Paraoxonase-2 shRNA-mediated gene silencing suppresses proliferation and migration, while promotes chemosensitivity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell lines.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) represents the most common subtype of renal tumor. Despite recent advances in identifying novel target molecules, the prognosis of patients with ccRCC continues to be poor, mainly due to the lack of sensitivity to chemo- and radiotherapy and because of one-third of renal cell carcinoma patients displays metastatic disease at diagnosis. Thus, identifying new molecules for early detection and for developing effective targeted therapies is mandatory. In this work, we focused on paraoxonase-2 (PON2), an intracellular membrane-bound enzyme ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, whose upregulation has been reported in a variety of malignancies, thus suggesting its possible role in cancer cell survival and proliferation. To investigate PON2 involvement in tumor cell metabolism, human ccRCC cell lines were transfected with plasmid vectors coding short harpin RNAs targeting PON2 transcript and the impact of PON2 silencing on cell viability, migration, and response to chemotherapeutic treatment was then explored. Our results showed that PON2 downregulation was able to trigger a decrease in proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells, as well as an enhancement of cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. Thus, taken together, data reported in this study suggest that the enzyme may represent an interesting therapeutic target for ccRCC.

Endoscopic intervention versus radical nephroureterectomy for the management of localized upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

OBJECTIVE: Localized Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is an uncommon cancer typically detected at an advanced stage. Currently, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with bladder cuff excision is the standard treatment for high-risk UTUC. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival and bladder recurrence rates in studies comparing endoscopic kidney-sparing surgeries (E-KSS) with RNU in localized UTUC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a literature search on 20th April 2023 through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The PICOS model was used for study inclusion: P: adult patients with localized UTUC; I: E-KSS. C: RNU; O: primary: overall survival (OS); secondary: cancer-specific survival (CSS), bladder recurrence rate, and metastasis-free survival (MFS). S: retrospective, prospective, and randomized studies. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 11 studies involving 2284 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis, 737 in the E-KSS group and 1547 in the RNU group. E-KSS showed a similar overall 5-year OS between E-KSS and RNU, and for low-grade tumors, while 5-year OS favored RNU for high-grade tumors (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.26-2.69, p = 0.002). No difference emerged for 5-year CSS between the two groups, even when the results were stratified for low- and high grade tumors. Bladder recurrence rate and 5-year MFS were also similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our review showed that E-KSS is a viable option for patients with localized UTUC with non-inferior oncological outcomes as compared with RNU, except for 5-year OS in high-grade tumors which favoured RNU.

Comparison of Perioperative, Functional, and Oncologic Outcomes of Open vs. Robot-Assisted Off-Clamp Partial Nephrectomy: A Propensity Scored Match Analysis.

Off-clamp partial nephrectomy represents one of the latest developments in nephron-sparing surgery, with the goal of preserving renal function and reducing ischemia time. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the functional, oncologic, and perioperative outcomes between off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (off-C RAPN) and off-clamp open partial nephrectomy (off-C OPN) through a propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis. A 1:1 PSM analysis was used to balance variables potentially affecting postoperative outcomes. To report surgical quality, 1 year trifecta was used. Univariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of trifecta achievement. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) probabilities between groups. Overall, 542 patients were included. After PSM analysis, two homogeneous cohorts of 147 patients were obtained. The off-C RAPN cohort experienced shorter length of stay (LoS) (3.4 days vs. 5.4 days; p < 0.001), increased likelihoods of achieving 1 year trifecta (89.8% vs. 80.3%; p = 0.03), lower postoperative Clavien-Dindo ≤ 2 complications (1.3% vs. 18.3%, p < 0.001), and lower postoperative transfusion rates (3.4% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.008). At univariable analysis, the surgical approach (off-C RAPN vs. off-C OPN, OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.09-4.46, p = 0.02) was the only predictor of 1 year trifecta achievement. At Kaplan-Meier analysis, no differences were observed between the two groups in terms of OS (log-rank p = 0.451), CSS (log-rank p = 0.476), DFS (log-rank p = 0.678), and MFS (log-rank p = 0.226). Comparing RAPN and OPN in a purely off-clamp scenario, the minimally invasive approach proved to be a feasible and safe surgical approach, with a significantly lower LoS and minor rate of postoperative complications and transfusions as a result of improved surgical quality expressed by higher 1 year trifecta achievement.

