Unlocking Precision Medicine: Liquid Biopsy Advancements in Renal Cancer Detection and Monitoring.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a formidable diagnostic challenge, especially in the context of small renal masses. The quest for non-invasive screening tools and biomarkers has steered research towards liquid biopsy, focusing on microRNAs (miRNAs), exosomes, and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). MiRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, exhibit notable dysregulation in RCC, offering promising avenues for diagnosis and prognosis. Studies underscore their potential across various biofluids, including plasma, serum, and urine, for RCC detection and subtype characterization. Encouraging miRNA signatures show correlations with overall survival, indicative of their future relevance in RCC management. Exosomes, with their diverse molecular cargo, including miRNAs, emerge as enticing biomarkers, while CTCs, emanating from primary tumors into the bloodstream, provide valuable insights into cancer progression. Despite these advancements, clinical translation necessitates further validation and standardization, encompassing larger-scale studies and robust evidence generation. Currently lacking approved diagnostic assays for renal cancer, the potential future applications of liquid biopsy in follow-up care, treatment selection, and outcome prediction in RCC patients are profound. This review aims to discuss and highlight recent advancements in liquid biopsy for RCC, exploring their strengths and weaknesses in the comprehensive management of this disease.

Advances in Urinary Diversion: From Cutaneous Ureterostomy to Orthotopic Neobladder Reconstruction-A Comprehensive Review.

Bladder cancer ranks as the 10th most prevalent cancer globally with an increasing incidence. Radical cystectomy combined with urinary diversion represents the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, offering a range of techniques tailored to patient factors. Overall, urinary diversions are divided into non-continent and continent. Among the first category, cutaneous ureterostomy and ileal conduit represent the most common procedures while in the second category, it could be possible to describe another subclassification which includes ureterosigmoidostomy, continent diversions requiring catheterization and orthotopic voiding pouches and neobladders. In this comprehensive review, urinary diversions are described in their technical aspects, providing a summary of almost all alternatives to urinary diversion post-radical cystectomy.

Is water vapor thermal therapy safe and feasible in elderly and frail men? The Italian experience.

PURPOSE: In recent years, water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) has spread as minimally invasive technique in lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment. Even if its safety and feasibility have been largely proved in young men, nobody has proved the same feasibility and safety in the elderly (men older than 75 years old). Our aim is to compare WVTT safety outcomes in men older than 75 with younger men. METHODS: We prospectively collected data on men who underwent water vapor thermal therapy from 2019. We compared data on operative time, number of injections, intra-operative and post-operative complications, reinterventions rate. RESULTS: We enrolled 426 patients; among these, 60 were older than 75 years old, 366 were younger. Our cohorts of patients had similar results in terms of intra-operative and post-operative complications. Operative time accounts about 11 min for both groups (p = 0.535), total number of injections was seven for young men and eight for elderly (p = 0.314). We found no intra-operative complications in elderly men group and only one in the younger group (p = 0.678), while five younger men underwent clot retention, and two elderly men experienced this complication (p = 0.239). Only one transfusion occurred in the elderly group. No differences between groups occurred in terms of length of stay, post-operative urinary retention and reintervention rate, while catheterization time was longer in the elderly men. CONCLUSION: WVTT is a safe procedure in elderly patients with comparable intra-operative and post-operative complication rate in comparison with younger patients.

