Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a follow-up method after the focal treatment of renal tumors: systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a cost-effective radiation-free diagnostic method that can be used for renal tumor postoperative visualization after ablative treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess CEUS diagnostic accuracy comparing with CT and MRI as a follow-up method in short-term and long-term postoperative periods after renal tumor ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in Scopus and Medline databases using the query "(kidney OR rena* OR RCC) AND (ablation OR RFA OR MWA OR cryo*) AND CEUS". The endpoint of the study was the evaluation of the overall accuracy of CEUS. RESULTS: Twelve trials were included in the review. With CT or MRI as a reference, for a short-term group (< 6 weeks after ablation) pooled sensitivity was 90.2%, I2 = 0%; pooled specificity was 99.3%, I2 = 0%; pooled NPV was 98.6%, I2 = 0%; pooled PPV was 94.6%, I2 = 0%; the AUC on the SROC curve was 0.971. For the long-term group (> 6 weeks after ablation), pooled sensitivity was 95.3%, I2 = 0%; pooled specificity was 97.6%, I2 = 0%; PPV was 74.2%, I2 = 4%; NPV was 99.4%, I2 = 5%; AUC = 0.93. CONCLUSION: CEUS has high sensitivity and specificity in ruling out the presence of local recurrence after renal tumor ablation with a higher risk of false-positive results within follow-up > 6 weeks compared with that for CT or MRI. Further studies with a unified protocol and morphological control of local renal tumor recurrence after ablation are needed.

A systematic review of cytoreductive prostatectomy outcomes and complications in oligometastatic disease.

Objective: To analyze outcomes and complications of cytoreductive prostatectomy (CRP) for oligometastatic prostate cancer (PCa) in order to elucidate its role in this space. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search using three databases (Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science). The primary endpoints were oncologic outcomes. The secondary endpoints were complication rates and functional results. Results: In all studies, overall survival was better or at least comparable variable in the groups with CRP compared to no local treatment. The greatest benefit from CRP in 5-year overall survival in one study was 67.4% for CRP versus 22.5% for no local treatment. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) showed the same trend. Several authors found significant benefits from CSS in the CRP group: from 79% vs. 46% to 100% vs. 61%. CRP was a predictor of better CSS (hazard ratio 0.264, p=0.004). Positive surgical margin rates differed widely from 28.6% to 100.0%. Urinary continence in CRP versus RP for localized PCa was significantly lower (57.4% vs. 90.8%, p<0.0001). Severe incontinence occurred seldom (2.5%-18.6%). Total complication rates after CRP differed widely, from 7.0% to 43.6%. Rates of grades 1 and 2 events prevailed. Patients on ADT alone also showed a considerable number of complications varying from 5.9% to 57.7%. Conclusion: CRP improves medium-term cancer control in patients with oligometastatic PCa. The morbidity and complication rates of this surgery are comparable with other approaches, but postoperative incontinence rate is higher compared with RP for localized disease.

Surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and the right heart: How we do it.

OBJECTIVE: Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava thrombosis is a rare disease with a poor prognosis without surgical treatment. We report our 11-year experience in the surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma with extension of the inferior vena cava. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgical treatment for renal cell carcinoma with invasion of the inferior vena cava in two hospitals from May 2010 to March 2021. To assess the spread of the tumor process invasion, we used the Neves and Zincke classification. RESULTS: A total of 25 people underwent surgical treatment. Sixteen patients were men, nine were women. Thirteen patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) surgery. The following postoperative complications were recorded: two cases of disseminate intravascular coagulation (DIC), two cases of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and one case of coma of unknown reason, Takotsubo syndrome and postoperative wound dehiscence. Three patients deceased (16.7%) of DIC syndrome and AMI. After discharge, one of the patients had a recurrence of tumor thrombosis 9 months after surgery, and another patient had the same 16 months later, presumably due to the neoplastic tissue in the adrenal gland on the contralateral side. CONCLUSION: We believe that this problem should be dealt with by an experienced surgeon with a multidisciplinary team in the clinic. The use of CPB provides benefits and reduces blood loss.

