Robotic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection in Advanced Stage Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The current report describes the feasibility of robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RRPLND), including some technical tricks for port placement for both right- and left-sided surgery. METHODS: Patients with advanced stage retroperitoneal disease underwent RRPLND using the 4-arm da Vinci Si Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.). In both cases, the field of dissection was an ipsilateral template for lymph node dissection. RESULTS: RRPLND in such configuration was safe and effective in both cases. The illustrated port placement with perpendicular docking of the robot allowed for a wide range of motion with limited external clashing, providing sufficient space for the assistant surgeon. The operative time was 300 min (including docking and console time), with no perioperative complications and short hospital stay. CONCLUSION: The port configuration for right- or left-sided unilateral template RRPLND was feasible, permitting a wide range of motion for the robotic arms and thus facilitating an efficient and safe dissection.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease and Osteoporosis During Androgen Deprivation Therapy Prescription Discordant to EAU Guidelines: Results From a Multicenter, Cross-sectional Analysis From the CHOsIng Treatment for Prostate canCEr (CHOICE) Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis in patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) but not adherent to European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CHOosIng Treatment for Prostate CanCEr (CHOICE) study was an Italian multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted from December 2010 to January 2012. A total of 1386 patients treated with ADT for PCa (first prescription or renewal of ADT) were selected. According to EAU guidelines, the cohort was categorized in discordant ADT (Group A) and concordant ADT (Group B). The prevalence of CVD and osteoporosis after ADT was recorded. RESULTS: The final cohort included 1075 patients. According to EAU guidelines adherence, 285 (26.51%) and 790 (73.49%) were considered discordant and concordant, respectively. The proportion of men with Charlson Comorbidity Index > 2 at baseline was statistically similar in Group A (81.8%) compared to Group B (80.8%) (P = .96). The number of complications reported at enrollment was as follows: cardiovascular in 351 (32.7%), endocrine in 166 (15.4%), sexual in 498 (46.3%), osteoporosis in 181 (16.8%), and gynecomastia in 274 (25.5%) subjects. At the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors, discordant ADT was associated with greater risk of cardiovascular complications (odds ratio: 2.07; P < .01) and osteoporosis (odds ratio: 1.75; P = .04). CONCLUSION: About one-third of patients with PCa received inappropriate ADT and showed a greater risk of CVD and osteoporosis. These results could be useful for setting better policy strategies to limit the inappropriateness of ADT prescription.

Margin and complication rates in clampless partial nephrectomy: a comparison of open, laparoscopic and robotic surgeries.

In performing partial nephrectomy (PN), surgeons focus on complete removal of tumor, preservation of renal function, the absence of major perioperative complications, expressed by the formula margin, ischemia and complication (MIC). The aim of current study was to perform a single-institution comparison of clampless open (OPN), laparoscopic (LPN) or robot-assisted (RAPN) PN as well as to evaluate pre-, intra- and postoperative factors that may influence achievement of ideal MIC. All consecutive clampless OPN, LPN or RAPN performed by experienced surgeons between 2006 and 2015 were included in the analysis. MIC was defined as negative surgical margin plus zero-ischemia plus absence of any grade ≥3 complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to predict the MIC. Odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were calculated. 80 patients underwent OPN, 66 LPN and 31 RAPN, and both groups had similar characteristics. The MIC rate was 67.5, 86.3 and 83.3 % in the OPN, LPN and RAPN groups, respectively (p = 0.016). At logistic regression analysis, surgical approach (p = 0.03) and operative time (p = 0.008) were independent predictors of the MIC rate. When stratified according to the surgical approach, preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification (PADUA) score, LPN, RAPN and operative time were independent predictors of MIC rate (p = 0.0488, p = 0.0494, p = 0.0479 and p = 0.0108, respectively). Clampless LPN and RAPN have an efficacy and safety profile that is on par with OPN, offering the additional benefits of a reduced operative time, blood loss, on demand ischemia and rate of high-grade complications.

