The impact of health care on outcomes of suspected testicular torsion: results from the GRAND study.

BACKGROUND: Suspicion of testicular torsion represents a urological emergency, necessitating immediate surgery. Comprehensive data on the current trends and perioperative outcomes regarding surgical exploration are sparse. Therefore, we utilized nationwide data on the prevalence and results of this surgery, aiming to provide evidence on this matter. METHODS: We assessed the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND) from 2005 to 2021, provided by the Research Data Center of the Federal Bureau of Statistics. We performed multiple regression analyses to evaluate the perioperative outcomes (length of hospital stay, transfusion, and surgical wound infection) after surgical exploration due to suspected testicular torsion based on both the outcome of surgery (orchiectomy, detorsion with preservation of the testicle, and no testicular torsion) and on the department of operation (urological versus non-urological). RESULTS: A total of 81,899 males underwent surgical exploration due to suspected testicular torsion in Germany from 2005 to 2021. Of them, 11,725 (14%) underwent orchiectomy, 30,765 (38%) detorsion with preservation of the testicle and subsequent orchidopexy, and 39,409 (48%) presented no testicular torsion. Orchiectomy was significantly associated with longer length of hospital stay (day difference of 1.4 days, 95%CI: 1.3-1.4, p < 0.001), higher odds of transfusion (1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.6, p = 0.002) and surgical wound infections (1.8, 95%CI: 1.4-2.3, p < 0.001) compared to no testicular torsion. The proportion of patients undergoing orchiectomy was significantly lower in urological departments (14%) versus non-urological departments (16%) and the proportion of patients undergoing preservation of testicle after detorsion was significantly higher in urological departments (38%) versus non-urological departments (37%), p < 0.001. Patients undergoing treatment in a urological department were discharged earlier and presented lower odds of transfusion and surgical wound infection (p < 0.001) compared to patients undergoing treatment in a non-urological department. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of patients who underwent surgery for suspected testicular torsion did not have intraoperatively the condition confirmed. Patients treated in urological departments had significantly better perioperative outcomes compared to those treated in non-urological departments. Therefore, we advise to refer patients to urological treatment as early as possible.

Unilateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Prostate Cancer Patients Diagnosed in the Era of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-targeted Biopsy: A Study That Challenges the Dogma.

PURPOSE: Bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection at the time of radical prostatectomy is the current standard of care if pelvic lymph node dissection is indicated; often, however, pelvic lymph node dissection is performed in pN0 disease. With the more accurate staging achieved with magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsies for prostate cancer diagnosis, the indication for bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection may be revised. We aimed to assess the feasibility of unilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection in the era of modern prostate cancer imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a multi-institutional data set of men with cN0 disease diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy who underwent prostatectomy and bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection. The outcome of the study was lymph node invasion contralateral to the prostatic lobe with worse disease features, ie, dominant lobe. Logistic regression to predict lymph node invasion contralateral to the dominant lobe was generated and internally validated. RESULTS: Overall, data from 2,253 patients were considered. Lymph node invasion was documented in 302 (13%) patients; 83 (4%) patients had lymph node invasion contralateral to the dominant prostatic lobe. A model including prostate-specific antigen, maximum diameter of the index lesion, seminal vesicle invasion on magnetic resonance imaging, International Society of Urological Pathology grade in the nondominant side, and percentage of positive cores in the nondominant side achieved an area under the curve of 84% after internal validation. With a cutoff of contralateral lymph node invasion of 1%, 602 (27%) contralateral pelvic lymph node dissections would be omitted with only 1 (1.2%) lymph node invasion missed. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic lymph node dissection could be omitted contralateral to the prostate lobe with worse disease features in selected patients. We propose a model that can help avoid contralateral pelvic lymph node dissection in almost one-third of cases.

Penile fractures: the price of a merry Christmas.