Markers of local kidney cancer recurrence: A surgeon's mistake or a pattern? Review.

The influence of various morphological, anatomical, genetic and other factors on the local recurrence-free survival of patients who have undergone different renal cell cancer (RCC) treatment is still a rather complex, ambiguous and controversial issue for practicing oncourologists. This review evaluates the effect of several factors on both recurrence-free survival and local recurrence-free survival. The review includes articles, clinical cases, literature reviews, and meta-analyses highlighting the analysis of independent and interrelated predisposing factors for developing local recurrence of RCC from 1984 to 2020. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched in English, Spanish, and German. A review of the literature showed the role of the following indices in the local recurrence RCC: microvascular invasion (p = 0.001), tumor necrosis (p = 0.0001), high malignancy (Fuhrman III or IV) (HR = 38.3, 95% CI 3.1-467, p = 0.004) as histological factors, tumor size as an anatomical factor. Thus, the authors state that every centimeter of the tumor increases the risk of local recurrence (p < 0.05). A group from the Mayo Clinic showed the equivalence of different treatment methods in local RCC recurrence. Thus, in the group of patients with cT1a stage kidney cancer, the 5-year local recurrence-free survival rates were 97.7% (96.7-98.6), 95.9% (92.3-99.6), and 95.9% (92.3-99.6) for renal resection, RFA, and cryoablation, respectively. Surgical margin status is the most studied and controversial marker of local renal cell carcinoma recurrence. Researchers found a direct effect of PSM on the risk of local RCC recurrence (p < 0.01). The personalized approach with the search and evaluation of predisposing factors for the local recurrence, as well as further selection of the most optimal treatment, will allow oncourologists to improve both the effectiveness of primary treatment and the recurrence-free survival of patients.

Nephrometric score based on 3D modeling (3D nephrometry score) for the probability prediction of intra- and postoperative complications for kidney surgery.

AIM: The purpose of the study is the development and evaluation of the informativeness of the author's 3D nephrometric score application to predict the probability of intraoperative and postoperative complications in kidney operations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study includes 264 patients who underwent surgical treatment of renal tumors, before that CT and 3D modeling were carried out. All patients underwent an analysis of the surgical intervention complexity on the C-index, PADUA, R.E.N.A.L., and developed 3D nephrometric score. To determine the set of variables that allow to classify patients, the method of discriminant analysis was used to predict the nature, volume of blood loss, duration of ischemia, and the number of complications. The sensitivity and specificity of the predictors were estimated with the help of ROC analysis. RESULTS: Indicators have been established to classify patients according to the probability of complications, the amount of blood loss and the duration of ischemia during surgery for kidney cancer. We have created linear models that predict the development of bleeding during surgery, the volume of blood loss of more than 200 ml and the duration of ischemia more than 20 min, as well as the likelihood of complications using discriminant functions. The proposed author's nephrometric score exceeds the capabilities of C-index, PADUA, R.E.N.A.L in many ways in blood loss and time of ischemia predicting, which allows us to recommend it for the assessment of resectability in kidney operations.

Emergency versus elective ureteroscopy for the management of ureteral stones.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of emergency ureteroscopy (URS) compared with elective URS. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent URS for isolated ureteral stones in a single center from October 2001 to February 2014. Our patient cohort was divided into two groups: an emergency URS group (Group A), which consisted of patients who underwent URS within the first 24 h of admission, and an elective or planned URS group (Group B). The URS success rate was defined as being the incidence of successful stone fragmentation and whether there was resolution of renal obstruction. RESULTS: A total of 2957 patients' medical records were available for analysis. Of these, 704 (21%) comprised of emergency cases and the remaining 2253 (79%) were elective cases. Patients in Group A were younger, had a smaller BMIs, and had smaller stone sizes (p < 0.001). The URS success rate was found to be 97% in Group A and 96% in Group B (p = 0.35). Intraoperative or postoperative complication rates were not found to vary significantly between the groups (8% vs 7%, respectively, p = 0.50). The incidence of ureteral stenting was nearly twice as high if URS was performed during night hours (85% vs 45%, p < 0.001). However, ureteral stenting was more prevalent in Group B compared to Group A patients (57% vs 25%, p < 0.001), possibly as a result of the number of pre-stented patients (73%). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency URS is an effective and safe option for patients with renal colic. Younger patients without pre-existing obesity and with stone sizes up to 8 mm located in the distal ureter might be a better match for emergency URS.

