Early sacral neuromodulation ameliorates urinary bladder function and structure in complete spinal cord injury minipigs.

AIMS: To determine the effects of early sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and pudendal neuromodulation (PNM) on lower urinary tract (LUT) function, minipigs with complete spinal cord injury (cSCI) were analyzed. SNM and PNM have been proposed as therapeutic approaches to improve bladder function, for example after cSCI. However, further evidence on efficacy is required before these methods can become clinical practice. METHODS: Eleven adults, female Göttingen minipigs with cSCI at vertebral level T11-T12 were included: SNM (n = 4), PNM (n = 4), and SCI control (SCIC: n = 3). Tissue from six healthy minipigs was used for structural comparisons. Stimulation was started 1 week after cSCI. Awake urodynamics was performed on a weekly basis. After 16 weeks follow-up, samples from the urinary bladder were taken for analyses. RESULTS: SNM improved bladder function with better capacities and lower detrusor pressures at voiding and avoided the emergence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD). PNM and untreated SCI minipigs had less favorable outcomes with either DSD or constant urinary retention. Structural results revealed SCI-typical fibrotic alterations in all cSCI minipigs. However, SNM showed a better-balanced distribution of smooth muscle to connective tissue with a trend towards the reduced progression of bladder wall scarring. CONCLUSION: Early SNM led to an avoidance of the emergence of DSD showing a more physiological bladder function during a 4 month follow-up period after cSCI. This study might pave the way for the clinical continuation of early SNM for the treatment of neurogenic LUT dysfunction after SCI.

Non-ischemic laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using 1318-nm diode laser for small exophytic renal tumors.

PURPOSE: Warm ischemia (WI) and bleeding constitute the main challenges for surgeons during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Current literature on the use of lasers for cutting and coagulation remains scarce and with small cohorts. We present the largest case series to date of non-ischemic LPN using a diode laser for small exophytic renal tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 29 patients with clinically localized exophytic renal tumors who underwent non-ischemic laser-assisted LPN with a 1318-nm wavelength diode laser. We started applying the laser 5 mm beyond the visible tumor margin, 5 mm away from the tissue in a non-contact fashion for coagulation and in direct contact with the parenchymal tissue for cutting. RESULTS: The renal vessels were not clamped, resulting in a WIT (warm ischaemic time) of 0 min, except for one case that required warm ischemia for 12 min and parenchymal sutures. No transfusion was needed, with a mean Hemoglobin drop of 1,4 mg/dl and no postoperative complications. The eGFR did not significantly change by 6 months. Histologically, the majority of lesions (n = 22/29) were renal-cell carcinoma stage pT1a. The majority of malignant lesions (n = 13/22) had a negative margin. However, margin interpretation was difficult in 9 cases due to charring of the tumor base. A mean follow-up of 1.8 years revealed no tumor recurrence. The mean tumor diameter was 19.4 mm. CONCLUSION: The 1318-nm diode laser has the advantages of excellent cutting and sealing properties when applied to small vessels in the renal parenchyma, reducing the need for parenchymal sutures. However, excessive smoke, charring of the surgical margin, and inability to seal large blood vessels are encountered with this technique.

