Long-term psychosexual adjustment of adults born with classic bladder exstrophy.

BACKGROUND: In literature studies exploring long-term psychosexual development and intimacy of adults living with the complex genitourinary conditions associated with classic bladder exstrophy (BE) are scarce, with small sample sizes and lacking in methodology. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine areas of potential psychosexual distress in adults born with classic BE to develop targeted clinical interventions. STUDY DESIGN: The validated Sexrelation Evaluation Schedule Assessment Monitoring (SESAMO) questionnaire was administered to all BE patients aged ≥18 years operated on in our tertiary referral center during infancy. Z-scores were calculated for each area of interest, considering i) gender (female vs male); ii) committed partnership status (singles vs couples); iii) the voiding technique adopted to empty the bladder. RESULTS: A total of 33 (F:M 12:21; singles: couples 11:22) adults with BE were enrolled in the study at a median age of 39 (32-47) years. Overall, BE adults performed the worst regarding psychosexual identity (z-score:-1.282), pleasure (z-score:-0.915) and desire (z-score:-0.583); singles regarding relational attitude (z-score:-1.751) and imaginative eroticism (z-score:-0.806); couples regarding extramarital sexuality (z-score:-1.175) and sexual communication (z-score:-0.255). When it came to gender, females significantly performed worse than males regarding psychosexual identity (-1.645 vs -1.282; p-value:<0.0001) and areas of pleasure (-1.126 vs -0.359; p-value:<0.001). Single females performed worse than males regarding actual masturbation (-0.763 vs 0.583; p-value:<0.05) and better regarding relational attitude (-1.226 vs -1.751; p-value:<0.05). Females in stable relationships performed worse than males regarding actual masturbation (-1.645 vs 0.306; p-value:<0.05) and better regarding sexual intercourse (1.866 vs -0.565; p-value:<0.01). The voiding techniques used to empty the bladder did not show any influence on these results. CONCLUSION: Adults with BE have a greater likelihood of experiencing a wide range of psychosexual difficulties. Identifying the specific areas of psychological distress can help them cope with their medical experience and actual clinical condition and clinicians plan adequate psychological interventions.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in invasive urodynamics, a Delphi consensus of the Italian Society of Urodynamics (SIUD).

INTRODUCTION: Although antibiotic prophylaxis (AB) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in bacteriuria after invasive urodynamics (UDS), no significant decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) has been confirmed. No absolute recommendations on the use of AB in case of relevant potential risk of UTI have been reported, though some categories of patients at increased infective probability after UDS have been recognized. The aim of this study is to report the experts' consensus on the best practice for the use of AB before UDS in the main categories of patients at potential risk of developing UTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed on AB before UDS in males and females. A panel of experts from the Italian Society of Urodynamics, Continence, Neuro-Urology, and Pelvic Floor (SIUD) assessed the review data and decided by a modified Delphi method on 16 statements proposed and discussed by the panel. The cut-off percentage for the consensus was a ≥70% of positive responses to the survey. The study was a Delphi consensus with experts' opinions, not a clinical trial involving directly patients. RESULTS: The panel group was composed of 57 experts in functional urology and UDS, mainly urologists, likewise gynaecologists, physiatrists, infectivologists, pediatric urologists, and nurses. A positive consensus was achieved on 9/16 (56.25%) of the statements, especially on the need for performing AB before UD in patients with neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. Urine analysis and urine culture before UDS are mandatory, and in the event of their positivity, UDS should be postponed. A consensus was reached on avoiding AB in menopausal status, diabetes, age, gender, bladder outlet obstruction, high postvoid residual, chronic catheterization, previous urological surgery, lack of urological abnormalities, pelvic organ prolapse, and negative urine analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for patients without notable risk factors and with a negative urine test due to the potential morbidities that may result from antibiotic administration. However, AB can be used for risk categories such as neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. The evaluation of urine analysis and urine culture and postponing UDS in cases of positive tests were considered good practices, as well as performing AB in the neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression.

