Multimodular robotic systems (Hugo RAS and Versius CMR) for pelvic surgery: tasks and perspectives from the bed-side assistant.

The Hugo RAS and Versius are new robotic systems with a multimodular configuration, requiring a dedicated positioning of units, arms and trocars. While promising flexibility and multiquadrant opportunities-with an enhanced range of motion-the presence of multiple units around the patient should be effectively managed by the assistant and requires a new background of tasks. The article represents a practical guide while providing an overview on assistants' perspectives.

Prior Robotic Console Expertise May Improve Basic Skills at the New Hugo RAS Simulator: Results from a Cohort Trial and Implications for Skill Transference Across Platforms.

Background: Robot-assisted surgery ensures minimal invasiveness; since the expiry of the Da Vinci patent, new robotic systems have entered the market. Recently, the Hugo RAS received CE approval for several surgical procedures. However, more is needed to know about skill acquisition at the new simulator. Objective: This study aims to analyse the factors impacting basic surgical skills at the Hugo RAS simulator. Design setting and participants: We present a cross-sectional study involving 71 participants of different backgrounds invited to a hands-on session with the Hugo RAS simulator voluntarily. All of them had no prior expertise with the system. Participants were recruited among medical/nurse students, residents, and laparoscopic and robotic surgeons. Intervention: All participants underwent a hands-on "pick and place" exercise at the Hugo RAS simulator; the metrics of a second-round pick and place exercise were recorded. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Metrics were analysed with regard to the following variables: demographics, videogame use, and prior surgical experience (no surgical expertise, experience with laparoscopy, and experience with robotic console). Results and limitations: All participants completed the test. Of them, 77.5% were naïve to surgery, 8.5% had prior laparoscopic expertise, and 14.1% had prior robotic console experience. The time to complete the pick and place exercise was significantly lower (p < 0.001) among prior robotic surgeons (38 s, interquartile range [IQR] 34-45) compared with both naïve participants (61 s, IQR 53-71) and laparoscopists (93 s, IQR 53-162). The overall score of the exercise decreased with age (p = 0.046); however, the overall scores were significantly and steadily higher among surgeons experienced in robotic consoles across all age groups (p = 0.006). Neither gender (p = 0.7) nor videogame use (p = 0.9) correlated significantly with the metrics. Conclusions: This is the first study analysing factors impacting basic skill acquisition at a new robotic simulator. Experience with robotic consoles may represent a major factor, raising the hypothesis of the transferability of basic robotic skills across different robotic systems. Further studies are required to explore this issue. Patient summary: In the present study, we analysed which characteristics may affect the basic surgical skills at a novel robotic platform.

First case of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction with the Hugo RAS system: step-by-step surgical setup and technique.

Robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is a standard option for the treatment of bladder cancer. Currently, novel platforms are entering the market and the Hugo RAS (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) is a new system consisting of an open console with 3D-HD screen and a multi-modular fashion. Even if several series are already available for radical prostatectomy, to now a full description of RARC performed with Hugo RAS is still lacking. We report the first case of RARC with intracorporeal neobladder performed with the Hugo RAS-and another case of RARC with ureterostomy. Both patients were affected by MIBC. Case 1 was a 61-year-old patient without comorbidities (CCI 4), in which a Bordeaux ileal neobladder was scheduled after previous NAC. The second was the case of a 70-year-old one with CCI 7 and BMI 35; in this case, a ureterostomy was planned. Details of the robotic system: one 11 mm endoscope port was placed on the midline 2 cm above the umbilicus. Another two 8 mm robotic ports were symmetrically placed under vision on a transversal line-located 1 cm below the umbilicus. A third robotic port was positioned on the left side in a W configuration. All ports were located at least 9 cm between each other. Finally, two assistant ports were positioned in the right abdominal site. All arm-carts were parked 45-60 cm from the operative bed, before the docking process begins. Three arm-carts were parked on the left side, the assistant and the scrub nurse worked on the right side, while the energy tower stayed at the foot of the bed, according to the previous description of Hugo RAS robotic radical prostatectomy. The endoscope arm-cart is docked first, then the adjacent left carts are docked; finally, the surgeon's right-hand cart is docked from the right side of the bed. The docking angles and tilt we applied were: endoscope: 175°; minus 45°; surgeon left hand 140°; minus 30°; surgeon right hand 225°; minus 30°; fourth arm 125°; plus 15°. The instruments we used were those fitting our conventional four-instrument setup for RARC: monopolar shears, Maryland forceps, needle driver and Cadiere as the fourth arm. The procedures were completed without technical errors or technological failures-requiring a change in surgical strategy. Docking time was approximately 35 min; console time up to urethral dissection was 150 and 140 min in Case 1 and 2. The time for pelvic nodal dissection was approximately 37 min for both. The multi-modularity fashion of the Hugo RAS allowed an easy management of the bowel in Case 1; the absence of robotic staplers required the use of the laparoscopic ones, managed by an adjunctive assistant with room within the cart. In conclusion, RARC with the Hugo RAS is a feasible procedure able to reproduce all surgical steps without critical errors or complications requiring a change in surgical planning. Urinary diversion with intracorporeal reconstruction is feasible as well, with adequate preliminary outcomes.

