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European Urology Dec 2020Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused increased interest in the application of telehealth to provide care without exposing patients and physicians to...
CONTEXT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused increased interest in the application of telehealth to provide care without exposing patients and physicians to the risk of contagion. The urological literature on the topic is sparse.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review of the literature and evaluate all the available studies on urological applications of telehealth.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
After registration on PROSPERO, we searched PubMed and Scopus databases to collect any kind of studies evaluating any telehealth interventions in any urological conditions. The National Toxicology Program/Office of Health Assessment and Translation Risk of Bias Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies was used to estimate the risk of bias. A narrative synthesis was performed.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
We identified 45 studies (11 concerning prostate cancer [PCa], three hematuria management, six urinary stones, 14 urinary incontinence [UI], five urinary tract infections [UTIs], and six other conditions), including 12 randomized controlled trials. The available literature indicates that telemedicine has been implemented successfully in several common clinical scenarios, including the decision-making process following a diagnosis of nonmetastatic PCa, follow-up care of patients with localized PCa after curative treatments, initial diagnosis of hematuria, management diagnosis and follow-up care of uncomplicated urinary stones and uncomplicated UTIs, and initial evaluation, behavioral therapies, and pelvic floor muscle training in UI patients, as well as follow-up care after surgical treatments of stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. The methodological quality of most of the reports was good.
CONCLUSIONS
Telehealth has been implemented successfully in selected patients with PCa, UI, pelvic organ prolapse, uncomplicated urinary stones, and UTIs. Many urological conditions are suitable for telehealth, but more studies are needed on other highly prevalent urological malignant and benign conditions. Likely, the COVID-19 pandemic will give a significant boost to the use of telemedicine. More robust data on long-term efficacy, safety, and health economics are necessary.
PATIENT SUMMARY
The diffusion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections has recently increased the interest in telehealth, which is the adoption of telecommunication to deliver any health care activity. The available literature indicates that telemedicine has been adopted successfully in selected patients with several common clinical urological conditions, including prostate cancer, uncomplicated urinary stones, uncomplicated urinary infections, urinary incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse. Likely, the COVID-19 pandemic will give a significant boost to the use of telemedicine, but more robust data on long-term efficacy, safety, and costs are necessary.
Topics: COVID-19; Decision Making; Hematuria; Humans; Male; Pandemics; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Prostatic Neoplasms; SARS-CoV-2; Telemedicine; Urinary Calculi; Urinary Incontinence; Urinary Tract Infections; Urology
PubMed: 32616405
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2020.06.025 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Oct 2019ICG navigation in cancer surgery may help during pelvic lymphadenectomy.
OBJECTIVE
ICG navigation in cancer surgery may help during pelvic lymphadenectomy.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review combining the terms: bladder cancer or radical cystectomy and ICG, and prostate cancer or radical prostatectomy and ICG. We used the PRISMA guidelines recommendations. We describe the populations studied in each work, the pathological results, as well as the parameters specificity, sensitivity and predictive values.
RESULTS
In muscle-invasive bladder cancer, 4 case series analyzed the performance of lymphography with ICG. The most accepted injection method is under endoscopic vision. Several punctures are done in the submucosa and the detrusor surrounding the scar. Sentinel nodes were found in up to 92% of patients with a technique sensitivity to find metastases of 88% in the series with largest casuistry. In prostate cancer, we collected data from 11 case series. Nine of them apply transrectal or transperineal dilution immediately before surgery. Sensitivity in the detection of all adenopathies ranged between 44% and 100%. The sensitivity of the technique to know the lymph node stage ranges between 67% and 100%.
CONCLUSIONS
There is little experience of ICG-guided lymph node dissedction in bladder tumors. Endoscopic fluorophore injection allows us to find the nodes that drain the infiltrated area. However, the use of this technique is not widespread. In prostate cancer, it is a reproducible and efficient technique for staging patients with prostate cancer.
Topics: Coloring Agents; Humans; Indocyanine Green; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymphography; Male; Pelvis; Prostatic Neoplasms; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
PubMed: 31579042
DOI: No ID Found -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Nov 2021Approximately 4380 cases of cervical carcinoma were diagnosed in Germany in 2016. In women who had not participated in early detection programs, cervical carcinoma was...
BACKGROUND
Approximately 4380 cases of cervical carcinoma were diagnosed in Germany in 2016. In women who had not participated in early detection programs, cervical carcinoma was usually already in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Certified structures for care in conformity with the existing guidelines are available.
METHODS
The new German clinical practice guideline was revised with the participation of 50 medical societies under the expert guidance of the Guideline Program in Oncology, which includes the German Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften, AWMF). A systematic literature review was conducted. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered.
RESULTS
The histologic tumor stage and lymph-node stage are essential determinants of the treatment strategy. The main innovation regarding surgical treatment is the revival of open hysterectomy (overall survival [minimally invasive vs open hysterectomy]: 94.04% vs 99.4%; hazard ratio [HR]: 6.00; 95% confidence interval [1.77; 20.30]). In addition, for tumors measuring 2 cm or less, sentinel node biopsy is recommended rather than radical pelvic lymphadenectomy. MRI-guided brachytherapy is an oblig atory component of radiochemotherapy (overall survival [radiochemotherapy with vs without brachytherapy]: 58.2% vs 46.2%, p<0.001). The standard palliative treatment consists of bevacizumab combined with a platinum-containing agent (overall survival: HR: 0.77 [0.62; 0.95]; p = 0.007).
