First experiences and results after cryoablation of prostate cancer with histopathological evaluation and imaging-based follow-up.

Aim: To share our experience after 28 cryoablation treatments for prostate cancer (PCa) with histopathology, clinical data and MRI as the follow-up methods. Methods: Clinical follow-up comprised prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-measurements, PSA-density and quality of life-parameters. multi-parametric (mp)MRI pre- and post-cryoablation were retrospectively re-analyzed in 23 cases using Likert scores. Follow-up-histopathology was performed via MRI/ultrasound fusion-guided and/or systematic biopsy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. Results: 17 PCa (61%) were diagnosed within 12-month post-cryotherapy (infield and out-of-field disease). PSA levels and PSA density were not significantly different between patients with or without PCa recurrence. mpMRI can characterize the decrease in prostate volume and necrosis. Area under the curve for the detection of PCa was 81% (global Likert scores), 74-87% (T2), 78% (diffusion weighted imaging) and 57-78% (dynamic contrast enhanced imaging; Youden-selected cutoff ≥3). Conclusion: Besides histopathological evaluation and control biopsy, MRI might have the potential to accurately detect PCa after cryotherapy. Clinical data and interdisciplinary communication are required for efficient monitoring after cryoablation treatments for PCa.

Transurethral anatomical enucleation of the prostate with Tm:YAG support (ThuLEP): Evolution and variations of the technique. The inventors' perspective.

After its introduction, transurethral anatomical enucleation of the prostate with Tm:YAG support (ThuLEP) has evolved as one of the standard techniques of transurethral anatomical endoscopic enucleations of the prostate. Growing evidence has proven ThuLEP as an alternative for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic enlargement and has been acknowledged by the EAU Guidelines on Management of Non-Neurogenic Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, incl. Benign Prostatic Obstruction. The uniqueness of ThuLEP as a concept made it a blueprint for other laser and nonlaser enucleating techniques based on the emphasis on two principles: widely blunt anatomical dissection and demystification of energy sources as being secondary for transurethral enucleation. The original technique has been technically refined by the inventor and other working groups in the field. The evolutionary modifications followed the academic discourse on anatomical enucleation for measures to prevent early postoperative stress urinary incontinence and preservation of antegrade ejaculation. Variations of the original three-lobe dissection technique were introduced with two-lobe approach or en bloc dissection. The manuscript is accompanied by an instructional video and surgical atlas on the currently most commonly applied two-lobe technique.

Transurethral en bloc resection of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer: trend or hype.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Inherent limitations of conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumors as the standard approach for diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer are well know: staging error because of insufficient assessment of resection depth as well as intravesical tumor fragmentation that complicates histopathological evaluation. The purpose of this review is to present recent clinical data on en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) that has been demonstrated to offer high potential to overcome these limitations. RECENT FINDINGS: The recently published studies confirm the results our previous reviews for laser ERBT and current-based ERBT from 2014. ERBT provides a better resection quality with up to 95% presence lamina muscularis propria as surrogate marker for quality. It can be performed using all energy sources. Available data demonstrate with all due limitations of reporting quality no relevant difference with regard to perioperative morbidity compared with conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumors. No conclusions can be drawn regarding the impact of ERBT on recurrence as data are controversial. SUMMARY: ERBT has gained momentum in the past years. The hypothesized advantages over conventional TURBT seem to manifestate for tumors up to 3 or 4 cm in size with regard to staging, specimen quality, and analyzability in pathological evaluation in general. The impact on recurrence remains to be defined by further studies.

Deep Surgical Site Infections after Open Radical Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion Significantly Increase Hospitalisation Time and Total Treatment Costs.

