Treatment of Ureteral Stent-Related Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the main classes of drugs used at reducing morbidity related to ureteric stents. SUMMARY: After establishing a priori protocol, a systematic electronic literature search was conducted in July 2019. The randomized clinical trials (RCTs) selection proceeded in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered (PROSPERO ID 178130). The risk of bias and the quality assessment of the included RCTs were performed. Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and quality of life (QoL) were pooled for meta-analysis. Mean difference and risk difference were calculated as appropriate for each outcome to determine the cumulative effect size. Fourteen RCTs were included in the analysis accounting for 2,842 patients. Alpha antagonist, antimuscarinic, and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors significatively reduced all indexes of the USSQ, the IPSS and QoL scores relative to placebo. Conversely, combination therapy (alpha antagonist plus antimuscarinic) showed in all indexes of the USSQ, IPSS, and QoL over alpha antagonist or antimuscarinic alone. On comparison with alpha blockers, PDE inhibitors were found to be equally effective for urinary symptoms, general health, and body pain parameters, but sexual health parameters improved significantly with PDE inhibitors. Finally, antimuscarinic resulted in higher decrease in all indexes of the USSQ, the IPSS, and QoL relative to alpha antagonist. KEY MESSAGE: Relative to placebo, alpha antagonist alone, antimuscarinics alone, and PDE inhibitors alone have beneficial effect in reducing stent-related symptoms. Furthermore, there are significant advantages of combination therapy compared with monotherapy. Finally, PDE inhibitors are comparable to alpha antagonist, and antimuscarinic seems to be more effective than alpha antagonist alone.

Single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and pooled analysis of the preliminary experiences.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical experiences with single-port (SP) robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) reported in the literature and to describe the peri-operative and short-term outcomes of this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed in December 2019 using Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), Cochrane databases, Scopus and Web of Science (PROSPERO registry number 164129). All studies that reported intra- and peri-operative data on SP-RARP were included. Cadaveric series and perineal or partial prostatectomy series were excluded. RESULTS: The pooled mean operating time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay and catheterization time were 190.55 min, 198.4 mL, 1.86 days and 8.21 days, respectively. The pooled mean number of lymph nodes removed was 8.33, and the pooled rate of positive surgical margins was 33%. The pooled minor complication rate was 15%. Only one urinary leakage and one major complication (transient ischaemic attack) were recorded. Regarding functional outcomes, pooled continence and potency rates at 12 weeks were 55% and 42%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis confirms that SP-RARP is safe and feasible. This novel robotic platform resulted in similar intra-operative and peri-operative outcomes to those obtained with the standard multiport da Vinci system. The advantages of single incision can be translated into a preservation of the patient's body image and self-esteem and cosmesis, which have a great impact on a patient's quality of life.

How bothersome double-J ureteral stents are after semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy: a prospective single-institution observational study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in details the actual extent of double-J stent-related symptoms after semirigid (URS) and flexible (RIRS) ureteroscopy using a validated questionnaire. METHODS: We asked to complete the Ureteric Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) to all stone patients undergoing URS or RIRS with stent placement from 2010 to 2015. Stent-related symptoms' prevalence, severity, and impact on daily life were analyzed using descriptive statistics and five-order Likert scales. Subgroups analyses were performed. RESULTS: 232 patients completed the USSQ. Stents had a deep impact on urinary symptoms (daily frequency ≥ 1 per hour 59.1%, ≥ 1 nocturnal micturition 90.1%, urgency 86.6%, burning 82.3%) that represented a problem for 88.4% of patients. 83.2% complained of pain, mostly in the kidney (67.9%) or in the bladder area (31.3%), particularly during physical activity (72.9%) and micturition (77.0%). Pain interfered with everyday life in 92.2%. General health, working, and sexual activity were also affected. 62.0% of patients would be dissatisfied (51.6% unhappy or terrible) if further ureteral stenting was proposed in future. Younger patients and females were more affected. Limitations include observational design and lack of baseline evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral stents are responsible for significant urinary symptoms and pain after semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy. They also considerably affect general health, working and sexual activity. Urologists should consider it carefully before stenting, inform patients about stent-related symptoms, and minimize stent indwelling time.