Impact of hands-on practice with HugoRAS and Versius System simulators on the attractiveness of robotic surgery among medical and nurse undergraduate students.

The scenario of robotic surgery is rapidly evolving with the introduction of new robotic systems. A structured learning program in robotic surgery during academic education is often lacking, especially for undergraduates; as a result, many students may be unaware of indications to robotic surgery and technological progress. The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge and interest toward robotic surgery of medical and nurse students, and to analyze how the attractiveness may change after a hand-on training course with new simulators of Hugo RAS and Versius System. We performed a cross-sectional study involving medical and nurse students recruited on a voluntary basis at ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo, Milan; participants were invited to join a hands-on practice simulation with the Hugo RAS and/or Versius Trainer Simulator. Before the hand-on exercise, students were asked to fulfill an online anonymous questionnaire addressing knowledge and interest toward robotic surgery. After a 2-h hands-on exercises at the Hugo RAS and/or at the Versius Trainer simulator (preceded by a brief lecture on robotic surgery and new systems), participants were asked to complete a second-round questionnaire to evaluate changes in attractiveness toward robotic surgery. Data were recorded in a database; after a descriptive analysis of the variables, median values were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test, frequencies with the Fisher's exact test and in the case of paired observations (before and after the simulation), the Mc Nemar test was used. Forty-one undergraduates agreed to participate. Twenty-three nursing students and 18 medical students were recruited. Some of them had a basic knowledge in robotic surgery and were able to figure out some surgical indications, given the presence of a robotic program already settled up at the institution. Before the hands-on course, 44.0% nurse students and 36.6% of medical students were interested in surgical disciplines and robotic surgery. After the simulation, all students (100%) reported a high level of interest in robotic surgery and some of them required for a dedicated internship (p < 0.001). The students provided also feedback on the perceived ease-of-use of the robotic simulators (on a scale 0-10); overall, the median score was 8, IQR [7-8], with no differences between nursing and medical students (p = 0.482). In conclusion, the study demonstrates a great interest toward robotic surgery as a part of medical and nurse education. A hands-on simulation further improved the interest of undergraduates from both backgrounds. The technological progress with the availability of new surgical systems will be the future challenge of training programs and should be considered at all levels of education.

Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Single-Center Experience and a Narrative Review of Recent Evidence.

Radical cystectomy represents one of the most challenging surgical procedures, exhibiting a high morbidity rate. The transition to minimally invasive surgery in the field has been steep, due to either the technical complexity and prior concerns of atypical recurrences and/or peritoneal spread. More recently, a larger series of RCTs has proven the oncological safety of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Beyond survival outcomes, the comparison between RARC and open surgery in terms of peri-operative morbidity is still ongoing. We present a single-center experience of RARC with intracorporeal urinary diversion. Overall, 50% of patients had an intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction. The series confirms a low rate of complications (Clavien Dindo ≥ IIIa 7.5%) and wound infections (2.5%) and the absence of thromboembolic events. No atypical recurrences were found. To discuss these outcomes, we reviewed the literature related to RARC including level-1 evidence. PubMed and Web of Science searches were performed using the medical subject terms "robotic radical cystectomy" and "randomized controlled trial (RCT)". Six unique RCTs comparing robot and open surgery were found. Two clinical trials dealt with RARC with an intracorporeal reconstruction of UD. Pertinent clinical outcomes are summarized and discussed. In conclusion, RARC is a complex but feasible procedure. The transition from extracorporeal urinary diversion (UD) to a complete intracorporeal reconstruction could be the key to improving peri-operative outcomes and reducing the whole morbidity of the procedure.

