The effect of seminal pathogens on standard semen parameters, sperm kinematics and seminal inflammatory markers.

This study evaluated the effects of urogenital pathogens on standard semen parameters, sperm kinematics and host inflammatory response in a cohort of asymptomatic subfertile men. There were six groups based on the results of bacterial culture, including Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. Urealyticum) (n = 27), mixed comprising two or more pathogenic species (n = 28), Gardnerella Vaginalis (G. Vaginalis) (n = 15), gram-positive cocci and bacilli (g+cocci/bacilli) (n = 15), gram-negative bacilli (g-bacilli) (n = 10) and Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) (n = 2). One control group (n = 20) and one leukocytospermic group (n = 10) were also included. Sperm quality parameters, seminal leukocytes and interleukin (IL)-6 of all groups, apart from C. trachomatis, were compared to the control group. Standard semen parameters were significantly worse in all groups except for that with g-bacilli. Progressive motility, total motility and normal sperm morphology demonstrated the most significant differences, when U. Urealyticum, leukocytospermia and mixed pathogens were detected in semen. Among sperm kinematics, the concentration of progressive motile sperm cells (CPMS), the percentage of progressive motile sperm cells (PPMS) and straightness (STR) were manifested significant declines in the presence of seminal pathogens. CPMS was affected in all groups except for G. vaginalis. Moreover, the presence of g+cocci/bacilli and g-bacilli were associated with increased seminal IL-6. Seminal leukocytes were elevated significantly only when g-bacilli were cultured in semen. We conclude that seminal pathogens can negatively affect sperm quality. The most negative effect is related to U. Urealyticum. Moreover, g+cocci/bacilli and g-bacilli can initiate an inflammatory response.

The Feasibility, Technique, and Medium-Term Follow-Up of Laparoscopic Transvesical Diverticulectomy.

BACKGROUND: To present our experience and results with the transvesical laparoscopic diverticulectomy, developed by Pansadoro et al. [BJU Int. 2009;103(3):412-24], as treatment of symptomatic bladder diverticula, with a medium-term follow-up. METHODS: Between June 2010 and July 2018, we successfully operated 15 patients (13 male/2 female), aged 32-85 years (mean age 61 years) in 2 centers in Austria, using the aforementioned technique. RESULTS: The median operative time was 297 min (range 83-488 min), and the blood loss was minimal. The median diameter of the diverticula was 94 mm (range 40-110 mm). The transurethral catheter was removed in most patients on day 7 (range 1-26 days), and cystography was performed before catheter removal. Patients were discharged on the ninth postoperative day (range 4-18 days). One case had a Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb complication (ureter injury), and 2 cases had a grade IIIa complication (nephrostomy drainage). After a median follow-up of 19 months, no recurrences were observed. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic, transvesical diverticulectomy is a feasible and valuable procedure with good outcomes. To avoid complications, the ureter needs to be spared meticulously.

Major Complications after Male Anti-Incontinence Procedures: Predisposing Factors, Management and Prevention.

PURPOSE: Significant post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) is a crippling condition and managed best through sling or artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation. These procedures are often associated with complications requiring surgical intervention. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the occurrence of major complications and identify risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2018 ninety-one patients have been implanted with sling (22; 24.2%) or AUS (69; 75.8%) in our department. The cases where surgical revision was needed were examined regarding the etiology (mechanical failure (MF), urethral erosion (UE), urethral atrophy (UA), surgical site infection (SSI), combined reasons (COMB) and analyzed, using 16 possible perioperative risk factors. RESULTS: Surgical intervention was carried out by 19 / 91 (20.9%) patients. (In 16 / 69 cases after AUS (23.1%), 3 / 13 after slings (23%)). The indication was in 6 (31.6%) cases MF, in 3 (15.8 %) COMB, in 4 (21.1%) UE, in 5 (26.3 %) SSI, in 1 (5.2%) UA. The type of reoperation was either explantation (12 / 19), system replacement (6 / 19), or cuff replacement (1 /19). Regarding the surgical intervention requiring complications only preoperative bacteriuria (P = .006) and postoperative surgical site oedema (P = .002) proved to be independent predictive factors. CONCLUSION: Preoperative bacteriuria and surgical site oedema seemed to be good predictors for obligate surgical revision. Patients with AUS were more prone to have major complications. In most cases it was mechanical failure, infection or erosion. By reducing the frequency of these risk factors we might be able to decrease the amount of complications.

