Prevalence and Factors Associated With Prostate Cancer Among Transgender Women.

Importance: Evidence on prostate cancer (PCa) in transgender women is very limited; data are needed to reduce gender disparities in both PCa knowledge and health care. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of PCa among transgender women in the US and assess the factors associated with PCa, and factors associated with biochemical recurrence (BCR) and bone metastases (BM) secondary to PCa in the transgender population. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in October 2023, covering the period between 2011 and 2022 (12-year analysis). The study was based on a large, all-payer claims, deidentified, US database (PearlDiver Mariner). Transgender women who were identified as male before assignment of transsexual status codes were included. Patients with PCa were detected in the transgender women population. Main Outcomes and Measures: PCa diagnosis was selected as primary outcome; BCR and BM were chosen as secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 95 460 transgender women with a mean (SD) age of 52.5 (9.4) years were included. PCa was diagnosed in 589 individuals with a mean (SD) age of 66.8 (10.0) years (estimated prevalence, 0.62%; 95% CI, 0.54%-0.77%). Age (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.08-1.12; P < .001) and family history (adjusted OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.60-4.92; P < .001) were positively associated with PCa in transgender women. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) was negatively associated with PCa in transgender women (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.56-0.89; P < .001) but positively associated with BCR (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.21-2.86; P < .001) and BM (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.50-9.99; P < .001) in the transgender population with PCa. Conclusions and Relevance: This cohort study found that PCa appeared to be relatively uncommon in transgender women. GAHT may reduce the risk of PCa in transgender patients, but it may also increase the risk of BCR and BM in transgender women with PCa. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Follow Up Care After Penile Sparing Surgery for Penile Cancer: Current Perspectives.

Penile cancer (PeCa) is a rare urologic tumor worldwide. In 2024, 2100 new cases and 500 deaths are estimated in the United States. Radical surgery via total penectomy has historically been the cornerstone of treatment, since it provides excellent long-term oncological control. The rationale of surgery for penile cancer was to achieve a 2 cm macroscopic surgical margin that is historically advocated to reduce recurrences. Over time, numerous studies have demonstrated that resection margin status does not affect patients' survival. Different penile-sparing techniques are currently recommended in the European Association of Urology-American Society of Clinical Oncology (EAU-ASCO) guidelines for the treatment of localized primary PeCa. Centralization of care could yield multiple benefits, including improved disease awareness, higher rates of penile-sparing surgery, enhanced detection rates, increased utilization of less invasive lymph node staging techniques, enhanced quality of specialized histopathological examinations, and the establishment of specialized multidisciplinary teams. Compared to more aggressive treatments, the higher recurrence rates after penile-sparing surgery do not hamper neither the metastasis-free survival nor the overall survival. Repeated penile-sparing surgery could be considered for selected cases. The psychological impact of penile cancer is not negligible since the perceived loss of masculinity might adversely affect mental health and overall well-being. Quality of life may be compromised by sexual and urinary dysfunction which may be the result either of the loss of penile tissue or the psychological status of the patient. It is of utmost importance to offer rehabilitative treatment as sexual therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, family and peer counseling.

The single port robotic surgical "toolbox": a primer for beginners.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the da Vinci Single Port robotic platform, including instruments and tools that can aid in implementing the use of this novel platform. METHODS: Footage recorded during various Single port robotic urologic procedures and dry labs performed at two US institutions was used as video material. A step-by-step guide illustrating key points on OR set-up, platform, instruments, trocar configurations, intraoperative suctioning, bedside assistance were discussed and highlighted. RESULTS: The Single port surgeon console resembles the Xi console but includes upgraded software. The 6-mm biarticulated instruments incorporate an elbow and a wrist flexible joint. These instruments are deployed through the Access port. Access port kit includes the Access port, and a 25-mm multichannel trocar accommodating an 8-mm flexible scope, and three 6-mm robotic instruments. The 0° endoscope has two sets of articulation: a fixed one, and a distal one, allowing for three movements, selected with a hand command, the "Camera Adjust", the "Camera Control" and the "Relocation." The "Cobra mode," is an extra setting that allows the camera to wing out and move laterally relative to the working instruments. Suction is preferably performed with the Remotely Operated Suction Irrigation system. CONCLUSIONS: Herein we provide a detailed guide to the main technical nuances of the Single port platform and a practical overview of the instrumentation that is used during Single port robotic procedures. Knowledge of the toolbox that is used during Single port robotic surgery is key for those approaching for the first time this novel technology.