INTRODUCTION: Deep surgical site infections (DSSI) usually require secondary treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the total length of hospitalisation (LOH), intensive care unit (ICU) duration, and total treatment costs in patients with DSSI versus without DSSI after open radical cystectomy (ORC) and urinary diversion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective case-control study in a tertiary care hospital in patients after ORC with urinary diversion during April 2008 to July 2012. DSSI was defined based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Matched-pair analysis for patients with versus without DSSI was done in 1:2 ratios. Patients with superficial surgical site infections (SSI) were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: In total, 189 operations were performed. Thirty-eight patients (20.1%) developed SSI of which 28 patients (14.8%) had DSSI. Out of 28 patients, 27 (96.4%) were with DSSI and required surgical re-intervention. Due to insufficient matching criteria, 11 patients with DSSI were excluded from analyses. Consequently, 17 patients with DSSI were matched with 34 patients without DSSI. Significant differences were seen for median overall LOH (30 vs. 18 days, p < 0.001), median ICU duration (p = 0.024), and median overall treatment costs (€17,030 vs. €11,402, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: DSSI significantly increases LOH (67%) and treatment costs (49%), adding up to a financial loss for the hospital of approximately €5,500 in patients with DSSI.

Laparoendoscopic partial nephrectomy in single-incision triangulated umbilical surgery (SITUS) technique: early experience.

BACKGROUND: Nephron sparing surgery for renal tumors has evolved as the standard of care for resectable renal tumors. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) has gained recognition after technical refinements were able to match the well-established criteria for open partial nephrectomy. Laparoendoscopic surgery (LESS) is one of the approaches to further minimize invasiveness of laparoscopic surgery. OBJECTIVE: We report our initial experience with LESS partial nephrectomy in single-incision transumbilical surgery technique (SITUS) in daily clinical practice. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From 2010, patients undergoing SITUS-PN were prospectively evaluated. Patients with small, solitary or multiple, exophytic-enhancing renal masses were selected, whereas patients with solitary kidney, endophytic or hilar tumors were excluded. Important clinical data, PADUA and RENAL score, were assessed prospectively. MEASUREMENTS: Patients' characteristics, perioperative, hematologic and pathologic data as well as pain evaluation using the visual analogue pain scale (VAPS) were assessed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 13 patients underwent LESS-PN/SITUS-PN (6 right and 7 left renal units). One patient was converted to conventional laparoscopy requiring two additional ports to treat bleeding from renal vessels. Pathology revealed renal cell carcinoma in nine patients, oncocytoma in one and benign cyst in three patients. No positive surgical margin was observed. The mean blood loss was 2.1 g/dl [range 0.5-4.5 g/dl] in hemoglobin. Minimal discomfort was noted at discharge (VAPS = 0.2 ± 0.6 [range 0-2]/10]. CONCLUSION: LESS partial nephrectomy in SITUS technique is feasible for selected exophytic tumors and has been integrated into our armamentarium for nephron sparing minimally invasive surgical treatment.

Current evidence of transurethral Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG treatment of bladder cancer: update 2014.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder cancer (BC) represents a growing health care problem worldwide. In times of tight budgets and an aging society, new strategies for the transurethral treatment of BC are needed. Laser devices used for tumor vaporization and/or en bloc resection provide an alternative to parvenu strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medline/Cochrane search was performed using following terms: bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma, laser, en bloc, vaporization, photoablation, holmium, thulium, Ho:YAG, Tm:YAG, HoLRBT and TmLRBT. Last date of search was February 12, 2014. RESULTS: Eighteen publications in English were identified including 800 patients (Ho:YAG = 652 patients and Tm:YAG = 148 patients). Data on en bloc resection techniques were presented in 10 publications, 7 publications provided data of tumor vaporization and one publication presented data on both. Level of evidence based on SIGN is mainly 3 (non-analytic studies); only three studies are level 2 (prospective case control studies). Tumor vaporization seems to be a promising alternative for the treatment of recurrent tumors in selected patients. It can be performed in an office-based approach without the need of general anesthesia. The use of photodynamic diagnostic might enhance surgical quality. The principle of en bloc resection should provide accurate staging in most cases; however, data on this important aspect are missing. Peri- and postoperative complications are scarce. Due to the nature of the energy source, bladder perforation caused by obturator nerve reflex is highly unlikely when using lasers. There is a trend toward decreased infield recurrence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Lasers are potentially useful alternatives to conventional TURBT, but systematical assessments using standardized classification systems and well-designed RCTs are needed to make results comparable.

Transurethral anatomical enucleation of the prostate with Tm:YAG support (ThuLEP): review of the literature on a novel surgical approach in the management of benign prostatic enlargement.