Clinical results of a dorsally positioned hydraulic ID-sling in male patients with post-prostatectomy-incontinence.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of and the long-term experience with a re-adjustable hydraulic sling (ID-sling) device positioned dorsally to the urethra for the treatment of male post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2007 and November 2009 13 patients with persisting SUI were treated consecutively with an ID-sling™ in two European tertiary centers by a single surgeon. Physical examinations and standardized questionnaires (ICIQ-SF + VAS), pad tests, and 24-h pad number counts were performed at baseline and during follow-up. RESULTS: The implantation of the hydraulic cuff was uncomplicated in all cases. The ICIQ-SF score diminished from a preoperative mean value of 18 to a mean of five postoperatively. One patient remained completely dry with normal micturition. All patients demonstrated a mild improvement at primary filling but did not show any significant improvement after the second or any subsequent filling. In total, 1/13 (7.7%) patients were completely dry and 5/13 (38.4%) showed improved continence. In 6/13 (46.2%) patients, satisfactory continence results according to subjective criteria, were not achieved. Subsequently, artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation was offered to one patient (7.7%) after 12 months and to ten patients (76,9%) after 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of a dorsally placed hydraulic sling is a not yet standardized and complex procedure, even for the experienced surgeon. To date, this implantation method is not an alternative to other devices. An improved sling design is necessary to simplify the surgical procedure and to improve long-term stability.

Application of Cu-64 NODAGA-PSMA PET in Prostate Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The high diagnostic potential of 64Cu-PSMA PET-CT imaging was clinically investigated in prostate cancer patients with recurrent disease and in the primary staging of selected patients with advanced local disease. The aim of our study is to assess the uptake behavior in the clinical setting of 64Copper Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (64Cu PSMA) Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in prostate cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 23 patients with intermediate, high risk and progressive disease at primary staging of prostate cancer. All patients underwent 64Cu-PSMA PET. Overall, 250 MBq (4 MBq per kg bodyweight, range 230-290 MBq) of 64Cu-NODAGA PSMA was intravenously applied. PET images were performed 30 min (pelvis and abdomen) and 1-2 h post-injection (skull base to mid-thigh). Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were measured in the organs with high physiological uptake such as liver and kidney, and, additionally, background activity was measured in the gluteal area and in suspected tumor lesions using a HERMES workstation. RESULTS: PSMA uptake was detected in prostate bed in nine patients, in six patients in distant metastases (bone, lung and liver) and in nine patients in lymph nodes. Of 23 patients, 5 (20.8%) did not show any focal pathological uptake in the whole body. The number of sites (prostate bed, lymph nodes, distant metastases) with positive PSMA uptake was significantly associated with PSA values before imaging (P = 0.0032). The 64Cu PSMA uptake increased significantly from 30 min to 1-3 h post-injection (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: 64Cu NODAGA-PSMA PET is a promising imaging tool in the detection of residual disease in patients with recurrent or primary progressive prostate cancer. Furthermore, the increased tracer uptake over time indicates in vivo stability of the diagnostic radiopharmaceutical.

Evaluation of pain perception associated with use of the magnetic-end ureteric double-J stent for short-term ureteric stenting.

