Unveiling the Hidden Perils: A Comprehensive Review of Fungal Infections in Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery.

Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), but infections pose a significant threat to its success. Current guidelines lack antifungal recommendations, despite rising fungal infection rates post-IPP surgery. This review examines epidemiology, risk factors (including diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, and obesity), and pathogenesis, highlighting the role of biofilm formation in device contamination. Clinical manifestations vary from acute to delayed, with fungal biofilms presenting challenges in diagnosis. Prophylactic strategies, including broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungals, are crucial, with evidence suggesting a 92% reduction in infections. With fungal infections showing lower salvage rates, management involves culture-guided treatment, irrigation, and oral antibiotics. Future research aims to understand biofilm mechanisms and develop biomaterials to reduce infection rates. Implementing antifungal therapy, along with standard practices like the no-touch technique and antibiotic dips, is crucial in preventing IPP infections.

Thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate: a systematic review of the current outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: One recent addition to different lasers used for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate is the thulium fiber laser (TFL). The purpose of this systematic review is to present the feasibility, safety and efficacy of TFL Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuFLEP). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: PubMed®, Scopus® and Cochrane® primary databases were systematically screened. The search strategy used the PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) criteria. Patients should be adults with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) undergoing ThuFLEP. While comparative studies reporting comparison of ThuFLEP to other BPO treatments were included, cohort studies with no comparison group were also accepted. Outcomes including enucleation time and complication rates were reported. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies met all the predefined criteria and were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Mean operative time and enucleation time ranged from 46.6±10.2 to 104.5±33.6 and from 38.8±17.9 to 66.0±24.9 minutes, respectively. Most of the complications were Grade I or Grade II ones. Although TFL was found to present some advantages over older BPO treatments, its outcomes were comparable with other endoscopic enucleation approaches. CONCLUSIONS: ThuFLEP seems to be a feasible, safe and efficient approach for BPO symptoms management. Limited evidence showed that although ThuFLEP was associated with a reduced total operative time, it was also associated with worse IPSS improvement at 1-year follow-up, when compared with MOSESTM Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP). These findings confirm the well-established opinion that the enucleation technique itself is more important than the technology which is used.

Assessment of stone ablation rate using the Moses technology modes with different energy and pulse settings: An experimental study.

Objectives: To compare lithotripsy ablation rate with the Moses modes versus conventional pulse modes when using the Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser. Methods: The Lumenis® Pulse P120H Holmium Laser System and a 365 µm Moses D/F/L fiber were used to assess stone ablation rate in conventional Short and Long Pulse as well as Moses Contact and Distance at 10 W (0.5Jx20Hz and 2Jx5Hz) and 60 W (1Jx60Hz and 2Jx30Hz). Hard and soft phantom stones were formed, and all tests were conducted in a custom experimental configuration installed in a saline-filled bath. The laser was delivered up to 3 kJ of total energy. The fragmentation pattern was assessed via photographs in each cohort. Results: The time to reach the target energy was 5 min and 50 s in all 10 W and 60 W trials, respectively. In both stone types, ablation was more effective when high-power, high-energy and Moses Distance was utilized. In soft stones, the lowest ablation rate was detected in the Long Pulse modality in all power, energy and frequency settings. Overall, when dusting settings (high-frequency, low-energy) were used, a deeper single cavitation was observed rather than small cavitations. Conclusions: The most effective pulse modality as evaluated via stone ablation rate depends on the stone hardness as well as energy and frequency settings. In both hard and soft stones, ablation is more effective when 60 W (2Jx30Hz) power settings and Moses Distance are used. Tailored laser settings in terms of energy and frequency could be set for each case scenario.

