Incidence of complications and urinary incontinence following endoscopic enucleation of the prostate in men with a prostate volume of 80 ml and above: results from a multicenter, real-world experience of 2512 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate complications and urinary incontinence (UI) after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) stratified by prostate volume (PV). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent EEP with different energy sources in 14 centers (January 2019-January 2023). INCLUSION CRITERIA: prostate volume ≥ 80 ml. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: prostate cancer, previous prostate/urethral surgery, pelvic radiotherapy. PRIMARY OUTCOME: complication rate. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: incidence of and factors affecting postoperative UI. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1: PV = 80-100 ml; Group 2 PV = 101-200 ml; Group 3 PV > 200 ml. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate independent predictors of overall incontinence. RESULTS: There were 486 patients in Group 1, 1830 in Group 2, and 196 in Group 3. The most commonly used energy was high-power Holmium laser followed by Thulium fiber laser in all groups. Enucleation, morcellation, and total surgical time were significantly longer in Group 2. There was no significant difference in overall 30-day complications and readmission rates. Incontinence incidence was similar (12.1% in Group 1 vs. 13.2% in Group 2 vs. 11.7% in Group 3, p = 0.72). The rate of stress and mixed incontinence was higher in Group 1. Multivariable regression analysis showed that age (OR 1.019 95% CI 1.003-1.035) was the only factor significantly associated with higher odds of incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: PV has no influence on complication and UI rates following EEP. Age is risk factor of postoperative UI.

Early investigational agents for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia'.

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as a clinical entity that affects many people, has always been in the forefront of interest among researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and physicians. Patients with BPH exhibit a diverse range of symptoms, while current treatment options can occasionally cause adverse events. All the aforementioned have led to an increased demand for more effective treatment options. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the outcomes of new medications used in a pre-clinical and clinical setting for the management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/BPH and provides information about ongoing trials and future directions in the management of this condition. More specifically, sheds light upon drug categories, such as reductase­adrenoceptor antagonists, drugs interfering with the nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) signaling pathway, onabotulinumtoxinA, vitamin D3 (calcitriol) analogues, selective cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists, talaporfin sodium, inhibitor of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), drugs targeting the hormonal control of the prostate, phytotherapy, and many more. EXPERT OPINION: Clinical trials are being conducted on a number of new medications that may emerge as effective therapeutic alternatives in the coming years.

Salvage holmium laser enucleation of the prostate after previous interventions: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the re-treatment setting (salvage HoLEP) and compare it to the primary HoLEP procedure that is commonly used for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were systematically screened, from inception to 8 August 2022. Other potentially eligible studies were retrieved using the reference lists of the included studies. Retrospective and prospective studies, both comparative and non-comparative, were included. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final qualitative synthesis. One study was prospective comparative (non-randomised), seven studies were retrospective comparative, and four studies were retrospective non-comparative or case series. In total, 831 patients were treated with salvage HoLEP in the above studies. Previous intervention before salvage HoLEP ranged among studies. The most commonly performed was transurethral resection of the prostate. Intraoperative parameters of salvage HoLEP were comparable with those reported during primary HoLEP, while all postoperative outcomes were significantly improved after salvage HoLEP and were similar with those observed after primary HoLEP. No major complications were noted after salvage HoLEP according to Clavien-Dindo classification. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage HoLEP after previous interventions for treating recurrent or residual BPH is a feasible, safe, and efficient procedure. Data presented in selected studies, along with the holmium laser's physical properties to resect more tissue and to dissect along the true anatomical plane of BPH, render HoLEP an ideal salvage treatment modality for recurrent or residual BPH symptoms.

Measuring quality of life in patients with kidney stone disease: is it the future in endourology?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kidney stone disease is recognized to negatively impact quality of life. This pertains to acute episodes, surgical interventions and even during asymptomatic periods. Over time there has been increased attention towards assessing this subjective parameter, including as a determinant of treatment success. Our aim was to evaluate the current status and emerging trends in this field. RECENT FINDINGS: Patient groups most affected appear to be recurrent stone formers, cystine stone formers, women, younger populations, non-Caucasians and low-income populations. Several stone specific patient reported outcome measures are now available of which, WISQol has been implemented the most in clinical research studies. More invasive interventions such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy impede quality of life to greater extent than alternatives such as shockwave lithotripsy. SUMMARY: There are certain patient groups who are more vulnerable to the negative impact of kidney stone disease on their quality of life. Urologists can improve patient care by recognizing these particular populations as well as by implemented patient reported outcome measures in their routine clinical practice and when performing research.

