Single-Use Flexible Ureteroscopes: How Difficult Is It Today to Stay Up to Date? A Pictorial Review of Instruments Available in Europe in 2023.

The invention of the flexible ureteroscope (fURS) and its subsequent spread have revolutionized the surgical management of urolithiasis and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). During the last few years, single-use flexible ureteroscopes (su-fURSs) have been developed to improve the limitations of reusable fURSs, namely their cost, durability and risk of device contamination. Since the introduction of the first fully disposable digital fURS, several su-fURSs have been developed by various manufacturers. In this pictorial review, we combined the different physical and technical features of su-fURSs currently available on the market with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Conformity (CE) approval, in order to help surgeons choose the appropriate device according to each case requirement and personal preferences. To the best of our knowledge, 17 su-fURSs with CE and FDA approval have been developed to date.

Could we safely omit a Repeat Transurethral Resection of the Bladder (re-TURB) after Hexaminolevulinate Photodynamic Diagnostics (PDD)-TURB?

OBJECTIVE: Bladder cancer (BC) is considered one of the malignancies with moderate-high incidence, high rate of recurrence and costly management. Diagnosis and staging are thus important for therapeutic purposes. Considering the risk of residual tumour and understaging, in specific cases, international guidelines recommend performing a second transurethral resection of the bladder (reTURB). Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of hexaminolevulinate Photodynamic Diagnostics (PDD) at first TURB on the rate of residual tumour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients undergoing TURB in our centre between 2012 and 2020. Eightytwo patients had a re-TURB after a first complete TURB with a delay < 3 months. Patients who had an incomplete first resection were excluded. We compared patients who underwent standard white light cystoscopy/TURB and then hexaminolevulinate PDDguided reTURB (group A, n = 49) and patients with PDD-cystoscopy/ TURB at the first procedure then white light cystoscopy/reTURB (group B, n = 33). The residual tumour rate at reTURB as well as median recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Residual tumour at reTURB was detected in 48.8% of cases in our cohort, with a significant difference between the two groups (71.4% in group A versus 12.5% in group B, p < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 22 months, the median RFS was 15 months in Group A and 32 months in Group B, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Using PDD at the time of the initial TURB had a statistically significant impact on the rate of residual tumour at the reTURB. Nevertheless, the percentage of residual tumour even with the use of PDD does not allow for safely omitting second resection. Performing a reTURB with PDD for patients who did not have it initially, provides the same benefit in terms of recurrence-free survival.

Ten-year experience with penile prosthetic surgery for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: outcomes of a tertiary referral center and predictors of early prosthetic infection.

We aimed to evaluate ten-year outcomes of penile prosthesis (PP) implantation for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and to assess predictors of early prosthetic infection (EPI). We identified 549 men who underwent 576 PP placements between 2008 and 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify potential predictors of EPI. An EPI predictive nomogram was developed. Thirty-five (6.1%) cases of EPI were recorded with an explant rate of 3.1%. In terms of satisfaction, 82.0% of the patients defined themselves as "satisfied," while partner's satisfaction was 88.3%. Diabetes (P = 0.012), longer operative time (P = 0.032), and reinterventions (P = 0.048) were associated with EPI risk, while postoperative ciprofloxacin was inversely associated with EPI (P = 0.014). Rifampin/gentamicin-coated 3-piece inflatable PP (r/g-c 3IPP) showed a higher EPI risk (P = 0.019). Multivariate analyses showed a two-fold higher risk of EPI in diabetic patients, redo surgeries, or when a r/g-c 3IPP was used (all P < 0.03). We showed that diabetes, longer operative time, and secondary surgeries were the risk factors for EPI. Postoperative ciprofloxacin was associated with a reduced risk of EPI, while r/g-c 3IPP had higher EPI rates without an increased risk of PP explant. After further validation, the proposed nomogram could be a useful tool for the preoperative counseling of PP implantation.

Repair of a rectovesical fistula following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with Martius fat pad flap interposition: a proposal of a new technique.

Rectovesical fistula (RVF) is defined as an abnormal communication between the rectum and the urinary bladder, most commonly after an iatrogenic injury during pelvic surgery. Patients with RVF may have various clinical presentations, ranging from fecaluria, pneumaturia, to urine leakage through the anus. The quality of life for patients with this pathology is adversely affected owing to the associated psychological burden. Surgery is the preferred treatment given the low success rates reported for conservative or minimally invasive approaches. Herein, we present a case of a 65-year-old man with RVF after radical prostatectomy successfully treated by a transperineal approach using a modified Martius procedure.

Bleeding after prostatectomy: endovascular management.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate role of interventional radiology (IR) in post-surgical haemorrhagic complications of prostatectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed. From April 2015 to January 2018, 10 patients referred to IR Department for haemorrhagic complications post radical prostatectomy (RP). All patients (mean age: 68.5 years; range, 58-85 years) were successfully treated with superselective trans-arterial embolization. We evaluated technical and clinical success and post procedural complications. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success was 100% (10/10) and no major complications were identified. No complications related to the endovascular procedures occurred. No recurrences during follow-up (8-20 months) were observed. Among minor complications, only 20% (2/10) developed mild post embolization syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The endovascular management of significant haemorrhage after prostatectomy is safe and long-term effective, with no major ischaemic events associated to embolization.

State of the art of prostatic arterial embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostatectomy via open surgery or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the standard treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Several patients present contraindication for standard approach, individuals older than 60 years with urinary tract infection, strictures, post-operative pain, incontinence or urinary retention, sexual dysfunction, and blood loss are not good candidates for surgery. Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is emerging as a viable method for patients unsuitable for surgery. In this article, we report results about technical and clinical success and safety of the procedure to define the current status.