Individual risk prediction of high grade prostate cancer based on the combination between total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free to total PSA ratio.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical practice guidelines endorse the stratification of prostate cancer (PCa) risk according to individual total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) values and age to enhance the individual risk-benefit ratio. We defined two nomograms to predict the individual risk of high and low grade PCa by combining the assay of tPSA and %free/tPSA (%f/tPSA) in patients with a pre-biopsy tPSA between 2 and 10 µg/L. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 662 patients that had fPSA, tPSA, and a biopsy performed (41.3% with a final diagnosis of PCa). Logistic regression including age, tPSA and %f/tPSA was used to model the probability of having high or low grade cancer by defining 3 outcome levels: no PCa, low grade (International Society of Urological Pathology grade, ISUP<3) and high grade PCa (ISUP≥3). RESULTS: The nomogram identifying patients with: (a) high vs. those with low grade PCa and without the disease showed a good discriminating capability (∼80%), but the calibration showed a risk of underestimation for predictive probabilities >30% (a considerable critical threshold of risk), (b) ISUP<3 vs. those without the disease showed a discriminating capability of 63% and overestimates predictive probabilities >50%. In ISUP 5 a possible loss of PSA immunoreactivity has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated risk of high or low grade PCa by the nomograms may be of aid in the decision-making process, in particular in the case of critical comorbidities and when the digital rectal examinations are inconclusive. The improved characterization of the risk of ISUP≥3 might enhance the use for magnetic resonance imaging in this setting.

Medical Expulsive Therapy for Symptomatic Distal Ureter Stones: Is the Combination of Bromelain and Tamsulosin More Effective than Tamsulosin Alone? Preliminary Results of a Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of bromelain plus tamsulosin versus tamsulosin alone as medical expulsive therapy (MET) for promoting spontaneous stone passage (SSP) of symptomatic distal ureter stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred-fourteen patients with a 4-10 mm distal ureteral stone were enrolled (Group A). Patients self-administered daily bromelain with tamsulosin for 30 days or until SSP or intervention was mandatory. Patients were compared to those from a control group taking tamsulosin as MET (Group B) and matched for the following factors: sex, age ±10%, stone diameter. A logistic regression model evaluated bromelain and the ureteral stone diameter as explanatory variables. RESULTS: SSP rates were 87.7 vs. 75.4% for group A vs. group B respectively (p = 0.016); with no difference observed for the time to self-reported stone expulsion (11.68 vs. 11.57 days; p = 0.91). Considering larger stones (> 5 mm), the SSP rate was 83.3% in group A and 61% in group B (p < 0.01). With each millimeter increment of stone diameter, the probability of SSP decreased by 59.1% (p < 0.0001), while it increased of 3.3 when bromelain was present. Only 3 cases of tamsulosin-related adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: The association of bromelain and tamsulosin as MET increases the probability of SSP of symptomatic distal ureteral stones, with no bromelain-related side effects recorded.

A novel tool for predicting extracapsular extension during graded partial nerve sparing in radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To create a statistical tool for the estimation of extracapsular extension (ECE) level of prostate cancer and determine the nerve-sparing (NS) approach that can be safely performed during radical prostatectomy (RP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 11 794 lobes, from 6 360 patients who underwent robot-assisted RP between 2008 and 2016 were evaluated. Clinicopathological features were included in a statistical algorithm for the prediction of the maximum ECE width. Five multivariable logistic models were estimated for: presence of ECE and ECE width of >1, >2, >3, and >4 mm. A five-zone decision rule based on a lower and upper threshold is proposed. Using a graphical interface, surgeons can view patient's pre-treatment characteristics and a curve showing the estimated probabilities for ECE amount together with the areas identified by the decision rule. RESULTS: Of the 6 360 patients, 1 803 (28.4%) were affected by non-organ-confined disease. ECE was present in 1 351 lobes (11.4%) and extended beyond the capsule for >1, >2, >3, and >4 mm in 498 (4.2%), 261 (2.2%), 148 (1.3%), 99 (0.8%) cases, respectively. ECE width was up to 15 mm (interquartile range 1.00-2.00). The five logistic models showed good predictive performance, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was: 0.81 for ECE, and 0.84, 0.85, 0.88, and 0.90 for ECE width of >1, >2, >3, and >4 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: This novel tool predicts with good accuracy the presence and amount of ECE. Furthermore, the graphical interface available at www.prece.it can support surgeons in patient counselling and preoperative planning.