Results from a global multicenter registry of 6193 patients to refine endoscopic anatomical enucleation of the prostate (REAP) by evaluating trends and outcomes and nuances of prostate enucleation in a real-world setting.

PURPOSE: To collect a multicentric, global database to assess current preferences and outcomes for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP). METHODS: Endourologists experienced in EEP from across the globe were invited to participate in the creation of this retrospective registry. Surgical procedures were performed between January 2020 and August 2022. INCLUSION CRITERIA: lower urinary tract symptoms not responding to or worsening despite medical therapy and absolute indication for surgery. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: prostate cancer, concomitant lower urinary tract surgery, previous prostate/urethral surgery, pelvic radiotherapy. RESULTS: Ten centers from 7 countries, involving 13 surgeons enrolled 6193 patients. Median age was 68 [62-74] years. 2326 (37.8%) patients had large prostates (> 80 cc). The most popular energy modality was the Holmium laser. The most common technique used for enucleation was the 2-lobe (48.8%). 86.2% of the procedures were performed under spinal anesthesia. Median operation time was 67 [50-95] minutes. Median postoperative catheter time was 2 [1, 3] days. Urinary tract infections were the most reported complications (4.7%) followed by acute urinary retention (4.1%). Post-operative bleeding needing additional intervention was reported in 0.9% of cases. 3 and 12-month follow-up visits showed improvement in symptoms and micturition parameters. Only 8 patients (1.4%) required redo surgery for residual adenoma. Stress urinary incontinence was reported in 53.9% of patients and after 3 months was found to persist in 16.2% of the cohort. CONCLUSION: Our database contributes real-world data to support EEP as a truly well-established global, safe minimally invasive intervention and provides insights for further research.

Complications and device failures associated with urolift: Findings from the MAUDE database.

INTRODUCTION: Urolift is an established intervention for symptoms of bladder outflow obstruction caused by benign prostate enlargement. Reported advantages include its minimally invasive profile, short learning curve and feasibility as a day case procedure. Our aim was to use a national registry as a means to evaluate the nature of complications and device failures that have been documented to occur. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of the US Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database, a prospective register, which contains voluntarily submitted adverse events associated with surgical devices. Information collected include event timing, underlying cause, procedural completion, complications and mortality status. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2023, 103 device failures, 5 intra-operative complications and 165 post-operative complications (early: 151, late: 14) were registered. The commonest device problem (56%, n = 58) was failure of the implant to deploy with subsequent requirement for complete replacement. There were 50 cases of documented urosepsis. 62 patients with post operative haematuria were registered including 12 that underwent emergency embolisation. Other complications included stroke (n = 5), pulmonary embolism (n = 3) and necrotising fasciitis (n = 1). Twelve ITU admissions were registered. In the reports, 22 cases were filed that recorded a hospital stay of 7 days or more. Eleven deaths were captured in the database over the study period. CONCLUSION: While urolift is recognised as less invasive intervention compared to alternatives such as transurethral resection of the prostate, serious adverse events have been reported to occur including death. Our findings can provide learning points for surgeons and allow for improved patient counselling and treatment planning accordingly.

Outcomes of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Under Local Anesthesia: Outcomes of a Systematic Review of Literature.

Background: Several studies have reported on the safety and feasibility of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under local anesthesia (LA). The aim of this systematic review is to assess the perioperative outcomes of PCNL under LA. Methods: Three electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science, were searched for relevant English-language studies published from January 1980 to March 2023. The systematic review has been performed according to the Cochrane style and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. The primary outcomes include stone-free rate (SFR) and conversion to general anesthesia (GA). Secondary outcomes include postoperative complications. Results: Of 301 articles that were extracted, 42 full-text articles were selected, of which 36 were excluded, yielding a total of 6 articles in our results. A total of 3646 patients were included in this review. The SFR of PCNL under LA ranged between 69.9% and 93.3%. PCNL under LA was not tolerated by 19 (0.5%) patients: 6 patients had conversion to general anesthesia, 2 had conversion to epidural anesthesia, and 11 had their procedure terminated. The overall complication rates varied from 4.8% to 21% across studies. Grade I-II complications were reported in 2.4%-16.7% of cases, while grade III-IV complications were encountered in 0.5%-5% of patients. Conclusions: In this review, we found a few studies that examined the outcomes of PCNL under LA, which highlight the feasibility and safety of PCNL under LA and the low conversion rate to GA.