Sexual and ejaculatory function after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate: a single-center experience.

Currently available surgical treatments for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) due to Benign Prostatic Obstruction (BPO) are associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The aim of our study is to compare sexual and ejaculatory function after Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate (B-TUEP). We performed a retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected from 62 (44.9%) and 76 (55.1%) patients who underwent HoLEP and B-TUEP, respectively. Erectile function and ejaculation characteristics were assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory function (MSHQ-EJ) questionnaires. Our study recorded no change in erectile function and no significant difference in rates of preserved antegrade ejaculation after both surgeries. One month after surgery, rates of physical pain/discomfort and perceived decreased physical pleasure during ejaculation were higher in HoLEP than B-TUEP patients (all p < 0.03). Moreover, HoLEP patients were more bothered by their ejaculatory difficulties than B-TUEP men (p = 0.03). At 3- and 12-months follow-up, all ejaculation-related differences disappeared. In conclusion, both procedures are valid alternatives for BPO treatment as they offer comparable urinary and sexual outcomes in the long term. However, in the first month after surgery, HoLEP patients present with more ejaculatory difficulties.

Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate: Is it a size-independent endoscopic treatment option for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia?

BACKGROUND: Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate (B-TUEP) is recommended as a first-choice treatment for benign prostatic obstruction in prostates >80 ml. Differently, B-TUEP is only considered as an alternative option after TURP for smaller prostates (30-80 ml). The aim of our study is to assess the relation between prostate size and surgical outcomes after B-TUEP. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data collected from 172 patients submitted to B-TUEP. Patients were segregated according to tertiles of prostate volume (PV) (≤60 ml, 61-110 ml, >110 ml). For each group we evaluated enucleation efficacy (enucleated weight/enucleation time), complication rates, urinary and sexual function parameters. Functional and sexual parameters were compared between groups at baseline, 1 and 3 months follow up. Descriptive statistics and linear and logistic regression models tested the association between PV and postoperative complications/outcomes. RESULTS: Operative time and weight of enucleated adenomas increased along with prostate volumes (all p≤0.01). Enucleation efficacy was higher in men with PV >110 ml compared to other groups (p≤0.001). Length of hospital stay, catheterization time and rates of postoperative complications, such as transfusion and clot evacuation rates and bladder neck/urethral strictures, were comparable between groups. Urinary symptoms improved at 1-and 3-months in each group as compared to baseline evaluation (all p<0.01) but they did not differ according to PV. In each group maximum urinary flow and post-void residual volume significantly improved at 3 months compared to baseline (all p≤0.01), without differences according to PV. Sexual symptoms were similar between groups at each follow up assessment. At multivariable linear and logistic regression analysis, prostate volume was not associated with postoperative functional outcomes and complications. Conversely, patient's comorbid status and antiplatelet/anticoagulation use were independently associated with postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, B-TUEP should be considered a "size independent procedure" as it can provide symptom relief in men with prostates of all sizes with the same efficacy and safety profile.

Endoscopic repair of a vesicouterine fistula with the injection of microfragmented autologous adipose tissue (Lipogems®).

Vesicouterine fistula (VUF) is a rare extra-anatomical communication developing between the uterus or cervix and the urinary bladder, most commonly after an iatrogenic injury during a cesarean section. Patients with VUF may have various clinical presentations, ranging from Youssef's syndrome (vaginal urine leakage, amenorrhea, and menouria) to urinary tract infection and infertility. Quality of life for patients having this pathology is strongly affected owing to the psychological burden. Treatment is surgery based because low success rates have been reported for conservative or minimally invasive approaches. Herein, we present a case of a 35-year-old woman successfully treated by a minimally invasive endoscopic repair procedure with the injection of microfragmented autologous adipose tissue (Lipogems®).