A new technique for minimal invasive complete spinal cord injury in minipigs.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop a minimal invasive complete spinal cord injury (SCI) minipig model for future research applications. The minipig is considered a translationally relevant model for SCI research. However, a standardized minimal invasive complete SCI model for pigs has not yet been established. METHODS: Adult Göttingen minipigs were anesthetized and placed in extended prone position. After initial computed tomography (CT) scan, the skin was incised, a needle placed in the epidural fatty tissue. Using the Seldinger technique, a guidewire and dilators were introduced to insert the balloon catheter to Th12. After confirmation of the level Th11/Th12, the balloon was inflated to 2 atm for 30 min. The severity of the lesion was followed by CT and by MRI, and by immunohistochemistry. Function was assessed at the motor and sensory level. RESULTS: Duration of procedure was about 60 min including the 30-min compression time. The balloon pressure of 2 atm was maintained without losses. The lesion site was clearly discernible and no intradural bleeding was observed by CT. Neurological assessments during the 4-month follow-up time showed consistent, predictable, and stable neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging analyses at 6 h and 4 weeks post SCI with final immunohistochemical analyses of spinal cord tissue underlined the neurological outcomes and proved SCI completeness. CONCLUSIONS: We have established a new, minimal invasive, highly standardized, CT-guided spinal cord injury procedure for minipigs. All risks of the open surgery can be excluded using this technique. This CT-guided SC compression is an excellent technique as it avoids long surgery and extensive trauma and allows a feasible inter-animal comparison.

Fluorescence Guided Targeted Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Intermediate and High Risk Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: We investigated whether visualization of the drainage system of the prostate by free indocyanine green would lead to identification of all or even more lymph node metastases detected by super-extended pelvic lymph node dissection in an intermediate and high risk patient population with prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 consecutive men with intermediate or high risk prostate cancer according to the D'Amico criteria underwent fluorescence targeted pelvic lymph node dissection during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Super-extended pelvic lymph node dissection was added as the control. Patients with neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, macroscopic lymph node involvement or prior transurethral prostate resection were excluded from study. Statistical descriptive methods, and the chi-square test and independent t-test were used to analyze data. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 64.9 years (range 46 to 74) and mean preoperative prostate specific antigen was 13.8 ng/ml (range 0.3 to 44). A total of 23 (60.5%) and 15 cases (39.5%) were classified as intermediate and high risk, respectively. Fluorescence stained nodes were found on each side in all except 1 patient. A total of 700 lymph nodes (mean ± SD 18.4 ± 8.2 per patient) were removed, of which 531 (75% of all nodes) were fluorescence stained (mean 14 ± 8.07 per patient). Lymph node metastases were found in 15 patients (39.5%). Two patients (5.3%) had a solitary micrometastasis and 3 (7.9%) had nodes containing isolated tumor cells. Metastases were found outside the extended pelvic lymph node dissection template in 5 of 15 patients (33.3%). Three of those 5 patients attained a prostate specific antigen nadir of less than 0.1 ng/ml 6 weeks postoperatively. Fluorescence targeted pelvic lymph node dissection showed superior sensitivity and negative predictive value compared to extended and super-extended pelvic lymph node dissection to detect lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence targeted pelvic lymph node dissection allows for the lymphatic drainage of the prostate to be identified with great reliability. Since only the nodes draining the prostate are removed, the absolute number of removed nodes is decreased while diagnostic accuracy is increased.

Evidence from the 'PROspective MulticEnTer RadIcal Cystectomy Series 2011 (PROMETRICS 2011)' study: how are preoperative patient characteristics associated with urinary diversion type after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine preoperative patients' characteristics associated with the urinary diversion (UD) type (continent vs. incontinent) after radical cystectomy (RC) and UD-associated postoperative complications. MATERIALS: In 2011, 679 bladder cancer patients underwent RC at 18 European tertiary care centers. Data were prospectively collected within the 'PROspective MulticEnTer RadIcal Cystectomy Series 2011' (PROMETRICS 2011). Logistic regression models assessed the impact of preoperative characteristics on UD type and evaluated diversion-related complication rates. RESULTS: Of 570 eligible patients, 28.8, 2.6, 59.3, and 9.3% received orthotopic neobladders, continent cutaneous pouches, ileal conduits, and ureterocutaneostomies, respectively. In multivariable analyses, female sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.9; p = 0.002), American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 (OR 2.3; p = 0.02), an age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3 (OR 4.1; p < 0.001), and a positive biopsy of the prostatic urethra in the last transurethral resection of the bladder prior to RC (OR 4.9; p = 0.03) were independently associated with incontinent UD. There were no significant differences in 30- and/or 90-day complication rates between the UD types. Perioperative transfusion rates and 90-day mortality were significantly associated with incontinent UD (p < 0.001, respectively). Limitations included the small sample size and a certain level of heterogeneity in the application of clinical pathways between the different participating centers. CONCLUSIONS: Within this prospective contemporary cohort of European RC patients treated at tertiary care centers, the majority of patients received an incontinent UD. Female sex and pre-existing comorbidities were associated with receiving an incontinent UD. The risk of overall complications did not vary according to UD type.

