A proposed mathematical model to help preoperative planning between RIRS and MiniPerc for renal stones between 10 and 20 mm using holmium:Yag laser (Cyber Ho): the stone management according to size-hardness (SMASH) score.

To evaluate the performance of a mathematical model to drive preoperative planning between RIRS and MiniPerc (MP) for the treatment of renal stones between 10 and 20 mm. Patients with a renal stone between 10 and 20 mm were enrolled. A mathematical model named Stone Management According to Size-Hardness (SMASH) score was calculated: hounsfield units (HU) χ stone maximum size (cm)/100. Patients were divided into 4 groups: RIRS with score < 15 (Group A), RIRS with score ≥ 15 (Group B), MP with score < 15 (Group C), MP with score ≥ 15 (Group D). Cyber Ho device was always used. Stone free rate (SFR) was assessed after 3 months. Complication rate and need for auxiliary procedures were evaluated. Between January 2019 and December 2021, 350 patients were enrolled (87, 88, 82 and 93 in Groups A, B, C and D). Mean stone size was 13.1 vs 13.3 mm in Group A vs B (p = 0.18) and 16.2 vs 18.1 mm in Group C vs D (p = 0.12). SFR was 82%, 61%, 75% and 85% for Groups A, B, C and D. SFR was comparable between Groups C and D (p = 0.32) and Groups A and C (p = 0.22). SFR was significantly higher in Group A over B (p = 0.03) and in Group D over B (p = 0.02). Complication rate was 2.2%, 3.4%, 12.1%, 12.9% for Groups A, B, C, D. RIRS and MP are both safe and effective. The mathematical model with the proposed cut-off allowed a proper allocation of patients between endoscopic and percutaneous approaches.Registration number of the study ISRCTN55546280.

Learning curve of optical trocar access during laparoscopic pelvic surgery: A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The optical trocar access (OTA) is a modified closed technique that aims to minimize the risk of vascular or bowel injuries while reducing the likelihood of gas leakage. A learning curve (LC) effect for OTA has been invoked with n = 30 procedures being considered as a threshold to define expertise. We aim to evaluate the impact of the LC within the first thirty cases of OTA performed by a trainee. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized study on 60 patients elected to laparoscopic gynecological surgery. Patients were randomized to have OTA insertion by a junior surgeon or by an expert. LC was evaluated by: 1) insertion time; number of: 2) corrections by the senior; 3) times the tip of the trocar stopped in the preperitoneal layer; 4) mistakes of skin incision; 5) times the tip of the trocar ends under the omentum; 6) complications. To analyze the LC within the first 30 cases, procedures were stratified in 3 groups (cases 1-10; 11-20; 21-30) for both trainee and expert and LC variables were compared. RESULTS: Overall, mean OTA insertion time was 56 s. No major intra- and post-operative complications were recorded. Mean insertion time was statistically significantly longer for the trainee compared to the expert within the first 10 cases (91 vs 33 s respectively, P = .01). For cases 11-20 and 21-30, time advantage of the senior surgeon is less evident (P = .05). The number of times the tip of the trocar stopped in the preperitoneal layer was similar between groups, as well as times the tip of the trocar ends under the omentum. CONCLUSIONS: OTA is a fast and simple way to achieve the pneumoperitoneum and first trocar insertion as a single step. The current series confirms the effectiveness of the technique since the beginning of the LC.

