Comparison in Detection Rate of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Between Microultrasound-guided Prostate Biopsy (ExactVu) and Multiparametric Resonance Imaging-guided Prostate Biopsy (Koelis System).

OBJECTIVES: To compare the detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC) and prostate cancer (PC) and to find out the diagnostic concordance between microultrasound (mUS), a high-resolution imaging system that can identify suspicious prostate lesions and biopsy them in real time, and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-guided prostate fusion biopsies. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, single-blind, single cohort study was conducted involving 80 patients with clinically suspected PC who underwent concomitant mpMRI-guided fusion prostate biopsy (Koelis System) and mUS-guided biopsy (ExactVu System) RESULTS: The detection rate of csPC was slightly higher for image-guided fusion biopsy (21.25% vs 18.75%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .453). There was also no significant difference in overall PC diagnosis (50% vs 51.25%, P = .897). The degree of agreement between the 2 diagnostic techniques for the detection of csPC as assessed by Cohen's Kappa concordance index was satisfactory κ ̂ = 0.676. The degree of International Society of Urological Pathology of targeted biopsies obtained from concordant lesions was also represented by satisfactory concordance with a Kappa index of κ ̂ = 0. 696. CONCLUSION: mUS-guided biopsy is presented as an effective diagnostic method for the diagnosis of csPC compared to image-guided fusion biopsy. No differences are found in the detection rates of csPC and PC between the 2 strategies and satisfactory concordance is found in terms of histopathological findings.

Organ-Sparing Surgery for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: A Current Perspective.

Background and Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of organ-sparing surgery for testicular germ cell tumors, a procedure that seeks to strike a balance between effective cancer control and organ preservation, in the treatment of testicular tumors. We aimed to discuss the surgical technique and complications, and determine the appropriate candidate selection for this approach. Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies on organ-sparing surgery for testicular tumors. Various databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were used. Studies reporting on surgical techniques, complications, and oncologic and functional outcomes were included for analysis. Results: Current evidence suggests that organ-sparing surgery for testicular germ cell tumors can be considered a safe and efficacious alternative to radical orchiectomy. The procedure is associated with adequate oncological control, as indicated by low recurrence rates and low complication rates. Endocrine testicular function can be preserved in around 80-90% of patients and paternity can be achieved in approximately half of the patients. Candidate selection for this surgery is typically based on the following criteria: pre-surgery normal levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, synchronous or metachronous bilateral tumors, tumor in a solitary testis, and tumor size less than 50% of the testis. Conclusions: Organ-sparing surgery for testicular germ cell tumors offers a promising approach that balances oncological control and preservation of testicular function. Further research, including large-scale prospective studies and long-term follow-ups, is warranted to validate the effectiveness and durability of organ-sparing surgery and to identify optimal patient selection criteria.

Impact of Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia on Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Erectile Function and Ejaculatory Function.

CONTEXT: Several sexual side effects, including erectile, ejaculatory, and orgasmic dysfunction, were reported with the majority of surgical procedures for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). OBJECTIVE: To systematically review current evidence regarding the impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery on sexual function. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive bibliographic search on the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted in July 2021. The population, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) model was used to define study eligibility. Studies were Included if they assessed patients with BPO and related lower urinary tract symptoms (P) undergoing BPH surgery (I) with or without a comparison between surgical treatments (C) evaluating the impact on sexual function (O). Retrospective and prospective primary studies were included. A pooled analysis was conducted on studies including the postoperative assessment of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5, Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD; Function and/or Bother), or retrograde ejaculation (RE) rate (PROSPERO database ID: CRD42020177907). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 151 studies investigating 20 531 patients were included. Forty-eight randomized controlled trials evaluating 5045 individuals were eligible for the meta-analysis. In most studies (122, 80.8%), only erectile and/or ejaculatory function was evaluated. A substantial number of articles (67, 44.4%) also used nonvalidated tools to evaluate erectile and/or ejaculatory function. The pooled analysis showed no statistically significant changes in IIEF-5 score compared with baseline for the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP; weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.76 pts; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.1, 1.62; p = 0.08), laser procedure (WMD 0.33 pts; 95% CI -0.1, 0.77; p = 0.13), and minimally invasive treatment (WMD -1.37 pts; 95% CI -3.19, 0.44; p = 0.14) groups. A statistically significantly higher rate of RE was found after TURP (risk ratio [RR] 13.31; 95% CI 8.37, 21.17; p < 0.00001), other electrosurgical procedures (RR 34.77; 95% CI 10.58, 127.82; p < 0.00001), and the entire laser group (RR 17.37; 95% CI 5.93, 50.81; p < 0.00001). No statistically significant increase in RE rate was described after most of the minimally invasive procedures (p > 0.05). The pooled analysis of MSHQ-EjD scores was possible only for prostatic urethral lift, showing no statistically significant difference between baseline and post-treatment MSHQ-EjD Function scores (WMD -0.80 pts; 95% CI -2.41, 0.81; p = 0.33), but postoperative MSHQ-EjD Bother scores were significantly higher (WMD 0.76 pts; 95% CI 0.22, 1.30; p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Erectile function appears to be unaffected by most surgical procedures for BPO. RE is a very common adverse event of BPH surgery, although emerging minimally invasive surgical procedures could be associated with a lower risk. PATIENT SUMMARY: Benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery can have an impact on sexual function, mainly involving ejaculatory function.