Evaluating the Safety of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS): Intra- and Early Postoperative Complications in Patients Enrolled in the Global Multicentre Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcome Registry (FLEXOR).

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of the most common intra- and early postoperative complications following RIRS in a large series of patients with kidney stones. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with kidney stones who underwent RIRS across 21 centers from January 2018 to August 2021, as part of the Global Multicenter Flexible Ureteroscopy Outcome (FLEXOR) Registry. RESULTS: Among 6669 patients undergoing RIRS, 4.5% experienced intraoperative pelvicalyceal system bleeding without necessitating blood transfusion. Only 0.1% of patients, required a blood transfusion. The second most frequent intraoperative complication was ureteric injury due to the ureteral access sheath requiring stenting (1.8% of patients). Postoperatively, the most prevalent early complications were fever/infections requiring antibiotics (6.3%), blood transfusions (5.5%), and sepsis necessitating intensive care unit admission (1.3%). In cases of ureteric injury, a notably higher percentage of patients exhibited multiple stones and stone(s) in the lower pole, and these cases were correlated with prolonged lasing and overall surgical time. Hematuria requiring a blood transfusion was associated with an increased prevalence of larger median maximum stone diameters, particularly among patients with stones exceeding 20 mm. Furthermore, these cases exhibited a significant prolongation in surgical time. Sepsis necessitating admission to the intensive care unit was more prevalent among the elderly, concomitant with a significantly larger median maximum stone diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis showed that RIRS has a good safety profile but bleeding requiring transfusions, ureteric injury, fever, and sepsis are still the most common complications despite advancements in technology.

Comparison Between Holmium:YAG Laser with MOSES Technology vs Thulium Fiber Laser Lithotripsy in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for Kidney Stones in Adults: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis From the FLEXible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry.

PURPOSE: We evaluated stone-free rate and complications after flexible ureteroscopy for renal stones, comparing thulium fiber laser and holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from adults who underwent flexible ureteroscopy in 20 centers worldwide were retrospectively reviewed (January 2018-August 2021). Patients with ureteral stones, concomitant bilateral procedures, and combined procedures were excluded. One-to-one propensity score matching for age, gender, and stone characteristics was performed. Stone-free rate was defined as absence of fragments >2 mm on imaging within 3 months after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate independent predictors of being stone-free. RESULTS: Of 2,075 included patients, holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology was used in 508 patients and thulium fiber laser in 1,567 patients. After matching, 284 patients from each group with comparable baseline characteristics were included. Pure dusting was applied in 6.0% of cases in holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology compared with 26% in thulium fiber laser. There was a higher rate of basket extraction in holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology (89% vs 43%, P < .001). Total operation time and lasing time were similar. Nine patients had sepsis in thulium fiber laser vs none in holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology (P = .007). Higher stone-free rate was achieved in thulium fiber laser (85% vs 56%, P < .001). At multivariable analysis, the use of thulium fiber laser and ureteral access sheath ≥8F had significantly higher odds of being stone-free. Lasing time, multiple stones, stone diameter, and use of disposable scopes showed significantly lower odds of being stone-free. CONCLUSIONS: This real-world study favors the use of thulium fiber laser over holmium:YAG laser with MOSES technology in flexible ureteroscopy for renal stones by way of its higher single-stage stone-free rate.

ZO-1 expression in normal human macula densa: Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence investigations.