Laser endoscopic procedures on the prostate: it is the small details that count.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to highlight the pros and cons of each laser device and to consider additional possible milestones for the development of laser technologies in the surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the last three decades, lasers' role in endourology has gone from strength to strength. Specifically, the primary techniques where laser surgery for BPO relief is concerned are vaporization and enucleation. The idea behind vaporization is that lasers are able to vaporize substantial amounts of tissue due to deep ablation depth and increased power. The most efficient devices for vaporization are those affecting hemoglobin as primary chromophore and/or using a continuous firing mode (KTP/LBO:YAG, diode lasers, Tm:YAG). As for enucleation, multiple devices have been suggested for the adequate anatomical enucleation of the prostate (EEP). As it is a skill-dependent technique, the EEP is effective irrespective of which device the surgeon uses. However, some devices have shown significant advances where enucleation is concerned. SUMMARY: The choice of device should be based primarily on the technique the surgeon prefers. Although the most suitable lasers for vaporization are hemoglobin-targeting and/or continuous wave devices, the EEP may be done with any enough powered laser, yet some provides specific effects which you should be aware before the surgery.

Predictive model for systemic recurrence following cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical nephroureterectomy for high risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is increasingly used prior to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Systemic recurrence (SR) carries a dismal prognosis. We sought to determine risk factors associated with SR in this setting. METHODS: We evaluated a multi-center database of patients with UTUC who received cisplatin-based NAC before RNU. Final pathology at RNU was dichotomized into ypT<2 vs ypT≥2. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with SR. Three groups were defined based on the number of significant risk factors (groups 1, 2, 3 for 0-1, 2, 3 risk factors, respectively) and evaluated for recurrence-free survival (RFS) using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: 106 patients were identified between 2004 and 2018. Median age was 67.0 years [IQR = 61-73.3]; 57 (54%) and 49 (46 %) patients received MVAC and GC, respectively. Final pathological stage was ypT<2 in 57 (54%); 23% (24/106) had SR. On univariable analysis, pathological variables on final specimen including ypT≥2, lymphovascular invasion (ypLVI), and nodal involvement were associated with SR. On multivariable analysis, ypLVI OR = 4.1 (95% CI 1.2-13.6; P = 0.024) and pathological nodal involvement OR = 4.5 (95% CI 1.3-15.7; P = 0.017) were predictive of recurrence. Stratifying by the number of risk factors, the 2-year RFS was 95%, 55%, and 18% for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively (log-rank <0.001). CONCLUSION: This model evaluates the risk of SR following NAC and RNU to guide counseling and decision-making after surgery. Adverse pathological variable including ypLVI and nodal involvement, in combination with ypT-stage, are strongly associated with SR.

Postoperative medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms after benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery. Are we underestimating the problem?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to determine whether well timed start of medical and surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) influences the treatment's effectiveness and thus the patients' overall functional outcomes and quality of life. RECENT FINDINGS: Pharmacological therapy even in high-volume (>80 cm3) BPH typically begins with α-blockers sole and only subsequently are 5ARI added. Several studies showed that acute urinary retention (AUR) developed more frequently in men who suffered severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and who did not start combination therapy immediately. Moreover, there are no strict criteria which determine the right time for performing surgery in patients with mild and moderate LUTS, especially when pharmacological therapy fails. However, sometimes, the surgery does not eliminate all the symptoms, as it deals effectively with BPO, but does not treat an overactive bladder. Also, data show that surgery should be performed as soon as possible and be more radical after the first episode of AUR. SUMMARY: A combination of α-blockers and 5ARI makes for a good starting point where the treatment of high volume BPH is concerned. Ideally, surgery should be performed immediately or as soon as possible in patients with the first episode of AUR and 'anatomic' BPH tissue removal is preferable (dissection of tissue along the prostate capsule to remove its maximum volume).

