Single center experience and long-term outcomes of implantable devices ACT and Pro-ACT (Uromedica, Irvin, CA, USA) - Adjustable continence Therapy for treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed at evaluating the long-term adjustable peri-urethral balloons (PUB) durability in both male and female with neurogenic or non-neurogenic stress urinary incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Each consecutive patient who underwent surgery for PUB placement before 2008 was included in this study. A PUB was proposed for patients with refractory to perineal reeducation stress urinary incontinence (SUI) caused by intrinsic sphincter deficiency. There were no exclusion criteria. Demographic, clinical and perioperative data were collected retrospectively from our clinical follow-up notes. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients were included in the study. Median [IQR] follow-up was 5 years [1.8-11.2]. The 3 main causes of SUI were radical prostatectomy (n=82, 46.3%), idiopathic intrinsic sphincter deficiency (n=55, 31.1%) and neurogenic sphincter deficiency (n=32, 18.1%). Complete continence (no pad necessary) was achieved for 109 patients (61.6%). At the end of the follow-up, the PUB global survival rate was 47.5% (Fig. 1). Median [IQR] PUB survival without removal was 57.8 months [42.3-81.7]. PUB survival without failure rate was 68.4% accounting for a median [IQR] survival duration of 116.9 months [86.2-176.9] CONCLUSION: In this study, we evidenced acceptable long-term efficiency and survival of PUB in the management of SUI in both neurogenic and non-neurogenic population. Given those results it could be a good alternative to AUS on unfit or unwilling population.

Ambulatory peri-bulbar implantation, revision and replacement of Artificial Urinary Sphincter in neurogenic and non-neurogenic male patients: A preliminary feasibility study over a one-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: Our goal was to determine the rate of complications, early revision and removal after full ambulatory implantation of bulbar AUS in men; secondly, to describe satisfaction and short-term continence rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between April 2018 and April 2019, 28 consecutive patients underwent AUS implantation in a newly organised ambulatory setting. A prospective database of all included patients was established with comprehensive data collected on medical history, aetiology and severity of SUI, surgical procedures, postoperative complications and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were included (30 consecutive procedures: 22 primary AUS placement, 6 complete revisions, 2 partial revisions), with a mean follow up of 223±220.5 days. Fourteen patients had prior radiotherapy. Readmission rate was 6.7% in the first 30 days after surgery. Both revision and removal rates were 6.7%. Complications were reported in 26.7% of procedures, mainly Clavien-Dindo I. Patient satisfaction of ambulatory surgery organisation and experience was high (87/5% satisfied or very satisfied). Full continence & social continence were achieved for, respectively, 55.6% and 88.9% of procedures. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory placement of AUS is safe and can be performed successfully. Larger patient cohorts and randomised trials are crucial to improve knowledge on non-indications for full ambulatory AUS implantation in men.

[Pathological pelvic lymph node involvement in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients treated with radical cystectomy: A narrative review]. / Envahissement ganglionnaire pelvien anatomopathologique après cystectomie totale pour le traitement des tumeurs de vessie infiltrant le muscle : une revue narrative de la littérature.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a narrative review of the contemporary literature on the diagnosis, prognosis and adjuvant management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients with pathological pelvic lymph node involvement (pN+) at radical cystectomy. METHOD: A narrative review of the contemporary literature available on Medline was conducted to report studies evaluating the diagnosis, prognosis and/or adjuvant treatments for MIBC patients with pN+ disease at radical cystectomy. RESULTS: Open or robotic extended pelvic lymph node dissection up to the crossing of the ureter with common iliac vessels can enhance the diagnosis of pN+ MIBC, especially using separate packages for the submission of a maximum number of lymph nodes. The main prognosis factors for pN+ patients are the number of positive and retrieved lymph nodes, lymph node density, extranodal extension as well as lymph node metastasis diameter. Adjuvant chemotherapy is likely to prolong overall survival in pN+ patients treated with radical cystectomy alone while adjuvant immunotherapy using nivolumab has been shown to decrease the risk of recurrence in all pN+ patients, especially those with ypN+ disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy. However, few data are currently available on the role of adjuvant radiation therapy, which remains currently experimental for these patients. CONCLUSION: Multiple parameters have been reported to impact the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with pN+ MIBC at radical cystectomy. Adjuvant management is currently based on chemotherapy and immunotherapy with preliminary data on radiation therapy.