CONCLUSION
Despite the introduction of new treatments, the outcome of patients with advanced cervical carcinoma has not much improved. In the surgical treatment of cervical carcinoma, the open approach is now favored. The sentinel node biopsy technique has become well established for the surgical staging of small tumors. Controlled trials are needed so that the outcome of women with cervical carcinoma, particularly in its advanced and metastatic stages, can be improved.
Topics: Aftercare; Carcinoma; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Lymph Node Excision; Neoplasm Staging; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 34755595
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0352 -
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Nov 2020To evaluate the survival impact of imaging vs surgical nodal assessment in patients with cervical cancer stage IB2-IVA prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the survival impact of imaging vs surgical nodal assessment in patients with cervical cancer stage IB2-IVA prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
METHODS
PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were used to search for publications in English and Chinese over a 50-year period. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols was used to conduct this review. Inclusion criteria were studies that compared survival outcomes in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer patients with pre-therapy pelvic and/or aortic lymphadenectomy (LND) or imaging. One or more of the following modalities were used for nodal assessment: computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, or positron emission tomography-CT. The National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool was utilized to assess study quality.
RESULTS
The initial search identified 65 studies, and five met the inclusion criteria. There were a total of 1,112 patients. Seven hundred and fifty-four underwent pelvic and/or aortic LND and 358 had imaging. When compared to LND, imaging had a sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 22.2% for pelvic lymph node (LN), and 33%-62.5% and 92%-95.5% for para-aortic LN. There were no differences in progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR]=1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.73-1.74; I²=75%; p<0.01) and overall survival (OS) (HR=1.06; 95% CI=0.66-1.69; I²=75%; p<0.01) between surgical and imaging nodal assessment.
CONCLUSIONS
Imaging and surgical nodal assessment has comparable PFS and OS in patients with cervical cancer stage IB2-IVA.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42020155486.
Topics: Chemoradiotherapy; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neoplasm Staging; Retrospective Studies; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 33078589
DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2020.31.e79 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Mar 2023The purpose of this network meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of limited, standard, extended, and super-extended pelvic lymph node... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this network meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness and adverse effects of limited, standard, extended, and super-extended pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) following radical prostatectomy.
METHODS
This study followed the PRISMA 2020 statement. Clinical trials were searched from three electronic databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase from the database's inception to April 5, 2022. The lymph node-positive rate, biochemical recurrence-free rate, lymphocele rate, thromboembolic rate, and overall complication rate were compared by meta-analysis. Data analyses were performed using R software based on the Bayesian framework.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies involving 15,269 patients were included. All 16 studies compared the lymph node-positive rate; 5 studies compared the biochemical recurrence-free rate; 10 studies compared the lymphocele rate; 6 studies compared the thromboembolic rate, and 9 studies compared the overall complication rate. According to Bayesian analysis, the lymph node-positive rate, lymphocele rate, and overall complication rate were significantly associated with the extension of the PLND range. The limited, extended, and super-extended PLND templates showed a similar but lower biochemical recurrence-free rate and a higher thromboembolic rate than the standard template.
CONCLUSIONS
The extension of the PLND range is associated with an elevated lymph node-positive rate; however, it does not improve the biochemical recurrence-free rate and correlates with an increased risk of complications, especially lymphocele. The selection of the PLND range in clinical practice should consider the oncological risk and adverse effects.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42022301759).
Topics: Male; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Bayes Theorem; Lymphocele; Prostatic Neoplasms; Prostatectomy; Lymph Node Excision
PubMed: 36872312
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02932-y -
Radiation Oncology (London, England) Oct 2022The aim of this study was to investigate the result of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in women with treated gynaecological malignancies who suffer from late... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate the result of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in women with treated gynaecological malignancies who suffer from late radiation-induced tissue toxicity (LRITT). Moreover, which symptoms of LRITT benefit most from HBOT was evaluated as well.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
An online literature search was conducted using PubMed; Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies were included if the study examined gynaecological cancer patients who had been treated with radiotherapy, who suffered from LRITT and who subsequently received HBOT. In addition, the outcome measures were based on examining the effects of HBOT.
RESULTS
Twenty-one articles were included. The study investigating proctitis reported an improvement and three out of four studies investigating cystitis reported decreased complaints in women treated for gynaecological malignancies. In addition, all studies reported improvement in patients with wound complications and fifty percent of the studies reported better Patient Reported Outcome Measurements (PROMS) in women with gynaecological malignancies. Finally, all studies, except one related to pelvic malignancies reported reduced prevalence of symptoms for cystitis and proctitis and all studies reported better PROMS. However, only eleven studies reported p-values, nine of which were significant.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that HBOT has a positive effect in women with gynaecological LRITT. Within the included patient group, gynaecological cancer patients with wound complications seem to benefit most from this treatment compared to other late side effects of LRITT.