PURPOSE: Retrograde transurethral anatomical enucleation of the prostate is gaining momentum as a new concept in transurethral surgery of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Its adaptation is boosted by the familiarity of urologists with the finger-assisted anatomical enucleation of the adenoma during open prostatectomy and the combination of this well-established concept with the minimal invasive characteristics of transurethral surgery. The thulium laser appears as an ideal energy source for such operation. In this work, current evidence on thulium laser-assisted anatomical enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) is being reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed on Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane databases retrieving all literature on thulium laser-assisted prostatectomy between 2006 and 2015. Experimental studies, review articles and editorial comments as well as studies on thulium laser-assisted approaches other than ThuLEP (i.e., ThuVEP, ThuVAP or ThuVARP) were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: In total, six original articles on either surgical technique or clinical outcomes were retrieved. With regard to functional results, ThuLEP presented no significant differences toward the standard treatment (TURP/HoLEP) arm in two randomized controlled trials and favorable outcomes in available prospective cohorts. Observed morbidity was minimum and comparable with the rest of transurethral literature. CONCLUSIONS: ThuLEP literature is still very limited. Based on the available data, the approach is safe and effective, demonstrating favorable outcomes, comparable with the current standard treatment options. Further documentation of ThuLEP outcomes is necessary to define the optimum indications of this novel technique.

En bloc resection of urothelium carcinoma of the bladder (EBRUC): a European multicenter study to compare safety, efficacy, and outcome of laser and electrical en bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

PURPOSE: En bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) may improve staging quality and perioperative morbidity and influence tumor recurrence. This study was designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and recurrence rates of electrical versus laser en bloc resection of bladder tumors. METHODS: This European multicenter study included 221 patients at six academic hospitals. Transurethral ERBT was performed with monopolar/bipolar current or holmium/thulium laser energy. Staging quality measured by detrusor muscle involvement, various perioperative parameters, and 12-month follow-up data was analyzed. RESULTS: Electrical and laser ERBT were used to treat 156 and 65 patients, respectively. Median tumor size was 2.1 cm; largest tumor was 5 cm. Detrusor muscle was present in 97.3 %. A switch to conventional TURBT was significantly more frequent in the electrical ERBT group (26.3 vs. 1.5 %, p < 0.001). Median operation duration (25 min), postoperative irrigation (1 day), catheterization time (2 days), and hospitalization (3 days) were similar. Overall complication rate was low (Clavien ≥ 3, n = 6 [2.7 %]). Hemoglobin was significantly lower after electrical ERBT (p = 0.0013); however, overall hemoglobin loss was not clinically relevant (0.38 g/dl). Patients (n = 148) were followed for 12 months; 33 (22.3 %) had recurrences. In total, 63.6 % recurrences occurred outside the ERBT resection field. No difference was noted between ERBT groups. CONCLUSIONS: ERBT is safe and reliable regardless of the energy source and provides high-quality resections of tumors >1 cm. Recurrence rates did not differ between groups, and the majority of recurrences occurred outside the ERBT resection field.

Current evidence for transurethral en bloc resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Despite today's standard procedure for staging and treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer by transurethral resection via a wire loop (TURBT), several other publications have dealt with a different concept of en bloc resection of bladder tumors using different energy sources. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE and the Cochrane central register were searched for the following terms: en bloc, mucosectomy, laser, resection, ablation, Neodym, Holmium, Thulium, transitional cell carcinoma. RESULTS: Fourteen research articles dealing with en bloc resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer could be identified (modified resection loops: six, laser: six, waterjet hydrodissection: two). CONCLUSION: En bloc resection of bladder tumors >1 cm can be performed safely with very low complication rates independent of the power source. By using laser, complication rates might even be decreased, based on their good hemostatic effect and by avoiding the obturator nerve reflex. A further advantage seems to be accurate pathologic staging of en bloc tumors. Randomized controlled trials are still needed to support the assumed advantages of en bloc resection over the standard TURBT with regard to primary targets: First-time clearance of disease, accurate staging and recurrence rates.

