Fluid dynamics within renal cavities during endoscopic stone surgery: does the position of the flexible ureteroscope and ureteral access sheath affect the outflow rate?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of ureteroscope position within renal cavities as well as different locations of the tip of the ureteral access sheath (UAS) on fluid dynamics during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational clinical study was performed. Measurements with a flexible ureteroscope placed in the upper, middle and lower calyces were obtained with the tip of the UAS placed either 2 cm below the pyelo-ureteric junction (PUJ), or at the level of the iliac crest. RESULTS: 74 patients were included. The outflow rates from the middle and upper calyxes were statistically significantly higher compared to the lower calyx, both with the UAS close to the pyelo-ureteric junction and at the iliac crest. When the UAS was withdrawn and positioned at the level of the iliac crest, a significant decrease in outflow rates from the upper (40.1 ± 4.3 ml/min vs 35.8 ± 4.1 ml/min) and middle calyces (40.6 ± 4.0 ml/min vs 36.8 ± 4.6 ml/min) and an increase in the outflow from the lower calyx (28.5 ± 3.3 ml/min vs 33.7 ± 5.7 ml/min) were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that higher fluid outflow rates are observed from upper and middle calyces compared to lower calyx. This was true when the UAS was positioned 2 cm below the PUJ and at the iliac crest. Significant worsening of fluid dynamics from upper and middle calyces was observed when the UAS was placed distally at the level of the iliac crest. While the difference was statistically significant, the absolute change was not significant. In contrast, for lower calyces, a statistically significant improvement was documented.

Techniques for Penile Augmentation Surgery: A Systematic Review of Surgical Outcomes, Complications, and Quality of Life.

The increase in practices related to enhancing penile size can be attributed to the belief that an improved genital appearance contributes to a man's virility, coupled with an altered self-perception of his body. It is crucial to tailor interventions to meet the genuine needs of patients by thoroughly assessing their history, psychological state, and potential surgical benefits, all while considering the associated risks of complications. This systematic review aims to summarize the available evidence on outcomes, complications, and quality of life after penile augmentation surgery, examining both minimally invasive and more radical techniques. A search of the PubMed and Scopus databases, focusing on English-language papers published in the last 15 years, was performed in December 2023. Papers discussing surgery in animal models and case reports were excluded from the present study unless further evaluated in a follow-up case series. The primary outcomes were changes in penile dimensions, specifically in terms of length and girth, as well as the incidence of surgical complications and the impact on quality of life. A total of 1670 articles were retrieved from the search and 46 were included for analysis. Procedures for penile length perceived enhancements include lipoplasty, skin reconstruction plasty, V-Y and Z plasty, flap reconstruction, scrotoplasty, ventral phalloplasty, and suspensory ligament release; techniques for increasing corporal penile length include penile disassembly, total phalloplasty, and sliding elongation. Finally, penile girth enhancement may be performed using soft tissue fillers, grafting procedures, biodegradable scaffolds, and Penuma®. In conclusion, while penile augmentation surgeries offer potential solutions for individuals concerned about genital size, the risks and complexities need to be accounted for.

Psychological Health of Surgeons in a Time of COVID-19: A Global Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of psychological impact among surgical providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The COVID-19 pandemic has extensively impacted global healthcare systems. We hypothesized that the degree of psychological impact would be higher for surgical providers deployed for COVID-19 work, certain surgical specialties, and for those who knew of someone diagnosed with, or who died, of COVID-19. METHODS: We conducted a global web-based survey to investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19. The primary outcomes were the depression anxiety stress scale-21 and Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores. RESULTS: A total of 4283 participants from 101 countries responded. 32.8%, 30.8%, 25.9%, and 24.0% screened positive for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD respectively. Respondents who knew someone who died of COVID-19 were more likely to screen positive for depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD (OR 1.3, 1.6, 1.4, 1.7 respectively, all P < 0.05). Respondents who knew of someone diagnosed with COVID-19 were more likely to screen positive for depression, stress, and PTSD (OR 1.2, 1.2, and 1.3 respectively, all P < 0.05). Surgical specialties that operated in the head and neck region had higher psychological distress among its surgeons. Deployment for COVID- 19-related work was not associated with increased psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic may have a mental health legacy outlasting its course. The long-term impact of this ongoing traumatic event underscores the importance of longitudinal mental health care for healthcare personnel, with particular attention to those who know of someone diagnosed with, or who died of COVID-19.

