Use of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence During Total Thyroidectomy to Identify Parathyroid Glands and Prevent Hypoparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Total thyroidectomy is associated with a high rate of transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism. During surgery, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescein angiography can be used to detect and preserve well-vascularized parathyroid glands. This technique has been introduced as an intraoperative support to prevent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred consecutive patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy were included in this study. Autofluoroscopy was used on the first dominant side of thyroidectomy and to identify the contralateral parathyroid glands. An intravenous bolus of 5 mg ICG (VERDYE, Diagnostic Green GmbH, Aschheim-Dornacht, Germany) was administered once. ICG fluorescein angiography was used as a "bridge" at the end of the first dominant hemithyroidectomy and after exposure of the parathyroid glands on the second side. This allowed us to (i) determine the vascularization of the first two parathyroid glands and (ii) define the blood vessels and thus the line of dissection of the parathyroid glands of the second resection side. Finally, autofluoroscopy was then applied outside the surgical area on the surgical specimen to assess forgotten parathyroid glands, which should therefore be re-implanted. Autofluoroscopy and ICG fluorescein angiography were evaluated in real time using the same technology, i.e., FLUOBEAM® LX (EUROPE - Fluoptics Grenoble, France; USA - Fluoptics Imaging Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA). The study was approved by the local ethics committee. RESULTS: Autofluorescence and ICG fluorescein angiography were performed without any problems in all cases. A total of 370 parathyroid glands were detected in this series. ICG changed the surgical strategy for the first-side parathyroid glands in 5% of cases, i.e,. they were not well-vascularized and were re-implanted. The rate of transient hypoparathyroidism was 19%. The percentage of parathyroids in the surgical specimen was 3.5% and all were re-implanted during the same surgery. There was no case of postoperative definitive hypoparathyroidism when at least one parathyroid gland with a high fluorescence intensity was preserved on the first side of resection. CONCLUSION: Use of ICG fluorescein angiography may contribute to predicting and thus preventing postoperative definitive hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy. The results of this case series confirm recent studies. Caution is advised when weakly perfused parathyroid glands are discovered.

3D Transoral Endoscopic Thyroid.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a feasible new surgical procedure that does not require visible incisions. We describe our experience with three-dimensional (3D) TOETVA. We recruited 98 patients who were willing to undergo 3D TOETVA. Inclusion criteria were: (a) patients with a neck ultrasound (US) with an estimated thyroid diameter of 10cm or less; (b) estimated US gland volume ≤45ml; (c) nodule size ≤50mm; (d) benign tumor, such as thyroid cyst, goiter with one nodule, or goiter with multiple nodules; (e) follicular neoplasia; and (f) papillary microcarcinoma without evidence of metastases. The procedure is performed using a three-port technique at the oral vestibule, a 10mm port for the 30° endoscope, and two additional 5mm ports for dissecting and coagulation instruments. The CO2 insufflation pressure is set at 6mmHg. An anterior cervical subplatysmal space is created from the oral vestibule to the sternal notch and laterally to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Thyroidectomy is performed entirely 3D endoscopically with conventional endoscopic instruments and intraoperative neuromonitoring. There were 34% total thyroidectomies and 66% hemithyroidectomies. Ninety-eight 3D TOETVA procedures were successfully performed without any conversions. The mean operative time was 87.6 minutes (59-118 minutes) for lobectomy and 107.6 minutes (99-135 minutes) for bilateral surgery. We observed one case of transient postoperative hypocalcemia. Paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve did not occur. The cosmetic outcome was excellent in all patients. This is the first case series of 3D TOETVA.

Radical prostatectomy represents an effective treatment in patients with specimen-confined high pathological Gleason score prostate cancer.