High-power Holmium:Yag lithotripsy in bladder urolithiasis: Is it safe and effective? A combined clinical and experimental study.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Holmium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser in bladder lithotripsy using high-power settings > 100 W. Materials and Methods: A combined experimental and clinical study was conducted. The Quanta Cyber: Ho 150 with a 550 µm Quanta optical fiber was utilized in all set-ups. Ablation rates for soft and hard artificial stones were tested in vitro using 100 W and 20 W power settings. In the experiment, a porcine bladder was used. The optical fiber was inserted through a rigid cystoscope, whilst a K-type thermocouple was inserted in the bladder dome. The tested high-power settings were 152 W, 120 W and 105 W. In every trial, the lasing time was over 60 s. In the clinical study, 35 patients underwent transurethral high-power bladder lithotripsy. Laser settings were set between 100 W and 150 W. Results: Stone mass (stone weight) was significantly lower after stone ablation independently of the stone type or the laser settings. Significantly higher mass decrease and ablation rate were detected in high-power compared to low-power settings. In the experiment, the highest temperature recorded was 32°C at 152 W. At 120 W and 105 W, the peak temperatures didn't reach 30°C. In the clinical study, a stone-free rate of 100% and a mean operative time of 43 ± 18 min were reported. All patients stayed in the hospital for one day except for one who presented minor hematuria. Additional complications did not occur. Conclusion: Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy > 100 W is an effective, fast and safe modality for the treatment of bladder calculi.

Predictive Value of the Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) Score in Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomies: A Systematic Review from the EAU Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT).

The Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) score is a radiographic scoring system that predicts the presence of adherent perinephric fat (APF) during partial nephrectomies (PNs). The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the current literature on the application of the MAP score for predicting intraoperative difficulties related to APF and complications in laparoscopic PNs. Three databases, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane, were screened, from inception to 29 October 2023, taking into consideration the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. All the inclusion criteria were met by eight studies. The total operative time was around two hours in most studies, while the warm ischemia time was <30 min in all studies and <20 min in four studies. Positive surgical margins, conversion and transfusion rates ranged from 0% to 6.3%, from 0% to 5.0% and from 0.7% to 7.5%, respectively. Finally, the majority of the complications were classified as Grade I-II, according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification System. The MAP score is a useful tool for predicting not only the presence of APF during laparoscopic PNs but also various intraoperative and postoperative characteristics. It was found to be significantly associated with an increased operative time, estimated blood loss and intraoperative and postoperative complication rates.

Review on the Role of BRCA Mutations in Genomic Screening and Risk Stratification of Prostate Cancer.

(1) Background: Somatic and germline alterations can be commonly found in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The aim of our present study was to perform a comprehensive review of the current literature in order to examine the impact of BRCA mutations in the context of PCa as well as their significance as genetic biomarkers. (2) Methods: A narrative review of all the available literature was performed. Only "landmark" publications were included. (3) Results: Overall, the number of PCa patients who harbor a BRCA2 mutation range between 1.2% and 3.2%. However, BRCA2 and BRCA1 mutations are responsible for most cases of hereditary PCa, increasing the risk by 3-8.6 times and up to 4 times, respectively. These mutations are correlated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Gene testing should be offered to patients with metastatic PCa, those with 2-3 first-degree relatives with PCa, or those aged < 55 and with one close relative with breast (age ≤ 50 years) or invasive ovarian cancer. (4) Conclusions: The individualized assessment of BRCA mutations is an important tool for the risk stratification of PCa patients. It is also a population screening tool which can guide our risk assessment strategies and achieve better results for our patients and their families.

Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate with Thulium Fiber Laser (ThuFLEP). A retrospective single-center study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present, retrospective study was to describe our initial experience and early outcomes of Thulium Fiber Laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) with the use of the FiberDust™ (Quanta System, Samarate, Italy) in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. METHODS: From June 2022 to April 2023, all patients who underwent endoscopic enucleation of the prostate at Urology Department of the University Hospital of Patras were included. A single surgeon utilizing the same standardized operative technique performed all the surgeries. The primary endpoints included the uneventful completion of the operation, the surgical time and any minor or major complication observed intra- or post-operatively. RESULTS: Twenty patients with benign prostate hyperplasia were treated with ThuFLEP. All the surgeries were completed successfully and uneventfully. The enucleation phase of the operation was completed in a mean time of 45±9.1 min, while the average time needed for the morcellation was 17.65±3.42 min. No significant complications were observed intra- or post-operatively. The average hemoglobin drop was calculated to be 0.94±0.71 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS: All the operations were successfully and efficiently completed with the use of the FiberDust™ (Quanta System, Samarate, Italy) in ThuFLEP. Significant blood loss or major complications were not observed.