A survey on preferences, attitudes, and perspectives of Italian urology trainees: implications of the novel national residency matching program.

BACKGROUND: Since 2014, a new residency program selection process has been established with a national examination. The aim of this study was to assess characteristics, career goals, and practice preferences of current Italian urology residents. METHODS: A web-based survey of 25 items performed from May 2021 to September 2021 was sent to 585 Italian urology residents. Descriptive analyses were conducted to describe the surveys' domains: demographics characteristics, studies, plans for fellowship training, interest in the urology field, and career expectations. RESULTS: Four hundred and one residents completed the online survey (response rate 68.5%). Most residents were male (70.3%), with a median of 29 (IQR 28-31) years. Urology was the first chosen School in 325 (81.0%) cases, and 174 (43.4%) trainees have chosen to remain in the same University. Uro-oncology was the main field, and endourology the main subspeciality of interest, respectively. More than 40.0% of residents expressed a good level of satisfaction for the training urological course. 232 (57.2%) residents were strongly interested in seeking a hospital career, followed by private career (43.4%) and academic career (20%). CONCLUSIONS: After the introduction of the novel national residency matching program the Italian Urology trainees showed a good satisfaction level. Further improvements of the Italian residency programs should be focused on the training network within and outside the main School of Urology.

The impact of prostate biopsy on erectile and ejaculatory function: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact on erectile and ejaculatory function following transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies of the prostate (TRUS-Bx) in sexually active men. METHODS: Monocentric prospective study from May 2021 to January 2022 of consecutive patients with suspected prostate cancer [elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and/or abnormal digital rectal examination] undergoing TRUS-Bx. The 15-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PDET) and short form of Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ-EjD Short Form) were assessed before, one and three months after TRUS-Bx. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the risk of temporary post-biopsy erectile and/or ejaculatory dysfunctions. The statistical significance was set as p value < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 276 consecutive patients were included in the study. The median age, PSA and biopsy cores were 65 years (IQR 59-69), 7 ng/ml (IQR 5-9.7) and 16 (IQR 12-16), respectively. We compared the IIEF subdomains before TRUS-Bx vs. one or three months: the erectile function (EF) decreased after one month (p<0.001) but recovered after three months (p=0.833); the Orgasmic Function (OF), the Sexual Desire (SD), the Intercourse Satisfaction (IS), the Overall Satisfaction (OS), and Total IIEF decreased significantly after both one and three months compared to pre-biopsy values (p < 0.05). As for ejaculatory function (EjF), PDET, MSHQ-EjD Short Form 1, 2, 3 and MSHQ-EjD Short Form 4 scores decreased significantly after one month (p < 0.001), but they returned to pre-biopsy values after 3 months: p = 0.538, p = 0.071 and p = 0.098, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study proved that EF, assessed through IIEF- 15, and ejaculatory function, assessed through PDET and MSHQ-EjD Short Form, were negatively affected by TRUS-Bx one month after the procedure and recovered after three months. Interestingly, the other IIEF-15 subdomains (OF, SD, IS, OS and Total) resulted as significantly reduced also after 3 months: this issue highlights the importance of carefully considering the indication to TRUS-Bx.

Development and validation of the sitting balance assessment for spinal cord injury (SitBASCI).

STUDY DESIGN: Multicentric psychometric study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to introduce the development of the Sitting Balance Assessment for Spinal Cord Injury (SitBASCI) and assess its inter-rater reliability and internal consistency. SETTING: The study was developed among the three Spinal Units of San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, Niguarda Hospital in Milan and AOU Careggi in Florence. METHODS: SitBASCI is a 13-item scale developed to evaluate trunk control in individuals with SCI. Subjects were filmed while performing the 13 items of the scale. The videotapes were submitted to 25 examiners who evaluated patients' performances with the scale. The power of the study was estimated. The interclass correlational coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the inter-rater reliability of the examiner's evaluations regarding each item and the total. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency of the scale and internal consistency of the scale on the eliminated item. RESULTS: The study showed to have a significant power. The inter-rater reliability for the total score was ptot = 0.997 (item's values were p = 0.876-0.998). The internal consistency of the scale was alpha = 0.925, while the internal consistency of the scale on the eliminated item was alpha = 0.912-0.930. CONCLUSION: SitBASCI had a high inter-rater reliability and internal consistency. Items had also good inter-rater reliability and item-total correlation. Therefore, SitBASCI could be proposed as a good and reliable instrument for Italian clinicians to evaluate sitting balance and trunk control in patient with SCI despite of aetiology and level of injury.