3D modeling in adherent perinephric fat prediction in nephron-sparing surgery planning in patients with localized renal neoplasms.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To develop a 3D-image based morphometry scoring system for Adherent Perinephric Fat (APF) prediction in nephron-sparing surgery in renal neoplasm patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study involved 391 patients who underwent a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy performed by five surgeons from January 2014 till December 2018. The surgery involved the 3D virtual operation planning with «Amira¼ 3D modeling software. With the multivariate logistic regression models, we developed a scoring system based on 3D-models. We tested the significance and sensitivity of new scoring system in a comparative ROC analysis with Mayo Adhesive Probability Score (MAP). RESULTS: We found APF in 111 patients (28.4%). The univariate analysis revealed that significant indicators included mean age 59.88 (55-67) (p < 0.001), male sex (p < 0.001), Body Mass Index (BMI) >30 (21.47-35.08) kg/m2 (p < 0.001), arterial hypertension (p < 0.001), coronary heart disease (p = 0.019), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.005), urolithiasis (p = 0.002). The multivariate regression analysis identified three most significant indicators in 3D models evaluation: additional >5 mm shadows in perirenal space OR = 7.3 (3.6-15.3) (p < 0.001), the number of shadows >5 OR = 3.8 (2.1-6.8) (p < 0.001), the wide shadow base at the renal parenchymal level OR = 0.293 (0.146-0.588) (p = 0.001). The scoring of these indicators comprises a new prediction scale (0-5). The ROC analysis revealed AUC 0.816 (95% CI 0.772-0.861) p < 0.001 of the MAP score, and AUC = 0.803 (95% CI 0.758-0.848) p < 0.001 of the scoring system developed in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: The statistical findings comparison of the scoring system that we developed with those of MAP scale suggests that the scoring system is efficient and applicable.

Superselective prostatic artery embolization in the treatment of large benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) as a treatment option for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with prostate volumes of 80 cc and more. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 75 patients with high anesthesia-related risks for conventional surgery (TURP). All patients were surveyed for symptom burden, using IPSS and quality of life score. The prostate volume was determined by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS). At baseline, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was obtained in all patients. Urodynamics was evaluated using uroflowmetry. Clinical outcomes were assessed at follow-up 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after PAE. RESULTS: The prostate volume decreased significantly at months 1 and 3 post-treatment; the prostate continued shrinking until month 12, and the size was then stabilized. At month 24, prostate volume decreased by 40.82%, from 134.0 ± 8.3 mL at baseline to 79.3 ± 6.6 mL. Postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume was significantly decreased from 55.9 ± 5.3 mL to 22.0 ± 1.8 mL 1 month after PAE (p < 0.001). Qmax increased from 9.2 ± 0.3 mL/s to 15.7 ± 0.4 mL/s. IPSS score following PAE decreased from 28.2 ± 0.7 to 9.7 ± 0.8 (p < 0.001). QoL improvement was observed from 4.8 ± 0.2 at baseline to 1.8 ± 0.2 at month 24 (p < 0.001). Decreased activity and density of adenomatous tissue resulted in decreased total PSA levels: from 5.9 ± 1.1 ng/mL to 2.6 ± 0.2 ng/mL (p < 0.001). TURP became feasible in 35 patients due to reduction of prostate volumes below 80 mL after PAE. CONCLUSIONS: PAE was effective in relieving LUTS and reducing prostate size, and may be considered as a preoperative approach for patients with large prostate.

Robotic Nephroureterectomy vs Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy: Increased Utilization, Rates of Lymphadenectomy, Decreased Morbidity Robotically.

Introduction and Objective: Robotic radical nephroureterectomy (RRNU) may offer advantages over laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LRNU). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the overall survival (OS) of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who underwent RRNU vs LRNU and identify factors that account for differences. Methods: The National Cancer Database was queried from 2010 to 2016 for patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer 6th/7th edition Stage I/II/III UTUC. Kaplan-Meier analysis compared LRNU and RRNU OS. Univariate analysis detected differences between the groups. Cox regression determined factors associated with mortality rate. Logistic regression identified predictors of a lymph node dissection (LND) and 90-day mortality rate. Results: A total of 2631 patients met the criteria, 1129 of whom underwent RRNU and 1502 LRNU, with a follow-up of 33 and 35 months, respectively (p = 0.063). RRNU had a median OS of 71.1 vs 62.6 months (p = 0.033). LRNU patients were older (72.7 vs 71.4, p < 0.001) and had no differences in comorbidities, pathologic T stage, or grade. The LRNU cohort was less likely to undergo LND (19% vs 35%, p < 0.001) and had a lower median lymph node yield (3 vs 4, p < 0.001). LRNU patients more likely underwent conversion to an open procedure, had longer hospital stays, and higher 30- and 90-day mortality rates. LRNU was independently associated with mortality rate (p = 0.030). Age, grade, positive margins, pT/pN stage were associated with mortality rate. Younger age, RRNU, surgery at an academic center, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy predicted an LND. Conclusions: RRNU demonstrated increased rates of LND and may offer a short-term morbidity benefit to LRNU. Survival differences may be due to improved characterization of disease through LND.

Intraoperative prophylactic intravesical chemotherapy to reduce bladder recurrence following radical nephroureterectomy.

PURPOSE: Single, postoperative instillation of prophylactic intravesical chemotherapy (pIVC) is effective in reducing bladder cancer recurrences following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Despite high level evidence, pIVC is underutilized. Intraoperative pIVC (I-pIVC) may be easier and safer to implement than postoperative pIVC (P-pIVC). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of I-pIVC during RNU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing RNU and I-pIVC or postoperative pIVC (P-pVC) with 20 to 40 mg mitomycin-C or 1 to 2 g gemcitabine. Recurrence rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier curves and log rank test. Cox regression was used for univariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven patients were included in the final analysis. 81% (111/137) had I-pIVC and 19% (26/137) had P-pIVC. In the I-pIVC group higher rates of HG, muscle invasive disease and gemcitabine use were observed. Overall, 74% (101/137) and 26% (36/137) had mitomycin-C and gemcitabine instillations, respectively. Within 12 months 14% (19/137) of the patients experienced bladder recurrence. Median time to bladder recurrence was 7 months (range 3-27). Twelve months bladder recurrence-free survival rates were 82% for the I-pIVC group, and 72% for the P-pIVC group ((log rank P = 0.365). CONCLUSIONS: I-pIVC during RNU may reduce bladder recurrence rates. Bladder recurrence rates are comparable to those reported using postoperative instillations. Intraoperative instillations may be easier to implement and may increase usage rates.

Comparative Analysis of Vaporization and Coagulation Properties of a Hybrid Laser (Combination of a Thulium and Blue Diode Laser) Vs Thulium and Ho:YAG Lasers: Potential Applications in Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate.

Aim: To test the characteristics of a hybrid laser (combination of a thulium and blue diode laser) vs thulium and Ho:YAG lasers regarding soft tissue ablation. Methods: Tissue samples of fresh nonfrozen porcine kidneys were used to compare the three lasers. A motorized translation XY stage with a fixed fiber holder to control the speed of cutting (2 and 5 mm/s) was used. Five incisions with each laser were performed. Lactate dehydrogenase staining of the embedded specimens was performed to determine incision depth, zones of vaporization, coagulation zone, carbonization grade, and thermomechanical damage of the coagulated tissue. All data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results: The hybrid laser demonstrated the highest vaporization speed (34.4 ± 0.1 mm3/s) and coagulation zones (10 ± 0.1 mm2) at a drag speed of 5 mm/s among the investigated lasers. It showed a two to three times larger coagulation zone compared with the Ho:YAG laser (4 ± 0.1 mm2). The continuous wave thulium fiber laser (cwTFL) showed a significantly higher grade of carbonized tissue compared with the hybrid and Ho:YAG lasers. Conclusions: The hybrid laser showed deeper incisions and a faster vaporization speed compared with the cwTFL and the Ho:YAG laser. It might be an effective tool to combine the advantages of both lasers to effectively vaporize soft tissue with excellent coagulative properties.

Thulium-fiber laser for lithotripsy: first clinical experience in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thulium-fiber laser (TFL) in laser lithotripsy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: Patients with stones < 30 mm were prospectively recruited to undergo PCNL using TFL "FiberLase" (NTO IRE-Polus, Russia). Stone size, stone density, operative time, and "laser on" time (LOT) were recorded. Study included only cases managed with fragmentation. Stone-free rate and residual fragments were determined on postoperative computer tomography. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo grade. Stone retropulsion and endoscopic visibility were assessed based on surgeons' feedback using a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 52 (± 1.8) years; of these 77 (56%) were males. Mean stone size was 12.5 (± 8.8) mm with a mean density of 1019 (± 375) HU. Mean operative time was 23.4 (± 17.9) min and mean LOT was 5.0 (± 5.7) min. Most used settings were of 0.8 J/25-30 W/31-38 Hz (fragmentation). The mean total energy for stone ablation was 3.6 (± 4.3) kJ. Overall stone-free rate was 85%. The overall complication rate was 17%. Surgeons reported stone retropulsion that interfered with surgery in 2 (1.7%) cases insignificant retropulsion was noted in 16 (10.8%) cases. Poor visualization was reported in three (2.5%) cases and minor difficulties with visibility in four (3.3%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: TFL is a safe and effective modality for lithotripsy during PCNL and results in minimal retropulsion.

Genetic factors of polygenic urolithiasis.

The article summarizes the findings of Russian and international studies of the genetic aspects of polygenic urolithiasis associated with impairment of calcium metabolism. The article analyzes the genetic risk factors of polygenic nephrolithiasis that show significant association with the disease in case-control studies and Genome-Wide Association Studies (16 genes). We described the gene functions involved in concrement formation in polygenic nephrolithiasis. The modern molecular and genetic technologies (DNA microarray, high-throughput DNA sequencing, etc.) enable identification of the genetic predisposition to a specific disease, realization of the individualized treatment of the patient, and carrying out timely preventive measures among the proband's relatives.

Expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator system in non-metastatic prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic role of expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator system members, such as urokinase-type activator (uPA), uPA-receptor (uPAR), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), in patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for uPA system was performed on a tissue microarray of specimens from 3121 patients who underwent RP. Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of overexpression of these markers alone or in combination with biochemical recurrence (BCR). Decision curve analysis was used to assess the clinical impact of these markers. RESULTS: uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 were overexpressed in 1012 (32.4%), 1271 (40.7%), and 1311 (42%) patients, respectively. uPA overexpression was associated with all clinicopathologic characteristics of biologically aggressive PCa. On multivariable analysis, uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 overexpression were all three associated with BCR (HR: 1.75, p < 0.01, HR: 1.22, p = 0.01 and HR: 1.20, p = 0.03, respectively). Moreover, the probability of BCR increased incrementally with increasing cumulative number of overexpressed markers. Decision curve analysis showed that addition of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 resulted in a net benefit compared to a base model comparing standard clinicopathologic features across the entire threshold probability range. In subgroup analyses, overexpression of all three markers remained associated with BCR in patients with favorable pathologic characteristics. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 in PCa tissue were each associated with worse BCR. Additionally, overexpression of all three markers is informative even in patients with favorable pathologic characteristics potentially helping clinical decision-making regarding adjuvant therapy and/or intensified follow-up.

Repair of cystocele and apical genital prolapse using 6-strap mesh implant.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of surgical repair of anterior apical prolapse using the 6-strap mesh implant. STUDY DESIGN: The prospective study included 100 patients with genitourinary prolapse. We used advanced 6-strap mesh implant. The results were assessed at 1 (n = 100) and 12 (n = 93) months after surgery. Maximum follow-up was over 4 years. The anatomical outcomes according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system and intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed. Stage II and higher prolapse was considered to be a recurrence. The quality of life and sexual function were assessed using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 20, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire 7, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire 12. RESULTS: Median age was 57 years (34-78 years (95% confidence interval)). All patients had stage III cystocele. The anterior vaginal wall descent in all the patients was associated with uterine descent: 37 (37%), stage II; 60 (60%), stage III; in 3 (3%), stage IV. In eight cases, postoperative de novo stress urinary incontinence developed. The quality of life improved in 93 (93%) women as judged by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 data and in 87 (87%) women, according to the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire 7 data. The desirable anatomical result (⩽stage I according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system) was achieved in 97 (97%) patients. With the exception of mesh fragment excision due to erosion (grade 3a), all the complications were classified as grade I according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. CONCLUSION: Genitourinary prolapse repair using 6-strap mesh is efficacious and relatively safe. The method demonstrates good anatomical results in relation to both anterior and apical prolapses with relatively short-term complications.

PTRF independently predicts progression and survival in multiracial upper tract urothelial carcinoma following radical nephroureterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) has been implicated in cancer biology but its role in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is unknown. From a pilot transcriptome, we identified PTRF was significantly upregulated in high stage UTUC. Bladder cancer transcriptome from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) supported our finding and high PTRF level also predicted poor survival. We, therefore, investigated the correlation of PTRF with patients' clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes in a multiracial UTUC cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By immunohistochemical staining, PTRF expression was determined using H-score. PTRF expression of 575 UTUCs from 8 institutions, including 118 Asians and 457 Caucasians, was compared with various clinicopathologic parameters. Human urothelial cancer cell lines were used to evaluate the level of PTRF protein and mRNA expression, and PTRF transcript level was assessed in fresh samples from 12 cases of the cohort. The impact of PTRF expression on disease progression, cancer-specific death and overall mortality was also examined. RESULTS: High PTRF expression was significantly associated with multifocality (P = 0.023), high pathologic tumor stage (P < 0.00001), nonurothelial differentiation (P = 0.035), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.003) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.031). PTRF mRNA expression was also markedly increased in advanced stage UTUC (P = 0.0003). High PTRF expressing patients had consistently worse outcomes than patients with low PTRF expression regardless of demographic variation (all P < 0.005). In multivariate analysis, high PTRF expression was an independent predictor for progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-2.69, P = 0.025), cancer-specific survival (HR 2.09, 95% CI 1.28-3.42, P = 0.003), and overall survival (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.33-3.14, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that PTRF is a predictive biomarker for progression and survival and an independent prognosticator of UTUC. Elevated PTRF could probably propel clinically aggressive disease and serve as a potential therapeutic target for UTUC.

Monopolar enucleation versus transurethral resection of the prostate for small- and medium-sized (< 80 cc) benign prostate hyperplasia: a prospective analysis.

AIM: To assess efficacy and safety of monopolar enucleation of the prostate (MEP) and to compare it with the current treatment standard for medium-sized prostates, < 80 cc, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: A prospective analysis patients undergoing a surgical procedure for their diagnosis of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) (IPSS > 20, Qmax < 10; prostate volume < 80 cc) was performed. IPSS, Qmax were assessed preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The complications were classified according to the modified Clavien-Dindo grading system. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients were included in the study: 70 underwent MEP and 64 - TURP for BPH (mean prostate volumes were comparable with p = 0.163). The mean surgery time was 44 min in the TURP group and 48.2 min in the MEP group, (p = 0.026). Catheterization time for MEP was 1.7 and 3.2 days for TURP (p < 0.001). Hospital stay for MEP was 3.2 days vs. 4.8 days for TURP (p < 0.001). Both techniques shown comparable efficiency in benign prostatic obstruction relief with IPSS drop in MEP from 23.1 to 5.9 and in TURP group from 22.8 to 7.3, whereas Qmax increased from 8.2 to 20.5 after MEP and from 8.3 and 19.9 after TURP. Urinary incontinence rate after catheter removal in TURP group was 9.0% and 7.8% in MEP group, at 1 year follow-up, it was 1.4% and 3.1% in MEP and TURP, respectively (p = 0.466). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrated that MEP is an effective and safe BPH treatment option combining the efficacy of endoscopic enucleation techniques and accessibility of conventional TURP.