The Immunohistochemical Expression of REV-7 in Various Human Cancer Pathology Specimens: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize all existing evidence, regarding the immunohistochemical expression of REV-7 in different human cancer pathology specimens. Moreover, the association of REV-7 expression with disease severity (clinical course), patients' survival, prognosis, and response to various treatments, such as chemotherapy and irradiation, was investigated. Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane) were systematically screened, from inception to September 2, 2023, as suggested by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Only studies using immunohistochemical staining for REV-7 in paraffin-embedded cancer tissues were included. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final qualitative synthesis. All nine studies were retrospective and non-comparative ones. Selected studies reported immunohistochemical expression of REV-7 in different types of cancer, including testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, esophagus squamous cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer. High REV-7 expression was associated with faster disease progression, resistance to available treatment options, and worse prognosis in the majority of included studies. These results indicate that immunohistochemical staining of REV-7 protein could potentially be used as a predictive tissue marker in certain cases. Promising results, arising from REV-7 inactivation experiments, render REV-7 targeting a potential therapeutic strategy for future cancer management, especially in the cases of chemoresistant or radioresistant disease.

IDEAL-D Phase 0 Evaluation of the Avatera System in Robot-Assisted Prostate, Bladder and Renal Surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the utilization of novel Avatera system in urological operations according to the IDEAL-D framework recommendations for high-risk invasive surgical devices. Materials and Methods: Three surgeons attempted to perform 23 upper and lower urinary tract operations on human cadavers and in live porcine models using the Avatera system. Total operative time and the duration of the substeps were evaluated. Surgical performance was assessed with the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) score. Suturing was rated using the technical checklist for the assessment of suturing in robotic surgery. Attending surgeons rated their satisfaction with the Avatera system on a scale of 1-5. Results and Limitation: Seventeen out of 18 operations performed on cadavers were completed, while one pyeloplasty was discontinued. All five operations performed in porcine models were completed. Although 1 pig was euthanized on the fifth postoperative day, its symptoms were unrelated to surgery. Mean GEARS and Suturing scores in the upper urinary tract were 29 ± 0.7 and 29.5 ± 0.95, respectively, and in the lower urinary 28.5 ± 1.2 and 29.5 ± 0.5, respectively. Surgeons' satisfaction was high or very high for all procedures. Conclusions: The Avatera system was associated with good surgical performance and high surgeons' satisfaction rates. All urological procedures performed were shown to be feasible, with comparable risks to other robot-assisted surgery systems.

Predictive tissue markers in testicular germ cell tumors: Immunohistochemical expression of MLH1 and REV-7 proteins.

PURPOSE: Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignancies in young adult men. Regardless of differences in their cell of origin, all TGCTs are considered highly curable malignancies. However, approximately 3-5% of all TGCTs do not respond to platinum-based chemotherapies. The purpose of our paper is to investigate whether immunohistochemical expression of MLH1 and REV-7 can be used as predictive tissue markers for TGCTs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of 64 male patients with TGCTs who underwent orchiectomy from 2007 to 2022 were retrospectively obtained from two large Oncology Clinics in Greece. Both patients with chemosensitive and chemoresistant disease were included. Immunohistochemical staining for MLH1 and REV-7 proteins was applied in specimens of these patients. RESULTS: 31 seminomas and 33 non-seminomas were included. 48 patients had chemosensitive disease, while 16 had chemoresistant disease. 53 specimens showed preserved MLH1 expression, while 11 specimens had lost MLH1 expression. Expression of MLH1 was only significantly associated with patients' age. 16 specimens showed positive REV-7 expression, while 48 specimens were REV-7 negative. Interestingly, 50% of patients with chemoresistant disease and 16,7% of patients with chemosensitive disease were REV-7 positive. This difference was statistically significant. Moreover, REV-7 positivity was significantly associated with chemoresistance, various clinicopathological parameters and patients' prognosis and survival. CONCLUSION: Loss of MLH1 expression was only found to be significantly associated with lower patients' age. Positive immunohistochemical REV-7 expression was significantly associated with various clinicopathological parameters, while it was also associated with significantly lower survival and greater hazard. REV-7 positive percentages were significantly higher in patients with chemoresistant disease. Our findings imply that immunohistochemical staining for REV-7 could potentially be used as a predictive tissue marker for TGCT tumors. Moreover, targeting of REV-7 protein, could represent a potential therapeutic strategy for chemoresistant TGCT cases. The implementation of well-designed studies on a larger scale is of utmost importance, in order to draw safer conclusions. Additional studies are needed so as to draw safer conclusions.

