Oral preparation of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, N-acetylglucosamine, and vitamin C improves sexual and urinary symptoms in participants with recurrent urinary tract infections: a randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid (HA) has been associated with reduced sexual dysfunction in participants with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs), but the efficacy of an oral treatment has never been investigated. AIM: To investigate the efficacy of an oral preparation of HA, chondroitin sulfate, N-acetylglucosamine, and vitamin C in improving sexual and urinary symptoms in a cohort of reproductive-age participants with rUTI. METHODS: In a monocentric randomized crossover pilot trial, participants with rUTI who were referred to our institute between March 2022 and April 2023 were randomized 1:1 in 2 groups: intervention vs control. All participants had an oral preparation of cranberry, D-mannose, propolis extract, turmeric, and Boswellia twice a day for 3 months. The intervention group also included an oral preparation of HA, chondroitin sulfate, N-acetylglucosamine, and vitamin C once a day for 3 months. Crossover of treatment occurred at 3 months for an additional 3 months. At baseline and 3 and 6 months, participants were evaluated clinically and with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the impact of the intervention on urinary and sexual symptoms at each follow-up assessment. OUTCOMES: Improvement in sexual and urinary symptoms as measured by the FSFI and IPSS. RESULTS: Overall, 27 (54%) participants had an FSFI score <26.5 at enrollment. At 3 months, FSFI scores were higher in the intervention group vs control (P < .001), but IPSS scores were lower (P = .03). After crossover of treatment, FSFI and IPSS scores remained stable in the intervention group. However, after crossover, the control group showed a significant improvement in IPSS and FSFI scores (all P < .01) vs the 3-month assessment. At last follow-up, urinary and sexual symptoms were comparable between groups. In logistic regression analyses, the intervention group was associated with early improvement in sexual symptoms (odds ratio, 3.9; P = .04) and urinary symptoms (odds ratio, 5.1; P = .01) after accounting for clinical confounders. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Combination treatment with HA, chondroitin sulfate, N-acetylglucosamine, and vitamin C is effective if started immediately or even after a few months from symptoms in participants with rUTI. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The main limitation is the lack of long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: The oral formulation of HA, chondroitin sulfate, N-acetylglucosamine, and vitamin C could be an effective therapy against urinary and sexual distress in participants with rUTI (NCT06268483; ClinicalTrials.gov).

Extended pelvic lymph node dissection during robotic prostatectomy: antegrade versus retrograde technique.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with extended lymphadenectomy (ePLND) is the gold standard for surgical treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). Recently, the en-bloc ePLND has been proposed but no studies reported on the standardization of the technique. The aim of the study is to describe different standardized en-bloc ePLND, the antegrade and the retrograde ePLND, and to compare their surgical and oncological outcomes. MATERIALS & METHODS: From January 2018 to September 2019, all patients subjected to RARP plus ePLND by one single surgeon were enrolled. ePLND was performed in a retrograde fashion by starting laterally to the medial umbilical ligament from the internal inguinal ring proceeding towards the ureter, or in an antegrade way by starting from the ureter at its crossing with the common iliac artery and proceeding towards the femoral canal. Patients' demographic data, clinical and surgical data were collected. Each en-bloc ePLND was categorized as "efficient" or "inefficient" by the operator, as surrogate of surgeon's satisfaction. RESULTS: Antegrade and retrograde ePLND were performed in 41/105 (group A) and 64/105 (group R) patients, respectively. The two groups (A vs R) had similar median (IQR) number of lymph nodes retrieved [20 (16.25-31.5) vs 19 (15-26.25); p = 0.18], ePLND time [33.5 (29.5-38.5) min vs 33.5 (26.5-37.5) min; p = 0.4] and post-operative complications [8/41 (19.5%) vs 9/64 (14.1%); p = 0.61]. In group A, 3/41 (7.3%) clinically significant lymphoceles were reported, while 1/64 (1.6%) in group R (p = 0.3). 33/41 (80.5%) and 28/64 (44%) procedures were scored as efficient 59 in group A and R, respectively (p = 0.01). On multivariate regression, only BMI (B = 0.93; 95% CI 0.29-1.56; p = 0.005) was associated with a longer ePLND time. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that antegrade and retrograde en-bloc extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) have comparable surgical and oncologic outcomes, supporting the importance of standardizing the procedure rather than focusing on the direction. Although both techniques aligned with current evidence regarding lymph node invasion and complications, the antegrade approach was subjectively perceived as safer due to early isolation of critical anatomical landmarks. Encouragement for the use of en-bloc ePLND, regardless of direction, is emphasized to improve prostate cancer staging accuracy and procedural standardization.

Transient ureteral obstruction after mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy is associated with stone volume and location: results from a single-center, real-life study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of and predictors of ureteral obstruction after mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) for kidney stones. METHODS: We analyzed data from 263 consecutive patients who underwent mPCNL at a single tertiary referral academic between 01/2016 and 11/2022. Patient's demographics, stone characteristics, and operative data were collected. A nephrostomy tube was placed as the only exit strategy in each procedure. On postoperative day 2, an antegrade pyelography was performed to assess ureteral canalization. The nephrostomy tube was removed if ureteral canalization was successful. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with a lack of ureteral canalization. RESULTS: Overall, median (IQR) age and stone volume were 56 (47-65) years and 1.7 (0.8-4.2) cm3, respectively. Of 263, 55 (20.9%) patients showed ureteral obstruction during pyelography. Patients without ureteral canalization had larger stone volume (p < 0.001), longer operative time (p < 0.01), and higher rate of stones in the renal pelvis (p < 0.01) than those with normal pyelography. Length of stay was longer (p < 0.01), and postoperative complications (p = 0.03) were more frequent in patients without ureteral canalization. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that stone volume (OR 1.1, p = 0.02) and stone located in the renal pelvis (OR 2.2, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of transient ureteral obstruction, after accounting for operative time. CONCLUSION: One out of five patients showed transient ureteral obstruction after mPCNL. Patients with a higher stone burden and with stones in the renal pelvis are at higher risk of inadequate ureteral canalization. Internal drainage might be considered in these cases to avoid potential complications.

Vacuum-assisted mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy is associated with lower rates of infectious complications compared to vacuum-cleaner procedure in patients at high risk for infections: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of vacuum-assisted mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (vamPCNL) vs. vacuum-cleaner mPCNL (vcmPCNL) on the rate of postoperative infectious complications in a cohort of patients with high risk factors for infections. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 145 patients who underwent mPCNL between 01/2016 and 12/2022. Patient's demographics, stones characteristics and operative data were collected. vamPCNL and vcmPCNL were performed based on the surgeon's preference. High-risk patients were defied as having ≥ 2 predisposing factors for infections such as a history of previous urinary tract infections, positive urine culture before surgery, stone diameter ≥ 3 cm, diabetes mellitus and hydronephrosis. Complications were graded according to modified Clavien classification. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with postoperative infectious complications. RESULTS: vamPCNL and vcmPCNL were performed in 94 (64.8%) and 51 (35.2%) cases, respectively. After surgery, infectious complications occurred in 43 (29.7%) participants. Patients who developed infectious complications had larger stone volume (p = 0.02) and higher rate of multiple stones (p = 0.01) than those who did not. Infectious complications occurred more frequently after vcmPCNL than vamPCNL (55.9% vs. 44.1%. p = 0.01) in high-risk patients. Longer operative time (p < 0.01) and length of stay (p < 0.01) were observed in cases with infectious complications. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, longer operative time (OR 1.1, p = 0.02) and vcmPCNL (OR 3.1, p = 0.03) procedures were independently associated with the risk of infectious complications post mPCNL, after accounting for stone volume. CONCLUSION: One out of three high-risk patients showed infectious complications after mPCNL. vamPCL and shorter operative time were independent protective factors for infections after surgery.

Prevalence and predictors of stone passage after double J stenting for symptomatic ureteral stones: a cross-sectional, real-life study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rate of and predictors of stone passage (SP) after urgent retrograde stenting for symptomatic ureteral stones. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 249 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department for symptomatic ureteral stones and treated with retrograde stenting. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected. Stones parameters were collected before stenting and SP was evaluated at 1 month with computerized tomography. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between predictors and SP. RESULTS: Overall, median (IQR) age and stone diameter were 56 (45-68) years and 7.1 (4.4-9.8) mm, respectively. Stones were located in the proximal, mid and distal ureter in 102 (41.0%), 48 (19.3%) and 99 (39.8%) cases. SP was observed in 65 (26.2%) individuals. Stone diameter (3.2 vs. 7.7 mm, p < 0.001) and stone density (416 vs. 741, p < 0.001) were lower and a higher rate of distal stones (76.9% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.001) was found in the SP group compared to that with persistent stones. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that distal ureteral stone location (OR 7.9, p < 0.01) and lower HU (OR 0.9, p < 0.01) were associated with SP, after accounting for stone volume. Patients with a distal stone of 500 HU had a 75% probability of SP. CONCLUSION: Stone passage occurred in 26% of patients with indwelling stent due to symptomatic ureteral stones. Lower stone density and distal stone location were independent predictors of stone passage. Patients with these criteria should be managed with follow-up imaging and stent removal instead of ureteroscopy.

Clinical and time-related predictors of sepsis in patients with obstructive uropathy due to ureteral stones in the emergency setting.

PURPOSE: Well-defined clinical predictors of sepsis after upper tract drainage for obstructive uropathy due to ureteral stones are needed. We aim to determine whether sepsis after decompression of the upper urinary tract may be predicted by clinical and time-related factors, specifically delay time from symptom onset to hospital presentation (StH) and from hospital presentation to surgical decompression (HtD). METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, data from 196 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department for obstructive uropathy due to ureteral stones and submitted to surgical decompression were evaluated. Postoperative sepsis was defined as an acute increase in ≥ 2 SOFA points and documented blood or urine cultures. RESULTS: Median StH and HtD were 24 (6-48) and 17 (10-30) hours, respectively. Thirty-three (16.8%) patients developed sepsis. Septic patients were more frequently female (75.8% vs. 37.4%, p < 0.001), had higher preoperative max body temperature (p < 0.001), white blood cells (WBC) count (p < 0.01), C-reactive protein (CRP) values (p < 0.001) and larger stone diameter (7.2 vs. 6 mm, p = 0.02). StH and HtD did not differ according to sepsis status. Time for WBC normalization and CRP halving were longer for septic patients (all p < 0.02). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, max body temperature ≥ 38 °C (OR 21.5; p < 0.001), female gender (OR 3.6; p = 0.02) and higher CRP (OR 1.1; p < 0.001) were independently associated with sepsis status. CONCLUSION: Clinical and laboratory parameters are associated with an increased risk of sepsis after decompression. StH and HtD timing are not associated with higher sepsis rates. In selected patients, urinary decompression could be delayed or primary ureteroscopy could be considered.

The clinical role of bacteremia and bacterial spread into the irrigation fluid during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Backflow of pathogens and endotoxins from the renal pelvis to the bloodstream is one supposed mechanism for infectious complications development after endourological stones surgery. The aim of this study is detecting to prove bacterial spread into irrigation fluid and bloodstream during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and to correlate these findings with clinical and microbiological parameters and infectious complications (IC). METHODS: Bladder urine culture (BUC) was retrieved before PCNL; during the procedure, 2 blood samples (BC) and an irrigation fluid sample during fragmentation (SFUC) were collected for culture. Stone culture (SC) was also obtained. Patients were evaluated post-operatively for IC. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were prospectively included. IC occurred in 15 patients (24.6%). SFUC was positive in 7/61 (11.5%); BC in 10/61 (16.4%). Among patients with positive BC; BUC, SFUC and SC were positive in 9 (90%), 6 (60%), and 8 (80%) cases, respectively. Out of 10 patients with positive BC, 4 developed post-operative IC. Pre-operative renal impairment (p = 0.04), intraoperative-evaluated stone residual (p = 0.02), BUC (p = 0.004), and SC (p = 0.008) were associated with IC. No correlation was found between bacterial spread in the irrigation fluid and blood and IC. CONCLUSION: We proved that bacteria can be detected into the irrigation fluid and blood during PCNL. This transient bacteremia appears to be unrelated to IC development.