Pulsed-wave vs Continuous-wave Thulium Fiber Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuFLEP): A Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intra and early postoperative outcomes between pulsed-wave and continuous-wave Thulium Fiber Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (PW-ThuFLEP vs CW-ThuFLEP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: 238 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent PW-ThuFLEP (118 patients) vs CW-ThuFLEP (120 patients). Preoperative prostate volume, adenoma volume, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and hemoglobin values were recorded. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual volume, and International Index of Erectile Function-5 score (IIEF-5) were assessed. Operative time, enucleation time, enucleation efficiency, catheterization time, irrigation volume, hospital stay, hemoglobin drop, and postoperative complications were recorded. Micturition improvements and sexual outcomes were evaluated 3months after surgery. RESULTS: CW-ThuFLEP showed shorter operative time (61.5 vs 67.4 minutes, P = .04). Enucleation time (50.2 vs 53.3 minutes, P = .12), enucleation efficiency (0.8 vs 0.7 g/min, P = .38), catheterization time (2.2 vs 2.1days, P = .29), irrigation volume (32.9 vs 32.8L, P = .71), hospital stay (2.8 vs 2.6days, P = .29) and hemoglobin drop (0.38 vs 0.39 g/dL, P = .53) were comparable. No significant difference in complication rate was observed. At 3-month follow-up, the procedures did not show any significant difference in IPSS, Qmax, post-void residual volume, IIEF-5, and PSA value. CONCLUSION: PW-ThuFLEP and CW-ThuFLEP both relieve lower urinary tract symptoms equally, with high efficacy and safety. Operative time was significantly shorter with CW-ThuFLEP, but with a small difference with low clinical impact. Enucleation time, enucleation efficiency, catheterization time, irrigation volume, hospital stay, hemoglobin and PSA drop, complication rate, and sexual outcomes showed no differences.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in candidates for active treatment of renal stones: results from an international multicentric study on more than 2600 patients.

The occurrence of asymptomatic bacteriuria concomitant to urolithiasis is an issue for patients undergoing renal stone treatment. Disposing of a preoperative urine culture is essential to reduce the risk of septic events. The endpoint of the study is to report which characteristics of candidates for renal stone treatment are frequently associated with positive urine culture. 2605 patients were retrospectively enrolled from 14 centers; inclusion criteria were age > 18 and presence of a single renal stone 1-2 cm in size. The variables collected included age, gender, previous renal surgery, comorbidities, skin-to-stone distance, stone size, location, density, presence of hydronephrosis. After a descriptive analysis, the association between continuous and categorical variables and the presence of positive urine culture was assessed using a logistic regression model. Overall, 240/2605 patients (9%) had preoperative bacteriuria. Positive urine culture was more frequent in females, patients with previous renal interventions, chronic kidney disease, congenital anomalies, larger stones, increased density. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that previous renal interventions (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.9-3.4; p < 0.001), renal-related comorbidities (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.19-1.4; p < 0.001), higher stone size (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.1; p = 0.01) and density (OR 1.00; 95% CI 1.0-1.00; p = 0.02) were associated with bacteriuria; male gender and lower caliceal location were inversely related to it. Beyond expected risk factors, such as female gender, other parameters are seemingly favoring the presence of positive urine culture. The awareness of variables associated with bacteriuria allows to assess which individuals are at increased risk of presenting bacteriuria and reduce the rate of septic complications.

Testicular metastasis of signet ring cell tumour of unknown origin: diagnostic features of a tricky case.

We introduce the diagnostic complexity of a testicular metastasis by signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of unknown origin. Testicular metastases are a rare event but, particular after 50 years of age, a testicular mass could represent a metastasis.

A new urinary catheter design reduces in-vitro biofilm formation by influencing hydrodynamics.