Volumetric and functional outcomes at 1-year between percutaneous-ablation and partial-nephrectomy for T1b renal tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Indication for percutaneous-ablation (PA) is gradually expanding to renal tumors T1b (4-7cm). Few data exist on the alteration of renal functional volume (RFV) post-PA. Yet, it is a surrogate marker of post partial-nephrectomy (PN) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) impairment. The objective was to compare RFV and GFR at 1-year post-PN or PA, in this T1b population. METHODS: Patients with unifocal renal tumor≥4cm treated between 2014 and 2019 were included. Tumor, homolateral (RFVh), contralateral RFV, and total volumes were assessed by manual segmentation (3D Slicer) before and at 1 year of treatment, as was GFR. The loss of RFV, contralateral hypertrophy, and preservation of GFR were compared between both groups (PN vs. PA). RESULTS: 144 patients were included (87PN, 57PA). Preoperatively, PA group was older (74 vs. 59 years; P<0.0001), had more impaired GFR (73 vs. 85mL/min; P=0.0026) and smaller tumor volume(31.1 vs. 55.9cm3; P=0.0007) compared to PN group. At 1 year, the PN group had significantly more homolateral RFV loss (-19 vs. -14%; P=0.002), and contralateral compensatory hypertrophy (+4% vs. +1,8%; P=0.02, respectively). Total-RFV loss was similar between both (-21.7 vs. -19cm3; P=0.07). GFR preservation was better in the PN group (95.9 vs. 90.7%; P=0.03). In multivariate analysis, age and tumor size were associated with loss of RFVh. CONCLUSION: For renal tumors T1b, PN is associated with superior compensatory hypertrophy compared with PA, compensating for the higher RFVh loss, resulting in similar ΔRFV-total between both groups. The superior post-PN GFR preservation suggests that the preserved quantitative RFV factor is insufficient. Therefore, the underlying quality of the parenchyma would play a major role in postoperative GFR.

Neurogenic stress urinary incontinence management. From past to recent techniques: What have we learnt?

Urinary prostheses for the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence ranged from simple to adjustable bulbourethral compressing devices to complex artificial urinary sphincter. Those devices have remarkably evolved since the 1950s. In this article, we review the story of a patient who experienced this device evolution. His history provides us with the opportunity to retrieve the historical transformation of the incontinence prostheses around time. Moreover, this patient story challenges us on those devices past and present limitations.

[Assessment of positive surgical margins in the management of patients after radical prostatectomy for pT2 prostate cancer]. / Impact des marges chirurgicales positives après prostatectomie radicale chez les patients atteints d'un cancer de la prostate localisé pT2.

INTRODUCTION: Few data are available regarding positive surgical margins (PSM) in patients who underwent surgery for localized prostate cancer (PC). Our objective was to evaluate the impact of PSM on biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) for patients who underwent PC for pT2 tumor without adjuvant treatment. METHODS: We included each patient who underwent radical prostatectomy for pT2N0 PC between 1988 and 2018. Primary endpoint was biochemical recurrence (BR). BRFS was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine factors associated with BR and PSM. RESULTS: Overall, 2429 patients were included whom 420 patients had PSM (17.3%). Median follow-up was 116 months. BRFS at 10 years was 66.6% in case of PSM, and 84% in the negative margins group (P<0.0001). Parameters associated with BR were preoperative PSA level (P<0.0001), Gleason score (P<0.0001), tumor volume in biopsies, and margins length (P<0.04). CONCLUSION: PSM in pT2N0 CP are associated with poor prognosis in terms of BR. Nevertheless, only a small number of pT2R1 cancer will present biological recurrence. The use of adjuvant radiotherapy in these patients therefore represents a risk of overtreatment, with the risk of adverse effects inherent to irradiation. Clinical and biological monitoring in case of PSM seems acceptable.