Real-world experience of water vapour therapy (Rezum) in patients with benign prostatic enlargement: a retrospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum) is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Studies reporting urodynamic results regarding the procedure are rare. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Rezum on urinary outcome parameters in a consecutive series of patients and compare urodynamic data before and after treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all the patients treated with Rezum between 07/2017 and 12/2023 at our institution. Patients who had more than one Rezum intervention, those who were unable to void (i.e., catheter-dependent patients), and those with insufficient data were excluded from the data analysis. Descriptive outcomes, such as symptom scores (IPSS, IPSS-QoL), peak flow in uroflowmetry (Qmax), post-micturition residual urine volume (PVR), and prostate volume (PVol), were analyzed. If available, preoperative and postoperative urodynamic results were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 250 Rezum procedures were performed during the observational period. After applying the exclusion criteria, the data from 193 patients were included in the analysis. Patients achieved significant symptom relief as measured using the IPSS (46% reduction) and IPSS-QoL scores (41% reduction). Qmax improved by 4.8 ml/s, as the mean PVR significantly decreased by 50%. PVol and PSA values decreased by 30% and 27.5%, respectively. In 19/193 patients with a urodynamic evaluation, pre- and postoperative data analysis showed a significant reduction in the bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI) by approximately 70%. CONCLUSIONS: Rezum is effective and can improve urinary symptoms. In appropriate patients, Rezum can significantly reduce the bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

ShinyLUTS-A Shiny web application for structured data management and analysis for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

OBJECTIVES: Clinical, time-dependent, therapeutic and diagnostic data of patients with LUTS are highly complex. To better manage these data for therapists' and researchers' we developed the application ShinyLUTS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The statistical programming language R and the framework Shiny were used to develop a platform for data entry, monitoring of therapy and scientific data analysis. As part of a use case, ShinyLUTS was evaluated for patients with non-neurogenic LUTS who were receiving Rezum™ therapy. RESULTS: The final database on patients with LUTS comprised a total of 8.118 time-dependent parameters in 11 data tables. Data entry, monitoring of therapy as well as data retrieval for scientific use, was deemed feasible, intuitive and well accepted. CONCLUSION: The ShinyLUTs application presented here is suitable for collecting, archiving, and managing complex data on patients with LUTS. Aside from the implementation in a scientific workflow, it is suited for monitoring treatment of patients and functional results over time.

Rezum water vapor thermal therapy for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms: A retrospective single-centre analysis from a German high-volume centre.

OBJECTIVE: Rezum is a minimal invasive surgical treatment for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). The aim of our study was to assess safety and efficacy of the Rezum procedure in a consecutive series of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in a single tertiary care hospital in patients undergoing Rezum procedure between 2018 and 2020. All patients that underwent intervention because of drug-refractory moderate to severe LUTS were assessed. Descriptive outcomes such as symptoms scores (IPSS, IPSS-QoL), peak flow in uroflowmetry (Qmax), post-micturition residual urine volume (PVR) and prostate volume (PVol) were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 92 Rezum procedures were performed in the observational period. All interventions were competed without device- or procedure relates adverse events. Patients achieved a significant symptom relief as measured in IPSS (50% reduction, p<0.001, n = 35) and IPSS-QoL score (53% reduction, p<0.001, n = 35). Qmax improved by 7.3 ml/s from 10.6 ± 4.2 ml/s to 17.9 ± 9.3 ml/s (p = 0.003, n = 20) were as mean PVR significantly decreased by 136 ml from 175 ± 194.1 to 39 ± 62 ml (p = 0.007, n = 20). PVol significantly decreased by 40.3% from 73.9 ± 41.2 to 44.9 ± 29 ccm (p = 0.024, n = 17). All pre-interventional catheter-depending patients (28.3% of all patient) were catheter independent after six weeks. CONCLUSION: Rezum therapy is safe and effective and can be considered a viable treatment option for BPH related LUTS.