Postoperative urinary incontinence following BPH surgery: insights from a comprehensive national database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) is a feared complication of BPH surgery. Our study aims to investigate the incidence of UI among patients undergoing different procedures for BPH. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using a large national database, containing patient records between 2011 and 2022. The most employed surgical procedures for BPH were considered, including TURP, Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP), Holmium/Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP/ThuLEP), Open Simple Prostatectomy (OSP), minimally invasive simple prostatectomy (Lap/Rob SP), Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP), Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL), Robotic Waterjet Treatment (RWT - Aquablation®), Water Vapor Thermal Therapy (WVTT - Rezum®) and Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE). Rates of any type of UI, including stress UI (SUI), urge UI (UUI) and mixed UI (MUI) were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify predictors of "persistent" postoperative UI, defined as the presence of an active UI diagnosis at 12 months post-surgery. RESULTS: Among 274,808 patients who underwent BPH surgery, 11,017 (4.01%) experienced persistent UI. UUI rates varied between 0.62% (PAE) and 2.71% (PVP), SUI ranged from 0.04% (PAE) and 2.75% (Lap/Rob SP), while MUI between 0.11% (PAE) and 1.17% (HoLEP/ThuLEP). On multivariable analysis, HoLEP/ThuLEP (OR 1.612; 95% CI: 1.508-1.721; P<0.001), PVP (OR 1.164; 95% CI:1.122-1.208; P<0.001), Open SP (OR 1.424; 95% CI:1.241- 1.624; P<0.001), and Lap/Rob SP (OR 1.667; 95% CI:1.119-2.384; P<0.01) showed significant higher likelihood of UI compared to TURP. PUL (OR 0.604; 95% CI:0.566-0.644; P<0.001), WVTT (OR 0.661; 95% CI:0.579-0.752; P<0.001), RWT (OR 0.434; 95% CI:0.216-0.767; P<0.01), and PAE (OR 0.178; 95% CI:0.111-0.269; P<0.001) were associated with lower likelihood of UI. CONCLUSIONS: UI remains a concerning complication following BPH surgery, but it is an uncommon event affecting <5% of patients. Some differences in UI rates and risk might exist among various BPH procedures. These findings underscore the need for thorough patient selection and counseling.

Incidental prostate carcinoma after single-port robot-assisted simple prostatectomy: a multi-institutional report (SPARC).

BACKGROUND: Single-port robot-assisted simple prostatectomy is a minimally invasive alternative for patients with large benign prostatic hyperplasia with severe symptoms and/or failure of medical treatment. In recent literature, the rate of incidental prostate cancer after simple prostatectomy ranges from 1.8% to 13.0%. Our objective is to report the rate of incidental prostate cancer after single-port robot-assisted simple prostatectomy and to compare our findings to other approaches. METHODS: A Single-Port Advanced Research Consortium [SPARC] multi-institutional retrospective analysis of all initial consecutive single-port robot-assisted simple prostatectomy cases performed from 2019 to 2023 by eleven surgeons from six centers. Our primary outcome was the rate of incidental prostate cancer in adenoma specimens. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 235 cases were performed successfully without conversions or additional ports. Eleven patients (4.6%) were found to have incidental prostate cancer on pathological analysis. The median percentage of tissue involved by the tumor was 5%. The overall rate of clinically significant prostate cancer was 2.1%. Most cases were Gleason Grade Group 1 (55%). Those with Grade Group ≤3 were subsequently managed with active surveillance with a median follow-up of 17 months. A patient with Gleason Grade Group 4 underwent an uncomplicated multi-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with satisfactory functional and oncological outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Initial multi-institutional experience with single-port robot-assisted simple prostatectomy showed an incidental prostate cancer rate of 4.6%, comparable to MP, laparoscopic, and open techniques.

Exploring the Multifactorial Landscape of Penile Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Factors.

Penile cancer, while rare, is a critical public health issue due to its profound impact on patients and the complexities of its management. The disease's multifactorial etiology includes risk factors such as HPV infection, poor hygiene, smoking, genetic predispositions, and socioeconomic determinants. This article provides a comprehensive review and analysis of these diverse risk factors, aiming to enhance understanding of the disease's underlying causes. By elucidating these factors, the article seeks to inform and improve prevention strategies, early detection methods, and therapeutic interventions. A nuanced grasp of the multifactorial nature of penile cancer can enable healthcare professionals to develop more effective approaches to reducing incidence rates and improving patient outcomes.

Comparison of Current International Guidelines on Premature Ejaculation: 2024 Update.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction that can cause significant distress in the patient and partner. This study aimed to compare the current international guidelines on PE to highlight their similarities and differences. We examined the latest guidelines from the European Association of Urology (EAU), American Urological Association/Sexual Medicine Society of North America (AUA/SMSNA), and International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM) by comparing definitions, classifications, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and recommendations on diagnosis and therapy. The quality of guidelines was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) Global Rating Scale (GRS). We found significant variations in the definitions of PE and recommendations on management of patients. The EAU guidelines were the most recent, the AUA/SMSNA guidelines lacked detail in some areas, and the ISSM guidelines were the most complete but also the least updated. The search for a unified definition and the development of standardized diagnostic and therapeutic pathways remain concrete issues to improve the management of patients with PE worldwide.

Contemporary management of ischemic priapism: A 12-year population-based analysis from a large US database.

BACKGROUND: Priapism is a urological condition characterized by a persistent erection. The management varies based on its subclassifications. Despite established clinical guidelines for ischemic priapism, there is a lack of large-scale research focused on patient characteristics and management strategies. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the contemporary management of ischemic priapism in the US, exploring patient demographics and clinical characteristics, as well as predictors of erectile dysfunction (ED) and penile prosthesis implantation (PPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the PearlDiver Mariner database, reviewing records from 2010-2021. Adult males diagnosed with ischemic priapism were included. Data analysis covered demographic, clinical variables, and management strategies. Predictors of de novo ED and PPI were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 36,120 patients, most (93%) received only medical management, and a minority underwent surgical interventions (penile shunt surgery [PSS], PPI or both). Medical management was typically effective, as 67.08% of the patients in this group experienced only one episode of priapism. However, de novo ED occurred in 16.57% of these patients. The majority of patients undergoing PPI had an inflatable prosthesis (81%). Older age (odds ratio, OR 1.02), the presence of metabolic diseases (OR 1.39), neurogenic disorders (OR 1.72), solid pelvic malignancies (OR 1.09), and multiple episodes of priapism were identified as significant predictors of de novo ED (all p < 0.05). Similarly, age (OR 1.03), the presence of metabolic diseases (OR 1.23), solid pelvic malignancies (OR 1.99), and multiple episodes of priapism were associated with higher likelihood of PPI (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Most cases of ischemic priapism are managed with the medical therapy. Less than 3% of patients with ischemic priapism receive PPI, and when this occurs an inflatable prosthesis is favored. Age, specific comorbidities, and multiple episodes of priapism appear to be significant predictors of ED and PPI.

Cognitive Targeted Prostate Biopsy Alone for Diagnosing Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Selected Biopsy-Naïve Patients: Results from a Retrospective Pilot Study.

(1) Background: To identify a particular setting of biopsy-naïve patients in which it would be reasonable to offer only cognitive targeted prostate biopsy (PBx) with a transrectal approach. (2) Methods: We designed an observational retrospective pilot study. Patients with a prostatic specific antigen (PSA) level > 10 ng/mL, either a normal or suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE), and a lesion with a PI-RADS score ≥ 4 in the postero-medial or postero-lateral peripheral zone were included. All patients underwent a transrectal PBx, including both systematic and targeted samples. The detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) (Gleason Score ≥ 7) was chosen as the primary outcome. We described the detection rate of csPCa in systematic PBx, targeted PBx, and overall PBx. (3) A total of 92 patients were included. Prostate cancer was detected in 84 patients (91.30%) with combined biopsies. A csPCa was diagnosed in all positive cases (100%) with combined biopsies. Systematic PBxs were positive in 80 patients (86.96%), while targeted PBxs were positive in 84 men (91.30%). Targeted PBx alone would have allowed the diagnosis of csPCa in all positive cases; systematic PBx alone would have missed the diagnosis of 8/84 (9.52%) csPCa cases (4 negative patients and 4 not csPCa) (p = 0.011). (4) Conclusions: Cognitive targeted PBx with a transrectal approach could be offered alone to diagnose csPCa in biopsy-naïve patients with PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL, either normal or suspicious DRE, and a lesion with PI-RADS score ≥ 4 in the postero-medial or postero-lateral peripheral zone.

ASO Visual Abstract: Open Versus Minimally Invasive Nephroureterectomy: Contemporary Analysis from a Wide National Population-Based Database.

Contemporary trend analysis of a large national data set confirms the occurrence of a significant shift toward minimally invasive nephroureterectomy (MINU), which is gradually replacing open nephroureterectomy (ONU). A minimally invasive approach is associated with a lower risk of complications. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-clinical factors that ultimately may have an impact on the outcomes of the nephroureterectomy (NU) procedure ( https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-024-15565-6 ).

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the placebo effect on both semen quality and male infertility.

INTRODUCTION: Placebo influence on such objective indicators, as sperm quality and infertility, has not been studied previously, but some studies report that placebo may distort even objective outcomes. The aim of current study is to assess the placebo effect on fertility in patients suffering from sperm abnormalities and/or infertility. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a search of two databases (Scopus and MEDLINE) and identified placebo-controlled clinical trials which focused on sperm abnormalities and/or male infertility treatment. Primary outcomes included changes in semen parameters (volume, total count, sperm concentration in semen, progressive motility, morphology (normal cells)). Secondary outcomes included DNA fragmentation and change in pregnancy rate. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Seventy-seven articles published from 1983 to 2022 were included. Statistically significant changes were observed for the following values: total sperm count, mean change 0.16 (95% CI 0.05, 0.26); P=0.004, I2=75.1%; and progressive motility, mean change 0.13 (95% CI 0.02, 0.24); P=0.026, I2=84.9%. In contrast, placebo did not affect sperm concentration, sperm volume, sperm morphology or DNA fragmentation index. The publication bias for all the values measured with Egger's test and funnel plots was low. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant increase of total sperm count and progressive motility in the placebo group. In contrast, placebo did not affect sperm concentration, sperm volume, sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation index. These findings should be considered while planning or analyzing placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Prospective randomized multicenter study to evaluate holmium vs. new thulium fiber laser for prostate enucleation.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) commonly causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. Holmium (HoLEP) and thulium (ThuLEP) laser enucleation are established techniques for BPH treatment. Thulium fiber laser (TFL) for prostate enucleation (ThuFLEP) shows promising outcomes. METHODS: A prospective randomized multicenter study was conducted. Patients with BPH and LUTS unresponsive to medical therapy were enrolled. Preoperative, surgical, perioperative and postoperative data were recorded with follow-up at 3 and 6 months. The primary outcome was functional improvement, and the secondary outcome was safety in terms of complications. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were included (HoLEP 100, ThuFLEP 100). No significant baseline difference was found between groups. At 3 and 6 months we found statistically significant improvements from baseline for both HoLEP and ThuFLEP in efficacy: International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS), IPSS-Quality of Life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual volume (PVR; P<0.05). At 6 months, mean±SD IPSS, IPSS-QoL, Qmax, and PVR for HoLEP vs. ThuFLEP were 5.8±4.9 vs. 4.8±5.0 points (P=0.57), 1.6±1.4 vs. 0.7±1.1 points (P=0.09), 29.9±12.5 vs. 29.6±8.0 mL/s (P=0.8), and 16.3±17.7 vs. 15.5±13.4 mL (P=0.92), respectively. No intraoperative complication was recorded. No Clavien-Dindo ≥III complications occurred during hospitalization. After 6 months, 8 (8%) and 6 (6%) patients reported mild stress urinary incontinence in HoLEP and ThuFLEP groups, respectively (P=0.24). Urethral stenosis was observed in 3 men (3%) in the HoLEP group and 1 subject (1%) in the ThuFLEP group (P=0.72). CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP and ThuFLEP are effective and safe for BPH treatment, with comparable functional outcomes and complication rates at 6 months. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Robotic salvage partial nephrectomy following surgical and ablative therapies

ABSTRACT Purpose: Partial nephrectomies in the salvage setting after ablative or surgical therapy remain challenging cases that are underreported in the literature (1-5). The aim of this video is to demonstrate techniques for robotic salvage partial nephrectomy to manage recurrent renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after failed prior partial nephrectomy and primary cryotherapy. Materials and methods: A 55-year-old man after previous robotic-assisted right partial nephrectomy presented with a 2.5 cm locally recurrent renal mass abutting the collecting system. A 59-year-old man with right renal cell carcinoma initially treated with cryoablation presented local recurrence. CT imaging demonstrated 2.6 cm right renal mass consistent with tumor recurrence at previous treatment site. Results: Both procedures were completed in under 180 minutes. Clamp time was 22 minutes after the previous partial nephrectomy and 25 minutes after previous cryotherapy. There were no perioperative complications. Pathology in both cases demonstrated pT1a clear cell RCC with negative margins. Both patients have since no evidence of recurrent disease on follow-up imaging at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Conclusions: Salvage robotic partial nephrectomy should be considered as a feasible treatment option after failure of initial therapy—surgical or ablative. A salvage procedure is often more challenging than its standard therapy-naïve counterpart due to development of dense inflammation after previous interventions. Despite this, robotic partial nephrectomies in the salvage setting can be safely carried out with good surgical outcomes, particularly when utilizing intraoperative ultrasound to identify tumor margins and key anatomy.

Long-term functional outcomes and surgical retreatment after thulium laser enucleation of the prostate: A 10-year follow-up study

ABSTRACT Background: To evaluate the 10-year functional outcomes (primary) and frequency and predictors of BPH surgical retreatment (secondary) after ThuLEP. Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing ThuLEP between 2010 and 2013 was performed. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 40 years, prostate volume (PV) ≥ 80 mL, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)-Total score ≥ 8 points. IPSS-Total score was the primary outcome, and BPH surgical retreatment rate was the secondary outcome. Paired t-test, McNemar test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of surgical retreatment. Results: A total of 410 patients with a mean ±SD age of 63.9 ± 9.7 years and a PV of 115.6 ± 28.6 mL were included. Mean ±SD follow-up was 108.2 ± 29.6 months. IPSS-Total score was significantly improved at 1 year compared to baseline (23.3 ± 4.7 vs. 10.3 ± 3.8; p<0.001). It was similar after 5 years (10.5 ± 3.6 vs. 10.7 ± 5.0; p=0.161), with a significant worsening at 10 years (10.3 ±4.8 vs. 13.8 ±4.5; p=0.042) but remaining statistically and clinically better than baseline (13.8 ±4.5 vs. 22.1 ±4.3; p<0.001). After 10 years, 21 (5.9%) patients had undergone BPH reoperation. Baseline PV (adjusted OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.41; p<0.001) and time from BPH surgery (adjusted OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.15-1.43; p<0.001) were predictors of BPH surgical retreatment. Conclusions: ThuLEP is associated with optimal functional outcomes and a low frequency of BPH surgical retreatment in the long-term. Baseline PV and time from surgery were predictors of BPH reoperation.

Open versus Minimally Invasive Nephroureterectomy: Contemporary Analysis from a Wide National Population-Based Database.

BACKGROUND: It is generally perceived that minimally invasive nephroureterectomy (MINU), especially in the form of robotic-assisted laparoscopy, is gaining an increasing role in many institutions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate contemporary trends in the adoption of MINU in the United States compared with open nephroureterectomy (ONU). METHODS: Patients who underwent ONU or MINU between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed using PearlDiver Mariner, an all-payer insurance claims database. International Classification of Diseases diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify the type of surgical procedure, patients' characteristics, social determinants of health (SDOH), and perioperative complications. The primary objective assessed different trends and costs in NU adoption, while secondary objectives analyzed factors influencing the postoperative complications, including SDOH. Outcomes were compared using multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 15,240 patients underwent ONU (n = 7675) and MINU (n = 7565). Utilization of ONU declined over the study period, whereas that of MINU increased from 29 to 72% (p = 0.01). The 60-day postoperative complication rate was 23% for ONU and 19% for MINU (p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, ONU showed a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI 1.20-1.48). Approximately 5% and 9% of patients reported at least one SDOH at baseline for both ONU and MINU (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary trend analysis of a large national dataset confirms that there has been a significant shift towards MINU, which is gradually replacing ONU. A minimally invasive approach is associated with lower risk of complications. SDOH are non-clinical factors that currently do not have an impact on the outcomes of nephroureterectomy.

Characteristics, trends, and management of Penile cancer in the United States: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Penile cancer (PeCa) is a rare disease. HPV infection, smoking, phimosis, and lichen sclerosus represent well-known associated risk factors. OBJECTIVES: Primary aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of PeCa and to outline the adopted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Secondary aim is to investigate risk factors associated with aggressive disease and to identify the complications arising from its surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the PearlDiver™ Mariner database, from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021, identifying all patients diagnosed with PeCa and PeIN, evaluating comorbidities, risk factors, and social and economic conditions. We evaluated the imaging modalities employed for staging as well as the treatment strategies. Finally, we evaluated the most frequent complications associated with inguinal lymphadenectomy (ILND). RESULTS: During the study period, 17,494 patients were diagnosed with PeCa and 5,965 with penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN). US was the most frequently utilized imaging modality, followed by PET and PET/CT. Use of CT and MRI was around 5%. Surgical treatment was the predominant strategy, utilized in 31.3% of PeCa and 22.9% of PeIN. Wide Local Excision/Glansectomy emerged as the most common surgical procedures. MLR analysis identified smoking as a risk factor for metastatic PeCa (OR; 95% CI = 1.49; 1.379-1.609), HPV infections were associated with a 35% decrease in risk (OR; 95% CI = 0.65; 0.562-0.744) (all P < 0.001). Lichen sclerosus and phimosis were associated with a doubled risk of demolitive surgery. Approximately 40% of patients experienced complications associated with ILND. CONCLUSION: Despite advances in PeCa management, there's no significant move toward more conservative treatments. Surgical treatments are still marked by high rates of complications, potentially affect the sexual and psychosocial health of patients. These issues may foster a tendency toward avoidance behaviors, contributing to a delayed clinical presentation and treatment.

Early and late post-procedural complications in different orthotopic neobladder surgical approaches: A systematic review.

Bladder cancer (BCa) represents the second most common malignancy of the genitourinary tract. The major risk factors include age, gender, smoking attitude, and occupational exposure, while the exact etiopathogenesis is still uncertain. Patients diagnosed with a BCa showing invasion of the muscle layer below the submucosa must undergo radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion (UD). Many different surgical approaches to UD have been developed. Packaging an orthotopic neobladder (ON) with a bowel tract represents the gold standard when certain patient selection criteria are satisfied. Using PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review assessing early (within 90 days) and late (beyond 90 days) post-procedural complications of different ON surgical approaches. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to identify papers starting from 2012 using dedicated keywords ("neobladder", "orthotopic neobladder", "complications'' and "outcomes"). A total of 27 articles were found to satisfy the inclusion criteria and selected. Although the ON is a safe procedure that guarantees the patient the best quality of life (QoL), it is not free from risks. Many complications could occur during and after the surgical time which imposes the necessity of strict follow-up and careful checks over time, which should be properly discussed with patients before.

Incidence, Timing, and Pattern of Atypical Recurrence after Minimally Invasive Surgery for Urothelial Carcinoma.

The management of urothelial carcinoma has evolved with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic procedures, challenging the traditional approach of open surgery, and giving rise to atypical recurrences (ARs). ARs include port-site metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, yet discrepancies persist among authors regarding their precise classification. Incidence rates of ARs vary widely across studies, ranging from less than 1% to over 10% in both muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and upper tract urothelial tumor (UTUC). Peritoneal metastases predominate as the most common ARs in patients with MIBC, while retroperitoneal metastases are prevalent in those with UTUC due to differing surgical approaches. The timing of AR presentation and survival outcomes closely mirror those of conventional recurrences, with which they are frequently associated. Pneumoperitoneum has progressively been regarded less as the cause of ARs, while surgical-related risk factors have gained prominence. Current major surgical-related causes include tumor spillage and urinary tract violation during surgery, avoidance of endo bag use for specimen extraction, and low surgical experience. Factors such as tumor stage, histological variants, and lympho-vascular invasion correlate with the risk of ARs, suggesting a close association with tumor biology. Further studies are required to better understand the incidence, risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes of ARs.

Effects of long and short ejaculatory abstinence on sperm parameters: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ejaculatory abstinence on sperm parameters. Methods: This analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023472124). We performed a search on PubMed using the following text terms: (("sperm parameters" OR "sperm analysis" [Mesh]) AND ("sperm DNA fragmentation" OR "DNA fragmentation" [Mesh]) AND ("sexual abstinence" [Mesh] OR "abstinence")) and an advanced search in Scopus using the terms ("sperm parameters" OR "sperm parameters" OR "DNA fragmentation") AND ("abstinence"). The sperm parameters that were investigated were sperm volume, total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). A two-day cut-off as a "short" or "long" abstinence period has been defined. Results: Thirteen studies published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 2,315 patients, ranging from 6 to 836 from each cohort, were enrolled in the study. We showed that longer abstinence time was associated with greater sperm concentration (mean difference [MD]: 8.19; p <0.01), sperm volume (MD: 0.96; p <0.01), and higher SDF (MD: 3.46; p <0.01), but lower progressive sperm motility (MD: -1.83; p <0.01). Otherwise, no statistically significant difference was observed in patients with longer vs. shorter abstinence times regarding total sperm motility (MD: -1.83; p = 0.06). Meta-regression analysis showed that days of abstinence were positively and linearly related to sperm concentration (slope: 3.74; p <0.01) and SDF (slope: 0.65; p = 0.044). Conclusions: According to our data, short ejaculatory abstinence is associated with better sperm quality. Indeed, a higher percentage of progressive sperm motility and lower levels of SDF have been reported in a short abstinence cohort. In contrast, the long abstinence group reported a higher sperm concentration. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023472124.

Long-term functional outcomes and predictors of efficacy in thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological condition affecting aging men worldwide. Among the treatment options available for BPH, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold-standard invasive intervention. To reduce the TURP-related non-negligible morbidity, loss-of-ejaculation rate, hospitalization, blood loss and catheterization time several laser techniques have been developed, such as the Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP). To investigate the efficacy outcomes of the ThuLEP as a treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) we performed a retrospective observational study at Moriggia Pelascini Hospital (Como, Italy) between January 2015 and September 2018. METHODS: We included 265 patients who underwent ThuLEP at a specific hospital between defined dates. Data on various parameters, including post-void residue volume, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for urinary symptoms, IPSS Quality of Life (QoL) score, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score for erectile dysfunction, were collected at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant improvements in voiding efficiency, urinary flow, urinary symptoms, quality of life, and erectile function following ThuLEP. Furthermore, certain baseline characteristics, such as post-void residue, peak urinary flow rate, age, prostate volume, and aspirin usage, were found to influence treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the study's limitations, these findings contribute to understanding ThuLEP's effectiveness in managing BPH and can aid in making informed clinical decisions for patient care. Prospective studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended to validate and extend these results.