Clinical comparison between conventional and microdissection testicular sperm extraction for non-obstructive azoospermia: Understanding which treatment works for which patient.

OBJECTIVES: The superiority of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) over conventional TESE (cTESE) for men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is debated. We aimed to compare the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) of mTESE to cTESE and to identify candidates who would most benefit from mTESE in a cohort of Caucasian-European men with primary couple's infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 49 mTESE and 96 cTESE patients were analysed. We collected demographic and clinical data, serum levels of LH, FSH and total testosterone. Patients with abnormal karyotyping were excluded from analysis. Age was categorized according to the median value of 35 years. FSH values were dichotomized according to multiples of the normal range (N) (N and 1.5 N: 1-18 mIU/mL, and > 18 mIU/mL). Testicular histology was recorded for each patient. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses tested the impact of potential predictors on positive SRR in both groups. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups in terms of clinical and hormonal parameters with the exception of FSH values that were higher in mTESE patients (p = 0.004). SRR were comparable between mTESE and cTESE (49.0% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.40). SRRs were significantly higher after mTESE in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) (p = 0.038), in those older than 35 years (p = 0.03) and with FSH >1.5N (p < 0.001), as compared to men submitted to cTESE. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that mTESE was independent predictor of positive SR in patients older than 35 years (p = 0.002) and with FSH > 1.5N (p = 0.018). Moreover, increased FSH levels (p = 0.03) and both SCOS (p = 0.01) and MA histology (p = 0.04) were independent predictors of SRR failure. CONCLUSIONS: Microdissection and cTESE showed comparable success rates in our cohort of patients with NOA. mTESE seems beneficial for patients older than 35 years, with high FSH values, or when SCOS can be predicted. Given the high costs associated with the mTESE approach, the identification of candidates most likely to benefit from this procedure is a major clinical need.

Posterior musculofascial reconstruction after radical prostatectomy: an updated systematic review and a meta-analysis.

To evaluate the influence of posterior musculofascial plate reconstruction (PR) on early return of continence after radical prostatectomy (RP); an updated systematic review of the literature. A systematic review of the literature was performed in June 2015, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and searching Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases. We searched the terms posterior reconstruction prostatectomy, double layer anastomosis prostatectomy across the 'Title' and 'Abstract' fields of the records, with the following limits: humans, gender (male), and language (English). The authors reviewed the records to identify studies comparing cohorts of patients who underwent RP with or without restoration of the posterior aspect of the rhabdosphincter. A meta-analysis of the risk ratios estimated using data from the selected studies was performed. In all, 21 studies were identified, including three randomised controlled trials. The overall analysis of comparative studies showed that PR improved early continence recovery at 3-7, 30, and 90 days after catheter removal, while the continence rate at 180 days was statistically but not clinically affected. Statistically significantly lower anastomotic leakage rates were described after PR. There were no significant differences for positive surgical margins rates or for complications such as acute urinary retention and bladder neck stricture. The analysis confirms the benefits at 30 days after catheter removal already discussed in the review published in 2012, but also shows a significant advantage in terms of urinary continence recovery in the first 90 days. A multicentre prospective randomised controlled trial is currently being conducted in several institutions around the world to better assess the effectiveness of PR in facilitating an earlier recovery of postoperative urinary continence.

Use of Soft Penile Prosthesis in Grafting Surgery for Peyronie's Disease and Mild Erectile Dysfunction: Still an Option?