Role of Phytotherapy in the Management of BPH: A Summary of the Literature.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) describes the non-malignant enlargement of the prostate. It is both common and growing in incidence. Treatment is multimodal, involving conservative, medical, and surgical interventions. This review aims to examine the evidence base for phytotherapies, specifically analyzing their role in treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to BPH. A literature search was completed, specifically looking for randomized control trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews involving phytotherapy treating BPH. Specific emphasis was placed on exploring substance origin, the proposed mechanism of action, evidence of efficacy, and the side-effect profile. Several phytotherapeutic agents were evaluated. These included serenoa repens, cucurbita pepo, and pygeum Africanum, among others. For most of the reviewed substances, only modest effectiveness was reported. Generally, though, all treatments were tolerated well with minimal side effects. None of the treatments discussed in this paper form part of the recommended treatment algorithm in either European or American guidelines. We, therefore, conclude that phytotherapies, in the treatment of LUTS attributable to BPH, do provide a convenient option for patients, with minimal side effects. At present, however, the evidence for the usage of phytotherapy in BPH is inconclusive, with some agents having more backing than others. This remains an expansive field of urology whereby there is still more research to be done.

Surgical Outcomes for Elderly Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Chronic Urinary Retention and Proposal of a Management Algorithm.

Introduction: Chronic urinary retention (CUR) is a major problem in elderly patients and leads to high levels of morbidity. CUR can be treated surgically with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), but surgery is frequently avoided in elderly patients due to increased perioperative risks and the presence of detrusor underactivity, which can lead to surgical failure. We report on contemporary outcomes for catheterized elderly patients undergoing TURP from a high-volume university teaching hospital. Patients and Methods: Catheterized patients 80 years of age and older undergoing TURP for CUR at a university teaching hospital between 2012 and 2020 (9 years) were eligible. Those with neurogenic bladder, urethral stricture, or prior TURP were excluded. Surgical success was defined as being catheter free at 3- and 12-month follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-squared test for grouped data and logistic regression modeling for continuous data. Results: A total of 147 patients were included and underwent TURP. Of these, 118 (80.3%) were completely catheter free or using intermittent self-catheterization at initial 3-month follow-up. One hundred seventeen (79.6%) remained catheter free at 1-year follow-up. Postvoid residual >1500 mL before TURP (p = 0.017); age ≥90 (p = 0.0067); and World Health Organization performance status ≥3 (p < 0.00001) were all identified as independent risk factors for surgical failure. A selected subset of patients excluding these risk factors showed overall catheter-free rates of 88.8% at 3-month follow-up. Early and late complications were noted in 6.8% and 2.7% of patients. Conclusion: Our contemporary series demonstrate high rates of successful postoperative voiding for selected elderly patients after TURP, with catheter-free rates at 12 months of 88.8%. Overall complication rate was 9.5%, which may be justified given the alternative morbidity of long-term catheterization. TURP remains an efficacious and cost-effective treatment for selected elderly patients who are catheterized for CUR.

Simulation training in transurethral resection/laser vaporization of the prostate; evidence from a systematic review by the European Section of Uro-Technology.

PURPOSE: Transurethral resection (TURP) and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) constitute established surgical options to treat benign prostate hyperplasia. We investigated the current literature for simulators that could be used as a tool for teaching urologists alone or within the boundaries of a course or a curriculum. METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials-CENTRAL. Search terms included: Simulat*, train*, curricull*, transurethral, TUR*, vaporesect*, laser. The efficacy of different simulators and the impact of different devices, curricula and courses in training and trainee learning curves were the primary endpoints. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies are selected and presented. Validated virtual reality TURP simulators are the UW VR, PelvicVision, Uro-Trainer, and TURPsim™. Validated synthetic TURP models are Dr. K. Forke's TURP trainer, Bristol TURP trainer, different tissue prostate models, and 3D-printed phantoms. The Myo Sim PVP and the GreenLightTM are sufficiently validated PVP simulators. Several TURP and PVP training curricula have been developed and judged as applicable. Finally, the TURP modules of the European Urology Residents Education Programme (EUREP) Hands-on Training course and the Urology Simulation Bootcamp Course (USBC) are the most basic annual TURP courses identified in the international literature. CONCLUSIONS: Simulators and courses or curricula are valuable learning and training TURP/PVP tools. The existent models seem efficient, are not always adequately evaluated and accepted. As part of training curricula and training courses, the use of training simulators can significantly improve quality for young urologists' education and clinical practice.