UNLABELLED: WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: To date, only a few studies have addressed the long-term oncological outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with pathological Gleason score ≥ 8 prostate cancer. According to these reports, some individuals with pathological Gleason score ≥ 8 may benefit from RP, with cancer-control outcomes comparable with those of patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The presence of pathological Gleason score 8-10 represents a poor prognostic factor in the outcome of men with prostate cancer. However, in patients with specimen-confined disease, RP and bilateral PLND provided long-term cancer-control outcomes similar to those of patients with more favourable disease characteristics. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with pathological Gleason score 8-10 prostate cancer subjected to radical prostatectomy (RP). To determine the prognostic factors associated with cancer-specific survival (CSS) in this subset of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 580 consecutive patients with pathological Gleason sum 8-10 prostate cancer treated with RP and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) at a single European institution between July 1988 and April 2010. All patients had detailed pathological and follow-up data. Pathological Gleason score was determined by a single expert genitourinary pathologist. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined PSA concentration of ≥ 0.2 ng/mL and rising. Kaplan-Meier plots were used to graphically explore BCR-free survival as well as CSS and overall survival (OS) rates. Moreover, univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were fitted to test the predictors of CSS. RESULTS: The mean (median, range) age at surgery was 66.1 (66.4, 41-85) years. The mean (median, range) total PSA concentration was 29.6 (11.1, 0.5-1710) ng/mL. Pathological Gleason score was 8 in 238 (41.0%), 9 in 330 (56.9%) and 10 in 12 (2.1%) patients. Overall, 119 (20.5%), 124 (21.4%), 281 (48.4%) and 56 (9.7%) patients had pT2, pT3a, pT3b and pT4 prostate cancer, respectively. Overall, 275 (47.4%) had LN invasion, while 150 (25.1%) patients had specimen-confined disease (defined as pT2cR0 pN0 or pT3aR0 pN0 prostate cancer). The mean (median, range) follow-up was 53 (47, 1-226) months. At 5 and 10 years after RP, BCR-free survival was 76.7% and 49.6%, respectively. Similarly, the 5- and 10-year CSS rates were 87.3% and 69.5%, respectively. Patients with specimen-confined disease (P < 0.001) and patients with negative LNs (P = 0.012) had significantly better CSS rates than their counterparts with less favourable pathological characteristics. In multivariable Cox regression models, only the presence of specimen-confined disease achieved independent predictor status (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Presence of high Gleason score at RP represents a poor prognostic factor in the outcome of patients with prostate cancer. However, RP provides excellent long-term cancer control outcomes in the subset of patients with specimen-confined disease.

Clinical performance of serum prostate-specific antigen isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA) and its derivatives, %p2PSA and the prostate health index (PHI), in men with a family history of prostate cancer: results from a multicentre European study, the PROMEtheuS project.

OBJECTIVES: To test the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of serum prostate-specific antigen isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA), %p2PSA and the prostate health index (PHI), in men with a family history of prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing prostate biopsy for suspected PCa. To evaluate the potential reduction in unnecessary biopsies and the characteristics of potentially missed cases of PCa that would result from using serum p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The analysis consisted of a nested case-control study from the PRO-PSA Multicentric European Study, the PROMEtheuS project. All patients had a first-degree relative (father, brother, son) with PCa. Multivariable logistic regression models were complemented by predictive accuracy analysis and decision-curve analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1026 patients included in the PROMEtheuS cohort, 158 (15.4%) had a first-degree relative with PCa. p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI values were significantly higher (P < 0.001), and free/total PSA (%fPSA) values significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the 71 patients with PCa (44.9%) than in patients without PCa. Univariable accuracy analysis showed %p2PSA (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.733) and PHI (AUC: 0.733) to be the most accurate predictors of PCa at biopsy, significantly outperforming total PSA ([tPSA] AUC: 0.549), free PSA ([fPSA] AUC: 0.489) and %fPSA (AUC: 0.600) (P ≤ 0.001). For %p2PSA a threshold of 1.66 was found to have the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (70.4 and 70.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.4-80.7 and 59.4-79.5 respectively). A PHI threshold of 40 was found to have the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (64.8 and 71.3%, respectively; 95% CI 52.5-75.8 and 60.6-80.5). At 90% sensitivity, the thresholds for %p2PSA and PHI were 1.20 and 25.5, with a specificity of 37.9 and 25.5%, respectively. At a %p2PSA threshold of 1.20, a total of 39 (24.8%) biopsies could have been avoided, but two cancers with a Gleason score (GS) of 7 would have been missed. At a PHI threshold of 25.5 a total of 27 (17.2%) biopsies could have been avoided and two (3.8%) cancers with a GS of 7 would have been missed. In multivariable logistic regression models, %p2PSA and PHI achieved independent predictor status and significantly increased the accuracy of multivariable models including PSA and prostate volume by 8.7 and 10%, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI were directly correlated with Gleason score (ρ: 0.247, P = 0.038; ρ: 0.366, P = 0.002; ρ: 0.464, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: %p2PSA and PHI are more accurate than tPSA, fPSA and %fPSA in predicting PCa in men with a family history of PCa. Consideration of %p2PSA and PHI results in the avoidance of several unnecessary biopsies. p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI correlate with cancer aggressiveness.