Clinical Comparison of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate and Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate in Patients Under Either Anticoagulation or Antiplatelet Therapy.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients who require surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia are under either anticoagulation (AC) or antiplatelet (AP) therapy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and morbidity of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) in patients who required AC/AP therapy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study included 296 (67.6%) and 142 (32.4%) patients who underwent HoLEP and B-TUEP, respectively. The AC/AP group included patients whose AP therapy was not interrupted pre-, peri-, and/or postoperatively, and patients who underwent perioperative AC therapy bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin. INTERVENTION: HoLEP and B-TUEP. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We tested the hypothesis that AC/AP therapy had a limited impact on the efficacy of HoLEP and B-TUEP. To adjust for potential baseline confounders, propensity-score matching was performed. Clinical characteristics were compared among groups using the Kruskal-Wallis or chi-square test. Logistic regression analyses tested the association between clinical variables and the odds of Clavien-Dindo ≥2 complications after surgery. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 28 (9.5%) and 46 (15.5%) patients in the HoLEP group and 15 (10.5%) and 24 (16.9%) men in the B-TUEP group had AC and AP therapy, respectively (p=0.9). HoLEP patients under either AC or AP therapy deserved longer catheter maintenance and a longer hospital stay (HS) than those without AC/AP therapy (all p≤0.01). Operative time, rates of postoperative complications, and 2-mo International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) were similar between patients with and without AC/CP. Among B-TUEP patients, HS was longer (p=0.03) and the rate of complications was higher (p<0.001) in patients under AC or AP therapy. Postoperative haemoglobin drop and 2-mo IPSS were similar among groups and surgical techniques. Limitations are the retrospective nature of the study, and the lack of long-term complications and functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP and B-TUEP can safely be performed in patients deserving continuous AP/AC therapy with only a slight increase in HS and catheterisation time. PATIENT SUMMARY: We assessed the safety and efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) in men under chronic anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy. Both HoLEP and B-TUEP could safely be performed as minimally invasive treatment options in this subset of patients at a high risk of bleeding from benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery.

Life-threatening Double-J stent migration with helicoidal appearance: Length matters.

BACKGROUND: The Double-J stent is one of the most commonly used devices in urologic practice. Due to its widespread use, numerous common complications have been reported, such as irritative symptoms, infection, and encrustation. More rare complications have also been described, such as up or downward migration and displacement outside the urinary tract. We present a rare case of downward migration of a Double-J stent in a 21-year-old Caucasian female. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old female with a solitary kidney presented to the emergency department with acute renal failure, left flank pain, and fever. She had undergone left Double-J stenting 1 week earlier in her homeland for left renal colic and anuria. A kidney-ureter-bladder X-ray revealed a 10-mm lumbar ureteral stone and the proximal coil of the Double-J stent making multiple loops along the ureter, resulting in a helical appearance. She underwent surgery to remove the previous stent and to place a new one. She was discharged 2 days later and her renal function had returned to normal values at her 1-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Double-J Stent placement is a common procedure in the management of urinary tract diseases but is not devoid of life-threatening complications. Regular follow-up of stents and on-time evaluation of clinical complaints are mandatory for an aggressive treatment of complications.

Spontaneous upper urinary tract rupture caused by ureteric stones: a prospective high-volume single centre observational study and proposed management / Rotura espontanea del tracto urinario superior causada por litiasis ureteral: Estudio prospectivo observacional en un único centro de alto volumen y propuesta de manejo

Objective: To evaluate incidence, clinical, radiological and laboratory features of spontaneous upper urinary tract rupture (s-UUTR) due to ureteric stones and discuss their management. Methods: Out of 1629 patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) for renal colic from January 2015 to December 2016 and studied by kidney US and contrast enhanced CT (CECT), 31 patients had a s-UUTR categorized in 3 stages: a) local spread, b) free fluid, c) urinoma. Presentation, therapeutic procedures and outcomes were registered. Results: S-UUTR is reported in 1.9% of renal colic. The stone was most commonly identified at the vesicoureteric junction (VUJ) (61.3%) and mean (standard deviation, SD) stone size was 5.71 mm (2.31). S-UUTR was most frequently located in a calyx (54.84%). 26 patients (83.87%) had a clinical presentation of a renal colic, 3 cases (9.68%) had an atypical presentation and 2 (6.45%) presented an acute abdomen. In 26 cases a J-J stent (83,87%) was placed, 3 patients underwent primary ureteroscopic lithotripsy (9.67%); in 1 patient (3.23%) a nephrostomy was inserted and in 1 case (3.23%) active surveillance was adopted. Cases who underwent sole urinary derivation were revaluated after 30 days: ureteroscopic lithotripsy was performed in 48.15% of the cases; extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in 3.7%; in 22.2% of cases a CT demonstrated the spontaneous expulsion of the stone. 7 patients were lost at follow-up. The patient undergoing an active surveillance spontaneously expelled the stone. Conclusions: S-UUTR is a rare radiological sign of a renal colic most commonly located in a calyceal fornix. A high incidence of s-UUTR is caused by small distal ureteral stones in which a spontaneous passage is reasonable. Clinical presentation usually does not arise the suspicion of s-UUTR. In our experience, most patients were actively treated with good results but a conservative approach can be offered in selected cases