[Penile prosthesis implantation in the covid era. post-surgery follow up and management of complications]. / Implante de prótesis de pene en la era COVID. Seguimiento tras la cirugía y manejo de complicaciones.

OBJECTIVES: To provide recommendations regarding surgery, follow-up, and management of possible complications related to penile prostheses implantation, during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a critical narrative review of the studies investigating the impact of COVID-19 on urology practice and on penile prosthetic implantology. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE database was performed. Different combinations of the following keywords were used according to a free-text protocol:: "SARS-CoV-2", "COVID19", "COVID Urology", "COVID19 surgery", "penile prostheses". Papers in English and Spanish language, published until September 2020 were included in the review. RESULTS: Penile prosthesis implantation is an elective surgery which should always be deferred when it cannot be performed in maximum safety conditions. However, it may lead to complications wich must be resolved urgently even within the COVID-19 Era. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, it is mandatory to develop shared strategies to avoid potential COVID-19-related complications for surgical patients. Penile prosthesis implantation should be deferred to avoid unnecessary risks and all preventive measures should be taken to minimize the risks in the event of non-delayable surgery.

Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ): Spanish translation and validation.

The Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) is a 15-question self-reported questionnaire that evaluates the severity and physical and psychosexual issues of Peyronie's disease (PD) symptoms in three scales: "psychological and physical symptoms," "penile pain," and "symptom bother." Previous studies validated the PDQ US version and confirmed its test-retest reliability and responsiveness. The aim is to translate and validate the Spanish version of the PDQ to be used in the clinical practice and in PD research studies in Spain. A non-interventional, observational study with 160 PD patients was conducted. Patients included from four healthcare centers in Spain and completed the PDQ in two study visits separated for a period of 4-7 days from March 2018 to June 2019. Patients received no type of treatment or intervention. Different statistical tests were applied to the data in order to validate the structural and construct of the PDQ, as well as its internal reliability, temporal stability reliability, reliability between observers, and test-retest reliability. Cronbach's alpha over 0.9 showed good internal consistency. We found an ICC agreement of 0.82 (test-retest) for the three scales of the Spanish version of the PDQ, which demonstrates good reliability. When comparing Visit 1 and Visit 2 questionnaires mean scores, the PDQ showed non-significant differences, as expected because no intervention or treatment was administered to the patients between visits. Translation and validation of the PDQ for the Spanish population makes available a valid, useful, and reliable tool to properly evaluate quality of life of men suffering PD.

Penile length augmentation surgical and non-surgical approaches for aesthetical purposes.

The aim of this review is to describe reported techniques and to provide available scientific data on the success of penis length procedures for cosmetic purposes. Penis lengthening methods remain a controversial issue. Penis size is a matter of great interest among men who are affected by 'small penis anxiety'' or just believe themselves to have a small penis, even though the dimensions of the organ fall within the normal range. We performed a narrative review of the literature based on a comprehensive search in the MEDLINE database for original articles published until March 2021, referring to lengthening approaches exclusively for aesthetical reasons. Abstracts, opinion papers and case series ≤10 patients were not considered. We included the results of 14 papers in the review that gathered the experience obtained in a total of 1661 patients. Four of the studies referred to non-surgical procedures for penile length augmentation (PLA) and the remaining 10 analyzed the results of invasive (surgical) procedures. Both invasive and non-invasive techniques achieve similar improvements in penis length. These procedures vary in complexity and require specialized training and experience. However, the low scientific quality of the analyzed papers makes it difficult to establish recommendations to choose one technique over any other. However, it seems reasonable that, if possible, non-invasive techniques should be proposed as a first-line treatment. Before deciding the procedure, we must carry out a correct psychological evaluation of our patients, discuss with them the technique of choice, and adjust their expectations.