Current evidence for transurethral laser therapy of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder cancer is the second most common malignancy of urologic tumors. Back in 1976, lasers were added to the endourological armetarium for bladder tumor treatment. Despite nowadays' standard procedure for staging and treating non-muscle invasive bladder tumor by transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURB) via a wire loop, laser resection techniques for bladder tumor came back in focus with the introduction of Ho:YAG and not to mention recently Tm:YAG lasers. This review aims to display the current evidence for these techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Throughout April 2010, MEDLINE and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched previously for the following terms: "Laser, resection, ablation, coagulation, Nd:YAG Neodym, HoYAG: Holmium, Tm:YAG Thulium and transitional carcinoma, bladder, intravesical." RESULTS: Eleven articles on Ho:YAG and 7 on Tm:YAG were identified. Searches by Cochrane online library resulted in no available manuscripts. CONCLUSION: Today, Nd:YAG does not play any role in treatment of lower urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma. Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG seem to offer alternatives in the treatment of bladder cancer, but still to prove their potential in larger prospective randomized controlled studies with long-term follow-up. Future expectations will show whether en bloc resection of tumors are preferable to the traditional "incise and scatter" resection technique, in which is contrary to all oncological surgical principles. For the primary targets, here are within first-time clearance of disease, in addition to low in-fields and out-of-fields recurrence rates.

Tm:YAG laser en bloc mucosectomy for accurate staging of primary bladder cancer: early experience.

INTRODUCTION: Exact pathological staging of bladder cancer is crucial for determination of further treatment. One limiting factor is the surgical 'incise and scatter' technique that might contribute to tumour recurrence. En bloc resection techniques are en emerging issue. We present initial results with Thulium:YAG (Tm:YAG) en bloc resection of bladder tumours for treatment and accurate staging of solitary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June through October 2010, six patients were treated by TmLRBT (Thulium laser resection of bladder tumour). Inclusion criteria were solitary lesions, treatment naive patients and tumour localisation of the lower bladder wall and trigonum. En bloc resection was applied on all of the tumours. Two cold-cut biopsies from the tumour base were extracted. On five of the six patients, a re-resection was performed after 6 weeks. RESULTS: Pathological evaluation revealed 1 patient with pTa G1, 2 patients with pTa G2 and 3 patients with pT1 G3. All of the resected specimens provided detrusor muscle, and all biopsies were positive for muscle cells. No intra-, peri- or post-operative complications were observed. Bladder irrigation was mandatory in only 50% of the patients. All patients were negative for residual TCC in re-resection 6 weeks after initial treatment. CONCLUSION: TmLRBT has been proven safe and effective for both, treatment and pathological staging of primary TCC of the bladder. Tm:YAG en bloc resection therefore could be an appropriate tool for accurate staging with possibly lower scattering potential for the assessment and treatment of patients with TCC.

Comparison of PD-L1 Scores in Primary Kidney Tumors Versus Accompanying Venous Tumor Thrombi: Retrospective, Comparative, Monocentric Study in Treatment-Naive Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), an immunogenic tumor, is the most common form of kidney cancer worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) play an important role in the treatment of metastatic RCC. Programmed death-ligand (PD-L1) has already been proposed as a possible prognosticator for ICIs effectiveness. To elucidate the feasible role of ICIs in neoadjuvant settings, we have assessed the most common PD-L1 expression modalities [tumor proportion score (TPS), combined positivity score (CPS) and inflammatory cell (IC) score] in primary tumors (PTs) and venous tumor thrombi (VTT) in first diagnosed, previously untreated RCC patients with accompanying VTT. METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2016, 71 patients with a first diagnosed, untreated, locally advanced RCC (aRCC) (≥ pT3a) underwent surgery in Hanover Medical School (MHH). PD-L1 expression was examined separately in PTs and VTT using the CPS, IC score and TPS. We also considered the age at the time of the initial surgery and gender as probable influencing factors. By using a cutoff value of 1 (1%), PD-L1 expression levels in PTs and VTT were assessed to enable the determination of any frequency differences. RESULTS: Positive scores for PTs were shown by 54 (CPS), 53 (IC score) and 34 (TPS) patients, whereas in VTT, positive scores were evaluated for a total of 50 (CPS), 47 (IC-score) and 36 (TPS) patients. No statistically significant differences were obtained between the PD-L1 expression immunoscores for PTs and VTT. The covariates age at the time of the initial surgery and gender could not be statistically proven to influence the differences in PD-L1 expression between the VTT and PTs. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this research is the largest study to investigate PD-L1 expression in PTs and VTT in 71 cases. It could have relevance for the future development of neoadjuvant immunotherapy options, particularly in aRCC with VTT.

