Trends in the use of radiation protection and radiation exposure of European endourologists: a prospective trial from the EULIS-YAU Endourology Group.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the radiation exposure for the urology staff during endourology, our aim was to evaluate the trends of radiation protection in the operation room by endourologists from European centers and to estimate their annual radiation. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter study involving experienced endourologists from different European centers to evaluate whether the protection and threshold doses recommended by the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) were being followed. A 36-question survey was completed on the use of fluoroscopy and radiation protection. Annual prospective data from chest, extremities, and eye dosimeters were collected during a 4-year period (2017-2020). RESULTS: Ten endourologists participated. Most surgeons use lead aprons and thyroid shield (9/10 and 10/10), while leaded gloves and caps are rarely used (2/10 both). Six out of ten surgeons wear leaded glasses. There is widespread use of personal chest dosimeters under the apron (9/10), and only 5/10 use a wrist or ring dosimeter and 4 use an eye dosimeter. Two endourologists use the ALARA protocol. The use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy during PCNL puncture was reported by 8 surgeons. The mean number of PCNL and URS per year was 30.9 (SD 19.9) and 147 (SD 151.9). The mean chest radiation was 1.35 mSv per year and 0.007 mSv per procedure. Mean radiation exposure per year in the eyes and extremities was 1.63 and 11.5 mSv. CONCLUSIONS: Endourologists did not exceed the threshold doses for radiation exposure to the chest, extremities and lens. Furthermore, the ALARA protocol manages to reduce radiation exposure.

Anxiety and depression in association with lower urinary tract symptoms: results from the COBaLT study.

PURPOSE: Depression and anxiety have been associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in several studies. In our population, the prevalence of LUTS is high, consequently, it is essential and an objective of this study, to determine the association between anxiety, depression, and LUTS in a large Hispanic population. METHODS: A sub-analysis of a cross-sectional population-based study to estimate LUTS prevalence in the Colombian population was performed (COBaLT study) (Plata et al. in Neurourol Urodyn 38:200-207, 2018). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate mental health. Logistic regression was carried out to estimate the association of depression and anxiety with different LUTS. Variables that proved statistically significant (p < 0.05) were included in a multivariate model. RESULTS: A total of 1060 individuals were assessed. The prevalence of anxiety in women and men was 17.1% and 6.7%, respectively. Depression in women and men was 20.1% and 9.4%, respectively. An association was found between anxiety and overactive bladder (OAB) without urinary incontinence (OR = 3.7) and moderate or severe LUTS in men (OR = 3.8). In women, anxiety was associated with nocturia (OR = 4.2) and stress urinary incontinence (OR = 2.4). For depression, an association was found between sexual dysfunction (OR = 4.3) and moderate or severe LUTS (OR = 4.0) in men; while in women it was associated with stress urinary incontinence (OR = 2.3), the sensation of incomplete emptying (OR = 1.7) and decreased frequency of sexual activity (OR = 1.8). CONCLUSIONS: The associations found are consistent with other reports. It is essential to inquire about possible symptoms related to the mental sphere in the urology consultation to make appropriate referrals and subsequent management.

Effectiveness of endourological management of ureteral stenosis in kidney transplant patients: EAU-YAU kidney transplantation working group collaboration.

PURPOSE: Ureteral stenosis (US) in kidney transplant (KT) recipients is associated with poorer long-term graft survival. Surgical repair is the standard of care, and endoscopic treatment represents an alternative for stenosis < 3 cm. We aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of endourological management of US in KT patients and predictors of failure. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted in four European referral centers, including all KT patients with US managed endoscopically between 2009 and 2021. Clinical success was defined as the absence of upper urinary tract catheterization, surgical repair or transplantectomy during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were included. The median time to US onset was 3.5 months (IQR 1.9-10.8), the median length of stricture was 10 mm (IQR 7-20). Management of US involved balloon dilation and laser incision in 34 (79.1%) and 6 (13.9%) cases, respectively, while 2 (4.7%) received both. Clavien-Dindo complications were infrequent (10%); only one Clavien ≥ III complication was reported. Clinical success was 61% at last follow-up visit (median = 44.6 months). In the bivariate analysis, duckbill-shaped stenosis (vs. flat/concave) was associated with treatment success (RR = 0.39, p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.12-0.76), while late-onset stenosis (> 3 months post KT) with treatment failure (RR = 2.00, p = 0.02, 95% CI 1.01-3.95). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the acceptable long-term results and the safety of these procedures, we believe that the endoscopic treatment should be offered as a first-line therapy for selected KT patients with US. Those with a short and duckbill-shaped stenosis diagnosed within 3 months of KT seem to be the best candidates.

Assessment of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Erectile Dysfunction and Its Association with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women and Men Over 18 Years Old: Results From the COBaLT Study.

BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction (FSD/ED) have been linked with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), from both epidemiological data and basic research studies, but few studies have been conducted in Latin America addressing these issues and most of them do not include the young population. AIM: To determine the prevalence of FSD/ED and its association with LUTS in Colombia. METHODS: Sub-analysis of a cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in subjects ≥18 years old to evaluate LUTS/OAB. The estimated sample size was 1,054. ED was defined as ≤21 points in the SHIM and FSD as ≤19 in the FSFI-6. For LUTS/OAB, we used the 2002 ICS and 2010 IUGA/ICS definitions and validated questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. OUTCOMES: Prevalence of FSD/ED and association of FSD/ED and LUTS. RESULTS: We included 1,060 participants; the median age was 40 (IQR 27-54) years. Fifty-seven (11.4%) men and 182 (32.7%) women were sexually inactive. The prevalence of FSD/ED in sexually active participants was 47% (men 52.9%, women 38.9%). The most common FSD/ED symptoms were diminished/absent lubrication in women (42%) and diminished erection maintenance after penetration in men (13%). Individuals with FSD/ED had higher rates of various LUTS. The multivariable logistic regression model found that the city of residence (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR = 8.4, 95% CI 1.4-48.7), menopause (OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.9-6.2), urge urinary incontinence (UUI) (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3) and nocturia ≥2 (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.2) were associated with FSD. In men, age 40-59 (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.7) and ≥60 (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 2.4-12.5), the city of residence (OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.3), less than a high-school diploma vs higher education (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.2), depression (OR = 4.6, 95% CI 1.8-11.5), UUI (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-10.2) and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.5) were associated with ED. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study underlines the importance of assessing LUTS in women and men of all affected age groups who present with symptoms of FSD/ED and vice versa, which could help achieve a better approach for these patients. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study in Colombia and one of the few in Latin America that addresses both FSD/ED and LUTS in men and women aged 18 years and older. Limitations include being a sub-analysis of a study aiming to determine the prevalence of LUTS/OAB and not FSD/ED. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of age, LUTS were observed more frequently in patients with FSD/ED. Various LUTS were associated with FSD/ED. Bravo-Balado A, Trujillo CG, Caicedo JI, et al. Assessment of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Erectile Dysfunction and Its Association with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women and Men Over 18 Years Old: Results From the COBaLT Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:1065-1074.

Impact of detrusor underactivity on the postoperative outcomes after benign prostatic enlargement surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies suggest that men with detrusor underactivity (DUA) have less symptomatic improvement after prostate surgery than those with normal contractility, but the available data is controversial. We aim to determine the differences in functional outcomes of patients with or without DUA who underwent photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLight™180 W XPS. METHODS: A cohort of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who underwent PVP between 2012 and 2019 was evaluated. Patients were stratified according to bladder contractility index (BCI). DUA was defined as BCI < 100. Those with normal contractility (BCI = 100-150) were included in Group 1, and those with DUA (BCI < 100) in Group 2. Primary outcomes were symptomatic improvement defined as a reduction ≥ 4 points in the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and a reduction of at least 1 point in the quality of life (IPSS-QoL). Complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 271 patients who underwent PVP with GreenLight™ and met the inclusion criteria were assessed. Group 1 included 158 patients, while Group 2 included 113 patients. Mean follow-up was 24 months. Patients with normal contractility had a median reduction of 11 points (18.9 ± 8.0 to 7.1 ± 7.0) while patients with DUA had a median reduction of 10 points (19.3 ± 6.9 to 8.6 ± 8.4) in IPSS score; these differences were not statistically significant (p = .20). Patients in Group 1 had a 1.92 higher chance of QoL improvement (OR, 1.92; 90% CI, 1.10-3.37), compared to those in Group 2. Failure to void after PVP was most frequently reported in DUA patients (OR, 2.36; 90% CI, 1.26-4.43). Sociodemographic characteristics, intraoperative complications, conversion rates, hospital stay, and urinary catheterization time were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LUTS, regardless of their BCI, improved their symptoms after PVP according to the IPSS. However, patients with DUA were more likely not to improve their QoL after the procedure and had a higher chance of failure to void in the immediate postoperative period. An appropriate counseling process with the patient discussing possible outcomes based on these findings should be encouraged.

Photovaporization of the prostate with GreenLight™ laser 180 W XPS versus transurethral resection of the prostate with monopolar energy for the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement: a cost-utility analysis from a healthcare perspective.

PURPOSE: To assess the cost-utility of the photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLight™ laser 180 W XPS compared to transurethral resection of the prostate with monopolar energy (M-TURP) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) from a healthcare perspective in Colombia. METHODS: We designed a Markov model to compare four health states following treatment with either PVP or M-TURP to estimate expected costs and outcomes. We used the results of the only randomized clinical trial published to date comparing PVP versus M-TURP to estimate surgical outcomes, complications, re-operation and re-intervention rates. Time horizon was defined at 2 years with four cycles of 6 months each. Resource-use estimation involved a random selection of clinical records from a local institution and cost list from public healthcare system. Costs were obtained in Colombian pesos and converted to US dollars. Threshold was defined at three-times the Colombian gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs) were used based on the utilities of the available literature. Uncertainty was analyzed with deterministic and probabilistic models using a Monte Carlo simulation. RESULTS: Patients who underwent PVP gained 1.81 QALYs compared to 1.59 with M-TURP. Costs were US$6797.98 and US$7777.59 for M-TURP and PVP, respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was US$4452.81 per QALY, favoring PVP as a cost-effective alternative in our context. CONCLUSIONS: In Colombia, with current prices, PVP is cost-effective when compared to M-TURP for LUTS due to BPE for a 2-year time horizon.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder in men and women over 18 years old: The Colombian overactive bladder and lower urinary tract symptoms (COBaLT) study.

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of LUTS and overactive bladder (OAB) in the Colombian population. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in men and women ≥18 years using directed interviews and self-administered questionnaires in five main cities in Colombia. A sample size of 1054 subjects was estimated (prevalence of LUTS/OAB 15%, CI 95%, statistical power 80%, precision 3%). We used a multi-stage probabilistic sampling technique to randomly select individuals in the community, stratified by socioeconomic status, gender, and age. We used the 2002 ICS and 2010 IUGA/ICS definitions as well as validated questionnaires in Spanish. Descriptive statistics were employed. RESULTS: A total of 1060 participants were included. Mean age was 42 (range 18-89) years. The prevalence of at least one LUTS was 84%, while overactive bladder was reported by 31.8% participants. Among individuals with at least one LUTS, 13.2% would feel "mostly unsatisfied," "unhappy," or "terrible" to spend the rest of their lives with their current urinary condition. Nocturia was the most prevalent LUTS (55.3%), followed by urgency (46.4%) and frequency (45.8%). Urge, stress, and mixed urinary incontinence were reported by 15.3%, 8.6%, and 7% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LUTS are highly prevalent in the Colombian population and severely affect quality of life. This is the first study conducted in Colombia and Latin America focused on evaluating LUTS in men and women of all age groups of interest using a multi-stage probabilistic sampling technique. These results may have a significant influence on health decision-making and assessment of future therapies.

Dystrophic Calcification of the Bladder after Photovaporization of the Prostate with GreenLightTM Laser 180 W: A Case Report.

A 69-year-old patient who underwent photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLightTM Laser presented chronic abdominal pain, in the following and after 7 months, an abdominal MRI showed a bladder mass and the cystoscopy revealed an 8 cm of diameter grayish mass of the anterior wall and the dome. Malignancy, infectious, and granulomatous diseases were ruled out. Biopsy showed necrotic tissue and dystrophic calcification (DC) with crystals and Gram-positive cocci, so a transurethral resection was intended failed due to the mass hard consistency and size. The patient was taken to partial cystectomy and the pain resolved. DC is defined as inappropriate deposits of calcium phosphate salts in previously damaged tissue by different forms of trauma: burns, radiotherapy, and surgery. We suggest the DC process is linked to a previous thermal lesion of the bladder during PVP and believe future studies of association can be relevant.

Trends in pelvic organ prolapse management in Latin America.

AIMS: To describe practice patterns and perspectives regarding pelvic organ prolapse (POP) management among urologists, gynecologists, and urogynecologists in Latin America (LATAM). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2016 using a 37-item internet-based survey applied to members of urologic and gynecologic associations from 18 countries. Participants were asked about their background and practice patterns. Descriptive statistics were employed. RESULTS: A total of 673 responses were obtained. Most came from Colombia (33.6%) and Brazil (24.7%). The number of practitioners who perform at least one POP procedure per month and were eligible to finish the survey was 529 (78.6%), out of which 323 (61.0%) were urologists, 156 (29.5%) gynecologists, and 50 (9.5%) urogynecologists. Mesh-based POP repairs were used by 57.1% of participants. Out of non-mesh users, the most frequent vaginal procedures were sacrospinous fixation (30%), colporrhaphy (25%), and uterosacral fixation (12%). Regarding the impact of FDA warnings, 75.2% participants indicated that the use of mesh has declined, and 41.9% considered this has had a negative effect in the use of incontinence tapes as well. Only two physicians reported legal disputes related to mesh procedures, and 75.8% said they would still indicate mesh repairs in certain cases. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on POP practice patterns in LATAM. Preferences regarding surgical management of POP are not very different from international trends. Despite intense scrutiny and media exposure, mesh-based procedures are still largely used in LATAM.

Effectiveness of the Remeex system™ in Colombian women with recurrent stress urinary incontinence or intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We report our experience with the Remeex system™ in women with recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in women who underwent an adjustable sling procedure between 2011 and 2016. We used urodynamic studies (UDS) preoperatively and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and cough stress test (CST) pre- and postoperatively. Primary outcomes were subjective (no leakage reported by the patient) and objective (no leakage during CST) cure and improvement rates (reduction of ≥4 points in ICIQ-SF). Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included. Mean age was 62 years (SD ± 11.35). Median follow-up was 19.5 months [interquartile range (IQR) 12.95-41.38]. Urinary incontinence (UI) was described as moderate and severe by 8 (16%) and 42 (84%) patients, respectively, and 25 (50%) had stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Objective and subjective cure rates were 90% and 48%, respectively, while 82% of patients achieved improvement. Impact of UI on quality of life (QoL) improved from 10 (IQR 9-10) to 2 (IQR 0-5) (p < 0.0001). Clavien-Dindo II complications occurred in 14 (28%) patients, and one (2%) had IIIa. Tape erosion occurred in one (2%) patient, and five (10%) required readjustments. Logistic regression identified MUI [odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-10.89] and vaginal atrophy (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.06-16.03) as predictors of low subjective cure rate. CONCLUSIONS: Adjustable slings represent a valuable and safe option in the management of recurrent SUI or ISD, with improvement in QoL. Results should be carefully interpreted due to our small sample and retrospective design.

Urological approach for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in a clinical care center.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is associated with significant manipulation of the urinary tract (UT). We aim to describe the urological events and their management in patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC. METHODS: Clinical records of patients who underwent treatment between 2007 and 2015 were reviewed. Urological events and their multidisciplinary management were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were included. Mean age was 51 years (SD ± 11.8). Mean peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 20.4 (SD ± 10.1). Primary tumors included appendicular (64%), gynecological (16%), colorectal (10%), and peritoneal mesotheliomas (9%). Ninety-three percent of patients had bilateral ureteral catheters inserted prior to surgery, without complications. Intraoperative UT injuries occurred in 7% of patients. In 5% of patients, tumor invasion of the bladder was evident at surgery and partial resection and primary repair of the bladder wall was performed. Urological complications included urinary tract infection (UTI) (21%) acute post-renal failure (4%), urinary fistulae (4%), and acute urinary retention (AUR) (1%). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, intraoperative UT events and postoperative complications, although not neglectable, were infrequent. Due to the high complexity of these cases, a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. However, randomized clinical trials are necessary to clarify current data on the need and efficacy of prophylactic ureteral catheterization in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Laser versus Cold Knife Urethrotomy in the Management of Patients with Urethral Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Urethral strictures generate great morbidity. Two procedures have been described for their management - laser and cold knife techniques - which are still widely used. We aim to assess the safety and efficacy of laser versus cold knife urethrotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the literature using MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and Cochrane databases and gray literature. Primary outcomes were urethral stricture recurrence, time-to-recurrence and complication rate. Secondary outcomes were quality of life and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax). Data analysis was obtained using Review Manager 5.2. RESULTS: Out of 137 publications, 4 articles were included in the meta-analysis. At 3 months, the recurrence rate was similar in both groups (0.55, 95% CI 0.18-1.66), but at 6 and 12 months, it was significantly lower in the laser urethrotomy group (0.39, 95% CI 0.19-0.81 and 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.75). The analysis of Qmax at 6 months post-intervention suggested a greater improvement in the laser urethrotomy group. A qualitative analysis showed that complications in both procedures were minor and infrequent. CONCLUSIONS: Laser urethrotomy has a lower recurrence rate at 6 and 12 months compared to cold knife urethrotomy. Complications in both procedures are minor and infrequent. Results should be interpreted cautiously, since they were evaluated only for a short term.

Natural history of renal angiomyolipoma in a high-volume center: our experience during more than 15 years of follow up.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the natural history of AML, the clinical results and the need for treatment during long-term follow-up of renal AML. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with AML by computed tomography or nuclear magnetic resonance between 2001 and 2019, with at least two follow-up images. Clinical and imaging variables, need for intervention, complications and follow-up time were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0. RESULTS: 111 patients and 145 AML were included. The median follow-up was 6.17 years (range 0.7-18.1, IQR 11.8-12.2). The median tumor size at diagnosis was 13 mm (IQR 7.5-30), with 24 (16.4%) being ≥ 4 cm. Most presented as an incidental finding (85.5%); in 3 (2.1%) cases, the presentation was as a spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma. The main indication for intervention was size ≥ 4 cm in 50%. Eighteen (12%) patients received a first intervention, being urgent in 3. Embolization was performed in 15 cases and partial nephrectomy in 3. The need for reintervention was recorded in five: two underwent partial nephrectomy and two total nephrectomy; one patient required a new urgent embolization. Of the non-operated patients, 43% decreased in size or did not change, while 57% increased, with the median annual growth being 0.13 mm (IQR - 0.11 to 0.73). There were no differences in the median growth in tumors measuring ≥ 4 cm (0.16 mm) at diagnosis vs. < 4 cm (0.13 mm) (p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that AML typically demonstrate a slow-progressing clinical course during long-term follow-up. Moreover, our observations, which cast doubt on tumor size as a reliable predictor of adverse clinical outcomes, advocate for a less intensive monitoring strategy in both monitoring frequency and choice of imaging modality.

Estimated Radiation Dose to the Lens During Endourologic Procedures: The Role of Leaded Glasses and the ALARA Protocol-An ESU/ESUT-YAU Endourology Group Collaboration.

Purpose: On February 6, 2018, the European Atomic Energy Community reduced the annual equivalent dose limit for the lens from 150 to 20 mSv/year, because of its association with cataracts at low radiation doses. Our aim was to estimate the radiation doses received by the lens during endourologic procedures that require fluoroscopy. Materials and Methods: Multicenter study including prospective data of annual eye dosimeters between 2017 and 2020. Four endourologists used an eye dosimeter in endourologic procedures that require fluoroscopy (ureteroscopy, retrograde intrarenal surgery, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy). Surgeons 1 and 2 wore leaded glasses; surgeon 1 also used the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) protocol. Descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS 25.0 was conducted. Results: Surgeons 1, 2, 3, and 4 performed a median of 159, 586, 102, and 129 endourologic procedures per year, respectively, for a total of 641, 2340, 413, and 350 procedures between 2017 and 2020. The median annual dose of lens radiation exposure was 0.16, 1.18, 3.79, and 1.42 mSv per year, respectively, which corresponds to 0.001, 0.009, 0.024, and 0.012 mSv per procedure. The two surgeons who used leaded glasses registered a lower radiation dose per procedure (0.001 vs 0.027). Similarly, the urologist who used the ALARA protocol registered the lowest lens radiation dose compared with the three surgeons who did not use it (0.001 vs 0.023). Conclusions: The endourologists who participated in this study effectively comply with current guidelines on radiation exposure to the lens. Registered eye lens radiation does not seem to be related to the number of procedures but rather to the use of leaded glasses and the ALARA protocol.

En Bloc Versus Conventional Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors: A Single-center Prospective Randomized Noninferiority Trial.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) improves the quality of tumor resection. A recent international collaborative consensus statement on ERBT underlined the lack of high-quality prospective studies precluding the achievement of solid conclusion on ERBT. OBJECTIVE: To compare conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (cTURBT) and ERBT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study (NCT04712201) was a prospective, randomized, noninferiority trial enrolling patients diagnosed with bladder cancer (BC) undergoing endoscopic intervention. Inclusion criteria were: tumor size ≤3 cm, three or fewer lesions, and no sign of muscle invasion and/or ureteral involvement. For a noninferiority rate in BC staging of 5% (α risk 2.5%; ß risk 20%), a total of 300 subjects were randomized to ERBT treatment at a 1:1.5 allocation ratio. INTERVENTION: TURBT and ERBT. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was the presence of detrusor muscle at final histology. Secondary outcomes include BC staging, T1 substaging, artifacts, complications, the rate of adjuvant treatment, and oncological outcomes. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: From April 2018 to June 2021, 300 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 248 (83%) underwent the assigned intervention: 108 patients (44%) underwent cTURBT and 140 (57%) underwent ERBT. The rate of detrusor muscle presence for ERBT was noninferior to that for TURBT (94% vs 95%; p = 0.8). T1 substaging was feasible in 80% of cTURBT cases versus 100% of ERBT cases (p = 0.02). Complication rates, rates of postoperative adjuvant treatment, catheterization time, and hospital stay were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). The recurrence rate at median follow-up of 15 mo (interquartile range 7-28) was 18% for cTURBT versus 13% for ERBT (p = 0.16). Limitations include the single high-volume institution and the short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has the highest level of evidence for comparison of ERBT versus TURBT. ERBT was noninferior to TURBT for BC staging. The rate of T1 substaging feasibility was significantly higher with ERBT. PATIENT SUMMARY: We compared two techniques for removing tumors from the bladder. The en bloc technique removes the tumor in one piece and is not inferior to the conventional method in terms of the quality of the surgical resection and cancer staging assessment.

New Generation Pulse Modulation in Holmium:YAG Lasers: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: New pulse modulation (PM) technologies in Holmium:YAG lasers are available for urinary stone treatment, but little is known about them. We aim to systematically evaluate the published evidence in terms of their lithotripsy performance. (2) Methods: A systematic electronic search was performed (MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases). We included all relevant publications, including randomized controlled trials, non-randomized comparative and non-comparative studies, and in-vitro studies investigating Holmium:YAG lithotripsy performance employing any new PM. (3) Results: Initial search yielded 203 studies; 24 studies were included after selection: 15 in-vitro, 9 in-vivo. 10 In-vitro compared Moses with regular PM, 1 compared Quanta's, 1 Dornier MedTech's, 2 Moses with super Thulium Fiber Laser, and 1 compared Moses with Quanta PMs. Six out of seven comparative studies found a statistically significant difference in favor of new-generation PM technologies in terms of operative time and five out of six in fragmentation time; two studies evaluated retropulsion, both in favor of new-generation PM. There were no statistically significant differences regarding stone-free rate, lasing and operative time, and complications between Moses and regular PM when data were meta-analyzed. (4) Conclusions: Moses PM seems to have better lithotripsy performance than regular modes in in-vitro studies, but there are still some doubts about its in-vivo results. Little is known about the other PMs. Although some results favor Quanta PMs, further studies are needed.

Changing Paradigms: Green Laser Vaporization for Prostates over 80 mL: A Comparative Study.

Introduction and Objectives: Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and big prostates are common. Photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) with Greenlight™ laser 180 W XPS is considered a reliable therapy for prostates <80 mL and an alternative for the treatment of bigger ones in selected cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of PVP among patients with prostates over and under 80 mL. Materials and Methods: After protocol approbation by our Institutional Ethics Committee, a cohort of 840 patients with BPE who underwent PVP with Greenlight laser between 2012 and 2019 in a single center was evaluated. Groups were stratified according to prostate volume, to less and greater than 80 mL (Groups 1 and 2, respectively). The primary outcomes were efficacy [prostate-specific antigen (PSA) drop, improvement of International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), and quality of life] and variables regarding safety of the procedure. Peri- and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Complications were assessed according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Overall patient satisfaction was evaluated with visual analog scale. Results: Preoperative variables showed no statistical difference among groups. Mean follow-up was 47 [interquartile range; IQR = 26-70] months. Longer operative time and a higher energy use was seen in bigger prostates (p < 0.001). Efficacy was similar between groups, with a reduction of ≥4 points in IPSS score in 83.1% and 89.5% in Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.053), PSA drop was 1 ± 2.6 and 1.7 ± 4.7 (p = 0.32). Group 2 had a higher conversion rate (0.3% vs 4.9%, p < 0.001) and higher blood transfusion rate (0% vs 2.4%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in hospital stay, catheterization time, urethral stricture, or re-treatment rates. Conclusions: GreenLight PVP is a safe and effective procedure in prostates ≥80 mL. It shows the same advantages demonstrated for those under that volume, particularly short hospital stay and catheterization time. Surgeon's experience is important to avoid complications, such as conversion and transfusion. PVP should be considered a first-line alternative for the treatment of bigger prostates.

Present value of the Urethral mobility test as a tool to assess Stress urinary incontinence due to Intrinsic sphincteric deficiency.

Q-tip test offers a simple approach for identifying urethral hypermobility. Considering surgical treatment, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) must be classified and the contribution of intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) and/or urethral hypermobility must be determine. We believe there's a correlation between abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) and urethral mobility degree, and the aim of this study is to explore it using Q-tip. We conducted a prospective study, between years 2014 and 2016. Females over 18 years presenting with signs and symptoms of SUI according to the 2002 ICS Standardization of Terminology were included. Assessment was made with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), the Q-tip test and invasive urodynamics. Urethral mobility (UM) and ALPP were analyzed. We built two composite variables based on reported risk factors for ISD, defined as composite variable A (equal to a Q-tip test < 30° AND ICIQ-SF ≥ 10 points) and composite variable B (equal to low urethral mobility AND/OR hypoestrogenism AND/OR history of radiotherapy AND/OR previous pelvic surgery). Correlation analyzes were made according to the type of variable. A total of 221 patients were included. Incontinence was rated as moderate and severe by 65.3% and 6.8%, respectively. The analysis showed a 61.75%, 51.61% and 70.6% agreement between ALPP and UM, ALPP and composite variable A and ALPP and composite variable B respectively. Correlation and concordances were low (r = 0.155, r_s = - 0.053 and r_s = - 0.008), (rho_c = 0.036, k = 0.116 and k = 0.016). Neither the degree of UM, nor the composite variables, correlate or agree with urethral function tests in UDS, suggesting that the ALPP cannot be predicted using the Q-tip test or the ICIQ-SF for classifying patients with SUI.

How can I get a renal access if I do not have an ultrasound and cannot opacify the collecting system? Another use of the hydrophilic guide wire.

It is well-known that fluoroscopic guidance is the most commonly used imaging technique for percutaneous access to the kidney. However, we might encounter difficulties when attempting to establish the limits of the collecting system for a percutaneous puncture, especially in places where the use of ultrasound guidance in the operating room is limited. We aim to describe the use of a hydrophilic guide wire to delimit the collecting system when this becomes difficult with conventional techniques.