Prostatic artery embolization in people with spinal cord injury: a safe and effective technique to ease intermittent catheterization in case of concomitant benign prostatic hyperplasia.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series. OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) to reduce prostate volume (PV) and facilitate intermittent catheterization (IC) in individuals with concurrent benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Italian tertiary referral center for people with SCI. METHODS: We retrospectively collected all data of individuals undergoing PAE from 2015 to 2020 because of BPH-related problems during IC. PAE was performed under local anesthesia with superselective catheterization of the prostatic arteries. Technical success was defined as bilateral embolization. We determined pre- and post-procedural PV by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: We considered 10 cases with tetraplegia (n = 5) and paraplegia (n = 5). Nine (90%) procedures were technically successful, while we performed monolateral PAE in one case. The median pre-procedural PV was 61 mL. After 6 months, all patients experienced significant PV reduction (median: 19.6%), and 7/7 patients with indwelling urinary catheter started successfully IC. Neither intra- nor post-procedural complications occurred within a median follow-up of 33 months. CONCLUSIONS: PAE proved to be a safe and effective treatment for BPH to facilitate IC in people with SCI. Considering the minimal morbidity of PAE, further multi-center studies are mandatory to draw definitive conclusions and warrant its widespread adoption in this population.

Semi-closed-circuit vacuum-assisted mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the pediatric population: the initial experience of two tertiary referral centers.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold-standard for complex renal stones treatment in the pediatric population. While the miniaturization of PCNL reduces the risk of bleeding, it can hinder surgical and functional outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess the safety and feasibility of semi-closed-circuit vacuum-assisted Mini-PCNL (vmPCNL) in pediatric patients. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2018, we prospectively collected data on consecutive vmPCNLs from two European tertiary referral centers. The procedure was performed with the ClearPetra® (Well Lead Medical Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China) access sheath equipped with a lateral arm connected to the aspiration system (pressure setting ~120-150 cmH2O) by a 200 Ml plastic stone collector. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data and costs were analyzed. The stone-free rate (SFR) was defined as absence of residual fragments >4 mm with either ultrasound or kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray. RESULTS: Eighteen vmPCNLs were performed in 16 renal units of 13 children. The median age was 119 months (IQR: 97-160) and the weight was 29 Kg (IQR: 25-40). The median cumulative stone size was 32 mm (22-46) with 8 (44.4%) cases of staghorn stones. The OT was 128 min (IQR: 99-167). The basketing was unnecessary in 6/18 (33%) cases. Neither intra-operative complications nor blood transfusions occurred. Postoperative fever was observed in 5/18 (27.8%) cases; in one case a double J ureteral stent was placed for concomitant hydronephrosis. The SFR was 81.3% (13/16), rising to 93.8% (15/16) after ancillary procedures. The materials costs of a vmPCNL (734.8 €) were comparable to mini-PCNL using a reusable set (710.7 €). CONCLUSIONS: The vmPCNL seems to be sustainable, safe and feasible for kidney stones treatment in the pediatric population.

Case report of life-threatening complications following cystectomy in a woman with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction treated with indwelling bladder catheter for about 30 years.

Patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), specially with indwelling bladder catheter (iBC), have an increased risk of developing bladder stones, incomplete bladder emptying, recurrent urinary tract infections, sepsis, urethral trauma and bladder cancer. We present the case of a patient with a large bladder stone in iatrogenic NLUTD treated with iBC for about 30 years, who underwent a cystectomy followed by several life-threatening complications.