What to expect from the novel pulsed thulium:YAG laser? A systematic review of endourological applications.

INTRODUCTION: Several preclinical studies about a novel pulsed-thulium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (p-Tm:YAG) device have been published, demonstrating its possible clinical relevance. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the reality and expectations for this new p-Tm:YAG technology. A PubMed, Scopus and Embase search were performed. All relevant studies and data identified in the bibliographic search were selected, categorized, and summarized. RESULTS: Tm:YAG is a solid state diode-pumped laser that emits at a wavelength of 2013 nm, in the infrared spectrum. Despite being close to the Ho:YAG emission wavelength (2120 nm), Tm:YAG is much closer to the water absorption peak and has higher absorption coefficient in liquid water. At present, there very few evaluations of the commercially available p-Tm:YAG devices. There is a lack of information on how the technical aspects, functionality and pulse mechanism can be maximized for clinical utility. Available preclinical studies suggest that p-Tm:YAG laser may potentially increase the ablated stone weight as compared to Ho:YAG under specific condition and similar laser parameters, showing lower retropulsion as well. Regarding laser safety, a preclinical study observed similar absolute temperature and cumulative equivalent minutes at 43° C as compared to Ho:YAG. Finally, laser-associated soft-tissue damage was assessed at histological level, showing similar extent of alterations due to coagulation and necrosis when compared with the other clinically relevant lasers. CONCLUSIONS: The p-Tm:YAG appears to be a potential alternative to the Ho:YAG and TFL according to these preliminary laboratory data. Due to its novelty, further studies are needed to broaden our understanding of its functioning and clinical applicability.

Robotic Medtronic Hugo™ RAS System Is Now Reality: Introduction to a New Simulation Platform for Training Residents.

The use of robotic surgery (RS) in urology has grown exponentially in the last decade, but RS training has lagged behind. The launch of new robotic platforms has paved the way for the creation of innovative robotics training systems. The aim of our study is to test the new training system from Hugo™ RAS System-Medtronic. Between July 2020 and September 2022, a total of 44 residents from urology, gynaecology and general surgery at our institution participated in advanced robotic simulation training using the Hugo™ RAS simulator. Information about sex, age, year of residency, hours spent playing video games, laparoscopic or robotic exposure and interest in robotics (90.9% declared an interest in robotics) was collected. The training program involved three robotic exercises, and the residents performed these exercises under the guidance of a robotics tutor. The residents' performance was assessed based on five parameters: timing, range of motion, panoramic view, conflict of instruments and exercise completion. Their performance was evaluated according to an objective Hugo system form and a subjective assessment by the tutor. After completing the training, the residents completed a Likert scale questionnaire to gauge their overall satisfaction. The rate of the residents' improvement in almost all parameters of the three exercises between the first and the last attempts was statistically significant (p < 0.02), indicating significant progress in the residents' robotic surgical skills during the training. The mean overall satisfaction score ± standard deviation (SD) was 9.4 ± 1.2, signifying a high level of satisfaction among the residents with the training program. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the training program utilizing the Hugo™ RAS System is effective in enhancing robotic surgical skills among residents and holds promise for the development of standardized robotics training programs in various surgical specialties.

Findings from an international survey of urology trainee experience with prostate biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess urology trainees' exposure to transperineal prostate biopsy (TP-Bx) and intent to use TP-Bx in practice. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A 34-question survey about prostate biopsy was distributed to urology trainees in the United States and Europe. Primary outcomes were exposure to TP-Bx in training and intent to use TP-Bx post training. Exposure to transrectal prostate biopsy (TR-Bx) and magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy (MRI-Bx) was also assessed. Survey answers were compared between groups as categorical variables using Fisher's exact test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intent of performing TP-Bx post training. RESULTS: A total of 658 trainees from 19 countries completed the survey. Of these, 313 trainees (48%) reported exposure to TP-Bx, 370 (56%) reported exposure to MRI-Bx, and 572 (87%) reported exposure to TR-Bx. There was significant heterogeneity in TP-Bx exposure among countries (P < 0.001), with the highest prevalence in Italy (72%) and the lowest prevalence in Greece (4%). Intent to perform TP-Bx post training was higher in those exposed to TP-Bx during training (89% vs 58%; P < 0.001) and did not differ between trainees in postgraduate year (PGY) 1-3 vs those in PGY ≥4 (73% vs 72%; P = 0.7). On multivariable regression, exposure to TP-Bx in training was independently associated with increased intent to perform TP-Bx post training (odds ratio 5.09, 95% confidence interval 3.29-8.03; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than half of 658 surveyed urology trainees reported exposure to TP-Bx, with significant heterogeneity among countries. Greater experience with TP-Bx in training was associated with greater intent to perform TP-Bx post training. A minimum requirement of TP-Bx cases during urological training may increase resident familiarity and adoption of this guideline-endorsed prostate biopsy approach.

Patients' perceptions of quality of care delivery by urology residents: A nationwide study.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of a nationwide survey among urological patients to evaluate their perception of the quality of care provided by residents. METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed to patients who were referred to 22 Italian academic institutions. The survey aimed to investigate the professional figure of the urology resident as perceived by the patient. RESULTS: A total of 2587 patients were enrolled in this study. In all, 51.6% of patients were able to correctly identify a urology resident; however, almost 40% of respondents discriminated residents from fully trained urologists based exclusively on their young age. Overall, 98.2% patients rated the service provided by the resident as at least sufficient. Urology trainees were considered by more than 50% of the patients interviewed to have good communication skills, expertise and willingness. Overall, patients showed an excellent willingness to be managed by urology residents. The percentage of patients not available for this purpose showed an increasing trend that directly correlated with the difficulty of the procedure. Approximately 5-10% of patients were not willing to be managed by residents for simple procedures such as clinical visits, cystoscopy or sonography, and up to a third of patients were not prepared to undergo any surgical procedure performed by residents during steps in major surgery, even if the residents were adequately tutored. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that patients have a good willingness to be managed by residents during their training, especially for medium- to low-difficulty procedures. Furthermore, the majority of patients interviewed rated the residents' care delivery as sufficient. Urology trainees were considered to have good communication skills, expertise and willingness.

What is the role of single-stage oral mucosa graft urethroplasty in the surgical management of lichen sclerosus-related stricture disease in men? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: The benefits and harms of the available types of surgical management for lichen sclerosus-related (LS) strictures remain unclear and, thus, clear and robust clinical practice recommendations cannot be given. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the role of single-stage OMGU in the management of LS strictures and explore how its benefits and harms compare with the alternative management options. Medline, Embase and Cochrane controlled trial databases (CENTRAL, CDSR) were systematically searched. Randomized (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies (NRCSs) comparing single-stage OMGU with other surgical management options for LS strictures and single-arm studies on single-stage OMGU were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed. RESULTS: Of the 1912 abstracts identified, 15 studies (1 NRCS and 14 single-arm studies) were included, recruiting in total 649 patients. All studies were at high RoB. In the only NRCS available, stricture-free rate (SFR) for single-stage and staged OMGU was 88% vs 60%, respectively (p = 0.05), at a mean follow-up of 66.5 months. SFR range for single-stage OMGU in single-arm studies was 65-100% (mean/median follow-up, 12-59 months). Single-stage OMGU had low complication rates and beneficial impact on LUTS and QoL. CONCLUSIONS: The present SR highlights the methodological limitations of the available literature. In the absence of adverse local tissue conditions, and taking into consideration benefit-harm balance and surgeon's skills and expertise, single-stage OMGU can be justified in patients with LS strictures.

Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in the Management of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Is There Still a Debate?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence on the current role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). RECENT FINDINGS: Since the advent of systemic targeted therapies for mRCC treatment, the role of CN has been questioned. Several retrospective observational studies demonstrated a therapeutic benefit for CN, while recent prospective randomized trials have challenged this evidence. As such, patient selection has become of paramount importance in this setting. The role of CN on mRCC treatment is still object of debate. In carefully selected patients, CN remains an important option as a component of a multimodal therapeutic approach. As systemic therapies for mRCC continue to evolve, future trials are needed to evaluate the benefits and limits of CN in the immunotherapy era, tailoring the treatment sequence and selecting the patients who are most likely to benefit from surgical interventions.

Robotic Repair of Ureteral Strictures: Techniques and Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview and description of the different surgical techniques for the robotic repair of ureteral strictures. RECENT FINDINGS: The robotic repair of ureteral stenosis has emerged as a useful option for treating strictures unsuitable for endoscopic resolution with good results, lower morbidity, and faster recovery than open techniques. Depending on the stricture's length and location, the reconstructive options are reimplantation, psoas hitch, Boari flap, ureteroureterostomy, appendiceal onlay flap, buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ureteroplasty, ileal replacement, or renal autotransplantation. The robotic approach offers a magnified vision and the possibility of adding near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, indocyanine green (ICG), and FireflyTM to facilitate the technique. Multicenter studies with extended follow-up still have to confirm the good results obtained in published case series. Robotic reconstructive techniques are useful for repairing ureteral strictures, obtaining good functional results with less morbidity and faster recovery than open procedures.

Retroperitoneal Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy (rRAPN): Surgical Technique and Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aim to offer a description of the surgical technique and to review the current state retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (rRAPN). RECENT FINDINGS: Partial nephrectomy is the standard treatment for localized kidney tumours. rRAPN is especially useful for kidney tumours of posterior location. It offers advantages such as direct access to the renal artery and no need for bowel mobilization. The disadvantages are the small working space and the less familiar anatomical landmarks. It is a reproducible technique that achieves similar oncological and functional results to the more traditional transperitoneal route (tRAPN). High-quality randomized studies are needed to ascertain the role of new technologies as modern high-flow insufflation systems, intracavitary ultrasound, 3D planning, and augmented reality (AR), in the performance of this operation. rRAPN is especially useful for kidney tumours of posterior location. Robotic surgeons ideally should become familiar with both approaches, transperitoneal or retroperitoneal.

Biomarkers for Renal Cell Carcinoma Recurrence: State of the Art.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aim to summarize the current state of art about the possible use of biomarkers for predicting renal cell carcinoma (RCC) recurrence after curative treatment. In addition, we aim to provide a snapshot about the clinical implication of biomarkers use for follow-up planification. RECENT FINDINGS: A wide variety of biomarkers have been proposed. RCC biomarkers have been individuated in tumoral tissue, blood, and urine. A variety of molecules, including proteins, DNA, and RNA, warrant a good accuracy for RCC recurrence and progression prediction. Their use in prediction models might warrant a better patients' risk stratification. Future prognostic models will probably include a combination of classical features (tumor grade, stage, etc.) and novel biomarkers. Such models might allow a more accurate treatment and follow-up planification.