OBJECTIVES: To explore whether Christmas might be a risk factor for penile fractures due to the Christmas spirit related to the intimacy and euphoria of these holly jolly days. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the incidence of penile fractures during Christmas and New Year's Eve through the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND) from the Research Data Center of the Federal Bureau of Statistics (Wiesbaden, Germany). Furthermore, we assessed the impact of COVID-19 on penile fractures and their seasonality. RESULTS: A total of 3,421 patients with a median, interquartile range (IQR) age of 42 (32-51) years had a penile fracture requiring a hospital stay from 2005 to 2021. In all, 40 (1.2%) penile fractures occurred in 51 days of Christmas (from 24/12 to 26/12 in each year). The daily incidence of penile fractures during Christmas was 0.78 with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.95, P = 0.02). If every day was like Christmas, 43% more penile fractures would have occurred in Germany from 2005 on. Interestingly, only 28 (0.82%) penile fractures occurred during the New Year's Eve period (31/12 to 02/01 from 2005 to 2021). This resulted in an IRR of 0.98 (95% CI 0.69-1.5, P = 0.98) in the New Year's Eve period. Most patients with penile fractures were admitted to hospital at the weekend (n = 1,322; IRR 1.58, 95% CI 1.48-1.69; P < 0.001). Summer was also associated with more penile fractures (n = 929; IRR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.19; P = 0.008). Both the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 385; IRR 1.06, 95% CI 0.95-1.18, P = 0.29) and its lockdown period (n = 93; IRR 1, 95% CI 0.82-1.23; P = 0.96) did not affect the incidence of penile fractures. CONCLUSION: The incidence of penile fractures displays a seasonality. Last Christmas penile fractures occurred more often. This year to save us from tears, we will NOT do something special (the new Christmas hit of the year).

Added value of randomised biopsy to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy of the prostate in a contemporary cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the added value of concurrent systematic randomised ultrasonography-guided biopsy (SBx) to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-targeted biopsy and the additional rate of overdiagnosis of clinically insignificant prostate cancer (ciPCa) by SBx in a large contemporary, real-world cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1552 patients with positive mpMRI and consecutive mpMRI-targeted biopsy and SBx were enrolled. Added value and the rate of overdiagnosis by SBx was evaluated. PRIMARY OUTCOME: added value of SBx, defined as detection rate of clinically significant PCa (csPCa; International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] Grade ≥2) by SBx, while mpMRI-targeted biopsy was negative or showed ciPCa (ISUP Grade 1). SECONDARY OUTCOME: rate of overdiagnosis by SBx, defined as detection of ciPCa in patients with negative mpMRI-targeted biopsy and PSA level of <10 ng/mL. RESULTS: Detection rate of csPCa by mpMRI-targeted biopsy and/or SBx was 753/1552 (49%). Added value of SBx was 145/944 (15%). Rate of overdiagnosis by SBx was 146/656 (22%). Added value of SBx did not change when comparing patients with previous prostate biopsy and biopsy naïve patients. In multivariable analysis, a Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 4 index lesion (odds ratio [OR] 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66-6.78; P = 0.001), a PI-RADS 5 index lesion (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.39-6.46; P = 0.006) and age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.08; P < 0.001) were independently associated with added value of SBx. CONCLUSIONS: In our real-world analysis, we saw a significant impact on added value and added rate of overdiagnosis by SBx. Subgroup analysis showed no significant decrease of added value in any evaluated risk group. Therefore, we do not endorse omitting concurrent SBx to mpMRI-guided biopsy of the prostate.

The Detection of Prostate Cancer with Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Prostate Biopsies is Superior with the Transperineal vs the Transrectal Approach. A European Association of Urology-Young Academic Urologists Prostate Cancer Working Group Multi-Institutional Study.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate whether transperineal (TP) MRI-targeted prostate biopsy (TBx) may improve the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), defined as International Society of Urological Pathology ≥2, in comparison to transrectal (TR) TBx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study comprising patients who underwent MRI-guided prostate biopsy was conducted. To address possible benefits of TP-TBx in the detection of prostate cancer (PCa) and csPCa, a cohort of patients undergoing TP-TBx were compared to patients undergoing TR-TBx. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of PCa and csPCa detection. RESULTS: Overall, 1,936 and 3,305 patients who underwent TR-TBx vs TP-TBx at 10 referral centers were enrolled. The rate of PCa and csPCa diagnosed was higher for TP-TBx vs TR-TBx (64.0% vs 50%, p <0.01 and 49% vs 35%, p <0.01). At multivariable analysis adjusted for age, biopsy naïve/repeated biopsy, cT stage, Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System®, prostate volume, PSA, and number of biopsy cores targeted, TP-TBx was an independent predictor of PCa (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% CI 1.08-1.72) and csPCa (1.19, 95% CI 1.12-1.50). When considering the approach according to the site of the index lesion, TP-TBx had a significantly higher likelihood than TR-TBx to detect csPCa in the apex (OR 4.81, 95% CI 1.03-6.27), transition/central zone (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.42-5.00), and anterior zone (OR 5.62, 95% CI 1.74-8.13). CONCLUSIONS: The use of TP-TBx allows a better cancer grade definition and PCa risk assessment. This has important implication in the decision-making process and in patient counseling for further therapies.