AIM: To evaluate the performance of a new catheter design based on different hydrodynamics aiming to reduce the development of biofilm, and compare it with a conventional Foley catheter (FC). METHODS: The new proposed design (NPD) catheter is a modification of the FC, based on asymmetric positioning of the balloon and additional drainage holes allowing continuous urine drainage and complete voiding of the bladder. A first experiment was undertaken to assess drainage capability, and a second experiment was performed using a bioreactor with a set-up simulating the bladder and using the test catheter as a flow-through system. The biofilm formation of five bacterial species associated with catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was determined after 24 h of incubation using an MTT assay. Morphological evaluation was performed using scanning electron microscopy. In-vitro determination of residual fluid, and quantitative and morphological data on biofilm formation on the intravesical and intraluminal parts of the tested catheters were assessed. RESULTS: Residual fluid was significantly higher in the FC (5.60 ± 0.43 mL) compared with the NPD catheter (0.2 ± 0.03 mL). The NPD catheter showed significantly less biofilm formation (P<0.0001) than the FC. Catheter design had a variable effect on biofilm formation depending on the bacterial strain tested. There was significantly less intraluminal biomass compared with intravesical biomass in both catheters (P<0.0001). Multi-layered biofilms that covered the FC surfaces completely were seen for all tested strains, while the NPD catheter surfaces showed reduced biofilm formation. CONCLUSIONS: Modifications of the hydrodynamic characteristics of a catheter can significantly reduce bacterial colonization. Integrated design approaches combining chemical, mechanical and topographical elements can help to reduce the occurrence of CAUTI.

Ureteral access sheath-related injuries vs. post-operative infections. Is sheath insertion always needed? A prospective randomized study to understand the lights and shadows of this practice. / Lesiones relacionadas con la vaina de acceso ureteral frente a infecciones postoperatorias. ¿Es siempre necesaria la inserción de la vaina de acceso? Estudio prospectivo aleatorizado para comprender las luces y sombras de esta práctica.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraoperative ureteral injuries in RIRS with UAS insertion with the rate of postoperative infections after RIRS without UAS insertion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized trial, patients who received an indication for RIRS between January 2017 and December 2017 were divided into two groups. Group A had no UAS insertion and Group B had UAS insertion. Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS) grading was performed after UAS or flexible ureteroscope removal. Proximal, middle and distal ureteral lesions were evaluated and compared according to the PULS scale. Additionally, patients in both groups were followed postoperatively to assess any infective complication. RESULTS: The evaluation comprised 181 patients, 89 for group A and 92 for group B. Overall stone-free rate, clinically insignificant residual fragments, and final stone-free rate were 41.4%, 53.5%, and 95%, respectively. There were 33 (37.1%) patients with ureteral lesions in group A while 42 (45.6%) patients had ureteral lesions in group B, with no significant difference. On the other hand, the overall presence of postoperative infection rate was much higher for Group A (37.1% vs 16.3% P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: UAS insertion does not result in a higher number of ureteral injuries. UAS insertion during RIRS allows a lower rate of postoperative infections. Clinical Trial Registration Number (ISRCTN registry number): 55546280.

Ureteral access sheath-related injuries vs. post-operative infections. Is sheath insertion always needed? A prospective randomized study to understand the lights and shadows of this practice.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraoperative ureteral injuries in RIRS with UAS insertion with the rate of postoperative infections after RIRS without UAS insertion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized trial, patients who received an indication for RIRS between January 2017 and December 2017 were divided into two groups. Group A had no UAS insertion and Group B had UAS insertion. Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS) grading was performed after UAS or flexible ureteroscope removal. Proximal, middle and distal ureteral lesions were evaluated and compared according to the PULS scale. Additionally, patients in both groups were followed postoperatively to assess any infective complication. RESULTS: The evaluation comprised 181 patients, 89 for group A and 92 for group B. Overall stone-free rate, clinically insignificant residual fragments, and final stone-free rate were 41.4%, 53.5%, and 95%, respectively. There were 33 (37.1%) patients with ureteral lesions in group A while 42 (45.6%) patients had ureteral lesions in group B, with no significant difference. On the other hand, the overall presence of postoperative infection rate was much higher for Group A (37.1% vs 16.3% P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: UAS insertion does not result in a higher number of ureteral injuries. UAS insertion during RIRS allows a lower rate of postoperative infections. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER (ISRCTN REGISTRY NUMBER): 55546280.

Knotted ureteral catheter in an 83-year-old man: case presentation and urological non-invasive management in the elderly.

Ureteral catheters are important devices in the management of upper urinary tract obstruction; severe complications due to insertion or stent permanence are unusual. We report the clinical case and management of a knotted ureteral stent in an 83-year-old man.

Macroscopic locoregional relapse from prostate cancer: which role for salvage radiotherapy?

INTRODUCTION: Salvage radiotherapy (SRT) after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer (PCa) is recommended as soon as PSA rises above 0.20 ng/ml, but many patients (pts) still experience local macroscopic relapse. The aim of this multicentric retrospective analysis was to evaluate the role of SRT in pts with macroscopic relapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2016, 105 consecutive pts with macroscopic PCa relapse underwent SRT ± androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Mean age was 72 years. At time of relapse, 29 pts had a PSA value < 1.0 ng/mL, 50 from 1.1 to 5, and 25 pts > 5. Before SRT, 23 pts had undergone 18F-choline PET and 15 pts pelvic MRI. Ninety-four pts had prostatic bed relapse only, and four nodal involvement. Fifty-one pts were previously submitted to first-line ADT, while 6 pts received ≥ 2 lines. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 52 months, 89 pts were alive, while 16 were dead. Total RT dose to macroscopic lesions was > 70 Gy in 58 pts, 66-70 Gy in 43, and < 66 Gy in 4 pts. In 72 pts, target volume encompassed only the prostatic bed with sequential boost to macroscopic site; 33 pts received prophylactic pelvic RT. Ten-year overall survival was 76.1%, while distant metastasis-free survival was 73.3%. No grade 4-5 toxicities were found. CONCLUSIONS: SRT ± ADT for macroscopic relapse showed a favorable oncological outcome supporting its important role in this scenario. Data from this series suggest that SRT may either postpone ADT or improve results over ADT alone in appropriately selected pts.

Knotted urethral catheter in an 80-year-old woman: prevention and management of this unusual complication.

Intravesical catheter knotting represents a rare event, especially described in paediatric literature. We report a case of a catheter knot, occurring in an 80-year-old woman, managed by means of sustained traction.

Urological concerns: Should trans-urethral catheter be located over or under the thigh?

INTRODUCTION: Bladder catheterization is a common practice after several surgical procedures; a wrong trans-urethral catheter position can affect the outcomes of some urological maneuvers. We assess with a physical model the variation of intra-vesical pressures due to different locations of the catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a plastic bag fulfilled with 5l of normal saline, we try to reproduce bladder condition assessing pressures in case of catheter located over or under the thigh. RESULTS: In case of catheter over the thigh, the flow of liquid is not allowed, and only a pressure of 23 cm of water induces the passage of fluid. CONCLUSION: A wrong catheter position may adversely affect intravesical pressures; this finding has to be taken into consideration, especially when dealing with post-urological surgery catheterization.

Noninvasive management of obstructing ureteral stones using electromagnetic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) represents noninvasive management of urolithiasis. Since the first HM3 model, technological progress has improved the efficacy and safety of this treatment. The current study aimed to evaluate the role of ESWL as a first-line emergency therapy of renal colic due to ureteral stone with impaired renal function. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled all the patients admitted from the emergency room with acute renal colic meeting the following criteria: serum creatinine level ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 mg/dl, hydronephrosis, ureteral stones 6 to 15 mm in size, body mass index less than 30, normal renal function at baseline, and no evidence of urinary tract infection. The patients were submitted to a single-session emergency treatment using Dornier Litothripter S. Follow-up assessment, performed at 24 and 72 h, included radiologic and ultrasound examinations with renal function serum assessment. The end points were a decrease in creatinine level and a stone-free condition. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were eligible for the study. The mean creatinine level at admission was 1.93 +/- 0.26 mg/dl. After the treatment, renal function recovery occurred for 34 subjects (85%), with a significant global decrease in creatinine levels (p = 0.00). The global stone-free rate 72 h after SWL was 67.5% (27/40). The patients with residual fragments were managed using re-SWL (n = 7) and endoscopic technique (n = 6). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency SWL represents an effective tool in the treatment of ureteral stones with hydronephrosis and slight renal impairment. Although complete stone clearance after one treatment still remains a difficult target, the actual role of SWL in the management of acute obstruction is to obtain ureteral canalization and renal function recovery.