Seizures and Neuropsychiatric Toxicity in Patients with Non-Metastatic CRPC Treated with New Antiandrogens: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide have shown benefits in metastasis-free survival in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) patients compared to placebo. Previous evidence about the safety profile of these new androgens is limited. This meta-analysis studies seizure and neuropsychiatric effects of new anti-androgens compared to placebo in nmCRPC patients. METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane databases were systematically reviewed until 1 March 2020 by 2 independent researchers using a pre-specified search strategy. Placebo-compared randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of nmCRPC patients treated with new anti-androgens providing data on neuropsychiatric events and seizures were included. Variables were seizure, headache, mental impairment, and dizziness. Pooled risk ratios (RR) were calculated using the Mantel-Hansel random effects model and Review Manager v5.3 software. RESULTS: After systematic review, 3 eligible RCTs were selected that included 4,104 patients; 2,687 comprised the treatment group and 1,417 the control group. No significant increase in RR for seizures was registered with the new anti-androgens compared to placebo (RR 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40-9.61). However, 2 trials excluded patients with risk factors or a history of seizures. There was also no significant increase RR for grade ≥3 seizures (RR 2.50; 95% CI 0.12-52.02). RR for suffering dizziness (any grade) was 1.57 (95% CI 1.07-2.32) with the new anti-androgens, but no significant differences were found in the other study regarding neuropsychiatric events or grade ≥3 events. CONCLUSIONS: New anti-androgens (i.e., enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide) are acceptably safe in terms of seizures and neuropsychiatric toxicity compared to placebo in patients with nmCRPC.

Role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios in Peyronie's disease: a new diagnostic approach to predict the stage of the disease?

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been associated with multiple entities and several types of cancers. They can be assumed as markers of inflammatory imbalance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the NLR and PLR in Peyronie's disease (PD) and to establish a comparison of its values in the acute and chronic stages. We recruited patients with PD from March 2018 to March 2019. The patients enrolled underwent medical and sexual history as well as a physical examination. The values of blood count of each patient were collected both in the acute and chronic stages. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the acute and chronic stage ratios. Kruskal-Wallis test was carried out to evaluate the impact of treatments on the ratios. To identify cutoff values, we used sensibility and specificity tables and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A total of 120 patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 55.85 (range: 18-77) years and the mean penile curvature was 48.43° (range: 10°-100°). In the acute stage, the mean NLR was 2.35 and the mean PLR was 111.22. These ratios, in the chronic stage, were 1.57 and 100.00, respectively. Statistically significant differences between acute and stable stages for both indices were found (NLR: P< 0.0001; PLR: P= 0.0202). The optimal cutoff for classification in acute or stable stage was 2 for NLR and 102 for PLR. According to our results, with an ordinary blood count, we could have important indications regarding the disease stage of the patient, and consequently on the most appropriate type of therapy to choose.

Treatment of peyronie's disease with combination of clostridium histolyticum collagenase and penile traction therapy: a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study.

The aim of this paper is to analyze our experience with intraplaque administration of collagenase from Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) together with penile modeling for selected patients with Peyronie's disease (PD). We conducted a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study. Patients were included from October 2015 to August 2019. We carried out the I + E PROTOCOL (IMPRESS + extender). Each cycle involved administration of two injections of CCH separated 24-72 h, up to a maximum of four cycles. 24-48 h after injection patients underwent penile modeling maneuvers with the use of a PTD at home for at least 4 h a day. After each cycle, penile curvature was evaluated by the Kelami test. Mean pretreatment curvature was 57° (30-100). Eighty-seven patients underwent at least a single cycle and were eligible for analysis. Mean number of cycles administered was 2. Final average curvature after treatment, regardless of the number of cycles was 34°, with a mean reduction in curvature of -23.29° (-41%). Across the first three cycles we found statistically significant differences in the means in terms of the degrees of curvature after each cycle (p < 0.05), however this was not maintained in the fourth cycle. Statistical significance was also found when comparing the initial and final curvature after the complete treatment. We can conclude that treatment with CCH for PD is safe and effective. The concomitant use of CCH and PTT may limit the number of treatment cycles necessary to optimize outcomes when compared with CCH alone.