Technical solutions to improve the management of non-muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma: summary of a European Association of Urology Section for Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Section for Uro-Oncology (ESOU) expert meeting and current and future perspectives.

The aim of the present review was to compare state-of-the-art care and future perspectives for the detection and treatment of non-muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. We provide a summary of the third expert meeting on 'Optimising the management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, organized by the European Association of Urology Section for Uro-Technology (ESUT) in collaboration with the Section for Uro-Oncology (ESOU), including a systematic literature review. The article includes a detailed discussion on the current and future perspectives for TCC, including photodynamic diagnosis, optical coherence tomography, narrow band imaging, the Storz Professional Image Enhancement system, magnification and high definition techniques. We also provide a detailed discussion of future surgical treatment options, including en bloc resection and tumour enucleation. Intensive research has been conducted to improve tumour detection and there are promising future perspectives, that require proven clinical efficacy. En bloc resection of bladder tumours may be advantageous, but is currently considered to be experimental.

Update on the use of diode laser in the management of benign prostate obstruction in 2014.

AIM: To determine the status quo in respect of various diode lasers and present the techniques in use, their results and complications. We assess how these compare with transurethral resection of the prostate and other types of laser in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). When adequate RCTs were not available, case studies and reports were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laser for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has aroused the interest and curiosity of urologists as well as patients. The patient associates the term laser with a successful and modern procedure. The journey that started with coagulative necrosis of prostatic adenoma based on neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has culminated in endoscopic "enucleation" with holmium laser. Diode laser is being used in urology for about 10 years now. Various techniques have been employed to relieve bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH. RESULTS: The diode laser scenario is marked by a diversity of surgical techniques and wavelengths. We summarize the current published literature in respect of functional results and complications. CONCLUSION: More randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the position and the ideal technique of diode laser treatment for BPH.

En bloc resection of urothelium carcinoma of the bladder (EBRUC): a European multicenter study to compare safety, efficacy, and outcome of laser and electrical en bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

PURPOSE: En bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) may improve staging quality and perioperative morbidity and influence tumor recurrence. This study was designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and recurrence rates of electrical versus laser en bloc resection of bladder tumors. METHODS: This European multicenter study included 221 patients at six academic hospitals. Transurethral ERBT was performed with monopolar/bipolar current or holmium/thulium laser energy. Staging quality measured by detrusor muscle involvement, various perioperative parameters, and 12-month follow-up data was analyzed. RESULTS: Electrical and laser ERBT were used to treat 156 and 65 patients, respectively. Median tumor size was 2.1 cm; largest tumor was 5 cm. Detrusor muscle was present in 97.3 %. A switch to conventional TURBT was significantly more frequent in the electrical ERBT group (26.3 vs. 1.5 %, p < 0.001). Median operation duration (25 min), postoperative irrigation (1 day), catheterization time (2 days), and hospitalization (3 days) were similar. Overall complication rate was low (Clavien ≥ 3, n = 6 [2.7 %]). Hemoglobin was significantly lower after electrical ERBT (p = 0.0013); however, overall hemoglobin loss was not clinically relevant (0.38 g/dl). Patients (n = 148) were followed for 12 months; 33 (22.3 %) had recurrences. In total, 63.6 % recurrences occurred outside the ERBT resection field. No difference was noted between ERBT groups. CONCLUSIONS: ERBT is safe and reliable regardless of the energy source and provides high-quality resections of tumors >1 cm. Recurrence rates did not differ between groups, and the majority of recurrences occurred outside the ERBT resection field.