The Malone antegrade continence enema adapting a transanal irrigation system in patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with severe neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) may undergo the Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) surgery to perform antegrade bowel irrigation (ABI). The standard approach may be prevented by a previous appendectomy or complicated by appendicular stenoses and/or stomal leakages. We present the experience by our tertiary referral center for NBD, adopting a modified surgical technique, based on a neoappendix with the terminal ileum to preserve the natural anti-reflux mechanism of the ileocecal valve and avoid stool leakage, and a largely available transanal irrigation (TAI) system to catheterize the neoappendix and perform ABI. CASE PRESENTATION: Three individuals with NBD successfully underwent our modified MACE program. Case 1 had cauda equina syndrome. He underwent surgery at 40. Case 2 was a man who suffered from spinal cord dysfunction due to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, functionally T12 AIS B, at 57. Case 3 was a man with traumatic L1 AIS B paraplegia. At 60 he underwent surgery after 29 years since the injury. He needed a surgical revision due to a postoperative subcutaneous infection. After 121, 84 and 14 months from surgery, the three individuals performed ABI every 2 days, presented functional stomas, had no fecal incontinence, and reported an NBD score of 6, compared to 40, 33 and 35 pre-operatively. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of MACE combining a tapered terminal ileum conduit and an adapted TAI system. Our approach proved to be a safe and effective strategy for severe NBD avoiding a colostomy.

Semi-closed-circuit vacuum-assisted MiniPCNL system in pediatric patients.

Surgical treatment of kidney stones has changed over the years. The use of Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (MiniPCNL) instrumentation is associated with a reduction of major complications but it lengthens the operative time (OT). This limit may be overcome by a semi-closed-circuit vacuum-assisted MiniPCNL system, characterized by a continuous inflow and a suction-controlled outflow. We present our initial experience in pediatric patients who underwent PCNL using a 12 Fr nephroscope and a 16-Fr-large nephrostomy sheath, equipped with a lateral arm connected to suction. We used Holmium laser lithotripsy and performed lapaxy by drawing back slowly the nephroscope inside the sheath until the opening of the lateral aspiration arm, without using other devices. The stone-free rate (SFR) was assessed at 4 weeks. We included 12 procedures in 8 patients with a median age of 119 months and a median weight of 27 Kg. The median OT was 108 min and the SFR was 80%. No intra-operative complications occurred, while minor post-operative complications occurred after 4/12 procedures. These preliminary data in pediatric population showed the employed system is a safe and effective approach to treat complex kidney stones with a satisfactory SFR and a low OT.

Substitution Phalloplasty in Patients With Bladder Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex: A Systematic Review of Techniques, Complications and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Males born with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex generally have a shorter phallus, split corpora with dorsal curvature, and a scarred and flattened glans, so substitution phalloplasty is often required. AIM: The aim of this study was to review the techniques, complications, and outcomes of substitution phalloplasty in bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex patients to determine the ideal surgical procedure and gauge the risks and benefits for the patient. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library with the following terms: ("phalloplasty"); (("epispadias") OR ("bladder exstrophy") OR ("cloacal exstrophy")). We included only full-text articles reporting data about techniques and outcomes of substitution phalloplasty in patients with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex. OUTCOMES: To determine whether patients with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex might benefit from substitution phalloplasty. RESULTS: We selected 7 studies involving 47 patients. All the studies were characterized by a low level of evidence and a heterogeneous approach during treatment and outcome assessment. The free radial forearm flap was the most commonly performed technique (89%) with an overall complication rate of 15%. Urethroplasty was performed in 22 of 47 (47%) patients, and in most cases (20/22) a "tube-within-the-tube" technique was performed simultaneously with the phalloplasty (20/47). Urethroplasty complications were recorded in 12 of 22 (54%) patients with 6 fistulae and 6 stenoses. A penile prosthesis was implanted in 32 of 47 (68%) patients and complications occurred in 8 of 32 (25%) patients with 6 erosion. Aesthetic, sexual, and psychological outcomes were satisfactory, but none of the studies used validated instruments for the final assessment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It was not possible to formulate any recommendations based on a high level of evidence regarding substitution phalloplasty in patients with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex. STRENGTH & LIMITATION: To our knowledge, this is the first review to address bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex patients only. The limitations are mainly represented by the small number of cases because of the rarity of this disease and by the fact that no studies used validated instruments. CONCLUSION: Substitution phalloplasty in patients with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex can achieve good functional, aesthetic, psychological, and sexual outcomes. It requires multiple procedures and carries a high complication rate. Multicentric studies including the assessment of patients by means of a validated questionnaire which investigates both sexual function and psychosexual satisfaction are required. Berrettini A, Sampogna G, Gnech M, et al. Substitution Phalloplasty in Patients With Bladder Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex: A Systematic Review of Techniques, Complications, and Outcomes. J Sex Med 2021;18:400-409.