Urethral lift for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a comprehensive review of the literature.

Current treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include watchful waiting, medical therapy, and interventional procedures. The post-surgical complication profile and the early discontinuation of medical therapy are significant drawbacks of the established approach and stimulate the search for less-invasive approaches. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive review all available literature on prostatic urethral lift (PUL), presenting an overview of safety, indications, surgical technique and results of the procedure, and to evaluate the potential role it could play in the treatment of BPH. A comprehensive search was conduct on PubMed and Scopus database to identify original articles in English dealing with PUL without any limit to publication date. Keywords used were prostatic urethral lift, urethral lifting, Urolift, benign prostatic hyperplasia and minimally invasive therapy. The PUL seems to offer a better IPSS improvement when compared to medical therapy, but the result is inferior when compared to surgical therapy. Published studies report an absence of degradation of erectile or ejaculatory function after treatment, which appears a noteworthy benefit of PUL. Additional advantages of the PUL are a better complication profile in comparison to other surgical therapies and the use of a local anesthesia, sometimes without postoperative catheterization. The PUL, a novel, minimally invasive treatment option for men affected by BPH, presents a promising potential although it is clear that PUL is not a substitute for traditional ablative surgical approach, as this procedure requires a scrupulous selection of the patient.

Measuring discrepancies between simple medullary and synchronous medullary/papillary thyroid carcinomas: a comparative cross-sectional study.

Objective: To study the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with synchronous medullary and papillary thyroid carcinomas. Methods: The clinical data of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) operated in our hospital (Department of Thyroid Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University) from February 2009 to February 2023 were evaluated using an analytical review approach. They were divided into an observation group (patients with synchronous MTC and papillary thyroid carcinoma PTC) and a control group (simple MTC) according to whether the clinical data were associated with MTC, in order to compare the clinical features, pathological types, stage characteristics and molecular biology characteristics of the two groups and to investigate the follow-up of the two groups. Results: The study included 122 MTC, 30 with synchronous MTC/PTC and 92 simple MTC. When the data were compared, the sex ratio, preoperative calcitonin level, preoperative CEA level, presence of calcifications in the MTC lesions, surgical methods, number of MTC lesions, presence of nodular goitre and presence of thyroiditis were higher in the observation group than in the control group. There was a significant difference between the groups when the MTC lesion diameter was ≤1cm in terms of preoperative CEA value (P<0.05); when the MTC lesion diameter was >1cm, there was a statistical difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative Ctn value (P<0.05). Type III was significantly different from the simple group, while type IV was more similar to the simple group. The preoperative serum Ctn value was positively correlated with maximum tumour diameter in both groups, although the correlation was stronger in the easy group. Preoperative CEA was positively correlated with maximum tumour diameter in both groups, with a stronger correlation in the combination group. Preoperative Ctn and CEA were positively correlated with lymph node metastasis in the simple group, whereas there was no apparent correlation with lymph node metastasis in the combination group. The cut-off value of preoperative serum Ctn for cervical lymph node metastases in the simple group was 39.2pg/ml and for lateral cervical lymph node metastases 195.5pg/ml. The cut-off value of preoperative serum Ctn for cervical lymph node metastases in the combination group was 60.79pg/ml and for lateral cervical lymph node metastases 152.6pg/ml. In the simple group, prognosis was significantly worse in the progression group (P<0.001), with no statistical difference between the remission and stable groups. In the combination group, the prognosis of the progression and stable groups was significantly worse than that of the remission group (P<0.001), with no statistical difference between the progression and stable groups. Conclusion: In patients with synchronous medullary and papillary thyroid carcinomas, preoperative Ctn and CEA levels, calcifications, solitary lesions, combined goitre or thyroiditis differ significantly from simple MTC. Therefore, clinical management should pay attention to the above factors and early risk screening should be performed to improve prognosis as much as possible.

Development and internal validation of a Prostate Health Index based nomogram for predicting prostate cancer at extended biopsy.

PURPOSE: We developed and validated a Prostate Health Index (Beckman Coulter, Brea, California) based nomogram to predict prostate cancer at extended prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 729 patients who were scheduled for prostate biopsy following suspicious digital rectal examination and/or increased prostate specific antigen. Total and free prostate specific antigen, percent free-to-total prostate specific antigen, [-2]proPSA and the prostate health index [([-2]proPSA/free prostate specific antigen) × âˆštotal prostate specific antigen)] were determined. Logistic regression models were fitted to test prostate cancer predictors. Predictive accuracy estimates of biopsy outcome predictions were quantified. Regression coefficients were used to create a decision making tool to predict prostate cancer. A calibration plot was used to evaluate the extent of overestimating or underestimating the observed prostate cancer rate. Decision curve analysis provided an estimate of the net benefit obtained using the prostate health index based nomogram. RESULTS: Overall 280 of 729 patients (38.4%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer at extended prostate biopsy. On accuracy analyses prostate health index emerged as the most informative predictor of prostate cancer (AUC 0.70) compared to established predictors, such as total prostate specific antigen (0.51) and percent free-to-total prostate specific antigen (0.62). Including the prostate health index in a multivariable logistic regression model based on patient age, prostate volume, digital rectal examination and biopsy history significantly increased predictive accuracy by 7% from 0.73 to 0.80 (p <0.001). Nomogram calibration was good. Decision curve analysis showed that using the prostate health index based nomogram resulted in the highest net benefit. CONCLUSIONS: The prostate health index based nomogram can assist clinicians in the decision to perform biopsy by providing an accurate estimation of an individual risk of prostate cancer.

Serum index test %[-2]proPSA and Prostate Health Index are more accurate than prostate specific antigen and %fPSA in predicting a positive repeat prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that serum isoform [-2]proPSA derivatives %p2PSA and Prostate Health Index are accurate predictors of prostate cancer in men scheduled for repeat biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was an observational prospective evaluation of a clinical cohort of men with 1 or 2 previous negative prostate biopsies, with persistent suspicion of prostate cancer. They were enrolled in the study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of %p2PSA using the formula, (p2PSA pg/ml)/(free prostate specific antigen ng/ml × 1,000)]× 100, and Beckman-Coulter Prostate Health Index using the formula, (p2PSA/free prostate specific antigen) × âˆštotal prostate specific antigen), and to compare it with the accuracy of established prostate cancer serum tests (total prostate specific antigen, free prostate specific antigen and percent free prostate specific antigen). Multivariable logistic regression models were complemented by predictive accuracy analysis and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was found in 71 of 222 (31.9%) subjects. %p2PSA and Prostate Health Index were the most accurate predictors of disease. %p2PSA significantly outperformed total prostate specific antigen, free prostate specific antigen, percent free prostate specific antigen and p2PSA in the prediction of prostate cancer (p ≤0.01), but not Prostate Health Index (p = 0.094). Prostate Health Index significantly outperformed total prostate specific antigen and p2PSA (p ≤0.001) but not free prostate specific antigen (p = 0.109) and free/total prostate specific antigen (p = 0.136). In multivariable logistic regression models %p2PSA and Prostate Health Index achieved independent predictor status, and significantly increased the accuracy of multivariable models including prostate specific antigen and prostate volume with or without percent free prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen density by 8% to 11% (p ≤0.034). At a %p2PSA cutoff of 1.23, 153 (68.9%) biopsies could have been avoided, missing prostate cancer in 6 patients. At a Prostate Health Index cutoff of 28.8, 116 (52.25%) biopsies could have been avoided, missing prostate cancer in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum %p2PSA and Prostate Health Index are more accurate than standard reference tests in predicting repeat prostate biopsy outcome, and could avoid unnecessary repeat biopsies.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal tumors larger than 4 cm: results of a multicenter, international series.

BACKGROUNDS: Limited data are available for the use of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in tumors >4 cm. The objectives of this study were to report the perioperative outcomes of a series of patients who underwent RAPN for suspicious >4 cm renal tumors and to compare these results with those observed in a group of patients with ≤4 cm tumors. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the clinical records of 49 patients who underwent RAPN for suspicious of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) >4 cm in size at four centers from September 2008 to September 2010. All patients underwent da Vinci RAPN. The results were compared with those observed in a group of patients undergoing RAPN for ≤4 cm renal tumors. RESULTS: The median warm ischemia time (WIT) was 22 min (Interquartile range [IQR] 18-28). The median console time was 145 min (median IQR 112-177). The median blood loss was 120 mL (IQR 62-237). In two cases, we observed intraoperative renal vein injury (4 %). Postoperative complications were reported in 13 (26.5 %) patients. Major complications were observed in 4 (8.2 %) cases. Patients with large tumors showed perioperative outcomes worse than those received the RAPN for ≤4 cm tumors. Conversely, no significant difference was observed in positive surgical margin (PSM) rates. CONCLUSIONS: These outcomes support the use of RAPN as possible alternative to open PN for the treatment for patients with suspicious renal masses >4 cm. Positive surgical margin rates demonstrated RAPN is an oncologically safe procedure for tumors >4 cm.

How can we predict lymphorrhoea and clinically significant lymphocoeles after radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy? Clinical implications.

OBJECTIVE: • To identify clinical and pathological variables that may help clinicians in predicting, preventing and managing lymphorrhoea and clinically significant lymphocoeles (CSL), which are reported complications after pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND) and retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: • We prospectively analysed 552 consecutive men with prostate cancer who underwent RRP and PLND (2006-2008). • All patients had detailed clinical and pathological data prospectively recorded in an electronic database. Drains were removed when the amount of lymph was < 20 mL in the previous 24 h. A CSL was defined as the presence of a symptomatic lymphocoele requiring treatment. Lymphorrhoea was defined as the total amount of lymph drained by the drains until their removal. • Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to test the association between all the predictors (age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, prostate volume, clinical stage, number of LNs removed, surgeon, pathological T and N stage) and the presence of CSL. • Univariable and multivariable linear regression models were also used to test the association between the available predictors and lymphorrhoea. RESULTS: • The median (range) number of LNs removed was 20 (1-63). Both linear and logistic multivariable regression analysis showed that the number of removed LNs and age were the only two statistically significant predictors of total amount of lymphorrhoea and CSL after RRP and PLND (both P < 0.01). • Specifically, the risk of developing a CSL increased by 5% for every LN removed. Similarly, every year of age increased the risk of having CSL by 5%. • The most informative thresholds for predicting CSL were 65 years of age and 20 LNs removed. • External iliac lymphadenectomy resulted in a higher associated risk of lymphorrhoea and CLS relative to obturator LN removal (P= 0.001 vs P= 0.1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: • There was a positive association between the number of LNs removed and age at RRP with the amount of lymphorrhoea and the risk of developing a CSL. • The most informative thresholds in predicting CSL were 65 years of age and 20 LNs removed. External iliac lymphadenectomy resulted in a higher risk of lymphorrhoea and CLS relative to obturator LN removal.

The role of transrectal saturation biopsy in tumour localization: pathological correlation after retropubic radical prostatectomy and implication for focal ablative therapy.

OBJECTIVE: • To evaluate the accuracy of an initial 24-core prostate biopsy scheme (PBx24) in predicting unilateral prostate cancer (PCa) in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • Between 2005 and 2008, 203 consecutive patients underwent PBx24 followed by RP for PCa. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the accuracy of unilateral PCa on PBx24 to predict unilateral PCa in RP specimens. • The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were also calculated. Moreover, in patients with unilateral PCa on biopsy, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses tested the relationship between the presence of unilateral PCa in an RP specimen and the variables: age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), total prostate volume, clinical stage, primary Gleason grade, secondary Gleason grade and the number of positive cores. RESULTS: • PCa cores were unilateral in 115 patients (56.7%) on biopsy. Of those, only 26 (22.6%) had unilateral PCa in the RP specimen (AUC, 72.9%; PPV, 22.6%; NPV, 98.8%). In patients with clinically low-risk tumours, only 17 of 63 (27%) had a unilateral PCa on PBx24 and in the RP specimen (AUC, 59.1%; PPV, 27.0%; NPV, 100.0%). • None of the examined variables was an independent predictor of the presence of unilateral PCa in the RP specimen (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: • Initial PBx24 is not sufficiently accurate to be dependable as a method of predicting tumour laterality in RP specimens. Therefore, the use of PBx24 to guide hemi-ablation therapy of PCa may lead to mistreatment in a considerable proportion of patients. • Moreover, none of the routinely available clinical and pathological characteristics appears to improve the ability of unilateral PCa on biopsy to predict unilateral PCa in the RP specimen.

Proper 6-branch suburethral autologous sling tensioning during robotic assisted radical prostatectomy with the intraopeartive use of retrograde perfusion sphincterometry: the technique.

The aim of this paper is to describe our surgical technique and results of proper 6-branch autologous sling tensioning during RALP employing intraoperatively the Retrograde Perfusion Sphincterometry (RPS). Between May 2016 and February 2020, 374 patients underwent RALP with the 6-branch suburethral autologous sling tensioned under intraoperative guidance of RPS. Surgical procedure: Retrograde Leak Point pressure (RLPP) was evaluated by means of RPS after pneumoperitoneum induction (RLPPp), after urethrovescical anastomosis (RLPPa) and during proper sling tensioning (RLPPs). The goal of the sling tensioning was to obtain at the end of the procedure similar pressures as after pneumoperitoneum induction (RLPPs ≅ RLPPp). Intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and continence recovery outcomes were assessed. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Sling positioning and tensioning was feasible in all patients. Mean operative time was 215 min. Proper sling tensioning allowed for the possibility to restore sphincteric efficacy to preoperative value (RLPPs vs. RLPPp (42.5 vs. 42.6) cmH2O). Urinary continence was achieved, respectively, in 58%, 67%, 74%, 88% and 92% of patients after 24 h, 10 days, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after catheter removal. In conclusion, RPS revealed a valid option for proper autologous 6-branch sling tensioning during RALP, offering the possibility to restore sphincteric apparatus efficiency to its preoperative status to improve EUC.

Testing the most stringent criteria for selection of candidates for active surveillance in patients with low-risk prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To test the ability of two of the most stringent criteria used to identify patients with low-risk prostate cancer suitable for active surveillance (AS) to correctly exclude patients with unfavourable prostate cancer characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 874 consecutive patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). We selected patients who could have been selected for AS according to the van den Bergh et al. and the Carter et al. criteria. We analysed the rates of advanced disease in these patients, defined as presence of either extracapsular extension (ECE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), lymph node invasion (LNI) and Gleason sum of 8-10 or 7-10. RESULTS: Of 874 patients, 85 (9.7%) and 61 (6.9%) patients, respectively, qualified for AS according to the tested criteria. Within the van den Bergh et al. candidates, 5.9, 1.2, 1.2 and 1.2% of patients, respectively, showed ECE, SVI, LNI and high-grade Gleason sum 8-10 at pathology. Within the Carter et al. candidates, 3.3, 0, 3.3 and 0% of patients, respectively, showed ECE, SVI, LNI and high-grade Gleason sum 8-10. The cumulative rate of unfavourable characteristics was 7.1 and 3.3%. The rate increased to 28.2 and 27.9%, respectively, when Gleason sum 7 was considered as an unfavourable prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the strictest criteria for AS inclusion identified 7-10% of the men in our cohort of men undergoing RP, as men that would have been eligible for AS. Among this small proportion, between 3.3 and 7.1% of patients harboured unfavourable prostate cancer characteristics. The clinical implications of these misclassification rates remain to be determined.

Leydig cell tumour of the testis: presentation, therapy, long-term follow-up and the role of organ-sparing surgery in a single-institution experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report our single-centre experience of patients with Leydig cell tumour (LCT) of the testis, which represents the most frequent interstitial neoplasm of the testis, and for which the natural history and therapy are debated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 2006, 37 patients were treated for LCT of the testis. All patients had testicular markers assessed and 21 (57%) had their hormonal profile assessed (total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and oestradiol). We analysed the symptoms at presentation, laboratory findings, organ-sparing vs. radical surgery and oncological and symptomatic follow-up data. RESULTS: Medical referral was for a testicular mass in 32% of patients, gynaecomastia in 8%, testicular pain in 8%, infertility in 11%, and isosexual pseudo-puberty in 5%. The mean (range) diameter of the tumour was 16.5 (6-68) mm. Before surgery testosterone levels exceeded the upper limit in a third of patients, while levels were hypogonadal in 19%. Oestradiol levels were increased in 29% of patients. At surgery, 29 patients (78%) had organ-sparing surgery. The median (range) follow-up was 4.6 (0.6-16.2) years; no patient had disease relapse. Gynaecomastia was present in two of six patients at the follow-up, despite pharmacological treatment. Four patients had a low testosterone level. CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with LCT have a good prognosis; this study shows the safety of conservative surgery. Surgical removal of the tumour is not always associated with resolution of symptoms and abnormal laboratory values.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and holmium laser ablation of the prostate: indications and outcome.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has been proposed as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate and to open prostatectomy for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms because of large benign prostatic enlargement. The aim of this review is to critically analyze currently available evidence-based reports regarding HoLEP, with particular interest in long-term follow-up results. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of holmium laser for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia was first reported in 1996. HoLEP seems to represent a valid alternative to both transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy, with valid long-term functional results, a low rate of short-term and long-term complications, and very low rates of reintervention. SUMMARY: HoLEP represents a valid alternative to both transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy for treatment of patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement. The recently published long-term follow-up data demonstrate the durability of functional results. HoLEP can be offered as the size-independent gold standard treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms because of benign prostatic enlargement.

The probability of Gleason score upgrading between biopsy and radical prostatectomy can be accurately predicted.

The objective of this study was to test the external validity of a previously developed nomogram for the prediction of Gleason score upgrading (GSU) between biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP). The study population consisted of 973 assessable patients treated with RP at a tertiary care institution. The accuracy of the nomogram was quantified with the receiver operating characteristics curve-derived area under the curve. The performance characteristics (predicted vs observed rate of GSU) were tested within a calibration plot. Overall, GSU was recorded in 39.8% (n = 387) of patients at RP. Of patients with GSU, 70 (18.1%), 23 (5.9%) and 32 (8.3%), respectively, had extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion and lymph node invasion. The accuracy of the nomogram was 74.9% (confidence interval 72.1-77.6%). The model tended to underestimate the observed rate of GSU and the discordance between the predicted and observed rate of GSU ranged from -7 to +10%. The current tool represents the most accurate method of predicting GSU between biopsy and RP. Nonetheless it is not perfect and its performance characteristics should be known prior to its use in clinical decision-making.

Current role of robotic assisted partial nephrectomy.