Current trends in partial adrenalectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Total adrenalectomy has been the standard treatment for small adrenal masses for years. In recent times, however, partial adrenalectomy and cortex-preserving strategies are gaining more importance. Therefore, we evaluated indications, techniques and outcome of partial adrenalectomy. RECENT FINDINGS: With more small adrenal masses identified through the widespread use of imaging modalities, partial adrenalectomy and cortical-preserving strategies were applied in various indications and techniques. In all original papers published on this topic during the review period of the last 18 months, minimal invasive approaches were used with satisfying surgical and functional outcomes. SUMMARY: There is a definitive trend towards the use of partial adrenalectomy in the treatment of small adrenal masses. In bilateral disease, steroid replacement can be avoided in most cases, whereas successful normalization of pathological endocrine levels was reported in various indications. Therefore, minimal invasive partial adrenalectomy may become the recommended standard treatment of small benign and hormonal active adrenal tumours.

[An incidental finding of retrocaval extraadrenal pheochromocytoma]. / Das retrocavale extraadrenale Phäochromozytom als Zufallsbefund.

As part of diagnostic work-up of a 71-year-old patient with resistant hypertension, an extraadrenal mass was found. After further imaging and biochemical evaluation an extraadrenal pheochromocytoma was diagnosed and after alpha-receptor blockade was removed via posterior approach laparoscopically in the course. The pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-producing tumor with an incidence of 1-2 per 100 000. In about 1-25 % it is located extraadrenal. Establishing the diagnosis is dependent on the demonstration of significant catecholamine excess. Afterwards imaging with CT or MRI should be performed. After administration of alpha-blockers, the complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice.

Laparoscopic and robotic postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Open surgical postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection remains the standard of care. On the contrary, laparoscopy is an emerging technique and reports of laparoscopic lymph node dissection postchemotherapy are increasing. Our purpose is to present indications, technique and outcomes of laparoscopic postchemo retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. RECENT FINDINGS: With growing expertise and knowledge the morbidity of the laparoscopic approach is much reduced compared with open surgery with the same oncological outcome. Robotic surgery is a more recent approach with growing usage in urology. However, no reports of robotic postchemotherapy lymph node dissection are available. SUMMARY: In expert hands laparoscopic lymph node dissection is a feasible technique, offering less morbidity to patients with good oncological results.

New emerging technologies in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transurethral resection of the prostate has long been held as the gold standard for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); however, there have been significant innovations in other less invasive alternative treatments for BPH in recent years. Our purpose is to present emerging surgical treatment modalities which have been presented in the last 12 months. RECENT FINDINGS: We report recent results in different treatment options for BPH. The concept of stenting the urethra has already been introduced nearly 20 years ago in urology and like intraprostatic injection of botulinum toxin it has found application in urological treatment of bladder outlet obstruction. The prostatic urethral lift procedure is a novel surgical minimal invasive approach needing long-term results. Intraprostatic injections with NX-1207 and histotripsy fractionation of prostate tissue are treatment modalities, which are currently under evaluation for a clinical application in humans. SUMMARY: Anaesthesia-free outpatient capability, lack of sexual side-effects and avoidance of actual surgery are attractive to patient and clinician alike. Some of the presented treatments may establish in clinical practice as a suitable treatment alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate and medical therapy.

Update on use of enhanced imaging to optimize lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for urothelial cancer of the bladder.

The most commonly used imaging modalities for diagnostic investigation of bladder carcinoma are contrast-enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. More recently, radioisotope and fluorescence staining are being used before, or even during, open or laparoscopic surgery. We report recent results obtained with these imaging modalities and their limitations.

