Do environmental and occupational exposure to pyrethroids and organophosphates affect human semen parameters? Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Our purpose was to review and analyse the impact of pyrethroids and organophosphates exposure on human semen parameters. A comprehensive literature search was performed through MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus and Webscience. Only cohort studies examining semen parameters in workers or general populations exposed to pyrethroids or organophosphates were included. Ejaculate volume, sperm count, concentration, motility, viability, normal morphology and seminal pH alterations were pooled using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel Method with the random effect model and expressed as weighted mean difference, risk ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values. Seven cross-sectional studies regarding pyrethroids were included. Four of them were eligible for meta-analysis. The only parameter affected by pyrethroid exposure was normal sperm morphology (WMD-7,61%, 95%CI -11,92 to -3,30;p = 0,0,005). Nine studies were selected to evaluate the impact of organophosphates on semen parameters with six of them eligible for meta-analysis. A significant reduction was detected for the following: ejaculate volume (WMD -0,47ml, 95%CI -0,69 to -0,25; p < 0,0001), sperm count (WMD-40,03, 95%CI -66,81 to -13,25;p = 0,003), concentration (WMD-13,69 x106/mL, 95%CI -23, 27 to-4,12;p = 0,005) and motility (WMD -5,70%, 95%CI -12,89 to 1,50;p = 0,12). Despite the increase in sperm abnormality, it has been shown that pyrethroids are unrelated to reduced sperm quality. However, the negative association of organophosphates with spermatogenesis is noteworthy.

Laparoscopic Versus Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

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

Sacrocolpopexy for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse: long-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) is considered the gold standard for vaginal vault prolapse (VVP) repair. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term durability of its anatomic and functional results. METHODS: This was a prospective series of women undergoing ASC for symptomatic VVP stage III or IV according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system. All patients were followed up every 3 months for the first postoperative year and then annually for anatomical and functional outcomes and complications. Only patients with at least 48 months of follow-up were included in this report. Anatomic success was defined as postoperative prolapse stage 0 or I. Statistical analysis was performed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test for the analysis of continuous variables and the McNemar and χ(2) test for categorical data. RESULTS: Sixty-seven women were followed up for a median of 60 months (range 48-144). Anatomical success was 100 % for apical prolapse and 94 and 91 % for anterior and posterior compartments, respectively. There were only four (6 %) and six (9 %) cases of stage II persistence or recurrence for the anterior and posterior compartments, respectively, which did not require reoperation. There was no vault prolapse recurrence. Voiding and storage urinary and sexual symptoms were significantly improved. Anorectal dysfunction symptoms persisted in 40.6 % of patients with these symptoms preoperatively and developed de novo in 22.8 % of patients without them preoperatively. Three mesh exposures were noted. Sixty-three patients (94 %) were extremely or very much improved with sacrocolpopexy according to the Patient Global Impression-Improvement scale. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the long-term durability of vaginal vault prolapse repair with ASC.

Laparoscopic Management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse Recurring after Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the increasing success of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, recurrent vaginal vault prolapse is not rare. We present a step-by-step laparoscopic approach with a sacral colpopexy (SC) for treatment of recurrent vault prolapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2006, 25 women presenting with symptomatic recurrent vault prolapse were prospectively evaluated and treated with laparoscopic SC. This article briefly describes all of the steps that are required to conduct a proper surgery in such cases. RESULTS: After previous abdominal sacropexy, both the dissection of adherences and restoration of normal pelvic anatomy were challenging. As result, the overall operating time was longer in patients who had undergone abdominal sacropexy vs. vaginal route, p = 0.032. No significant peri- or postoperative complications were observed. At a mean follow-up of 41 months, all women presented with less than stage 2 prolapse and high levels of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the need for an intraoperative step-by-step surgical safety checklist, the laparoscopic repair of recurrent vault prolapse is technically feasible, safe and effective.

Robotic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection in Advanced Stage Disease.