Perioperative analgesia strategies in fast-track pediatric surgery of the kidney and renal pelvis: lessons learned.

PURPOSE: Effective analgesia is essential for the success of fast-track (FT) pediatric surgery. Aim of the study was to achieve an optimal analgesia protocol for a comfortable postoperative course and early mobilization in children undergoing urological procedures. METHODS: A prospective study of two analgesia concepts in a series of children undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) and nephrectomy (LN) was performed. Thirty-six consecutive patients received analgesia according to the protocol "Fast Track I" (FT I), 23 patients according to the modified analgesia protocol "Fast Track II" (FT II). Differences between the protocols were frequency of pain measurement, more frequent use of local anesthesia and higher dosage of Acetaminophen. End points were pain intensity, use of opioids and side effects. Data derived from the German reimbursement system (G-DRG) regarding lengths of hospital stay were compared. RESULTS: On the day of operation (6:00 p.m.), pain scores of patients using FT II were significantly lower than those using the FT I protocol (1.51 + or - 0.4 FT II versus 3.8 + or - 0.4 FT I, p = 0.001). Pain scores still tended to be lower in the FT II group on the first postoperative day (8:00 a.m.), but from that point on, the difference was not significant (1.52 + or - 0.5 FT II versus 2.3 + or - 0.4 FT I, p = 0.186). Hospital stay was short, compared to the German average, in both groups. CONCLUSION: The modified analgesia protocol FT II leads to earlier and more effective pain reduction, lower use of opioids and fewer side effects than the previously used protocol FT I. Hence, modification of analgesia in pediatric urology is essential.

Lasers in Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate-Do We Really Need Them.

The acronym EEP, coding for transurethral Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate, was introduced in 2016 by the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines panel on management of non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Since then, a laser-based treatment, Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), and the current-based treatment of bipolar enucleation of the prostate (BipoLEP) are equally appreciated as valuable options for the management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). This was mainly inspired by the results of two meta-analyses on randomized controlled trials, comparing open prostatectomy with either Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) or bipolar enucleation of the prostate (BipoLEP). Prior to that, HoLEP was embraced as the only valid option for transurethral enucleation, although evidence for equivalence existed as early as 2006, but was not recognized due to a plethora of acronyms for bipolar energy-based treatments and practiced HoLEP-centrism. On the other hand, the academic discourse focused on different (other) laser approaches that came up, led by Thulium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Tm:YAG) Vapoenucleation (ThuVEP) in 2009 and, finally, transurethral anatomical enucleation with Tm:YAG support (thulium laser enucleation of the prostate, ThuLEP) in 2010. Initially, the discourse on lasers focused on the different properties of lasers rather than technique or surgical anatomy, respectively. In and after 2016, the discussion ultimately moved towards surgical technique and accepting anatomical preparation as the common of all EEP techniques (AEEP). Since then, the unspoken question has been raised, whether lasers are still necessary to perform EEP in light of existing evidence, given the total cost of ownership (TCO) for these generators. This article weighs the current evidence and comes to the conclusion that no evidence of superiority of one modality over another exists with regard to any endpoint. Therefore, in the sense of critical importance, AEEP can be safely and effectively performed without laser technologies and without compromise.

Fast-track concepts in routine pediatric surgery: a prospective study in 436 infants and children.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate fast-track concepts in routine pediatric surgery in a university clinic over 1 year. PATIENTS/METHODS: Fast-track concepts were established for procedures requiring hospital admission in patients up to 15 years of age. Patients were studied prospectively from June 2006 to June 2007. RESULTS: Out of a total of 436 potentially suitable patients, 155 (36%) were finally treated following the protocols. The mean intensity of pain in children younger than 4 years (CHIPPS, 0-10) was 1.3 +/- 1.5 the evening of the operation day and decreased to <1 at all other time points. The initial postoperative mean pain intensity in older children (Smiley/VAS, 1-10) was 3.7 +/- 2.2 and decreased constantly thereafter. The mean hospital stay of fast-track patients was significantly shorter compared with German diagnosis-related group data (4.6 +/- 2.9 versus 9.7 +/- 3.8, p < 0.01). There were four (3%) readmissions for minor complications. At follow-up after 2 weeks, 95% of patients and parents judged fast-track care as excellent. CONCLUSION: Fast-track concepts are feasible in one third of pediatric patients undergoing routine in-hospital surgery. Fast-track pediatric surgery achieves accelerated convalescence, minimal hospital stay, and high patient and parent satisfaction.

