Endoscopic intervention versus radical nephroureterectomy for the management of localized upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

OBJECTIVE: Localized Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is an uncommon cancer typically detected at an advanced stage. Currently, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with bladder cuff excision is the standard treatment for high-risk UTUC. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival and bladder recurrence rates in studies comparing endoscopic kidney-sparing surgeries (E-KSS) with RNU in localized UTUC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a literature search on 20th April 2023 through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The PICOS model was used for study inclusion: P: adult patients with localized UTUC; I: E-KSS. C: RNU; O: primary: overall survival (OS); secondary: cancer-specific survival (CSS), bladder recurrence rate, and metastasis-free survival (MFS). S: retrospective, prospective, and randomized studies. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Overall, 11 studies involving 2284 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis, 737 in the E-KSS group and 1547 in the RNU group. E-KSS showed a similar overall 5-year OS between E-KSS and RNU, and for low-grade tumors, while 5-year OS favored RNU for high-grade tumors (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.26-2.69, p = 0.002). No difference emerged for 5-year CSS between the two groups, even when the results were stratified for low- and high grade tumors. Bladder recurrence rate and 5-year MFS were also similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our review showed that E-KSS is a viable option for patients with localized UTUC with non-inferior oncological outcomes as compared with RNU, except for 5-year OS in high-grade tumors which favoured RNU.

Simultaneous Inguinal Hernia Repair with Monofilament Polypropylene Mesh during Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Results from a Single Institute Series.

Background and Objectives: Inguinal hernia (IH) is a usual finding in men with prostate cancer (PCa) due to their similar risk factors, such as age, gender, and smoking. This study aims to present a single institution's experience with simultaneous IH repair (IHR) and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 452 patients who underwent RARP between January 2018 and December 2020. A total of 73 patients had a concomitant IHR with a monofilament polypropylene mesh. Patients with bowel in the hernia sac or recurrent hernia were excluded. Results: The median age and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score were 67 years (inter-quartile range (IQR) 56-77) and 2 (IQR 1-3), respectively. The median prostate volume and preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were 38 mL (IQR 25.0-75.2) and 7.8 ng/mL (IQR 2.6-23.0), respectively. The surgery was successfully performed in all cases. The median overall and IHR operative time were 190.0 (IQR 140.0-230.0) and 32.5 (IQR 14.0-40.0) minutes, respectively. The median estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were 100 mL (IQR 10-170) and 3 days (IQR 2-4), respectively. Only five (6.8%) minor complications occurred after surgery. At the 24-month follow-up, no cases of mesh infection, seroma formation, or groin pain were recorded. Conclusions: This study confirmed the safety and efficacy of performing simultaneous RARP and IHR.

Current Evidence on Utility, Outcomes, and Limitations of Endoscopic Laser Ablation for Localized Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Results from a Scoping Review.

Context: The occurrence of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is uncommon and is usually identified at an advanced and multifocal stage. Currently, there is growing interest in utilizing endoscopic laser ablation (ELA). Objective: To evaluate the survival rates and perioperative complications of ELA. Evidence acquisition: We performed a literature search through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The analysis included observational studies that examined the oncological outcomes of patients with UTUC treated with ELA. Evidence synthesis: Neodymium and diode lasers are no longer used due to their high complication rates. Holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) and thulium:YAG lasers provided excellent tumor ablation and hemostasis in both the collecting system and the ureter. These lasers offer good disease-free and cancer-specific survival, especially for low-grade tumors. Conclusions: Advancements in laser technology and ablation techniques, and understanding of UTUC tumor biology hold significant promise in improving the use of conservative UTUC treatment, with excellent safety and good oncological outcomes for low-grade diseases. Patient summary: With the advancement of technology, the conservative approach utilizing endoscopic laser ablation for upper tract urothelial tumors has been proved to be both safe and effective, showcasing promising survival rates.

Current Evidence on Surgical Management for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review.

Background: Patients who have undergone renal transplant may have a concomitant benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that can potentially hinder the recovery of the renal graft and necessitate surgical intervention. However, endoscopic treatment of BPH should be performed carefully because of the associated perioperative risks. We aimed to systematically assess the factors affecting surgical indications and perioperative outcomes of BPH surgical treatment in renal transplantation (RT) recipients. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on January 28, 2023, using Scopus, PubMed, and EMBASE with no date limit. Preclinical and animal studies, reviews, letters to the editor, case reports, and meeting abstracts were excluded. Results: Eighteen articles were accepted and included. Clinical BPH has a high incidence rate after RT, particularly in elderly men. Secondary events associated with BPH, such as acute urinary retention and urinary tract infections, can lead to a gradual decline of renal graft function and patient survival. BPH procedure can prevent these events and guarantee improvements in serum creatinine levels, voiding parameters, and lower urinary tract symptoms. When the urine culture is negative, the endoscopic procedure of the prostate may be performed within 1 month of the initial procedure, particularly in older patients, more prone to develop voiding dysfunction. Alternatively, a transurethral incision of the prostate may be recommended for patients with smaller prostates who wish to preserve ejaculatory function. Data on comparative BPH surgical procedures are lacking. Conclusions: BPH procedure should be offered in RT recipients who develop bladder outlet obstruction owing to BPH. Endoscopic treatment should be performed after a few weeks from RT to avoid further graft deterioration.

The use of renal biopsy in the kidney tumor management: A retrospective analysis of consecutive cases in a referral center.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound-guided renal masses biopsy (RMB) is a useful and underestimated tool to evaluate suspected renal tumors. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 80 patients with suspected primary or secondary kidney tumors who underwent RMB between January 2012 and December 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Twelve patients were excluded due to incomplete data. Biopsy outcomes were collected through our electronic medical records system and then compared with definitive pathology. RESULTS: RMB was performed in 68 cases. Pathological examination reported 43 (63%) malignant cases, while RMB was negative in 15 (22%) samples. On the other hand, a benign lesion was present in 8 (12%) cases, and 2 (3%) biopsies were non diagnostic. One major and one minor post-procedure complication were reported among the patients. A total of 31 patients underwent renal surgery including 19 partial and 12 radical nephrectomies. Out of them, 4 patients had a negative biopsy, but radiological imaging strongly suggested malignancy. The concordance between biopsy and definitive pathology occurred in 22 out of 31 (71%) cases, with a higher rate among the masses greater than 4 cm, 9/11 (82%) compared to smaller ones 13/20 (65%). Pathologic examination of the 4 cases with negative biopsy showed 3 renal cell and a translocation renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided biopsy for renal masses is a safe and effective procedure. Its ability to identify malignancy is evident, especially for primary renal tumors. However, low concordance between biopsy and definitive pathology in cases with negative biopsies, especially for tumors < 4 cm, does not reliably guarantee the absence of tumor and, therefore, strict follow-up or repeat biopsy may be indicated.

Which men with non-malignant pathology at magnetic resonance imaging-targeted prostate biopsy and persistent PI-RADS 3-5 lesions should repeat biopsy?

PURPOSE: To assess predictors of clinically significant (cs) prostate cancer (PCa) in men who had a non-malignant Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-targeted biopsy and persistent Prostate Imaging-Reporting Data System (PI-RADS) 3 to 5 lesions in subsequent mpMRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed MRI-targeted biopsy database in three centers. INCLUSION CRITERIA: persistence of at least one PI-RADS ≥3 lesion found negative for cancer in a previous MRI-targeted plus systemic biopsy (baseline biopsy). EXCLUSION CRITERIA: downgrading to PI-RADS 1-2. A logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the predictors of csPCa. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included. Median interval between biopsies was 12.9(2.43) months. Median age was 68.0(12) years. Median PSA was 7.0(5.45) ng/ml. At follow-up, 24.6%, 54.4%, and 21% of patients had a PI-RADS score 3, 4, and 5 index lesion (IL), respectively. At re-biopsy, 28/57(49.1%) men were found to harbor PCa. Among these, 22(78.6%) had csPCa. csPCa was found outside the IL in only 2 patients. Eleven, 13, and 5 patients with PI-RADS 3, 4, and 5, respectively, had no cancer. Three patients with a PI-RADS 3 lesion had cancer (2 with Gleason score 3+3, 1 with Gleason score 3+4). 14/43 men with a PI-RADS 4/5 lesion harbored Gleason score ≥3+4 PCa. Logistic regression analysis found that PSA (HR 1.281, 95% CI: 1.013-1.619, P = 0.039) and IL size (HR 1.146, 95% CI: 1.018-1.268, P = 0.041) were the predictors of csPCa at re-biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with non-malignant pathology from PI-RADS ≥3 lesions targeted biopsy should be follow-up with mpMRI, and those with persistent PI-RADS 4 to 5 lesions should repeat MRI-targeted and systematic biopsy.