Da Vinci and Hugo RAS Platforms for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a preliminary prospective comparative analysis of the outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has emerged as the preferred approach for T1 renal-cell-carcinoma. As new robotic platforms like Hugo RAS emerge, we seek to understand their potential in achieving similar RAPN outcomes as the established Da Vinci system. METHODS: A prospective single-center comparative study was conducted, and 50 patients selected for RAPN were enrolled (25 Da Vinci Xi; 25 Hugo RAS). The choice of robotic system was based solely on hospital logistics criteria. Surgeries were performed by expert surgeons. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, operative details and postoperative outcomes were collected. SPSS version 22.0 was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 62.52±9.47 years, with no significant differences in median age, sex, and nephrometry scores between groups. Da Vinci group showed a significantly shorter docking time (12.56 vs. 20.08 min; P<0.01), while other intraoperative measures like console time and warm ischemia time were similar. The Hugo RAS group had a shorter renorraphy time (14.33 vs. 18.84 min; P=0.024). Postoperative outcomes and surgical margin positivity showed no significant differences. Each group had one patient (4%) who developed major surgical complications (Clavien IIIa). Trifecta rates were comparable between both groups (Da Vinci 88% vs. Hugo RAS 84%; P=0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Initial findings suggest similar perioperative outcomes for RAPN when using Hugo RAS compared to the Da Vinci system. Further research with long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate oncological and functional outcomes.

Da Vinci vs. Hugo RAS for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a prospective comparative single-center study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate Hugo RAS against the Da Vinci system for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) in prostate cancer treatment. METHODS: We compared outcomes of 150 patients with prostate cancer undergoing RARP with either Hugo or Da Vinci systems. Our analysis included operative, postoperative, pathological, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Both groups had 75 patients. Baseline characteristics and tumor features were similar. Intraoperatively, Da Vinci had a shorter docking time (10.45 vs. 18.62 min, p = 0.02), but total operative times were comparable (145.34 vs 138.95, p = 0.85). Hugo outperformed in neck dissection and lymphadenectomy times (22 vs 13.67 min, p = 0.027 and 37.82 vs 45.77 min, p = 0.025). Postoperative metrics like stay duration, catheter time, and complications showed no significant difference. Functional results, using IPSS and IIEF5, were similar between systems. Six Da Vinci patients (8%) and nine Hugo patients (12%) experienced social incontinence (p = 0.072). Pathological outcomes like T stage, Gleason Score, and nodes removed were alike. However, Hugo had more positive surgical margins (20% vs. 10.67%, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: RARP outcomes using Hugo RAS were similar to the Da Vinci system in our study. More research and extended follow-up are required to ascertain long-term oncological and functional results.

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.

Comparison of Low-Power vs High-Power Holmium Lasers in Pediatric Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery Outcomes.

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of using low-power (up to 30 W) vs high-power (up to 120 W) holmium lasers in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in children and to analyze if lasering techniques and the use of access sheath have any influence on the outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 9 centers of children who underwent RIRS with holmium laser for the treatment of kidney stones between January 2015 and December 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: high-power and low-power holmium laser. Clinical, perioperative variables and complications were analyzed. Outcomes were compared between groups using Student's t-test for continuous variables, and Chi-square and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. A multivariable logistic regression analysis model was also performed. Results: A total of 314 patients were included. A high-power and low-power holmium laser was used in 97 and 217 patients, respectively. Clinical and demographic variables were comparable between both groups, except for stone size where the low-power group treated larger stones (mean 11.11 vs 9.70 mm, p = 0.018). In the high-power laser group, a reduction in surgical time was found (mean 64.29 vs 75.27 minutes, p = 0.018) with a significantly higher stone-free rate (SFR) (mean 81.4% vs 59%, p < 0.001). We found no statistical differences in complication rates. The multivariate logistic regression model showed lower SFR in the low-power holmium group, especially with larger (p = 0.011) and multiple stones (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our real-world pediatric multicenter study favors high-power holmium laser and establishes its safety and efficacy in children.