[Pressure study of two miniaturised amplatz sheaths of 9.5 F and 12 F outer diameter for minimal invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MIP): An ex vivo organ model measurement]. / Druckverhältnisse bei Verwendung miniaturisierter PNL-Schäfte mit 9,5 Ch bzw. 12 Ch Außendurchmesser für die minimalinvasive perkutane Nephrolitholapaxie (MIP): Ex-vivo-Druckstudien.

Over the last decade, several devices for percutaneous nephrolithotomy with smaller diameters have been introduced in order to reduce renal trauma. Recent studies have found comparable stone free rates but also exhibit the same rate of postoperative fever and septicaemia. One possible cause is the influence of irrigation fluid during stone treatment procedures. The purpose of this ex vivo study was to compare two new miniaturised PNL nephroscopy sheaths with an outer sheath diameter of 9.5 F and 12 F to the well-established MIP M Set (17.5 F) by Karl Storz. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The new devices were tested in a perfused organ model of fresh porcine kidneys with different irrigation pressures, applied either by gravitation or the use of a pressure pump (Uromat E.A.S.I. Pump, Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany).In addition, the 9.5 F sheath was examined for active irrigation evacuation, i. e. suction of irrigation fluid through a mono-J-catheter. An urodynamic pressure probe measured intrapelvic pressure levels throughout the procedures. RESULTS: Regardless of the sheath diameters used, the intrapelvic pressure did not exceed 40 cmH2O (30 mmHg) when applying moderate irrigation pressure levels, either by pump or gravitation. The active suction of irrigation fluid from the kidney basin via the mono-J-catheter had no measurable impact on the detected intrarenal pressures. A crucial increase in the intrapelvic pressure was detected only when using the 9.5 F sheath in combination with applying high irrigation pressures. CONCLUSION: The newly designed miniaturised MIP sets maintain the favourable pressure features of the earlier 17.5 MIP sheath. Although the diameter has been reduced to 12F or 9.5 F, the intrapelvic pressures remained below 40 cmH2O when regular irrigation settings by gravitation or pump irrigation were used.

Development of a clinical algorithm for treating urethral strictures based on a large retrospective single-center cohort.

Aim To analyze clinical data from male patients treated with urethrotomy and to develop a clinical decision algorithm. Materials and methods Two large cohorts of male patients with urethral strictures were included in this retrospective study, historical (1985-1995, n=491) and modern cohorts (1996-2006, n=470). All patients were treated with repeated internal urethrotomies (up to 9 sessions). Clinical outcomes were analyzed and systemized as a clinical decision algorithm. Results The overall recurrence rates after the first urethrotomy were 32.4% and 23% in the historical and modern cohorts, respectively. In many patients, the second procedure was also effective with the third procedure also feasible in selected patients. The strictures with a length ≤ 2 cm should be treated according to the initial length. In patients with strictures ≤ 1 cm, the second session could be recommended in all patients, but not with penile strictures, strictures related to transurethral operations or for patients who were 31-50 years of age. The third session could be effective in selected cases of idiopathic bulbar strictures. For strictures with a length of 1-2 cm, a second operation is possible for the solitary low-grade bulbar strictures, given that the age is > 50 years and the etiology is not post-transurethral resection of the prostate. For penile strictures that are 1-2 cm, urethrotomy could be attempted in solitary but not in high-grade strictures. Conclusions We present data on the treatment of urethral strictures with urethrotomy from a single center. Based on the analysis, a clinical decision algorithm was suggested, which could be a reliable basis for everyday clinical practice.