Focal therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) provides approaches to treat PCa patients in a less invasive manner than traditional whole-gland surgical or radiation modalities. This manuscript provides a case series of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation (IRE) for PCa at a single institution and cost analysis with a review of the literature. All patients who underwent HIFU, cryoablation, or IRE for localized PCa were retrospectively reviewed, excluding patients who received whole-gland therapy. Functional outcomes were erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms. Cost data were collected. A total of 45 patients were included in the study with focal therapy ranging from 2023 to 2025 (4 HIFU, 20 cryoablation, 21 IRE). A total of 30 patients had focally treated lesions, and 15 patients had hemi-gland treatment. The mean preoperative PSA was 7.7 ng/mL. On the paired sample t-test, there was no significant difference between pre-focal and post-focal therapy PSA. Three patients experienced biochemical recurrence requiring prostate biopsy after focal treatment. Mean cost was USD 3804.50 and not significantly different by focal treatment. No metastatic events occurred nor deaths at a median follow-up of 6 months. Patients in this series had largely unaltered functional outcomes. Cost analysis in contemporary publications is lacking. Although follow-up was short, cancer control was adequate.

Sandberg M, et al. Investig Clin Urol. 2026 ;67:e26. https://doi.org/10.4111/icu.20250644

Introduction: The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on surgical outcomes is often underrecognized. Benign cystectomy (BC) for nononcologic bladder disease carries high morbidity but remains understudied. We evaluated the effect of SES on postoperative outcomes and healthcare utilization following BC. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all BCs performed at our institution from 2012 to 2025. Neighborhood‐level socioeconomic disadvantage was measured using the area deprivation index (ADI; scale 1–10), with higher scores indicating greater deprivation. Patients were stratified into deciles (ADID). ADI reflects area‐level socioeconomic conditions rather than individual‐level characteristics and therefore may not capture patient‐specific socioeconomic factors. Surgical outcomes, emergency department (ED) utilization, and 90‐day readmissions were compared across ADID groups. Results: Among 183 patients, the median ADI was 5 (IQR 4–8). Preoperative comorbidities, urinary diversion type, operative time, length of stay, and in‐hospital complication rates were similar across ADID groups. ED visits and 90‐day readmission rates did not differ by SES ( p > 0.05). On multivariable analysis, Indiana pouch diversion was associated with higher odds of postoperative complications (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4–12.8; p < 0.05). Both Indiana pouch (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.3–13.1; p < 0.05) and a neobladder (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.4–9.8; p < 0.05) were associated with a greater likelihood of readmission within 90 days of discharge. Conclusions: SES, as measured by ADID, was not significantly associated with outcomes or postoperative healthcare utilization. BC carries high morbidity regardless of SES. These findings warrant prospective validation.