Biochemical relapse predictive factors in patients with lymph node metastases during radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: There are no clear recommendations for the management of patients with lymph node invasion discovered during radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer (PCa). Adequate risk stratification could personalize post-surgical adjuvant treatment. Our objective was to identify predictive factors for biochemical relapse (BCR) in patients with lymph node (LN) invasion at the time of radical prostatectomy(RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent RP for high-risk PCa with LN invasion in two academic centres between 2008 and 2019 were included. Patients with metastatic disease or extrapelvic LN involvement were excluded. Following data were collected retrospectively: age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, clinical and pathological stage, number of metastatic LN and LN density. Outcome was BCR during follow-up. BCR-free survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method and its association with relevant variables was determined with log-rank test. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included. Median (IQR) age, PSA and follow-up were 64.5 years (55-78), 9.2ng/mL (4.4-20) and 16.1 months (6-27.5), respectively. Twenty patients (77%) had BCR after surgery, accounting for 24-month BCR-free survival of 65%. Patients with LN density > 15% had better survival rates than those with ≤ 15% (40% vs. 0%, respectively, at 24 months; P=0.06) without reaching significance. Cox proportional Hazards analysis could not evidence predictive factors of BCR free-survival. CONCLUSIONS: LN density seemed associated with BCR-free survival within patients with high-risk PCa and positive LN at RP. However, extraprostatic extension, number of positive LN and positive surgical margins were not independent risk factors for BCR. Larger prospective studies with centralized pathological reviews are needed. LEVEL OF PROOF: 3.

TORSAFUF - Surgical exploration for torsion of spermatic cord suspicion and risk factors for unnecessary surgery: Results of a French nationwide retrospective study on 2940 patients.

BACKGROUNDS: Spermatic cord torsion is a frequent urological emergency that mostly concerns teenagers and young adults. This study aimed to determine the clinical and surgical characteristics of young adults who had scrotal exploration for suspected spermatic cord torsion and to identify clinical risk factors associated with needless scrotal exploration. METHODS: We retrospectively collected national data from patients aged 12years and older who underwent a surgical exploration for suspicion of torsion of the spermatic cord between 2005 and 2019 in 17 hospitals. We analyzed demographics, surgical and postoperative characteristics in our population. We compared the cohort according to the intraoperative diagnosis of torsion or not. RESULTS: In total, 2940 had surgical exploration: 1802 (61.3%) patients had torsion of the spermatic cord and 1138 (38.7%) had another diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06; P=0.005), medical history of cryptorchism (OR: 4.14; 95% CI: 1.05-16.31; P=0.042) and VAS pain score (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.83-0.98; P=0.018) were risk factors significantly associated with unnecessary surgical exploration. The rate of complications in the 90days after surgery was 11% in the "torsion" group, and 9.7% in the "non-torsion" group (P=0.28). CONCLUSION: Scrotal exploration without intraoperative diagnosis of torsion was performed in 40% of our cohort. VAS pain score and cryptorchism history can help for the diagnosis but scrotal exploration remains the way to diagnose spermatic cord torsion and should be performed on the slightest suspicion, even after 24hours of symptoms, as the chances for testicular salvage remains around 50%.

Assessment of Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor test performance for the detection of recurrence during non-muscle invasive bladder cancer follow-up.

PURPOSE: To assess the performance of the Xpert Bladder Cancer (BC) Monitor during the follow-up of patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: Patients with previously diagnosed NMIBC and followed up in clinical practice settings in two French urology departments between September 2017 and July 2019 were consecutively enrolled in this prospective observational study. Patients with a positive cystoscopy or computed tomography urogram underwent subsequent transurethral resection of the bladder, and/or biopsy, and the specimens were pathologically assessed. Cytology and Xpert BC Monitor tests were performed on urine samples. Xpert BC Monitor performance was assessed versus cystoscopy for disease-negative patients or versus histology for disease-positive patients, and was compared to that of cytology. RESULTS: Overall, 500 patients with a median age of 70.0 years were included. NMIBC recurrence was diagnosed in 44 cases (8.8%). Overall sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values (NPVs) were 72.7% (32/44), 73.7% (330/448) and 96.5% (330/342) for the Xpert BC Monitor, and 7.7% (2/26), 97.8% (310/317) and 92.8% (310/334) for cytology, respectively. The Xpert BC Monitor detected 92.3% (12/13) of the high-grade tumours and ruled out their presence in 99.7% (330/331) of cases. Analysis of the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated the superior performance of the Xpert BC Monitor over that of cytology. CONCLUSION: Xpert BC Monitor performance was superior to that of cytology in the follow-up of NMIBC. The exclusion of aggressive tumours with a very high NPV (99.7%) supports the use of this urinary test in daily practice.

Positive environmental impact of remote teleconsultation in urology during the COVID-19 pandemic in a highly populated area.