MRI/real-time ultrasound image fusion guided high-intensity focused ultrasound: a prospective comparative and functional analysis of different ablative techniques.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to compare safety and functional outcomes of total, hemi and focal ablation by the latest focal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device. METHODS: This is a prospective study including patients with low to intermediate-risk PCa treated with HIFU by Focal One® device from 11/2018 to 3/2020. Before the treatment all patients underwent mp-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subsequent MRI/transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion and standard biopsy. Patients were stratified according to the type of ablation: total, hemi- or focal ablation. Functional data (IPSS, Quality of Life [QoL], IIEF-5, maximum flow [Qmax] and post void residual [PVR] at flowmetry) were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Moreover, the urinary symptoms reported by patients at IPSS questionnaire were divided in "irritative" and "obstructive" and compared. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled. Median prostate volume and lesion diameter were 46 (IQR 25-75) mL and 10 (IQR 6-13) mm. 15, 50 and 35 patients underwent total, hemi- and focal ablation, respectively. No differences were found between them except for operative time (lower in the focal group, P<0.01). Significant lower incidence of irritative symptoms was identified in the focal group compared to the others (P<0.05 at 1 and 3 months of follow-up). No differences were found among the baseline status and the postoperative assessment in terms of obstructive IPSS items, IIEF-5, QoL, Qmax and PVR (all P value>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that patients' specific HIFU tailoring with the MRI/real-time TRUS Guidance by Focal One® device is able to minimize the side effects of treatment.

Partial vs. radical nephrectomy in non-metastatic pT3a kidney cancer patients: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to test for differences in cancer specific mortality (CSM) rates between radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN) in pT3a nmRCC patients. METHODS: Within the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database (2005-2016), 13,177 pT3a patients treated with either PN or RN were identified. Before and after 1:2 ratio propensity score (PS)-match between PN and RN patients, cumulative incidence plot and competing risks regression (CRR) were used to test differences in CSM and other cause mortality (OCM) rates. RESULTS: Relative to PN (N.=1615, 22.5%), RN patients harbored higher tumor size (72 vs. 38 mm; >70 mm 51 vs.10%), of more aggressive histology, collecting duct (0.4 vs. 0.2%) and sarcomatoid (2.3 vs.0.8%), of higher grade (51.0 vs. 37.5%). After PS-matching and OCM adjustment, 5-year CSM was 3-fold higher after RN than PN (P<0.01). Similarly, after PS matching and CSM adjustment, also 5-year OCM rates were higher after RN (HR: 1.59, P=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: PN does not appear to compromise the oncological outcomes in patients with pT3a or high-grade renal masses when compared with RN. Therefore, these concerns should not deter a surgeon from attempting PN when otherwise technically feasible.

Percutaneous Kidney Puncture with Three-dimensional Mixed-reality Hologram Guidance: From Preoperative Planning to Intraoperative Navigation.

BACKGROUND: Despite technical and technological innovations, percutaneous puncture still represents the most challenging step when performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This maneuver is characterized by the steepest learning curve and a risk of injuring surrounding organs and kidney damage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of three-dimensional mixed reality (3D MR) holograms in establishing the access point and guiding the needle during percutaneous kidney puncture. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective study included ten patients who underwent 3D MR endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) for kidney stones from July 2019 to January 2020. A retrospective series of patients who underwent a standard procedure were selected for matched pair analysis. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: For patients who underwent 3D MR ECIRS, holograms were overlapped on the real anatomy to guide the surgeon during percutaneous puncture. In the standard group, the procedures were only guided by ultrasound and fluoroscopy. MEASUREMENTS: Differences in preoperative and postoperative patient characteristics between the groups were tested using a χ2 test and a Kruskal-Wallis test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results are reported as the median and interquartile range for continuous variables and as the frequency and percentage for categorical variables. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Ten patients underwent 3D MR ECIRS. In all cases, the inferior calyx was punctured correctly, as planned using the overlapping hologram. The median puncture and radiation exposure times were 27 min and 120 s, respectively. No intraoperative or major postoperative complications occurred. Matched pair analysis with the standard ECIRS group revealed a significantly shorter radiation exposure time for the 3D MR group (p < 0.001) even though the puncture time was longer in comparison to the standard group (p < 0.001). Finally, use of 3D MR led to a higher success rate for renal puncture at the first attempt (100% vs 50%; p = 0.032). The main limitations of the study are the small sample size and manual overlapping of the rigid hologram models. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrates that 3D MR guidance for renal puncture is feasible and safe. The procedure proved to be effective, with the inferior calyx correctly punctured in all cases, and was associated with a low intraoperative radiation exposure time because of the MR guidance. PATIENT SUMMARY: Three-dimensional virtual models visualized as holograms and intraoperatively overlapped on the patient's real anatomy seem to be a valid new tool for guiding puncture of the kidney through the skin for minimally invasive treatment.

Flexible ureteroscopy using a 120-w holmium laser: The low-energy/high-frequency approach. / Ureteroscopia flexible utilizando laser holmium 120 W: baja energía/alta frecuencia.