Laparoscopic Versus Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Few randomized, controlled trials have compared standard abdominal sacrocolpopexy and the laparoscopic approach. We tested the hypothesis that laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy could compete with abdominal sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, controlled trial was done to compare laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and abdominal sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse repair in women referred to our tertiary Department of Urology for symptomatic stage 2 or greater pelvic organ prolapse. The primary outcome was quantitative evaluation by the POP-Q (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification) system. Cure was defined as prolapse stage 1 or less, point C/D -5 or less at the apex and at least 7 cm total vaginal length. Secondary outcomes were the complication rate, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay and PGI-I (Patient Global Impression of Improvement) scores. The Kaplan-Meier estimator with the log-rank test was used to estimate pelvic organ prolapse recurrence-free survival rates. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients were eligible for study. We compared 60 and 61 patients treated with abdominal and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, respectively. At a mean followup of 41.7 months the cure rate was of 100% for both approaches. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that overall pelvic organ prolapse recurrence-free survival was longer following the open approach. Patients treated with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy showed significantly earlier recurrence (p = 0.030), mostly in the first 12 months after surgery. When evaluating the different compartments, a statistically significant difference was observed between the laparoscopic and abdominal approaches for anterior compartment descensus (11 vs 1, p = 0.004). Statistical results had high internal validity but may not be applicable to other populations or settings. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy provides outcomes as good as those of abdominal sacrocolpopexy for anatomical correction but not for anterior pelvic organ prolapse.

Long-term efficacy of the trans-obturator and retropubic mid-urethral slings for stress urinary incontinence: update from a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To report the extended long-term results of the use of tension-free vaginal tape(TVT) and trans-obturator tape (TOT) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A prospective, multicentre randomized clinical trial comparing the use of TVT and TOT was used to evaluate 87 patients. The inclusion criteria were stress or mixed UI associated with urethral hyper mobility (the stress component was clinically predominant), while the exclusion criteria were previous anti-incontinence surgery and/or pelvic organ prolapse. The objective cure criteria were a negative provocative stress test and a negative 1-h pad test, with no further treatment for SUI. The subjective cure criteria were a 3-day voiding diary, quality-of-life questionnaires (UDI6-IIQ7), and patient satisfaction on a scale from 0 to 10. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were evaluated (47 TOT and 40 TVT) at a median follow-up of 100 months. Subjective and objective cure rates were 59.6 and 70.2 % in the TOT group and 75 and 87.5 % in the TVT group. The mid-to-long-term trend was a decreasing continence rate in patients who underwent TOT, compared with a stable rate for TVT. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that continence rate decreased for up to 25 months after surgery, with stabilization thereafter for the TVT group while continuing to drop in the TOT group, with no inter-group difference. CONCLUSION: The patients in both groups were highly satisfied at long-term follow-up. The overall continence rate worsened for both groups within 25 months. While the results tend to stabilize in the TVT group, a further decline in the TOT was observed.

Patterns of prescription and adherence to European Association of Urology guidelines on androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer: an Italian multicentre cross-sectional analysis from the Choosing Treatment for Prostate Cancer (CHOICE) study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate both the patterns of prescription of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and the adherence to European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for ADT prescription. METHODS: The Choosing Treatment for Prostate Cancer (CHOICE) study was an Italian multicentre cross-sectional study conducted between December 2010 and January 2012. A total of 1 386 patients, treated with ADT for PCa (first prescription or renewal of ADT), were selected. With regard to the EAU guidelines on ADT, the cohort was categorized into discordant ADT (Group A) and concordant ADT (Group B). RESULTS: The final cohort included 1 075 patients with a geographical distribution including North Italy (n = 627, 58.3%), Central Italy (n = 233, 21.7%) and South Italy (n = 215, 20.0%). In the category of patients treated with primary ADT, a total of 125 patients (56.3%) were classified as low risk according to D'Amico classification. With regard to the EAU guidelines, 285 (26.51%) and 790 patients (73.49%) were classified as discordant (Group A) and concordant (Group B), respectively. In Group A, patients were more likely to receive primary ADT (57.5%, 164/285 patients) than radical prostatectomy (RP; 30.9%, 88/285 patients), radiation therapy (RT; 6.7%, 19/285 patients) or RP + RT (17.7%, 14/285 patients; P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for clinical and pathological variables, showed that patients from Central Italy (odds ratio [OR] 2.86; P < 0.05) and South Italy (OR 2.65; P < 0.05) were more likely to receive discordant ADT. CONCLUSION: EAU guideline adherence for ADT was low in Italy and was influenced by geographic area. Healthcare providers and urologists should consider these results in order to quantify the inadequate use of ADT and to set policy strategies to overcome this risk.

