Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cancer After Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Survival Outcomes After Radical Nephroureterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Systemic and local recurrences of urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) significantly impair survival after radical cystectomy (RC), but little is known about the impact of the recurrence of urothelial cancer in the upper urinary tract (UTUC). This report describes survival outcomes and their predictors for patients who underwent RC followed by radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for UTUC. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried to identify patients who underwent RC for UBC and subsequent RNU for UTUC. The Kaplan-Meier method and competing-risk Cox regression (CRR) were used for the survival analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 102 patients have undergone RNU within a median of 49 months (interquartile range [IQR], 27-76 months) since RC. Muscle-invasive UTUCs were predominant at RNU (n = 58; 56.7%), but organ-confined bladder tumors were most frequent at RC (n = 42, 41.5%). After RNU, the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 25.9%, the cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 35.6%, the median OS was 23 months (IQR, 11-63 months), and the CSS was 34 months (IQR, 13-132 months). In the multivariable CRR, the factors predictive for CSS after RNU included male gender (hazard ratio [HR], 2.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-5.42; p < 0.05), muscle-invasive UTUC (HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.13-4.28; p < 0.05), and the presence of distant metastasis (HR,11.59; 95% CI, 5.33-25.2; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the patients who underwent RNU for UTUC after RC for UBC experienced poor OS and CSS. The majority of RNUs were performed for locally advanced tumors. The independent risk factors for worse OS and CSS after RNU were UTUC T stage, presence of metastasis, and male gender.

Changes in the Urinary Microbiome After Transurethral Resection of Non-muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Insights from a Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to characterize the urinary and tumor microbiomes in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) before and after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT). METHODS: This single-center prospective study included 26 samples from 11 patients with low-grade Ta papillary NMIBC. Urine samples were collected at the index TURBT and at a 1-year follow-up cystoscopy. The metagenomic analysis of bacterial and archaeal populations was performed based on the highly variable V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: Phylogenetic alpha diversity of the bladder microbiome detected in urine was found to be lower at the 1-year follow-up cystoscopy compared to the time of the index TURBT (p < 0.01). Actinomyces, Candidatus cloacimonas, Sphingobacterium, Sellimonas, Fusobacterium, and Roseobacter were more differentially enriched taxa in urine at the follow-up cystoscopy than at the index TURBT. Beta diversity of urine microbiome significantly changed over time (p < 0.05). Phylogenetic alpha diversity of the microbiome was greater in tumor tissues than in paired urine samples (p<0.01). Sphingomonas, Acinetobacter, Candidatus, and Kocuria were more differentially overrepresented in tumor tissues than in urine. The enrichment of the abundance of Corynebacterium and Anaerococcus species in urine collected at TURBT was observed in patients who experienced recurrence within the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with low-grade NMIBC, the urine microbiome undergoes changes over time after removal of the tumor. The microbiome detected in tumor tissues is more phylogenetically diverse than in paired urine samples collected at TURBT. The interplay between bladder microbiome, tumor microbiome, and their alterations requires further studies to elucidate their predictive value and perhaps therapeutic implications.

Survival outcomes of patients treated with local therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer with high prostate-specific antigen concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer (nmPCa) and high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels due to the high likelihood of metastasis pose a clinical dilemma regarding their optimal treatment and long-term outcomes after initial local therapy. We aimed to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy (RT) for nmPCa with high PSA levels. METHODS: We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to identify patients diagnosed with nmPCa who received RP or RT from 2004 through 2015. We included nmPCa patients with high PSA levels categorized as ≥50 and ≥98 ng/mL, the highest level recorded in SEER. We used the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards to analyze cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: We included 6177 patients with nmPCa and PSA ≥ 50 ng/mL at diagnosis; 1698 (27%) had PSA ≥ 98 ng/mL. Of these, 1658 (26.8%) underwent RP and 4519 (73.16%) patients received primary RT. Within a median of 113 months (interquartile range 74-150 months), the 5- and 10-year CSS estimates were 92.3% and 81.5% respectively; 10-year OS was 61%. In the PSA ≥ 98 ng/mL subgroup 5- and 10-year CSS estimates were 89.2% and 76%, respectively. In multivariable analyses for CSS, ISUP grade group (p < 0.001), N stage (p < 0.001), treatment with RP (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43-0.83, p < 0.001), and patient's age (p < 0.05) were associated with improved CSS. In the whole cohort of patients with PSA ≥ 50 ng/mL and RP subgroup, PSA failed to retain its independent prognostic value for CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with local therapy for nmPCa with very high PSA at diagnosis have relatively good long-term oncological outcomes. Therefore, among well-selected patients with nmPCa, high PSA levels alone should not preclude the use of radical local therapy. Potential selection bias limits inferences about the relative effectiveness of specific local therapies in this setting.