Multiparametric MRI Lesion Classified as Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System 5 but Histopathologically Described as Benign: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men. The multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) significantly improved the diagnostic approach of PCa. Although PCa is highly likely to be present in prostate imaging-reporting and data system (PI-RADS) 5 lesions, there are up to 18% of PI-RADS 5 lesions with benign histopathology after targeted biopsy. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present the case of a 66-year-old man who was referred to our hospital for MRI/ultrasound fusion-based targeted biopsy due to an elevated PSA and a PI-RADS 5 lesion described in the mpMRI. After 2 consecutive biopsies, the mpMRI target showed no malignancy. The lesion was described as PI-RADS 2 two years later. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the risk of false-positive classified PI-RADS 5 lesions in the mpMRI and the challenge in some cases to distinguish between BPH nodules and cancer. Until today, a limited amount of studies exists concerning this issue. However, further studies are required to evaluate further characteristics associated with a higher possibility of histopathologically benign findings in PI-RADS 5 lesions.

Does Pandemic Anxiety Affect Urology Health Care Workers?

PURPOSE: To assess anxiety, stress level, and perception of safety during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in health care workers (HCWs) of one of Germany's largest urology university clinics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among urological HCWs was performed. HCWs were surveyed for anxiety about the pandemic, stress level and current workload, fear of coronavirus infection, current perception of safety at work, and attitude towards protective equipment and tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). RESULTS: Sixty-three HCWs filled in the questionnaire. Overall anxiety of infection with CO-VID-19 is at a median of 4.7 with no statistically significant difference between nurses and physicians (p = 0.0749). Safety at work reaches a median of 6 out of 10. In fact, the highest fear in 56.7% (31/63) of the personnel is to get infected by a colleague tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 despite wearing surgical face masks. A proportion of 55.7 and 74.6% highly favor swabs for SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis in HCWs and patients, respectively (p = 0.0001). Workload in the urology department is clearly reduced during the pandemic (physicians 39.3% vs. nurses 32.2%, p = 0.0001) and 57.4% do not feel distress at all; only 27.9% express mental distress. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic, urology HCWs perceive lower burden by workload and deem themselves at low risk of infection. However, the greatest anxiety is related to infection by a SARS-CoV-2-positive colleague, despite reciprocal protection by surgical face masks. This highlights a relevant mental stress and uncertainty towards management of infected HCWs, calling for increased education and psychological support.

Listening to Music during Outpatient Cystoscopy Reduces Pain and Anxiety and Increases Satisfaction: Results from a Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the effect of classical music, music of patients' own choice, or no music on pain reduction during elective cystoscopy. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe the effect of listening to classical music, music of patients' own choice, or no music on patient's pain and satisfaction rates when carrying out an elective cystoscopy and the effect on the assessment capability of the performing urologist. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized trial included 127 patients undergoing elective cystoscopy at the Urological Department of the University Clinic of Munich between June 2019 and March 2020. Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Patients were assigned randomly to 3 groups: group I: listening to standardized classical music (n = 35), group II: listening to music according to the patients' choice (n = 34), and control group III: no music (n = 44). Prior to cystoscopy, anxiety levels were assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS, range 1-100) was used for a self-assessment of pain, discomfort, and satisfaction. Statistical analysis was done with Spearman's rank correlation and t-tests. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median age was 63 (range 27-91) years. The duration of cystoscopy was 5.7 (1-30) min. Patients had undergone a median of 2.3 cystoscopies in the past. Between giving informed consent and cystoscopy, patients had to wait for a median of 64 (0-260) min. The median VAS pain score was significantly lower in group I at 1.7 and group II at 2.3 versus 5.2 in the control group III (p < 0.001). The control group III had significantly worse pain and patient satisfaction rates compared with groups I and II. Group I had a significant lower VAS pain score than groups II and III (p < 0.001). Classical music also increased the assessment capability of the preforming urologist. CONCLUSIONS: Listening to music during elective cystoscopy significantly reduces pain and distress and leads to higher patient and surgeon satisfaction. We recommend listening to classical music or music chosen by the patients during outpatient flexible/rigid cystoscopy in daily clinical routine. Patient Summary: In this study, we found that patients who listened to classical music or music of their own choice while undergoing a cystoscopy showed significant reduction of pain and distress.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-guided biopsy in the diagnostic pathway of prostate cancer.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate and mpMRI-guided biopsy have proved to be a valuable part of the diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer. This review reports on the current results in terms of clinical performance of these diagnostic tools and their role in clinical decision-making.