BACKGROUND: Plaque incision and grafting (PEG) is a primary surgical therapy for severe penile curvature in Peyronie's disease (PD); However, it can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly in patients with pre-operative mild ED. Soft penile prosthesis (SPP) implantation is a viable treatment option in such cases. This study aims to compare the outcomes of PEG-only approach to PEG plus SPP implantation. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2019, 32 patients with PD and mild ED (5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function scores: 17-21) underwent PEG surgery. Two groups were defined based on the surgery type: PEG-only and PEG plus SPP. The long-term outcomes included correction of penile bending, erection quality, intercourse ability, penile length and sensitivity. The overall satisfaction and impact of surgery on sexual activity and quality of life were also assessed. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients, 13 (40.6%) underwent PEG-only surgery, whereas 19 (59.4%) underwent PEG plus SPP. No significant differences were noted between the groups regarding pre-operative characteristics (all p > 0.1) or intra- and post-operative complication rates (all p > 0.2). The median patch area was larger in the PEG-only group (28 cm2 vs. 16.2 cm2; p = 0.001), whereas patients in the PEG plus SPP group were more likely to receive a single patch implant (100% vs. 53.8%; p < 0.001). The penile length increased in 18 patients (61.6%), with significant differences between the two groups (30% vs. 81.2%; p = 0.03). Overall, 14 patients (53.8%) reported greater satisfaction with their sexual life post-operatively, with comparable rates between the groups (p = 0.2). No significant differences were found in the post-operative 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function scores or severe post-operative ED (all p > 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: SPP placement during corporoplasty in patients with mild ED is safe and feasible, and it may be a suitable option for patients uncertain about inflatable prosthesis placement. The use of SPP resulted in longer penile lengths and necessitated smaller grafts. However, further data are required to understand the long-term clinical implications of this approach.

Is imaging accurate enough to detect index lesion in prostate cancer? Analysis of the performance of MRI and other imaging modalities.

Prostate imaging techniques have progressed across the years allowing for a better detection and characterization of prostate cancer (PCa) lesions. These advancements have led to the possibility to also improve and tailor the treatments on the most aggressive lesion, defined as Index Lesion (IL), to reduce morbidity. The IL is, indeed, considered as the entity which encompass the most aggressive features in prostate cancer disease. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has emerged as the suggested tool to detect the disease and plan treatments, including those under investigation such as focal therapy (FT). Our review aimed to query the literature on the ability of mpMRI in IL detection and to explore the future perspectives in PCa IL diagnosis. A review of the literature was performed from January 2010 to July 2023. All studies investigating the performance of mpMRI and other main imaging techniques able to detect the IL were assessed and evaluated. mpMRI performs well in the detection of IL with a sensitivity which reaches 71% to 94% among the different studies. However, mpMRI seems to have limited sensitivity in the detection of small tumours (<0.5 mL) and low-grade histology lesions. To overcome these limitations other diagnostic imaging techniques have been proposed. Multiparametric Ultrasound has shown results comparable to mpMRI while detecting 4.3% fewer clinically significant PCa (P=0.042). Positron emission tomography-based modalities using PSMA seems to have higher sensitivity than mpMRI, being able to yield from 13.5% to 18.2% additional cancers. MRI has emerged as the recommended tool since most of the IL can be easily identified, and is the imaging of choice while selecting patients for FT. Other imaging modalities has been proposed to improve PCa lesions detection, but results need to be confirmed by ongoing randomized controlled trial.

Analysis of the Application of the Micrometric Substaging System to Predict Recurrence and Progression in a Cohort of Patients with pT1 High-Grade Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) classification system for bladder cancer (BC) advocates for the substaging of pT1 disease, which may improve the prediction of cancer recurrence and progression. This study aims to evaluate the application and prognostic significance of a micrometric substaging system, utilising a 1 mm cut-off depth of invasion in patients with pT1 BC. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients diagnosed with pT1 High-Grade Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) at our institution. Lamina propria infiltration was categorised using a 1 mm cut-off to differentiate between Focal (<1 mm) or Extended (≥1 mm) disease, dividing the patients into Focal and Extended groups. RESULTS: The study included 114 patients, with a median (Interquartile Range (IQR)) age of 78 (71-87) and a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of 6 (5-7). The median follow-up was 33 (20-53) months. Of these, 56 patients (49.0%) were classified as having focal invasive, while 58 (51.0%) had Extended invasion. Demographic and pathological characteristics were evenly distributed between the two groups without significant differences (p > 0.05). However, Extended disease was more prevalent at initial diagnosis (Odds Ratio (OR) 5.44, p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis identified a first diagnosis of BC, pathological Grade 3 (G3), presence of Carcinoma in situ (CIS) and residual tumour at second resection as independent predictors of Extended pT1. Recurrence rates, progression rates and cancer-specific mortality were 41.2%, 5.3% and 1.8%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the Focal and Extended groups in 3-year recurrence-free (58.9% vs 63.8%, p = 0.654), progression-free (92.9% vs 96.5%, p = 0.270) and cancer-specific survival (100% vs 98.3%, p = 0.425) rates. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective, single-centre study, substaging by depth of invasion did not predict recurrence, progression or cancer-specific mortality in patients with pT1 NMIBC. The initial diagnosis of pT1 BC, presence of G3, CIS and residual tumour at the second resection were identified as independent predictors of Extended pT1.

Analysis of the Performance and Accuracy of a PSA and PSA Ratio-Based Nomogram to Predict the Probability of Prostate Cancer in a Cohort of Patients with PIRADS 3 Findings at Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: PIRADS score 3 represents a challenge in prostate cancer (PCa) detection with MRI. Our study aimed to evaluate the application of a nomogram on a cohort of patients with PIRADS 3. METHODS: We analyzed 286 patients undergoing fusion prostate biopsy from January 2020 to February 2024. Only PIRADS 3 patients were included. Two nomograms, previously developed and based on clinical variables such as age, total PSA (specifically 2-10 ng/mL) and PSA ratio were applied to estimate the probability (Nomograms A and B) for PCa Grade Group (GG) > 3 and GG < 3. RESULTS: Out of the 70 patients available for analysis, 14/70 patients (20%) had PCa, 4/14 were GG 1 (28.6%), 1/14 were GG 2 (7.1%), 5/14 were GG 3 (35.8%), 2/14 were GG 4 (14.3%) and 2/14 were GG 5 (14.3%). The median probability of PCa GG > 3 and GG < 3 was 5% and 33%, respectively. A significant difference (p = 0.033) was found between patients with negative versus positive biopsy for Nomogram B. There was a significant difference (p = 0.029) for Nomogram B comparing patients with GG < 3 and GG > 3. Using a cut-off of 40% for Nomogram B, sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort has a low probability of harboring PCa especially ISUP > 3. Nomogram B has good accuracy for discriminating patients with PCa from those with negative biopsy.

Salicylic acid for the treatment of melasma: new acquisitions for monitoring the clinical improvement.

OBJECTIVE: The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and the Melasma Severity Score (MSS) are calculated on the basis of only a subjective clinical assessment. This raises the need to have an objective score, uniform in the evaluation by different clinicians. The purpose of this study was to establish if the images by Canfield Reveal Imager can be correlated to MASI score to better evaluate the clinical efficacy of salicylic acid 33% peeling in the treatment of melasma respect to the clinical observation. METHODS: The study was a voluntary observational study. Twenty female patients affected with melasma, aged between 30 and 60 years, were included in the study. Treatment with salicylic acid 33% was performed once a month, for a total of four times. The dermatologist (Doc A) examined each patient's melasma areas using MASI score, at the face-to-face observation and at Reveal images evaluation during the first (T0) and the end point time (T4). Digital photographs were also evaluated by another experienced dermatologist (Doc B), who has never seen clinically the patients before and who evaluated MASI score by Reveal images at time T0 and T4. RESULTS: Student's t-test and linear regression test were performed, showing statistically significant values comparing MASI score obtained by digital photo and MASI score obtained clinically. CONCLUSION: The monitoring of the improvement by Reveal images can optimize the treatment approach and the efficacy of same dermocosmetics procedures can be revised following standard criteria.

Melanoma of glans penis and urethra: A case report and systematic review of the literature of a rare and complex neoplasm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the features and prognosis of melanoma of glans penis and urethra, with the presentation of a significant case report. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using the MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane Libraries databases to identify all cases of male mucosal melanoma reported. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-two patients with male mucosal primary melanoma were found. Glans penis and fossa navicularis as primary site includes the 81.6% of all lesions considered. Median Breslow's depth is 2.1 mm, whereas nine in situ melanomas have been reported. At the diagnosis, the disease was at a non-localized stage in 21.4% for glans penis melanomas and 11.7% urethral lesions, respectively. The 2 and 5-year survival for glans melanoma is 62.5% and 38.4%; higher rates were observed in the 2012-2020 period (76% and 58.8%, respectively). Two-year survival for urethral melanomas is 66.7%, while 5-year survival is 12.5%. 22 patients survived over 5 years with a Breslow's depth reported always < 3.3 mm. CONCLUSION: Melanoma of the glans penis and urethra is a rare neoplasm associated with a poor prognosis, however recent reports show higher survival rates. Surgery remains the mainstay for a localized disease. Taking into account the small number of cases reported, topical imiquimod seems to be a valid non-surgical alterative for melanoma in situ. The use of immunotherapy and targeted therapy should be considered only in an adjuvant setting according to the recommendations of cutaneous melanoma; however, additional clinical data on male mucosal melanoma are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Single-Use Flexible Ureteroscopes: How Difficult Is It Today to Stay Up to Date? A Pictorial Review of Instruments Available in Europe in 2023.