Cancer-Specific Survival of Patients with Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Population-Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) constitutes a heterogeneous group of tumors with different prognoses. This population-based study aimed to report real-world cancer-specific survival (CSS) of NMIBC and create a prognostic nomogram based on the identified risk factors. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was searched for patients diagnosed with NMIBC from 2004 to 2015, who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. The dataset was divided into development and validation cohorts. Factors associated with CSS were identified using Cox proportional hazards and used to develop a prognostic nomogram. RESULTS: In total, 98,238 patients with NMIBC were included. At the median follow-up of 124 months (IQR 81-157 months), cancer-specific mortality (CSM) was highest for T1HG (19.52%), followed by Tis (15.56%), similar for T1LG and TaHG (10.88% and 9.23%, respectively), and lowest for TaLG (3.76%). Multivariable Cox regression for CSS prediction was utilized to develop a nomogram including the following risk factors: tumor T category and grade, age, tumor size and location, histology type, primary character, race, income, and marital status. In the validation cohort, the model was characterized by an AUC of 0.824 and C-index that reached 0.795. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, NMIBC is associated with a significant risk of long-term CSM especially, but not only, in patients with T1HG. Rarely diagnosed TaHG and T1LG tumors should be regarded as high-risk due to approximately 10% CSM. T category, grading, and age remain the most powerful determinants of CSS in NMIBC, but sociodemographic factors might also influence its prognosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for local staging before salvage radical prostatectomy: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a local and nodal staging tool in radio-recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) is still unclear. The present study aims at evaluating the predictive value of MRI in the detection of extracapsular extension (ECE), seminal vesical invasion (SVI) and nodal involvement (LNI) in patients after primary radio (EBRT) and/or brachytherapy (BT) before salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP). METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systemically reviewed to extract the data on diagnostic performance of MRI in radio-recurrent PCa. RESULTS: Four studies comprising 94 radio-recurrent PCa patients were included. The pooled prevalence of ECE, SVI, and LNI was 61%, 41%, and 20%, respectively. The pooled sensitivity for ECE, SVI and LNI detection was 53% (CI 95% 19.8-83.6%), 53% (CI 95% 37.2-68%) and 33% (CI 95% 4.7-83.1%) respectively, whereas specificity was 75% (CI 95% 40.6-92.6%), 88% (CI 95% 71.7-95.9%) and 92% (CI 95% 79.6-96.8%). The sensitivity analysis revealed that a single outlying study using only T2-weighted imaging instead of multiparametric MRI reported significantly higher sensitivity with significantly lower specificity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first meta-analysis reporting reliability of staging MRI in a radio-recurrent setting. MRI provides poor sensitivity while maintaining high specificity for local and nodal staging before SRP. However, current evidence is limited to the low number of heterogenous studies at meaningful risk of bias.

The Cannabinoid Ligand Arachidonyl-2'-Chloroethylamide (ACEA) Ameliorates Depressive and Overactive Bladder Symptoms in a Corticosterone-Induced Female Wistar Rat Model.

There is growing need to increase the knowledge on the cannabinoid ligands in the treatment of overactive bladder. Among potential candidates, arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA), a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist is proposed. The aim of this paper was to determine if ACEA, a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist, could reverse the effects of corticosterone (CORT), characteristic of depressive and bladder overactivity potential. The animals (48 female rats) were divided into four groups: I-control, II-received CORT, III-received ACEA, and IV-received the combination of CORT and ACEA. The conscious cystometry, forced swim test (FST), and locomotor activity measurements were performed 3 days after the last dose of ACEA, followed by ELISA measurements. In group IV, ACEA restored urodynamic parameters that were altered by CORT. CORT prolonged the immobility time in FST and the values were lowered by ACEA. ACEA normalized the expression of c-Fos in all the analyzed central micturition centers (group IV vs. group II). ACEA restored the CORT-induced changes in the biomarkers in urine (BDNF, NGF), bladder detrusor (VAChT, Rho kinase), bladder urothelium (CGRP, ATP, CRF, OCT-3, TRPV1), and hippocampus (TNF-α, IL-1ß and Il-6, CRF, IL-10, BDNF, NGF). In conclusion, ACEA was proven to reverse CORT-induced changes in both cystometric and biochemical parameters that are determinants of OAB/depression, which represents an example of an existing link between OAB and depression via cannabinoid receptors.