Topics: Cystitis; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; Oxygen; Pelvic Neoplasms; Proctitis; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
PubMed: 36203216
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-022-02067-6 -
International Journal of Surgery... Dec 2023
Meta-Analysis
A commentary on 'The efficacy and safety of probiotics for prevention of chemoradiotherapy-induced diarrhea in people with abdominal and pelvic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on 23 randomized studies'.
Topics: Humans; Pelvic Neoplasms; Diarrhea; Abdomen; Chemoradiotherapy; Probiotics
PubMed: 37678298
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000674 -
European Journal of Surgical Oncology :... Jan 2024(Chemo)radiation may be a required treatment in young women with pelvic malignancies. Irradiation may result in ovarian and uterine failure, compromising the fertility... (Review)
Review
Uterine transposition versus uterine ventrofixation before radiotherapy as a fertility sparing option in young women with pelvic malignancies: Systematic review of the literature and dose simulation.
BACKGROUND
(Chemo)radiation may be a required treatment in young women with pelvic malignancies. Irradiation may result in ovarian and uterine failure, compromising the fertility of those patients. While ovarian transposition is an established method to move the ovaries away from the irradiation field, similar surgical procedures regarding the uterus remain investigational. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature on uterine displacement techniques (ventrofixation/transposition) and to simulate the radiation dose received by the uterus in different heights place after the procedures.
METHODS
The systematic review was performed according PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE were queried to identify included study until March 2023. Retrospectively, a dosimetric study was also performed and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) radiotherapy treatment plans were calculated, to assess the dose received by the uterus according to hypothetical different displacement positions taking the case of irradiation for rectal or anal cancer as model.
RESULTS
A total of 187 studies were included, after the screening 9 studies were selected for synthesis. Data from the dose simulation revealed that the transposition approach was the most protective with a maximum dose of about 3 and 8 Gy for anal and rectal cancer respectively. None of the simulated ventrofixation positions received a Dmean surpassing 14 Gy.
CONCLUSION
According to the literature review and the simulation results of the present study we may conclude are feasible and safe as fertility sparing approach in young rectal/anal cancer patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pelvic Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Uterus; Organ Sparing Treatments; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Anus Neoplasms
PubMed: 37992415
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2023.107270 -
BMC Women's Health Mar 2022Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) and Magnetic Resonance guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgHIFU) are two noninvasive treatments for uterine leiomyoma.
Comparison of two invasive non-surgical treatment options for uterine myomas: uterine artery embolization and magnetic resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound-systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) and Magnetic Resonance guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgHIFU) are two noninvasive treatments for uterine leiomyoma.
METHODS
This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, analyzed the effectiveness of two treatments by comparing percent fibroid volume shrinkage immediately after the procedure and after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up and also assessed and compared common complications following treatment. The search utilized Science Direct, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and BioMed Central databases, selecting manuscripts published during the period 2000 and 2020. Studies with premenopausal patients with previous treatments for uterine leiomyoma and/or with other pelvic diseases were excluded.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine papers satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results were pooled and stratified by treatment and follow-up time. Weighted fibroid volume percent shrinkage after UAE was statistically significantly greater than MRgHIFU at 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up times. However, UAE had statistically significantly more complications, such as pain, nausea and vomiting. However, this study cannot conclude that UAE is more effective than MRgHIFU due to confounding factors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Leiomyoma; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Myoma; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Artery Embolization; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 35241063
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01627-y -
Family Practice Jul 2019Urgent suspected cancer referral guidelines recommend that women with gynaecological cancer symptoms should have a pelvic examination (PE) prior to referral. We do not...
BACKGROUND
Urgent suspected cancer referral guidelines recommend that women with gynaecological cancer symptoms should have a pelvic examination (PE) prior to referral. We do not know to what extent GPs comply, their competency at PE, or if PE shortens the diagnostic interval.
OBJECTIVES
We conducted a systematic review of the use, quality and effectiveness of PE in primary care for women with suspected gynaecological cancer.
METHOD
PRISMA guidelines were followed. Three databases were searched using four terms: PE, primary care, competency and gynaecological cancer. Citation lists of all identified papers were screened independently for eligibility by two reviewers. Data extraction was performed in duplicate and independently. Paper quality was assessed using the relevant Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Emergent themes and contrasting issues were explored in a narrative ecological synthesis.
MAIN FINDINGS
Twenty papers met the inclusion criteria. 52% or less of women with suspicious symptoms had a PE. No papers directly explored GPs' competence at performing PE. Pre-referral PE was associated with reduced diagnostic delay and earlier stage diagnosis. Ecological synthesis demonstrated a complex interplay between patient and practitioner factors and the environment in which examination is performed. Presenting symptoms are commonly misattributed by patients and practitioners resulting in misdiagnosis and lack of PE.
CONCLUSION
We do not know if pre-referral PE leads to better outcomes for patients. PE is often not performed for women with gynaecological cancer symptoms, and evidence that it may result in earlier stage of diagnosis is weak. More research is needed.
Topics: Delayed Diagnosis; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Guideline Adherence; Gynecological Examination; Humans; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 30265316
DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmy092