Da Vinci vs. Hugo RAS for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a prospective comparative single-center study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate Hugo RAS against the Da Vinci system for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) in prostate cancer treatment. METHODS: We compared outcomes of 150 patients with prostate cancer undergoing RARP with either Hugo or Da Vinci systems. Our analysis included operative, postoperative, pathological, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Both groups had 75 patients. Baseline characteristics and tumor features were similar. Intraoperatively, Da Vinci had a shorter docking time (10.45 vs. 18.62 min, p = 0.02), but total operative times were comparable (145.34 vs 138.95, p = 0.85). Hugo outperformed in neck dissection and lymphadenectomy times (22 vs 13.67 min, p = 0.027 and 37.82 vs 45.77 min, p = 0.025). Postoperative metrics like stay duration, catheter time, and complications showed no significant difference. Functional results, using IPSS and IIEF5, were similar between systems. Six Da Vinci patients (8%) and nine Hugo patients (12%) experienced social incontinence (p = 0.072). Pathological outcomes like T stage, Gleason Score, and nodes removed were alike. However, Hugo had more positive surgical margins (20% vs. 10.67%, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: RARP outcomes using Hugo RAS were similar to the Da Vinci system in our study. More research and extended follow-up are required to ascertain long-term oncological and functional results.

Organ-Sparing Surgery for Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: A Current Perspective.

Background and Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes of organ-sparing surgery for testicular germ cell tumors, a procedure that seeks to strike a balance between effective cancer control and organ preservation, in the treatment of testicular tumors. We aimed to discuss the surgical technique and complications, and determine the appropriate candidate selection for this approach. Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies on organ-sparing surgery for testicular tumors. Various databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were used. Studies reporting on surgical techniques, complications, and oncologic and functional outcomes were included for analysis. Results: Current evidence suggests that organ-sparing surgery for testicular germ cell tumors can be considered a safe and efficacious alternative to radical orchiectomy. The procedure is associated with adequate oncological control, as indicated by low recurrence rates and low complication rates. Endocrine testicular function can be preserved in around 80-90% of patients and paternity can be achieved in approximately half of the patients. Candidate selection for this surgery is typically based on the following criteria: pre-surgery normal levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, synchronous or metachronous bilateral tumors, tumor in a solitary testis, and tumor size less than 50% of the testis. Conclusions: Organ-sparing surgery for testicular germ cell tumors offers a promising approach that balances oncological control and preservation of testicular function. Further research, including large-scale prospective studies and long-term follow-ups, is warranted to validate the effectiveness and durability of organ-sparing surgery and to identify optimal patient selection criteria.

Does aetiology of urethral stricture influence the survival of the buccal mucosa graft?-comparative study in patients with penile urethral stricture due to lichen sclerosus vs. idiopathic group.

Background: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is one of causes of male urethral stricture, mainly penile or anterior urethra, and frequently associated with phimosis. This disease involves penile skin and surrounding tissues, which might affect long-term graft survival after a substitution urethroplasty. The aim of this study is to assess LS impact on urethral grafts, comparing outcomes in the LS group versus idiopathic urethral stricture. Methods: Retrospective descriptive analysis of male patients who underwent urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft (BMG) at our academic institution during the last decade [2008-2021]. Patients were allocated to LS group or idiopathic group depending on the aetiology of urethral stricture. The LS was confirmed by histology. Data collected included patient baseline characteristics, stricture description, perioperative parameters, surgical technique and outcomes. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess graft survival in both groups, as univariate and multivariate analysis were performed trying to identify independent risk factors for graft survival. Primary outcome was treatment success, defined as the no need for further treatments. Results: Forty-eight male patients underwent substitution urethroplasty, 11 in LS group and 37 in idiopathic group. Baseline characteristics between both groups were different mainly in terms of age and stricture features (length), with larger strictures in LS group (6.8 vs. 3.5 cm). All grafts were procured from buccal mucosa, while no differences in grafts survival were observed between both groups (40.3 vs. 38.4 months). Mean of patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) score was 2.1 in LS group vs. 2.4 in idiopathic group. Age, aetiology and smoking habit seems to be independent risk factors for graft survival, but not in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Patients with LS have longer strictures than idiopathic group. No differences were found in graft survival between both groups and independent risk factor for graft survival were not identified.

[Andrology and penile cancer. Recommendations during COVID-19 pandemia.] / Andrología y cáncer de pene. Recomendaciones durante la pandemia COVID-19.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic which has affected Spain since the beginning of 2020 compels us to determine recomendations for the practice of Andrology in present times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web search is carried out in English and Spanish and a joint proposal is defined by experts in Andrology from different regions of Spain. RESULTS: Most diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in Andrology can be safey postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online consultations and outpatient surgeries must be encouraged. Andrologic emergencies and penile cancer management should be considered high priority, and should be diagnosed and treated promptly even in the most severe phases of the pandemic.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia COVID-19 que ha afectado a España desde comienzos de 2020 obliga a definir unas recomendaciones para la práctica de la Andrología en la actualidad.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realiza una búsqueda web en inglés y español y se define una propuesta conjunta por parte de expertos en Andrología de distintas regiones de España.RESULTADOS: La mayor parte de los procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos en Andrología pueden ser demorados con seguridad durante la pandemia COVID-19. Se debe fomentar la consulta telemática y la cirugía ambulatoria. Las urgencias andrológicas y el manejo del cáncer de pene deben considerarse una prioridad alta, diagnosticándose y tratándose con brevedadi ncluso en las fases más severas de la pandemia.

Andrología y cáncer de pene. Recomendaciones durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Andrology and penile cancer. Recommendations during COVID-19 pandemia

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia COVID-19 que ha afectado a España desde comienzos de 2020 obliga a definir unas recomendaciones para la práctica de la Andrología en la actualidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realiza una búsqueda web en inglés y español y se define una propuesta conjunta por parte de expertos en Andrología de distintas regiones de España. RESULTADOS: La mayor parte de los procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos en Andrología pueden ser demorados con seguridad durante la pandemia COVID-19. Se debe fomentar la consulta telemática y la cirugía ambulatoria. Las urgencias andrológicas y el manejo del cáncer de pene deben considerarse una prioridad alta, diagnosticándose y tratándose con brevedadi ncluso en las fases más severas de la pandemia

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic which has affected Spain since the beginning of 2020 compels us to determine recomendations for the practice of Andrology in present times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web search is carried out in English and Spanish and a joint proposal is defined by experts in Andrology from different regions of Spain. RESULTS: Most diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in Andrology can be safey postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online consultations and outpatient surgeries must be encouraged. Andrologic emergencies and penile cancer management should be considered high priority, and should be diagnosed and treated promptly even in the most severe phases of the pandemic

Penile traction therapy with the new device 'Penimaster PRO' is effective and safe in the stable phase of Peyronie's disease: a controlled multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new penile traction device (PTD), 'Penimaster PRO', in a group of patients with stable Peyronie's disease (PD) compared with a non-intervention group in a multicentre study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 93 patients with chronic stable PD (without erectile dysfunction, with no significant pain, and with a unidirectional curvature of at least 45° being stable for > 3 months) were recruited and followed for a 12-week period. Of these patients, 47 were randomly assigned to the Penimaster PRO group (PG) and 46 to the non-intervention group (NIG). Patients were asked to apply the PTD 3-8 h a day for 12 consecutive weeks, with specific instructions regarding the progressive increase of traction force applied to the penis over time. The primary outcome of the study was the change in the degree of curvature measured in the fully erect state after intracavernosal injection of alprostadil at baseline, 1, 2 and 3 months. Other variables, such as the type of curvature, stretched penile length (SPL), Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) scores, erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile function (IIEF-EF) score and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed in each visit. RESULTS: Forty-one patients in the PG and 39 in the NIG completed the study. There was an overall reduction in curvature of 31.2° (P < 0.001) at 12 weeks compared to baseline in the PG, representing a 41.1% improvement from baseline, which significantly correlated with the number of daily hours the device was applied in a dose-dependent manner. Those patients using the device < 4 h/day experienced a reduction of 15°-25° (mean 19.7°, 28.8% improvement; P < 0.05), while patients using the device > 6 h/day experienced greater curvature reduction, ranging from 20° to 50° (mean of 38.4°, 51.4% improvement; P < 0.001). In contrast, no significant changes in curvature were observed in the NIG. Furthermore, SPL increased significantly in the PG compared to baseline and compared with the NIG, ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 cm (mean 1.8 cm; P < 0.05). The IIEF-EF score also improved in patients in the PG (by a mean of 5 points). Mild AEs occurred in 43% of patients, such as local discomfort and glans numbness. CONCLUSION: The use of the Penimaster PRO PTD, a non-invasive treatment, should be offered to patients with stable PD for 3 consecutive months before performing any corrective surgery, as this provided a significant reduction in the curvature, an increase in penile length and a significant improvement of the symptoms and bother induced by PD.