Validation of the Trifecta Scoring Metric in Vacuum-Assisted Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Scoring metrics to assess and compare outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) are needed. We aim to evaluate prevalence and predictors of trifecta in a cohort of patients treated with vacuum-assisted mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (vmPCNL) for kidney stones. Methods: Data from 287 participants who underwent vmPCNL were analysed. Patients' and stones' characteristics as well as operative data were collected. Stone-free was defined as no residual stones. The modified Clavien classification was used to score postoperative complications. Trifecta was defined as stone-free status without complications after a single session and no auxiliary procedures. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between predictors and trifecta outcome. Results: After vmPCNL, 219 (76.3%) patients were stone-free, and 81 (28.2%) had postoperative complications (any Clavien). Of 287, 170 (59.2%) patients achieved trifecta criteria. Patients who achieved trifecta status had smaller stone volume (p < 0.001), a higher rate of single stones (p < 0.001), shorter operative time (p < 0.01), and a higher rate of single percutaneous tract (p < 0.01) than −trifecta patients. Trifecta status decreased with the number of calyces involved, being 77.1%, 18.8%, and 4.1% in patients with 1, 2, or 3 calyces with stones, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that stone volume (OR 1.1, p = 0.02) and multiple calyces being involved (OR 2.8 and OR 4.3 for two- and three-calyceal groups, respectively, all p < 0.01) were independent unfavourable risk factors for trifecta after accounting for age, BMI, gender, operative time, and number of access tracts. Conclusions: Trifecta status was achieved in 6 out of 10 patients after vmPCNL. Stone distribution in multiple calyceal groups and stone volume were independent unfavourable risk factors for trifecta.

Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Sperm DNA Fragmentation Severity in Infertile Men Treated with Superoxide Dismutase Supplementation: A Single-Center Experience.

Background. Antioxidants are commonly used for the treatment of idiopathic male infertility. Previous studies have shown that antioxidants are able to improve sperm quality, but little is known about their impact on sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). Preliminary findings showed that superoxide-dismutase (SOD)-based antioxidant plus hydroxytyrosol and carnosol (FertiPlus® SOD) therapy was associated with SDF improvement in a small cohort of infertile men. Therefore, we aimed to assess rates of and predictors of semen parameters and SDF improvements in infertile men treated with FertiPlus® SOD therapy (SOD+) or with other antioxidants without SOD (SOD−) in the real-life setting. Methods. Data from 60 consecutive infertile men with baseline SDF ≥ 30% and treated with SOD+ or SOD− for at least three months were analyzed. Clinical parameters and serum hormones were collected. Sperm parameters and SDF were requested at baseline and after SOD+ or SOD− treatment. Clinically meaningful SDF change after treatment was defined as SDF improvement >20% compared to baseline. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for baseline differences between groups. Descriptive statistics were used to compare clinical and hormonal characteristics between SOD+ and SOD− groups. Semen characteristics were compared before and after treatment. Logistic regression models investigated the association between clinical variables and SDF improvement. Results. Groups were similar in terms of clinical, serum hormones and semen parameters at baseline after matching. Compared to baseline, sperm progressive motility (17 (10−36)% vs. 27 (12−41)%) and normal morphology (2 (1−6)% vs. 4 (2−6)%) significantly improved after SOD+ treatment (all p < 0.01), but not after SOD−. SDF values significantly improved after treatment in both groups, compared to the baseline evaluation (all p < 0.01). However, SDF values were lower after SOD+ than SOD− treatment (30 (22−36)% vs. 37 (31−42)%, p = 0.01). Similarly, a clinically meaningful improvement in SDF at follow-up was more frequently found after SOD+ than SOD− treatment (76.7% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that SOD+ treatment (OR 5.4, p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of clinically meaningful SDF improvement, after accounting for age and baseline FSH values. Conclusions. This cross-sectional study showed that, in a cohort of primary infertile men with SDF ≥ 30%, SOD-based treatment was significantly effective in improving SDF compared to antioxidants without SOD. Approximately 80% of men treated with SOD+ achieved clinically meaningful improvement in SDF after three months of treatment. Sperm progressive motility and normal morphology also improved after SOD+ therapy but not after SOD−. These results suggest that SOD+ treatment could be considered an effective option for the management of idiopathic infertile men with elevated SDF.

Coenzyme Q10 and Melatonin for the Treatment of Male Infertility: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle and environmental factors can negatively impact fertility by means of oxidative stress. In this context, antioxidant supplementation therapy has gained much interest in recent years, and different molecules, alone or in combination, have been studied. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present review is to investigate the evidence regarding the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and melatonin on male infertility. METHODS: A literature search using PUBMED database from 2000 to October 2022 was performed to explore the role of CoQ10 and melatonin on male reproductive function. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis involved a narrative synthesis. CoQ10, alone or in combination, appears to reduce testicular oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation and to improve sperm parameters; particularly sperm motility. Moreover, CoQ10 treatment is associated with higher pregnancy rates, both naturally and through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Larger studies are needed to precisely determine its clinical efficacy. Melatonin is a known antioxidant and preclinical studies have shown its ability to modulate reproductive function through hormonal and immune system regulation and sperm cell proliferation. Regardless, clinical studies are necessary to assess its potential in male infertility.

Urologists are optimistic surgeons: prevalence and predictors of discordance between intraoperative stone-free rate and cross-sectional imaging evaluation after vacuum-assisted mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: To assess how accurate are urologists in predicting stone-free status (SFS) after vacuum-assisted mini-PCNL (vamPCNL) compared to computed tomography (CT) and clinical predictors of discordant SFS. METHODS: Data from 235 patients who underwent vamPCNL were analysed. Patient's demographics, stones' characteristics and operative data were recorded. SFS was evaluated intraoperatively by the treating urologist (iSFS) and with non-contrast CT 3 months after vamPCNL (ctSFS). SFS was defined as no residual stones. Stone complexity was scored with the Guy's score. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to identify clinical factors associated with discordant SFS (namely iSFS not confirmed at CT). RESULTS: iSFS and ctSFS were 88.5% and 65.5%, respectively, with 54 (23%) cases resulting in discordant evaluation of SFS between the surgeon and CT imaging. Patients with discordant SFS had larger stone volume (p < 0.001), higher rate of multiple stones (p = 0.03) and higher rate of multiple calyceal groups affected by stones (p < 0.001) than those with concordant SFS. The use of flexible ureteroscopes to look for residual stones after lithotripsy was more frequently reported in cases with concordant SFS (p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that stones in > 2 calyceal groups (OR 10.2, p < 0.001), Guy's score II (OR 5.8, p < 0.01) and not using flexible ureteroscopes after lithotripsy (OR 2.9, p = 0.02) were independent predictors of discordant SFS. CONCLUSION: One out of five patients is erroneously considered SF after vamPCNL. Urologist should carefully evaluate patients with multiple calyceal stones and consider using flexible ureteroscopes to complete lapaxy of migrated fragments in order to improve their prediction of SFS.

The comprehensive complication index as a tool for reporting the burden of complications after mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy: is it time to leave the Clavien-Dindo classification behind?

PURPOSE: To validate the comprehensive complication index (CCI) for mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL). METHODS: Data from 287 patients who underwent mPCNL were analyzed. Complications after mPCNL were classified using both the CCI and the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Descriptive statistics and linear/logistic regression analyses detailed the association between clinical predictors and mPCNL outcomes. RESULTS: After mPCNL, 83 (28.9%) patients had complications, of which 12 (4.2%) patients with multiple complications had a higher CCI score compared to the traditional CDC system accounting only for the highest grade. The CCI enabled a more accurate prediction of length of stay (LOS) than CDC (CCI: r = 0.32; p < 0.01 vs. CDC: r = 0.26; p = 0.01). Patients with multiple complications had higher stone volume (p = 0.02), longer operative time and LOS (all p < 0.01). A higher rate of post-operative hospital readmission (33.3% vs. 9.9%, p = 0.02) and lower rate of stone free (33.3% vs. 64.7%, p = 0.04) were found in patients with multiple complications than in those with single complication. Linear regression analysis revealed that multiple complications were associated with longer LOS (p < 0.001) after accounting for BMI and stone volume. Similarly, having multiple complications was associated with fivefold higher risk of readmission (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The CCI is a valuable metric for assessing post-operative complications after mPCNL. The cumulative CCI is a better predictor of LOS than the CDC for mPCNL. Minor complications not captured by the highest CDC score are relevant since patients with multiple complications have longer LOS and higher rate of readmission than those with single ones.

Sexual and ejaculatory function after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate: a single-center experience.

Currently available surgical treatments for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) due to Benign Prostatic Obstruction (BPO) are associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The aim of our study is to compare sexual and ejaculatory function after Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate (B-TUEP). We performed a retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected from 62 (44.9%) and 76 (55.1%) patients who underwent HoLEP and B-TUEP, respectively. Erectile function and ejaculation characteristics were assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory function (MSHQ-EJ) questionnaires. Our study recorded no change in erectile function and no significant difference in rates of preserved antegrade ejaculation after both surgeries. One month after surgery, rates of physical pain/discomfort and perceived decreased physical pleasure during ejaculation were higher in HoLEP than B-TUEP patients (all p < 0.03). Moreover, HoLEP patients were more bothered by their ejaculatory difficulties than B-TUEP men (p = 0.03). At 3- and 12-months follow-up, all ejaculation-related differences disappeared. In conclusion, both procedures are valid alternatives for BPO treatment as they offer comparable urinary and sexual outcomes in the long term. However, in the first month after surgery, HoLEP patients present with more ejaculatory difficulties.

Development of a Novel Clinical and Radiologic Risk Score to Predict Septic Complications After Urinary Decompression in Patients with Obstructive Uropathy.

Background: Well-defined clinical predictors of sepsis after upper tract drainage for obstructive uropathy are lacking. The study aim is to develop a data-driven score to predict risk of sepsis after decompression of the upper urinary tract. Materials and Methods: Complete clinical and radiologic data from 271 patients entering the emergency department for obstructive uropathy and submitted to stent/nephrostomy tube decompression were evaluated. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to score comorbidities. The definition of sepsis was an increase in ≥2 Sequential Organ Failure Assessment points (or a postoperative persistently elevated score +1 additional increase) and documented blood or urine cultures. Descriptive statistics and stepwise multivariable logistic regression modeling with receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed to obtain a composite risk score to predict the risk of sepsis after surgery. This study was approved by our local Ethics Commitee (Prot. 25508). Results: Fifty-five (20.3%) patients developed sepsis. At multivariable analysis, CCI ≥2 (odds ratio [OR] 3.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-7.04), maximum body temperature ≥38°C (OR 4.35; 95% CI 1.89-9.44), grade III-IV hydronephrosis (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.10-4.98), HU of the dilated collecting system ≥7.0 (OR 4.47; 95% CI 2.03-9.81), white blood cells ≥15 × 103/mmc (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.24-6.19), and C-reactive protein ≥10 (OR 3.27; 95% CI 1.41-7.56) were independently associated with sepsis. The positive predictive value of a true sepsis increased incrementally as a function of number of positive variables, ranging from 1.6% to 100.0% among patients with 1 and 6 positive variables, respectively. Conclusion: Our risk score identifies accurately patients with an increased risk of sepsis after urinary decompression for obstructive uropathy, hence improving clinical management.