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

The S.A.C.S. (Satisfaction-Anatomy-Continence-Safety) score for evaluating pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a proposal for an outcome-based scoring system.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To date, there is no overall consensus on the definition of cure after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The aim of the study was to design and test the scoring system S.A.C.S. (Satisfaction-Anatomy-Continence-Safety) to assess and compare the outcomes of POP repair. METHODS: A total of 233 women underwent open sacrocolpopexy. The S.A.C.S. outcome scoring system was scheduled at 24 months of follow-up, and each component was detected according to: Satisfaction by mean of Patient Global Improvement Inventory scale, Anatomy by mean of POP Quantification system and bulge symptom, Continence by mean of pad use, and Safety by mean of the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications. Each component produced a binary nominal categorical variable (1 or 0), with a total score of 4 representing cure. As a comparative tool, patients answered a simple yes/no question: "If you had to undergo surgery all over again, would you still do it?". The degree of concordance was estimated using Cohen's Kappa test. RESULTS: According to the S.A.C.S. scoring system, only 160 patients (68.6 %) reached the maximum score of cure. Sensitivity of the S.A.C.S. score was 74.1 %, specificity was 90 %, total diagnostic capacity was 75.5 %. The S.A.C.S. score internal consistency was good; the k-coefficient was higher for the satisfaction component of the score (k = 0.560). CONCLUSION: This study proposes an original, simple post-operative scoring system integrating satisfaction, anatomy, continence, and safety reports for patients undergoing surgery for POP, providing a complete, although perfectible, method to accurately report outcomes in all clinical scenarios.

Role of phytotherapy associated with antibiotic prophylaxis in female patients with recurrent urinary tract infections.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a phytotherapic which includes Solidago, Orthosiphon and Birch extract (Cistimev®) in association with antibiotic prophylaxis in female patients affected by recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIr). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients affected by UTIr older than 18 years started a 3-months antibiotic prophylaxis (Prulifloxacin 600 mg, 1 cps/week or Phosphomicyn 1 cachet/week) according to antibiogram after urine culture. The patients were divided in 2 groups: Group A: antibiotic prophylaxis plus phytotherapy (1 cps/die for 3 months) and Group B: antibiotic prophylaxis alone. RESULTS: 164 consecutive patients were studied: 107 were included in group A (mean age 59 ± 17.3 years) and 57 (mean age 61 ± 15.7) in group B. During the treatment period the relapse frequencies between the two groups were not significantly different (p = 0.854): 12/107 (11.21%) patients interrupted the treatment for UTIr in group A and 6/57 (10.52%) in group B. In the long term follow-up the relapse UTI risk was significant different in the two groups with a relapse risk 2.5 greater in group B than in group A (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that in female patients affected by recurrent UTI, the association between antibiotic prophylaxis and of a phytotherapic which includes Solidago, Orthosiphon and Birch extract reduced the number of UTI in the 12 months following the end of prophylaxis and obtained a longer relapsing time, greatly improving the quality of life of the patients.

Laparoscopic and Open Nephron-Sparing Surgery for Radius Exophytic/Endophytic Nearness Anterior/ Posterior Location Nephrometry Score 7 and Higher Kidney Tumors: A Comparison of Oncological and Functional Outcomes Using the Pentafecta Score.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate oncological and functional outcomes of nephron- sparing surgery by comparing open and laparoscopic approaches in a consecutive series of patients with intermediate and high complexity renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all nephron-sparing surgery cases in 2 referral centers from January 2013 to January 2020. Tumor complexity was graded according to radius exophytic/endophytic nearness anterior/posterior location nephrometry score. Patients with a single kidney tumor with a radius exophytic/endophytic nearness anterior/posterior location score ≥ 7 were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were solitary kidney, multiple/bilateral tumors, and a low radius exophytic/endophytic nearness Anterior/Posterior location score (<7). Patients were divided according to the surgical approach: the laparoscopic tumor enucleation and the open wedge resection groups. The Trifecta and Pentafecta score achievement rates were assessed. RESULTS: Two hundred thirteen patients were included in the analysis, 76 in laparoscopic tumor enucleation group and 137 in the open wedge resection group. There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative data between laparoscopic tumor enucleation and open wedge resection groups, except for the higher percentage of T1a masses in the latter group. The mean 24-hour blood loss and length of stay were higher in the open wedge resection group. Minor and major postoperative complication rates were comparable. No significant difference in terms of the Trifecta score was reported. Pentafecta score was achieved in 35/76 (46.1%) and 61/137 (44.5%) cases in the laparoscopic tumor enucleation and open wedge resection groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that laparoscopic tumor enucleation was associated with significantly lower blood and length of stay. Postoperative complications and the achievement of the Pentafecta score were similar in both surgical approaches.

A prostate utricle cyst as a cause of haematospermia in a young adult: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Prostatic utricle cyst is an embryological remnant of the Muller duct system, resulting from an incomplete regression of these structures during embryological development. Most of the time such congenital alteration is asymptomatic, but may sometimes present with various signs and symptoms, from urinary tract infections to episodes of haematospermia in a small percentage of cases. METHODS: We reported the case of a 42-years-old man who suffered from recurrent episodes of haematospermia for about 20 years; the instrumental examinations, first of all TRUS and then MRI evaluation, demonstrated the presence of a cystic formation, located in the posterior median site of the prostate closely to the prostatic urethra. RESULTS: The cytological examination on the liquid taken by transperineal US-guided fine-needle aspiration, confirmed the presence of seminal fluid and normal prostatic tissue consistent with the diagnostic hypothesis of prostatic utricle cyst. CONCLUSIONS: It's important to recognize the imaging characteristics of the prostatic utricle cyst since it may be one of the possible benign causes of hematospermia in the young adult subject.

Clampless Laparoscopic Tumor Enucleation for Exophytic Masses Greater Than 4 cm: Is Renorrhaphy Necessary?

Objective: To demonstrate the safety of clampless 3D laparoscopic tumor enucleation (cLTE) for exophytic T1b kidney masses, avoiding suture to achieve hemostasis. Methods: Between January 2010 and January 2021, 241 consecutive patients with an exophytic renal tumor underwent sutureless cLTE. Patients with predominantly endophytic growth or tumors 4 mm closer to the collecting system less were excluded. In all cases, an attempt was made to accomplish surgery without suturing kidney parenchyma. Data were obtained from a retrospective review of history and physical examinations, operative and pathology reports, anesthesia records during the hospital stay, and follow-up visits. Results: Among 241 patients who underwent cLTE, 148 had cT1a and 93 had cT1b renal tumor. The median tumor size was 32 mm, and the median R.E.N.A.L. (radius exophytic/endophytic nearness anterior/posterior location) score was 6. Renorrhaphy was necessary in 5 cases. The median operative time (OT) was 100 minutes, and the estimated blood loss (EBL) was 150 mL. The median 24-hour decrease in hemoglobin was 1.8 g/dL. The median length of stay was 4 days. Nineteen patients had postoperative complications: 3 cases had Clavien-Dindo (CD) 3a or more, 6 had CD2, and 10 had CD1. Comparing the T1a and T1b groups, except for the median OT and the EBL, no significant differences were observed in all the other variables analyzed. In both groups, renal function was preserved after 1 year from surgery. Conclusion: Our experience showed that sutureless cLTE is safe and feasible for T1b tumors leading to radical oncological outcomes and preserving renal function.

The Role of Intraoperative Ultrasonography Associated with Clampless Technique in Three-Dimensional Retroperitoneoscopic Laparoscopic Enucleation of Completely Endophytic Renal Tumors.

Objectives: To evaluate perioperative and functional outcomes of clampless laparoscopic tumor enucleation for completely endophytic renal tumors with the guide of intraoperative ultrasonography. Methods: We analyzed patients with clinically completely endophytic tumors, renal tumors, who underwent clampless three-dimensional (3D) retroperitoneoscopic laparoscopic tumor enucleation between January 2012 and January 2021. Patients with exophytic tumors were excluded. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used to map out the mass in all surgeries. Results: Overall, 57 patients underwent clampless 3D retroperitoneoscopic laparoscopic tumor enucleation. Mean surgical time was 131 minutes, and mean estimated blood loss was 202 mL. Mean hospital stay was 4.7 days. Major and minor postoperative complications occurred, respectively, in 3 and 10 cases. Only a patient had a positive surgical margin. One-year renal function did not differ from baseline. Conclusion: Our study showed that clampless laparoscopic enucleation guided by laparoscopic ultrasonography ensured satisfactory outcomes for completely intrarenal tumors, with excellent renal function preservation 1 year after surgery.

Laparoscopic single port radical prostatectomy in the 2020: Why not? Our experience.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the feasibility, safety and advantages of Laparo-Endoscopic Single-site Surgery radical prostatectomy (LESS-RP) based on our personal experience. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Details of 520 patients were retrospectively analyzed, from 2009 to 2019. Extraperitoneal approach, with only two accesses (2.5 cm and 5 mm respectively) was used to perform radical prostatectomy. Perioperative characteristics and postoperative oncologic and functional outcomes are reported. RESULTS: The mean age was 66.6 ± 5.6 years. Mean PSA level was 9 ± 3.5 ng/ml. According to D'Amico classification, the percentage of patients with low-, intermediate-, and high-risk disease cases were 116 (22.4%), 275 (52.8%), and 129 (24.8%) respectively. Mean operative time was 156 ± 43 min. Mean estimated blood loss was 214 ± 93 ml. Positive surgical margins (PSMs) were detected in 110 (21.2%) patients. PSM rates in pT2 and pT3 stages were 20.1% and 22.9%, respectively. The overall complication rate was 9.2%, based on the modified Clavien classification. The 12 months continence and potency rates were 90.9% and 49.1%, respectively. The biochemical recurrence rate was 6.8%, at the median follow-up time of 26.7 months (IQR 12-32). CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses show that LESS-RP is a safe procedure, if performed by surgeons with adequate experience and skills. Unlike the classic laparoscopic prostatectomy, this technique allows better aesthetic and psychological results, reduced postoperative pain, and a faster return to normal daily activity with the same functional and oncological results.

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy: A combined retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approach.

Renal cell carcinoma with inferior cava thrombus indicates biologically aggressive cancer, so the complete surgical resection remains standard of care with best long-term outcomes. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with vena cava thrombectomy represents nowadays a mini-invasive surgical alternative to the classic open nephrectomy. We present the case of a patient with incidental diagnosis of a right renal mass with level II inferior cava thrombus completely managed with both retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches. The use of a double access was planned to ensure a safe and complete vascular control. In our opinion, optimal patient selection, extensive laparoscopic experience, and knowledge of both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches are critical elements for the safe application of this technique, although this procedure remains challenging and technically demanding.

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

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

Intravesical administration of combined hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) for the treatment of female recurrent urinary tract infections: a European multicentre nested case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical effectiveness of the intravesical administration of combined hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate (HA+CS) versus current standard management in adult women with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs). SETTING: A European Union-based multicentre, retrospective nested case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: 276 adult women treated for RUTIs starting from 2009 to 2013. INTERVENTIONS: Patients treated with either intravesical administration of HA+CS or standard of care (antimicrobial/immunoactive prophylaxis/probiotics/cranberry). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was occurrence of bacteriologically confirmed recurrence within 12 months. Secondary outcomes were time to recurrence, total number of recurrences, health-related quality of life and healthcare resource consumption. Crude and adjusted results for unbalanced characteristics are presented. RESULTS: 181 patients treated with HA+CS and 95 patients treated with standard of care from 7 centres were included. The crude and adjusted ORs (95% CI) for the primary end point were 0.77 (0.46 to 1.28) and 0.51 (0.27 to 0.96), respectively. However, no evidence of improvement in terms of total number of recurrences (incidence rate ratio (95% CI), 0.99 (0.69 to 1.43)) or time to first recurrence was seen (HR (95% CI), 0.99 (0.61 to 1.61)). The benefit of intravesical HA+CS therapy improves when the number of instillations is ≥ 5. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that bladder instillations of combined HA+CS reduce the risk of bacteriologically confirmed recurrences compared with the current standard management of RUTIs. Total incidence rates and hazard rates were instead non-significantly different between the 2 groups after adjusting for unbalanced factors. In contrast to what happens with antibiotic prophylaxis, the effectiveness of the HA+CS reinstatement therapy improves over time. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02016118.