First and second transurethral resections in intermediate-high risk bladder cancer: impact of the surgeon's volume on the recurrence and progression of primary bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the impact of surgeon's volume on recurrence and progression in patients with newly diagnosed transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder after first transurethral resection (TUR) and second-TUR. METHODS: Between March 2005 and December 2012, 209 patients with intermediate-high risk primary bladder cancer who received second TUR within 2 to 6 weeks following the initial resection were prospectively included in a database and retrospectively analyzed. Surgeons were stratified into high-volume (>100 TUR) and low-volume (<100 TUR). Tumor recurrence and progression were analyzed respect to first and second-TUR and surgeon-volume. RESULTS: Of the 209 patients who underwent second-TUR, 57 (27.2%) had macroscopic tumors before resection, which correlated to tumors multiplicity. Stage and surgeon category were independent predictors of tumor recurrence, with a 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of 52.7% and 23.1% for high and low-volume surgeon, respectively (P<0.001). Stage and surgeon category at first and second-TUR were independent predictor of tumor progression, with a 5-year progression-free survival rate of 83.8% and 48.0% for high and low-volume surgeon, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As for other major urological procedures, patients undergoing TUR performed by high volume surgeon may have better outcomes than patients operated by low-volume providers.

Intradetrusorial Botulinum Toxin in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Neurophysiological Study.

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) often complain of urinary disturbances characterized by overactive bladder syndrome and difficulties in bladder emptying. The aim of the study was to investigate the pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction and the neurophysiological effects of intradetrusorial incobotulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) in patients with MS having both brain and spinal MS-related lesions. Twenty-five MS patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) underwent clinical evaluation and soleus Hoffmann reflex (H reflex) study during urodynamics. Of the 25 patients, 14 underwent a further session one month after intradetrusorial BoNT/A injection. Eighteen healthy subjects acted as the control. In healthy subjects, the H reflex size significantly decreased at maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), whereas in MS patients with NDO, the H reflex remained unchanged. In the patients who received intradetrusorial BoNT/A, clinical and urodynamic investigations showed that NDO improved significantly. Volumes at the first, normal and strong desire to void and MCC increased significantly. Despite its efficacy in improving bladder symptoms and in increasing volumes for first desire, normal and strong desire to void, BoNT/A left the H reflex modulation during bladder filling unchanged. In the MS patients we studied having both brain and spinal MS-related lesions, the H reflex size remained unchanged at maximum bladder filling. Since this neurophysiological pattern has been previously found in patients with spinal cord injury, we suggest that bladder dysfunction arises from the MS-related spinal lesions. BoNT/A improves bladder dysfunction by changing bladder afferent input, as shown by urodynamic findings on bladder filling sensations, but its effects on H reflex modulation remain undetectable.

OnabotulinumtoxinA intravesical treatment in patients affected by overactive bladder syndrome: best practice in real-life management.

PURPOSE: We evaluated intradetrusorial OnabotulinumtoxinA (Onabot/A) treatment protocols in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB), in order to assess the care of patients before, during and after treatment. METHODS: In 64 OAB patients injected with Onabot/A, we reviewed the length of the hospital stay, frequency of catheterization, frequency of intraoperative and postoperative complications, and patients' satisfaction to the proposed treatment protocol (as assessed by VAS). We also compared the results of the 3-day voiding diary, uroflowmetry with postvoid residual urine (PVR) and VAS to score the bother of urinary symptoms on quality of life (QoL) before and after treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were firstly treated in an 'inpatient' setting. The mean ± SD duration of hospitalization and catheterization was 39.4 ±12.6 and 37.8 ± 10.6 h, respectively. The mean ± SD VAS values of treatment satisfaction and of bother of urinary symptoms on QoL were 6.3 ± 1.1 and 8.2 ± 1.3, respectively. The mean ± SD PVR value was 74.3 ± 15.2 ml. Frequency of UTIs was 2.4 ± 1.6. Forty-three patients were treated on an outpatient basis; the mean ± SD duration of catheterization, the 'outpatient' stay and the mean ± SD frequency of UTIs were lower than those of patients treated in an inpatient setting. The mean ± SD VAS value to score QoL was high. CONCLUSIONS: Intradetrusorial Onabot/A injection is a simple and fast procedure that can be easily carried on in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, with low rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Use of the Prostate Health Index for the Detection of Aggressive Prostate Cancer at Radical Prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: In current study, we compared the accuracy of the PSA isoform p2PSA and its derivatives, the percentage of p2PSA to free PSA (%p2PSA) and the Prostate Health Index (PHI) in the detection of prostate cancer (PC) characteristics at the xFB01;nal pathology with respect to reference standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational prospective study evaluating 43 consecutive PC patients treated with laparoscopic/robotic radical prostatectomy (RP). Logistic regression models were fitted to test the predictors of pT3 stage, pathologic Gleason score ≥ 8 or Gleason score upgrading, margin status, lymph node invasion, and the presence of high-risk disease (pT3 disease and/or Gleason score ≥ 8 and/or positive lymph node). The comparative base model included tPSA, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason score, and percentage of positive core. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (39.5%) were affected by pT3 disease or had a pathologic Gleason score ≥ 8; positive margins were detected in 12 patients (27.9%), lymph node invasion was found in 2 patients (4.7%), and 15 patients (34.8%) harbored high-risk disease. In the univariate analysis, p2PSA, %p2PSA, and PHI were significant predictors of pT3 disease, pathologic Gleason score, and the presence of high-risk disease (all p < 0.05), whereas only PHI was an independent predictor of pT3 disease, margin status, and presence of high-risk disease, increasing the accuracy of a base multivariable model by 6.3% (p < 0.05) and 4.2% (p < 0.05) for the prediction of pT3 and high-risk disease, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: p2PSA and its derivatives, primarily PHI, were significant predictors of unfavorable PC characteristics as detected at the xFB01;nal pathology, thus improving the clinical performance of standard prognostic factors for aggressive disease.