Outcomes and predictive factors of successful salvage microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) after failed classic TESE: results from a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) has been proposed as a salvage treatment option for men with a previously failed classic TESE (cTESE), but data are scarce. We aimed to assess the outcome of and potential predictors of successful salvage mTESE in a cohort of men previously submitted to unfruitful cTESE. Data from 61 men who underwent mTESE after a failed cTESE between 01/2014 and 10/2020, at 6 tertiary-referral centres in Italy were analysed. All men were investigated with semen analyses, testicular ultrasound, hormonal and genetic blood testing. Pathological diagnosis from TESE was collected in every man. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to investigate potential predictors of positive sperm retrieval (SR+) after salvage mTESE. Baseline serum Follicle-Stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone levels were 17.2 (8.6-30.1) mUI/mL and 4.7 (3.5-6.4) ng/mL, respectively. Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS), maturation arrest (MA) and hypospermatogenesis were found in 24 (39.3%), 21 (34.4%) and 16 (26.2%) men after cTESE, respectively. At mTESE, SR+ was found in 30 (49.2%) men. Patients with a diagnosis of hypospermatogenesis had a higher rate of SR+ (12/16 (75%)) compared to MA (12/21 (57.1%)) and SCOS (6/24 (25%)) patients at mTESE (p < 0.01). No clinical and laboratory differences were observed between SR+ and SR- patients at mTESE. There were no significant complications after mTESE. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, only hypospermatogenesis (OR 9.5; p < 0.01) was independently associated with SR+ at mTESE, after accounting for age and FSH.In conclusion, salvage mTESE in NOA men with previous negative cTESE was safe and promoted SR+ in almost 50%. A baseline pathology of hypospermatogenesis at cTESE emerged as the only independent predictor of positive outcomes at salvage mTESE.

Cost analysis between mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy with and without vacuum-assisted access sheath.

PURPOSE: To perform a cost analysis between vacuum-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (vmPCNL) and minimally invasive PCNL (MIP) and explore potential predictors of costs associated with the procedures. METHODS: We analyzed data from 225 patients who underwent vmPCNL or MIP at a single tertiary referral academic center between January 2016 and December 2020. We collected patients' demographics, peri-and postoperative data and detailed expense records. After propensity score matching, 108 (66.7%) vmPCNL and 54 (33.3%) MIP procedures were analyzed. Descriptive statistics assessed differences in clinical and operative parameters. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models tested the association between clinical variables and costs. RESULTS: Operative time (OT) was shorter for vmPCNL, and the use of additional instruments to complete litholapaxy was more frequent in MIP (all p ≤ 0.01). Length of stay (LOS) was longer for MIP patients (p = 0.03) and the stone-free (SF) rate was higher after vmPCNL (p = 0.04). The overall instrumentation cost was higher for vmPCNL (p < 0.001), but total procedural costs were equivalent (p = 0.9). However, the overall cost for the hospitalization was higher for MIP than vmPCNL (p = 0.01). Univariable linear regression revealed that patient's comorbidities, OT, any postoperative complication and LOS were associated with hospitalization costs (all p < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that LOS and OT were associated with hospitalization costs (all p < 0.001), after accounting for vmPCNL procedure, patients' comorbidities, and complications. CONCLUSION: vmPCNL may represent a valid option due to clinical and economic benefits. Shorter OT, the lower need for disposable equipment and the lower complication rate reduced procedural and hospitalization costs.

The Matryoshka technique in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) reduces the risk of haemorrhagic complications, but the limited field of work represents a drawback. To obtain the best outcomes, the percutaneous access size should be intraoperatively tailored. Our purpose is to describe the indications and the procedural steps of the Matryoshka technique and to report its clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data from consecutive Matryoshka PCNL procedures from October 2016 to January 2018. Collected data included patients' history, stone characteristics, intra- and post-operative items, stone clearance and need for retreatment. The main indication to the Matryoshka technique is the inability to securely position a guidewire due to an obstruction or narrowness in the pyelocalyceal system. This technique begins by puncturing the calyx hosting the stone and advancing a hydrophilic guidewire through the needle. If the guidewire cannot proceed beyond the stone, the Matryoshka technique is employed for tract stabilization. The tract is carefully dilated with small-bore instruments and a cautious lithotripsy is performed to create enough space to introduce the guidewire beyond the stone under visual control. Once the access has been stabilized the surgeon can upsize the tract to the optimum to complete the procedure. Additionally, the technique can be employed when an intraoperative reassessment induces the surgeon to further dilate the tract to quicken the procedure. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included, with a median stone volume of 3.49 cm3. Median operative time was 112 minutes. Three Clavien I-II (postoperative fever) and one Clavien IIIB (colon perforation) complications were reported. No blood transfusions were recorded. Three patients underwent scheduled retreatment as part of a multistep procedure. Out of the remaining 13 patients, 10 (76.9%) obtained a complete stone clearance. CONCLUSIONS: The Matryoshka technique helps the urologist to obtain a secure percutaneous access and makes PCNL flexible and progressive, potentially minimizing the risk of access-related complications.

Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate: Is it a size-independent endoscopic treatment option for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia?

BACKGROUND: Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate (B-TUEP) is recommended as a first-choice treatment for benign prostatic obstruction in prostates >80 ml. Differently, B-TUEP is only considered as an alternative option after TURP for smaller prostates (30-80 ml). The aim of our study is to assess the relation between prostate size and surgical outcomes after B-TUEP. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data collected from 172 patients submitted to B-TUEP. Patients were segregated according to tertiles of prostate volume (PV) (≤60 ml, 61-110 ml, >110 ml). For each group we evaluated enucleation efficacy (enucleated weight/enucleation time), complication rates, urinary and sexual function parameters. Functional and sexual parameters were compared between groups at baseline, 1 and 3 months follow up. Descriptive statistics and linear and logistic regression models tested the association between PV and postoperative complications/outcomes. RESULTS: Operative time and weight of enucleated adenomas increased along with prostate volumes (all p≤0.01). Enucleation efficacy was higher in men with PV >110 ml compared to other groups (p≤0.001). Length of hospital stay, catheterization time and rates of postoperative complications, such as transfusion and clot evacuation rates and bladder neck/urethral strictures, were comparable between groups. Urinary symptoms improved at 1-and 3-months in each group as compared to baseline evaluation (all p<0.01) but they did not differ according to PV. In each group maximum urinary flow and post-void residual volume significantly improved at 3 months compared to baseline (all p≤0.01), without differences according to PV. Sexual symptoms were similar between groups at each follow up assessment. At multivariable linear and logistic regression analysis, prostate volume was not associated with postoperative functional outcomes and complications. Conversely, patient's comorbid status and antiplatelet/anticoagulation use were independently associated with postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, B-TUEP should be considered a "size independent procedure" as it can provide symptom relief in men with prostates of all sizes with the same efficacy and safety profile.

Clinical Comparison of Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy with Vacuum Cleaner Effect or with a Vacuum-Assisted Access Sheath: A Single-Center Experience.

Purpose: To compare outcomes of two different miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) techniques: minimally invasive PCNL (MIP) with the vacuum cleaner effect and vacuum-assisted mini-PCNL (vmPCNL). Materials and Methods: Data from 104 (66.7%) patients who underwent vmPCNL and 52 (33.3%) patients who underwent MIP at a single tertiary referral academic center between January 2016 and December 2019 were analyzed. Patient demographics and peri- and postoperative data were recorded, and propensity score matching was performed. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models were used to identify variables associated with operative time (OT) and patient effective dose. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with infectious complications and stone-free (SF) status. Results: Patient demographics and stone characteristics were comparable between groups. vmPCNL was associated with shorter OT (p < 0.001), fluoroscopy time, and patient effective dose (4.2 mSv vs 7.9 mSv; p < 0.001). A higher rate of infectious complications was found in the MIP group (25.0% vs 7.7%, p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed that stone volume, multiple stones, and MIP procedure (all p values ≤0.02) were associated with longer OT. Similarly, OT and the MIP procedure (p ≤ 0.02) were associated with higher patient effective dose. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the stone volume, positive preoperative bladder urine culture, and MIP procedure (all p values ≤0.02) were associated with postoperative infectious complications. vmPCNL was not associated with the SF rate. Conclusions: Mini-PCNL performed with continuous active suction is associated with lower rates of infectious complications, shorter OT, and lower patient effective dose than MIP.