Spinal cord dysfunction after COVID-19 infection.

INTRODUCTION: We observed individuals affected by spinal cord dysfunction (SCD) after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of our report is to provide our initial experience with individuals experiencing SCD after COVID-19 in a referral center in Northern Italy, from February 21 to July 15, 2020. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on three men with SCD after COVID-19. Case 1, aged 69 years, experienced T10 AIS B paraplegia upon awakening due to spinal cord ischemia from T8 to conus medullaris, besides diffuse thromboses, 27 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Case 2, aged 56 years, reported progressive cervicalgia 29 days after COVID-19 onset associated with C3 AIS C tetraplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a C4-C6 spinal epidural abscess (SEA) requiring a C3-C4 left hemilaminectomy. Case 3, aged 48 years, reported backache together with lower limb muscle weakness on day 16 after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Exam revealed T2 AIS A paraplegia and an MRI showed a T1-T7 SEA. He underwent a T3-T4 laminectomy. Prior to SCD, all three individuals suffered from respiratory failure due to COVID-19, required mechanical ventilation, had cardiovascular risk factors, experienced lymphopenia, and received tocilizumab (TCZ). DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of SCD after COVID-19. Based on our experience, we did not observe a direct viral infection, but there were two different etiologies. In Case 1, the individual developed spinal cord ischemia, whereas in Cases 2 and 3 SEAs were likely related to the use of TCZ used to treat COVID-19.

Experience of a tertiary referral center in managing bladder cancer in conjunction with neurogenic bladder.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to present our experience with the management of bladder cancer (BCa) in individuals followed for neurogenic bladder (NB). SETTING: An Italian tertiary referral center for NB. METHODS: We retrospectively collected all pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative data of our NB cases with BCa, diagnosed from 2004 to 2019. RESULTS: We included ten cases: eight with acquired spinal cord injury (SCI) and two with myelomeningocele (MMC). Considering individuals with acquired SCI, the median age at BCa diagnosis and time since SCI were 53 and 34 years, respectively. One out of seven cases had positive urine cytology. All cases underwent a radical cystectomy, diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and transitional cell carcinoma in 60 and 40% cases, respectively. Surgical-related complications occurred after 90% procedures. Three out of eight individuals with acquired SCI died 2, 12, and 80 months after the diagnosis. Both individuals with MMC presented no evidence of disease after 24 and 27 months. CONCLUSIONS: BCa in individuals with NB proved to be associated with a diagnosis at an advanced stage and a high rate of surgical complications. In this population we advocate annual genitourinary ultrasound exam and urine cytology, and cystoscopy in all cases of macrohematuria. Considering the low accuracy of urine cytology and the difficult-to-interpret inflamed bladder walls at cystoscopy in NB, a patient-tailored follow-up schedule based on specific risk factors (e.g., smoking status, indwelling urinary catheter) is mandatory to diagnose and treat BCa at an early stage.

Shock wave lithotripsy for a renal stone in a tetraplegic patient as a trigger for life-threatening posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is considered a non-invasive treatment for urinary stones and usually advocated for frail patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). We report a life-threatening complication, called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), in a tetraplegic person who underwent SWL for a small renal stone. Based on our experience, we recommend performing SWL with caution in SCI patients and in tertiary referral hospitals that can promptly manage similar severe complications.