The invention of the flexible ureteroscope (fURS) and its subsequent spread have revolutionized the surgical management of urolithiasis and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). During the last few years, single-use flexible ureteroscopes (su-fURSs) have been developed to improve the limitations of reusable fURSs, namely their cost, durability and risk of device contamination. Since the introduction of the first fully disposable digital fURS, several su-fURSs have been developed by various manufacturers. In this pictorial review, we combined the different physical and technical features of su-fURSs currently available on the market with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Conformity (CE) approval, in order to help surgeons choose the appropriate device according to each case requirement and personal preferences. To the best of our knowledge, 17 su-fURSs with CE and FDA approval have been developed to date.

Ischaemic Priapism: A Complication of Self-Administered Hyaluronic Acid Gel as an Injectable Filler for Penile Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) gel has emerged as a widely used soft tissue filler for surgeries. In penile reconstructive surgery, HA gel has been employed for penile or glans augmentation in selected patients diagnosed with micropenis. This augmentation technique involves injecting the gel into submucosal tissue and increasing the size of the penis for approximately 1 year. A few studies have investigated the possible complications correlated with medically assisted penile injections of HA gel. However, no previous reports have shown the complications of self-administered HA injection. This case report aims to present the first documented case of ischaemic priapism as a complication of self-administered HA injection. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 43-year-old male who self-administered a 20 mL injection of HA into the dorsal side of his penis. The injected material probably reached the corpora cavernosa, leading to priapism within a few hours. However, the patient did not seek medical attention until 72 h later. The first two initial conservative attempts of blood drainage were unsuccessful because the gel had obstructed vein drainage, causing the penis to remain in a state of priapism. The final treatment approach involved shunting, high enoxaparin doses and oral Effortil administration. CONCLUSIONS: While complications from medically assisted HA injections have been documented, this case report sheds light on the complications arising from self-administered penile injections. Priapism is a severe medical condition that requires immediate treatment to avoid potentially serious long-term consequences. Healthcare providers and patients must acknowledge its symptoms and its appropriate course of treatment, especially in the context of penile medical injections.

Ten-year experience with penile prosthetic surgery for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: outcomes of a tertiary referral center and predictors of early prosthetic infection.

We aimed to evaluate ten-year outcomes of penile prosthesis (PP) implantation for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and to assess predictors of early prosthetic infection (EPI). We identified 549 men who underwent 576 PP placements between 2008 and 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify potential predictors of EPI. An EPI predictive nomogram was developed. Thirty-five (6.1%) cases of EPI were recorded with an explant rate of 3.1%. In terms of satisfaction, 82.0% of the patients defined themselves as "satisfied," while partner's satisfaction was 88.3%. Diabetes (P = 0.012), longer operative time (P = 0.032), and reinterventions (P = 0.048) were associated with EPI risk, while postoperative ciprofloxacin was inversely associated with EPI (P = 0.014). Rifampin/gentamicin-coated 3-piece inflatable PP (r/g-c 3IPP) showed a higher EPI risk (P = 0.019). Multivariate analyses showed a two-fold higher risk of EPI in diabetic patients, redo surgeries, or when a r/g-c 3IPP was used (all P < 0.03). We showed that diabetes, longer operative time, and secondary surgeries were the risk factors for EPI. Postoperative ciprofloxacin was associated with a reduced risk of EPI, while r/g-c 3IPP had higher EPI rates without an increased risk of PP explant. After further validation, the proposed nomogram could be a useful tool for the preoperative counseling of PP implantation.

