwent Gem/Doce intravesical treatments were retrospectively identified. These patients had been treated with 6 weekly instillations of gemcitabine (1 gram of gemcitabine in 50 ml of sterile water) followed immediately by docetaxel (37.5 mg of docetaxel in 50 mL of saline). Patients without recurrence then underwent maintenance therapy with monthly instillations for two years. Treatment success was defined as no bladder cancer recurrence and no cystectomy. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan Meier method. Results: 30 patients were treated with a median follow-up of 18 months. Eighty percent (n=24) of patients had high risk disease. Median age was 78 years old. The most common indications for Gem/Doce therapy were “advanced age/frailty” (n=15), “immunosuppression” (n=4), and “BCG Shortage” (n=4). Treatment success was 96% at 3 months, 89% at 1 year, and 89% at 2 years. No patients progressed or required cystectomy. Treatments were generally well tolerated, with only one patient unable to finish induction and two patients declining maintenance. Side-effects included urinary urgency/frequency (30%), dysuria (26%), and hematuria (23%). A need for dose reduction or delay was uncommon (16%). The all-cause mortality rate was 3.5% at 1 year, and 16.5% at 2 years. Neither bladder cancer nor the treatments were the cause of any of the deaths. Conclusions: Sequential intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel is an effective treatment for BCG naïve NIMBC. Treatments are generally well tolerated even in a frail and comorbid patient population. Further evaluation of this combination therapy for BCG naïve disease is warranted.

Objective: To create the first data-driven definition for those unlikely to benefit from further BCG treatment. Materials and Methods: The database created for the Phase 2 BCG-Interferon-α 2B (IFN) study was queried and BCG failure patients were identified (n = 334). Full study protocols have previously been published. Separate models were constructed for analysis of patients with any CIS (pure or concomitant) and pure papillary disease. Variables considered included age, gender, stage, grade, tumor size and focality (for papillary only), number of prior BCG courses, and prior BCG failure interval. Results: Patients with recurrent CIS within 6 months of their most recent prior BCG course (HR 2.56, p < 0.01) and ≥2 prior BCG failures (HR 1.54, p < 0.01) responded worst to repeat intravesical therapy. Those with CIS recurrence at 6–12 months did not differ from those recurring within 6 months (HR = 0.88, p = 0.71). Patients with recurrent papillary disease within 6 months (HR 1.82, p = 0.02), ≥2 BCG failures (HR 1.54, p = 0.03), and multifocal disease (HR 2.05, p < 0.01) responded worst to therapy. Patients with T1 disease remained disease free in 38% of cases (24–51% 95% CI) at 2 years with low rates of progression. Conclusions: Patients who fail two courses of BCG with either persistent or recurrent multifocal papillary disease within 6 months or CIS within 12 months of their prior BCG should be considered BCG unresponsive. Recurrent T1 disease respond reasonably well to another course with low progression rates but further investigation is warranted.

Patients with high-grade muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) receive intravesical therapy with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) as the well-established standard-of-care. However, even with prompt induction of intravesical therapy, approximately 40 % of patients will recur within 2 years. For patients who fail BCG, options include radical cystectomy, repeat BCG therapy, or alternative intravesical salvage therapy. In this review, we will discuss the most recent published evidence on salvage intravesical therapy with an emphasis on a more in-depth report of our therapeutic strategy with sequential gemcitabine and docetaxel intravesical therapy for this treatment-refractory population. In addition, we will provide practical advice on our approach to this challenging patient population including the use of operative staging to aid early identification of treatment failures.