OBJECTIVES: With the spread of more powerful lasers and the advent of new technologies, endoscopic interventions for urolithiasis are continuously evolving. The aim of this study is to present our experience and technique regarding Low Energy (LE)/High Frequency (HF) lithotripsy by using a 120-W Holmium laser (Lumenis®). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed our prospectively maintained Retrograde Intra Renal Surgery (RIRS) database. Lithotripsy was performed using LE/HF settings with a Long Pulse Width (LPW) and consisted of the following steps: 1) contact Laser lithotripsy (LE/HF/LPW dusting - 0,5 J/50 Hz or 02 J/70 Hz); 2) extraction ofmain fragments; 3) non-contact Laser lithotripsy (LE/HF/Short Pulse Width Pop Dusting - 0,5 J /80Hz). Pre-operativeand peri-operative outcomes were collected. Post-operative complications were recorded according to Clavien-Dindo Grading System. Finally, all patients under went a CT scan at three months after RIRS to assess the success of procedure, defined as stone-free or presence of ≤4 mm fragments (Clinical Insignificant Residual Fragments - CIRF). RESULTS: Overall, 104 LE/HF/LPW RIRS from December 2017 to January 2019 were performed. Mean operative time was 59 (SD ±23) minutes, median post-operative stay was two days (IQR 2-3). The post-operative complication rate was 4,8%: one patient had nausea and vomiting (Clavien-Dindo I) and four patients developed urosepsis (Clavien-Dindo II). The success rate was 88,5% (71,2% stone-free and 17,3% CIRF). CONCLUSIONS: LE/HF/LPW RIRS seems to be safe and effective in terms of positive success rate, safety and standard operative time. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to compare this technique to standard RIRS.

OBJETIVOS: Con la aparición de láseres de alta potencia y las nuevas tecnologías, las intervenciones endoscópicas para las urolitiasis continúan evolucionando. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar nuestra experiencia y técnica de baja energía (BE), alta  frecuencia (AF) de litotricia utilizando el laser holmium120 W (Lumenis®). MÉTODOS: Retrospectivamente analizamos nuestra base de datos prospectiva de ureteroscopia retrograda intrarenal. La litotricia fue realizada utilizando BE/AFcon pulsos amplios y largos (LPW). La técnica consistió en los siguientes pasos: 1) Contacto litotricia laser (BE/AF/LPW polvo- 0.5J/50 Hz o 02 J/70 Hz); 2) extracción de los fragmentos principales; 3) litotricia laser sin contacto (BE/AF/pulso corto polvo- 0,5 J /80Hz). Los resultados preoperatorios y perioperatorios fueron recogidos. Las complicaciones postoperatorias fueron recogidas por el sistema Clavien-Dindo. Finalmente, todos los pacientes recibieron un TAC a los 3 meses después de la ureteroscopia retrograda para evaluar el éxito del procedimiento, que se definió como la no existencia de litiasis o de fragmentos de menos de 4 mm (fragmentos clínicamente insignificantes). RESULTADOS: 104 BE/AF/LPW ureteroscopias retrógradas se realizaron entre diciembre de 2017 y enero de 2019. El tiempo operatorio medio fue de 50 minutos( SD ± 23), la estancia media postoperatoria fue de 2 días (IQR 2-3). La tasa de complicaciones postoperatorias fue de 4,8%: un paciente tuvo nauseas y vómitos (Clavien I) y 4 pacientes desarrollaron urosepsis (Clavien II). La tasa de éxito fue de 88%, 71,2% libre de litiasis y 17,3% fragmentos clínicamente insignificantes. CONCLUSIONES: BE/AF/LPW ureteroscopia retrógrada es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo en términos de tasa de éxito, seguridad y tiempo quirúrgico. Aunque, estudios randomizados son necesarios para comparar esta técnica con la ureteroscopia retrógrada estándar.

Stone free rate and clinical complications in patients submitted to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS): Our experience in 571 consecutive cases.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to report the stone free rate (SFR) and clinical complications in patients submitted to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 571 procedures of upper urinary stones treated using flexible ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy from January 2014 to February 2020 have been analyzed. Overall SFR was evaluated after 3 months following the procedure by means of a non-contrast computed tomography. Success was considered as stone-free status or ≤ 0.4 cm fragments. RESULTS: The overall SFR was 92.3% in group 1 (stone size: < 1 cm), 88.3% in group 2 (stone size: > 1 ≤ 2 cm), 56.7% in group 3 (stone size: 2-3 cm) and 69.6% in group 4 (multiple stones). Post-operative complications, according to the Clavien- Dindo (CD) classification system, were recorded in 32 (5.6%) procedures. The major complications recorded were: one case of subcapsular hematoma (SRH) associated with pulmonary embolism two days after the procedure (CD Grade IIIa) treated conservatively and one case of hemorrhagic shock 2 hour with multiple renal bleedings requiring urgent nephrectomy (CD Grade IVA). CONCLUSIONS: The RIRS is an effective and safe procedure with a high SFR significantly correlated with the stone size; at the same time, RIRS could be characterized by severe clinical complications that require rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment.

3D mixed reality holograms for preoperative surgical planning of nephron-sparing surgery: evaluation of surgeons' perception.

BACKGROUND: 3D reconstructions are gaining a wide diffusion in nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) planning. They have usually been studied on common 2D flat supports, with limitations regarding real depth comprehension and interaction. Nowadays, it is possible to visualize kidney 3D reconstructions as holograms in a "mixed reality" (MR) setting. The aim of this study was to test the face and content validity of this technology, and to assess the role of 3D holograms in aiding preoperative planning for highly complex renal tumors amenable by NSS. METHODS: We evaluated surgeons' perception of mixed reality for partial nephrectomy during a urological international meeting organized at our Institution in January 2019. Thanks to the images of preoperative CT, hyper-accuracy 3D (HA3DTM) reconstructions were performed. Then, a virtual environment was created, and it interacted with the models in mixed reality setting by using HoloLens. We submitted to all the attendees a questionnaire, expressed by the Likert scale (1-10), about their opinion over the use and application of the MR. Moreover, the attendees had the chance to perform a first-hand MR experience; then, they were asked to choose their clamping and resection approach. RESULTS: Overall 172 questionnaires were collected. The scores obtained regarding both surgical planning (scored 8/10) and anatomical accuracy (9/10) were very positive. High satisfaction toward the potential role of this technology in surgical planning and understanding of surgical complexity (both scored 9/10) were expressed. After a first-hand experience with HoloLens and MR, 64.4% and 44.4% of the surgeons changed their clamping and resection approach, respectively - compared to CT image visualization only - choosing a more selective one. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that surgeons perceive holograms and MR as a useful and interesting tool for the preoperative setting before partial nephrectomy, in the direction of an ever more precise surgery.

Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy: complications and functional results after five years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate complications and functional results in a cohort of patients who underwent extraperitoneoscopic transcapsular laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) for large prostate adenomas with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data obtained from our prospectively maintained database of patients treated with LSP at our institution between January 2004 and June 2012, with at least 5 years of reported follow-up data. Demographics, perioperative results, early and late complications, and functional results were evaluated. The various impacts of the independent variables on the development of complications was evaluated performing logistic regression models. Follow-up was planned at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, then yearly up to a minimum of 5 years. RESULTS: One-hundred patients were included in our analysis. Median follow-up was 135 (IQR 24) months (11 years and 3 months). Grade III complications were recorded in 2 cases. Five cases of late postoperative complications were recorded. Logistic regression models showed a statistically significant correlation between the adenoma volume and the risk of developing early postoperative complications (OR 1.014). International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), I-PSS quality of life (QoL) index, and maximum urine flow (Qmax) significantly improved when comparing preoperative and postoperative results. No significant differences were recorded in the I-PSS and I-PSS QoL index during follow-up. A low but significant worsening in Qmax was observed starting the 48th month after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings confirm that LSP carries a low rate of early and late complications, and it offers good functional outcomes at 5 years.

Retrograde intra-renal surgery under spinal anesthesia: the first large series.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) has become increasingly common and is mainly performed under general anesthesia (GA). There are no specific papers about RIRS performed under spinal anesthesia (SA). Our objective was to evaluate feasibility and results of RIRS performed under SA. METHODS: We analyzed all consecutive RIRS performed for stones in day surgery from March 2008 to September 2012. Single procedures outcomes of RIRS performed under SA were evaluated with US and KUB X-ray at 2 weeks. Further treatments, operative time and complications were also evaluated. Outcomes of RIRS performed under SA and GA were compared. Difference between groups was statistically analyzed. Significance level was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine RIRS under SA and 47 under GA were considered. Mean stone burden was 14±6 mm. No case of conversion from SA to GA occurred. Stone-free rate (SFR) level 4U of RIRS under SA and under GA were respectively 63.6% and 48.6%, SFR level 0U 24.5% and 25.7%, CIRF 39.1% and 22.9%. Further treatments were performed respectively in 20.8% and in 23.4%. No anesthesia-related and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications occurred. No statistically significant difference was found in stone-free rates, CIRF and significant residual fragments rates, need for further procedures, operative time and complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS under SA seems feasible and effective for renal stones in day surgery. Results seem equivalent to RIRS under GA. SA can be considered for RIRS as an alternative to GA.