Immediate insertion of a soft penile prosthesis as a new option for a safe and cost-effective treatment of refractory ischemic priapism.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the management of refractory ischemic priapism (IP) by the immediate insertion of a soft penile prosthesis (sPP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified men affected by IP who underwent early sPP placement from May 2017 to October 2019. All patients underwent a detailed medical history review; intraoperative, postoperative features and adverse events were recorded. We evaluated the penile lengthening and bending, presence of complementary erection, ability to have sexual intercourse, postoperative sexual life satisfaction (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF] questionnaire - question number 5). A cost-analysis was included. RESULTS: A total of six patients were identified. Median time (range) since onset was 78 (48-108) hours with a mean age (SD) of 33 (6.9) years. Median operative time (range) was 82 minutes (62-180). No complications were recorded. Median follow- up was 9 months (range 3-17). No significant loss of penile length, neither penile angulation was recorded. Despite a transient reduction of penile sensitivity, all patients reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (mean score question number 5 from IIEF-5 of 4). The cost of sPP was € 1769,00 with a surgeryrelated reimbursement fee from the National Health System of € 3856,75. CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of a sPP for patients with refractory IP results in immediate pain relief, preservation of sexual function and penile size, with a higher surgery reproducibility in an emergency. In addition to this, financial and resource burdens of IP on the health-care system can be potentially reduced.

The evolution in the surgical management of Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is due to a fibrotic alteration of the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is responsible of penile pain, angulation, and possible erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite almost three centuries have passed since the first description of the disease, etiology still remains uncertain. This fact has led to the lack of a truly effective medical therapy and to date the surgical treatment, although not yet standardized, is the only one that offers acceptable outcomes in terms of function and overall patient's satisfaction. Since the beginning of the surgical experience in this field, two different currents of thought have developed: the first, involved the proposal of a number of different plication techniques, applied on the healthy side of the penis, opposite to the sick side, with the sole purpose of correcting the curvature; on the other side, efforts have focused on treating the "focus" of the disease, thus developing the so called "plaque surgery." If with the passing of the decades neither of the two "philosophical" currents has prevailed, this probably depends on the fact that is still not clear which is the lesser of evils: the frequent onset of ED which may follows the plaque surgery or rather the penis shortening that inevitably occurs if any technique of plication has been applied. Our contribution aims to offer an historical retrospective of the surgical treatment of this disease as well as to discuss the latest international guidelines on this topic. The reader will also find some notes about our personal experience in this field.

Italian experiences in the management of andrological patients at the time of Coronavirus pandemic.

The SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) was first reported in December 2019, then its rapid spread around the world caused a global pandemic in March 2020 recording a high death rate. The epicenter of the victims moved from Asia to Europe and then to the United States. In this Pandemic, the different governance mechanisms adopted by local health regional authorities made the difference in terms of contagiousness and mortality together with a community strong solidarity. This document analyzes the andrological urgencies management in public hospitals and in private practice observed in Italy and in particular in the most affected Italian Regions: Emilia-Romagna and Marche.

Haemophilus urethritis in males: A series of 30 cases.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Pathogens such as Haemophilus spp. have been associated with non-gonococcal urethritis, but their role is unproven. To describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes in male patients diagnosed with Haemophilus spp. urethritis. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study of all patients who presented to our hospital (in either the emergency department or the outpatient clinic) between July 2016 and April 2018 in whom Haemophilus spp. was isolated in the urethral samples. We enrolled 30 men with Haemophilus spp.-positive urethritis, including coinfections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Clinical, laboratory, demographic, and behavioral data were obtained by reviewing medical histories. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 36.6 years (range 21-87). Seventeen patients (63%) reported being exclusively heterosexual. Three patients (10%) were HIV infected, all of them with an undetectable viral load. The most common clinical presentation was mucopurulent urethral discharge, in 13 patients (43%). The antibiotic treatment achieved a complete clinical resolution in 73%. CONCLUSIONS: Haemophilus urethritis affected men regardless of their sexual orientation or HIV status. Unprotected oral sex may play a role in its transmission. The limitations of the study preclude verification of the pathogenic role of Haemophilus spp. in acute urethritis, but clinical response after antibiotic treatment suggests that Haemophilus spp. can play such a role.

Repair of a rectovesical fistula following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with Martius fat pad flap interposition: a proposal of a new technique.

Rectovesical fistula (RVF) is defined as an abnormal communication between the rectum and the urinary bladder, most commonly after an iatrogenic injury during pelvic surgery. Patients with RVF may have various clinical presentations, ranging from fecaluria, pneumaturia, to urine leakage through the anus. The quality of life for patients with this pathology is adversely affected owing to the associated psychological burden. Surgery is the preferred treatment given the low success rates reported for conservative or minimally invasive approaches. Herein, we present a case of a 65-year-old man with RVF after radical prostatectomy successfully treated by a transperineal approach using a modified Martius procedure.