Intermittent self-catheterization training and effects on treatment adherence and infection.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) is the preferred treatment for patients with bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the learning phase plays a crucial role in the still frequent drop-out. AIM: To examine whether the timing of training affects the treatment compliance and the prevalence of urinary tract infections in patients with neurogenic urinary retention. DESIGN: This is a non-randomized observational study. SETTING: The study was carried out from January 2017 to December 2019 in outpatient settings at the Bari Polyclinic Unipolar Spinal Unit (Bari, Italy). POPULATION: The study included adults with a CISC prescription for neurogenic urinary retention and learning the technique for the first time. METHODS: One hundred patients were enrolled, 75 trained immediately after diagnosis and physician prescription, while 25 in the contest of a separate training visit, one or two days after physician prescription. After the training (T0), patient's data and number of prescribed daily catheterizations were recorded and compared with those collected after 6 and 12 months. Accuracy of the procedure and episodes of infections were assessed as well. RESULTS: Adherence to prescribed CISC frequency and complications were not affected by the timing of training. However, patients adherent to the prescribe frequency of catheterization had less risk of infection than those who were not. Further post-hoc analysis confirmed that urodynamic findings and the pathology did not impact the overall occurrence of complications, but infections occurred more frequently in patients with MS (P<0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The timing of CISC education does not affect treatment adherence or the occurrence of complications. However, the adherence to the CISC prescription seems to reduce the risk of infection. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Patient training can be scheduled according to the organization of the centers, as patient compliance and the occurrence of complications are not affected.

Novel Key Ingredients in Urinary Tract Health-The Role of D-mannose, Chondroitin Sulphate, Hyaluronic Acid, and N-acetylcysteine in Urinary Tract Infections (Uroial PLUS®).

Urinary tract infections represent a common and significant health concern worldwide. The high rate of recurrence and the increasing antibiotic resistance of uropathogens are further worsening the current scenario. Nevertheless, novel key ingredients such as D-mannose, chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid, and N-acetylcysteine could represent an important alternative or adjuvant to the prevention and treatment strategies of urinary tract infections. Several studies have indeed evaluated the efficacy and the potential use of these compounds in urinary tract health. In this review, we aimed to summarize the characteristics, the role, and the application of the previously reported compounds, alone and in combination, in urinary tract health, focusing on their potential role in urinary tract infections.

Do Patients Treated with Water Vapor Therapy and Meeting Randomized Clinical Trial Criteria Have Better Urinary and Sexual Outcomes Than an Unselected Cohort?

Introduction: Water vapor intraprostatic injection (Rezum procedure) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most promising minimally invasive surgical treatments. Five-year outcomes from the multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated significant and durable urinary and sexual function results in selected patients. We compared the sexual and urinary outcomes of this procedure in patients satisfying inclusion criteria of the RCT with unselected patients. Materials and Methods: We prospectively followed all patients with symptomatic BPH who underwent Rezum therapy at eight institutions and analyzed the functional results. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who matched the 5-year RCT inclusion criteria (Group A) and patients who did not (Group B). The pre- and postoperative data, complications, presence of antegrade ejaculation, and urinary and sexual outcomes were periodically recorded. Results: A total of 426 patients were eligible for the study (232 in Group A and 194 in Group B). Patients in Group B had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score, prostate volume, and postvoid residual measurement. No difference was found in terms of preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function, maximum urinary flow, and prostate-specific antigen. Longer operative time and higher number of vapor injections were required in Group B, with no differences in hospital stay, injection density, and complication rates. All the urinary and sexual outcomes improved with no differences between the two groups. The reintervention rate at the latest follow-up visit was 2.6% in Group A and 3.1% in Group B. Conclusions: In our large multicenter series, water vapor intraprostatic injections showed a safe and effective profile regardless of the prostate size, presence of indwelling catheter, antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications, and patients' comorbidities.

Oral Preparation of Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate, Curcumin, and Quercetin (Ialuril® Soft Gels) for the Prevention of LUTS after Intravesical Chemotherapy.