Non-invasive and surgical penile enhancement interventions for aesthetic or therapeutic purposes: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature in order to investigate the efficacy and safety of surgical and non-invasive penile enhancement procedures for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. METHODS: A systematic search for papers investigating penile enhancement procedures was performed using the MEDLINE database. Articles published from January 2010 to December 2019, written in English, including >10 cases, and reporting objective length and/or girth outcomes, were included. Studies without primary data and conference abstracts were excluded. The main outcome measure was objective length and/or girth improvement. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. RESULTS: Out of 220 unique records, a total of 57 were reviewed. Eighteen studies assessed interventions for penile enhancement in 1764 healthy men complaining of small penis. Thirty-nine studies investigated 2587 men with concomitant pathologies consisting mostly of Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction. Twenty-five studies evaluated non-invasive interventions and 32 studies assessed surgical interventions, for a total of 2192 and 2159 men, respectively. Non-invasive interventions, including traction therapies and injection of fillers, were safe and mostly efficacious, whereas surgical interventions were associated with minor complications and mostly increased penile dimensions and/or corrected penile curvature. Overall, the quality of studies was low, and standardized criteria to evaluate and report efficacy and safety of procedures, as well as patient satisfaction, were missing. CONCLUSION: The quality of the studies on penile enhancement procedures published in the last decade is still low. This prevents us from establishing recommendations based on scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of interventions that are performed to increase the penis size for aesthetic or therapeutic indications.

Efficacy and safety of dorsal penile nerve block before collagenase of clostridium histolyticum injections in peyronie's disease patients: Results from a prospective pilot study.

The intraplaque injection of collagenase from Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) was established as an effective therapeutic alternative for selected patients with Peyronie's disease (PD). There is no consensus on the use of pre-procedure anaesthesia. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy and safety of dorsal penile block before CCH injections in reducing procedure related pain. The treatment protocol described in the IMPRESS trials was adopted. The first injection of the first cycle was given without anaesthesia, while the second after penile block. After the administration of each injection, the pain related to the procedure was evaluated with the Wong-Baker-FACES® -Pain-Rating-Scale. Thirty patients were included. Mean age 56.7 (SD: 9.61) years. Mean basal penile curvature 59.37º (SD: 18.26). The mean pain value related to the procedure measured after the first injection of the first cycle (without anaesthesia) was 5.4 (SD: 2.13), while after the second injection (with anaesthesia) was 2.5 (SD: 1.92), (p < .001). The treatment was more painful in patients with dorsal plaques (mean:6.2) than in patients with lateral plaques (mean: 4.35) (p = .01). We can conclude that penile block before CCH injection in patients with PD seems an effective and safe measure to decrease the pain related to the procedure.