Comparison and outcomes of dusting versus stone fragmentation and extraction in retrograde intrarenal surgery: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Lithotripsy during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) can be achieved either by fragmentation and extraction or dusting with spontaneous passage. We aimed to perform a systematic review on the safety and stone-free rate after RIRS by comparing the techniques of dusting vs fragmentation/extraction. Material and methods: This review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. The inverse variance of the mean difference and 95% Confidence Interval (CI), Categorical variables were assessed using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel Method with the random effect model and reported as Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% CI. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results: There were 1141 patients included in 10 studies. Stone size was up to 2.5 cm All studies used holmium laser for lithotripsy. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in surgical time (MD -5.39 minutes 95% CI -13.92-2.31, p = 0.16), postoperative length of stay (MD -0.19 days 95% CI -0.60 - -0.22, p=0.36), overall complications (OR 0.98 95% CI 0.58-1.66, p = 0.95), hematuria (OR 1.01 95% CI 0.30-3.42, p = 0.99), postoperative fever (OR 0.70 95% CI 0.41-1.19, p = 0.19) and sepsis (OR 1.03 95% CI 0.10-10.35, p = 0.98), immediate (OR 0.40 95% CI 0.13-1.24, p = 0.11) and overall stone-free rate (OR 0.76 95% CI 0.43-1.32, p = 0.33), and retreatment rate (OR 1.35 95% CI 0.57-3.20, p = 0.49) between the groups. Conclusions: This systematic review infers that urologists can safely use either option of fragmentation and basket extraction or dusting without extraction to achieve similar outcomes as both techniques are similar for efficacy and safety.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Children: Evolution, Current Status, and Future Trends.

Introduction: Incidence of urolithiasis in children has increased in recent years and with technological advancements and miniaturization of surgical instruments, pediatric urologists have acquired an impressive arsenal for their treatment. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) has gained widespread popularity as it is a natural extension of semirigid ureteroscopy and can be done through natural orifice minimizing the morbidity of percutaneous access. The aim of this narrative review is to describe how RIRS has evolved over the decades in children and if the age-related anatomical difference impacts reported outcomes especially stone-free rate (SFR) and complications. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search from inception to October 15, 2021 was performed using Medical Subject Heading terms in several combinations on PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science without language restrictions. A total of 2022 articles were founded and 165 articles were full-text screening. Finally, 2 pediatric urologists included 51 articles that summarize the available literature regarding the development and use of RIRS in children. Results: RIRS as of today is well established as a superior modality for all stones in all locations compared with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy both in children and adults. The passive dilation has decreased the need of active ureteral dilation, but the need to perform prestenting is not defined yet. Regarding the use of the ureteral access sheath, the literature tends to lean toward its placement in most cases, but we do not know its long-term effects over the growth of children. Finally, the SFR has increased as the experience of pediatric urologists increases, as well as the number of complications has decreased. Conclusion: RIRS in pediatrics has crossed many milestones, yet many areas need further research and larger data are required to make RIRS the procedure of choice for renal stone management in children across all age groups.

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.

Metastatic testicular cancer presenting with hematuria and flank pain.

Testicular cancer (TC) represents 1% of male neoplasms and 5% of urological tumors. Most of seminoma patients and about 55% of patients with nonseminoma TC have stage I disease at diagnosis. TC usually presents with a palpable testicular mass incidentally found by the patient himself or its partner by palpation. It shows excellent cure rates based on their chemosensitivity, especially to cisplatin-based chemotherapy, but careful staging at diagnosis, adequate early treatment based on a multidisciplinary approach and strict follow-up are necessary. We present a case of a 25-year-old male patient who was diagnosed of metastatic TC with an atypical presentation: hematuria, hydronephrosis, and direct infiltration of the ureter by the retroperitoneal mass, mimicking a renal colic. After orchiectomy and placement of a double-J stent, the evolution was favorable, with a good response after the first cycle of chemotherapy with quick resolution of hematuria. After the treatment, a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed. The patient remains disease-free after 3 years of follow-up.

Mitomycin C allergy after passive and device-assisted hyperthermia for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer treatment: A retrospective cohort from a high-volume center.

INTRODUCTION: Mitomycin C (MMC) is one of the most frequently utilized intravesical chemotherapy drugs for the management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Allergic reactions (Type 4 delayed hypersensitivity) are seldomly reported in the literature but not so infrequent in daily practice, its incidence has been increasing with the use of device-assisted hyperthermia. This study aims to identify the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of patients with allergic reactions to MMC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-center retrospective cohort from June 2014 to August 2018. Patients with intermediate or high-risk NMIBC were included. Patients received passive MMC (4 weekly and eleven monthly instillations of 40mg of MMC) or Chemohyperthermia (CHT) with MMC (6 weekly and 6-monthly instillations, heated at 43°C [+/- 0.5°C] using Combat BRS). RESULTS: We included 258 patients (MMC = 157, CHT = 101) and found 7 (4.4%) suspected and 4 confirmed (2.4%) allergies in the passive MMC group and 11 suspected (10.9%) and 7 confirmed (6.9%) in the CHT group. The mean number of instillations received before developing the allergy was 6 in the passive MMC and 5 in the CHT group. Seven out of 18 suspected allergy cases were pseudo-allergic reactions with negative allergy tests. Early postoperative MMC instillation was associated with an increased risk of allergy (OR 2.47 [CI 1.39-4.36], P = 0.001), while neither history of atopy nor history of other medications allergy was found to increase the risk. CONCLUSION: MMC allergy risk is increased with the use of device-assisted hyperthermia with an incidence of 2.4% for passive MMC and 6.9% for CHT. History of prior allergies does not seem to increase the risk of developing MMC allergy. In this series 38% of suspected cases were found to be pseudo-allergic reactions, highlighting the need to confirm the diagnosis before definitively stopping the treatment.

