Láser CO2 vaginal, indicaciones y aplicaciones / Vaginal CO2 laser, indications and applications

El síndrome genitourinario es una entidad hoy en día cada vez más frecuente en la mujer posmenopáusica, con signos y síntomas muy característicos que llevan a la pérdida de calidad de vida de las pacientes, generados por la disminución de estrógenos. Su diagnóstico se realiza mediante una buena historia clínica, exámenes hormonales, estudios urodinámicos y de pH vaginal. Su clínica varía desde sequedad vaginal, atrofia de la misma, vaginitis a repetición, pérdida de orina al esfuerzo, nicturia y dispareunia. A los largo de los años se han protocolizado diferentes tratamientos como reemplazos hormonales, lubricantes y cirugías invasivas vaginales. Pero en los últimos años ha aparecido una nueva terapéutica de láser CO2 fraccionado. Materiales y método. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de seis años de evolución, entre los años 2017 y 2023, con más de 300 pacientes tratadas con tecnología láser CO2 fraccionado, con criterios de inclusión y exclusión, protocolizando 3 sesiones cada 30 días y controles hasta los 6 meses. Resultados. Para evaluar los resultados se diseñó una encuentra de satisfacción de 5 puntos, la cual fue presentada luego de cada sesión, encontrando un alto grado de satisfacción en la mejoría clínica a medida que transcurrían las sesiones, con un muy bajo índice de complicaciones. También biopsias con mejorías histológicas que demuestran resultados. Discusión. La aplicación de esta nueva tecnología láser nos abre una posibilidad terapéutica segura, rápida y efectiva para mejorar la sintomatología y calidad de vida de nuestras pacientes con síndrome genitourinario, sumando una nueva terapéutica a todo el arsenal de tratamientos médico-quirúrgicos disponibles a la fecha. Conclusiones. El síndrome genitourinario es una entidad prácticamente inevitable, con síntomas desde leves a graves, que afecta la calidad de vida personal, sexual y social. Los tratamientos hasta la fecha hormonales, tópicos o quirúrgicos han dado mediocres resultados sin estar exentos de complicaciones, por lo que la aparición de la tecnología láser CO2 fraccionada nos ha dado el plus necesario para aportar un tratamiento seguro, eficaz, con mínimas complicaciones y una curva de aprendizaje pequeña

Genitourinary syndrome is an increasingly frequent entity in postmenopausal women today, with very characteristic signs and symptoms that lead to a loss of quality of life in patients, generated by estrogen depletion, whose diagnosis is made through a good clinical history, hormonal tests, urodynamic and vaginal pH studies. Its symptoms vary from vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, repeated vaginitis, loss of urine on exertion, nocturia and dyspareunia. Over the years, different treatments have been protocolized, such as hormone replacements, lubricants, and invasive vaginal surgeries. But in recent years a new fractionated CO2 laser therapy has appeared. Materials and method. A retrospective study of six years of evolution was carried out, between the years 2017 and 2023, with more than 300 patients treated with fractionated CO2 laser technology, with inclusion and exclusion criteria, protocolizing 3 sessions every 30 days and controls until the 6 months. Results. To evaluate the results, a 5-point satisfaction score was designed, which was presented after each session, finding a high degree of satisfaction in the clinical improvement as the sessions progressed with a very low indication of complications. Also biopsies with histological improvements that demonstrate results. Discussion. The application of this new laser technology opens up a safe, fast and effective therapeutic possibility to improve the symptoms and quality of life of our patients with genitourinary syndrome, adding a new therapeutic option to the arsenal of medical-surgical treatments available to date. Conclusions. Genitourinary syndrome is a practically inevitable entity, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, affecting the quality of personal, sexual and social life. The hormonal, topical or surgical treatments to date have given mediocre results, not being free of complications, so the appearance of fractionated CO2 laser technology has given us the necessary extra to provide a safe, effective treatment, with minimal complications. and a small learning curve.

The Role of Metabolomics and Microbiology in Urinary Tract Infection.

One of the common illnesses that affect women's physical and mental health is urinary tract infection (UTI). The disappointing results of empirical anti-infective treatment and the lengthy time required for urine bacterial culture are two issues. Antibiotic misuse is common, especially in females who experience recurrent UTI (rUTI). This leads to a higher prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the microorganisms that cause the infection. Antibiotic therapy will face major challenges in the future, prompting clinicians to update their practices. New testing techniques are making the potential association between the urogenital microbiota and UTIs increasingly apparent. Monitoring changes in female urinary tract (UT) microbiota, as well as metabolites, may be useful in exploring newer preventive treatments for UTIs. This review focuses on advances in urogenital microbiology and organismal metabolites relevant to the identification and handling of UTIs in an attempt to provide novel methods for the identification and management of infections of the UT. Particular attention is paid to the microbiota and metabolites in the patient's urine in relation to their role in supporting host health.