Intravesical chemotherapy may cause chemical cystitis and related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an oral preparation of hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS), curcumin, and quercetin (Ialuril® Soft Gels) to reduce the severity of LUTS in patients with a history of bladder cancer (BCa) undergoing intravesical chemotherapy. We designed a monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Patients referred to our institute between November 2016 and March 2018 were enrolled. All subjects had non-muscle-invasive BCa and received intravesical chemotherapy with mitomycin C (MMC). Patients were randomized 1:1 in two groups (intervention vs. control). All subjects underwent oral administration (Ialuril® Soft Gels or placebo) starting one week before the first weekly instillation and ending 30 days after the last one, subsequently starting one week before each monthly instillation and ending 14 days after it. International prostate symptom score (IPSS) and 0-100 visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess the efficacy of the treatment. Adverse events were also described. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 1, 4, 7, and 13 months of intravesical chemotherapy. A total of 34 patients were enrolled. The median IPSS score was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group at 4 (13 vs. 17 points; p = 0.038), 7 (10 vs. 18 points; p < 0.001), and 13 (10 vs. 17 points; p = 0.002) months. The median VAS score was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group at 7 (22 vs. 37 points; p = 0.021) and 13 (20 vs. 35 points; p = 0.024) months. No AE specifically related to supplement or placebo was recorded. Oral formulation of HA, CS, quercetin, and curcumin could be an effective and safe supportive therapy against chemical cystitis in patients receiving intravesical chemotherapy for BCa.

Molecular Characterization of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts in Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Stromal components surrounding epithelial cancer cells seem to play a pivotal role during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor invasion, and metastases. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor-stroma interactions may yield novel therapeutic targets for prostate cancer. METHODS: Gene expression profile of prostate-cancer associated fibroblast (PCAF) and prostate non-cancer associated fibroblast (PNAF) cells isolated from radical prostatectomy was performed by Illumina, analyzed, and further processed by Ingenuity®: IPA® software. qRT-PCR was performed on an independent set of 17 PCAF, 12 PNAF, and 12 fibroblast cell lines derived from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPHF). RESULTS: Using microarray analysis, we found six upregulated genes and two downregulated genes in PCAFs compared to PNAFs. To validate microarray results, we performed qRT-PCR for the most significantly regulated genes involved in the modulation of proliferation and androgen resistance on an independent set of PNAF, PCAF, and BHPF samples. We confirmed the increased expression of SCARB1, MAPK3K1, and TGF-ß as well as the decreased expression of S100A10 in PCAFs compared to PNAFs and BPHFs. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide strong evidence that the observed changes in the gene expression profile of PCAFs can contribute to functional alteration of adjacent prostate cancer cells.

Anterior colporrhaphy and sacrospinous hysteropexy in women with pelvic organ prolapse: Urodynamic findings and functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to evaluate urodynamic effects and functional outcomes after anterior colporrhaphy and bilateral sacrospinous hysteropexy (SSH) in patients with stages II-IV pelvic organ prolapse (POP). STUDY DESIGN: This is a single-centre prospective study. Sixty-two women affected by anterior/central compartment prolapse of stage II-IV u ndergoing anterior colporrhaphy and bilateral SSH were recruited from our pelvic center. The preoperative evaluation included history, clinical examination, uroflowmetry and urodynamic studies (UDS). Six months after surgery, all patients performed UDS, completed the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI)-6, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire. RESULTS: Median follow-up study was 11 months (range 6-24). Q max significantly improved compared with baseline (21.1 ± 7.3 vs 12.3 ± 7.1 ml/s; p = 0.005) and the percentage of patients with PVR > 30% of premicturitional bladder volume significantly decreased (33.3% vs 11.1%; p = 0.001). At baseline, 24 (38.7%) women had typical phasic DO. Six months after surgery, DO was detected in only eleven women (17.7%) (p < 0.0001), with no de novo cases. Thirteen (21%) women reported SUI preoperatively which persisted in 5 patients (8.1%) after surgery, with no de novo cases. BOO was observed in only eight (12.9%) patients postoperatively compared with 51 (82.3%) at baseline (p < 0.0001). At last follow up visit, the UDI-6 and IIQ-7 total median scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of anterior colporrhaphy and bilateral SSH in women with advanced POP provides good functional outcomes, as demonstrated by the urodynamic findings before and after surgery.

The Impact of Lockdown on Couples' Sex Lives.