Enhanced Contribution of Orai Channels to Contractility of Human Penile Smooth Muscle in Erectile Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Store-operated calcium entry and its key players, stromal interaction molecule (STIM) and Orai calcium channels, have been proposed as emergent therapeutic targets in cardiovascular pathophysiology. We hypothesize alteration of STIM/Orai signaling in erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM: To evaluate the contribution of STIM/Orai to human penile tissue contraction and to analyze the influence of ED on STIM/Orai signaling at functional and expression levels in human penile vascular tissues. METHODS: Human penile resistance arteries (HPRA) and human corpus cavernosum (HCC) were dissected from cavernosal specimens from 30 organ donors without history of ED (No ED) and from 48 patients with ED undergoing penile prosthesis insertion and functionally evaluated in wire myographs and organ chambers, respectively. Expression of STIM-1, Orai1, and Orai3 in HCC was localized and quantified by immunofluorescence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures are functional responses in HCC and HPRA and STIM/Orai channel protein expression in human cavernosal tissue. RESULTS: Inhibition of Orai channels with YM-58483 (20 µM) significantly reduced norepinephrine-induced contractions in both HCC and HPRA from either No ED or ED subjects, but the effects were more marked in ED (-20.1 ± 5.9% vs -45.5 ± 13.2% and -15.9 ± 4.0% vs -31.4 ± 6.9% reduction in Emax to norepinephrine in HCC and HPRA, respectively). Thromboxane-induced contractions were reduced and neurogenic contractile and relaxant responses modulated by Orai inhibition in penile tissues from patients with ED. In fact, addition of YM-58483 concentration dependently relaxed precontracted HPRA and HCC. These relaxations were significantly more pronounced in tissues from patients with ED (EC50 7.5 vs 1.3 µM and 10.5 vs 1.3 µM, for HCC and HPRA, respectively). All HCC specimens displayed expression of STIM-1, Orai1, and Orai3. Significantly increased expression of Orai1 and Orai3 but not STIM-1 was observed in patients with ED. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Inhibition of enhanced Orai activity in human penile vascular tissue could facilitate erectile responses, alleviating ED. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Enhanced STIM/Orai activity contribution to penile smooth muscle tone in ED is demonstrated at functional and structural levels in human tissues from a representative sample of patients with ED and in comparison with healthy tissue. We cannot differentiate the specific contribution of risk factors associated with ED to hyperactivity of the Orai system. CONCLUSIONS: Orai channels significantly contribute to human penile smooth muscle contraction. Orai contribution to penile smooth muscle tone is functionally enhanced in ED accompanied by increased expression of Orai channels in cavernosal tissue. Orai inhibition could be a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce penile smooth muscle contraction in ED. Sevilleja-Ortiz A, El Assar M, García-Rojo E, et al. Enhanced Contribution of Orai Channels to Contractility of Human Penile Smooth Muscle in Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2020;17:881-891.

Critical analysis of a multicentric experience with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia: outcomes and complications of 10 years of routine clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perioperative outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in real-life practice and investigate the factors influencing the safety and effectiveness of the technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Critical analysis of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) treated with HoLEP over 10 years of routine practice in three hospitals. Analysed variables included: preoperative characteristics (prostate size, active antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy, blood parameters. prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax ], and International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]), intraoperative variables (operation time, concomitant removal of bladder calculi, and complications), early postoperative outcomes (change in blood parameters, catheterisation time, and hospital stay), and 12-month follow-up outcomes (change in IPSS, PSA level, and Qmax ). RESULTS: The analysis included 963 patients, aged 48-91 years, with a mean (range) prostate size of 91 (35-247) mL. The mean (sd) operation time was 77 (29) min, and the hospital stay and catheterisation time were 4 (2) and 1.3 (2) days, respectively. In all, 56 patients (5.6%) required concomitant removal of bladder calculi and 36 (3.7%) were converted to open prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate due to intraoperative complications. Patients had a significant decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit, but no differences were seen between patients with and without anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy and those with prostates ≥ and <100 mL. The concomitant removal of bladder calculi and having a prostate ≥100 mL resulted in a longer operation time, but did not influence the safety and effectiveness outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is suitable for real-life patients with BPH, irrespective of the presence of active treatment with anticoagulant/antiplatelet, bladder lithiasis or a prostate ≥100 mL.

Plication techniques in Peyronie's disease: new developments.

To date, surgical correction remains the gold standard for patients with stable Peyronie's disease (PD) due to its high efficacy and low morbidity. Among the surgical procedures, penile plication (PP) can be offered to men who have adequate erectile function and penile length (>13 cm), with a curvature <60° and a predicted shortening of maximum 20% of the penis. The aim of this paper is to review the new developments that have emerged in the last years about the use of PP in patients with PD. A nonsystematic review of the literature was carried out searching in the PubMed and EMBASE databases from January 01, 2009 to April 01, 2019 including the words 'Peyronie', 'penile curvature', 'penile induration', 'plication', and 'plicature'. New developments in PP in the last 10 years include avoiding degloving by using a penoscrotal incision, a new mathematical model to predict loss of length after PP, a wider range of indications including patients with severe (≥60°) or complex curvatures, burying knots to avoid later discomfort, and thinning or incising the plaque to prevent excessive shortening. PP is a well-founded procedure with great results in appropriately selected patients. Given the lack of any prospective randomized trial, no clear recommendation can be made of one technique over another.