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation and Their Association with Kidney Stone Disease: A Narrative Review.

Kidney stone disease is a multifactorial condition influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as lifestyle and dietary habits. Although different monogenic polymorphisms have been proposed as playing a causal role for calcium nephrolithiasis, the prevalence of these mutations in the general population and their complete pathogenetic pathway is yet to be determined. General dietary advice for kidney stone formers includes elevated fluid intake, dietary restriction of sodium and animal proteins, avoidance of a low calcium diet, maintenance of a normal body mass index, and elevated intake of vegetables and fibers. Thus, balanced calcium consumption protects against the risk for kidney stones by reducing intestinal oxalate availability and its urinary excretion. However, calcium supplementation given between meals might increase urinary calcium excretion without the beneficial effect on oxalate. In kidney stone formers, circulating active vitamin D has been found to be increased, whereas higher plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol seems to be present only in hypercalciuric patients. The association between nutritional vitamin D supplements and the risk for stone formation is currently not completely understood. However, taken together, available evidence might suggest that vitamin D administration worsens the risk for stone formation in patients predisposed to hypercalciuria. In this review, we analyzed and discussed available literature on the effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on the risk for kidney stone formation.

Music reduces patient-reported pain and anxiety and should be routinely offered during flexible cystoscopy: Outcomes of a systematic review.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess whether music reduces the use of analgesics and anxiolytics during flexible cystoscopy. Methods: The systematic review was performed in line with the Cochrane guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The databases searched included the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Clinicaltrials.gov, the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cochrane library, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from inception of the databases to February 2020. The primary outcome measure was the effect of music on pain and anxiety, and secondary outcome measures were patient heart rate and blood pressure. Results: The initial search yielded 234 articles and after going through titles and abstracts, four studies (399 patients, 199 in the music group and 200 in no music group) were included for the final review. There were three randomised controlled trials and one prospective study published between 2014 and 2017. These studies were done in China, the USA and Italy, with the study duration between 9 and 24 months. All patients had 2% topical lignocaine jelly given per-urethra before the procedure. The choice of music was classical in three studies and a mixture of different music types in one study. Three of the four studies showed significantly reduced pain and anxiety with the use of music for flexible cystoscopy procedures. Heart rate was noted to be higher for the no music group, reflecting a higher pain perceived by these patients. Conclusion: The present review showed that listening to music was associated with reduced anxiety and pain during flexible cystoscopy. Listening to music is therefore likely to increase procedural satisfaction and willingness to undergo the procedure again, considering repeated flexible cystoscopy is often needed for surveillance. As music is simple, inexpensive and easily accessible, it should be routinely offered to patients for outpatient and office-based urological procedures. Abbreviations: IQR: interquartile range; NRS: numerical rating scale; PTSD: post-traumatic stress disorder; RCT: randomised control trial; STAI: State-trait Anxiety Inventory; VAS: visual analogue scale.

Role of Citrus Fruit Juices in Prevention of Kidney Stone Disease (KSD): A Narrative Review.

To explore the relationship between citrus fruit juices (oranges, grapefruits, and lemonades) and kidney stone disease (KSD). METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus databases, in concordance with the PRISMA checklist for all English, French, and Spanish language studies regarding the consumption of citrus fruit juices and the relationship to urinary stone disease. The main outcome of interest was the association of citrus fruit juices with KSD. RESULTS: Thirteen articles met the criteria for inclusion in the final review. Three large epidemiological studies found that grapefruit juice was a risk factor for stone formation, while orange juice did not increase the risk for KSD. Ten small prospective clinical studies found that orange, grapefruit, and lemon juices all increased urinary citrate levels. Only orange and grapefruit juices had an alkalinizing effect and while lemon juice has a protective effect by raising urinary citrate levels, it lacked a significant alkalinizing effect on urine pH. Orange juice and grapefruit juices significantly increased urinary oxalate levels, while orange juice also had a high carbohydrate content. CONCLUSION: While orange juice seems to play a protective role against stone formation, grapefruit was found to raise the risk of KSD in epidemiological studies but had a protective role in smaller clinical studies. Lemon juice had a smaller protective role than orange juice. Larger amounts of, as well as more accurate, data is needed before recommendations can be made and a high carbohydrate content in these juices needs to be taken into consideration.