BACKGROUND: the aim of this study was to perform an Italian telematics survey analysis on the changes in couples' sex lives during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. METHODS: a multicenter cross sectional study was conducted on people sexually active and in stable relationships for at least 6 months. To evaluate male and female sexual dysfunctions, we used the international index of erectile function (IIEF-15) and the female sexual function index (FSFI), respectively; marital quality and stability were evaluated by the marital adjustment test (items 10-15); to evaluate the severity of anxiety symptoms, we used the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. The effects of the quarantine on couples' relationships was assessed with questions created in-house. RESULTS: we included 2149 participants. The sex lives improved for 49% of participants, particularly those in cohabitation; for 29% it deteriorated, while for 22% of participants it did not change. Women who responded that their sex lives deteriorated had no sexual dysfunction, but they had anxiety, tension, fear, and insomnia. Contrarily, men who reported deteriorating sex lives had erectile dysfunctions and orgasmic disorders. In both genders, being unemployed or smart working, or having sons were risk factors for worsening the couples' sex lives. CONCLUSION: this study should encourage evaluation of the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the sex lives of couples.

Italian real-life clinical setting: the persistence and adherence with mirabegron in women with overactive bladder.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aims of this study were to evaluate the persistence, the adherence on treatment with mirabegron, the reasons for the interruption in patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and their satisfaction. METHODS: This was an Italian multicentre prospective study. Four tertiary urological centers were involved. We included women with no neurogenic OAB symptoms already in therapy with once-daily mirabegron 50 mg for 1 month. They were followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment with uroflowmetry with voiding diary for 3 days and post-void residual measurement. They completed self-administered Overactive Bladder questionnaire short form (OABq), Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-4 short form (MMAS), Patient Global Impression-Improvement questionnaire. Patients were divided in OAB wet and OAB dry groups, and in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced groups. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and July 2018, 80 patients with OAB were included. Fifteen (18.7%) patients continued the treatment for 6 months; 17.5% interrupted the therapy before 1 month: 30% within the third month, while, 33.7% after 1 month. The median time to discontinuation with mirabegron was 62.5 days. The mean adherence was 0.42 ± 0.33, median MMAS was 2 (0-4). The adherence was significantly greater in treatment-naïve (22.4%) than treatment-experienced (6.5%) patients, without statistically significant differences in the different OAB form. The cost is the main cause of interruption of therapy (50% of cases).There was an improvement of OABqSF score and PGI-I score. CONCLUSION: In Italy, the cost compromises adherence and persistence of therapy with mirabegron despite the good functional outcomes.

Coital Incontinence in Women With Urinary Incontinence: An International Study.

INTRODUCTION: Coital urinary incontinence (CUI) is not much explored during clinical history, and this could lead to an underestimation of the problem. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and clinical risk factors of CUI in women with urinary incontinence (UI), and to measure the impact of CUI on women's sexuality and quality of life. METHODS: This was a multicenter international study, conducted in Italy, Greece, the United States, and Egypt. Inclusion criteria were: sexually active women with UI and in a stable relationship for at least 6 months. Exclusion criteria were: age <18 years and unstable relationship. The UI was classified as stress UI (SUI), urgency UI (UUI), and mixed UI (MUI). Women completed a questionnaire on demographics and medical history, in particular on UI and possible CUI and the timing of its occurrence, and the impact of CUI on quality and frequency of their sexual life. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To evaluate the CUI and its impact on sexual life we used the open questions on CUI as well as the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition questionnaire. RESULTS: In this study 1,041 women (age 52.4 ± 10.7 years) were included. In all, 53.8% of women had CUI: 8% at penetration, 35% during intercourse, 9% at orgasm, and 48% during a combination of these. Women with CUI at penetration had a higher prevalence of SUI, women with CUI during intercourse had higher prevalence of MUI with predominant SUI, and women with CUI at orgasm had higher prevalence of UUI and MUI with predominant UUI component. Previous hysterectomy was a risk factor for CUI during any phase, while cesarean delivery was a protective factor. Previous failed anti-UI surgery was a risk factor for CUI during penetration and intercourse, and body mass index >25 kg/m2 was a risk factor for CUI at intercourse. According to International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire scores, increased severity of UI positively correlated with CUI, and had a negative impact on the quality and frequency of sexual activity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study should encourage physicians to evaluate the CUI; in fact, it is an underestimated clinical problem, but with a negative impact on quality of life. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The strength of this study is the large number of women enrolled, while the limitation is its observational design. CONCLUSION: CUI is a symptom that can affect sexual life and should be investigated during counseling in all patients who are referred to urogynecological centers. Illiano E, Mahfouz W, Giannitsas K, et al. Coital Incontinence in Women With Urinary Incontinence: An International Study. J Sex Med 2018;15:1456-1462.