Well-differentiated giant scrotal liposarcoma: case presentation and management.

Scrotal liposarcoma is an uncommon disease, usually found after the fifth decade. We describe the case of a well-differentiated scrotal liposarcoma associated with a considerable inflammatory reaction, treated with surgical ablation.

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy: an Italian survey.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is the current gold standard procedure for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) has evolved rapidly worldwide during the past decade, despite its complexity due to both the demolitive step with management of a highly aggressive cancer and the reconstructive step. The authors performed a survey to assess the Italian experience with LRC and urinary diversion in an effort to point out the volume of the procedure in their country, providing some surgical details. METHODS: A total of 10 Italian urologic departments with experts in laparoscopic urologic surgery were contacted and asked to participate in a two-page survey concerning indications for cystectomy, laparoscopic technique, intra- and postoperative complications, and follow-up evaluation of the procedure when available. RESULTS: Five sites elected to participate, and a total of 83 LRCs were collected. All centers used five trocar ports. The mean operative time was 8 h and 40 min, and the estimated blood loss was 376 ml. In two cases, the procedure was converted to open surgery. Postoperative complications consisted of one urinary leakage, one fistula, and one atrium rupture. A retrieval sac was used in all cases. Urinary diversions consisted of 43 ileal conduits, 26 orthotopic diversions, and 14 other techniques. The mean follow-up period was 9 months (range, 1-36 months). No tumor seeding was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The LRC procedure is feasible although technically demanding. The morbidity of this procedure is evident, but may be reduced with further experience. Bowel management and reconstruction remain the most challenging part of the procedure.

Medical therapy of urolithiasis.

Nephrolithiasis treatment has become easier and less invasive with the development of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and endourologic techniques. However, medical therapy represents a well-established and complementary approach that can improve the efficacy of SWL and endourology. During recent decades, pharmacologic intervention has become more effective in stone disease: drugs can control the pain of renal colic, interfere at various levels in lithogenesis, and contribute to the expulsion of stones. It is well known that lithogenesis is a multifactorial process influenced by environmental-nutritional factors (low urinary volume, diet rich in animal protein, etc) and metabolic alterations; i.e., hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria, and deficiency of stone-inhibiting factors (citrate, magnesium, glycosaminoglycans [GAGs]). Specific drugs such as citrate, allopurinol, and thiazide represent highly effective treatments for the promoting factors. Furthermore, recent findings suggest an interesting role for a phytotherapeutic agent, Phillantus niruri, and its inhibitory action on calcium oxalate crystallization related to the higher incorporation of GAGs into the calculi. Another step forward in medical management of stone disease is expulsive therapy. Many studies have proven the efficacy of medical expulsive therapy with nifedipine and alpha-blockers: their specific action on ureteral smooth muscle in association with anti-edema drugs accounts for their efficacy in expelling ureteral stones. In this paper, we provide an update on the medical treatment of stone disease, focusing our attention on what is known and what is new in renal colic and litholithic and expulsive medical therapy.

Laparoscopic adrenal surgery: new frontiers.

After about 10 years of experience, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the gold standard for the treatment of adrenal lesions. Here, we describe the presenting features, imaging methods, and current surgical approaches to diseases of the adrenal gland. There is general agreement on the suitability of the laparoscopic approach for benign adrenal lesions, but controversy exists about using laparoscopy for suspected adrenal malignancy, metastasis, and partial adrenalectomy. This article reviews the literature on laparoscopic adrenalectomy. In particular, we focus our attention on the new surgical approaches to the gland. We evaluate the indications, operative techniques, and tools for partial adrenalectomy, and we discuss new surgical strategies such as cryosurgery and radiofrequency ablation.