Tea and coffee consumption and the risk of urinary stones-a systematic review of the epidemiological data.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the consumption of coffee and tea with urolithiasis. We evaluated large epidemiological and small clinical studies to draw conclusions regarding their lithogenic risk. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the Medline and Scopus databases, in concordance with the PRISMA statement. English, French, and Spanish language studies regarding the consumption of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea, and the relationship to urinary stone disease were reviewed. Case reports and letters, unpublished studies, posters, and comments were excluded. RESULTS: As per the inclusion criteria, 13 studies were included in the final review. Most studies, including four large prospective studies and one meta-analysis, reported a reduced risk of stone formation for coffee and tea. Caffeine has a diuretic effect and increases the urinary excretion of calcium, but if these losses are compensated for, moderate caffeine intakes may have little or no deleterious effects. Green and Herbal teas infused for short time had low oxalate content compared to black tea. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that moderate consumption of coffee raises the risk for stone formation in healthy individuals, provided the recommended daily fluid intake is maintained. The currently available literature supports in general a protective role for tea against the stone formation, mainly for green tea. However, heterogeneity of published data and lack of standardization needs to be addressed before final and clear conclusions can be given to patients and to the public in general.

Recurrent urinary tract infections in adults: a practical guide.

Recurrent urinary tract infections are a common problem faced by clinicians across many specialities. For the patient, recurrent urinary tract infections can be burdensome and detrimental to their quality of life. For the clinician, they can be challenging to manage, and the socioeconomic burden on healthcare systems can also be substantial. Investigations serve to rule out any underlying structural or pathological abnormalities. In conjunction with behavioural prevention methods, treatment strategies include antibiotic and non-antibiotic approaches and holistic management approaches. This article provides an overview of the investigation and treatment of urinary tract infections and includes algorithms which can be used in daily clinical practice.

Tea and coffee consumption and pathophysiology related to kidney stone formation: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms behind the potential protective effect of coffee and tea consumption, regarding urinary stone formation, previously demonstrated in large epidemiological studies. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the Medline, Cochrane library (CENTRAL) and Scopus databases, in concordance with the PRISMA statement. English, French and Spanish language studies, regarding the consumption of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea, and the relationship to urinary stone formation were reviewed. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case reports and letters, unpublished studies, posters and comments abstracts were excluded. RESULTS: As per the inclusion criteria, 13 studies were included in the final review. The major findings show that caffeine increases urinary excretion of calcium, sodium and magnesium, in addition to a diuretic action with consumption > 300-360 mg (approximately four cups of coffee). Together with other components of coffee, this beverage might have potential protective effects against the formation of urinary stones. Tea exerts many protective effects against stone formation, through the accompanying water intake, the action of caffeine and the effects of components with antioxidant properties. CONCLUSION: Caffeine has a hypercalciuric effect, balanced partially by a diuretic effect which appears after consumption of large quantities of caffeine. The current available literature supports in general, a potentially protective role for tea against stone formation, mainly for green tea. Additional standardization in this field of research, through specification of tea and coffee types studied, and their respective compositions, is needed for further clarification of the relation between coffee, tea and urinary stones.

