AUA 2019: Contemporary Analysis of Ureteroenteric Strictures after Open and Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Population-Based Study

Chicago, IL (Urotoday.com) Dr. Patel presented his moderated poster on contemporary analysis of ureteroenteric strictures after open and robot-assisted radical cystectomy: a population-based study. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) has been shown to have comparable oncologic efficacy compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC). However, due to differences in the surgical approach, the incidence of benign ureteroenteric strictures may differ. Dr. Patel and colleagues sought to compare the rates of benign strictures after RARC and ORC using population-based data.

From Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare, they identified 332 RARC, and 1449 ORC performed during 2009 and 2014, using International Classification of Diseases-9th edition and Current Procedural Terminology 4th edition to compare the development of ureteroenteric strictures at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years following radical cystectomy. They defined stricture as the need for procedural intervention, consistent with prior studies. They also compared the incidence of stricture diagnosis. Multivariable proportional hazards regression was used to determine factors associated with stricture development.

Dr. Patel then summarized the results of this study. The incidence of ureteroenteric stricture at 6 months and 12 was higher for RARC vs. ORC at 12.1% vs. 7.0% (p < 0.01) and 15.0% vs. 9.5% (p=0.01), respectively. However, the RARC vs. ORC stricture incidence at 2 years did not differ significantly at 14.6% vs. 11.4% (p=0.29). Similarly, the stricture diagnosis rates were significantly lower following ORC at 6, 12, and 24 months (p < 0.05). In adjusted analysis, RARC (HR 1.70, 95%CI 1.28-2.26) and pre-operative hydronephrosis (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.15-1.91) were associated with the development of stricture.

Dr. Patel concluded his talk with a summary that RARC is associated with a higher rate of post-radical cystectomy stricture complication diagnosis and intervention on a population-based level that is mitigated by higher hospital volume. Technical factors are likely responsible and prospective studies are needed to assess the influence of ureteral dissection, tissue handling and perfusion, and tension on stricture rate.

Presented by: Neal Patel, MD, Urologic Surgery Resident at Weill Cornell Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital New York, New York

Written by: Abhishek Srivastava, MD, Society of Urologic Oncology Fellow, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA  @shekabhishek at American Urological Association's 2019 Annual Meeting (AUA 2019), May 3 – 6, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois