[Urinary diversion for acute epididymitis : Transurethral or suprapubic catheter?] / Harnableitung bei akuter Epididymitis : Transurethraler oder suprapubischer Katheter?

Acute infective epididymitis is the most common cause for scrotal pain in adults. The severe course of the disease requires immediate antimicrobial management, comprised antibiotic treatment and supportive measures. Patients with chronic indwelling catheters and developing epididymitis show a more severe clinical course compared to patients without a catheter. Although it is common clinical practice to place a catheter for the treatment of a systemic infectious condition of the genitourinary tract, there is only limited evidence of support due to the absence of clinical trials.

[Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) after radical cystectomy-current data]. / Aktuelle Studienlage der Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) nach radikaler Zystektomie.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Based on the solid evidence in colorectal surgery, fast-track/ERAS® (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols have been developed to improve the perioperative management of patients undergoing radical cystectomy. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature and guidelines and evaluate the evidence regarding the different components of ERAS® protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systemic literature search and evaluation of relevant guidelines. RESULTS: The majority of ERAS® recommendations for radical cystectomy are based on extrapolations of abdominal surgery studies. Four randomized, controlled trials and one ERAS® guideline were published for radical cystectomy. ERAS® seems to shorten length of stay without increasing the complication rate. Key elements are no bowel preparation, no nasogastric tube, optimized fluid substitution, multimodal pain management, early mobilization, and oral diet. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of ERAS® requires multidisciplinary collaboration. Individualization of an ERAS® program, identification of the most important components and adaption to the specific needs of radical cystectomy patients are future goals.

18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT for response assessment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma undergoing tyrosine kinase or checkpoint inhibitor therapy: preliminary results.

INTRODUCTION: Tyrosine kinase (TKI) and checkpoint inhibitors (CI) prolonged overall survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Early prediction of treatment response is highly desirable for the individualization of patient management and improvement of therapeutic outcome; however, serum biochemistry is unable to predict therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we compared 18F-PSMA-1007 PET imaging for response assessment in mRCC patients undergoing TKI or CI therapy compared to CT-based response assessment as the current imaging reference standard. METHODS: 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT was performed in mRCC patients prior to initiation of systemic treatment and 8 weeks after therapy initiation. Treatment response was evaluated separately on 18F-PSMA-PET and CT. Changes on PSMA-PET (SUVmean) were assessed on a per patient basis using a modified PERCIST scoring system. Complete response (CRPET) was defined as absence of any uptake in all target lesions on posttreatment PET. Partial response (PRPET) was defined as decrease in summed SUVmean of > 30%. The appearance of new, PET-positive lesions or an increase in summed SUVmean of > 30% was defined as progressive disease (PDPET). A change in summed SUVmean of ± 30% defined stable disease (SDPET). RECIST 1.1 criteria were used for response assessment on CT. Results of radiographic response assessment on PSMA-PET and CT were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 11 mRCC patients undergoing systemic treatment were included. At baseline PSMA-PET1, all mRCC patients showed at least one PSMA-avid lesion. On follow-up PET2, 3 patients showed CRPET, 3 PRPET, 4 SDPET, and 1 PDPET. According to RECIST 1.1, 1 patient showed PRCT, 9 SDCT, and 1 PDCT. Overall, concordant classifications were found in only 2 cases (2 SDCT + PET). Patients with CRPET on PET were classified as 3 SDCT on CT using RECIST 1.1. By contrast, the patient classified as PRCT on CT showed PSMA uptake without major changes during therapy (SDPET). However, among 9 patients with SDCT on CT, 3 were classified as CRPET, 3 as PRPET, 1 as PDPET, and only 2 as SDPET on PSMA-PET. CONCLUSION: On PSMA-PET, heterogeneous courses were observed during systemic treatment in mRCC patients with highly diverging results compared to RECIST 1.1. In the light of missing biomarkers for early response assessment, PSMA-PET might allow more precise response assessment to systemic treatment, especially in patients classified as SD on CT.

[The role of the microbiome in urology]. / Die Rolle des Mikrobioms in der Urologie.

With the advent of novel high throughput-sequencing technologies we gained greater insights into the complex and diverse interactions of the microbiome for health and disease in the human body. The concept of urinary sterility has long been dismissed and now we strive for deciphering various microbial signatures associated with a disease. A dysbalance of the microbiome appears to have a substantial impact on the pathogenesis of both malignant and benign conditions. Novel preventive and therapeutic approaches and biomarker systems have been proposed for prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma and bladder cancer based on microbiome analyses. The exclusion of a microbial origin was always part of the diagnosis of benign disorders such as interstitial cystitis, urinary urge incontinence or chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Now we are certain that an imbalanced microbial profile plays an essential role for the pathogenesis and disease management of these challenging conditions.

[The microbiome in benign prostatic hyperplasia]. / Das Mikrobiom beim benignen Prostatasyndrom.

The advent of new high throughput sequencing technologies has paved the way for microbiome research, opening up entirely new perspectives on the complex and diverse ecosystems of the human body. One of the main findings was that it became clear that in contrast to the widely held dogma the urinary tract is not a sterile environment. As for all niches of the human body, a well-balanced microbiome is an essential part for the physiological functioning of the urinary tract and therefore it must be considered a prerequisite for health. The dysbalance of the microbiome is now seen as having a considerable impact on the pathogenesis of a plethora of diseases. Its role in benign disorders, such as interstitial cystitis, urinary urge incontinence and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome as well as participation in malignant conditions, such as prostate cancer has recently been revealed. The contribution of the urinary microbiome to the pathogenesis and progression of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic obstruction are currently under investigation.

[Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome]. / Chronische Prostatitis/chronisches Beckenschmerzsyndrom.

Chronic prostatitis (CP, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome, CPPS) is defined as chronic pain or discomfort in the pelvic region for at least 3 of the past 6 months, often accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms, psychosocial impairments and sexual dysfunction. Currently, no biomarkers or clinical test procedures for a definitive diagnosis are available. The main objectives for the diagnostic assessment are to exclude differential diagnoses of pelvic pain and to determine the individual symptom profile of the patient. The UPOINTS classification identifies the individual clinical profile of the patient, provides guidance for the necessary diagnostic steps and is the foundation for a tailored multimodal, symptom-oriented and personalized treatment concept. Regular follow-up controls are needed to monitor the treatment response with the option to modify if necessary.

Advanced Molecular Imaging in Histologically Verified Metanephric Adenoma.

Metanephric adenoma (MA) describes a rare renal tumor and is generally considered a benign lesion. However, there are cases with regional lymphogenic and distant metastases. Noninvasive diagnosis of MA using conventional imaging remains challenging. Here, we describe a case of histologically verified MA with additional advanced molecular imaging consisting of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 99mTc-Sestamibi SPECT and contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Prospective evaluation of 4-D contrast-enhanced-ultrasound (CEUS) imaging in bladder tumors.

PURPOSE: The evaluation of the potential clinical benefit of four-dimensional ultrasound (4D-US) in the assessment of bladder cancer (BC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 patients with indication for cystoscopy for suspicion of bladder cancer were prospectively included in this study. All patients underwent two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US), contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and real-time four-dimensional ultrasound (4D-US). All acquisitions were compared to each other in regard to image quality. This assessment was done using a 6 point scale (1 = best). All patients underwent subsequently cystoscopy with resection of the tumor (TURB), due a histopathological analysis was possible. RESULTS: All examinations were performed successfully and no patient had to be excluded from the study. Patients acceptance of 4D-US was consistently good. No adverse events occurred. Image quality of real time 4D-US (score: 1.27±0.46) was significantly superior (p < 0.001) to both, conventional 2D-US (score: 2.33±0.62) and also to 2D-CEUS (score: 2.00±0.53). In terms of tumor detection no superiority was evident for 4D-US compared to 2D-US or in utilization of CEUS (sensitivity = 0.89; specificity = 1.00; positive predictive value = 1.00; negative predictive value = 0.50; AUC = 0.944; (95% CI: 07.43-0.998)). CONCLUSION: The assessment of bladder cancer using real time 4D-US is feasible and improves the image quality and therefore also the precise anatomical consistency of intravesical tumor masses.

Follow-up after focal therapy of the prostate with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) using contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in combination with MRI image fusion.

INTRODUCTION: Focal therapy (FT) of the prostate for low risk prostate cancer (PCa) is an alternative to traditional definite treatment options like external beam radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy. However, follow up after FT is still challenging and is subject to current studies. Significance of imaging after FT such as multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is currently not well established. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of alternative imaging during the follow up of low risk PCa treated with focal HIFU therapy using CEUS and image fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective single arm study in patients with uni- or bilateral, low or intermediate risk prostate cancer treated with HIFU at our institution between October 2016 and January 2018. CEUS in combination with image fusion using an axial T2-weighted MRI sequence was performed during follow up 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the therapy. RESULTS: 4 consecutive patients with Gleason score (GS) 6 and 4 patients with GS 7a prostate cancer were included in the study. Hemiablation was performed in 7 patients with unilateral tumor. One patient underwent whole gland treatment due to histological proven bilateral PCa. Mean patient age at time of therapy was 70.3 (54-83) years and mean Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level prior treatment was 7.8 ng/ml (2.1-14.4), after 3 months mean PSA level was 3.9 ng/ml (0.1-7.2), after 6 months 3.5 ng/ml (0.2-6.0), after 9 months 3.1 ng/ml (0.2-6.8) and 3.3 ng/ml (0.2-6.1) after 12 months. CEUS showed no signs of microvascularisation after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in the ablated zone. 3 months posttreatment the necrotic tissue was still visible in the B-mode scan, although with no signs of vascularization performing CEUS. After 6 months the ablated side of the prostate was almost completely atrophic. And after 9 months the necrotic tissue was completely resolved. Between 9 and 12 months no changes in microvascularisation and perfusion could be shown. CONCLUSIONS: MpMRI/CEUS image fusion is a cost-effective and feasible technique to monitor the perfusion of the ablation zone after focal therapy of the prostate.

[Follow-up surveillance of muscle-invasive urinary bladder cancer after curative treatment]. / Nachsorge des muskelinvasiven Harnblasenkarzinoms nach kurativer Therapie.

Follow-up care of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer is subdivided into oncological and functional surveillance. More than 80% of local relapses and distant metastases occur within the first 2 years. Recurrences in the remnant urothelium also occur several years after radical cystectomy. Urinary cytology and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and thorax including a urography phase are the standard diagnostics for tumor follow-up. There is no clear evidence for a survival benefit for the detection of asymptomatic vs. symptomatic recurrences. After partial cystectomy or trimodal treatment, there is no established follow-up schedule; however, the relatively high incidence of intravesical recurrences should be considered as there are curative treatment approaches including salvage cystectomy. Functional surveillance, which should be carried out lifelong, encompasses prevention and diagnostics of metabolic complications, urethral/ureteral strictures, problems with the urinary stoma, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction and urinary tract infections.

[Aftercare of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer]. / Nachsorge des nicht muskelinvasiven Harnblasenkarzinoms.

Tumor follow-up in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a weighing up between the morbidity associated with invasive diagnostics and the risk of tumor recurrence and especially progression. The risk stratification into low, intermediate, and high-risk tumors enables a risk-adapted follow-up. For individual estimation of the risk of progression and recurrence, risk calculators should be used. Follow-up is still based on cystoscopy, which is recommended lifelong for high and intermediate-risk tumors and for up to 5 tumor-free years for low-risk tumors. Urine cytology has a high sensitivity and specificity for high-risk tumors and is recommended in the follow-up care. There is currently no recommendation for any commercially available urinary marker due to inadequate evidence. For the clarification of synchronous and metachronous tumors of the upper urinary tract computed tomography (CT) urography or alternatively magnetic resonance (MR) urography is recommended.

[Current controversies in the treatment of localized prostate cancer]. / Aktuelle Kontroversen in der Therapie des lokal begrenzten Prostatakarzinoms.

In the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) era, most prostate cancers (PCa) are diagnosed in a localized stage and a plethora of therapeutic options are warranted in different clinical settings and disease stages of localized PCa. In the current narrative review, we give an overview of the current controversies in the therapeutic landscape of localized PCa and focus on organ-sparing approaches, percutaneous radiotherapy, brachytherapy as well as retropubic and robot-assisted prostatectomy by summarizing studies that have been published within the last two years.

[Novel minimally invasive treatment options for male lower urinary tract symptom]. / Neue minimal-invasive Therapie des benignen Prostatasyndroms.

Novel minimally invasive treatment options strive for innovative approaches that are equally efficient to standard procedures with a superior safety profile. A true minimally invasive technique can be performed in an ambulatory setting under local anaesthesia and no need for postinterventional catheterization so that quick and problem-free return to everyday life is possible. Sexual dysfunction is a great concern of sexually active patients facing surgery. The novel techniques clearly demonstrate that relief of bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is possible without compromising erectile and ejaculatory function. Urolift® is an attractive treatment option for carefully selected patients without a middle lobe who have special interest in the rapid and smooth return to daily activity and the complete preservation of sexual function. Rezum® and AquaBeam® are promising novel techniques that can be also performed in the presence of certain prostatic features like a middle lobe. iTIND® is still in its infancy of clinical evaluation and therefore, its true value still needs to be determined. According to current data the role of intraprostatic injectables for the treatment of male LUTS is still unclear.

[Value of imaging in upper urinary tract tumors]. / Wertigkeit der Bildgebung bei Tumoren des oberen Harntraktes.

BACKGROUND: Staging of bladder cancer, hematuria as well as the evaluation of unclear findings of the kidneys and ureters are the most frequent indications for imaging of the upper urinary tract (UUT). Endourological assessment of the UUT is much more invasive compared to imaging of the bladder, raising the question of the optimal imaging technique. Several technical improvements regarding computed tomography (CT) as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were implemented in recent years. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and limitations of the most important imaging techniques regarding the UUT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review of the literature and current German, European, and American guidelines regarding bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma of the UUT and hematuria. RESULTS: The CT-based urography has superseded excretory urography and is the first choice for imaging of the UUT. In case of contraindications, MRI is a feasible alternative. In all cases, a urography phase is indispensable. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging of the UUT has to be used in a reasonable combination together with endourological methods and cytology. Optical coherence tomography, confocal laser endomicroscopy and scientific innovations such as radiomics might improve UUT imaging and differential diagnosis of UUT lesions in the future.

[Follow-up of renal cell carcinoma in a nonmetastatic stage]. / Nachsorge beim Nierenzellkarzinom im nicht fernmetastasierten Stadium.

Postoperative follow-up care after curative surgery or ablative treatment is the standard of care in patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma. The goal is to identify and treat postoperative complications and local recurrences early on. Follow-up investigations and their relevance are widely acknowledged and validated and patients undergoing follow-up seem to benefit from a longer survival in nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma. Hence there is no consensus on a standardized follow-up strategy. The most disputed question is around the frequency of the investigations and the duration of the follow-up. Without an evidence-based follow-up protocol, urologists should carry out an individualized, potentially lifelong follow-up regimen, which also includes the patients' needs and perspectives.

Comparison of PIRADS 3 lesions with histopathological findings after MRI-fusion targeted biopsy of the prostate in a real world-setting.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate whether PIRADS 3 lesions in multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) represent a significant risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in a real-world setting of different referring radiologic institutes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2015 and October 2017, a total of 408 patients were referred to our clinic for MRI-ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy of the prostate (FusPbx) due to suspected prostate cancer. In all patients, preoperatively an mpMRI of the prostate was performed by altogether 62 different radiologic institutes. Prostate lesions were classified according to the PIRADS system. A PIRADS 3 lesion was diagnosed in 41 patients. FusPbx was performed transrectally using a Philips EPIQ 7 (Philips Medical Systems, Bothell, WA) scanner with plane wise fusion of ultrasound and MRI image data. In addition to FusPbx in each patient a randomized 12-core transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy (USPbx) was performed. RESULTS: Mean PSA Level was 9.5 ng/ml (range: 1- 26 ng/ml), mean patients age was 66.1 years (48.6- 80.4). In 11/41 patients (26.8%) prostate cancer was diagnosed by FusPbx of the PIRADS 3 lesion. In the target lesion PCa was classified as Gleason Score 3+3 in 5 patients, as 3+4 in 3, 4+3 in 1, 4+4 in 1 and 4+5 in 1 patient. In patients with negative FusPbx USPbx revealed PCa in another 7 patients (17.1%). In 5 of these GS 3+3 PCa was found, in another 2 patients GS 3+4 PCa. CONCLUSIONS: PIRADS 3 lesion indicates an equivocal likelihood of significant prostate cancer. In our series the overall PCa detection rate was 26.8% and 14.6% for clinically significant cancer in PIRADS 3 lesions. This evokes the question, if PIRADS 3 lesions could be surveilled only. The findings should be confirmed in a larger series.

[CEUS-Use in testicular pathologies]. / CEUS ­ Anwendung am Hoden.

BACKGROUND: The work-up of scrotal diseases forms an essential part of daily work in urology. Sonography plays an important role in the diagnostic process, due to its wide availability and feasibility. OBJECTIVES: Advantages of modern contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are illustrated using examples of common testicular pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant studies regarding the application of CEUS on testicular pathologies are evaluated. PubMed and Medline were screened for reviews and clinical trials. RESULTS: In the differentiation of benign and malignant testicular lesions, contrast medium uptake, e. g. can exclude a hemorrhagic testicular cyst. A differentiation between benign and malignant testicular lesions due to pure enhancement is currently not possible. Evaluation of testicular abscesses, infarctions and infections depends on the assessment of vascularization. Following a scrotal trauma, evaluation of enhancement can distinguish between vital and non-vital areas. A complete absence of perfusion may support the diagnosis of testicular torsion. CONCLUSION: CEUS is a feasible instrument in the diagnostic work-up of testicular pathologies. Results from previous studies are promising. Regarding the application in cases of scrotal trauma, the method could play an essential role in the future. With regard to a classification of unclear testicular lesions, further studies with a larger number of patients are needed in order to confirm previously described perfusion patterns.