Mixed urinary incontinence: A prospective study on the effect of trans-obturator mid-urethral sling.

OBJECTIVES: It is hypothesized that urethral dysfunction is central in mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in women, since urine entering the proximal urethra under increased intra-abdominal pressure provokes a urethro-detrusorial reflex and involuntary detrusor contraction. Mid-urethral slings have been proposed as a solution. Our primary objective was to evaluate the long-term subjective and objective outcomes on continence and other urinary symptoms of a trans-obturator mid-urethral sling (TOT) procedure. Our secondary objectives were to determine its impact on quality of life (QoL), and to investigate which factors influence outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This is a single-centre prospective study on a consecutive series of 86 women who underwent TOT for MUI as defined by ICS/IUGA. Since the definition of MUI that we used is symptom-based, we included patients both with and without associated detrusor overactivity. All patients underwent placement of Monarc® Subfascial Hammocks. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We used the McNemar chi-square test, the paired t-test and Fisher's exact test. A logistic regression model and odds ratios were used to assess age, parity, body mass index, menopausal status, preoperative detrusor over-activity, and detrusor pressure at maximum flow as possible factors for treatment failure. Only those that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 59 months, SUI was cured objectively in 83.7% of patients and subjectively in 87.2%. Three patients underwent further anti-incontinence surgery. The continence rates were 74.4% for urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) and 66.3% for SUI-UUI. The patient-reported success rate was 87.2% ('much better' or 'very much better' on Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale). There were statistically significant improvements in all domains except general health. The univariate analysis found no significant risk factor for persistence of SUI. Median age >60 years and menopause were predictive for persistence of UUI. Median and mean age >60 years were predictive of persistence of overall incontinence. In the multivariate model, all variables lost their statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates TOT surgery can be performed for patients with MUI following unsuccessful conservative therapy. We also demonstrate that menopause and age >60 are risk factors for failure. This should be considered when counselling preoperatively.

Urological dysfunction in young women: an inheritance of childhood?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of a history of lower urinary tract symptomatology during childhood with lower urinary tract dysfunction in young adult women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a multicentre, prospective, case-control study conducted between April 2013 and November 2015. A total of 300 women, aged 18-40 years, participated. The case group comprised women attending urogynaecology clinics for various lower urinary tract complaints and the control group was recruited from a healthy population. Exclusion criteria were designed to avoid common causes of lower urinary tract dysfunction and symptoms and included diabetes mellitus, neurological disease and pelvic inflammatory disease. All women completed a self-administered 77-item questionnaire, exploring childhood urological and bowel history, as well as current urological, bowel and sexual symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests to compare categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression models were fit for the prediction of the adult outcomes, incorporating as explanatory variables all those that showed a significant P value in bivariate analysis. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Women with childhood urinary voiding and storage symptoms had a higher prevalence of these symptoms in adult life compared with women without such history. Women with urinary tract infections (UTIs) during childhood had a higher incidence of adult UTIs compared with women without this problem in childhood. CONCLUSIONS: Lower urinary tract dysfunction in childhood seems to 'persist' in young adult life but the implications of this finding in clinical practice need to be defined in future studies.