Objetivo: Evaluar la incidencia, las características clínicas, radiológicas y de laboratorio de la rotura espontanea del tracto urinario superior (re-TUS) debido a litiasis ureterales y discutir su manejo. Métodos: De 1629 pacientes admitidos en el Departamento de Urgencias por cólico renal entre enero 2015 y diciembre 2016 estudiados con ecografía renal y TAC con contraste, 31 pacientes presentaron re-TUS categorizada en 3 estadios: a) difusión local, b) líquido libre y c) urinoma. Se registraron la presentación, los procedimientos terapéuticos y los resultados. Resultados: Se comunica la re-TUS en 1,9% de los cólicos renales. La localización más frecuente de la litiasis es la unión ureterovesical (61,3%) y el tamaño medio (DE) fue de 5,71 mm (2,31). La localización más frecuente de la re-TUS fue en un cáliz (54,84%). En 26 pacientes (83,87%) la presentación clínica fue cólico renal, 3 (9,68%) una presentación atípica y 2 (6,45%) abdomen agudo. En 26 casos (83,87%) se colocó un catéter doble J, 3 pacientes fueron sometidos a ureteroscopia y litotricia in situ (9,67%); en 1 paciente (3,23%) se insertó una nefrostomía y en otro (3,23%) se adoptó la vigilancia activa. Los casos con derivación urinaria fueron reevaluados a los 30 días: se realizó ureteroscopia con litotricia en 48,15%, litotricia extracorporea por ondas de choque (LEOC) en 3,7%; en el 22,2% de los pacientes la TAC demostró la expulsión espontánea de la litiasis. 7 pacientes se perdieron en el seguimiento. El paciente sometido a vigilancia activa expulsó la litiasis espontáneamente. Conclusiones: La re-TUS es un signo radiológico raro del cólico renal localizado con mayor frecuencia en un fornix calicial. Las litiasis pequeñas del uréter distal en las que una expulsión espontanea es razonable, causan una alta incidencia de re-TUS. La presentación clínica no levanta habitualmente la sospecha de re-TUS. En nuestra experiencia, la mayoría de los pacientes fueron tratados activamente con buenos resultados, aunque se puede ofrecer tratamiento conservador en casos seleccionados