The macula densa (MD) is an anatomical structure having a plaque shape, placed in the distal end of thick ascending limb of each nephron and belonging to juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA). The aim of the present investigation is to investigate the presence of ZO-1, a specific marker of tight juncions (TJs), in MD cells. Six samples of normal human renal tissue were embedded in paraffin for ZO-1 expression analysis by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. We detected ZO-1 expression in the apical part of cell membrane in MD cells by immunohistochemistry. In addition, ZO-1 and nNOS expressions (a specific marker of MD) were colocalized in MD cells providing clear evidence of TJs presence in normal human MD. Since ZO-1 is responsible for diffusion barrier formation, its presence in the MD supports the existence of a tubulomesangial barrier that ensures a regulated exchange between MD and JGA effectors in renal and glomerular haemodynamic homeostasis.

The current evidence on surgical management for synchronous bilateral renal tumors: results from a scoping review.

PURPOSE: Synchronous bilateral renal masses (SBRM) account for a low percentage of kidney tumors, and there is no current recommendation for their management. The objective was to review evidence regarding the best surgical approach for SBRM in terms of type and timing of surgery. METHODS: A broad literature search was performed on 28th January 2023 using Scopus, PubMed, and EMBASE. Only English papers dealing with adults were included. Meeting abstracts were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-four papers were accepted and included. SBRM behave less aggressively than metachronous tumors, and partial nephrectomy (PN) is the preferred therapeutic option to preserve renal function. Open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted approaches were found to be similar in oncological outcomes, though robot-assisted surgery resulted in lower comorbidities. Same-sitting PN was demonstrated to be a safe approach, particularly in the robotic-assisted one. Finally, the same-siting and staged NSS were similar in preserving renal function. CONCLUSIONS: PN should be the desirable treatment for SBRM whenever feasible and if patients are fit, but surgeon expertise should also be taken into the account.

Dietary management of hypocitraturia in children with urolithiasis: results from a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Hypocitraturia is a low urinary excretion of citrate and a well-known risk factor for kidney stone development in children. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the dietary management of hypocitraturia in children with urolithiasis. METHODS: Literature search was performed on 30th September 2022 using Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Controlled Register of Trials. Studies were included if children with stones and hypocitraturia were managed with diet supplements. RESULTS: Six papers were included. Four studies evaluated the role of oral potassium citrate associated with high fluid intake on stone resolution and recurrence. Two studies assessed the impact of oral potassium citrate on long-term stone recurrence after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and shock wave lithotripsy. All studies demonstrated that the association of potassium citrate and high fluid intake was well tolerated with no side effects and restored normal urine citrate excretion, allowed a reduction in stone size, and, following definitive treatments, was associated with a lower rate of stone regrowth and recurrence compared with controls. These effects were demonstrated across all pediatric ages. CONCLUSIONS: Our review infers that oral potassium citrate and high fluid assumption are safe and effective in restoring urine citrate excretion, treating and preventing stone recurrence with no serious adverse events, and should probably be the first-line treatment of pediatric patients with asymptomatic stones and hypocitraturia.

Radiomics vs radiologist in prostate cancer. Results from a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Radiomics in uro-oncology is a rapidly evolving science proving to be a novel approach for optimizing the analysis of massive data from medical images to provide auxiliary guidance in clinical issues. This scoping review aimed to identify key aspects wherein radiomics can potentially improve the accuracy of diagnosis, staging, and extraprostatic extension in prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: The literature search was performed on June 2022 using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Controlled Register of Trials. Studies were included if radiomics were compared with radiological reports only. RESULTS: Seventeen papers were included. The combination of PIRADS and radiomics score models improves the PIRADS score reporting of 2 and 3 lesions even in the peripheral zone. Multiparametric MRI-based radiomics models suggest that by simply omitting diffusion contrast enhancement imaging in radiomics models can simplify the process of analysis of clinically significant PCa by PIRADS. Radiomics features correlated with the Gleason grade with excellent discriminative ability. Radiomics has higher accuracy in predicting not only the presence but also the side of extraprostatic extension. CONCLUSIONS: Radiomics research on PCa mainly uses MRI as an imaging modality and is focused on diagnosis and risk stratification and has the best future possibility of improving PIRADS reporting. Radiomics has established its superiority over radiologist-reported outcomes but the variability has to be taken into consideration before translating it to clinical practice.

Long-term oncologic and functional outcomes following robot-assisted radical cystectomy and intracorporeal Padua ileal bladder: results from a single high-volume center.