The Potential of Asiatic Acid in the Reversion of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine if asiatic acid may act efficiently in the model of cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis in rats. We performed experiments after administration of CYP (single dose 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), asiatic acid (30 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days, by oral gavage), or CYP plus asiatic acid, during which conscious cystometry, measurements of urothelium thickness and bladder edema, as well as selected biomarkers analyses were conducted. In rats that received asiatic acid together with CYP, a drop in bladder basal pressure, detrusor overactivity index, non-voiding contraction amplitude, non-voiding contraction frequency, and the area under the pressure curve were observed, when compared to the CYP group. Furthermore, a significant increase in threshold pressure, voided volume, intercontraction interval, bladder compliance, and volume threshold to elicit NVC were found in that group accordingly. Administration of the asiatic acid successfully restored concentrations of biomarkers both in bladder urothelium (BDNF, CGRP, OCT-3, IL-1ß, IL-6, NGF, nitrotyrosine, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, SV2A, SNAP23, SNAP25, PAC-1, ORM1, occludin, IGFBP-3, HB-EGF, T-H protein, Z01, and HPX) and detrusor muscle (Rho kinase and VAChT) in CYP-treated rats. Finally, asiatic acid significantly decreased urothelium thickness and bladder oedema. Asiatic acid proved to be a potent and effective drug in the rat model of CYP-induced cystitis.

Bladder perforation during transurethral resection of bladder tumour is not a result of a deficient structure of the bladder wall.

BACKGROUND: Transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TUR) is associated with a risk of bladder perforation. The underlying mechanisms and risk factors are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine if the bladder wall structure affects the risk of bladder perforation during TUR. METHODS: Fifteen patients who underwent TUR complicated by a bladder perforation (group 1) and fifteen matched controls who underwent uncomplicated TUR (group 2) were retrospectively enrolled in this morphological analysis. Surgical specimens were collected from all participating patients to describe the quality and architecture of urothelium and bladder submucosa. Immunohistochemical studies were performed with primary mouse anti-human E-cadherin, beta-catenin, type IV collagen, cytokeratin 20 and epithelial membrane antigen antibodies. The intensity of the immunohistochemical reaction was assessed using an immunoreactive score (IRS). Ultrastructural examinations were performed by transmission electron microscopy. The microscopic assessment was focused on the intensity of fibrosis in the bladder submucosa and the presence of degenerative changes in the urothelium. RESULTS: Patients' age, sex distribution, tumour diameters, surgeon experience or cancer stage did not differ between study groups. The immunohistochemical analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences between group 1 and group 2. From a clinical point of view, ultrastructural analysis by electron microscopy showed a higher rate of severe fibrosis in group 1 (63.6% vs. 38.5%), with no differences in the rate and degree of urothelial changes. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Bladder perforation during TUR is not a result of a deficient structure of the bladder wall. Based on available evidence, the surgical technique seems to play the most important role in its prevention.

Management of Intradiverticular Bladder Tumours: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to present available data on diagnostic and therapeutic options in intradiverticular bladder tumour cases. A literature search within the Medline database was conducted in March 2019 with combinations of the following search terms: bladder cancer, bladder tumour, bladder diverticulum, diverticulum, intradiverticular. Seventeen relevant articles were identified. Diagnostic and therapeutic options for intradiverticular bladder tumour follow the general management of bladder cancer patients. The most important differences include a higher rate of non-urothelial histology, higher rate of invasive cancers (stage T1 and higher), no stage T2 disease due to lack of a muscularis propria layer and potential role of partial cystectomy or diverticulectomy in the treatment. Among cystectomized patients, the survival is comparable to general bladder cancer patients after cystectomy. Data on accuracy of imaging and endoscopy in diagnosing intradiverticular bladder tumour are poor. There is no study comparing different treatment modalities in intradiverticular bladder tumour patients. Limitations of this review include low number and low evidence level of available studies, as well as low number and heterogeneity of enrolled subjects. Available literature data cannot be the basis for clinical recommendations in intradiverticular bladder tumour cases. While bladder cancer is the most common urinary tract malignancy and at least 1% of cases are intradiverticular, further research in this field is justified.