Assessment of the influence of transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsies on erectile function: A prospective observational single-center study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of transrectal versus transperineal prostate biopsy on erectile function. METHODS: This was a single-center, observational, prospective study of consecutive patients who underwent a prostate biopsy (transrectal or transperineal/fusion biopsy). Study participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire before the procedure, and 3 and 6 months after. Prostatic biopsies were carried out following the standard procedure for both techniques. RESULTS: The study included 135 male patients with a mean age of 63.5 years. At baseline, 28 patients (21%) presented normal erectile function, whereas 107 patients (82%) presented erectile dysfunction, which was severe in four (3%), moderate in 49 (36%) and mild in 54 (40%), with an overall mean International Index of Erectile Function-5 score of 17.70. After 3 months, the rates were 29%, 3%, 27% and 38%, respectively (mean International Index of Erectile Function-5 score 17.95). At 6 months, the rates were 30%, 6%, 28% and 34%, respectively (mean International Index of Erectile Function-5 score of 17.77). No significant differences between pre- and post-biopsy International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores at 3 and 6 months were observed, even when analyzing transrectal and transperineal separately. The number of biopsy cores and number of previous biopsies did not influence the International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that prostate biopsy technique, number of biopsy cores and history of previous biopsy do not significantly impact erectile function in the medium term up to 6 months.

Factors Influencing Intraoperative Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Large Multicenter Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess blood loss during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and investigate the factors influencing it. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Analysis of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with HoLEP at 3 centers. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were measured before surgery and hospital discharge. All blood transfusions performed during and after HoLEP were recorded. Blood loss outcomes were analyzed regarding antithrombotic (antiplatelet/anticoagulant) therapies and drug treatments for BPH and other conditions. RESULTS: The analysis included 963 patients with a mean age of 72 years. Mean (range) prostate size was 102 (40-316) g; 28% of patients were receiving antiplatelets and 11% anticoagulants. Mean (range) prostate-specific antigen was 6.0 (0.3-43.5) ng/dL. Mean (range) operation time was 77 (28-178) minutes. Bladder calculi were found in 54 (5.6%) patients; all of them were successfully treated with cystolitholapaxy. Forty-eight (5%) patients required blood transfusion during or immediately after the HoLEP procedure. Overall, mean (SD) hemoglobin decreased from 14.6 (1.5) g/dL to 12.3 (2.1) g/dL (P <.001), and mean (SD) hematocrit decreased from 44.3% (4.7) to 37.7% (6.5) (P <.001). Neither hemoglobin nor hematocrit decreases were significantly different between patients receiving and not receiving antithrombotic therapy or BPH therapy. CONCLUSION: HoLEP is safe and has no remarkable impact on blood loss. Patients at high risk, such as those receiving antithrombotic therapy, had the same outcome than the rest regarding blood loss, although showed a higher transfusion rate. Operating time may influence hemoglobin decrease; therefore, it should be considered in patients with higher risk of bleeding.

Analysis of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in a High-Volume Center: The Impact of Concomitant Holmium Laser Cystolitholapaxy.

Purpose: To assess the influence of holmium laser cystolitholapaxy (HLC) concomitantly with holmium laser prostate enucleation (HoLEP) on patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) presenting bladder calculi. Materials and Methods: We present a retrospective analysis of patients with BPH (with or without concomitant HLC) at three Spanish centers. Intraoperative variables (e.g., time and resected tissue), changes in functional parameters of the prostate, and frequency of complications (intraoperative, early postoperative, and at 12 months) in patients with and without HLC were compared. Results: The analysis included 963 patients aged 48 to 91 years, of which 54 (5.6%) underwent HLC to treat vesical lithiasis. Mean (range) prostate size (measured by transrectal ultrasound) was 79 (43-173) g and 91 (35-247) g for patients with and without concomitant HLC, respectively (p = 0.080). All bladder calculi were effectively removed. No significant differences were found regarding enucleation and morcellation times, but total operation time was significantly higher in patients with HLC: mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 78 (27) minutes vs 95 (41) minutes (p < 0.001). Three patients underwent conversion to open surgery because of bladder perforation, all of them from the group without HLC. Rates of intraoperative, early, and 12-month complications were similar in both groups. No significant differences in International Prostate Symptom Scale, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and mean flow were observed between groups 12 months after surgery. Conclusions: Simultaneous HoLEP and HLC increases the total operation time, but does not influence the risk of clinically relevant perioperative and postoperative complications.