PURPOSE: To investigate the morbidity, complication rate, and pain perception during removal of a novel ureteric stent with a magnetic end using a-traumatic retrieval catheter. METHODS: Between November 2013 and July 2015, 151 consecutive patients who underwent semirigid ureterorenoscopy (URS) for stone removal were prospectively enrolled. Stent removal was performed under local anesthesia using a special magnetic-end stent remover 1 week following URS. At follow-up, we obtained patients' medical history, urine culture result, renal ultrasonogram, and visual analog scale (VAS) score regarding stent irritation (VAS 1) and pain during removal (VAS 2). RESULTS: Pain perception during stent removal was significantly less painful in patients with a magnet stent than in those with a regular stent (p < 0.001). Stent irritation was slightly higher in patients with an indwelling magnet stent than in those with a regular stent (p < 0.001). No significant differences in stent irritations were found in patients who had a magnetic stent for 4 weeks after laparoscopic pyeloplasty (p = 0.20). Patients with a magnetic stent experienced significantly less pain during removal with a median VAS 2 score of 2.5 and a mean VAS 2 score of 2.58 [standard deviation (SD) ± 0.90] than those without a magnetic stent a median VAS 2 of 6 and a mean VAS 2 of 5.88 (SD ± 1.43). The stent length correlated with stent irritation (p = 0.05), and it significantly correlated with pain during removal (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The magnetic-end ureteric double-J stent is a safe option associated with less pain, particularly for male patients requiring short-term ureteric stenting.

The Impact of Gender on Tumour Stage in In-House Complications and Choice of Urinary Diversion: Results of the Austrian Cystectomy Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bladder cancer is characterized by gender-dependent disparities. To further address this issue, we analysed a prospective, multicentre cystectomy registry. METHODS: An online database was developed that included patient demographics, intra/perioperative data, surgical data and in-house complications. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-eight patients (112 [24.5%] women and 346 [75.5%] men) were analysed. Men and women were comparable regarding age (mean 68 years), body mass index (mean 26.5) and the mean Charlson score (4.8). Women had more advanced tumour-stages (pT3/pT4; women: 57.1%; men: 48.1%). The rate of incontinent urinary diversion was higher in women (83.1%) than in men (60.2%) and in a multivariate analysis, the strongest predictors were M+ status (OR 11.2), female gender (OR 6.9) and age (OR 6.5). Women had a higher intraoperative blood transfusion rate. The overall rate of in-house complications was similar in both genders (men: 32.0%, women: 32.6%). Severe (Clavien-Dindo grade >2) medical (women: 6.3%; men: 5.2%) and surgical (women: 21.5%; men: 14.4%) in-house complications, however, were more frequent in women. CONCLUSIONS: This multicentre registry demonstrates several gender-related differences in patients undergoing radical cystectomy. The higher transfusion rate, the rare use of orthotopic bladder substitutes and the higher in-house complication rate underline the higher complexity of this procedure in women.

64Cu-PSMA-617 PET/CT Imaging of Prostate Adenocarcinoma: First In-Human Studies.

AIM: The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a cell surface protein, which is overexpressed in nearly all cases of prostate cancer (PCa). PET imaging with 68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC has recently found widespread application in the diagnosis of recurrent PCa. In this study, the diagnostic potential of 64Cu-labeled PSMA ligand (PSMA-617) PET in patients with PCa has been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted simultaneously at two nuclear medicine centers, Austria (Vienna, Center 1) and Germany (Bad Berka, Center 2). The patients (n = 29) included in this study were referred for PET (Center 1, 21 patients) or PET/CT (Center 2, 8 patients) imaging with either a high suspicion of recurrent disease or for possible surgical or PSMA radioligand therapy planning. PET images of the whole body were performed at 1 hour p.i. and additional images of the pelvis at 2 hours p.i. RESULTS: In 23 of 29 patients, at least one focus of pathological tracer uptake suspicious for primary disease in the prostate lobe or recurrent disease was detected. Among healthy organs, the salivary glands, kidneys, and liver showed the highest radiotracer uptake. Lesions suspicious for PCa were detected with excellent contrast as early as 1 hour p.i. with high detection rates even at low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results of this study demonstrate the high potential of 64Cu-PSMA ligand PET/CT imaging in patients with recurrent disease and in the primary staging of selected patients with progressive local disease. The acquired PET images showed an excellent resolution of the detected lesions with very high lesion-to- background contrast. Furthermore, the long half-life of 64Cu allows distribution of the tracer to clinical PET centers that lack radiochemistry facilities for the preparation of 68Ga-PSMA ligand (satellite concept).

Use of self-retaining barbed sutures decreases cold ischemia time in open nephron-sparing surgery.

PURPOSE: In the present study, we aimed to determine whether the use of self-retaining barbed sutures (SRBS) instead of conventional sutures during open partial nephrectomy leads to improved surgical outcomes. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy for a unicentric renal tumor was performed. In 15 patients, SRBS were used for parenchymal repair during open partial nephrectomy, and in 35 patients, conventional sutures were used. The parameters related to surgical outcomes were recorded and analysis of the total patient population and subgroup analysis according to the preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical (PADUA) score classification was performed. RESULTS: The preoperative baseline values did not statistically differ between the groups. Analysis of the total patient population showed a significant difference regarding ischemia time (mean ± standard deviation) between the SRBS group (15.2 ± 6.9 min), and the conventional suture group (25.7 ± 11.8 min). There was no significant difference between the barbed and conventional sutures with regard to postoperative hemoglobin levels, decline in hemoglobin percentage, or renal function parameters. In subgroup-analysis, a significant difference in ischemia time was only found for PADUA scores 6 and 7, without any effect on the outcome parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SRBS in parenchymal repair during open partial nephrectomy appears to be a safe and feasible option with decreased cold ischemia time when compared with conventional sutures. In PADUA subgroup-analysis this difference was only observed for PADUA scores 6 and 7.

Immunohistochemical expression of PDGFR, VEGF-C, and proteins of the mToR pathway before and after androgen deprivation therapy in prostate carcinoma: significant decrease after treatment.

Targeted therapy in hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) is currently under evaluation in many trials. The effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on many targets in prostate cancer is incompletely known. For the first time, immunohistochemical expression of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), mammalian target of rapamycin (mToR), p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (PS6K), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (c-erbB-2), and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) was evaluated in 44 patients with prostate carcinoma treated with or without ADT, at biopsy time and after radical prostatectomy. PDGFR, VEGF-C, mToR, and PS6K expression was significantly reduced (p = 0.002, p = 0.035, p = 0.025, and p = 0.033, respectively) after ADT, whereas expression of EGFR, c-erbB-2, and CA9 was not influenced by ADT. In conclusion, targeting PDGFR, VEGF-C, mToR, or PS6K after ADT should be considered with precaution, as those targets can severely be altered or functionally deregulated by ADT.

Small renal mass biopsy--how, what and when: report from an international consensus panel.

To discuss the use of renal mass biopsy (RMB) for small renal masses (SRMs), formulate technical aspects, outline potential pitfalls and provide recommendations for the practicing clinician. The meeting was conducted as an informal consensus process and no scoring system was used to measure the levels of agreement on the different topics. A moderated general discussion was used as the basis for consensus and arising issues were resolved at this point. A consensus was established and lack of agreement to topics or specific items was noted at this point. Recommended biopsy technique: at least two cores, sampling different tumour regions with ultrasonography being the preferred method of image guidance. Pathological interpretation: 'non-diagnostic samples' should refer to insufficient material, inconclusive and normal renal parenchyma. For non-diagnostic samples, a repeat biopsy is recommended. Fine-needle aspiration may provide additional information but cannot substitute for core biopsy. Indications for RMB: biopsy is recommended in most cases except in patients with imaging or clinical characteristics indicative of pathology (syndromes, imaging characteristics) and cases whereby conservative management is not contemplated. RMB is recommended for active surveillance but not for watchful-waiting candidates. We report the results of an international consensus meeting on the use of RMB for SRMs, defining the technique, pathological interpretation and indications.