Diagnosis and treatment strategies for pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies in the pediatric urogenital tract are rare but urgent clinical conditions that can cause severe symptoms and complications. The current management remains challenging. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies. Through a retrospective analysis of patient data, valuable insights into the management of this condition are offered to facilitate the development of more effective management strategies. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study design was employed, reviewing clinical data of 30 pediatric patients with urogenital tract foreign bodies admitted to Anhui Children's Hospital from October 2016 to May 2023. This included 16 cases of urethral and bladder foreign bodies and 14 cases of vaginal foreign bodies. Among them, there were 14 males and 16 females, with a median age of 6.3 years. Treatment methods included transvaginal endoscopic removal, cystoscopic removal, pneumovesicum laparoscopy removal, and perineal incisional foreign body removal. Surgical time, blood loss, hospitalization days, and postoperative follow-up results were recorded. RESULTS: Key clinical presentations included vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, hematuria, dysuria, urinary retention, and perineal pain. Preoperative routine examinations included ultrasound, abdominal radiography, and, in some cases, CT scans. All 30 patients underwent successful surgery, with a median surgical time of 30.5 min (IQR 16.8-50.8), minimal intraoperative bleeding, and a median postoperative hospital stay of 2 days (IQR 2-3). Follow-up from 3 months to 1 year revealed no abnormalities in the urogenital system, no residual foreign bodies, and no occurrence of severe complications. No cases of recurrent foreign body insertion were observed. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies are crucial to reduce patient suffering and the risk of complications. The choice of surgical method depends on the type, size, and location of the foreign body, with endoscopy being the preferred option. Laparoscopic cystoscopy and open surgery are also effective treatment modalities.

Psychodid flies and their implicated role in human myiasis and pseudomyiasis.

Several psychodid flies are commonly associated with human-inhabited environments and have been increasingly implicated in cases of human myiasis. However, the basic biology of psychodid larvae is not well-suited for survival in the human intestinal or urogenital tract, making true, prolonged myiasis unlikely. In this review, we performed a systematic literature review of published cases of purported myiasis caused by psychodid flies, their identification, associated clinical findings, and treatment. We also discuss the anatomy and lifecycle of psychodid flies in relation to their purported ability to use human tissue as a nutritive source and survive in the human alimentary or urogenital tracts. Based on the range of non-specific and varied reported clinical manifestations, lack of observed collections, life cycle patterns of psychodid flies, the mechanics of their mouthparts, and breathing requirements, we conclude that most cases likely represent incidental findings, or in rare cases possibly pseudomyiasis, rather than true myiasis, and provide recommendations for clinical evaluation and reporting so that disease misclassification and unnecessary therapy do not occur.

Focal radiotherapy boost to MR-visible tumor for prostate cancer: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The FLAME trial provides strong evidence that MR-guided external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) focal boost for localized prostate cancer increases biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS) without increasing toxicity. Yet, there are many barriers to implementation of focal boost. Our objectives are to systemically review clinical outcomes for MR-guided EBRT focal boost and to consider approaches to increase implementation of this technique. METHODS: We conducted literature searches in four databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guideline. We included prospective phase II/III trials of patients with localized prostate cancer underdoing definitive EBRT with MR-guided focal boost. The outcomes of interest were bDFS and acute/late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. All studies had a median follow-up of greater than 4 years. There were heterogeneities in fractionation, treatment planning, and delivery. Studies demonstrated effectiveness, feasibility, and tolerability of focal boost. Based on the Phoenix criteria for biochemical recurrence, the reported 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rates ranged 69.7-100% across included studies. All studies reported good safety profiles. The reported ranges of acute/late grade 3 + gastrointestinal toxicities were 0%/1-10%. The reported ranges of acute/late grade 3 + genitourinary toxicities were 0-13%/0-5.6%. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence that it is possible to improve oncologic outcomes without substantially increasing toxicity through MR-guided focal boost, at least in the setting of a 35-fraction radiotherapy regimen. Barriers to clinical practice implementation are addressable through additional investigation and new technologies.