Cystoscopy Real-Time Self-Visualization and Its Impact in Patient's Pain Perception.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if self-visualization of ambulatory cystoscopy provides a decrease in pain perception in male and female patients. METHODS: A quasi-randomized controlled trial involving patients scheduled for ambulatory cystoscopy from August to November 2017. The indications were: hematuria, bladder cancer surveillance, lower urinary tract symptoms, and incontinence. The patients were quasi-randomized into two groups by scheduled date. Both groups received the same explanation before and during cystoscopy. The variables analyzed were gender, age, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, number of previous cystoscopies, and indication and positivity of the test for bladder neoplasia. All patients were analyzed by group and gender separately. The statistical tests used were: Wilcoxon rank-sum, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. RESULTS: Four hundred four patients were included (318 males and 86 females) and divided into two groups, group A (no self-visualization, n = 239) and group B (self-visualization, n = 165). In males, mean VAS score was 2.6 for group A and 2.5 for group B (p = 0.276); in females, VAS score was 2.78 for group A and 1.64 for group B (p = 0.008). Regarding the remaining variables analyzed, neither positivity of the test for neoplasia (p = 0.14) nor cystoscopy indication (p = 0.597) had any influence. In patients with two or more previous cystoscopies, a reduction in mean VAS score was seen in both genders. In males having their first cystoscopy the mean VAS score was 3.1 and decreased to 2.1 for the third or more (p = 0.001); in females the mean VAS score was 2.89 for the first and 1.56 for the third or more (p = 0.02), although this benefit tended to disappear when the number of previous cystoscopies was taken into account. CONCLUSION: In male patients, self-visualization of cystoscopy did not impact pain perception, while in female patients, it seemed to provide a benefit. The number of previous cystoscopies had an influence, diminishing the perception of pain, regardless of whether the patient visualized the procedure or not.

The Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist as a Screening Tool for Sex-Related Problems in the Primary Care Setting: Focus on Erectile Dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To assess the performance of the Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist for men (BSSC-M) questionnaire in General Practitioner's (GP) consults in Spain. METHODS: Multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted in Spain among men ≥50 years, visiting a GP for any reason, and being able to answer self-administered questionnaires. Patients receiving medicines for erectile dysfunction (ED) and those with poor functional status were excluded. Sexual satisfaction was assessed by the BSSC-M, ED by the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and quality of life (QoL) using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: In all, 770 men met all the selection criteria and 556 patients (72.2%) reported sexually related problems, ED being the most frequent (n = 427; 55.5%). The SHIM score decreased progressively with the number of causes of sexual dissatisfaction. Prevalence of ED (SHIM ≤21) was greater in patients who referred problems with erection in the BSSC-M questionnaire (76 vs. 14%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis for ED prediction revealed that sexual dissatisfaction, QoL (average or low/very low), and the presence of 3 or more comorbidities significantly influenced the chances of having ED. CONCLUSIONS: Our results encourage the use of the BSSC-M for identifying suspicion of ED and other sexual problems in patients > 50 who visit their GP for a routine follow-up.

[Training program on medical urology: Future perspectives.] / Programa formativo en urología médica: perspectivas para el futuro.

Urology is defined as the medical-surgical specialty that includes the study, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions of the urinary system. It is well specified by the National Commission of Specialties that we must know the medical pathology that concerns us. However, on occasions, resident training focuses on the surgical field and oncological pathology, which, although one of the main pillars of the specialty, is usually to the detriment of training in medical and functional pathology. We conducted a survey of residents in the fourth year of Urology in Spain, where we asked about the quality of training in Andrology and Functional Urology. The average rotation time is 3.5 months in each unit. Only 20% consider that their training is satisfactory and sufficient in Andrology. Seventy-five percent of residents surveyed believe that their training in Functional Urology is acceptable or sufficient, both medical and surgical. There are numerous fields of action to improve the training of residents and young urologists in this country in the management of urological medical pathology. The future is open, and it is in our hand to set up a training for urology residents within excellence and to be recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the great pillars of Spanish Urology. In this chapter we will analyze the current situation in the training of Spanish Urology Residents in urological medical pathology, and we will focus on training in functional urology and andrology.