Spontaneous upper urinary tract rupture caused by ureteric stones: A prospective high-volume single centre observational study and proposed management. / Rotura espontanea del tracto urinario superior causada por litiasis ureteral: Estudio prospectivo observacional en un único centro de alto volumen y propuesta de manejo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate incidence, clinical, radiological and laboratory features of spontaneous upper urinary tract rupture (s-UUTR) due to ureteric stones and discuss their management. METHODS: Out of 1629 patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) for renal colic from January 2015 to December 2016 and studied by kidney US and contrast enhanced CT (CECT), 31 patients had a s-UUTR categorized in 3 stages: a) local spread, b) free fluid, c) urinoma. Presentation, therapeutic procedures and outcomes were registered. RESULTS: S-UUTR is reported in 1.9% of renal colic. The stone was most commonly identified at the vesicoureteric junction (VUJ) (61.3%) and mean (standard deviation, SD) stone size was 5.71 mm (2.31). S-UUTR was most frequently located in a calyx (54.84%). 26 patients (83.87%) had a clinical presentation of a renal colic, 3 cases (9.68%) had an atypical presentation and 2 (6.45%) presented an acute abdomen. In 26 cases a J-J stent (83,87%) was placed, 3 patients underwent primary ureteroscopic lithotripsy (9.67%); in 1 patient (3.23%) a nephrostomy was inserted and in 1 case (3.23%) active surveillance was adopted. Cases who underwent sole urinary derivation were revaluated after 30 days: ureteroscopic lithotripsy was performed in 48.15% of the cases; extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in 3.7%; in 22.2% of cases a CT demonstrated the spontaneous expulsion of the stone. 7 patients were lost at follow-up. The patient undergoing an active surveillance spontaneously expelled the stone. CONCLUSIONS: S-UUTR is a rare radiological sign of a renal colic most commonly located in a calyceal fornix. A high incidence of s-UUTR is caused by small distal ureteral stones in which a spontaneous passage is reasonable. Clinical presentation usually does not arise the suspicion of s-UUTR. In our experience, most patients were actively treated with good results but a conservative approach can be offered in selected cases.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la incidencia, las características clínicas, radiológicas y de laboratorio de la rotura espontanea del tracto urinario superior (re-TUS) debido a litiasis ureterales y discutir su manejo. MÉTODOS: De 1629 pacientes admitidos en el Departamento de Urgencias por cólico renal entre enero 2015 y diciembre 2016 estudiados con ecografía renal y TAC con contraste, 31 pacientes presentaron re-TUS categorizada en 3 estadios: a) difusión local, b) líquido libre y c) urinoma. Se registraron la presentación, los procedimientos terapéuticos y los resultados. RESULTADOS: Se comunica la re-TUS en 1,9% de los cólicos renales. La localización más frecuente de la litiasis es la unión ureterovesical (61,3%) y el tamaño medio (DE) fue de 5,71 mm (2,31). La localización más frecuente de la re-TUS fue en un cáliz (54,84%). En 26 pacientes (83,87%) la presentación clínica fue cólico renal, 3 (9,68%) una presentación atípica y 2 (6,45%) abdomen agudo. En 26 casos (83,87%) se colocó un catéter doble J, 3 pacientes fueron sometidos a ureteroscopia y litotricia in situ (9,67%); en 1 paciente (3,23%) se insertó una nefrostomía y en otro (3,23%) se adoptó la vigilancia activa. Los casos con derivación urinaria fueron reevaluados a los 30 días: se realizó ureteroscopia con litotricia en 48,15%, litotricia extracorporea por ondas de choque (LEOC) en 3,7%; en el 22,2% de los pacientes la TAC demostró la expulsión espontánea de la litiasis. 7 pacientes se perdieron en el seguimiento. El paciente sometido a vigilancia activa expulsó la litiasis espontáneamente. CONCLUSIONES: La re-TUS es un signo radiológico raro del cólico renal localizado con mayor frecuencia en un fornix calicial. Las litiasis pequeñas del uréter distal en las que una expulsión espontanea es razonable, causan una alta incidencia de re-TUS. La presentación clínica no levanta habitualmente la sospecha de re-TUS. En nuestra experiencia, la mayoría de los pacientes fueron tratados activamente con buenos resultados, aunque se puede ofrecer tratamiento conservador en casos seleccionados.

Blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma of the female urethra mimicking a caruncle: A rare but highly aggressive subtype case with literature review.

Primary urethral lymphoma is a rare entity without a standardized treatment protocol. We report a case of an elderly woman presenting with a caruncle associated with vaginal spotting and intermittent dysuria. She underwent surgical excision of the lesion. Histological analysis revealed a blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma, a previously unreported subtype. The patient received chlorambucil assisting a rapid local disease progression. She died of disseminated disease 6 months after diagnosis. A review of the lymphomas of the urethra is included.

Medical Expulsive Therapy for Symptomatic Distal Ureter Stones: Is the Combination of Bromelain and Tamsulosin More Effective than Tamsulosin Alone? Preliminary Results of a Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of bromelain plus tamsulosin versus tamsulosin alone as medical expulsive therapy (MET) for promoting spontaneous stone passage (SSP) of symptomatic distal ureter stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred-fourteen patients with a 4-10 mm distal ureteral stone were enrolled (Group A). Patients self-administered daily bromelain with tamsulosin for 30 days or until SSP or intervention was mandatory. Patients were compared to those from a control group taking tamsulosin as MET (Group B) and matched for the following factors: sex, age ±10%, stone diameter. A logistic regression model evaluated bromelain and the ureteral stone diameter as explanatory variables. RESULTS: SSP rates were 87.7 vs. 75.4% for group A vs. group B respectively (p = 0.016); with no difference observed for the time to self-reported stone expulsion (11.68 vs. 11.57 days; p = 0.91). Considering larger stones (> 5 mm), the SSP rate was 83.3% in group A and 61% in group B (p < 0.01). With each millimeter increment of stone diameter, the probability of SSP decreased by 59.1% (p < 0.0001), while it increased of 3.3 when bromelain was present. Only 3 cases of tamsulosin-related adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: The association of bromelain and tamsulosin as MET increases the probability of SSP of symptomatic distal ureteral stones, with no bromelain-related side effects recorded.