The increase of stage, grading, and metastases in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy during the last decade.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in clinical data and pathological features of prostatectomy specimens of prostate cancer (PCa) patients in a large tertiary care center over the last 12 years as potential consequence of reduced acceptance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening and implementation of active surveillance as a therapeutic option in PCa. METHODS: We retrospectively identified all patients with PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution between 2004 and 2016 from our clinical database. We reviewed clinical and pathological data including patient age, PSA level, number of positive cores and Gleason score in prostate biopsy, and pathologic N- and T-stage, and Gleason score in radical prostatectomy specimen. RESULTS: Data of 5497 consecutive patients were analyzed. Median PSA increased from 7 (IQR 4.8-10.5) to 9 ng/ml (IQR 5.8-16.1; p < 0.001), and median number of positive biopsy cores increased from 3 (IQR 2-5) to 5 (IQR 3-7; p < 0.001). The proportion of patients with Gleason score ≥ 7 in biopsy and prostatectomy specimens increased from 40 to 78% and 49 to 89% (p < 0.001), respectively. The rate of locally advanced (≥ pT3a) and lymph node-positive tumors increased from 28 to 43% and 5 to 16% (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant change in clinical and pathological findings in our prostatectomy series with a significantly higher proportion of aggressive and locally advanced PCa in recent years. These findings may be related to a reduced acceptance of PSA-based screening and the use of active surveillance as management strategy and have significant impact on daily patient care.

Prognostic Features for Objectively Defined Urinary Continence after Radical Cystectomy and Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder in a Contemporary Cohort.

PURPOSE: We objectively quantified daytime and nocturnal continence rates, and defined predictive features for favorable continence outcomes after radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder creation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At 1 institution 1,012 cystectomies were performed between 2004 and 2015. Questionnaires evaluating the continence status were sent to 244 patients. To objectify postoperative urine loss daytime and nocturnal pad tests were performed. Continence was defined as the need for up to 1 safety pad and urine loss 10 gm or less per test. Predefined associative features were tested for an influence on continence outcomes. Statistical analysis was done with the Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney U tests, and linear logistic regression models. Significance was considered at p <0.05. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients (77.0%) returned the questionnaires. Median followup was 61 months. Median daytime pad use was 1 pad per day (range 0 to 9). Median daily urine loss based on standardized pad testing was 8 gm (range 0 to 2,400). During the night a median of 1 pad (range 0 to 7) was used and median nocturnal urine loss was 28.5 gm (range 0 to 1,220). The continence rate was 54.3% during the day and 36.3% at night. On multivariate analysis good preoperative ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) status (OR 2.987, p = 0.010), retained sensation of bladder filling (OR 6.462, p = 0.003) and preoperative coronary heart disease (OR 0.036, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of daytime success. Based on preoperative risk factors a simple predictive score for daytime continence was created (AUC 0.725, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Continence rates after orthotopic ileal neobladder creation are lower than previously described when objective continence definitions are applied. Patients with good performance status, without coronary heart disease and with retained sensation of orthotopic ileal neobladder filling have better daytime continence outcomes.