Sacrocolpopexy with polyvinylidene fluoride mesh for pelvic organ prolapse: Mid term comparative outcomes with polypropylene mesh.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the surgical, anatomical, and functional outcomes of sacrocolpopexy (SCP) using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh versus SCP using the standard polypropylene (PP) mesh. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective single centre case-control study including female patients who underwent laparoscopic or abdominal SCP for POP with either PP (Cousin Biotech®) or PVDF (DynaMesh®-PRS) mesh between March 2005 and May 2015. Anatomical outcomes were assessed by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system. Functional outcomes included voiding and storage urinary symptoms (VS and SS, respectively), urgency and stress urinary incontinence (UUI and SUI) and sexual dysfunction (SD). Symptoms and their impact on patients' quality of life (QoL) were assessed using validated questionnaires as Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Global patient perception of improvement (PGI-I questionnaire) and mesh erosion rates were also recorded. RESULTS: Of the 166 patients enrolled, 136 could be included in the analysis: 73 in the PP group and 63 in the PVDF group. The mean follow-up was 94± 17.31 months for the PP and 25.6± 13.8 months for the PVDF group. There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics and preoperative clinical characteristics. Postoperative anatomical correction were not significantly different between the two groups. The PVDF group showed superior results in term of storage symptoms (PVDF=0% versus PP=8.2%; p=0.02) and lower rate of sexual dysfunction (PVDF=0% versus PP=16,4%; p=0.001). Only 1 patient in PP group and 2 in PVDF group (p=0.47) presented a mesh exposure. There was no statistical difference in PGI-I scores (PP=1.5±1.0 vs PVDF=1.8±0.5; p=0.40). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that both meshes can be safely and effectively used with good anatomical outcomes. Interestingly, PVDF use was associated with significantly less storage symptoms and sexual dysfunction.

Increased risk of erectile dysfunction in men with multiple sclerosis: an Italian cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunctions (SDs) are common, but often underestimated symptoms in men with multiple sclerosis (MS). The most common sexual complaint in a multiple sclerosis male is erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this observational, cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its relationship with neurological disability, depression, urodynamic findings and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2014 to January 2016, there were 101 consecutive male patients with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis according to the McDonald revised criteria and stable sexual relationships were included. Patients were evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Male version (SQoL-M), International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Neurological impairment was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The presence of Detrusor Overactivity (DO), Detrusor Underactivity (DU) and Detrusor Sphincter Dyssynergia (DSD), was defined by International Continence Society (ICS) criteria. RESULTS: Erectile dysfunction (ED) defined according to the erectile function (EF)-subdomain score ≤25 was present in 75 patients (74.25%). Univariate regression analysis showed that Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Male version (P <0.0001), age (P = 0.021), Expanded Disability Status Scale score (P = 0.001), Beck Depression Inventory-IIscore (P = 0.001),International Prostate Symptom Score (P = 0.001), Detrusor Underactivity (P = 0.002), Multiple Sclerosis-Secondary Progressive (P = 0.002) was significantly associated with erectile dysfunction. All significant findings in univariate analysis were then entered into a multiple logistic regression model. The results indicated that the Beck Depression Inventory-II score (P = 0.011) and International Prostate Symptom Score (P = 0.043) were the only independent predictive factors of erectile dysfunction onset in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hence, in order to provide an effective approach and management for erectile dysfunction all the mentioned symptoms and clinical variables should be kept in mind.

Scrotal Abscess Drained by Iatrogenic Urethral Fistula in an Adult Diabetic Male.

A 46-year-old Caucasian male has been transferred to our urology department with a history of septic fever, uncompensated diabetes, pain, and scrotal swelling. On clinical examination, the left inguinal and scrotal area was swollen, tender, and painful; scrotal MR had been performed, showing the catheter tip in scrotal cavity and presence of gas. The case was diagnosed as scrotal abscess with urethroscrotal fistula. He was successfully treated with scrotal incision, drainage, catheter repositioning under fluoroscopic control, antibiotics, and insulin. This patient developed an infection of scrotum, which led to subcutaneous abscess getting worse by a poorly controlled glycemia. In this case, an iatrogenic fistula, caused by wrong catheterization, stops the evolving to a Fournier's Gangrene. Early detection and intervention provide opportunities to improve outcome of this disease.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus retrograde intrarenal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Recent advances in technology have led to the implementation of mini- and micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) as well as retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in the management of kidney stones. OBJECTIVE: To provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing RIRS with PCNL techniques for the treatment of kidney stones. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature review was performed in March 2014 using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies. Article selection proceeded according to the search strategy based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis criteria. A subgroup analysis was performed comparing standard PCNL and minimally invasive percutaneous procedures (MIPPs) including mini-PCNL and micro-PCNL with RIRS, separately. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Two randomised and eight nonrandomised studies were analysed. PCNL techniques provided a significantly higher stone-free rate (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-3.13; p<0.00001) but also higher complication rates (odds ratio [OR]: 1.61; 95% CI, 1.11-2.35; p<0.01) and a larger postoperative decrease in haemoglobin levels (WMD: 0.87; 95% CI, 0.51-1.22; p<0.00001). In contrast, RIRS led to a shorter hospital stay (WMD: 1.28; 95% CI, 0.79-1.77; p<0.0001). At subgroup analysis, RIRS provided a significantly higher stone-free rate than MIPPs (WMD: 1.70; 95% CI, 1.07-2.70; p=0.03) but less than standard PCNL (OR: 4.32; 95% CI, 1.99-9.37; p=0.0002). Hospital stay was shorter for RIRS compared with both MIPPs (WMD: 1.11; 95% CI, 0.39-1.83; p=0.003) and standard PCNL (WMD: 1.84 d; 95% CI, 0.64-3.04; p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: PCNL is associated with higher stone-free rates at the expense of higher complication rates, blood loss, and admission times. Standard PCNL offers stone-free rates superior to those of RIRS, whereas RIRS provides higher stone free rates than MIPPs. Given the added morbidity and lower efficacy of MIPPs, RIRS should be considered standard therapy for stones <2 cm until appropriate randomised studies are performed. When flexible instruments are not available, standard PCNL should be considered due to the lower efficacy of MIPPs. PATIENT SUMMARY: We searched the literature for studies comparing new minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of kidney stones. The analysis of 10 available studies shows that treatment can be tailored to the patient by balancing the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Reporting quality of abstracts presented at the European Association of Urology meeting: a critical assessment.

PURPOSE: We assessed the reporting quality of randomized and nonrandomized, controlled trials presented in abstract form at the European Association of Urology annual meeting in a 10-year period and determined the impact on subsequent publication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Abstracts presented at the European Association of Urology annual meetings in 1998, 1999, 2008 and 2009 were retrieved and included in analysis. Two 2-year meeting periods were considered, including 1) 1998 and 1999, and 2) 2008 and 2009. Two standardized forms were constructed based on the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) and STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) guidelines, each including 15 and 16 items for randomized and nonrandomized, controlled trials, respectively. Reporting quality was assessed by measuring the proportion of items respected by authors when preparing the abstract, defined as the score ratio. Subsequent full-length publication within 2 years after the meeting was also determined by a PubMed® search. Differences between the 2 periods were analyzed by the chi-square and simple t tests. Predictors of subsequent full-length publication were evaluated by multiple logistic regression using meeting period, topic, country of origin, design, multi-institutional study and the proportion of reported items (score ratio). RESULTS: A total of 3,139 abstracts were included in analysis, of which 375 (11.9%) were randomized, controlled trials. Overall oncology represented the main topic (49.2% of all abstracts). The score ratio (proportion of adequately reported items in each abstract) was better for period 1 than 2 for randomized, controlled trials (63% vs 57%) but better for period 2 than 1 for nonrandomized, controlled trials (55.4% vs 53.2%, each p <0.001). Abstracts describing multi-institutional studies were more likely to be followed by full-length publication (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.44-2.30). Other features, including reporting quality (score ratio), did not predict subsequent publication. CONCLUSIONS: The reporting quality of European Association of Urology meeting abstracts did not improve in a decade. Nevertheless, this factor did not impact subsequent full-length publication. Ultimately, the reporting quality of abstracts remains to be improved by following currently available guidelines.