Prevalence and predictors of being lost to follow-up after transurethral resection of the prostate.

Patient follow-up after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is crucial to evaluate treatment-related outcomes and potential adverse events. We sought to determine the rate of, and factors associated with, patient nonadherence to follow-up after TURP. Data from 180 patients who underwent TURP were analysed. Patient counselling and follow-up were standardized among the cohort. Patients were considered lost to follow-up (LTF) if they were at least 30 days from their first scheduled follow-up appointment. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of predictors on the rate of compliance with prescribed follow-up. Of 180 patients, 55 (30.5%) were LTF. LTF patients were younger (p < 0.001), had lower educational status (p = 0.007) and were more frequently single (p = 0.03) than those who were not LTF. Importantly, patients who experienced a postoperative-related event (PRE) were more likely to follow-up (p = 0.04). Multivariable analysis revealed that younger age (p < 0.001) and low educational status (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of being LTF. One out of three men submitted to TURP is lost to follow-up in the real-life setting. Noncompliance to follow-up was more frequent among young, single patients with low educational status. On the contrary, patients who experienced a PRE were more likely to follow-up.

Incidence and predictors of readmission within 30 days of transurethral resection of the prostate: a single center European experience.

Hospital readmission rates have been analyzed due to their contribution to increasing medical costs. Little is known about readmission rates after urological procedures. We aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of 30-day readmission after discharge in patients treated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Data from 160 consecutive patients who underwent TURP from January 2015 to December 2016 were analysed. Intra hospitalization characteristics included length of stay (LOS), catheterization time (CT) and complications. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Mean (SD) age was 70.1 (8.1) yrs and mean prostate volume was 80 (20.1) ml. Mean LOS and CT were 4.9 (2.5) days and 3.3 (1.6) days, respectively. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 14.4%, but only 7 (4.4%) patients required hospitalization. The most frequent reasons for readmission were haematuria (6.8%), fever/urinary tract infections (4.3%) and acute urinary retention (3.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed age, CCI and CT to be independent predictors of readmission. However, when analysed according to age at the time of surgery, a beneficial effect from longer CT was observed only for patients older than 75 years. These parameters should be taken in account at the time of discharge after TURP.

Extended versus standard pelvic lymphadenectomy during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: the role of extended template as an independent predictor of lymph node invasion with comparable morbidity burden.

BACKGROUND: To assess oncologic and surgical outcomes in patients subjected to standard (S) versus extended (E) pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: From February 2009 to December 2015 a total of 184 consecutive patients underwent RARP and either standard or extended PLND for localized prostate cancer (PCa). Descriptive statistics compared clinical and pathological variables between groups. Logistic regression identified potential predictors of lymph node invasion (LNI). RESULTS: No significant preoperative differences were found between the EPLND and SPLND groups. No difference in complication rates was observed between groups. No group differences were found for intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization times, positive surgical margins, biochemical recurrence, sexual dysfunction or need for adjuvant therapy. A higher median range of LN yield was found for the EPLND compared to SPLND cohort (22.5 vs. 12.8; P<0.001). Of the 36 patients who had positive LNs at the final pathology, 22 were in the EPLND group and 14 in the SPLND group (P<0.01). PSA, clinical stage and both number of nodes removed and EPLND were significant univariable predictors for LNI. In the multivariable model, PSA, clinical stage and number of removed nodes were independent predictors of LNI. EPLND was an independent predictor of LNI after accounting for PSA, clinical stage and Gleason Score stage. CONCLUSIONS: EPLND during RARP is safe and effective. It results in more removed nodes and a higher LN positivity rate compared to SPLND, predicting LNI without increasing complications.