Preclinical optimization of a diode laser-based clamp-free partial nephrectomy in a large animal model.

Kidney cancer is a common urologic malignancy with either laparoscopic (LPN) or robotic partial nephrectomy as therapeutic options of choice for localized tumors. However, renal resection and suturing are challenging steps of the procedure that can lead to complications such as prolonged warm ischemia, bleeding, and urinary fistulas. LPN with a diode laser is an efficient technique due to its cutting and/or coagulation attributes. Surprisingly, key laser features such as wavelength and power remain undefined. Using a large porcine model, we evaluated the laser range of wavelength and power in a clamp-free LPN and compared it to the established gold-standard LPN technique (i.e., cold-cutting and suturing). By analyzing surgery duration, bleeding, presence of urine leak, tissue damage related to the resected renal fragment and the remaining organ, hemoglobin levels, and renal function, we show that an optimized experimental diode laser clamp-free LPN (wavelength, 980 nm; power, 15 W) had shorter surgery time with less bleeding, and better postoperative renal function recovery when compared to the well-established technique. Together, our data indicate that partial nephrectomy with a diode laser clamp-free LPN technique is an improved alternative to the gold-standard technique. Therefore, translational clinical trials towards human patient applications are readily feasible.

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: • To review the evidence in support of the effectiveness of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: • Relevant studies were identified by performing a literature search using MEDLINE® and The Cochrane Library®. The criteria used during the search included randomized, placebo-controlled trials of treatment for LUTS secondary to BPH using the International Prostate Symptom Score as an outcome measure. RESULTS: • Four trials that included a total of 1928 patients met the inclusion criteria. All four studies showed a statistically significant difference in the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life and erectile function in favour of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. • No study showed a statistically significant improvement of the maximum urinary flow. • Meta-analysis of the results was not possible because of heterogeneity across the studies. CONCLUSIONS: • Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors used in the clinical setting can significantly improve LUTS secondary to BPH, erectile function and quality of life. Maximum urinary flow improvement is not statistically significant. • Future research should focus on pathophysiological principles and cost analysis.

Postgraduate course in minimally invasive urological surgery.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgeries are increasingly common as the first option for most urological diseases. However, laparoscopic techniques are difficult to master, especially for surgeons who were not trained during their residency programs. Therefore, postgraduate courses are important for such matters. This study aims to evaluate the results of postgraduate courses in minimally invasive urological surgery. METHODS: A specific questionnaire was used to evaluate the impact of the course on urologists' professional activities. The questionnaire also evaluated demographic data and previous surgical experience. The postgraduate course was divided into 10 monthly modules, each one with 36 hours of activities, from March to December. All students of the laparoscopic postgraduate course from the last five years were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: Forty-one students were included in the study. Thirty-nine students were male (95.1%), and the mean age was 39.5 years (range, 30-60 years). Students from all regions of the country were enrolled. Thirty (73.2%) students had minor laparoscopic experience. All students improved their laparoscopic skills and were able to include new procedures in their daily surgical practice. Eleven students (26.8%) had no laparoscopic experience, and all of them started to perform laparoscopic procedures. The median level of impact on professional life was 75 points (range, 0-100 points). CONCLUSIONS: The postgraduate course is an appropriate way to acquire urological laparoscopic skills. The annual course allowed improvement and initiation of laparoscopic procedures, which significantly impacted urologists' daily activities.