PURPOSE: To report long-term oncologic and functional outcomes of a large consecutive single center series of Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC)- intracorporeal (IC) Urinary Diversion (UD), identifying their predicting factors. METHODS: A single center Bladder cancer (BC) database was queried for "RARC" and "ICUD", including patients treated between January 2012 and September 2020. Kaplan-Meier curves were assessed disease-free (DFS), cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) probability. Univariable (UV) and multivariable (MV) analysis were adopted to identify predictors of DFS, CSS and OS. Kaplan-Meier method evaluated day- and night-time continence recovery probabilities; UV and MV analysis were adopted to identify predictors of Day-time continence. RESULTS: Overall, 251 patients were included. Among them, 192 patients underwent intracorporeal ileal orthotopic neobladder (ION) (76.5%). Five-year DFS, CSS and OS rates were 66.5%, 65.4% and 61.5%; pT stage ≥ 3 and pathologic nodal involvement were identified as negative independent predictors of DFS (HR 2.39, p = 0.001, HR 4.64, p ≤ 0.001), CSS (HR 2.20, p = 0.01, HR 3.97, p < 0.001) and OS (HR 2.25, p = 0.005, HR 3.95, p < 0.001). In RARC-ION patients, Trifecta rate was 64.1%. One-year day- and night-time continence rates were 78.6% and 48.3%. Age (HR 0.98, p = 0.03), female gender (HR 0.57, p = 0.008) and complications Clavien grade ≥ 3 (HR 0.55, p = 0.03) were identified as independent predictors of day-time incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term oncologic outcomes and their predicting factors seem aligned to the largest historical open series and multi-institutional robotic series data. According to the identified predicting factors undermining a proper achievement of day-time continence, this represents an objective support, in order to properly advice specific sub-group of patients.

The efficacy of retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) for lower pole stones: results from 2946 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the perioperative outcomes of retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) for lower pole stones (LPS) and factors affecting stone-free rate (SFR). METHODS: Data from 20 centers were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult patients, normal renal anatomy, and LPS. Exclusion criteria were bilateral surgery, concomitant surgery for ureteral stones. SFR was defined as a single residual fragment (RF) ≤ 2 mm and evaluated 3-months after surgery. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with RF. Statistical significance was set at p value < 0.05. RESULTS: 2946 patients were included. Mean age and stone size were 49.9 years 10.19 mm, with multiple LPS in 61.1% of cases. Total operation and laser time were 63.89 ± 37.65 and 17.34 ± 18.39 min, respectively. Mean hospital stay was 3.55 days. Hematuria requiring blood transfusion and fever/urinary infections requiring prolonged antibiotics occurred in 6.1% and 169 5.7% of cases, while sepsis with intensive-care admission in 1.1% of patients. On multivariate analysis, Multiple stones (OR 1.380), stone size (OR 1.865), and reusable ureteroscopes (OR 1.414) were significantly associated with RF, while Thulium fiber laser (TFL) (OR 0.341) and pre-stenting (OR 0.750) were less likely associated with RF. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS showed safety and efficacy for LPS with a mean diameter of 10 mm. This procedure can achieve a satisfactory SFR in pre-stented patients with a single and smaller stone, particularly with TFL use.

Do Hounsfield Units have any significance in predicting intra- and postoperative outcomes in retrograde intrarenal surgery using Holmium and Thulium fiber laser? Results from the FLEXible ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR).

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy for renal stones by comparing hard versus soft stones based on their attenuation on computed tomography (Hounsfield Units-HU). METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of laser employed [Holmium:YAG (HL) or Thulium fiber laser (TFL)]. Residual fragments (RF) were defined as > 2 mm. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with RF and RF needing further intervention. RESULTS: 4208 patients from 20 centers were included. In whole series, age, recurrent stones, stone size, lower pole stones (LPS), and multiple stones were predictors of RF at multivariable analysis and LPS and stone size with RF requiring further treatment. HU and TFL were associated with lesser RF and RF requiring an additional treatment. In HU < 1000 stones, recurrent stones, stone size, and LPS were predictors of RF at multivariable analysis, whereas TFL was less likely associated with RF. Recurrent stones, stone size, and multiple stones were predictors of RF requiring further treatment, while LPS and TFL were associated with lesser RF requiring further treatment. In HU ≥ 1000 stones, age, stone size, multiple stones, and LPS were predictors of RF at multivariable analysis, while TFL was less likely associated with RF. Stone size and LPS were predictors of RF requiring further treatment, whereas TFL was associated with RF requiring further treatment. CONCLUSION: Stone size, LPS, and use of HL are predictors of RF after RIRS for intrarenal stones regardless of stone density. HU should be considered an important parameter in predicting SFR.

Indications, preferences, global practice patterns and outcomes in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones in adults: results from a multicenter database of 6669 patients of the global FLEXible ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR).

PURPOSE: To collect a multicentric database on behalf of TOWER research group to assess practice patterns and outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones. METHODS: Inclusion criteria: age ≥ 18 years, normal renal/calyceal system anatomy, calculi of any size, number, and position. STUDY PERIOD: January 2018 and August 2021. Stone-free status: absence of fragments > 2 mm, assessed post procedure according to the local protocol (KUB X-Ray and/or ultrasound or non-contrast CT scan). RESULTS: Twenty centers from fifteen countries enrolled 6669 patients. There were 4407 (66.2%) men. Mean age was 49.3 ± 15.59 years. Pain was the most frequent symptom indication for intervention (62.6%). 679 (10.2%) patients underwent RIRS for an incidental finding of stones. 2732 (41.0%) patients had multiple stones. Mean stone size was 10.04 ± 6.84 mm. A reusable flexible ureteroscope was used in 4803 (72.0%) procedures. A sheath-less RIRS was performed in 454 (6.8%) cases. Holmium:YAG laser was used in 4878 (73.1%) cases. A combination of dusting and fragmentation was the most common lithotripsy mode performed (64.3%). Mean operation time was 62.40 ± 17.76 min. 119 (1.8%) patients had an intraoperative injury of the ureter due to UAS insertion. Mean postoperative stay was 3.62 ± 3.47 days. At least one postoperative complication occurred in 535 (8.0%) patients. Sepsis requiring intensive care admission occurred in 84 (1.3%) patients. Residual fragments were detected in 1445 (21.7%) patients. Among the latter, 744 (51.5%) patients required a further intervention. CONCLUSION: Our database contributes real-world data to support to a better understanding of modern RIRS practice and outcomes.

First case-series of robot-assisted pudendal nerve release: technique and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Pudendal Nerve Entrapment (PNE) may determine chronic pelvic pain associated with symptoms related to its innervation area. This study aimed to present the technique and report the outcomes of the first series of robot-assisted pudendal nerve release (RPNR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 32 patients, who were treated with RPNR in our centre between January 2016 and July 2021, were recruited. Following the medial umbilical ligament identification, the space between this ligament and the ipsilateral external iliac pedicle is progressively dissected to identify the obturator nerve. The dissection medial to this nerve identifies the obturator vein and the arcus tendinous of the levator ani, which is cranially inserted into the ischial spine. Following the cold incision of the coccygeous muscle at the level of the spine, the sacrospinous ligament is identified and incised. The pudendal trunk (vessels and nerve) is visualized, freed from the ischial spine and medially transposed. RESULTS: The Median duration of symptoms was 7 (5, 5-9) years. The median operative time was 74 (65-83) minutes. The median length of stay was 1 (1-2) days. There was only a minor complication. At 3 and 6 months after surgery, a statistically significant pain reduction has been encountered. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation coefficient reported a negative relationship between the duration of pain and the improvement in NPRS score, - 0.81 (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: RPNR is a safe and effective approach for the pain resolution caused by PNE. Timely nerve decompression is suggested to enhance outcomes.