Postoperative upgrading of prostate cancer in men ≥75 years: a propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Gleason score upgrading should be considered when indicating surgery in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. In elderly patients, definitive treatment of low-risk PCa must be weighed with the risks of overtreatment. Our aim was to evaluate rates of Gleason score upgrading in patients ≥75 years undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized PCa and to identify predictors associated with upgrading. METHODS: 3296 patients undergoing RP were retrospectively evaluated and categorized into age groups: <70 years (n = 2971) vs. ≥75 years (n = 325). We analyzed prostate-specific antigen (PSA), biopsy counts, Gleason score, pathologic T- and N-stage, and surgical margin. Propensity score matching was performed to compare rates of up- and downgrading on surgical specimen using the new five-tier pathologic grading system. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of upgrading. RESULTS: Preoperatively, patients ≥75 years had higher PSA (8.8 vs. 7.3 ng/mL) and lower proportion of grade group 1 (Gleason score 6) at biopsy (29.2 vs. 47.9%; both p < 0.001) compared to patients <70 years. At RP, patients ≥75 years were more likely to have extraprostatic disease (50 vs. 30%) and lower rates of grade group 1 (14.1 vs. 34.8%; both p < 0.001). Postoperative downgrading was similar (15.1 vs. 19.5%). However, patients ≥75 years had higher rates of postoperative upgrading (46.6 vs. 27.9%; p < 0.001). Age ≥75 years, higher PSA levels at RP, and an increased number of positive biopsy cores were associated with upgrading. CONCLUSIONS: Patients ≥75 years not only demonstrated higher rates of advanced disease but more frequent upgrading on RP specimen. Age ≥75 years, higher PSA levels at RP, and an increased number of positive biopsy cores were predictive for upgrading. The increased risk of upgrading should be taken into consideration when discussing optimal treatment for this specific cohort.

Prospective evaluation of health-related quality of life after radical cystectomy: focus on peri- and postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the impact of perioperative complications and complex treatment courses on postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after radical cystectomy (RC) and continent (ONB) or incontinent (IC) urinary diversion at multiple prospective time points. METHODS: A total of 121 consecutive patients underwent RC with curative intent between 2013 and 2014. HRQOL was prospectively assessed preoperatively, after 3 and 12 months, using the QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The impact of complex perioperative treatment courses including cases requiring surgical re-interventions was retrospectively assessed using Martin criteria and the Clavien-Dindo scale. Urinary continence was determined using the validated ICIQ-SF questionnaire. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation, and ordinal regression models (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 100 patients underwent further analysis. Physical functioning (PF), role functioning (RF), and global health status (GHS) scores were higher in the ONB subgroup both preoperatively (p < 0.001, 0.010, 0.048) and 3 months after RC (p = 0.003, 0.048, 0.019). Clavien complications ≥III led to reduced PF levels after 3 months (p = 0.050) without effect on GHS (p = 0.825). Operating time and length of critical care monitoring correlated with 3 months pain scores in the ONB subgroup (p = 0.003, 0.009) without affecting GHS (p = 0.603, 0.653). Continent urinary diversion was an independent predictor of increased HRQOL after 3 months (p = 0.021), however, not after 12 months (p = 0.803). CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving an IC have lower PF, RF, and GHS scores than those receiving ONB. Perioperative complications and complicated treatment courses can affect HRQOL subdomains but do not significantly impact the GHS. ONB is an independent predictor for better overall HRQOL 3 months, but not 12 months after RC.

mpMRI-targeted biopsy of the prostate in men ≥ 75 years. 7-year report from a high-volume referral center.