High-intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of prostate cancer: A prospective trial with long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer. Data from the literature show promising oncological outcomes with a favourable side-effect profile. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate and bring up to date the follow-up of a previously published, prospective trial on HIFU as the primary treatment for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2004 and 2007, 163 consecutive men with T1-T3N0M0 prostate cancer underwent HIFU with the Sonablate 500. Follow-up included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests every 3 months after treatment and a random prostate biopsy at 6 months. Failure was defined according to positive findings at the 6 month biopsy and biochemical failure was defined according to the Phoenix criteria. Biochemical-free survival, metastasis-free survival and cancer-specific survival were calculated by Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 72.0 months. Of the 160 evaluable patients, 104 (65%) were biochemically disease free; in low- to intermediate-risk disease, on Kaplan-Meier analysis the 8 year biochemical-non-evidence of disease (bNED), metastasis-free survival and cancer-specific survival rates were 69.6%, 81.3%, 100% and 40.5%, 60.6%, 100%, respectively. A PSA nadir below 0.40 ng/ml and risk stratification have an independent predictive value for bNED and metastasis-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: A long-term favourable outcome of HIFU is associated with careful patient selection, with low- to intermediate-risk disease being the ideal case. A low postoperative PSA nadir is a predictor of long-term bNED.

Managing female urinary incontinence: a regional prospective analysis of cost-utility ratios (curs) and effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the cost-utility of incontinence treatments, particularly anticholinergic therapy, by examining costs and quality-adjusted life years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study of women who were consecutively referred by general practitioners (GPs) to the Urology Department because of urinary incontinence. The primary outcome was evaluation of the cost-utility of incontinence treatments (surgery, medical therapy and physiotherapy) for stress and/or urgency incontinence by examining costs and quality-adjusted life years. RESULTS: 137 consecutive female patients (mean age 60.6 ± 11.6; range 36-81) were enrolled and stratified according to pathologies: SUI and UUI. Group A: SUI grade II-III: 43 patients who underwent mid-urethral sling (MUS); Group B: SUI grade I-II 57 patients who underwent pelvic floor muscle exercise and Group C: UUI: 37 patients who underwent antimuscarinic treatment with 5 mg solifenacin daily. The cost utility ratio (CUR) was estimated as saving more than €1200 per QALY for surgery and physiotherapy and as costing under € 100 per QALY for drug therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that appropriate diagnosis and treatment of a patient with incontinence lowers National Health Service costs and improves the benefits of treatment and quality of life.