Outcomes of loco-regional anaesthesia in ureteroscopy for stone disease: a systematic review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Routine ureteroscopy (URS) for stone disease is performed under a general anaesthesia. However, controversy exists on the role of loco-regional anaesthesia and the outcomes associated with it. Here we review the challenges, outcomes and complications of loco-regional anaesthesia for URS. A Cochrane style review was performed in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to evaluate the outcomes of loco-reginal anaesthesia for URS in stone disease, including all English language articles from January 1980 and December 2019. RECENT FINDINGS: Twenty-one studies (1843 procedures) with a mean age of 46 years and a male : female ratio of 1.2 : 1 underwent URS under loco-regional anaesthesia. The mean stone size was 9 mm (range:4-21 mm) and except five papers, all other papers included stones in the ureter of which the majority were in the distal ureter. The conversion to general anaesthesia was needed in 2.7% patients (range 1-21%) across studies, with a stone free rate of 48-100%. The complication rate varied from 1.4 to 36%. Although the intraoperative complications included ureteric injury (n = 21) or perforation (n = 4), the postoperative complications included fever (n = 37), urinary tract infection (n = 20), haematuria (n = 4), urosepsis (n = 4) and others (n = 7). SUMMARY: The present systematic review shows that local anaesthetic URS is a potential alternative to general anaesthetic URS in carefully selected patients. Randomised controlled trials with subgroup analysis are required to further assess whether loco-regional anaesthesia URS is noninferior to general anaesthesia URS and might help determine if the former approach should become more widespread.

Which Type of Water Is Recommended for Patients with Stone Disease (Hard or Soft Water, Tap or Bottled Water): Evidence from a Systematic Review over the Last 3 Decades.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The role of the mineral constituents in water and their role in kidney stone disease (KSD) have been a long-standing subject of debate. The aim of our systematic review was to evaluate the relevance of different types of water in stone disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies to date have had varying results regarding the importance of hardness of water which is mostly determined by its calcium content. Other elements including magnesium and bicarbonate also play a crucial role in prevention of renal stones. Patients with stone disease are provided varying advice due to a lack of consensus on the types of water recommended. Increased fluid intake prevents stone formation. Our review of the literature suggests that hard water and bottled mineral water might be helpful for calcium stone formers. High calcium content in them leads to hypercalciuria; however, other factors also influence stone formation and the overall impact seems to be a reduction in calcium stone formation. The mineral content varies across different water types but high magnesium and bicarbonate content in water is also recommended for kidney stone patients.

The industrial revolution for the management of benign prostate obstruction: worldwide publication trends for surgical and medical therapies over the past two decades.

INTRODUCTION: Research for management of benign prostate obstruction (BPO) for adult males remains a cornerstone of urology research. This landscape has witnessed the rise and fall of multiple therapies, both surgical and medical. Our aim was to formally evaluate the publication trends for these interventions over the past 20 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed in a Cochrane style. Data was analysed using the independent t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient (SPSS version 24). To observe changes in trends more effectively, data was sub-divided into two time periods: 1997 to 2006 and 2007 to 2016. RESULTS: Over the past 20 years, 4236 papers have been published concerning for BPO (surgical, n = 2177 and medical, n = 2059). For surgical treatments, these included articles on monopolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) (n = 340), bipolar TURP (n = 260), HoLEP (n = 293) and Greenlight laser (n = 395). For medical therapies, these included alpha blockers (848), 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (n = 618) and PDE5I (n = 91). Between the two time periods the change was +18.8% (p = 0.108) for monopolar TURP, +497.1% (<0.001) for bipolar TURP, -54.5% (p <0.001 for prostatic stents and -81.9% (p <0.001) for transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT). There was over 290% rise in number of publications related to BPO laser surgery (p <0.001). For medical interventions, the change was +11.5% (p = 0.397) for alpha blockers, -1.9% (p = 0.867), +49.0%( 0.122) for phytotherapy, +2075% (p <0.001) for PDEI and +2375.0% (p <0.001) for combined alpha blocker and anti-muscarinics. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions for BPO have undergone a high volume of research. In particular, minimally invasive laser surgeries and combined medical therapies have seen significant expansion.

What's New in Rezum: a Transurethral Water Vapour Therapy for BPH.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Rezum is a new minimally invasive treatment for benign prostate enlargement using thermal transurethral water vapour therapy. We review the evidence with advantages and disadvantages of this technique. RECENT FINDINGS: There are five studies reported including a randomised control trial looking at the outcomes of Rezum. The outcomes show an IPSS reduction by 45-60%, QoL improvement with a score reduction of 37-59%, the Qmax improvement by 44-72% and the PVR reduction by 20-38%. Convective water vapour therapy using the Rezum system has been shown to have successful outcomes in the treatment of LUTS resulting from BPH. The reported complications are infrequent and often minor, and it seems to be relatively cost-effective.