Computer-Assisted Lead Placement for Peripheral Nerve Evaluation Test in a Candidate for Sacral Neuromodulation.

Our aim was to report the first case of computer-assisted lead placement (CALP) for a peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) test in a 55-year-old woman affected by chronic pelvic pain, who was a candidate for sacral neuromodulation (SNM). The first PNE test failed due to nonoptimal lead placement. We utilized a surgical navigation system (SNS) with electromagnetic tracking to guide the lead placement to the S3 right nerve roots. Neither intra- nor postoperative complications occurred. After 2 weeks, the patient reported >50% symptom improvement, so she was recommended to receive a definitive SNM implant. Our case report demonstrated the feasibility and safety of CALP for the PNE test. Since the use of an SNS may guide easy and precise lead placement along the S3 afferent nerve roots, further studies are mandatory to outline the advantages and limits of this innovative technique.

A consecutive series of patients undergoing trans-urethral cystolithotripsy with ballistic lithotripsy by a tertiary referral center for neurogenic bladder.

Background and aim of the work Patients with neurogenic bladder (NB) have an increased risk of developing bladder stones due to bladder catheter, incomplete bladder emptying, recurrent urinary tract infections, and immobilization. In these patients, minimally invasive treatments are usually adopted, as noninvasive extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is limited by the risk of not clearing all stone fragments, and open surgery is usually discouraged. The aim of our study was to present our experience with trans-urethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL) in patients treated by a tertiary referral center for NB. Methods We retrospectively collected pre-, intra- and post-operative data from our patients, who underwent TUCL from October 2013 to October 2019. The procedure was performed with a 24 Fr cystoscope and a ballistic lithotripter. Lapaxy was performed with Ellik bladder evacuator. All procedures were performed by two expert surgeons. Stone-free rate (SFR) was defined as the percentage of patients with absence of residual fragments > 2 mm in diameter. Results We performed consecutively 90 TUCLs in 75 patients during the selected period. SFR was 94.1%. Intra- and post-operative complications occurred in one (1.1%) patient. Our statistical analysis outlined the SFR was affected in a statistically significant way by sex, NB etiology, stone cumulative diameter, and operative time. Conclusion Our series proved the safety and efficacy of TUCL with ballistic lithotripsy in NB patients. Further multicenter randomized controlled trials are mandatory to validate definitively TUCL as the gold standard therapy for bladder urolithiasis in NB patients, and to identify risk factors limiting the SFR.

Impact of Surgical Experience on Radiation Exposure during Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: A Propensity-Score Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of surgical experience on radiation exposure (RE) during endourological procedures has been poorly investigated. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of surgical experience on fluoroscopy time (FT) and RE during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The study included 140 patients who underwent RIRS performed either by a senior surgeon (expertise of >100 RIRSs) (group A) or by two junior residents (expertise of <15 RIRSs) (group B) between January 2016 and May 2018. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We tested the hypothesis that surgical experience had a limited impact on RE during RIRS. To adjust for potential baseline confounders, propensity-score matching was performed. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models tested the association between clinical variables and FT and patients' effective doses. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: There was no significant difference between the two groups for baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics. Overall FT (p=0.97) and effective dose (p=0.79) did not differ between groups. A statistically significant association was found between male sex (all p<0.03), stone burden (all p<0.001), operative time (all p<0.003), and postoperative double-J placement (all p<0.02) with both FT and effective dose. Linear multivariable analysis revealed that body mass index was significantly associated with effective dose (p=0.002). Similarly, longer operative time (all p<0.03) and double-J placement (all p<0.04) were significantly associated with increased FT and effective dose. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical experience has a limited impact on FT and RE during RIRS. Longer operative time and double-J placement were associated with increased FT and effective dose. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study, we assessed whether surgical experience affects fluoroscopy time and patient's effective dose during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). We found that radiation exposure (RE) was not affected by surgeon's experience and that the standardisation of the surgical technique at the beginning of the learning curve of young surgeons may represent the key factor in reducing RE during RIRS.