Evaluation of prostate-specific antigen isoform p2PSA and its derivates, %p2PSA, prostate health index and prostate dimension-adjusted related index in the detection of prostate cancer at first biopsy: an exploratory, prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the accuracy of serum proPSA (p2PSA) and its derivatives, percentage of p2PSA to free PSA (%p2PSA) and Prostate Health Index (PHI) and to test the value of prostate dimension-adjusted related index p2PSA density (p2PSAD), %p2PSA density (%p2PSAD) and PHI density (PHID) in discriminating between patients with and without prostate cancer (PCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of 275 patients with a total PSA (tPSA) of 2-10 ng/ml who underwent initial prostate biopsy. Multivariate logistic regression models were complemented by predictive accuracy analysis. RESULTS: PCa was diagnosed in 31.2% of subjects. Median tPSA did not differ between groups, while PSA density (PSAD), percent free PSA (%fPSA), p2PSA, %p2PSA, PHI, p2PSAD, %p2PSAD and PHID (all p < 0.05) were different between men with and without PCa. Univariate accuracy analysis showed p2PSAD (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.71), %p2PSAD (AUC: 0.76) and PHID (AUC: 0.77) to be the most accurate predictors of PCa at biopsy, significantly outperforming tPSA (AUC: 0.54), PSAD (AUC: 0.68) and %fPSA (AUC: 0.59) (p ≤ 0.001). At multivariate logistic regression models, p2PSAD and PHID significantly increased the accuracy of the basal multivariate model (all p < 0.01). At 90% specificity, sensitivity for p2PSAD, %p2PSAD and PHID were 33.7, 43 and 40.7%, respectively. Spearman's rho coefficient analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between Gleason score, %p2PSA (r = 0.216, p = 0.046), PHI (r = 0.223, p = 0.039) and %p2PSAD (r = 0.205, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Considering patients suited for initial prostate biopsy by a tPSA range of 2-10 ng/ml, PSA isoforms were confirmed to be strong predictors of PCa. The prostate dimension-adjusted PSA isoforms have been shown to differentiate between patients with or without PCa, with an AUC of 0.71-0.77, p2PSAD offering a gain in accuracy with respect to tPSA, %fPSA and PSAD.

Radical prostatectomy in high-risk prostate cancer: incidence of specimen-confined disease (pT2-pT3a N0R0) and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer (PC) [prostate specific antigen (PSA) ≥ 20 ng/mL, and/or Gleason score ≥ 8, and/or cT3a disease] is considered an optional therapy, usually as a part of multimodal approach. Aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of radical prostatectomy in case of specimen-confined (SC) disease and to compare it with patients with pathological locally-advanced disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 176 consecutive patients with high-risk prostate cancer who underwent RP as initial therapy were analyzed, identifying subjects with specimen-confined disease (i.e. negative margins and negative lymph-nodes) in which RP was considered as monotherapy, and comparing oncological outcomes to patients with pathological non-SC disease, in which RP was considered as the first step of a multimodal approach. RESULTS: In high-risk prostate cancer, pathological report showed the presence of specimen-confined disease in 28.3% of cases. At univariate analysis, age and PSA correlate with the presence of SC disease at radical prostatectomy, while at multivariate analysis only PSA was a significant predictor of SC disease. At 5 years, Kaplan-Meier estimation of biochemical-free and cancer-specific survival was 56.2% and 97.7% vs 40.8% and 92.8% in specimen-confined disease and non-specimen-confined disease, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk prostate cancer presents challenges for uro-oncologists since standard treatment is still under debate. One third of patients will present with specimen-confined disease, for which radical prostatectomy represents the sole, initial curative therapy; RP as multimodal therapy in patients without SC disease permits excellent long-term oncological outcomes.

The efficacy and safety of duloxetine in a multidrug regimen for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of duloxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of patients affected by chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). METHODS: Thirty-eight CP/CPPS patients completed the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaires, uroflowmetry, and evaluation of psychologic status using Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D). Patients were randomly assigned to 2 treatments groups. Treatment in group 1 consisted of a simultaneous oral administration of tamsulosin (0.4 mg/d, 60 mg/d), saw palmetto (320 mg/d), and duloxetine (60 mg/d). Treatment in group 2 consisted of tamsulosin (0.4 mg/d) and saw palmetto (320 mg/d). NIH-CPSI and IIEF-5 questionnaires, uroflowmetry, and evaluation of the psychological status were repeated at 16 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: At 16 weeks, a significant improvement in NIH-CPSI pain subscore, NIH-CPSI quality of life subscore, and NIH-CPSI total score were observed in group 1 patients compared with those in group 2 (P <.01, respectively), together with a significant improvement in HAM-A and HAM-D scores (P <.01, respectively). Patients in group 2 showed a significant improvement in NIH-CPSI total score, in the urinary symptoms subscore, and in the HAM-A total score. No significant differences were observed in IIEF-5 scores in the 2 groups. Maximum flow rate significantly increased in both groups. In group 1, 20% of patients stopped the study due to adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The use of duloxetine in a multimodal treatment with an α-blocker medication and a saw palmetto extract allowed better results in controlling clinical symptoms, psychologic status and quality of life patients affected by CP/CPPS.