Safety of Ultrahypofractionated Pelvic Nodal Irradiation in the Definitive Management of Prostate Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the evidence for ultrahypofractionated pelvic nodal irradiation in patients with prostate cancer, with a focus on reported acute and late toxicities. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A comprehensive search was conducted in 5 electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov) from inception until March 23, 2023. Eligible publications included patients with intermediate- and high-risk and node-positive prostate cancer who underwent elective or therapeutic ultrahypofractionated pelvic nodal irradiation. Primary outcomes included the presence of grade ≥2 rates of acute and late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events or Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scales. Quality assessment was performed using National Institutes of Health tools for noncontrolled beforeand after (single arm) clinical trials, as well as single-arm observational studies. Because all outcomes were categorical variables, proportion was calculated to estimate the effect size and compare the outcomes after the intervention. RESULTS: We identified 16 publications that reported the use of ultrahypofractionated radiation therapy to treat the pelvis in prostate cancer. Seven publications met our criteria and were included in the meta-analysis, including 417 patients. The median total dose to the pelvic lymph nodes was 25 Gy (range, 25-28.5 Gy), with a median of 5 fractions. The prostate received a median dose of 40 Gy (range, 35-47.5 Gy). All studies used androgen deprivation therapy for a median duration of 18 months. The median follow-up period was 3 years (range, 0.5-5.6 years). The rates of acute grade ≥2 gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity were 8% (95% CI, 1%-15%) and 29% (95% CI, 18%-41%), respectively. For late grade ≥2 gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity, the rates were 13% (95% CI, 5%-21%) and 29% (95% CI, 17%-42%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrahypofractionated pelvic nodal irradiation appears to be a safe approach in terms of acute and late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity.

Pediatric genitourinary injuries: 7-year experience at the largest tertiary referral hospital in Eastern part of Indonesia.

INTRODUCTION: The anatomical variations between children and adults render pediatric patients more prone to urogenital trauma. However, it is not known for certain whether children are more prone to genitourinary trauma than adults. The aim of the study is to scrutinize the characteristic of pediatric genitourinary trauma at, the largest tertiary hospital in Eastern part of Indonesia. STUDY DESIGN: The design of the study was analytic retrospective gathering medical records of all pediatric patients with urogenital trauma with total sampling. The number of patients, ages, genders, etiology, locations, and management were collected. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS®, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We found 13.5 (10-15.5) years as the median age in our 60 samples. Boy (75.00%), renal trauma (56.67%), abdominal and pelvic trauma (96.67%), traffic accident (91.67%), suprapubic catheterization (52.17%), and hemodynamically stable (91.67) was among the majority. We also found that non-operative management was in majority. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences for management and grade of injury (p < 0.05). DISCUSSIONS: This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study of genitourinary injuries in children who were treated at a tertiary hospital in Indonesia during the course of the 7-year research period. The limitations of this study are retrospective character and conducted in single institution. CONCLUSION: The highest incidence of pediatric urogenital trauma is renal trauma due to traffic accident, which often multitrauma. Future prospective multi-center studies should be done to corroborate the results.

[Emergencies in cancer therapy: surgical indications under systemic therapy]. / Notfälle in der medikamentösen Tumortherapie ­ Operative Indikationen unter Systemtherapie.

Emergency surgery due to side-effects of cancer therapy in patients with metastatic disease of the genitourinary tract is rare. Nevertheless, there are a number of emergencies that require rapid intervention and should be recognized by every uro-oncologist. The following review will work out important side-effects requiring surgical treatment, highlighting the main symptoms and the initial management.

Interim Toxicity Analysis From the Randomized HERMES Trial of 2- and 5-Fraction Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Adaptive Prostate Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE: Ultrahypofractionated radiation therapy (UHRT) is an effective treatment for localized prostate cancer with an acceptable toxicity profile; boosting the visible intraprostatic tumor has been shown to improve biochemical disease-free survival with no significant effect on genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: HERMES is a single-center noncomparative randomized phase 2 trial in men with intermediate or lower high risk prostate cancer. Patients were allocated (1:1) to 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions over 2 weeks or 24 Gy in 2 fractions over 8 days with an integrated boost to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visible tumor of 27 Gy in 2 fractions. A minimization algorithm with a random element with risk group as a balancing factor was used for participant randomization. Treatment was delivered on the Unity MR-Linac (Elekta AB) with daily online adaption. The primary endpoint was acute GU Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 toxicity with the aim of excluding a doubling of the rate of acute grade 2+ GU toxicity seen in PACE. Analysis was by treatment received and included all participants who received at least 1 fraction of study treatment. This interim analysis was prespecified (stage 1 of a 2-stage Simon design) for when 10 participants in each treatment group had completed the acute toxicity monitoring period (12 weeks after radiation therapy). RESULTS: Acute grade 2 GU toxicity was reported in 1 (10%) patient in the 5-fraction group and 2 (20%) patients in the 2-fraction group. No grade 3+ GU toxicities were reported. CONCLUSIONS: At this interim analysis, the rate of GU toxicity in the 2-fraction and 5-fraction treatment groups was found to be below the prespecified threshold (5/10 grade 2+) and continuation of the study to complete recruitment of 23 participants per group was recommended.