INTRODUCTION: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a serious environmental issue. The healthcare sector is an important emitter of GHGs. Our aim was to assess the environmental cost of teleconsultations in urology compared to face-to-face consultations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study of all patients who had a remote teleconsultation over a 2-week period during COVID-19 pandemic. Main outcome was the reduction in CO2e emissions related to teleconsultation compared to face-to-face consultation and was calculated as: total teleconsultation CO2e emissions-total face-to-face consultation CO2e emissions. Secondary outcome measures were the reduction in travel distance and travel time related to teleconsultation. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included. Face-to-face consultations would have resulted in 6699km (4162 miles) of travel (83.7km (52 miles) per patient). Cars were the usual means of transport. CO2e avoided due to lack of travel was calculated at 1.1 tonnes. Teleconsultation was responsible for 1.1kg CO2e while face-to-face consultation emitted 0.5kg of CO2e. Overall, the total reduction in GHGs with teleconsultation was 1141kg CO2e, representing a 99% decrease in emissions. Total savings on transport were 974 € and savings on travel time were 112h (1.4h/patient). CONCLUSIONS: Teleconsultation reduces the environmental impact of face-to-face consultations. The use of teleconsultation in our urology departments resulted in the avoidance of more than 6000km of travel, equivalent to a reduction of 1.1 tonnes of CO2e. Teleconsultation should be considered for specific indications as the healthcare system attempts to become greener. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Residents and patients benefit from surgical simulation on a live porcine model, could we consider it as ethical?

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to evaluate, by self-questionnaire, the feeling of participants in surgical training sessions on a live porcine model. METHODS: A computerized questionnaire (GoogleForm ©) was sent to the members of the French Association of Urologists-in-Training (AFUF) (fellows and residents). Only questionnaires from Urologists-in-training who had participated in surgical training sessions were included. The sessions consisted of performing surgeries such as laparoscopic nephrectomies or laparoscopic cystectomies. RESULTS: Overall, 198 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 36.4% (72/198) of the participants were fellows and 63.6% (126/198) were residents. According to the participants, the main interest of sessions was to be able to train for emergency situations. A total of 79.8% (158/198) of the participants wanted surgical simulation to become compulsory. To their opinion, the main advantage of surgical simulation on a live porcine model was: technical progress in 87.4% (173/198) of cases. A total of 13.1% (26/198) of the participants found it was unethical to perform the first technical procedures on live animal models. A total of 65.7% (130/198) of the participants considered that there is currently no system of substitution. CONCLUSION: For the participants, surgical training on a live porcine model allows technical progress while training for serious emergency situations. Surgeons and patients could benefit from this risk-free mock surgical scenario. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Educational program in onco-urology for young urologists: What are their needs?

PURPOSE: The emergence of new communication media such as digital contents are progressively replacing more traditional medias in the field of educational programs. Our purpose was to assess urologist in training aspirations regarding urological education. METHODS: Members of a national urologist in training association were sent an anonymous online questionnaire regarding their medical formation in the field of urology. Responders interest for urological sub-specialty or education support (new tools and traditional support) were evaluated through a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Overall, 109 young urologists (26%) responded to the survey. Most of the respondents worked during their training in an academic hospital (n=89, 82%). The three favorite tools for training chosen by the responders were: videos, workshop or masterclass, and podcasts (responders very interested were respectively n=64 (58.7%), n=50 (45.9%), and n=49 (45%)). E-mail newsletters were reported as the less useful educational tool by participants (n=38, 34.9%). Participants were very interested in improving their surgical skills and their radiological knowledge. Responders who were the most attracted by PCa were much more looking to improve their systemic treatment and radiological knowledges. CONCLUSIONS: Urologic-oncology was a priority regarding education for urologists in training. A majority of participants expressed a lack in their surgical education, revealing a reduced OR access and underlining utilization of new tools such as simulation. New digital contents such as social media or podcast achieved high interest for the participants, instead of more traditional media. There is a need that educational content evolve and uses new digital media. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Indocyanine green fluorescence to visualize the ureteric vascularization of kidney transplants: An exploratory study]. / Visualiser la vascularisation urétérale des transplants rénaux par fluorescence au vert d'indocyanine : étude exploratoire.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary complications after kidney transplantation are common and can compromise renal function. While they are mainly attributed to ischemic lesions of the ureter, there is no existing method to evaluate its vascularization during surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate if indocyanine green, revealed by infra-red light andused to visualize tissue perfusion, could provide an appreciation of the ureter's vascularization during kidney transplantation. METHODS: This feasibility study was conducted over one month, on eleven consecutive kidney transplants. During transplantation, an injection of indocyanine green enabled the surgeon to visualize in real time with an infra-red camera the ureter fluorescence. Its intensity was reported on a qualitative and semi-quantitative scale. Occurrence of urinary complications such as stenosis or ureteral fistula were collected during 6 months. RESULTS: In all of the 11 cases (100%), the last centimeters of the ureters were not fluorescent. Three (27%) ureters were poorly or partiallly fluorescent. Out of these three cases, only one case of urinary fistula occurred, followed by ureteric stenosis. In the series, two fistulas (18%) and two ureteric stenoses (18%) occurred. No side effects were observed. The low number of events did not allow statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: Infra-red fluorescence of indocyanine green could be a simple and innovative way to appreciate the transplant's ureteric vascularization during kidney transplantation. It could help surgeons to identify the level of ureter section and to decide the anastomosis technique, in order to limit urinary complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical activity within academic urological departments in Paris]. / Impact de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur l'activité chirurgicale au sein des services d'urologie de l'Assistance Publique ­ Hôpitaux de Paris.