Recommendations for neurological, obstetrical and gynaecological care in women with multiple sclerosis: a statement by a working group convened by the Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of the Polish Neurological Society.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common non-traumatic neurological cause of disability in young adults, affecting women 1-3 times more often than men. Several specific challenges arise from the fact that young women diagnosed with MS often have to make decisions related to treatment and family planning at the same time. These issues are connected with fertility, the impact of pregnancy on disease course, the choice of pregnancy timing, and the optimal mode of disease-modifying therapy in the context of a planned pregnancy, contraception, urological complaints, and sexual dysfunction. STATE OF THE ART: While MS does not in itself adversely affect fertility, pregnancy or childbirth, pregnancy needs to be carefully planned. This requires the interdisciplinary co-operation of a neurologist, gynaecologist and psychologist. Data on the impact of disease-modifying drugs on foetal development are very limited, and none of these drugs is 100% safe during pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters, MS relapse rate decreases. Unfortunately, it increases within the first 3-6 months after delivery. Adequate disease control should be achieved before pregnancy, as relapse rate in the period of two years preceding pregnancy is one of the strongest predictive factors for post-partum relapses. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The following is a statement by a working group of experts in neurology, gynaecology, obstetrics and urology, convened by the Section of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology of the Polish Neurological Society, addressing the issues that are specific to the female MS population. The aim of this statement is to provide guidance in pregnancy planning and disease management, both during pregnancy and post-partum. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: This statement reflects expert opinion and is not intended to be read as guidelines. It rather provides up-to-date information on how to optimise care of female MS patients of childbearing age.

A systematic review of preventive and therapeutic options for symptoms of cystitis in patients with bladder cancer receiving intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy.

Local adverse effects are the most common clinical issues in patients with bladder cancer receiving intravesical BCG immunotherapy. The aim of this systematic review was to present available options for prevention and treatment of cystitis symptoms related to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) intravesical instillations. A literature search within the Medline database was conducted in June 2018 with the following search terms: adverse events, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, BCG, bladder cancer, cystitis, dose, dwell time, dysuria, frequency, intravesical instillations, haematuria, pain, side effects, toxicity and urgency. Eighteen relevant original articles were identified, including 15 randomized controlled trials. Potentially effective options to prevent symptoms of cystitis are BCG dose reduction, intravesical hyaluronic acid instillations and oral prulifloxacin or ofloxacin administration. For the treatment of BCG-related cystitis, available options include oral pentosan polysulphate or a combination of intravesical hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate. The included studies were characterized by high heterogeneity in terms of BCG strains, schedules and endpoints. Studies on treatment of BCG-related cystitis included only small number of patients. Studies on directed medical interventions did not consider the influence on the BCG efficacy. Among few proposed preventive or therapeutic options for symptoms of cystitis related to BCG, none was proven to be both definitively effective and oncologically safe.

Surgical treatment for renal masses in the elderly: analysis of oncological, surgical and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: Radical treatment in elderly patients with renal tumor remains debatable due to uncertainties regarding the risk of surgical complications, risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and survival benefit. The aim of the study was to assess outcomes of radical treatment for renal cancer in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis enrolled 507 consecutive patients treated with partial or radical nephrectomy due to renal mass. Patients with upfront metastatic disease (n=46) and patients lost to follow-up (n=110) were excluded from the analysis. Surgical, functional (screen for ESRD development) and survival outcomes were analyzed in patients aged >75 years in comparison to younger individuals. RESULTS: The analyzed group included 55 elderly patients and 296 younger controls. Within the cohort a total of 148 and 203 patients underwent radical and partial nephrectomies respectively. The rate of surgical complications, including grade >3 Clavien- Dindo complications, did not differ between groups (3.6% vs. 4.4%, p=0.63). Median length of hospital stay was equal in both groups (7 days). During a follow-up (median 51.9 months, no difference between groups), ESRD occurred in 3.4% of controls and was not reported in elderly group (p=0.37). Younger patients demonstrated a statistically significant advantage in both overall survival and cancer-specific survival over elderly patients (OS 94.6% vs. 87% p=0.036, CSS 97.3% vs. 89.1% p=0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment in elderly patients with renal tumor is as safe as in younger individuals and does not increase the risk of ESRD. However, cancer specific survival among these patients remains shorter than in younger patients.