Impact of Prostate Cancer-related Genitourinary Radiation Injury on Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment: Assessment of 55,425 Men.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of low-grade radiation injury (LGRI) and high-grade radiation injury (HGRI) following prostate cancer treatment with mental health diagnoses and therapy. METHODS: A retrospective study of men diagnosed with prostate cancer who were treated with radiotherapy. Men were followed to assess for LGRI or HGRI using IBM MarketScan. Cohorts included: no injury (no-RI), LGRI, HGRI, and controls. Mental health diagnoses and related treatment (medication/therapy) were identified using ICD-10 codes, CPT codes, and national drug codes. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model from time of radiation to first instance of mental health diagnosis was modeled against injury group, age, and comorbidities. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2020 we identified 55,425 men who received radiotherapy for prostate cancer. 22,879 (41.3%) experienced a LGRI while 4128 (7.4%) experienced a HGRI. Prior to radiation therapy, mental health diagnoses were equally distributed across cohorts (P > .05). Every marker of mental health showed a step-wise increase in incidence from no-RI to LGRI to HGRI except for alcohol abuse. Use of mental health medications and therapy visits were slightly more likely in the LGRI and HGRI groups prior to radiation, however, this difference was greatly increased postradiation therapy. LGRI (HR 1.38; P < .001) and HGRI (HR 2.1; P < .001) were independently associated with an increased likelihood of mental health diagnoses. CONCLUSION: LGRI and HGRI following prostate cancer radiotherapy are associated with increased risk of mental health diagnosis, medication use, and therapy need compared to men who do not develop injuries. The most common mental health diagnoses were depression and anxiety.

Safety of high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for patients with prostate cancer and history of prior chemoradiation for rectal cancer: A case series.

PURPOSE: A history of prior pelvic radiation therapy (RT) for rectal cancer is a relative contraindication for definitive RT for prostate cancer. High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy can significantly limit the dose to surrounding tissues compared to external beam RT. However, there is limited data surrounding its safety in patients with prior pelvic RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective chart review was performed at the University of California, San Francisco to identify patients diagnosed with prostate cancer with a history of pelvic RT for rectal cancer who were treated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) between 2006 and 2022. Inclusion criteria were biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer with no evidence of distant disease on clinical examination or imaging, and at least one post-treatment clinic appointment. RESULTS: Seven patients were treated with salvage HDR-BT at a median interval of 17.7 years after RT for rectal cancer. HDR-BT doses included 3600 cGy in six fractions (n = 5), 2700 cGy in 2 fractions (n=1), or 2800 cGy in four fractions (n = 1). There was no acute grade ≥2 gastrointestinal toxicity, and 1 patient developed late grade 2 rectal bleeding. Two patients developed acute grade 2 genitourinary toxicity consisting of urinary frequency and urgency, which persisted through long-term follow up. At a median follow up of 29.5 months after HDR brachytherapy, one patient developed regional and distant failure, and another had seminal vesicle recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: HDR-BT is a safe treatment for patients with prostate cancer who previously received RT for rectal cancer. Further studies are needed to better characterize the long-term toxicity of HDR-RT in this population.

Expanding indications for urogenital transplantation: congenital and oncologic defects, and gender affirmation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Penile transplantation has become an emerging option for patients with severe genital defects. Only transplantation restores anatomy, sexual, and reproductive function of the penis. However, penile transplantation comes with important technical, psychosocial, ethical, and surgical challenges that must be considered for successful implementation. Indications for penile transplantation have yet to be clearly elucidated. RECENT FINDINGS: Since 2006, only five penile transplants have been performed globally. Four of the five transplants have been performed following traumatic defects, and one was performed following a total penectomy from squamous cell carcinoma. Only two of the five penile transplants remain intact. However, long-term outcomes are encouraging with optimal surgical planning, patient selection, and immunologic compliance. Clinical implications and ethical considerations are discussed. SUMMARY: Penile transplantation is a novel solution for penile defects not amenable to traditional reconstructive approaches. With an evidence-based surgical technique, potential advantages include improved urinary function, sensation, and cosmesis. While patient selection is challenging, there is an ongoing effort to identify potential candidates. Indications are discussed in this article.