Intravesical hemostatic gelatin matrix instillation in the management of intractable hematuria.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a novel and minimally invasive approach, namely, intravesical instillation of a gelatin matrix hemostatic sealant (GMHS) in the management of intractable hematuria. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Six consecutive patients with intractable hematuria not responding to standard treatment underwent intravesical instillation of a hemostatic bovine-derived gelatin matrix mixed with a human-derived thrombin component. The technical aspects of this approach are described in detail. The mean age of the patients was 70 ± 4 years (median 71, range 50-79). All patients had pelvic malignancy: 5 had prostate cancer, and 1, cervical cancer. Mean duration of hematuria before intervention was 6 ± 1 days (median 6, range 2-9). Mean preoperative hemoglobin level was 9.2 ± 0.5 g/dL (median 9.0, range 8.0-10.2). Complete control of bleeding was achieved in 5 patients (83%) and all 6 patients (100%) on day 1 and 7, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 10 ± 6 months (median 13, range 1-15), permanent control of bleeding was achieved in 5 of 6 patients (83%). A second GMHS instillation was performed in 1 patient (17%) and it was successful. During the follow-up, there were no complications related to GMHS instillation. Two patients died because of their underlying malignant disease. CONCLUSION: Intravesical GMHS instillation appears to be a safe and feasible option in the management of intractable hematuria in the short-term.

Gender differences in benign renal masses.

PURPOSE: To examine gender-specific differences in benign renal tumors. METHODS: This retrospective study included 135 adult Caucasian patients with 143 benign renal tumors, which were treated surgically at a single institution. Demographics, comorbidity, histology, renal function, and management were compared by gender. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were performed. RESULTS: A total of 73 women were compared with 62 men. The female-to-male ratio was significantly higher in patients with benign renal tumors than in those with renal cell carcinoma (1.18:1 vs. 0.57:1, p < 0.001). Only 17 % of benign renal tumors were correctly classified by preoperative computed tomography. The most frequently observed histological types were oncocytoma (44 %) and angiomyolipoma (37 %). Angiomyolipoma occurred more than twice as often in women than in men (72 vs. 28 %), while oncocytoma was more frequently found in men (59 vs. 41 %, p = 0.001). Men with benign renal tumors were older (p = 0.002) and had higher body mass indices (p = 0.019), higher comorbidity indices (p < 0.001), lower ECOG performance status (p < 0.001), and smaller tumors (p = 0.045). No differences were seen in pack years, mode of diagnosis, bilaterality, renal function, use of laparoscopic surgery, and the rate of radical nephrectomy. In the meta-analysis of 9,665 renal tumors, women had a 2.55-fold increased chance of benign pathology and a greater chance of angiomyolipoma (OR 4.66) than men. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated several gender-specific differences in benign renal tumors, especially in the histological types. Despite this, clinical-pathological features and management of benign renal tumors in men and women appear more alike than different.

Bladder outlet obstruction in men with acute urinary retention: an urodynamic study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical predictors of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in men with the first episode of spontaneous acute urinary retention (AUR), in order to facilitate patient selection for early de-obstructive prostate surgery. METHODS: A multichannel urodynamic investigation was performed in 156 consecutive men ≥ 50 years five days following AUR. Clinical routine parameters were evaluated for their ability to predict BOO, which was defined as a BOO-index (BOOI) >40. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. A nomogram was constructed from significant variables of a reduced multivariable model. Discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 156 men was 71.6 years, and the mean drained volume was 953 mL. Seventy-two men (46.2 %) had severe AUR-associated pain. On urodynamic evaluation, 79 (50.6 %) were obstructed (BOOI > 40). In multivariable regression analysis, age (p = 0.014) drained volume (p = 0.044) and pain intensity (p < 0.001) were independently associated with BOO. These variables formed the basis of the nomogram, which predicted BOO with a bootstrap-corrected accuracy of 78.2 %. The positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of a 70 % nomogram cutoff was 83, 51, and 90 %, respectively. Decision-curve analysis demonstrated a net benefit with use of the nomogram. CONCLUSIONS: The routine clinical parameters age, drained volume, and pain intensity are independent predictors of BOO in men with AUR. According to our model, patients with a nomogram predicted BOO probability of >70 % might be candidates for early surgery. External validation of the nomogram is advocated.