Nonpapillary Prone Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery (ECIRS): Five-Year Experience and Outcomes from a High-Volume Center.

Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) provides simultaneous retrograde and percutaneous access to the upper urinary tract. The purpose of this study is to present revised data, tips and tricks, and technique modifications arising from our five-year experience with ECIRS. The data of 62 patients who underwent nonpapillary prone ECIRS from January 2019 to November 2023 were prospectively collected. All cases were performed in the prone position. Inclusion criteria were complex stone cases with stones in multiple calyces requiring either multiple accesses or multiple sessions to achieve stone-free status. Patients' mean age was 54.4 ± 12.39 years, while the mean stone size was 39.03 ± 13.93 mm. The mean operative time was 51.23 ± 17.75 min. Primary and final stone-free rates were 83.8% and 90.3%, respectively. In total, nine patients presented with postoperative complications, which were all Grade II ones. The holmium-YAG laser type during retrograde lithotripsy was associated with significantly shorter operative times compared to the thulium fiber laser. Nonpapillary prone ECIRS is a feasible, safe, and efficient approach for patients with specific stone and anatomy characteristics. The implementation of more, higher-evidence studies is of utmost importance so that safer conclusions can be drawn.

How long do we need to reach sufficient expertise with the avatera® robotic system?

PURPOSE: To investigate the learning curve in four basic surgical skills in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, and evaluate the approximate time needed to reach sufficient expertise in performing these tasks with the avatera® system. METHODS: Twenty urology residents with no previous experience in dry-lab and robotic surgery were asked to complete four basic laparoscopic tasks (peg transfer, circle cutting, needle guidance, and suturing) laparoscopically and robotically. All participants were asked to complete the tasks first after watching the Uroweb educational material and, second, after undertaking a 2-hour training in robotic and laparoscopic dry-lab. Thereafter, all trainees continued to undertake 2-hour training programs until being able to complete the tasks with the avatera® robot at the desired time. Paired t test and one-way ANOVA test were used to analyze time differences between the groups. RESULTS: Time needed to complete all tasks either robotically or laparoscopically was significantly less in the second compared to the first attempt for all Groups in each Task. In the robotic dry-lab, time needed to complete the tasks was significantly less than in the laparoscopic dry-lab. A significant effect of previous laparoscopic experience of the participants on the training time needed to achieve most of the goal times was detected. CONCLUSION: The results of the study highlight the role of previous laparoscopic experience in the training time needed to achieve the performance time goals and demonstrate that the learning curve of basic surgical skills using the avatera® system is steeper than the laparoscopic one.