Role of Exosomal Non-Coding RNA in the Tumour Microenvironment of Genitourinary System Tumours.

In recent years, genitourinary system tumors are common in people of all ages, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients, the pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases are constantly being updated and improved. Exosomes, with a lipid bilayer that enable delivery of their contents into body fluids or other cells. Exosomes can regulate the tumor microenvironment, and play an important role in tumor development. In turn, cellular and non-cellular components of tumor microenvironment also affect the occurrence, progression, invasion and metastasis of tumor. Non-coding RNAs have been shown to be able to be ingested and released by exosomes, and are seen as a potential tool in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here, we summarize the effect of non-coding RNAs of exosome contents on the tumor microenvironment of genitourinary system tumor, expound the significance of non-coding RNAs of exosome in the occurrence, development, diagnosis and treatment of cancers.

MR-guided prostate SBRT in prostate cancer patients with low-volume metastatic disease.

BACKGROUND: Recent data have found an overall survival benefit from prostate-directed radiotherapy in patients with low-volume metastatic prostate cancer. Prostate SBRT is an attractive treatment in this setting and may be optimised with MR-guided adaptive treatment. Here, we share our institutional experience delivering stereotactic MR-guided adaptive prostate SBRT (SMART) for patients with low-volume metastatic disease. METHODS: We reviewed patients with low-volume metastatic disease who received prostate SMART from October 2019 to December 2021 on a 0.35T MR-Linac. The cohort included 14 patients. Genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were assessed using CTCAE v 5.0. Progression was defined as a change in systemic or hormonal therapy regimen as a result of PSA rise or disease progression. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 29 months. Seven patients had hormone sensitive prostate cancer and 7 had castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). 13 patients received 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions and one patient received 33 Gy in 5 fractions. At the time of last follow-up, 11 patients had not experienced progression and three patients, all with CRPC, had experienced progression. No patients developed local progression in the prostate after SMART. One patient experienced acute grade 2 urinary toxicity (7%) and no patients experienced acute grade 2 GI toxicity (0%). No grade 3 + acute toxicities were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate SMART was found to be well tolerated and all patients had local control of disease within the prostate at the time of last follow-up. Prostate SMART may represent a low-risk and well-tolerated approach for delivering prostate-directed radiotherapy for patients with limited metastatic disease.

A pictorial review of genitourinary infections and inflammations.

Various infectious and inflammatory diseases affect the genitourinary system. This paper provides a review of multiple common and uncommon infectious and inflammatory conditions affecting the genitourinary system and some associated complications. These include acute infectious cystitis, emphysematous cystitis, acute pyelonephritis, emphysematous pyelonephritis, renal and perinephric abscesses, pyonephrosis, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, epididymo-orchitis, vasitis, prostatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, renal hydatid infection, renal tuberculosis, actinomycosis, Erdheim-Chester Disease, IgG4-Related Kidney Disease, urethritis and urethral strictures, ureteritis cystica, and genitourinary fistulas. Radiologists should be aware of these diseases' complications and management. Uncommon conditions must be considered when evaluating the genitourinary system.

Anatomical investigation of the pelvic urogenital fascia in 10 formalin-fixed female cadavers: novel insights into the laparoscopic total mesometrial resection.

PURPOSE: Previous anatomical studies of the urogenital fascia (UGF) have focused on males, and there is a lack of relevant anatomical studies on the distribution of the extraperitoneal UGF in females. METHODS: In this investigation, guided by the embryonic development of the female urogenital system, the ventral pelvic fascia structure of 10 female cadavers was dissected, and the distribution and morphology of female extraperitoneal UGF were observed, recorded in text, photographs and video, and 3D modeling was performed. RESULTS: We find that in the female extraperitoneal space there is a migratory fascial structure, the UGF, which surrounds the urogenital system and extends from the perinephric region to the pelvis along with the development of the urogenital organs. The two layers of the UGF are composed of loose connective tissue rich in fat that surrounds the urogenital organs, their accessory vascular structures, and the nerves of the abdominopelvic cavity. In the pelvis, it participates in the formation of the ligamentous structures around the rectum and uterus. Finally, it surrounds the bladder and gradually moves into the loose connective tissue of the medial umbilical fold. CONCLUSIONS: Sorting out the distribution characteristics of UGF has some reference value for studying the metastasis of gynecological tumors, the biomechanical structure of the female pelvis, and the surgical methods of gynecology, colorectal surgery, and hernia surgery.