New Technologies for Kidney Surgery Planning 3D, Impression, Augmented Reality 3D, Reconstruction: Current Realities and Expectations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aim to summarize the current state of art about 3D applications in urology focusing on kidney surgeries. In addition we aim to provide a snapshot about future perspective of intraoperative applications of augmented reality (AR). RECENT FINDINGS: A variety of applications in different fields have been proposed. Many applications concern current realities and 3D reconstruction, while some others are about future perspective. The majority of recent studies have focused their attention on preoperative surgical planning, patient education, surgical training, and AR. The disposability of 3D models in healthcare scenarios might improve surgical outcomes, learning curves of novice surgeons and residents, as well as patients' understanding and compliance, allowing a more shared surgical decision-making.

Awareness of European practitioners toward uncommon tropical diseases: are we prepared to deal with mass migration? Results of an international survey.

PURPOSE: The recent rise in migration from Africa through the Mediterranean basin into Europe has resulted in an increased incidence of uncommon diseases such as schistosomiasis and genito-urinary tuberculosis, which were previously largely unknown in this region. This study aimed to evaluate the insight of European urologists into diagnosing and managing these disease conditions and to determine whether they were adequately prepared to deal with the changing disease spectrum in their countries. METHODS: A survey including specific questions about the diagnosis and management of 'tropical' urological diseases was distributed among urologists working in Europe and Africa. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to detect the continent (African or European) effect on knowledge of and insight into tropical urological diseases. RESULTS: A total of 312 surveys were administered. African and European respondents accounted for 109 (36.09%) and 193 (63.91%) respondents, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant deficiency in the knowledge of tropical urological diseases in the European cohort compared with the African cohort (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the European cohort, markedly superior knowledge of tropical urological diseases was observed for respondents who had previously worked in a developing country. CONCLUSIONS: Though European urologists are not required to have the same insight as African urologists, they showed a very unsatisfactory knowledge of tropical urological diseases. The experience of working in a developing country could improve the knowledge of European urologists regarding tropical urological diseases.

Current status of urology surgical training in Europe: an ESRU-ESU-ESUT collaborative study.

PURPOSE: To determine the current status of surgical training amongst European Urology Residents, including their satisfaction with training and their confidence in performing procedures. METHODS: A 23-item survey was distributed to the 15th European Urology Residents Education Programme (EUREP) 2017 participants. An analysis of demographics, workload, training resources, surgical exposure, surgical caseload, satisfaction and confidence in performing each procedure was performed. RESULTS: A total of 152/350 participants completed the survey (response rate 43%), of which 14% think they perform enough surgeries during their training, and 83% would like to continue training with a fellowship. Confidence in performing procedures without supervision and satisfaction with training was associated with higher surgical caseloads. Confidence in all laparoscopic/robotic procedures (except for laparoscopic/robotic partial nephrectomy) was associated with laparoscopic and robotics training, participation in practical courses and having training resources in hospitals. Satisfaction with surgical training was statistically associated with working ≤  50 h per week, laparoscopic training and having laparoscopic training boxes. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical exposure of European Urology residents for major/minimally invasive procedures, confidence in performing these procedures, and overall satisfaction with training is low. A higher volume of cases, as well as resources for training are associated with higher individual confidence and satisfaction with training.

Bladder Cancer at the time of COVID-19 Outbreak.

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to the deferral of a great number of surgeries in an attempt to reduce transmission of infection, free up hospital beds, intensive care and anaesthetists, and limit aerosol-generating procedures. Guidelines and suggestions have been provided to categorize Urological diseases into risk groups and recommendations are available on procedures that can be or cannot be deferred. We aim to summarise updates on diagnosis, treatment and follow up of bladder cancer during the COVID-19 outbreaks.

COVID-19's Impact on Italian Urology.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives, our habits and our healthcare system. Italy is one of the countries affected first and more aggressively from the outbreak. Our rapidity has been guide for other healthcare systems from around the World. We describe the impact of COVID-19 on Urology, how the Urological scientific community responded to the emergency and our experience in a high-volume Roman University hospital. The aim of our work is to share our experience providing suggestions for other global hospitals on how to manage the COVID-19 emergency.

Implementation and strategies to ensure adequate coordination within a Urology Department during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: to provide an update on the management of a Urology Department during the COVID-19 outbreak, suggesting strategies to optimize assistance to the patients, to implement telemedicine and triage protocols, to define pathways for hospital access, to reduce risk of contagious inside the hospital and to determine the role of residents during the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In May the 6th 2020 we performed a review of the literature through online search engines (PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct). We looked at recommendations provided by the EAU and ERUS regarding the management of urological patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main aspects of interest were: the definition of deferrable and non-deferrable procedures, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hospital protocols for health care providers, triage, hospitalization and surgery, post-operative care training and residents' activity. A narrative summary of guidelines and current literature for each point of interest was performed. CONCLUSION: In the actual Covid-19 scenario, while the number of positive patients globally keep on rising, it is fundamental to embrace a new way to deliver healthcare and to overcome challenges of physical distancing and self-isolation. The use of appropriate PPE, definite pathways to access the hospital, the implementation of telemedicine protocols can represent effective strategies to carry on delivering healthcare.

Endourology (Lithiasis). Management, surgical considerations and follow-up of patients in the COVID-19 era.

PURPOSE: To provide recommendations on the endourological management of lithiasis in the scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A non-systematic review in PubMed and the grey literature, as well as recommendations by a panel of stakeholders was made, regarding management, surgical considerations and follow-up of patients affected by lithiasis in the COVID-19 era. RESULTS: Under the current outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic scenario, patients affected by lithiasis should be prioritized into low, intermediate and high risk categories, to decide their delay and save resources, healthcare personnel, beds and ventilators. However, patients with potentially serious septic complications need emergency interventions. The possibility of performing or restarting elective activity depends on local conditions, the availability of beds and ventilators, and the implementation of screening protocols in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delaying lithiasis surgery and increasing waiting lists will have consequences and will require considerable additional effort. Teleconsultation may be useful in guiding these patients, reducing visits and unnecessary exposure. CONCLUSIONS: categorization and prioritization of patients affected by lithiasis is crucial for management, surgical selection and follow-up. Protocols, measures and additional efforts should be carried out in the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resident burnout in USA and European urology residents: an international concern.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and predictors of burnout in USA and European urology residents, as although the rate of burnout in urologists is high and associated with severe negative sequelae, the extent and predictors of burnout in urology trainees remains poorly understood. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: An anonymous 32-question survey of urology trainees across the USA and four European countries, analysing personal, programme, and institutional factors, was conducted. Burnout was assessed using the validated abridged Maslach Burnout Inventory. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression models assessed drivers of burnout in the two cohorts. RESULTS: Overall, 40% of participants met the criteria for burnout as follows: Portugal (68%), Italy (49%), USA (38%), Belgium (36%), and France (26%). Response rates were: USA, 20.9%; Italy, 45.2%; Portugal, 30.5%; France, 12.5%; and Belgium, 9.4%. Burnout was not associated with gender or level of training. In both cohorts, work-life balance (WLB) dissatisfaction was associated with increased burnout (odds ratio [OR] 4.5, P < 0.001), whilst non-medical reading (OR 0.6, P = 0.001) and structured mentorship (OR 0.4, P = 0.002) were associated with decreased burnout risk. Lack of access to mental health services was associated with burnout in the USA only (OR 3.5, P = 0.006), whilst more weekends on-call was associated with burnout in Europe only (OR 8.3, P = 0.033). In both cohorts, burned out residents were more likely to not choose a career in urology again (USA 54% vs 19%, P < 0.001; Europe 43% vs 25%, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: In this study of USA and European urology residents, we found high rates of burnout on both continents. Despite regional differences in the predictors of burnout, awareness of the unique institutional drivers may help inform directions of future interventions.