The CASP8 -652 6N insertion/deletion promoter polymorphism is associated with renal cell carcinoma risk and metastasis.

PURPOSE: Caspase-8 is a key regulator of apoptosis. Its cancer cell antigen induced cell death activity is strongly impacted by the insertion/deletion promoter polymorphism CASP8 -652 6N ins/del (rs3834129). We studied the association of this polymorphism with renal cell carcinoma risk and pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this hospital based case-control study 500 Austrian patients were genotyped, including 250 with renal cell carcinoma, and 250 age and gender matched healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction amplified genomic DNA was evaluated by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and automatic sequencing. We assessed associations with renal cell carcinoma risk and pathological factors, and performed a meta-analysis of the literature. RESULTS: The CASP8 -652 6N ins/del polymorphism was significantly linked to renal cell carcinoma (chi-square for trend = 9.50, p = 0.002). Compared with ins/ins, del/del was associated with a 57% decreased risk of the disease (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26-0.73, p = 0.002). Furthermore, del/del was associated with a lower risk of distant metastases (p <0.05) but not with T stage, N stage or grade. On meta-analysis the CASP8 -652 6N ins/del polymorphism was associated with renal cell carcinoma risk (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The del/del genotype of the CASP8 -652 6N ins/del promoter polymorphism decreases the overall risk of renal cell carcinoma. It may be associated with a decreased risk of metastasis. Larger studies are warranted to validate our findings.

Exit strategies following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): a comparison of surgical outcomes in the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) PCNL Global Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of exit strategies following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using the Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) PCNL Global Study database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two matched data sets were prepared in order to compare stent only versus NT only and TTL versus NT only. Patients were matched on the exit strategy using the following variables: case volume of the center where they underwent PCNL, stone burden, the presence of staghorn stone, size of sheath used at percutaneous access, the presence of bleeding during surgery, and treatment success status. For categorical variables, percentages were calculated and differences between the four groups were tested by the chi-square test. RESULTS: The only significant difference reported between the matched pairs was between NT and stent only groups. NT only PCNL was associated with significantly longer operating times (p = 0.029) and longer hospital stay (p < 0.001) than stent only PCNL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo PCNL with less invasive exit strategy involving a stent only have shorter hospital stay than those who have postoperative NT. The intraoperative course is the primary driver of complications in PCNL and not necessarily the exit strategy.

Urethral buttressing in patients undergoing artificial urinary sphincter surgery.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the safety and feasibility of what we believe to be a novel technique of buttressing the urethra with a fibrin coated collagen fleece in patients undergoing artificial urinary sphincter surgery in the presence of urethral atrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 17 consecutive men were treated with urethral buttressing for urethral atrophy during artificial urinary sphincter surgery. Continence, complications and patient reported outcomes were assessed by preoperative and postoperative pad use, chart review, patient interview and validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Mean ± SD followup was 38 ± 3.0 months (median 34, range 23 to 71). One patient was excluded from further evaluation due to accidental iatrogenic urethral injury elsewhere. At 3-month followup the mean improvement in pad use was 5 ± 0.5 pads (median 5, range 2 to 9). Of 16 patients 9 (56%) and 2 (13%) used 1 and 0 pad per day, respectively. According to the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire, 12 of 16 patients (75%) described their condition as much or very much better after surgery. Mean ± SD postoperative Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and Urogenital Distress Index scores were 2 ± 0.8 (median 1, range 0 to 11) and 4 ± 1.0 (median 3, range 0 to 11), respectively. No intraoperative complications were observed. During followup 2 of 16 patients (13%) underwent placement of a second cuff due to unsatisfactory postoperative continence, 1 (6%) underwent artificial urinary sphincter revision for clean urethral erosion and 1 (6%) underwent revision for pump malfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral buttressing with a collagen fleece appears to be a safe, feasible option for urethral atrophy in patients treated with artificial urinary sphincter implantation or revision.