OBJECTIVE: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) -Ultrasound- fusion guided biopsy of the prostate (FBx) is the new gold standard for the detection of prostate cancer. Hallmark studies showing superior detection rates of FBx over randomized biopsies routinely excluded patients≥75 years and information on outcome of FBx on this patient cohort is sparse. As a large referral center, we have performed FBx on a substantial number of patients this age. By evaluating outcome of FBx of patients over the age of 75 years we wanted to close the gap of knowledge on this patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2015 -2022, 1577 patients underwent FBx at our department and were considered for analysis. Clinical and histopathological parameters were recorded. Clinical data comprised age at FBx, serum level of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, PSA-density, history of previous biopsies of the prostate, result of the digital rectal examination (DRE) and assessment of the indexlesion of mpMRI according to the Prostate Imaging and Reporting Data System (PI-RADS). Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify age barrier of 75 years as a potential risk factor of detection of clinically significant prostate cancer by FBx. RESULTS: 379/1577 patients (24%) were≥75 years and 1198/1577 (76%) patients were < 75 years, respectively. Preoperative PSA was significantly higher in patients≥75 years compared to patients < 75 years (9.54 vs. 7.8, p < 0.001). Patients≥75 years presented significantly more often with mpMRI target lesions classified as PI-RADS 5 compared to patients < 75 years (45% vs. 29%, p < 0.001). Detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer was significantly higher in patients≥75 years compared to patients < 75 years (63% vs. 43%, p < 0.001). Aggressive prostate cancer grade ISUP 5 was significantly more often detected in patients≥75 years compared to patients < 75 years (13% vs. 8%, p = 0.03). On multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for PSA and PI-RADS score, age barrier of 75 years was identified as a significant risk factor for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer by FBx (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.36 -2.31, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: After evaluation of a large patient cohort, we show that age≥75 years represents a significant risk factor for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. Further studies on mid- and long term outcome are necessary to draw conclusions for clinical decision making in this patient cohort.

An updated model for predicting side-specific extraprostatic extension in the era of MRI-targeted biopsy.

PURPOSE: Accurate prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) is pivotal for surgical planning. Herein, we aimed to provide an updated model for predicting EPE among patients diagnosed with MRI-targeted biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a multi-institutional dataset of men with clinically localized prostate cancer diagnosed by MRI-targeted biopsy and subsequently underwent prostatectomy. To develop a side-specific predictive model, we considered the prostatic lobes separately. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted to predict side-specific EPE. The decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the net clinical benefit. Finally, a regression tree was employed to identify three risk categories to assist urologists in selecting candidates for nerve-sparing, incremental nerve sparing and non-nerve-sparing surgery. RESULTS: Overall, data from 3169 hemi-prostates were considered, after the exclusion of prostatic lobes with no biopsy-documented tumor. EPE was present on final pathology in 1,094 (34%) cases. Among these, MRI was able to predict EPE correctly in 568 (52%) cases. A model including PSA, maximum diameter of the index lesion, presence of EPE on MRI, highest ISUP grade in the ipsilateral hemi-prostate, and percentage of positive cores in the ipsilateral hemi-prostate achieved an AUC of 81% after internal validation. Overall, 566, 577, and 2,026 observations fell in the low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups for EPE, as identified by the regression tree. The EPE rate across the groups was: 5.1%, 14.9%, and 48% for the low-, intermediate- and high-risk group, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study we present an update of the first side-specific MRI-based nomogram for the prediction of extraprostatic extension together with updated risk categories to help clinicians in deciding on the best approach to nerve-preservation.

Radical Prostatectomy without Prior Biopsy in Patients with High Suspicion of Prostate Cancer Based on Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Modern risk stratification of prostate cancer (PCa) allows for prediction of advanced disease with a high level of certainty. We aimed to evaluate a prospective series of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy without prior biopsy based solely on clinical criteria and imaging results. The patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 included 27 patients with: (i) suspicious digital rectal examination, (ii) PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL, (iii) PI-RADS 4/5 on mpMRI, and (iv) high suspicion of PCa on PSMA-PET. Group 2 included six patients who fulfilled criteria i, ii, and iii but did not undergo PSMA-PET imaging. Group 3 included 17 patients with at least one clinical (i or ii) and one imaging (iii or iv) criterion. All of the patients were diagnosed with PCa. Comparison of Group 1 and 2 versus Group 3 showed a significantly higher ratio of locally advanced PCa for Groups 1 and 2 compared to Group 3 (60.6% versus 11.8%, p = 0.005, respectively). Similarly, these patients displayed a significantly higher ratio of aggressive PCa (ISUP grade > 2: 66.7% versus 23.5%, p = 0.027, respectively) and tumor infiltration (median tumor infiltration: 32.5% vs. 15%, p = 0.001, respectively) in the final specimen compared to Group 3. In conclusion, we have shown that radical prostatectomy without prior biopsy is safe in terms of the diagnosis of clinically significant PCa when proper preoperative risk stratification involving mpMRI and PSMA-PET imaging is applied.

[Transrectal vs. transperineal fusion biopsy of the prostate : Time to switch to the perineal technique-comparison of methods and description of the transperineal procedure under local anesthesia]. / Transrektale vs. transperineale Fusionsbiopsie der Prostata : Zeit für einen Wechsel zur perinealen Technik ­ Vergleich der Methoden und Beschreibung des transperinealen operativen Vorgehens in Lokalanästhesie.

The clinical and histological diagnosis of prostate cancer is a crucial aspect of the routine work of a urologist. The high prevalence of multiresistant microorganisms leads to an increased incidence of sepsis after transrectal prostate biopsy. It requires a switch from the still gold-standard method to the transperineal fusion biopsy procedure after multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This article provides an overview of the most important differences between the two methods and gives a detailed methodological description of transperineal fusion biopsy under local anesthesia.

[Common errors, pitfalls, and management of complications of prostate biopsy : The most common diagnostic and procedural challenges of transrectal fusion prostate biopsy in the initial diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer]. / Häufige Fehler, "Pitfalls" und Komplikationsmanagement der Prostatabiopsie : Die häufigsten diagnostischen und prozeduralen Herausforderungen der transrektalen Fusionsbiopsie der Prostata bei Erstdiagnose eines klinisch signifikanten Prostatakarzinoms.

BACKGROUND: Transrectal (TR) prostate biopsy is the gold standard in diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC). It requires a precise and safe technique for sample acquisition. OBJECTIVE: Several approaches will be discussed to avoid overdiagnosis, false-negative results, and complications of the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed national and European guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, as well as prospective and retrospective studies to describe current trends in indication and performance of biopsies. RESULTS: Incorporation of risk calculators and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into daily routine reduces biopsy rates and results in a more precise diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC). Combination of random- and MRI-fusion guided biopsy-but also extending the radius of sampling by 10 mm beyond the MRI lesion and a transperineal (TP) sampling approach - lead to a higher tumor-detection rate. Bleeding is the most common complication after prostate biopsy and is usually self-limiting. Postbiopsy infection rates can be reduced through TP biopsy. CONCLUSION: TR MRI-fusion guided biopsy is a widely acknowledged tool in primary diagnostics of csPC. Higher detection rates and safety can be achieved through a TP sampling approach.

Adverse Pathology after Radical Prostatectomy of Patients Eligible for Active Surveillance-A Summary 7 Years after Introducing mpMRI-Guided Biopsy in a Real-World Setting.

OBJECTIVE: Over the last decade, active surveillance (AS) of low-risk prostate cancer has been increasing. The mpMRI fusion-guided biopsy of the prostate (FBx) is considered to be the gold standard in preoperative risk stratification. However, the role of FBx remains unclear in terms of risk stratification of low-risk prostate cancer outside high-volume centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate adverse pathology after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a real-world setting, focusing on patients diagnosed with Gleason score (GS) 6 prostate cancer (PCa) and eligible for AS by FBx. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between March 2015 and March 2022, 1297 patients underwent FBx at the Department of Urology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany. MpMRI for FBx was performed by 111 different radiology centers. FBx was performed by 14 urologists from our department with different levels of experience. In total, 997/1297 (77%) patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer; 492/997 (49%) of these patients decided to undergo RP in our clinic and were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate clinical and histopathological parameters associated with adverse pathology comparing FBx and RP specimens. To compare FBx and systematic randomized biopsies performed in our clinic before introducing FBx (SBx, n = 2309), we performed a propensity score matching on a 1:1 ratio, adjusting for age, number of positive biopsy cores, and initial PSA (iPSA). RESULTS: A total of 492 patients undergoing FBx or SBx was matched. In total, 55% of patients diagnosed with GS 6 by FBx were upgraded to clinically significant PCa (defined as GS ≥ 7a) after RP, compared to 52% of patients diagnosed by SBx (p = 0.76). A time delay between FBx and RP was identified as the only correlate associated with upgrading. A total of 5.9% of all FBx patients and 6.1% of all SBx patients would have been eligible for AS (p > 0.99) but decided to undergo RP. The positive predictive value of AS eligibility (diagnosis of low-risk PCa after biopsy and after RP) was 17% for FBx and 6.7% for SBx (p = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we show, in a real-world setting, that introducing FBx did not lead to significant change in ratio of adverse pathology for low-risk PCa patients after RP compared to SBx.