Catheter-associated bacterial flora in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: shift in antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.

BACKGROUND: Men with urinary retention secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are prone to genitourinary infections. Physicians should be aware of the current antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in this population if empirical treatment is needed. The goal of this study was to evaluate variations in prevalence, composition and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial flora in men with indwelling catheters subjected to surgery for BPH in chosen time periods since 1994. Necessary changes in empirical therapy were also assessed. METHODS: All patients with indwelling catheters admitted to a single urological center for BPH surgery in the years 1994-1996, 2004-2006, and 2011-2015 were considered. Catheterization times and results of urine cultures from samples collected at admission were evaluated. Susceptibility for selected antimicrobials was compared separately for Gram negative and Gram positive species. For each agent and for their combinations effectiveness of empirical therapy was calculated dividing the number of patients with bacteriuria susceptible to the agents by the total number of patients with bacteriuria. RESULTS: Bacteriuria was present in 70% of 169, 72% of 132, and 69% of 156 men in the respective time periods. The incidence of Gram-positive strains increased from 10 to 37% (P < 0.001). Their susceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanate was fluctuating (81, 61, 77%; P=NS). No vancomycin-resistant strain was present. Gram-negative flora composition was stable. Their susceptibility decreased to ciprofloxacin (70 to 53%; P = 0.01) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (56 to 37%; P < 0.01) while it increased to gentamycin (64 to 88%; P < 0.001) and co-trimoxazole (14 to 62%; P < 0.001); susceptibility to amikacin remained high (> 85%). Only two cases of resistance to carbapenems in 2004-2006 were found. In vitro effectiveness of amikacin + amoxicillin/clavulanate in empirical therapy was slowly decreasing (87 to 77%; P=NS). Imipenem was found the most effective single agent (90-95%) and its efficacy was even improved by adding vancomycin (97-98%). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial rise in the incidence of Gram-positive species and fluctuations in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were found. Empirical therapy of genitourinary infection in catheterized men with BPH should now involve antimicrobial agents effective both to Enterococci and Enterobacteriaceae. Periodic monitoring and publishing data on antimicrobial susceptibility for this population is necessary.

Neurogenic bowel dysfunction: Clinical management recommendations of the Neurologic Incontinence Committee of the Fifth International Consultation on Incontinence 2013.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidelines for the management of neurological disease and lower bowel dysfunction have been produced by the International Consultations on Incontinence (ICI). These are comprehensive guidelines, and were developed to have world-wide relevance. AIMS: To update clinical management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction from the recommendations of the 4th ICI, 2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of evidence reviews and updates were performed by members of the working group. The resulting guidelines were presented at the 2012 meeting of the European Association of Urology for consultation, and modifications applied to deliver evidence based conclusions and recommendations for the scientific report of the 5th edition of the ICI in 2013. RESULTS: The current review is a synthesis of the conclusions and recommendations, including the algorithms for initial and specialized management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction. The pathophysiology is described in terms of spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Assessment requires detailed history and clinical assessment, general investigations, and specialized testing, if required. Treatment primarily focuses on optimizing stool consistency and regulating bowel evacuation to improve quality of life. Symptom management covers conservative and interventional measures to promote good habits and assist stool evacuation, along with prevention of incontinence. Education is essential to achieving optimal bowel management. DISCUSSION: The review offers a pragmatic approach to management in the context of complex pathophysiology and varied evidence base.

Fournier's Gangrene: Clinical Presentation of 13 Cases.