FloSeal reduces the incidence of lymphoceles after lymphadenectomies in laparoscopic and robot-assisted extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of FloSeal(®) hemostatic matrix in preventing lymphocele development after pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, matched comparison of lymphadenectomies in laparoscopic and robot-assisted extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (ERP) performed with and without FloSeal between January 2008 and October 2009. FloSeal was applied topically in the lymphadenectomy zone immediately after node resection. Cost analysis for lymphocele treatment was performed. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients underwent PLA with ERP (32 with FloSeal, 110 without FloSeal). The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 6.5±4.5 (range 2-20). Median prostate-specific antigen concentration was 8.5 ng/mL (range 1.5-24 ng/mL). There was one (3.1%) symptomatic lymphocele in the FloSeal group compared with 16 (14.5%) in the non-FloSeal group. The median number of lymph nodes removed was 8 (range 5-20) in the FloSeal group and seven (range 3-25) in the non-FloSeal group. The only lymphocele in the FloSeal group was treated with percutaneous drainage alone. In the non-FloSeal group, six symptomatic lymphoceles were managed conservatively-four with percutaneous puncture and six with fenestration after percutaneous drainage. The mean cost per patient of treating symptomatic lymphoceles was €327 ($455) in the FloSeal group (total costs €10,481 [$14,559]) vs €553 ($769) (total costs €60,870 [$84,551]) in the non-FloSeal group. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that the use of FloSeal after lymphadenectomy can reduce the number of symptomatic lymphoceles and is cost-effective.

Perioperative, oncologic, and functional outcomes of laparoscopic renal cryoablation and open partial nephrectomy: a matched pair analysis.

PURPOSE: To directly compare perioperative, oncologic, and functional outcomes of laparoscopic renal cryoablation and open partial nephrectomy using a matched pair analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients who underwent laparoscopic cryoablation for an incidental, solid clinical T(1a)N(0)M(0) renal tumor were matched with 82 patients who received partial nephrectomy in cold ischemia, using optimal matching based on propensity scores, which were created on the basis of preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomic classification of renal tumors (PADUA) score, preoperative glomerular filtration rate, age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index, and sex. Median follow-up was 33.6 months. RESULTS: No differences in the overall incidence of complications (cryoablation, 20%; partial nephrectomy, 17%; P=0.739) and grade of complications (P=0.424) were observed. After cryoablation, local recurrence developed in four patients with renal-cell carcinoma (n=35) after a median duration of 14 months (range 6-18 mos), but none after partial nephrectomy. The 3-year recurrence-free survival probabilities after laparoscopic renal cryoablation vs open partial nephrectomy were 83% vs 100%, respectively (P=0.015). The average decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate during follow-up was 7.8±3.1 mL/min/1.73 m(2) after laparoscopic cryoablation and 9.8±2.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2) after open partial nephrectomy, which was not statistically significant (P=0.602). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative complications and renal functional outcomes of laparoscopic cryoablation and open partial nephrectomy are similar; however, laparoscopic cryoablation confers a substantially higher local recurrence risk of about 17% after 3 years. Therefore, laparoscopic renal cryoablation should be reserved for high-risk patients with decreased life expectancy. Careful patient counseling is advocated. Study limitations include the small sample size, the lack of randomization, and the short follow-up.

Current Limitations and Perspectives in Single Port Surgery: Pros and Cons Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) for Renal Surgery.

Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site surgery (LESS) for kidney diseases is quickly evolving and has a tendency to expand the urological armory of surgical techniques. However, we should not be overwhelmed by the surgical skills only and weight it against the basic clinical and oncological principles when compared to standard laparoscopy. The initial goal is to define the ideal candidates and ideal centers for LESS in the future. Modification of basic instruments in laparoscopy presumably cannot result in better functional and oncological outcomes, especially when the optimal working space is limited with the same arm movements. Single port surgery is considered minimally invasive laparoscopy; on the other hand, when using additional ports, it is no more single port, but hybrid traditional laparoscopy. Whether LESS is a superior or equally technique compared to traditional laparoscopy has to be proven by future prospective randomized trials.