The modern urologists are nowadays greatly involved in the surgical management of small renal masses, where nephron sparing surgery showed adequate oncological results, with a saving of a great amount of healthy renal tissue. Among the various minimally invasive surgical options, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy duplicates the open technique considered the standard of referral. Robotic assisted partial nephrectomy, aims to add to laparoscopy all the well known advantages offered by the Da Vinci system, such as the 3-Dvision and 7 degree of freedom of surgical instruments. We reviewed the current English literature on robotic partial nephrectomy published in 2008-2009 with at least 20 cases, adding our experience of 26 cases. Although the retroperitoneoscopic approach showed to be feasible in selected cases, all the procedures reported were performed with a transperitoneal approach. Among the 106 robotic assisted partial nephrectomy procedures selected, the mean tumor diameter was 2.8 cm; the mean operative time was 148.7 min with a mean warm ischemia time of 23.8 min and the positive surgical margins rate was 1.8%, reflecting the learning curve of the procedure. Overall complications rate was 15%, although the majority were minor and conservatively treated. Although robotic partial nephrectomy is still in its infancy, it showed adequate overall results when compared to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with similar results but with a reduced learning curve. Actually robotic partial nephrectomy should be considered a viable option for nephron sparing surgery both in experienced laparoscopy centers for larger lesions in robotic naive centers where it may become the standard option for the treatment of small renal masses.

Ischemia of the glans 24 hours after circumcision: A case report and therapeutic solution.

INTRODUCTION:: Circumcision is a common surgical procedure, typically performed under local anesthesia and somehow also as outpatient clinic. Although complications are rare and most frequently related to the procedure itself, ischemia of the glans may occur as a major complication and can be related to local ischemia following dorsal penile nerve block. CASE DESCRIPTION:: We describe the case of a 33-year-old patient who underwent circumcision at our institution and, 24 h after the procedure, developed an acute ischemia of the glans; a re-intervention was performed in emergency setting to ensure a large, not-tightened circular suture under the glans, and low-molecular-weight heparin and antiplatelet therapy was introduced to achieve anti-coagulative/antiaggregant effects. After 48 h, the skin returned to its normal color and in 7 days the penile glans achieved complete remission of the ischemic aspect. A 6-month follow-up confirmed regular outcomes with normal erectile functions. CONCLUSION:: The treatment we proposed to treat acute post-circumcision ischemia of the glans is a simple and effective one, with a perfect aesthetic and functional outcome observed within 4 weeks and confirmed at 6-month follow-up.

Which technology to select for primary focal treatment of prostate cancer?-European Section of Urotechnology (ESUT) position statement.

BACKGROUND: With growing interest in focal therapy (FT) of prostate cancer (PCa) there is an increasing armamentarium of treatment modalities including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryotherapy, focal laser ablation (FLA), irreversible electroporation (IRE), vascular targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP), focal brachytherapy (FBT) and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). Currently there are no clear recommendations as to which of these technologies are appropriate for individual patient characteristics. Our intention was to review the literature for special aspects of the different technologies that might be of advantage depending on individual patient and tumour characteristics. METHODS: The current literature on FT was screened for the following factors: morbidity, repeatability, tumour risk category, tumour location, tumour size and prostate volume and anatomical issues. The ESUT expert panel arrived at consensus regarding a position statement on a structured pathway for available FT technologies based on a combination of the literature and expert opinion. RESULTS: Side effects were low across different studies and FT modalities with urinary continence rates of 90-100% and erectile dysfunction between 5 and 52%. Short to medium cancer control based on post-treatment biopsies were variable between ablative modalities. Expert consensus suggested that posterior lesions are better amenable to FT using HIFU. Cryotherapy provides best possible outcomes for anterior tumours. Apical lesions, when treated with FBT, may yield the least urethral morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Further prospective trials are required to assess medium to long term disease control of different ablative modalities for FT. Amongst different available FT modalities our ESUT expert consensus suggests that some may be better for diffe`rent tumour locations. Tumour risk, tumour size, tumour location, and prostate volume are all important factors to consider and might aid in designing future FT trials.