INTRODUCTION: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in France, all non-emergency surgical activity has been cancelled since March 12, 2020. In order to anticipate the reinstatement of delayed interventions, surgical activity reduction analysis is essential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reduction of urological surgery in adult during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019. MATERIAL: The data regarding urological procedures realized in the 8 academic urological departments of Parisians centres (AP-HP) were compared over two similar periods (14-29 March 2019 and 12-27 March 2020) using the centralized surgical planning software shared by these centres. Procedure title, type of surgery and outpatient ratio were collected. The interventions were sorted into 16 major families of urological interventions. RESULTS: Overall, a 55% decrease was observed concerning urological procedures over the same period between 2019 and 2020 (995 and 444 procedures respectively). Oncology activity and emergencies decreased by 31% and 44%. The number of kidney transplantations decreased from 39 to 3 (-92%). Functional, andrological and genital surgical procedures were the most impacted among the non-oncological procedures (-85%, -81% and -71%, respectively). Approximatively, 1033 hours of surgery have been delayed during this 16-day period. CONCLUSION: Lockdown and postponement of non-urgent scheduled urological procedures decisions has led to a drastic decrease in surgical activity in AP-HP. Isolated kidney transplantation has been stopped (national statement). Urologists must anticipate for lockdown exit in order to catch-up delayed surgeries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

COVID19 pandemic impacts on anxiety of French urologist in training: Outcomes from a national survey.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 outbreak in France is disturbing our health system. Urologists in training who are already known to have burnout, are in the front line to face this disease. The aim of our study was to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on young French urologists in training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire evaluating the pandemic added stress, and its negative impact on work and training quality, was e-mailed to the members of the French Association of Urologists in Training (AFUF). The association includes all French junior and senior residents. The survey lasted 3 days. Multivariable analyses using logistic regression was performed to identify the predictive factors. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-five (55.5%) of the 495 AFUF members responded to the questionnaire. More than 90% of responders felt more stressed by the pandemic. Fellows and senior residents were more likely to feel that the crisis had an important impact on their work quality (OR=1.76, IC95=[1.01-3.13]), even more when COVID 19 patients were present in their department (OR=2.31, IC95=[1.20-4.65]). Past medical history of respiratory disease (OR=2.57, IC95=[1.31-5.98]) and taking in charge COVID19 patients (OR=1.85, IC95=[0.98-3.59]) were additional risk factors. CONCLUSION: COVID19 pandemic has a negative impact on young French urologists in training and on their work and training quality. Managing their psychosocial well-being during this time is as important as managing their physical health. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Is the systematic histological analysis of benign prostatic hyperplasia surgical specimen always necessary?

