[Radio wave electrotherapy with a radiofrequency of 448 khz for the treatment of patients with organic erectile dysfunction: a prospective, randomized, blind, Sham-controlled, parallel-group study].

AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of radio wave electrotherapy (448 kHz) for the treatment of patients with organic erectile dysfunction (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, blind, sham- controlled clinical trial was carried out. Inclusion criteria were as following: 1) patients with 5 to 20 points on the IIEF-5 score; 2) patients with proven organic erectile dysfunction lasting at least 6 months; 3) patients with penile arterial insufficiency and/or venous insufficiency, confirmed by doppler study of penile vessels with pharmacological stimulation (peak systolic velocity (PSV) <25 cm/s, end-diastolic blood flow velocity (DPV) >5 cm/s, resistance index (IR) < 0.8). The participants were randomized into two groups (experimental and control) in a 1:1 ratio. The full treatment course lasted 9 weeks. Patients underwent an assessment of erectile function based on questionnaires (IIEF-5, SEP, Schramek), as well as Doppler ultrasound of the cavernous arteries before inclusion in the study as well as a after treatment. RESULTS: The study included 61 men (experimental group [n=31], control group [n=30]. There was a significant difference in the IIEF-5 scores after treatment between the experimental group and the control group (19.5+/-3.2 vs. 15.1+/-5.4, p=0.017, respectively). Significant differences were also noted in mean total score of the SEP questionnaire: an increase to 3.6+/-1.0 in the treatment group compared to 2.4+/-1.1 in the control group (p=0.004). The results of the Schramek questionnaire also demonstrated a significant increase in the mean score in the experimental group compared to the control group: 4.2+/-0.6 vs. 3.2+/-1.0 (p=0.011). The response time to the drug and the detumescence time also significantly differed between the two groups: 11.9+/-4.0 min vs. 15.5+/-4.1 min, p=0.001 and 126.6+/-60.7 min vs. 66.2+/-40.9, p<0.001, respectively. Neither complications nor any adverse events were recorded during treatment or after its completion. CONCLUSIONS: Radio wave electrotherapy with a radiofrequency of 448 kHz can improve the IIEF-5, SEP and Schramek scores, as well as the indicators of ultrasound Doppler ultrasonography in patients with organic ED. To assess the feasibility of this method in patients with organic ED of different stages, further studies are needed.

[Retrograde intrarenal surgery using a 1.94 m superpulsed thulium fiber laser].

INTRODUCTION: surgical treatment of urinary stone disease plays an important role in urological practice. Stone fragmentation can be performed using various lithotripters, from which Holmium fiber laser (Ho: YAG) has currently taken the main place. According to the current literature, a superpulsed thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum power output of 40 W showed in vitro higher efficiency compared to Ho: YAG, while having the same safety profile. The use of a thulium fiber laser with a pulse energy of 0.025-6 J and a high repetition rate (up to 1600 Hz) allows to most effectively perform stone dusting during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). AIM: to improve the performance of RIRS using the 1.94m superpulsed thulium fiber laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a total of 152 patients with renal stones who were treated during the period from February 2018 to July 2019 were included in the study. The analysis of the laser settings, their effect on retropulsion and visibility when performing RIRS using a superpulsed thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum power output of 40 W, a peak power of 500 W, as well as an assessment of the stone-free rate the first postoperative day and 3 months after the procedure was done. RESULTS: The most frequently used settings were as following: 0.5 J, 30 Hz, 15 W (No. 1), 0.15 J, 200 Hz, 30 W (No. 2), 0.8 J, 31.25 Hz, 25 W (No. 3), 0.8 J, 37.5 Hz, 30 W (No. 4). The statistical analysis of the influence of the settings on the quality of endoscopic imaging and retropulsion was carried out. In addition, the features of each settings were analyzed. The stone-free rate on the first postoperative day was evaluated using low-dose CT. CONCLUSION: A superpulsed thulium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.94 m and a maximum power of 500 W has shown high efficiency in clinical practice when performing RIRS, since it allows to have good endoscopic imaging, minimal retropulsion, and to perform stone dusting, which had a positive effect on the stone-free rate. Optimization of the settings of thulium fiber lithotripsy may improve the results of surgical treatment of urinary stone disease.

[Flexible ureteroscopy for lower pole renal stones: novel superpulse thulium (TM) fiber laser lithotripsy].

INTRODUCTION: The SuperPulse Thulium (Tm) fiber laser (wavelength of 1.94 m) has been recently introduced as a directed-energy source for urology. Preclinical studies have shown a significant potential of the SuperPulse Tm fiber laser (SP TFL) for lithotripsy. However, clinical reports of using SP TFL to treat urolithiasis are still few and limited. Of special interest are challenging cases, e.g., lower pole stones, when extreme deflection of the instrument is required. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the SuperPulse Tm fiber laser in the management of lower pole small calyceal stones during flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS). METHOD: s. The SuperPulse Tm fiber laser device (Urolase 2, IRE Polus, Fryazino, Russia) has been cleared for clinical use by the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation. Study protocol has been approved by the Ethical Review Committee. Between January 2018 and February 2019, 130 patients with kidney stones have undergone Thulium fiber laser lithotripsy during F-URS. We retrospectively analyzed 15 of this patients with a single radiopaque lower pole calculus that were included in the present study. Stone size, stone density, lithotripsy time (from the first to last footswitch press) and "lasering" (laser emission) time were measured. The SP TFL was used for stone disintegration with different settings in dusting and fragmentation modes (0.1 - 4J, 7-300Hz, 6-40W) via a fiber with a 200-m core diameter. Low dose CT scanning was performed on POD 90 to assess SFR. RESULTS: Stone size ranged from 4 to 17 mm and stone density varied from 350 to 1459 HU. The average lithotripsy time was 12 min (3-30 min). The average "lasering" time was 1.3 min (0.4-2.5 min) and the mean hospital stay was 1.1+/-0.3 days. In all cases we reached the lower pole stone containing calyx with a laser fiber. The complication rates were evaluated by using the Clavien-Dindo grading system and did not exceed GII (6.6%). SFR on POD 90 was achieved in 86.6% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: F-URS with SuperPulse Tm fiber laser is safe and effective option in the management of lower pole small calyceal stones. The possibility of using small laser fibers gives better instrument deflection which make possible to reach lower pole calyceal stones even with acute lower pole infundibulopelvic angle (IPA).

Cysteine Cathepsins: Potential Applications in Diagnostics and Therapy of Malignant Tumors.

Cysteine cathepsins are proteolytic enzymes involved in protein degradation in lysosomes and endosomes. Cysteine cathepsins have been also found in the tumor microenvironment during carcinogenesis, where they are implicated in proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells through the degradation of extracellular matrix, suppression of cell-cell interactions, and promotion of angiogenesis. In this regard, cathepsins can have a diagnostic value and represent promising targets for antitumor drugs aimed at inhibition of these proteases. Moreover, cysteine cathepsins can be used as activators of novel targeted therapeutic agents. This review summarizes recent discovered roles of cysteine cathepsins in carcinogenesis and discusses new trends in cancer therapy and diagnostics using cysteine cathepsins as markers, targets, or activators.

[Aberrant expression of arrestin-1 and recoverin in kidney tumors].

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is extremely difficult, due to the late development of clinical manifestations. The study of the aberrant expression of tumor-associated antigens and a production of autoantibodies to these proteins seems promising and novel method for RCC diagnosis. AIM: To evaluate the possibility of using arrestin-1 (Arr-1), recoverin (Rec) and autoantibodies against arrestin-1 (AAA1) and recoverin (AAR) as a kidney tumor biomarker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary kidney tumors and metastases of 62 patients were investigated. For immunohistochemical studies, tissues were incubated with polyclonal antibodies against Rec and Arr1 as the main antibodies. Detection of AAR and AAA-1 in the serum of patients was performed using Western Blot analysis according to a standard protocol. RESULTS: Among 62 tumors, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) constitutes 50 cases (86.4%), and oncocytoma was diagnosed in 12 patients (19.4%). In 11 (22%) cases of RCC, distant metastases were detected. Positive expression of Rec was observed in almost 71% of all types of kidney tumors. In 61.3% of patients with RCC, Arr-1 expression was seen. In the serum, AAR was found only in 1 patient (1.6%) with RCC. However, unlike AAR, AAA-1 in the serum of patients was observed much more often (75.8%). CONCLUSION: According to our data, the presence of AAA1 in the serum, unlike AAR, can be considered as an early kidney tumor biomarker. The high expression of recoverin and arrestin-1 in kidney tumors suggests the use of these proteins in future as a marker for the diagnosis or even as a potential target for immunotherapy.

[Laser in laparoscopic urology].

Nowadays, various laparoscopic instruments for tissue dissection and vessel coagulation are available. However, there are ongoing studies dedicated to "ideal" type of energy suitable for this aim. Laser radiation has been used for many years in medical practice and it is established as reliable and effective method in surgical armamentarium. The ability to provide highly precision and well-controlled action on the tissues, improved hemostasis, easy adaptability to fiber-optic and minimally invasive delivery systems, as well as the possibility of facilitating complex dissection made lasers an important tool for surgeons. The mechanism and methods of laser energy using in urology have been studied since 1980s, but there is still no consensus on the optimal type of laser and its settings during urological surgeries, which determines the importance of further researches dedicated to this promising form of energy.

[Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and its role in modern surgery of nephrolithiasis].

AIM: To determine the place of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in surgical management of nephrolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 16 laparoscopic pyelolithotomies performed in our clinic over the last few years for large and stag-horn stones of anomalous kidneys (n=8), the "giant" (>30-40 cc) monolithic stones of the large extrarenal pelvis (n=3), multiple stones of PCS with the stone burden of more or equal 40 cm (n=2) and large recurrent (after PCNL) kidney stones in patients at risk of bacteriotoxic complications of percutaneous nephroscopy (n=3). The age of the patients ranged from 39 to 72 years (mean age 51+/-8 years). The average density of stones was 1012 (160-1483) HU. RESULTS: There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean operating time of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy was 137 (96-255) minutes, flexible transabdominal pyelocalycoscopy 31.2 (12-110) min. The stone-free rate was 87%. Residual clinically insignificant stones were found in two (13%) patients with staghorn horseshoe kidney calculi and complex PCS. The preoperative hospital stay was 1 day, postoperative-from 2 to 18 (mean 6) days. DISCUSSION: We believe that laparoscopic pyelolithotomy supplemented by transabdominal flexible pyelocalycoscopy may be recommended for surgical management of patients with "giant", multiple and infected kidney stones, because the length of their percutaneous removal is beyond the recommended time intervals and it is accompanied by an increased risk of septic complications.

[Radical prostatectomy in patients with incident prostate cancer].

The problem of detecting localized prostate cancer following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia is fairly common. Historically, radical prostatectomy (RP) after previously performed TURP was associated with poor surgical and functional outcomes. It is believed that the periprostatic fibrosis, scar tissue and inflammation after previous TURP may interfere with the optimal RP results. The present retrospective study evaluates intraoperative characteristics, postoperative oncological and functional outcomes of RP in patients with a history of TURP.

[FLEXIBLE NEPHSCOPY AND NEPHROLITOEXTRACTION IN A GASEOUS MEDIUM (CO2) IN A PATIENT WITH RESIDUAL CALCULI OF THE RIGHT KIDNEY].

Flexible endoscopy is an integral part of modern endourology. However, the use of flexible endoscopes in a liquid medium predispose to some difficulties and disadvantages of this technique. This article presents a clinical observation of use of a flexible nephroscope for extraction of residual calculi in a gaseous medium (CO2) in a patient with residual calculi of the right kidney.

Evaluation of functional and oncological outcomes of localized prostate cancer after different minimally invasive therapeutic methods: A single center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To study the functional and oncological results of minimally invasive treatment methods: cryoablation, brachytherapy, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy of localized prostate cancer in a single hospital. METHODS: One hundred sixty patients with localized prostate cancer were treated with minimally invasive methods (53, 52, 55 patients with cryoablation, brachytherapy and HIFU therapy, respectively). Prostate-specific antigen and evaluation of post-procedure biopsies were used as an assessment. The review of functional indicators and quality of life was made with International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. RESULTS: Patients after cryoablation showed worse results of oncological control according to positive repeat biopsies, best indicators were observed after brachytherapy. When considering the IPSS results, there were statistically significantly worse scores in the brachytherapy group in the early postoperative period, these differences do not reach statistical significance in the late period in the brachytherapy and cryoablation groups. Patients in the cryoablation group showed worse indicators of IIEF-5; in the early postoperative period; in the late follow-up period, the indicators of erectile function in patients in the cryoablation group did not statistically significantly differ from those in patients after brachytherapy. Patients after HIFU therapy showed fewer cases of de novo erectile dysfunction during the follow-up period of 3 years, higher average IIEF-5 scores, lower IPSS scores and better QoL results. CONCLUSION: The recurrence of prostate cancer was statistically significantly higher in the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 3 grade group. HIFU therapy had better urination indicators compared to other groups, that can be associated with the laser enucleation of prostatic hyperplasia. The advantage was noted in patients after HIFU therapy when comparing the parameters to the IIEF-5 thus, HIFU treatment had a better impact on patients' QoL with localized prostate cancer.