BACKGROUND Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a fulminant form of infective, polymicrobial, necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, genital, and perianal regions. It commonly affects men, but women and children may also develop this type of tissue necrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study is a retrospective analysis of the management of 13 cases of Fournier's gangrene, diagnosed from among about 45 000 patients (men, women, and children) treated in the Department of General, Oncological, and Functional Urology (Medical University of Warsaw) from 1995 to 2013. All patients with Fournier's gangrene underwent adequate surgical debridement of the necrotic tissues. Additional procedures (suprapubic cystostomy and orchiectomy) were necessary in 10 out of 13 (77.0%) patients. Seven out of 13 (53.8%) patients required subsequent reconstructive surgery of the scrotum. RESULTS All 13 patients were males, with a median age of 59.6 years (range: 42-68 years). The average hospital stay was 31.9 days (range: 16-46 days). None of our patients died due to Fournier's gangrene. Bacteriological cultures of samples from the wounds showed polymicrobial flora, including the following genera of aerobes and anaerobes: Escherichia, Proteus, Klebsiella, Moraxella, Gemella, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacteroides, Pseudoflavonifractor, Parabacteroides, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Peptoniphilus, Peptostreptococcus, Actinomyces, Collinsella, and Lactobacillus. CONCLUSIONS Favorable outcome of FG treatment with low morbidity and no mortality can be achieved with rapid diagnosis, urgent surgical debridement of all necrotic tissues, and broad-spectrum empirical antimicrobial therapy, usually with combined antibiotics, against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Prevention of uroseptic shock by treating localized infection is compulsory.

Clinical rationale and safety of restaging transurethral resection in indication-stratified patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Indications for restaging transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (reTURBT) in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) remain controversial. This study was aimed at evaluation of clinical value and safety of reTURBT in different clinical indications. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive 141 patients who underwent TURBT followed by reTURBT in years 2011-2015 in a single department. Pathological results and surgical complications were analyzed in the whole study cohort and stratified by clinical stage (Ta, T1, Tx (no muscle in the specimen)) and grade (low-grade (LG), high-grade (HG)) of bladder cancer diagnosed at primary TURBT. RESULTS: Full data was available for 132 patients. Residual disease was found in 53 patients (40.2%) with highest rate for Ta-HG cases (57.1%) followed by T1-HG (51.4%), Tx-HG (45.2%), T1-LG (32.1%), and Tx-LG (25.8%). In the multivariate analysis, high grade (p = 0.02) was the only independent predictor of residual disease. Upstaging to muscle-invasive bladder cancer was noticed in 9 patients (6.8%). The rate of grade ≥ 2 Clavien-Dindo complications (1.5 vs. 5.3%) did not differ significantly between TURBT and reTURBT cases. CONCLUSIONS: ReTURBT is a safe procedure that remains crucial for therapeutic and staging purposes in patients with T1, Tx, or high-grade bladder cancer found in the primary resection.

What Can Be Expected from Prostate Cancer Biomarkers A Clinical Perspective.

Along with significant advances in prostate cancer biology research, we also observe the rapid development of modern diagnostic tests. New biomarkers are derived to detect disease while it is organ-confined to stratify the risk and to aid clinical decision-making. Majority of these tools have already been validated clinically, but only a few have received premarket clearance and administration approval. Superiority of novel tests is visible not only in improved detection accuracy but predominantly in the assessment of tumour aggressiveness and selection of patients eligible for conservative management. Two factors limiting the clinical implementation of validated biomarker candidates are costs and local availability. For these reasons, currently, their true clinical role starts after routine screening with prostate-specific antigen test. With this review of prostate cancer biomarkers, we attempted to draw general conclusions on clinical perspectives of these novel tools.

Pathophysiological effect of bladder outlet obstruction on the urothelium.

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and associated lower urinary tract symptoms are major urological issues that significantly affect patient's quality of life and may lead to severe complications. The prevalence of both is increasing each year, raising the burden to health system. Therefore, casual and symptomatic treatment should be of great importance. However, management of symptoms is often difficult as their pathophysiology is multifactorial and not well elucidated. Recently urothelium has gathered much attention as one of the potential causal agents. It has been suggested that in addition to its barrier function, urothelium regulates transport through blood-urine barrier and is a part of "sensory web" by which it modulates afferent input. In this review we focus on adjustment of urothelium related to BOO in terms of its ultrastructure, barrier and transport function, and impact on "sensory web."