INTRODUCTION: After most surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the resected tissue undergoes a histological examination. This examination is performed for the risk of finding an incidental prostate cancer (iPCa). The improvement of prostate cancer detection in the past few years decreased the global iPCa rate. This raises the question of the real benefit for all patients of a systematic histological analysis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the iPCa detection rate on a large contemporary cohort of patients treated for BPH, and to define predictive factors of iPCa detection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical charts of all consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for BPH in our academic center from 2012 to 2018. Patients with prostate cancer diagnosed before surgery were not included. All the resected tissue underwent standard histopathological examination. iPCa was defined by any grade or stage of prostate cancer identified on the resected tissue by the histological examination. The following variables were analyzed using an uni- and multi-variable logistic regression as potential risk factors of iPCa: age, total PSA, PSA density (PSAd), prostate volume, technique used, weight of resected tissue and use of 5ARI medication. RESULTS: 1045 patients were included in the study. Of them, 439 (42.0%), 206 (19.7%) and 400 (38.3%) underwent HoLEP, OP and TURP, respectively. iPCa was diagnosed in 94 (9.0%) of the 1045. Among them 15 (1.4%) were clinically significant (ISUP score ≥ 2). The multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age (p = 0.03) and PSA density (p < 0.001) as independent predictive factors for the detection of iPCa. Using the median of age and PSAd, we identified a population with 0% of iPCa in our cohort (age < 70 year-old and PSAd < 0.05 ng/mL/mL). CONCLUSION: The global iPCa rate was 9% in this contemporary large cohort of patients who underwent surgical treatment for BPH, with 1.4% of clinically significant cancer. Age and PSAd were independent predictive factors to find iPCa. Patients younger than 70 with a PSAd < 0.05 ng/mL/mL had 0% of iPCA in our cohort. In this specific population, we could probably avoid a systematical histological examination of the resected tissue.

Epidermal growth factor upregulates motility of Mat-LyLu rat prostate cancer cells partially via voltage-gated Na+ channel activity.

The main aim of this investigation was to determine whether a functional relationship existed between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) upregulation, both associated with strongly metastatic prostate cancer cells. Incubation with EGF for 24 h more than doubled VGSC current density. Similar treatment with EGF significantly and dose-dependently enhanced the cells' migration through Transwell filters. Both the patch clamp recordings and the migration assay suggested that endogenous EGF played a similar role. Importantly, co-application of EGF and tetrodotoxin, a highly selective VGSC blocker, abolished 65% of the potentiating effect of EGF. It is suggested that a significant portion of the EGF-induced enhancement of migration occurred via VGSC activity.

An acetylcholinesterase-derived peptide inhibits endocytic membrane activity in a human metastatic breast cancer cell line.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is well established as having non-cholinergic functions and is also expressed in breast tumours where its function(s) is not known. Recently, a candidate peptide sequence towards the C-terminal of the AChE molecule has been identified, as the salient site remote from normal catalysis in neurons, and possibly other cells. The main aim of this study was to explore the possibility that 'AChE-peptide' might also affect human breast cancer cells. Uptake of the non-cytotoxic tracer horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used as an index of endocytosis, a key component of the metastatic cascade, representing exocytosis/secretory membrane activity and/or plasma membrane protein turnover. AChE-peptide had no affect on the weakly metastatic MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. By contrast, application of AChE-peptide to the strongly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of HRP uptake; treatment with a scrambled variant of the peptide of comparable amino acid length was ineffective. The action of AChE-peptide was suppressed by lowering the extracellular Ca2+ concentration and co-applying a selective antagonist of alpha7, but not alpha4/beta2, nicotinic receptor. The results suggest that AChE-peptide has a novel, selective bioactivity on breast cancer cells and can potentiate metastatic cell behaviour.

Reconstruction after ureteral resection during HIPEC surgery: Re-implantation with uretero-neocystostomy seems safer than end-to-end anastomosis.

INTRODUCTION: Resection of the pelvic ureter may be necessary in cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). As the morbidity for cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC has decreased, expert teams have begun to perform increasingly complex surgical procedures associated with HIPEC, including pelvic reconstructions. After ureteral resection, two types of reconstruction are possible: uretero-ureteral end-to-end anastomosis and uretero-vesical re-implantation or uretero-neocystostomy (the so-called psoas hitch technique). By compiling the experience of three surgical teams that perform HIPEC surgeries, we have tried to compare the effectiveness of these two techniques. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective comparative case-matched multicenter study was conducted for patients undergoing operation between 2005 and 2014. Patients included had undergone resection of the pelvic ureter during cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatomosis; ureteral reconstruction was by either end-to-end anastomosis (EEA group) or re-implantation uretero-neocystostomy (RUC group). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of urinary fistula in postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: There were 14 patients in the EEA group and 14 in the RUC group. The groups were comparable for age, extent of carcinomatosis (PCI index) and operative duration. Four urinary fistulas occurred in the EEA group (28.5%) versus zero fistulas in the RUC group (0%) (P=0.0308). CONCLUSION: Re-implantation with uretero-neocystostomy during cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is the preferred technique for reconstruction after ureteral resection in case of renal conservation.