Salvage holmium laser enucleation of the prostate after previous interventions: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the re-treatment setting (salvage HoLEP) and compare it to the primary HoLEP procedure that is commonly used for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were systematically screened, from inception to 8 August 2022. Other potentially eligible studies were retrieved using the reference lists of the included studies. Retrospective and prospective studies, both comparative and non-comparative, were included. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final qualitative synthesis. One study was prospective comparative (non-randomised), seven studies were retrospective comparative, and four studies were retrospective non-comparative or case series. In total, 831 patients were treated with salvage HoLEP in the above studies. Previous intervention before salvage HoLEP ranged among studies. The most commonly performed was transurethral resection of the prostate. Intraoperative parameters of salvage HoLEP were comparable with those reported during primary HoLEP, while all postoperative outcomes were significantly improved after salvage HoLEP and were similar with those observed after primary HoLEP. No major complications were noted after salvage HoLEP according to Clavien-Dindo classification. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage HoLEP after previous interventions for treating recurrent or residual BPH is a feasible, safe, and efficient procedure. Data presented in selected studies, along with the holmium laser's physical properties to resect more tissue and to dissect along the true anatomical plane of BPH, render HoLEP an ideal salvage treatment modality for recurrent or residual BPH symptoms.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the avatera system™: a prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive, safe procedure preferred in the management of localized prostate cancer. In this study, we present our initial experience with the avatera™ system (avateramedical GmbH, Jena, Germany) in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A total of fourteen patients underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using this newly introduced system in our department from June 2022 to October 2022. The primary endpoints of the study were the time and the successful completion of the operation, the hemoglobin drop and the presence of complications. The pathologic tumor stage and the presence of positive surgical margins were also recorded. Follow-up of the patients for the functional outcomes over a period of 3 months took place. RESULTS: The completion of all the surgeries was successful. The median draping and docking times were 9.5 minutes (7-13) and 10 minutes (5-40), respectively. The median console time was 103.5 minutes (90-121). No conversion to laparoscopic or open prostatectomy was necessary. The median hemoglobin drop was 1.95 g/dL (0.3-2.7), while positive surgical margins were present in two patients postoperatively. No major complications or need for transfusion were noticed. Six months after the procedure, 78.6% of the participants were continent while 77.7% of the nerve-sparing patients reported erections adequate for intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: All the operations were completed successfully without major complications or significant blood loss. The functional outcomes were acceptable according to the literature. Based on the early outcomes, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with the avatera™ system (avateramedical GmbH) could be considered feasible, safe, and efficient.

Replicating Florence Intracorporeal Neobladder Technique in Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the feasibility of Florence robotic intracorporeal neobladder technique in laparoscopic radical cystectomy. METHODS: Fourteen patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy and Florence robotic intracorporeal neobladder between September 2021 and February 2023. Patients' characteristics, pathology data, perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and follow-up data were collected. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed laparoscopically. The median total operative time was 343 minutes, and the median estimated blood loss was 169.5 mL. No intraoperative complications were observed. The median hospitalization time was 7days, while the median time to regular diet was 3days. Clavien Dindo Grade < III complications appeared in five patients within 30days postoperation. No other complications were noted over the 90days follow-up. Organ-confined disease was confirmed in 11 patients and locally advanced disease in three patients. At 3months follow-up, eight and four patients were daytime and night-time continent, respectively. CONCLUSION: Replicating Florence robotic intracorporeal neobladder in laparoscopic radical cystectomy is safe, feasible, and repeatable, based on the encouraging perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes of our study. However, further prospective studies on a larger scale are required to prove its long-term results.

Sphincter preservation techniques during radical prostatectomies: Lessons learned.

Prolonged urinary incontinence represents one of the most severe complications after a radical prostatectomy procedure, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. In an attempt to ameliorate postprostatectomy continence rates, several sphincter preservation techniques have been reported. The purpose of this article is to report several different sphincter preservation techniques and identify the ones which affect postoperative outcomes the most. For our narrative review, PubMed was searched using the keywords "sphincter," "continence," "preservation," "techniques," and "prostatectomy." Other potentially eligible studies were identified using the reference lists of included studies. Sphincter preservation techniques can be summarized into bladder neck preservation, minimizing injury to the external urethral sphincter, and preserving the maximal length of the external sphincter and of the membranous urethra. Three anatomical structures must be recognized and protected in an attempt to maintain the sphincter complex: the bladder neck, the external urethral sphincter and the musculature of the membranous urethra. While there is strong evidence supporting the importance of bladder neck preservation, the role of maximal preservation of the external sphincter and of the intraprostatic part of the membranous urethra in improving continence rates has not yet been reported in a statistically significant manner by high-quality studies.

Feasibility study of a novel robotic system for transperitoneal partial nephrectomy: An in vivo experimental animal study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of partial nephrectomy with the use of the novel robotic system in an in vivo animal model. METHODS: Right partial nephrectomy was performed in female pigs by a surgical team consisting of one surgeon and one bedside assistant. Both were experienced in laparoscopic surgery and trained in the use of the novel robotic system. The partial nephrectomies were performed using four trocars (three trocars for the robotic arms and one as an assistant trocar). The completion of the operations, set-up time, operation time, warm ischemia time (WIT) and complication events were recorded. The decrease in all variables between the first and last operation was calculated. RESULTS: In total, eight partial nephrectomies were performed in eight female pigs. All operations were successfully completed. The median set-up time was 19.5 (range, 15-30) minutes, while the estimated median operative time was 80.5 minutes (range, 59-114). The median WIT was 23.5 minutes (range, 17-32) and intra- or postoperative complications were not observed. All variables decreased in consecutive operations. More precisely, the decrease in the set-up time was calculated to 15 minutes between the first and third attempts. The operative time was reduced by 55 minutes between the first and last operation, while the WIT was decreased by 15 minutes during the consecutive attempts. No complications were noticed in any operation. CONCLUSIONS: Using the newly introduced robotic system, all the advantages of robotic surgery are optimized and incorporated, and partial nephrectomies can be performed in a safe and effective manner.

Same-day catheter removal after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To summarize all existing evidence regarding the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of same-day trial of void and catheter removal after Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP). Although there have been many reports of the safety and efficacy of same-day discharge from the hospital for selected patients undergoing HoLEP, in most of these reports, patients return to the hospital, usually on postoperative day one, to undergo a trial of void and catheter removal. METHODS: PubMed®, Scopus®, and Cochrane® primary databases were systematically screened, from inception to 17 January 2023. The search strategy used the PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) Framework. We followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. RESULTS: Six studies met all the predefined criteria and were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Four studies were retrospective and two were prospective. Four studies were non-comparative, while two were comparative ones. The same-day catheter removal success rate ranged from 85.5 to 90% among studies, while only one grade-IIIb Clavien-Dindo complication was reported, which was unrelated to surgery. CONCLUSION: Same-day catheter removal is a feasible, safe, and efficient approach for selected patients undergoing HoLEP. Certain factors, such as intraoperative furosemide administration, were found to improve same-day catheter-free rates, while preoperative PVR and urinary retention were independent predictive factors of same-day trial of void failure.

A rare presentation of medullary thyroid cancer metastasis to the prostate in a patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B syndrome treated with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are rare and potentially malignant hereditary entities. Clinical manifestations of MEN 2B include medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, gastrointestinal ganglioneuromatosis, and musculoskeletal and ophthalmologic lesions. Metastases to the prostate from the cancers of other organs are extremely rare. There are only a few cases of metastases to the prostate gland, originating from medullary thyroid cancer, found in literature, especially associated with MEN 2B syndrome. In this case report, we present the extremely rare case of a 28-year-old patient, diagnosed with MEN 2B syndrome, with medullary thyroid cancer metastasis to the prostate. Although a few reports of medullary thyroid cancer metastasis into the prostate gland can be found in the literature, to our knowledge, this is the first case of a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy procedure performed as a metastasectomy to treat the prostatic metastasis. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, performed as a metastasectomy, for the treatment of metastatic cancer, is an extremely rare surgical indication with distinctive requirements and difficulties. The extraperitoneal access enables the realization of the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy procedure even in the cases of patients with a history of multiple intra-abdominal operations.

Association Between ERG/PTEN Genes and Pathologic Parameters of Prostate Cancer With an Emphasis on Gleason Score: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this article was to review the association between the ETS-related gene (ERG) and the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) genes with pathologic parameters of prostate cancer, emphasizing on Gleason score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a PubMed-based search of the literature emphasizing on articles that use pathological techniques, and especially on those that report the use immunohistochemical staining and FISH to investigate the association between ERG and PTEN mutations with the histopathologic parameters of prostate cancer. RESULTS: ERG expression is frequently marked in patients with prostate cancer, usually due to the occurrence of the TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion. Although some studies reported a potential link between the expression of ERG and Gleason score, there is no strong evidence supporting this finding. On the contrary, there is more solid evidence correlating loss of PTEN expression with worse prognosis and higher Gleason scores. Few studies correlate the over-expression of ERG gene with the loss of PTEN expression. Finally, PTEN and ERG have been studied as potential therapeutic targets, and several promising results have been reported. CONCLUSION: Although, at some degree, ERG expression seems to be associated with the morphological features of prostate cancer, different studies reported controversial results. However, expression of PTEN is more clearly associated with the pathology and clinical course of the disease. More research is required to elucidate the role of these molecules in the molecular pathology of prostate cancer, as well as their potential use as therapeutic targets.