External validation of nomogram predicting the probability of specimen-confined disease (pT2-3a, R0N0) in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection.

INTRODUCTION: Before radical prostatectomy (RP), a nomogram [Briganti et al., Eur Urol 2012;61:584-592] permits to measure the probability of specimen-confined (SC) disease (pT2-pT3a, node negative with negative margins) in high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of our study was to perform an external validation of this nomogram. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2011, 623 patients with high-risk PCa (prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >20 ng/ml and/or biopsy Gleason score ≥8 and/or clinical stage T3) underwent RP and pelvic lymph node dissection at tertiary referral centers. Multivariable logistic regression models predicting the presence of SC disease were built in; we then used the area under curve of the receiver operating characteristic analysis to quantify accuracy of the nomogram to predict SC disease. The extent of over- or underestimation was evaluated within calibration plots. RESULTS: 29% (181/623) of men had SC disease at RP. Preoperative PSA, biopsy Gleason score and stage differed significantly (all p < 0.001) between men with SC disease and those without. External validation of the nomogram showed an acceptable accuracy (area under curve: 66.3, 95% CI 62.4-70%) and a perfect calibration plot. CONCLUSIONS: The external cohort validates the original nomogram, with perfect calibration characteristics. The adequate although reduced accuracy may reflect the wide spectrum and behavior of the so-called high-risk PCa.

Evaluation of electrospun bioresorbable scaffolds for tissue-engineered urinary bladder augmentation.

Tissue engineering represents a potential and valuable approach for the treatment of urologic pathologies. Bioresorbable polymeric scaffolds can be regarded as effective platforms to surgically treat bladder diseases and subsequently guide the formation of novel tissue after implantation. To this aim, the evaluation of electrospun scaffolds made up of poly(ε-caprolactone) blended with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) is presented here. Firstly, the microstructure and the viscoelastic/mechanical properties of the electrospun fabrics were investigated. Then, the in vivo response was assessed by performing a urinary bladder augmentation using female Wistar rats as an animal model. 15 days after the surgical procedure, the scaffolds were covered by regenerative urothelium up to 50%, which increased to 50-100% after 30 days. These encouraging results, collected in the 90-day follow-up, clearly showed the potential applications of tissue engineering in the urologic field. A longer in vivo evaluation is currently underway.

Mixed Incontinence: How Best to Manage It?

Although common in women, mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) is under-reported and under-treated. It is linked to concomitant disturbances, which may be due to childbirth, ageing, or other medical conditions, in the complex bladder-urethra coordinated system of urine storage and emptying. Primary care physicians can evaluate MUI through history and simple clinical assessment or they can avail of more complex device and tools, such as urodynamic assessment. There is a wide range of therapeutic options. The recent proliferation of new drug treatments and surgical devices for urinary incontinence offers innovative strategies for therapy but products risk being introduced without long-term safety and efficacy assessment. Direct-to-consumer advertising has increased public awareness of MUI.

Changes in female sexual function after pelvic organ prolapse repair: role of hysterectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) have an impact on sexuality. Few studies evaluate the impact of hysterectomy on sexual function. We designed the present observational prospective longitudinal cohort study in order to evaluate the impact of uterus preservation after POP repair on sexual function. METHODS: Between January 2006 and January 2011, 107 patients with POP, mean age 58 ± 8.9 years, underwent colposacropexy with or without hysterectomy. All the women without uterine disease were offered the chance to preserve the uterus. All patients gave written informed consent and completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, before and after surgery, provided detailed case history, underwent urogynaecological examination and urodynamic assessment and completed the Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact on Quality of Life short form (IIQ-7) questionnaires, and the satisfaction Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). One year after surgery patients repeated the FSFI questionnaire and underwent a clinical check-up. The primary end-point was post-operative sexual function as evaluated by the FSFI, the secondary end-points were objective anatomical and subjective success, defined respectively as no prolapse and no incontinence-related symptoms. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included: 32 underwent uterus-sparing surgery and 36 hysterectomy plus colposacropexy. After surgery both groups had significant improvements in the total FSFI score and in the domains of desire, arousal and orgasm. The median post-operative scores of desire, arousal, and orgasm domains showed significant improvements in the uterus-sparing group compared with the hysterectomy group. None of the women had a uterine or vault prolapse recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that POP plays a role in female sexual dysfunction and uterus sparing surgery is associated with a greater improvement in sexual function.