Cooling mechanisms in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: are really necessary?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the possibilities and drawbacks of the various possibilities of renal parenchymal cooling during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and also give an outlook into future developments. METHODS: In January 2012 a PubMed Search using the search terms "partial nephrectomy, cooling," followed by a systematic and critical review was performed. CONCLUSION: Renal cooling during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a feasible, safe and effective procedure to expand ischemia time up to over 60 minutes, without risking significant and long lasting deterioration of renal function. It can be of value in patients with an imperative indication for partial nephrectomy, like solitary kidneys, synchronous bilateral tumors or renal failure in the opposite kidney as well as for patients at risk for deterioration of renal function and in any situation, where you think to yourself that 20 minutes will be maybe not enough to finish the job technically. Renal arterial perfusion provides the clinically best-studied option in this situation followed by ice-cold saline irrigation. Other surface coolants look promising, but still lack clinical data.

Safety and efficacy of Eraser laser enucleation of the prostate: preliminary report.

PURPOSE: We ascertained the safety and efficacy of the 1,318 nm diode Eraser laser (Rolle and Rolle, Salzburg, Austria) for transurethral enucleation of the prostate. This laser has been successfully used to resect lung metastasis. It cuts and coagulates vascular rich tissue safely and effectively. We describe a prospective, randomized trial of Eraser laser prostate enucleation vs bipolar transurethral prostate resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggesting bladder outlet obstruction and a mean prostate size of 59.5 ml on transrectal ultrasound were randomized to Eraser laser prostate enucleation or bipolar transurethral prostate resection. Patients were assessed preoperatively, and 1 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Eraser laser prostate enucleation was equivalent to bipolar transurethral prostate resection in improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score, maximal flow rate and quality of life. Laser enucleation was significantly superior to bipolar transurethral resection for measured blood loss (mean ± SD 116.83 ± 97.02 vs 409.83 ± 148.61 ml), catheter time (mean 32.80 ± 8.74 vs 65.73 ± 13.72 hours) and hospital time (mean 45.13 ± 14.77 vs 91.20 ± 11.76 hours, each p <0.05). Using the validated Clavien-Dindo system there were 3 grade Id and 1 grade II complications. CONCLUSIONS: Eraser laser prostate enucleation and bipolar transurethral prostate resection were equally safe and effective to relieve bladder outflow obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms. This laser technique has the advantage of less blood loss, and shorter catheter time and hospital stay.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for large renal masses: results of a European survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative effectiveness of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for large (4-7 cm) renal masses, with a review of the experience of six European advanced laparoscopic centres. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A survey was planned; data were extracted from each institutional data base to obtain information about patients who had undergone LPN for renal masses larger than 4 cm. Demographic, radiological growth patterns of the tumours and intraoperative data were collected. Post-operative complications and pathological data were also recorded. All data were processed through statistical software. RESULTS: Data on 63 patients were collected. Radiological tumour size was 4.7 cm (4.1-7), growth pattern was cortical in 33 cases and cortico-medullar in 30 cases. Warm ischemia time (WIT) was 25.7 min in 7.3% cases bleeding occurred intra-operatively, post-operative surgical complications occurred in 14.6% cases. Pathological analyses revealed malignant lesion in 73% and positive margins in 6.5%. Complications and positive margins are more frequent for cortico-medullar lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This survey confirms that LPN for tumours 4-7 cm in size is feasible in experienced hands. WIT and overall complication rate remain questionable points.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: an update on contemporary issues.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is a technically challenging procedure with up to 5-year follow-up data. In this article, incidence of renal cell carcinoma, indications, and contraindications for LPN are presented. In addition, LPN for benign diseases such as atrophic renal segments associated with duplicated collecting systems and calyceal diverticula associated with recurrent UTIs are presented. Hilar clamping, ischemic time, positive margins, and port-site metastasis, in addition to complications and survival outcomes, are discussed. The advantages of lower cost, decreased postoperative pain, and early recovery have to be balanced with prolonged warm ischemia. Its long-term outcomes in terms of renal insufficiency or hemodialysis requirements have not been defined completely. Randomized clinical trials comparing open partial nephrectomy (OPN) versus LPN are needed.

Laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery: a multi-institutional European survey of 592 cases.

Laparoscopic Nephron Sparing Surgery (LNSS) is a technically challenging procedure. Technical aspects and the outcome of LNSS are investigated. A total of 592 LNSS procedures were collected from 12 Centres, either in extraperitoneal or transperitoneal fashion. Mean tumor size was 2.2 cm. Eight centers reported on tumor position for a total of 407 cases with 338 exophytic tumors (83%) and 69 deep lesions (17%). Four centers, accounting for 185 cases, did not report on tumor position. All the centers performed their LNSS by clamping the hilum. The warm ischemia time was < 30 min in all the centers. The positive margin rate was 2% (12/592). Hemostatic agents and/or sealant or tissue glues were used in 86% of cases (511/592). Types of sealants used included: gelatine matrix (Floseal), fibrin gel (Tissucol), bovine serum albumin (BioGlue) and cianacrylate (Glubran). Two Centres never used sealants, one center used only sealants without suturing and 9 centers used a combination of sealants and bolstering-sutures. The intraoperative open conversion rate was 3.5% (21/592). Postoperative complications included bleeding in 15/592 (2.5%) and urine leak in 13/592 (2.1%). No tumor seeding was reported. LNSS has similar results of open partial nephrectomy. The use of hemostatic agents and/or sealants or tissue glues during LNSS is largely diffuse in European centers and may be an effective add on reducing bleeding and urine leakage when used in combination with bolstering-suturing.

Minimally Invasive Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy.

The feasibility of laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy (RLA) for testicular cancer was shown >25 years ago. Initially the indication was clinical stage I (CS I) nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT). Compared with that of open surgery, the morbidity was much decreased. However, in Europe, surgery for CS I is now replaced by chemotherapy. A relatively new indication is laparoscopic retroperitonal lymphadenectomy for small unilateral residual tumor after chemotherapy. The technique of unilateral lymphadenectomy for both indications is described in detail and with a video. The most recent development is bilateral laparoscopic RLA for residual tumors larger than 5 cm.

Indocyanine green fluorescence-guided sentinel lymph node identification in urologic cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To date, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) represents the most accurate and reliable staging procedure for the detection of lymph node invasion in prostate cancer and bladder cancer. However, the procedure is not devoid of complications. In this field, Indocyanine green fluorescence-guided sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification is an emerging and promising technique, as accurate staging of urologic cancer could be enhanced by a thorough evaluation of the sentinel lymph nodes. Aim of the present review is to analyze available evidence and perform a metanalysis on ICG-guided SLN detection for urologic malignancies. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review to assess the clinical value of Indocyanine green for the identification of sentinel lymphatic drainage for bladder, prostate, kidney and penile cancers was undertaken, with a meta-analysis to generate pooled detection rate concerning patients (clinical sensitivity) and nodes basin (technical sensitivity) separately. Studies reporting on the use of Indocyanine green for the detection of SLNs from the bladder, prostate and penile cancers were included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 10 clinical trials were included. Using the fixed effects model and the random effects model, the pooled patient detection rates and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were 0.88 (0.82-0.92) and 0.92 (0.84-0.96), respectively. The pooled nodes detection rates were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.68-0.74) using the fixed effect model and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.56-0.87) using the random effect model. Significant heterogeneities existed among studies for patients and for nodes (I2=0.66, P<0.001 and I2=0.96, P<0.001, respectively). Significant publication bias was found in patient detection rate (P<0.001) and in nodes detection rate (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SLN mapping in bladder and prostate cancer is a method with a high detection rate, although its specificity to predict LN invasion remains poor. Large, well-constructed trails are needed to assess the impact of ICG-fluorescence guided SLN dissection on uro-oncologic surgery.