An Update of In Vivo Application of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy: Results from a Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kidney puncture is a key step in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Ultrasound/fluoroscopic-guided access to the collecting systems is commonly used in PCNL. Performing a puncture is often challenging in kidneys with congenital malformations or complex staghorn stones. We aim to perform a systematic review to examine data on in vivo applications, outcomes, and limitations of using artificial intelligence and robotics for access in PCNL. RECENT FINDINGS: The literature search was performed on November 2, 2022, using Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Twelve studies were included. 3D in PCNL is useful for image reconstruction but also in 3D printing with definite benefits seen in improving anatomical spatial understanding for preoperative and intraoperative planning. 3D model printing and virtual and mixed reality allow for an enhanced training experience and easier access which seems to translate into a shorter learning curve and better stone-free rate compared to standard puncture. Robotic access improves the accuracy of the puncture for ultrasound- and fluoroscopic-guided access in both supine and prone positions. The potential advantage robotics are using artificial intelligence to do remote access, reduced number of needle punctures, and less radiation exposure during renal access. Artificial intelligence, virtual and mixed reality, and robotics may play a key role in improving PCNL surgery by enhancing all aspects of a successful intervention from entry to exit. There is a gradual adoption of this newer technology into clinical practice but is yet limited to centers with access and the ability to afford this.

Does age impact outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery in the elderly? Results from 366 patients from the FLEXible ureteroscopy outcomes registry (FLEXOR).

BACKGROUND: There has been a consistent increase in the last decades in prevalence of renal stones in elderly. AIMS: To evaluate outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones in elderly and factors associated with postoperative complications and residual fragments (RFs). METHODS: Data from 12 centers were retrospectively reviewed. INCLUSION CRITERIA: ≥ 75 years, renal stones only, normal renal anatomy. Patients were divided into three groups; Group 1: patients aged 75-79 years; Group 2: age 80-84 years; Group 3: age ≥ 85 years. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with perioperative complications, sepsis, and RFs. RESULTS: 366 patients were included. There were 189 patients in Group 1, 113 in Group 2, and 64 in Group 3. There was no difference between groups regarding stone features and total surgical time. Median length of stay was significantly longer in Group 3 (6.0 days, vs 2.0 days in Group 2 vs 2.5 days in Group 1, p = 0.043). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications and RFs between the groups. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, female gender (OR 2.82) and maximum stone diameter (OR 1.14) were associated with higher odds of sepsis, while surgical time (OR 1.12) and the use of a reusable ureteroscope (OR 6.51) with overall complications. Stone size (OR 1.23) was associated with higher odds of RFs. CONCLUSION: RIRS showed safety and efficacy for kidney stones in elderly patients. Surgical time should be kept as short as possible to avoid higher odds of postoperative complications, particularly in females.

Simultaneous Inguinal Hernia Repair with Monofilament Polypropylene Mesh during Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Results from a Single Institute Series.

Background and Objectives: Inguinal hernia (IH) is a usual finding in men with prostate cancer (PCa) due to their similar risk factors, such as age, gender, and smoking. This study aims to present a single institution's experience with simultaneous IH repair (IHR) and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 452 patients who underwent RARP between January 2018 and December 2020. A total of 73 patients had a concomitant IHR with a monofilament polypropylene mesh. Patients with bowel in the hernia sac or recurrent hernia were excluded. Results: The median age and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score were 67 years (inter-quartile range (IQR) 56-77) and 2 (IQR 1-3), respectively. The median prostate volume and preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were 38 mL (IQR 25.0-75.2) and 7.8 ng/mL (IQR 2.6-23.0), respectively. The surgery was successfully performed in all cases. The median overall and IHR operative time were 190.0 (IQR 140.0-230.0) and 32.5 (IQR 14.0-40.0) minutes, respectively. The median estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were 100 mL (IQR 10-170) and 3 days (IQR 2-4), respectively. Only five (6.8%) minor complications occurred after surgery. At the 24-month follow-up, no cases of mesh infection, seroma formation, or groin pain were recorded. Conclusions: This study confirmed the safety and efficacy of performing simultaneous RARP and IHR.

Identification of multinucleated cells in human kidney cortex: A way for tissue repairing?

The presence of multinucleated cells has never been demonstrated in renal tissue, although, polyploid cells were recently observed in the tubules of normal and pathological human kidney. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to identify and quantify, by electron microscopy, multinucleated cells in the cortical tissue of normal human kidney i.e., in the three compartments of renal tubule: the proximal tubule (PT), the distal tubule (DT), and the collecting duct (CD), as well as, in the glomerulus (podocytes). The percentage of the multinucleated cells observed was 5% (95%CI: 3.6%-6.7%) in renal cortical tubules with distribution in each tubular compartment of 6% in PT, 4% in DT and 3% in CD with no statistically significant difference in the distribution of multinucleated cells according to tubular compartments. Four percent of analysed podocytes (in total 149 podocytes) were multinucleated (95%CI: 1.5%-8.6%). In conclusion, multinucleated cells were identified and quantified in functionally normal kidneys, as previously demonstrated in other organs such as the liver.

Scattered Tubular Cells Markers in Macula Densa of Normal Human Adult Kidney.

BACKGROUND: The scattered tubular cells (STCs) are a population of resident progenitor tubular cells with expansion, self-renewal and epithelial differentiation abilities. Although these cells are localized within the proximal (PTs) and distal (DTs) tubules in a normal adult kidney, their presence has never been demonstrated in human macula densa (MD). The purpose of the present study is to describe the presence of STCs in MD using specific markers such as prominin-1 (CD133), cytokeratin 7 (KRT7) and vimentin (VIM). METHODS: We analyzed two sets of three consecutive serial sections for each sample. The first sections of each set were immunostained for nNOS to identify MD, the second sections were immune-stained for CD133 (specific STCs marker) while the third sections were analyzed for KRT7 (another STCs specific marker) and VIM (that stains the basal pole of the STCs) in the first and second sets, respectively, in order to study the co-expression of KRT7 and VIM with the CD133 marker. RESULTS: CD133 was localized in some MD cells and in the adjacent DT cells. Moreover, CD133 was detected in the parietal epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule and in some proximal tubules (PT). KRT7-positive cells were identified in MD and adjacent DT cells, while KRT7 positivity was mostly confined in both DT and collecting ducts (CD) in the other areas of the renal parenchyma. CD133 and KRT7 were co-expressed in some MD and adjacent DT cells. Some of the latter cells were positive both for CD133 and VIM. CD133 was always localized in the apical part of the cells, whereas the VIM expression was evident only in the cellular basal pole. Although some cells of MD expressed VIM or CD133, none of them co-expressed VIM and CD133. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of STCs was demonstrated in human adult MD, suggesting that this structure has expansion, self-renewal and epithelial differentiation abilities, similar to all other parts of renal tubules.

Bladder neck stenosis after transurethral prostate surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Bladder neck stenosis (BNS) is a long-term complication of surgical procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We performed a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis of the incidence of BNS after transurethral procedures for BPH. METHODS: We performed a systemic literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Controlled Register of Trials. We accepted only randomized trials comparing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) vs. other transurethral surgery for BPH that were grouped in Ablation vs. Enucleation modalities. The incidences of BNS were pooled using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel Method with the random effect model and expressed as Risk Ratios, 95% Confidence Intervals, and p values. Study heterogeneity was assessed utilizing the I2 value. RESULTS: 72 studies were identified for meta-analysis, 46 comparing TURP vs. Ablation and 26 TURP vs. Enucleation. The pooled incidence of BNS was 1.3% after TURP, 0.66% after enucleation and 1.2% after Ablation. The incidence of BNS was higher after TURP than after Enucleation but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 1.75 95% CI 0.81-3.79, p = 0.16). There was no significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 0%, Chi2 4.11, p = 0.90). The incidence of BNS was higher after TURP than after Ablation, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.82-2.11, p = 0.26) with no significant heterogeneity (I2 0%, Chi2 21.1, p = 0.51). CONCLUSION: Our study showed no difference in the rate of BNS incidence among randomized trials comparing TURP vs. Ablation vs. Enucleation and can be used as a reference to counsel patients undergoing BPH surgery.