Outcomes and lessons learnt from practice of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in a paediatric setting of various age groups: a global study across 8 centres.

PURPOSE: To analyse and report the practice, outcomes and lessons learnt from a global series of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in a paediatric multicentre series. METHODS: A retrospective review of anonymized pooled data gathered globally from 8 centres in paediatric patients (≤ 18 years of age) who had renal stones and underwent RIRS from 2015 to 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, stone characteristics, complications and stone-free rate (SFR; defined as endoscopically stone free and/or residual fragments < 2 mm on follow up imaging) were analysed. The cohort was stratified into 3 groups by age: < 5 years (Group A), 5-10 years (Group B) and > 10 years (Group C). Overall, post-operative complication rate was 13.7%. Chi-square comparisons were used for categorical variables; analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for continuous variables. RESULTS: 314 patients were analysed. The mean age was 9.54 ± 4.76 years. Groups A, B and C had 67 (21.3%), 83 (26.4%) and 164 (52.2%) patients, respectively. Mean stone size was 10.7 ± 4.62 mm. Pre-stenting was performed in 155 (49.4%) of patients, ureteral access sheaths (UAS) was used in 54.5% of patients with majority (71%) utilizing holmium laser for stone fragmentation. All complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo grade 1 and 2). SFR was 75.5%. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS is acceptable as a first-line intervention in the paediatric population with reasonable efficacy and low morbidity. Complications are slightly higher in patients < 5 years of age, which should be taken into account while counselling patients.

Urethral stricture following endoscopic prostate surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective, randomized trials.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to evaluate the incidence and influencing factors of urethral stricture (US) in relation to different BPH endoscopic techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Controlled Register of Trials. The incidence of US was estimated through comparative studies between different endoscopic techniques. Patients were assigned into groups according to the type of surgery (enucleation, ablation and resection group). Incidences of US were pooled using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel Method with the random effect model and reported as Risk Ratio (RR), 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), and p-values. RESULTS: A total of 80 studies were included for meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of US was 1.7% after enucleation, 2.1% after ablation, 3.8% after monopolar (M)-TURP and 2.1% after bipolar (B)-TURP. The incidence of US was significantly lower after Enucleation than after TURP (RR 0.58 95% CI 0.39-0.84, p = 0.004). US incidence was lower for Ablation procedures than TURP, but the difference did not reach significance (RR 0.79 95% CI 0.61-1.3, p = 0.08). However, this was significant in the subgroup of M-TURP studies (RR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.49-0.91, p = 0.01). Sub-analysis showed that the risk of US was significantly lower after Enucleation than after TURP within 12 months after surgery (RR 0.51 95% CI 0.33-0.81, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The study shows an increased incidence of US after TURP compared to enucleation and ablation procedures. The main factors related to increased US incidence are the use of monopolar energy, instrument caliber and duration of postoperative catheterization.

[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.

Real-world Global Outcomes of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery in Anomalous Kidneys: A High Volume International Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trends and outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery for treatment of urolithiasis in anomalous kidneys in a large international multicenter series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a multicentric retrospective study. Nineteen high-volume centers worldwide were included. Pre-, peri- and postoperative data were collected, and a subgroup analysis was performed according to renal anomaly. RESULTS: We analyzed 414 procedures: 119 (28.7%) were horseshoe kidneys, 102 (24.6%) pelvic ectopic kidneys, 69 (16.7%) malrotated kidneys and 50 (12.1%) diverticular calculus. The average size (SD) of the stone was 13.9 (±6) millimeters and 193 (46.6%) patients had a pre-operative stent. In 249 cases (60.1%) a disposable scope was used. A UAS (ureteral access sheath) was used in 373 (90%) patients. A Holmium laser was used in 391 (94.4%) patients. The average (SD) operating time was 65.3 (±24.2) minutes. Hematuria, caliceal perforation and difficulty in stone localisation were mostly seen in diverticular stones and difficulty in UAS placement and lithotripsy in the cases of renal malrotation. The overall complication rate was 12%. Global stone-free rate was 79.2%. Residual fragments (RF) were significantly lesser in the pre-stented group (P <.05). Diverticular calculi was the group with more RF and needed ancillary procedures (P <.05). CONCLUSION: Retrograde intrarenal surgery in patients with anomalous kidneys is safe and effective with a high single-stage stone-free rate and low complication rate. There is a trend toward using smaller and disposable scopes and smaller UAS. Diverticular stones can still be challenging with higher rates of intraoperative hematuria, caliceal perforation and RF.

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.

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.